tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77641739252947582512024-02-18T18:33:44.087-07:00West of ZionThe story of our family as we live life in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.comBlogger201125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-66006595609742982112020-07-30T10:34:00.002-06:002020-07-30T10:34:16.843-06:00Life Can Be a Little "Tire"ing <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is a life has come full circle type of story.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
About 35 years ago, Rick's sister, Julie, and I were going to spend part of our Christmas break from school taking her younger brothers to see their dad in Monterey for Christmas and moving the youngest brother to Monterey to live with their dad. Rick wasn't with us since he was serving his mission in Canada at the time. We felt pretty good about our ability to handle this adventure. We were both 20-something, so we were definitely all grown up and ready to take on the world.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-er6LezNLdj0/XyLhC0FWVoI/AAAAAAAAZWA/G2dIdthZprAo-JzucC0a-EaT9FmNsIjsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1536" height="251" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-er6LezNLdj0/XyLhC0FWVoI/AAAAAAAAZWA/G2dIdthZprAo-JzucC0a-EaT9FmNsIjsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0101.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, with Julie, David and Steve, New Year's Eve 1986</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm not sure where I had been, but I came home the night before we were to leave to find Grandpa Jones at my parents' house. Grandpa Jones was Rick's grandfather, his mom's (Lorraine) father, so finding him at my parents' house was very unusual and surprising. After he left, my dad let me know that he had come to talk my parents out of letting me go on this trip. If I didn't go, the trip would be off, since we were taking my car. Grandpa Jones didn't feel it was appropriate or safe for two 20-something young women to travel alone from Utah to California unaccompanied except for two teen-age boys. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, as was once explained to me by my LDS bishop during my turmoil filled teenage years, my father wanted to raise daughters that could make up their own minds and could take care of themselves and could use good common sense, so what Grandpa Jones said didn't sit well with a man who wanted to raise daughters to be independent. (I sometimes wonder if my dad has ever regretted his child rearing strategy.) After listening to Grandpa Jones' concerns and suggestions, my dad had politely dismissed his concerns and said as my father, he knew we were as well prepared for the trip as we could be and would be okay and beside I was old enough to make up my own mind.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHj__EavZ-E/XyLoYawutWI/AAAAAAAAZWM/Pktk4GDPDJUtcW0rrFoUsVaqtcHN11EMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="894" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHj__EavZ-E/XyLoYawutWI/AAAAAAAAZWM/Pktk4GDPDJUtcW0rrFoUsVaqtcHN11EMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0006.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad, Henry James Dickamore, with me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But something must have gnawed at the back of my dad's mind and the next morning he did something totally unexpected. It was a Sunday morning and instead of getting ready for church, he took my car to the mechanics shop and had it completely checked over. This resulted in brand new tires on my car since there was enough wear on them to make him concerned about our driving up over Donner's Pass and through the Sierras during the winter, even with the snow chains I had previously purchased. How grateful I was for my dad using his greater knowledge and wisdom to prepare us for our trip, especially as on our return trip home we did encounter bad weather the whole way and ended up heading south towards Los Angeles and through Southern Utah instead of the normal northern route through Tahoe and Wendover, so we could avoid the worst of the storms.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FpG657eYW20/XyLwwoVeh0I/AAAAAAAAZWs/LAHoXzt7GEMLuWsU0ObMOF935agQiYQ3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0025b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="671" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FpG657eYW20/XyLwwoVeh0I/AAAAAAAAZWs/LAHoXzt7GEMLuWsU0ObMOF935agQiYQ3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0025b.jpg" width="332" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rick sitting on my cute, little Cavalier, 1988</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now let's fast-forward those 30-plus years. Our child was taking his family on a trip with his in-laws. He asked if he could use our trailer so they could have a place more secure than a tent to sleep in. We agreed and Rick and I spent the next month making all the minor repairs, replacements and additions to the trailer and our Suburban we knew needed to happen to prepare the vehicles for the trip. But the memory of Grandpa Jones and my dad kept playing in my mind and I kept bugging Rick to check the tires. He over and over told me that the tires were fine. He had checked them over and over. Finally to prove his point, the morning of the big adventure he hooked the trailer to the Suburban and drove it back and forth in our driveway to show that there was nothing wrong with the tires. He then unhooked the trailer and took the Suburban to the gas station to fill up the tank and get gas for the generator, where he proceeded to have a flat tire on the Suburban that resulted in four new tires for the Suburban and new tires for the trailer as well. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDHPI0kJFl8/XyLuCn2eVaI/AAAAAAAAZWg/fftqy6BGrfYbbizaAnWHbdTiDviSNSdkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1107" data-original-width="1600" height="276" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDHPI0kJFl8/XyLuCn2eVaI/AAAAAAAAZWg/fftqy6BGrfYbbizaAnWHbdTiDviSNSdkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0023.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rick with Hunter in Monterey, 1991</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are a few of lessons I take from this experience:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1) We always need to be as aware of the inside as we are of the appearance on the outside. From the outside, the tires looked to be okay, but when jostled or added pressure was placed on them, they crumbled because the inside had fallen apart. Sometimes we put on a good show and make everything appear on the outside to be okay, while inside we are falling apart. While this falling apart or emptiness may not be visible to everyone, I believe that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are always aware of us and will help us receive what we need at all times.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2) In times of need or concern, through the power of the Holy Ghost, we will have experiences or thoughts brought to our minds to help us through the difficult times or helps us be better prepared to face them if we tune our minds to listen for those promptings.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3) I am so blessed to have had great men in my life who love me and want what is best for me. Men who have prepared me to experience life and who have listened to me and trusted me to use my judgment and talents and wisdom to make my own choices to grow and become who I am today. From my Heavenly Father and on to my husband, I know I am surrounded by love.</div>
MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-66977273275995980062020-07-28T12:32:00.001-06:002020-07-28T13:06:07.094-06:00The Journey Is Measured in Memories<i>“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” – Anthony Bourdain</i><br />
<br />
<br />
About two years ago, my mother-in-law sat at our table during Sunday dinner and made a pronouncement. This in and of itself was unusual, because she is not the type to make any type of declaration. Knowing that she was speaking to a group of newlyweds who were in the business of starting their families, the funniest part was that the next summer no one was to be pregnant. Why? Because she wanted to take a family trip that would include all her children, grandchildren, respective spouses, a special friend, and her great-grandchild. (At the time there was only one, so the "don't be pregnant" statement was good advice, and two more great-grandchildren were planned for, announced and born before the trip.) In all we ended up with 26 people on an adventure that took place one year ago this week.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aInQRnNU7ZQ/XyBV-wWKctI/AAAAAAAAZUw/eWzAeP2IVEU3eVCXj_rmOUEiwvnShpJVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Wixom-1034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aInQRnNU7ZQ/XyBV-wWKctI/AAAAAAAAZUw/eWzAeP2IVEU3eVCXj_rmOUEiwvnShpJVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Wixom-1034.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Gigi's (Lorraine, Grandma, Mom) requests was a family picture. Jessica Friend Photo Design did an amazing job.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rK51Eh5Euo0/XyBV1aFU_8I/AAAAAAAAZUY/In2TibTu6h0sOsr1HVdhRRD5OhoOLtJRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Resized952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="308" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rK51Eh5Euo0/XyBV1aFU_8I/AAAAAAAAZUY/In2TibTu6h0sOsr1HVdhRRD5OhoOLtJRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Resized952.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other request was for a family dinner. We decided on pizza on the patio of our hotel during a rainstorm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iuE6EX9TYmw/XyBUVV8kD6I/AAAAAAAAZRg/L7LUqNhuZWAbUlS-2u4VBWngqCPqw3fwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190727_075819214_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iuE6EX9TYmw/XyBUVV8kD6I/AAAAAAAAZRg/L7LUqNhuZWAbUlS-2u4VBWngqCPqw3fwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20190727_075819214_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a>The first hurdle we faced for the adventure was deciding what type of vacation to take. A family cruise was the original proposal, but it didn't take long to determine that for some family members, that may not be the best option. Finally it was decided to head to Florida and encounter DisneyWorld, Universal Studios and NASA. Then the biggest hurdle faced - finding a date that would work for everyone. We were juggling three school district schedules, three university schedules and multiple employment demands that had to be met. There were times we thought we would need to give up or postpone to another year, but finally everyone was able to resolve conflicts and the date was set. At this point we "met" Monnika and Whitley with A Touch of Glitter Travels in Orlando. They were amazing to work with finding options for airplane tickets, transportation (two 15 passenger vans) and hotel accommodations (Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham) that provided everyone the space they needed, as well as fun little surprises to welcome us to Florida. We were so blessed to have them to do all the legwork for us. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1z9FMg5WfKU/XyBWApTfDNI/AAAAAAAAZU0/oXeeaWC2daAW8LynN2lOwZAcsRRi37lngCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Wixom-1049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1z9FMg5WfKU/XyBWApTfDNI/AAAAAAAAZU0/oXeeaWC2daAW8LynN2lOwZAcsRRi37lngCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Wixom-1049.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmdrdWNfojZ5uX01iQZYfAvQ8eh6UL3QS3udG4zHbG8LofVLCZsuAkH60AB6vDTF6wddiL9-z3N7hyphenhyphen5Tl9_NRpknnq0kbDsY3g1BN4TaAGpd9ptCnMWs6LDahHtVErV7cLjEWxVj8q2A/s1600/IMG_5831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmdrdWNfojZ5uX01iQZYfAvQ8eh6UL3QS3udG4zHbG8LofVLCZsuAkH60AB6vDTF6wddiL9-z3N7hyphenhyphen5Tl9_NRpknnq0kbDsY3g1BN4TaAGpd9ptCnMWs6LDahHtVErV7cLjEWxVj8q2A/s400/IMG_5831.JPG" width="400" /></a>Sitting here a year later, in the midst of a pandemic that has closed businesses, limited travel, with an increasing sense of isolation from family, my heart is full of memories of that whirlwind week that strengthened family ties through laughter and drama, excitement and exhaustion, storms and sunshine. I am loving the posts on social media other family members are sharing of their memories of that fun-filled week. As my mother-in-law recently commented on one post "Trip of a lifetime." </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To me, it was priceless. We juggled luggage, car seats, strollers, vehicles, mealtimes and naps. Everyone pitched in and supported each other. No one had to be a single rider if the didn’t want to. Someone was always willing to go along. The time spent together as a family, making memories, building and strengthening relationships, fulfilling wishes and dreams is something that will never be replaced. We all came home exhausted from fun as the thousands of pictures document and we all have our stories to share. Watching my children joke around with each other and their cousins, first airplane flights, seeing Zora's face light up as snow fell on her during the Frozen show, Lela's joy as Pooh Bear complimented her on her shirt, Emily's wish fulfilled to see Cinderella's castle, meeting Phil and being able to thank him for his unending support of Rick's brother, David, during his battle with cancer, Disney ears and daily-themed shirts, and Rick being able to spend time with his siblings are a few of the many things that made the week unforgettable.</div>
<br />
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Our family really looked forward to Universal with Harry Potter and Superhero themed rides.</b></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zcqGI6ssB6k/XyBVpQXZYVI/AAAAAAAAZUg/TMJ_rT-u6ZAoQQ6cUUMU7MOys-rqb1l-ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_5780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zcqGI6ssB6k/XyBVpQXZYVI/AAAAAAAAZUg/TMJ_rT-u6ZAoQQ6cUUMU7MOys-rqb1l-ACPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_5780.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbfmSvpq8CI/XyBVz8TU5dI/AAAAAAAAZU4/CDcI2pi89RE8fg6GYK7iDyrxIaOgQ3DEwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_5842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbfmSvpq8CI/XyBVz8TU5dI/AAAAAAAAZU4/CDcI2pi89RE8fg6GYK7iDyrxIaOgQ3DEwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_5842.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uOumBMlAcr0/XyBV8GONuAI/AAAAAAAAZVA/T5-2HgG-6zsQ9MuM2wAPjkRywprjH4NpQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_5850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uOumBMlAcr0/XyBV8GONuAI/AAAAAAAAZVA/T5-2HgG-6zsQ9MuM2wAPjkRywprjH4NpQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_5850.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5K1ViOOBOU/XyBUXe-EsgI/AAAAAAAAZSQ/hZ85J3Nqsx4pt_j9JlLWVcIvVxoZ3UKyQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20190801_123443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5K1ViOOBOU/XyBUXe-EsgI/AAAAAAAAZSQ/hZ85J3Nqsx4pt_j9JlLWVcIvVxoZ3UKyQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/20190801_123443.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rsEEzZPUEkY/XyBV2qSW5HI/AAAAAAAAZU4/XwQIqEZ5zmgWtWfY0BdUzAxDxUOa6w_WQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_5845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rsEEzZPUEkY/XyBV2qSW5HI/AAAAAAAAZU4/XwQIqEZ5zmgWtWfY0BdUzAxDxUOa6w_WQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_5845.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Winnie-the-Pooh has always been a family favorite, even for the newest generation. (Check out our family shirts)</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIesVhoQzFHgCDJVb0J7l7oZKIQBr1kve6XHYqKo-nMWXee0iuCgN3T6X6LlUe3n0r77W53NQDBAP_5gjchI7-LO8Fh1W9_lhni33EuYZGUQNxt29oq_O9VUmuTyX5x91S6YozX5yve94/s1600/IMG_5274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIesVhoQzFHgCDJVb0J7l7oZKIQBr1kve6XHYqKo-nMWXee0iuCgN3T6X6LlUe3n0r77W53NQDBAP_5gjchI7-LO8Fh1W9_lhni33EuYZGUQNxt29oq_O9VUmuTyX5x91S6YozX5yve94/s400/IMG_5274.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00Q4TezX_Qk/XyBU_rYrxsI/AAAAAAAAZTY/m3TzvjU2DlMbFfXwsviFGoiWCQvYBSjRACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_5290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00Q4TezX_Qk/XyBU_rYrxsI/AAAAAAAAZTY/m3TzvjU2DlMbFfXwsviFGoiWCQvYBSjRACPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_5290.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MWsho_FaMs/XyBVhmj0oiI/AAAAAAAAZUQ/kB6eE1mwhtkinpwALiUwYsbV-R1q9I4hwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_5674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MWsho_FaMs/XyBVhmj0oiI/AAAAAAAAZUQ/kB6eE1mwhtkinpwALiUwYsbV-R1q9I4hwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_5674.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
We celebrated Lela turning 18 while we were there. We joked that this was Grandma's way of celebrating her graduation from high school and her milestone birthday.</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hlh4qz3Ywk4/XyBVwx8qnLI/AAAAAAAAZU4/8vb2CquFrDM228CXaCP60gquceQq3MOmQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_5835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hlh4qz3Ywk4/XyBVwx8qnLI/AAAAAAAAZU4/8vb2CquFrDM228CXaCP60gquceQq3MOmQCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_5835.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
I have the cutest grandbabies. </h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2F2jy6Yu470/XyBUYrl-jWI/AAAAAAAAZSQ/0lPaO8_hjzgu-CHQ2tra4aIeFsPquPCywCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20190728_200954592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2F2jy6Yu470/XyBUYrl-jWI/AAAAAAAAZSQ/0lPaO8_hjzgu-CHQ2tra4aIeFsPquPCywCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_20190728_200954592.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing in the rain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pXYCZ1RZajU/XyBV8uJmxGI/AAAAAAAAZU8/R102wyRK2WMdrfXe7kgUwsG4mGKl2GYhwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Wixom-1041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pXYCZ1RZajU/XyBV8uJmxGI/AAAAAAAAZU8/R102wyRK2WMdrfXe7kgUwsG4mGKl2GYhwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Wixom-1041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6ByWkNzeEQ/XyBUWCALS2I/AAAAAAAAZSE/d8ZfjyZaWm4_J58VadTW4j9yNdoty6mNgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20190730_092830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6ByWkNzeEQ/XyBUWCALS2I/AAAAAAAAZSE/d8ZfjyZaWm4_J58VadTW4j9yNdoty6mNgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/20190730_092830.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MDzMIayjgyc/XyBViJxqBTI/AAAAAAAAZUg/JnKH0oakuWoJy_H6RlTiAC3bBIxomPo4wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_5718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MDzMIayjgyc/XyBViJxqBTI/AAAAAAAAZUg/JnKH0oakuWoJy_H6RlTiAC3bBIxomPo4wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_5718.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gigi's Gang Is In The House</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1WXTQOfOPK4/XyBU8lez_OI/AAAAAAAAZTI/W-qXp9f28WQTM323CmO4G-5Gj_pun3sUQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_5251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1WXTQOfOPK4/XyBU8lez_OI/AAAAAAAAZTI/W-qXp9f28WQTM323CmO4G-5Gj_pun3sUQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/IMG_5251.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8ruzKCL6BY/XyBU01YwjqI/AAAAAAAAZS8/kSAmEzlc6moQCGpqniNcEu7Hw6BFcbOoACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_5247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8ruzKCL6BY/XyBU01YwjqI/AAAAAAAAZS8/kSAmEzlc6moQCGpqniNcEu7Hw6BFcbOoACPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_5247.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Icg0fyeN140/XyBViNpCpbI/AAAAAAAAZUQ/2f_s_WHcSeIdBvbaede8k5wSgsBls_AZgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_5601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Icg0fyeN140/XyBViNpCpbI/AAAAAAAAZUQ/2f_s_WHcSeIdBvbaede8k5wSgsBls_AZgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_5601.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxhsOsHmgyAmtHyxT2q0rA4EfMHGJZcckFZoILI1HkQaDDmUlyDFd2yAmPhJ8eNSEZfur_6orKJFpoB_DodSPSf5r0JNLPHwXI0fY5yfThJ4eAEhP1WY4SwES65HBC3diOJuriS6bxDk/s1600/IMG_5239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxhsOsHmgyAmtHyxT2q0rA4EfMHGJZcckFZoILI1HkQaDDmUlyDFd2yAmPhJ8eNSEZfur_6orKJFpoB_DodSPSf5r0JNLPHwXI0fY5yfThJ4eAEhP1WY4SwES65HBC3diOJuriS6bxDk/s320/IMG_5239.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2uivxaexIzo/XyBUxhfLoCI/AAAAAAAAZS8/qMA-6oFdXTgRo-7EObe_6oonCotS-3c5ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_5244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2uivxaexIzo/XyBUxhfLoCI/AAAAAAAAZS8/qMA-6oFdXTgRo-7EObe_6oonCotS-3c5ACPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_5244.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x16MD9-MWiE/XyBU63U4CLI/AAAAAAAAZTI/KYmD9aQvRWUHQrEpMhyKvMXIKlObHK8iwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_5260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x16MD9-MWiE/XyBU63U4CLI/AAAAAAAAZTI/KYmD9aQvRWUHQrEpMhyKvMXIKlObHK8iwCPcBGAYYCw/s640/IMG_5260.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yo-Ho, a pirate's life for us.<br />
A very favorite moment was the whole gang riding the Pirates of Carribean together. We sang the whole way through. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ErSXsClG-Jc/XyBhLYrw7vI/AAAAAAAAZVQ/8IK6-lgq25IB8XDAVP6blsRXEJ3kosdOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_5509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="1600" height="330" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ErSXsClG-Jc/XyBhLYrw7vI/AAAAAAAAZVQ/8IK6-lgq25IB8XDAVP6blsRXEJ3kosdOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_5509.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMS6pPVjHirZp4MztKEEU1APyKjGOXJ9aubWUWfiMuCjlb6mcmt1Q3NPA-LgPtRMbCaqy7680OG_pHTl1PjmzEcNHWX4iyxbwwg_EyaI3xM5Z27YU4svykzFKSkFQ_08aB13rMaMWhYI/s1600/IMG_5221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMS6pPVjHirZp4MztKEEU1APyKjGOXJ9aubWUWfiMuCjlb6mcmt1Q3NPA-LgPtRMbCaqy7680OG_pHTl1PjmzEcNHWX4iyxbwwg_EyaI3xM5Z27YU4svykzFKSkFQ_08aB13rMaMWhYI/s400/IMG_5221.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjkkSWwINNBTOa1ucueU6ap7YFoP5-hVutD5B8xi-D_ahuQ8e3e3PlCYOk-I-mC-RuSFqBInfTEwLRdabxx-7wKYwyEtoEbDj2ejc6qNaQ2B1_VW7AZ2LW59l14SCAOVNilP1dDK06rc/s1600/IMG_5433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjkkSWwINNBTOa1ucueU6ap7YFoP5-hVutD5B8xi-D_ahuQ8e3e3PlCYOk-I-mC-RuSFqBInfTEwLRdabxx-7wKYwyEtoEbDj2ejc6qNaQ2B1_VW7AZ2LW59l14SCAOVNilP1dDK06rc/s400/IMG_5433.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ehRqZ0RecOk/XyBVG-5oSvI/AAAAAAAAZTo/l9J9pQZLM30CAy0NwjJULXTySBwDVWpBwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_5410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ehRqZ0RecOk/XyBVG-5oSvI/AAAAAAAAZTo/l9J9pQZLM30CAy0NwjJULXTySBwDVWpBwCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_5410.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1aOQzs6lHqk/XyBVZw4oSaI/AAAAAAAAZUE/v0f6mpkvpWUFafEYEGf9xMmspHk1z0OVQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_5572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1aOQzs6lHqk/XyBVZw4oSaI/AAAAAAAAZUE/v0f6mpkvpWUFafEYEGf9xMmspHk1z0OVQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_5572.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bucketlist Item - Check</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JJAKC8ssZHg/XyBtay-_KBI/AAAAAAAAZVk/Ktx1ua4ez2oPQ98ZK92mkY8JgYKP3ODggCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_5653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JJAKC8ssZHg/XyBtay-_KBI/AAAAAAAAZVk/Ktx1ua4ez2oPQ98ZK92mkY8JgYKP3ODggCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5653.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KH6JCuWkCzY/XyBVPIc-9UI/AAAAAAAAZUE/amp82WeZyQgy3yl2MzYy7HTOKWQ9h7HsQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_5519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuyyCHkT8NeyiI-pZfRWIA20u5jWI5N-GIuEwA_a48QcKrhaatKl-FgVzBBuCDKdowkOQ-h7oEo-o5IAaw5woR1dtcVSQJpx3C_9M1e-Kgf4RVaF5FhjeOXT3jM660XHcYCY8Q21ozpg/s1600/IMG_20190730_150312092_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuyyCHkT8NeyiI-pZfRWIA20u5jWI5N-GIuEwA_a48QcKrhaatKl-FgVzBBuCDKdowkOQ-h7oEo-o5IAaw5woR1dtcVSQJpx3C_9M1e-Kgf4RVaF5FhjeOXT3jM660XHcYCY8Q21ozpg/s320/IMG_20190730_150312092_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" width="320" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KH6JCuWkCzY/XyBVPIc-9UI/AAAAAAAAZUE/amp82WeZyQgy3yl2MzYy7HTOKWQ9h7HsQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_5519.JPG" width="240" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--hFzOvlmKlo/XyBVZq89REI/AAAAAAAAZUE/StwDWToygRIwkI3qHZqycMQ9QSYSBg-4ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_5524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--hFzOvlmKlo/XyBVZq89REI/AAAAAAAAZUE/StwDWToygRIwkI3qHZqycMQ9QSYSBg-4ACPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_5524.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3ahsUbiFeA/XyBUjJ3iUvI/AAAAAAAAZSc/sCpNpx_97QsDHnb9Xa_aUvpc3y7DUk8ggCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_5238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3ahsUbiFeA/XyBUjJ3iUvI/AAAAAAAAZSc/sCpNpx_97QsDHnb9Xa_aUvpc3y7DUk8ggCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_5238.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0gvEYuH7P_w/XyBURQnc5kI/AAAAAAAAZR0/C515yQV_vGkD48DqZd30qCaxisjvZyTWQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/68717657_10217976057127602_7998405445154766848_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1326" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0gvEYuH7P_w/XyBURQnc5kI/AAAAAAAAZR0/C515yQV_vGkD48DqZd30qCaxisjvZyTWQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/68717657_10217976057127602_7998405445154766848_o.jpg" width="260" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LHUtJPzrQok/XyBVKMdpBgI/AAAAAAAAZTo/Ga0p2JW8jwshqJXXJr21cqo3BxhTHKt4gCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_5468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LHUtJPzrQok/XyBVKMdpBgI/AAAAAAAAZTo/Ga0p2JW8jwshqJXXJr21cqo3BxhTHKt4gCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_5468.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-srtovo8qhvc/XyBVpJu3XMI/AAAAAAAAZUg/EqCSRvAqOVw7rn5UyyIGz5xZEBo_oR0AQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_5774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-srtovo8qhvc/XyBVpJu3XMI/AAAAAAAAZUg/EqCSRvAqOVw7rn5UyyIGz5xZEBo_oR0AQCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_5774.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-32535419378647947922020-04-03T15:45:00.002-06:002020-04-03T15:45:42.966-06:00Where Do I Go When the World's Turned Upside Down?When the British were finally defeated at the end of the Revolutionary War and Cornwallis surrendered his troops to the American and French commanders, tradition says that the British bands played the song, "The World Turned Upside Down". There are multiple lyrical versions of the ballad, but this one appeals to me because it reminds me of a nonsense song:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>If buttercups buzz'd after the bee,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>If boats were on land, churches on sea,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>If ponies rode men and if grass ate the cows,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And cats should be chased into holes by the mouse,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>If the mamas sold their babies</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>To the gypsies for half a crown;</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>If summer were spring and the other way round,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Then all the world would be upside down.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
How many of us have times when we feel like the world has turned upside down? Right now the CoVid-19 pandemic comes to the forefront of our thoughts, but each of us will face times when we have our foundations shaken and we have to rethink what normal is for us.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rIOLdz-DvsY/XoZRo4YCPTI/AAAAAAAAY3Y/nWZLwBNezLIJdkivuMBnxkOTf8a7lqQ0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rIOLdz-DvsY/XoZRo4YCPTI/AAAAAAAAY3Y/nWZLwBNezLIJdkivuMBnxkOTf8a7lqQ0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Slide1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The night our house was destroyed by fire, Rick and I felt nothing but overwhelmed and numb as we tried to know what step to take next. As we lay in bed, we turned to the one source of peace that has never failed us. We turned to prayer. I don't remember the words that we said in that prayer, but I do remember the absolute feeling of peace that came over us and the assurance that in time all would be well.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now with all the upheaval and chaos I am finding in my life due to the Corona Virus and resulting CoVid-19 pandemic, I find myself turning again and again to my Heavenly Father for guidance in what to do. It is hard to do things that do not come naturally to me like being separated from my loved ones; to not see them and hold them daily; to not be able to celebrate birthdays and graduations; to not greet friends and neighbors with a handshake or hug, but to maintain a distance from all and communicate through technology, not just for my own safety but for theirs. How can I find peace in this situation? This is not who I am!!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then I thought of a loving Heavenly Father and His Son, the Savior of the World, our brother, Jesus Christ, who knew that to grow and progress, we would need to be separated from Them for a time as we came to Earth. Just as the despair Rick and I felt at losing our home was understood and comfort and guidance given, no one knows better the pain and loneliness I am feeling now at not being able to have my family around me the way I want than the Savior who gave us the greatest gift of all, His gift of the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1996/10/the-atonement?lang=eng">Atonement</a>. This is the gift that we are preparing to celebrate at Easter. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Click on the link to read more about the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1996/10/the-atonement?lang=eng">Atonement</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hope you enjoy this beautiful song. It is one of my favorites and this arrangement/production is just for us today.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/x0kki9l02KM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x0kki9l02KM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here is the original video for Peace In Christ:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/R46J-GjbRWA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R46J-GjbRWA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-47925633845858521312020-03-27T15:30:00.001-06:002020-03-27T15:30:50.327-06:00A Note to Remember In 2010, I started this blog as an experiment to see if I could blog as a way to journal my thoughts and feelings. My primary audience I thought would be my children. But five days after that first post, our family experienced a life-changing event when our home was destroyed by fire. After that, West of Zion became a place for me to document the miracles and blessings of the rebuilding of our home and by extension the feeling of safety and security for our family. Since that time, my blogging has gradually declined to the point that I've only published a post a half dozen times in the last 5 years.<br />
<br />
Our family is coming up on the anniversary of moving into our rebuilt home. Anniversaries help us remember where we have been and help us celebrate what we have accomplished. Today I was reminded of our approaching anniversary when a friend reached out on Facebook and asked for some positive thoughts to help calm her mind. My thoughts immediately went to a card she gave us when our house was complete.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOE9hPjArdeKDalS74IpFAQsjxP4cdfmJiTIxNVKb8eTl4V46gC4QeKIhDLWa9Uw4MOYc3pvNo3E6LQesc_hMsDo87rt2mwfwREkENAAcNcHeDzUeiTV9xG9o5ZX6eWBoRUkwBsNXtEY/s1600/IMG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1043" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOE9hPjArdeKDalS74IpFAQsjxP4cdfmJiTIxNVKb8eTl4V46gC4QeKIhDLWa9Uw4MOYc3pvNo3E6LQesc_hMsDo87rt2mwfwREkENAAcNcHeDzUeiTV9xG9o5ZX6eWBoRUkwBsNXtEY/s400/IMG.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm sure she didn't intend it to be, but this message has gained great significance to me in the subsequent years, almost becoming a touchstone for my thoughts. It is a reminder that life is full of sweetness and spice, but there are also times when things aren't so good. It is in those dark times that we need to hold on to our faith, the true light in our lives, and support one another.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PnIYLEXHeFk/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PnIYLEXHeFk?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-54786486525255137682020-01-01T15:05:00.003-07:002020-01-01T15:05:33.685-07:00Word of the Year 2020<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/6.36?lang=eng#35">Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. Doctrine and Covenants 6:36</a><br />
<br />
Each year I try to pick a word or phrase that I can use to guide me through the coming year. This activity helps me focus my thoughts and feelings on what I have done and what I wish to accomplish. It is a process of evaluation that is more general than a resolution, but it helps guide me and direct me as I set goals throughout the whole year.<br />
<br />
2019 was a pretty amazing year. While there were so many ups; two new grand-babies, a family trip to Orlando Florida, and Lela graduating high school and going to college are just a few, there were also some pretty big lows. The most serious of these was a mysterious illness that Rick contracted the first of October. I have never seen my giant of a husband laid so low. One doctor referred to him as conundrum, because so many of his symptoms were contradictory. These symptoms were determined to most closely resemble Leukemia or a form of lymphoma. How that opinion knocked the wind right out of us. How grateful I was for family and friends who offered us support. How the decision that no, it wasn't cancer, but a virus he would eventually recover from, left us feeling overjoyed and humbled at the same time.<br />
<br />
There was one day when I had things I NEEDED to do, but Rick could not be left alone because his heart rate was so high. Also because of his heart rate, he could not do more than ride in the car, no wandering the aisles of the grocery store. I felt I was at my end. I told Heavenly Father I couldn't do it anymore; it felt like it was more than I could bear. Heavenly Father heard my prayer. NO, Rick was not miraculously healed, but Emily came home and sat with her dad. While at the grocery store, every person that I needed to talk to just happened to have stopped by the store to pick something up, so I was able to cross my phone calls off my list. Then the store didn't have something I needed and I didn't know how I was going to find the time the next day to get it. Who should cross my path, but the exact person who was able to go to the back and find what I needed. I left the store that night knowing that the I was a beloved daughter of Heavenly Father and that my elder brother, Jesus Christ, knew my heart and was ready to help my through this trial. How grateful I was for that reminder.<br />
<br />
We've now had three weeks of Rick appearing to improve. His heart rate has returned to normal. He put some weight back on and is able to eat. He is driving again and back to work full-time. He even went for a walk on the treadmill. New Year's Eve happened. Rick came home from work and said he felt stuffy. Understandable, all the family time we've had this year has allowed us to pass a cold around and back again. We decided while the kids partied, we would have a cozy, quiet night at home. Rick went to pick up burritos from our local Costa Vida for dinner. When he got home, he was gasping for breath. Sure enough, his heart rate had spiked again. Hours later, it was still higher than it should be. This morning when he woke up, it was back to normal, until he walked to the kitchen and then it went right back up. <br />
<br />
I am sure that this is just a blip in the overall recovery from the previous illness, aggravated by this cold. The doctor (specialist) told us to expect six to eight weeks to recover completely and Rick has a follow-up appointment in a couple of weeks. But thoughts of "what if" entered my thoughts this morning as I sat in my living room looking at the beauty out my window and pondering the new year. <br />
<br />
In the Book of Mormon, Nephi tells his father that he would go and do what had been asked of him.<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/3?lang=eng">(1 Nephi 3:7)</a>. He didn't say this because he knew everything was going to perfectly work out or even how he was going to accomplish what had been asked of him. What Nephi did know was that the Lord was aware of him. Nephi knew that nothing would be asked of him that he could not accomplish. So Nephi did not doubt, took the leap and acted in faith.<br />
<br />
As these thoughts and memories circulated in my mind, an idea coalesced and I knew that my Word (Phrase) of the Year for 2020 will be: <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="color: purple;">ACT IN FAITH!!!!</b> </span> </div>
<br />
Life has no guarantees. A friend shared this quote by William Arthur Ward, "This bright new year is given to me to live each day with zest, to daily grow and try to be my highest and my best." As I look to each new day in 2020, I will try to remember the lesson from the grocery store. As I look to each new day in 2020, I will remember to look to my Savior in my every thought and fear not. As I look to each new day in 2020, I will remember Nephi's example to <b><i><span style="color: purple;"><u>ACT IN FAITH</u></span></i></b>. Through this year, I hope to strengthen my relationships with my family, develop stronger friendships, increase my testimony of the love my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for me and more fully understand the Atonement of the Savior and how it applies to me.<br />
<br />
May all of you find in 2020 those things that are most important and that will bring you the greatest joy is my humble pray.MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-36968516934885535922019-08-04T21:48:00.000-06:002019-08-05T13:37:07.398-06:00Blessed, Honored Pioneer*<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxcAd954rXtmJ1V5tSICV72fSK9Y_sxp2ksyjfUqhhwDUucMQKTPpP5C_pCg-wf5z50fMjAFcsHlUeoqJLVIDmoeWEOs_boZO1ELCsAEvh2kUaHqQ64m2oyFHqC9cE-dkuRgnD433LmY/s1600/IMG_5599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxcAd954rXtmJ1V5tSICV72fSK9Y_sxp2ksyjfUqhhwDUucMQKTPpP5C_pCg-wf5z50fMjAFcsHlUeoqJLVIDmoeWEOs_boZO1ELCsAEvh2kUaHqQ64m2oyFHqC9cE-dkuRgnD433LmY/s400/IMG_5599.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Our part of GiGi's Gang</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In Utah, July is the month we celebrate the men and women or pioneers who came to the Great Basin and established permanent settlements from Idaho to Arizona and Wyoming to California. As they had done previously, they provided for those who came after them, planting crops, establishing way-stations, and building bridges with those they met.<br />
<br />
But what is a pioneer? Thomas S Monson stated in 2016 that, "The definition of a pioneer is 'one who goes before to prepare or open up the way for others to follow.' ... The path of a pioneer is not easy..."<br />
<br />
I have many ancestors who braved the unknown and traveled across oceans and plains by ship, by train, by wagon and/or by handcart. But they all had one purpose. They were looking for a place where they could practice the religious beliefs to which they ascribed in peace with their families. In addition to this legacy of faith, through their stories I have examples of perseverance through discouragement; maintaining perspective in adversity; and always finding joy in the journey of life.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Zqd0_1Nre0/XUehhuFNdfI/AAAAAAAAYAc/gZYOvCE2o44YHxQNuoqIZS9UVtjGK_OrwCLcBGAs/s1600/scale%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="126" data-original-width="94" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Zqd0_1Nre0/XUehhuFNdfI/AAAAAAAAYAc/gZYOvCE2o44YHxQNuoqIZS9UVtjGK_OrwCLcBGAs/s200/scale%255B1%255D.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margaret Ann Phillips Hancock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbURg3C2hdO-lNrqZ2T_7ljdlUfQKtpZSK-SHPjlWLtm8dCptt_A4R_N7J3zGpxCGWRy7lAP2THk6AjbSfMa6igobq3jRZax4MNWjaX_RsJsamLPwTo87CEIwvE3vhjuouQLzpXEu_B4/s1600/Ann+Oliver+Rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="865" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbURg3C2hdO-lNrqZ2T_7ljdlUfQKtpZSK-SHPjlWLtm8dCptt_A4R_N7J3zGpxCGWRy7lAP2THk6AjbSfMa6igobq3jRZax4MNWjaX_RsJsamLPwTo87CEIwvE3vhjuouQLzpXEu_B4/s200/Ann+Oliver+Rice.jpg" width="152" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ann Oliver Rice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am inspired by my great-great grandmother, Ann Oliver Rice, who though blind walked to Salt Lake City from Missouri by being led by the hand. She was only 14 years old at the time. Her blindness did not stop her from other things as well. She became known for her knitting, knitting socks, sweaters and mittens for her family and friends, including slippers for every woman of her church congregation. Another great-great grandmother, Margaret Ann Phillips Hancock, as a teenage girl helped her mother and siblings pull a handcart from Iowa to Salt Lake. Shortly before her 94th birthday, her family arranged for her to take a helicopter flight around Ogden. After being asked how she enjoyed it, she commented that it was smoother than pulling a handcart.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Stepping-stones for generations</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Were their deeds of ev’ry day.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Building new and firm foundations,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>...Service ever was their watchcry;</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Love became their guiding star;</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>... Blessed, honored Pioneer!"*</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
Our family just spent a week in Florida with Rick's brothers, sister and their families. While not as massive an undertaking as a trek across the plains, it did take a lot of coordination and juggling to get 26 people ranging in age from five months to a bit older in the same place at the same time for nine days. It was an amazing time with days at amusement parks, a space museum, swimming, and lots of delicious and unique food. But most important were the memories made and the family connections forged.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-muY81OKMW-Q/XUehid9WNDI/AAAAAAAAYAg/w-_WxnPvhmYQu5GvhRGGspMmX4ggDVKcwCLcBGAs/s1600/Resized952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="192" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-muY81OKMW-Q/XUehid9WNDI/AAAAAAAAYAg/w-_WxnPvhmYQu5GvhRGGspMmX4ggDVKcwCLcBGAs/s400/Resized952.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
When she first proposed this trip, my mother-in-law, known as GiGi by my children since she is so great, shared that she wanted to do something where she could have all her children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren in one place together. While she knew she could give them an inheritance of money, money is fleeting. Her real legacy to her children was a gift of remembering who they are, that they are loved deeply and that they are a part of and connected to something bigger. The two big items on her list were family pictures and at least one big family dinner. For a family scattered across the country, to have a week of uninterrupted time together was a real gift. The challenge left to my husband, his siblings, their spouses and me is to continue to build on the foundation that GiGi has begun, to strengthen those bonds and find more ways to connect and bring the generations together.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7RAAw1xNRE/XUehgwjkuhI/AAAAAAAAYAU/mTOYXg2i_BAv158qQ1FaBIY9-ighbwb_wCLcBGAs/s1600/67478489_10212626557973978_8806298130791268352_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7RAAw1xNRE/XUehgwjkuhI/AAAAAAAAYAU/mTOYXg2i_BAv158qQ1FaBIY9-ighbwb_wCLcBGAs/s400/67478489_10212626557973978_8806298130791268352_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GiGi with all her Grands and Great-Grands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
*Title and poem from <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/music/library/hymns/they-the-builders-of-the-nation?lang=eng&_r=1">They the Builders of a Nation</a> by <span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-indent: -10px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.01); color: #333333; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-indent: -10px;">Ida R. Alldredge, 1892-1943</span></div>
</div>
MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-85844479813997695032019-07-22T08:26:00.001-06:002019-07-22T08:56:25.128-06:00Just Keep Swimming<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3t5gp" data-offset-key="bgrgq-0-0" style="background-color: white;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bgrgq-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="bgrgq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Quote seen in a Pinterest post: </b></span><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Or_TvK5Qqs/XTXGJGIw6HI/AAAAAAAAX8E/2pFssPhw6ywMqEZlxlILahv4vfmonNCLgCLcBGAs/s1600/2012-08-02_06-55-14_523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Or_TvK5Qqs/XTXGJGIw6HI/AAAAAAAAX8E/2pFssPhw6ywMqEZlxlILahv4vfmonNCLgCLcBGAs/s320/2012-08-02_06-55-14_523.jpg" width="320" /></a><span data-offset-key="bgrgq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><i>Sometimes God calms the storm. </i></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="bgrgq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><i>Sometimes God calms the sailor. </i></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="bgrgq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><i>But sometimes He makes us swim.</i></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bgrgq-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<br /></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bgrgq-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="bgrgq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What a crazy weekend we just had!!!!</b></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="bgrgq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span data-offset-key="bgrgq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Here are the highlights:</span><br />
<span data-offset-key="bgrgq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<span data-offset-key="bgrgq-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Original Plan - Friday/Saturday help my sister move to AZ, back home by Sunday morning for daughter to speak in church. Nat and Henry go with me to the doc on Monday.</span><br />
<span data-offset-key="bgrgq-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Revised Plan - Sister works things out so she doesn't need help, so finish canning apricots and nectarines and go to RPG Summit to listen to Nat on Saturday. Go to church on Sunday and hear daughter speak, Pokemon Community Day and family dinner. Rick to doc with me on Monday.</span><br />
<span data-offset-key="bgrgq-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
What actually happened: Saturday: Canning and blender died, trip to store to buy blender, made it to Nat's presentation, finished apricots, nectarines in fridge. Rick won one of the grand prizes at the RPG Summit. Sunday: Daughter spoke in church, sibs came to support her, Wil wasn't feeling well and ended up heading to doc leaving Henry with us. Seems he had appendicitis, so Rick and I at the hospital with Nat while he has surgery. Nat's mom watches Henry, and girls pick him up for bedtime. Surgery went well, Rick and Ann home at about 10:30pm, Nat brings Wil home at midnight and picks up Henry. Monday: Rick to doc with me. Nat and Henry at home with Wil.</span><br />
<span data-offset-key="bgrgq-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
We did a lot of swimming this weekend. Good thing there are so many lifeguards in our family. Prayer is a powerful tool, our faith sustains us, we strive to listen to and follow those promptings of the Spirit, and we are grateful for all our family - Wixoms, Loosles, Burdicks and Halls. Heavenly Father knows when we need to swim, but He also makes sure we do not swim alone.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQKA9iQpCxc/XTXGRMhKQtI/AAAAAAAAX8I/3GgzhY-StmkKAHKYCt_gtzx2xrSZsaOjQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_42784424257518a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="960" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQKA9iQpCxc/XTXGRMhKQtI/AAAAAAAAX8I/3GgzhY-StmkKAHKYCt_gtzx2xrSZsaOjQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_42784424257518a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3t5gp" data-offset-key="dosnj-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dosnj-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="dosnj-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-79887431713399233672019-07-18T12:15:00.001-06:002019-07-18T12:15:21.674-06:00Bloom Where You Are Planted<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have you ever felt lost? Out of place? Inadequate? In your mind you know who you are, where you are and that you are doing all you can, but you just can't get your heart to believe it. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think that is where I've been for awhile now. Looking back at this blog, it has been three years since I published anything. There have been lots of unfinished drafts during that time, but nothing I have felt in my heart was what I wanted to say. It is as if I had lost my voice and just couldn't get it back. Intellectually I knew I was doing all I could do and maybe even more than I should at times, but my heart kept feeling all those things that didn't work out as I had hoped, seeing all those needs I couldn't fill, missing all those who were no longer in my life. It didn't matter that I knew I could not control the choices of others, all I kept hearing was "If only you were better.....", "If only you had done .....", "If only you.....".</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I didn't like feeling this way. I was being overwhelmed by self-doubt. Everything I did was tinged with "You could have/should have done that better." The emotional and physical toll this sense of inadequacy was taking on me became just one more confirmation that I was not good enough. Even when I KNEW I was doing all I could and the best I could, I had to find a way to get my heart to know it too. I read: I read from the best books, especially the scriptures; from magazine, newspaper and online articles. I listened: to church leaders, in my worship classes, to my friends, to my family. I prayed and I pondered. I tried to be grateful and to express that gratitude. And as I did these things, I made note of the things that touched my heart and I began to see a pattern emerge.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7jvx7b8Tan8/XTCRMjvFPfI/AAAAAAAAX6Y/CRvyh9eBJhYVwo6CzBWlOsyMDY4CujskgCLcBGAs/s1600/20190717_123917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7jvx7b8Tan8/XTCRMjvFPfI/AAAAAAAAX6Y/CRvyh9eBJhYVwo6CzBWlOsyMDY4CujskgCLcBGAs/s400/20190717_123917.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What have I learned:</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. <b>Belief in yourself and your abilities is a continuous process.</b> Self-doubt and discouragement are great tools of the adversary. By making us focus on perceived inadequacies, Satan strives to separate us from our Heavenly Father by making us feel unworthy of His love. I am a daughter of Heavenly Father and I love Him and He loves me. THIS IS TRUTH!!!! I love my children. I tell them this every chance I can. Heavenly Father is telling us He loves us, too. We just need to listen. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. <b>Trust in the Lord is a powerful thing.</b> Just after Memorial Day, I really lost my voice. No rhyme or reason to why it was gone. It just was, in mid-sentence, gone. In fact, I am still trying to get it back all the way. For someone who loves to talk to others and to laugh and to sing (though not very well), it has been a struggle. Even though the doctor said that it might take up to a couple of months to return, I just knew I would have it back by the first Sunday in June, because I had to teach at church. But Sunday morning dawned and I still couldn't talk above a whisper. As I stood in the shower that morning, tears running down my face, I kept asking why. Wasn't I doing enough? Wasn't I good enough? Why did this have to happen? As I turned off the water, I heard the words to one of my favorite hymns, <u>Be Still My Soul</u>.* Oh, how I needed that reminder that the Lord is there for me. He knows me and understands what I am feeling. He is there to support me and help me get back up when I fall. Just because I have struggles, it does not mean I am failing or falling short, it is often because there is something I need to learn that will help me grow. He does not want me to fail, but when I do make mistakes, He has shown me how to correct them. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3.<b> I don't have to be perfect.</b> Dieter F. Uchtdorf stated,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <i>"</i></span><i style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">I want to tell you something that I hope you will take in the right way: God is fully aware that you and I are not perfect.</i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><i>“Let me add: God is also fully aware that the people you think are perfect are not.</i></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 26px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="color: #333333;">“And yet we spend so much time and energy comparing ourselves to others—usually comparing our weaknesses to their strengths. This drives us to create expectations for ourselves that are impossible to meet. As a result, we never celebrate our good efforts because they seem to be less than what someone else does” (</span>“<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2011/11/general-relief-society-meeting/forget-me-not?lang=eng" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: blue;">Forget Me Not</span></a>,<span style="color: #333333;">” </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ensign,</span><span style="color: #333333;"> Nov. 2011).</span></i></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is a plant in our yard. We planted it eight years ago when we moved into our home. We chose it, not because we knew what it would become, but because we had seen others in the neighborhood and knew is was a good plant for the desert. This year, we noticed it was putting up a stock for the first time. So we started looking at those other plants and realized we were about to see something truly amazing and very unexpected. Each morning we could see visibly how much the stock had grown. It wasn't an inch or two, but sometimes as many as six or seven inches in one day. Soon the stock was up to the eaves of our roof, so one Sunday my husband carefully tipped it so it was on the outside of our raingutter. While no longer straight, still the stock continued to grow. We kept waiting for it to flower, but it just kept growing. By the next Sunday it was almost to the roofline when viewed from the end of our driveway. And it still kept growing. Finally we noticed buds opening and there they were, these tiny, fuzzy flowers, not at all like the plants in those neighboring yards. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just like our plant, I do not have to be perfect to add beauty to the world around me. I am unique and my worth is not determined in comparison to those around me. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DlMrmo6i6qY/XTCwxrMELJI/AAAAAAAAX6k/65s2oa3ShIIpdxj5oh6ytVOqTaXotBFPACLcBGAs/s1600/20190718_105750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DlMrmo6i6qY/XTCwxrMELJI/AAAAAAAAX6k/65s2oa3ShIIpdxj5oh6ytVOqTaXotBFPACLcBGAs/s400/20190718_105750.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I mentioned to my husband that our son was writing a book. He replied that knowing the author, it was sure to be a good one. Then he looked at me and said, "You should start writing again. I miss it." So now I am back to where I started today. I am still working on my inner voice. I know it is an ongoing process. I don't know what the future holds, but I feel strongly that I need to be sure of my place to face that future. Writing helps me focus and look at those "If only....."s from a different perspective. I am not sharing this today because I think I have conquered that inner doubt. My hope is that by putting my thoughts into writing, I will have planted the things I have learned more firmly in my heart, so when those times of doubt come, so to will what I know to strengthen me and when needed, I will have this to look back on as a gentle reminder.</div>
<ol class="verses" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.01); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-size: 13px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 16px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ol class="verses" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.01); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-size: 13px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 16px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clear: left; float: left; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 34.4375px 20px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 327.266px;"><div class="line" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><i>*Be Still My Soul</i></span></div>
</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clear: left; float: left; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 34.4375px 20px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 327.266px;"><div class="line" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><i>1. Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side;</i></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><i>With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.</i></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><i>Leave to thy God to order and provide;</i></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><i>In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.</i></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><i>Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav'nly Friend</i></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><i>Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.</i></span></div>
</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; float: left; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 327.266px;"><div class="line" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><i>2. Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake</i></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><i>To guide the future as he has the past.</i></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><i>Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;</i></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><i>All now mysterious shall be bright at last.</i></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><i>Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know</i></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><i>His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.</i></span></div>
</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clear: left; float: left; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 34.4375px 20px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 327.266px;"><div class="line" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><i>3. Be still, my soul: The hour is hast'ning on</i></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><i>When we shall be forever with the Lord,</i></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><i>When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,</i></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><i>Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.</i></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><i>Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past,</i></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><i>All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.</i></span></div>
</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; float: left; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 327.266px;"><div class="line" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><i>Text: Katharina von Schlegel, b. 1697;</i></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><i>trans. by Jane Borthwick, 1813-1897</i></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-31901285992584777042016-06-22T10:57:00.001-06:002016-06-22T10:57:39.717-06:00The Circle of LifeSunday Rick and I sat and talked about the many anniversaries we could commemorate this week. Like most things in life, they are a mixed bag of happy and not so joyful events. Yesterday was a celebration of one of our most joyful moments in my life - the day I wed my eternal sweetheart.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8RlyQMSTnR0/V2qvOmdgtrI/AAAAAAAAOOs/U6MI6flquLgny5vEnfbglZI7218uGCcwACLcB/s1600/IMG_0214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8RlyQMSTnR0/V2qvOmdgtrI/AAAAAAAAOOs/U6MI6flquLgny5vEnfbglZI7218uGCcwACLcB/s400/IMG_0214.jpg" width="267" /></a>Twenty-eight years have gone by in the blink of an eye, yet when I look back at the pictures of those two kids it is sometimes hard to imagine that we were ever that young.<br />
<br />
Rick and I also spent time yesterday discussing choices. We talked about the choices, good or bad that had led us to this point in our lives. We talked about the lessons we had learned from the consequences of those choices that have helped us become the people we are today. We acknowledged the hand of the Lord in many of the opportunities we had been given that had helped us grow and develop a strong marriage relationship and a fervent belief in a loving Heavenly Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
Rick and I took time yesterday to remember our ancestors by attending the temple together. As we sat together in that most sacred building, our hearts were filled with love and peace. There is no place on earth where that peace can be felt outside the House of the Lord. As we have researched and read about our ancestors, we have felt a strong connection to them; their dreams, desires, struggles, hopes, accomplishments, dedication and faith.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S30WDotT9EM/V2qv_MQZVLI/AAAAAAAAOO4/BA6lEWyhEd4BmKv0EWEFB45fcwgIWN-PwCLcB/s1600/DSC_7182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S30WDotT9EM/V2qv_MQZVLI/AAAAAAAAOO4/BA6lEWyhEd4BmKv0EWEFB45fcwgIWN-PwCLcB/s400/DSC_7182.jpg" width="266" /></a> One of the greatest joys we have in our marriage is the joy we have in our children. Right from the beginning, Rick and I knew we wanted to have children. Our desire to be parents and provide a home that was filled with love and laughter, safety and security, a sanctuary from the world, was of the highest priority when we wed. We were overjoyed when we learned that a baby would soon be joining our little family. How tiny and fragile he was as he lay in that incubator those first days of life and how grateful we were to finally be able to take him home.<br />
<br />
Now he is all grown up. I look at him as he starts his own family and think "Where is my little boy? Where is the Super Ter that flapped in the night?" <br />
<br />
How grateful I am for the fine man he has become and for the wise choice he made in a companion and help meet to continue with him on life's journey. She brings a smile to his face like no other and I know that finding that joy in each other's company is priceless.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wG5ZoJYDpDDp5UM6Xavwjrd_Br9CLONBp9b2dGJwAxEXvXwAnwyz_Zb6iajqX8m7SXCPZqOFhwbvOUGqZ2catJ6XUfhSrvfEvllBYJwerTMBE03JqGCItIJp-7YLNBf3JbFKcdizL94/s1600/IMG_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wG5ZoJYDpDDp5UM6Xavwjrd_Br9CLONBp9b2dGJwAxEXvXwAnwyz_Zb6iajqX8m7SXCPZqOFhwbvOUGqZ2catJ6XUfhSrvfEvllBYJwerTMBE03JqGCItIJp-7YLNBf3JbFKcdizL94/s400/IMG_0075.JPG" width="266" /></a><br />
In fact marriage has been on our mind a lot this last year as we have helped plan and participate in the wedding of not just one son but all three of our sons. It has been a time of reflection for Rick and I as we have wondered if we have taught them what they need to be successful as husbands and fathers. As we pondered this question, we were so humbled that in a thank you note, one son let us know that he was grateful for the example we had provided of a happy marriage. <br />
<br />
It makes me happy to know that the sometimes cheesiness of their parents, while embarrassing when they were teenagers, may have taught our children to not be afraid to express affection and love for their spouse. Rick and I have made it a point to always kiss each other goodbye, even if it is just for a quick run to the store or drop a child off at the bus stop. We make sure to always kiss goodnight. When we walk by each other, we will link hands for a moment or brush each other's arm or back. When walking together or sitting by each other, we always hold hands or some other form of contact. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1gePfxHUas/V2qwQ-BqheI/AAAAAAAAOPA/TAEW38Kc4dsSMJwBoJijJ9PKs4Uy5eHBgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1gePfxHUas/V2qwQ-BqheI/AAAAAAAAOPA/TAEW38Kc4dsSMJwBoJijJ9PKs4Uy5eHBgCLcB/s400/IMG_8575.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
These gestures of affection and belonging together are a reminder of that day not so long ago when we promised to love one another, to become a single unit, to belong to each other, for life and for forever.<br />
<br />
The other lesson I hope they have gained from us is to be each other's number one supporter and defender. Life is full of up and downs. There are ruts in the path of life and unexpected detours. I have been so blessed to have a true help meet in Rick as I travel on this journey of life and I have great confidence in the companions my sons have chosen. We love them all dearly and are overjoyed to welcome them into our family. We know that their marriages will be successful and full of the best in life if they will remember and follow the admonition found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.<br />
<br />
<i>"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Charity never faileth:"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
And one day in the not so distant future, they too will stand where Rick and I now stand and hope that they have set an example of faith, service, compassion, commitment and love for their children as those future children start their own journey as a family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/994wrsbYxzU/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/994wrsbYxzU?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-64921937453675578762015-06-21T08:41:00.003-06:002015-06-22T08:49:47.491-06:00The Soundtrack of Our LifeAnother year has passed. Another year full of laughter, tears, hope, sorrow, joy. Adventures have been taken, memories have been made, goals achieved and dreams fulfilled. This week is full of anniversaries for our family, but today Rick and I celebrate 27 years of marriage. It hasn't all been lollipops and lemon drops or sunshine and roses, but what good story ever is free of conflict or adversity.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1WbqDAWvEZ0/VYbNDM-6pHI/AAAAAAAAKrE/cy4e4YQ3osg/s1600/IMG_3117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1WbqDAWvEZ0/VYbNDM-6pHI/AAAAAAAAKrE/cy4e4YQ3osg/s400/IMG_3117.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We have a child who loves his music (aka Wil) and so has created different playlists to fit the moment. This got me thinking - The soundtrack of a movie moves the story along as effectively as any dialogue. So I posed the question to my family: What songs would you include in the soundtrack of our life together or what is the "Rick and Ann" playlist. And here is the very eclectic list, in alphabetical order cause you can always push shuffle, that resulted:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euWfTiYwRB0" target="_blank">Amazing Grace</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFORrbOTCPE" target="_blank">Circle of Our Love; Saturday's Warrior</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ru1M6dY0cY&list=PLskKWhn-LBThHL8ttmywjkcmWvS6sLmPg" target="_blank">The Dance; Garth Brooks</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J-_f4oRuWI" target="_blank">Families Can Be Together Forever</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgJXbIP83A8" target="_blank">Forever and Ever Amen; Randy Travis</a><br />
<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J08ZwySCoJ8" target="_blank">Happy To Be Stuck With You; Huey Lewis and the News*</a></b><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDpPoytXVvo" target="_blank">Heat of the Moment; Asia</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOGEyBeoBGM" target="_blank">Heaven is a Place on Earth; Belinda Carlisle</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTA2buWlNyM" target="_blank">Hollywood Nights; Bob Seger</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_kokTee01k" target="_blank">More Than a Feeling; Boston</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgOA24hAe60" target="_blank">Night Moves; Bob Seger</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4weS1J0dI8" target="_blank">A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTA2buWlNyM" target="_blank">Remember When; Alan Jackson</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuO3FhA3PWc&list=RDFuO3FhA3PWc" target="_blank">The River; Garth Brooks</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQE3DiWbIwY" target="_blank">Something That We Do; Clint Black</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3khH9ih2XJg" target="_blank">Turn the Page; Bob Seger</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKqZjgIfxe0" target="_blank">Unanswered Prayers; Garth Brooks</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHYvpXe75b8" target="_blank">Winnie the Pooh</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDH2E2wWjc0" target="_blank">You're My Home; Billy Joel</a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">*This is most definitely our theme song, because it was the first song out of everyone's mouth.</span><br />
<br />
How we celebrate:<br />
Last night to celebrate, we decided to do the cliche' date and went to dinner and a movie. Without telling you the name of the movie, I will say that as we drove home, Rick said, "Every time we drive over a manhole, I can't help but look for a T-Rex to come out of the darkness."<br />
<br />
Past Anniversary Posts:<br />
<a href="http://westofzion.blogspot.com/2010/06/twenty-two-years-ago-i-married-man-most.html" target="_blank">2010</a><br />
<a href="http://westofzion.blogspot.com/2011/06/what-difference-year-makes.html" target="_blank">2011</a><br />
<a href="http://westofzion.blogspot.com/2012/06/life-is-surprise.html" target="_blank">2012</a><br />
<a href="http://westofzion.blogspot.com/2012/06/dance-forever-together.html" target="_blank">2012 Part 2</a><br />
<a href="http://westofzion.blogspot.com/2013/06/an-amazing-quarter-of-century.html" target="_blank">2013</a><br />
<a href="http://westofzion.blogspot.com/2014/06/its-been-happening-for-26-years.html" target="_blank">2014</a>MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-50668815373926049612015-01-23T17:09:00.000-07:002015-01-23T17:10:00.573-07:00Word of the Year 2015<i>We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open. </i><i>-Jawaharlal Nehru</i><br />
<br />
What is the word of the year, you ask. The word of the year is better than a New Year's Resolution. Today the morning talk shows were full of discussion that now is the time that most people falter and fail at keeping their resolutions and so give in to discouragement and say wait until next year. The word of the year does not have the pressure of a resolution. It is not a finite idea with limitations and criteria to be judged. It allows for a progression, a gradual change in attitude and behavior as you look to apply the concepts encompassed by your word to your daily life.<br />
<br />
For me, past words have included cherish, gratitude and last year I chose optimism. Each year I have felt a change in myself as I applied the filter of my chosen word to my daily experiences. Last year, I wrote about my choice for the word of the year and said, "As I look for the best, I will have a life that is fuller, richer, more joyful." As most years in life are, 2014 was a time filled with ups and downs, one of heartbreak and hope, sadness and hope. Yet at the start of 2015, I find myself full of a greater sense of peace, more faith in my Savior and a reason to laugh each day.<br />
<br />
As I pondered where to place my focus this year, I wanted to choose a word that would build on the momentum of the past years. I wanted to choose a word that would incorporate the things I have learned about myself as I have learned to cherish, express gratitude and look forward with optimism. The word I have chosen as the word of the year for 2015, the word that will be my focus is EMBRACE!!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">em·brace </span><span style="color: magenta;">əmˈbrās/ </span><br />
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">verb</span></b><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">1.hold (someone) closely in one's arms, especially as a sign of affection. synonyms:hug, take/hold in one's arms, hold, cuddle, clasp to one's bosom, clasp, squeeze, clutch; More</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">2.accept or support (a belief, theory, or change) willingly and enthusiastically. synonyms:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>welcome, welcome with open arms, accept, take up, take to one's heart, adopt; More</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">3.include or contain (something) as a constituent part. synonyms:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>include, take in, comprise, contain, incorporate, encompass, cover, involve, embody, subsume, comprehend</span><br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">noun</span></b><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">1.an act of holding someone closely in one's arms. synonyms; hug, cuddle, squeeze, clinch, caress, clasp; bear hug</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">2.an act of accepting or supporting something willingly or enthusiastically.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
Life is an adventure. It is to be enjoyed. It is to be experienced. Looking ahead to the coming year, I already know that we have great things on the horizon. As since life is life, I am sure there will be many unexpected things as well. And so I am embracing 2015 with enthusiasm and open eyes and outspread arms. It is going to be amazing!MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-84602719312421892022014-12-24T12:20:00.003-07:002014-12-24T12:26:09.275-07:00#SharetheGift<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>“Christmas doesn't come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more....”</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>― Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!</i></div>
<br />
<br />
Yesterday I wrote about the <a href="http://www.mormon.org/christmas" target="_blank">#SharetheGift </a>campaign being promoted via social media by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As the holiday season has progressed, the power of this simple idea has taken hold of my heart.<br />
<br />
Recently I was asked to serve as the president of our ward's Young Women Auxiliary. It is a truly humbling experience as I get to spend time with an amazing group of Heavenly Father's daughters. Their love for their Savior and for each other has already taught me so much.<br />
<br />
Last night was no different. One of the girls in our group will be moving soon as her family is relocated to fulfill a new assignment for her father's employer. Although we had not planned to meet together, we decided to put together a last minute farewell party. The men in my household chose to take this time to hide in the basement with the door shut. Not sure why a houseful of women and teenage girls is so terrifying, but they did not re-emerge till the last guest had departed.<br />
<br />
After decorating sugar cookies and playing Apples to Apples, I felt I should do something to tie the activity into the Christmas season. We talked about Christmas and the #SharetheGift campaign. I had each girl write on piece of paper something that they could do to share the gift. The papers were then placed in a gift box and the box was passed around the group a second time and each girl drew a piece of paper and read what was written on it. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">I WILL #SHAREtheGIFT BY... </span>I will do something good.<br />
<span style="color: red;">I WILL #SHAREtheGIFT BY... </span>I will be nice.<br />
<span style="color: red;">I WILL #SHAREtheGIFT BY... </span>Saying something nice to all I meet.<br />
<span style="color: red;">I WILL #SHAREtheGIFT BY... </span>I will be kind.<br />
<span style="color: red;">I WILL #SHAREtheGIFT BY... </span>Showing my love.<br />
<span style="color: red;">I WILL #SHAREtheGIFT BY... </span>Doing a service each day.<br />
<span style="color: red;">I WILL #SHAREtheGIFT BY... </span>Reading the Book of Mormon again.<br />
<span style="color: red;">I WILL #SHAREtheGIFT BY... </span>Being loyal.<br />
<br />
No one suggested any great feat, but that just reminded me that if we each do a little; each do our part; great things will come to pass. At the end, one of the young women explained that to her Christmas is not about the presents, lights, trees or any of the other trappings. Christmas is about being able to be with her family.<br />
<br />
This is the first Christmas my family will be without my mother. It is hard to imagine her not right now putting together gift bags of oranges, apples, bananas, Watkins Soup Mix and Watkins Vanilla for her children. She would spend all year looking for and purchasing gifts for her grandchildren. Many hours would be spent sewing dollclothes, dresses, nightgowns, scripture totes, dishtowels, etc. to be opened Christmas Day, often with her staying up late into the early hours of the morning to finish a project not just for her family but for many of her neighbors. She was one who knew to #SharetheGift, not just with items wrapped under the tree, but in gifts of service.<br />
<br />
Today I am especially grateful for the First Gift, the Greatest Gift, the Gift of the Son of God to be the Savior of the world. These words from a familiar hymn ring especially loud this year:<br />
<br />
O come, O come, Emmanuel,<br />
And ransom captive Israel,<br />
That mourns in lonely exile here<br />
Until the Son of God appear.<br />
<br />
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free<br />
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;<br />
From depths of hell Thy people save,<br />
And give them victory over the grave.<br />
<br />
O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer<br />
Our spirits by Thine advent here;<br />
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,<br />
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3kxCz4XxfnY/VJsLH6-EOXI/AAAAAAAAJDI/7vm5dINAKfU/s1600/ShareTheGiftSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3kxCz4XxfnY/VJsLH6-EOXI/AAAAAAAAJDI/7vm5dINAKfU/s1600/ShareTheGiftSign.jpg" height="304" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can download your own sign at <a href="http://www.mormon.org/christmas">http://www.mormon.org/christmas</a>. <br />
and commit how you will #SharetheGift this holiday season.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-52558468304694814922014-12-23T16:27:00.000-07:002014-12-23T16:27:11.258-07:00It's Christmas Adam!<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h7UOYH6vtFo/VJn3pZ7cI_I/AAAAAAAAJBQ/n4ORrwVCJTY/s1600/card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h7UOYH6vtFo/VJn3pZ7cI_I/AAAAAAAAJBQ/n4ORrwVCJTY/s1600/card.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Happy Christmas Adam!</span> </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Christmas Adam is what my children call December 23rd, as in Adam came before Eve. I don't know about your home, but in the Wixom household today is not going to be filled with the normal hustle and bustle of years past. In fact we are surprisingly "ready for Christmas" if there is really such a thing. This is a good thing as I awoke this morning to windows shaking and trees bowing from the gusts of wind. Yesterday's sunny blue sky-ed t-shirt weather has turned to jacket-required blue sky.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Christmas Adam (aka the name for the mad dash to finish those holiday preparations) is just one of the quirky traditions in our family. It seems that this time of year they are also more abundant. In addition to the annual advent calendar and Christmas book I previously wrote about <a href="http://westofzion.blogspot.com/2010/12/tradition-tradtition.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>, we have the annual solve the code of the Christmas presents <i>(I started leaving names off gifts when I realized there was peaking happening. Now there is still peaking, but it is after they solve the code I have designed to remember which present is whose.)</i>, the Christmas musical recitals, pajamas on Christmas Eve, drawing names for sibling gifts, orange rolls for Christmas breakfast, and lasagna on Christmas Eve.<br />
<br />
Sunday in our Young Women's class, the lesson was entitled "How can I prepare to establish a Christ-centered home?" Thinking about our family, I was especially touched by this quote from Elder L. Tom Perry that was part of the lesson:<br />
<br />
<i>...we can organize our families based on clear, simple family rules and expectations, wholesome family traditions and rituals, and “family economics,” ...</i> (You can read all of Elder Perry's talk, Becoming Goodly Parents, by clicking <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/becoming-goodly-parents?lang=eng" target="_blank">HERE</a>)<br />
<br />
It is our traditions that bind us together. Rick and I both were raised in families that had traditions. When we married, we spent the first few years sorting through those traditions, deciding what we wanted to incorporate into our own family in addition to new ones that we developed. Where possible we have joined in with those traditions our parents have continued with our extended family. <br />
<br />
A favorite Christmas memory for me was all of my siblings having a "sleepover" together in one bedroom. We would stay up whispering and giggling until one by one we would all drop off to sleep. Then on Christmas morning we would awaken and sneak into the living room to see what Santa had left. As the years went by, I think Santa realized that we older siblings could help with the toy assembly, so many mornings were spent with us putting things together for the younger ones. My children don't have "sleepovers", but they do wake each other early on Christmas morning and head for the tree. There they will spend time together playing and eating candy until breakfast.<br />
<br />
But our most important Christmas tradition is the acknowledgement of the greatest gift of all - the first gift - the gift of a Savior. This year the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mormons, started a social media campaign to remind us that He Is the Gift. We have been encouraged to Discover the Gift, Embrace the Gift and then #SharetheGift. The campaign kicked off with this moving video:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/uzjFEMmM0Xs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
A few weeks later, another video was released that was part of a world record setting live Nativity. Many of my friends were involved in the production of this video and have shared many experiences where they were filled with the love of God for each of His children. When I watch the video, my heart is filled to overflowing. The three minute mark does it to me every time. As I view the representation of the heavenly choir that announced the birth of Jesus Christ to the shepherds that long ago night, I feel that I was there and you were there that first Christmas Day.<br />
<br />
<i>Luke 2:</i><br />
<i>13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,</i><br />
<i>14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
If you aren't one of the almost 5 million people who have already seen this video, take a moment to watch it now and if you have already seen it, I assure you it is worth a second, third, fourth, fifth.... look.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/PrLoWt2tfqg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
One last Christmas tradition I want to share - Christmas music. I love Christmas music. When I was a little girl, my dad would put the speaker of our old record player outside my bedroom window on Christmas morning so that everyone coming to our house would be welcomed by these beautiful songs. My Grandma Cook always had Christmas music playing at her house. In fact, she gave me the first record album I ever owned and it was an album of Christmas songs. While I have been writing today, I have been listening to this album by one of my favorites, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ALEXBOYETV" target="_blank">Alex Boye</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TrnnwTJ2FLvbCWGFsR4hu0XtX08UG68sOz2fMDloU9GfF7s-jJd6SW4rpCSSZFtCiLIjmsG5bLOCCW8siHxL65mo7I2jl13m_iQ3fHkhL4mN1fsxwj774VQjWVwJACibmmnQOc-Vfqs/s1600/618fLNCvXAL._SY450_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TrnnwTJ2FLvbCWGFsR4hu0XtX08UG68sOz2fMDloU9GfF7s-jJd6SW4rpCSSZFtCiLIjmsG5bLOCCW8siHxL65mo7I2jl13m_iQ3fHkhL4mN1fsxwj774VQjWVwJACibmmnQOc-Vfqs/s1600/618fLNCvXAL._SY450_.jpg" height="320" width="313" /></a></div>
<br />
You can find it <a href="http://deseretbook.com/My-Christmas-Wish-Alex-Boye/i/5046929" target="_blank">HERE</a>. I can't say enough about how much I enjoy this CD.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-71715748510520398332014-10-24T13:05:00.002-06:002014-10-24T13:37:59.614-06:00The Most Important Job<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<i>When you hold your baby in your arms the first time, and you think of all the things you can say and do to influence him, it's a tremendous responsibility. What you do with him can influence not only him, but everyone he meets and not for a day or a month or a year but for time and eternity.</i></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<i>- Rose Kennedy</i></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Parenting is hard. I think anyone who is a parent would agree and probably most who have never had children would as well. It is probably the hardest job anyone could ever have. And yes it is a job! It is a job that when done right requires more work, more commitment and more attention than anything else you will ever do in your life. It is 24 hours 7 days a week with no holidays, vacation or sick days given, but the benefits are out of this world. It is the only job where we are not required to receive any formalized training and for most of us the only training received is from watching our own parents or on the job.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have been reaping some of the benefits lately as I watch my two oldest children start to find success in their "grown-up" lives. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZ6Tbr1fIbKnTeG7s-r_MbehdaVgQp0dACMisS3GioxprPoVhvm2WpJHB-wbPtF2Aq179-a64m6ncRhk3fmH1WZjEDZRaVSrXDyT67C9jxxU-dNgHw6xoIVZdqf0_VNRGbCk2BmBnLnY/s1600/DSCN8137b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZ6Tbr1fIbKnTeG7s-r_MbehdaVgQp0dACMisS3GioxprPoVhvm2WpJHB-wbPtF2Aq179-a64m6ncRhk3fmH1WZjEDZRaVSrXDyT67C9jxxU-dNgHw6xoIVZdqf0_VNRGbCk2BmBnLnY/s1600/DSCN8137b.jpg" height="400" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hunter received his Bachelor of Science Degree from USU <br />and has his first job teaching science and math.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: italic;">
<i></i><br />
<i></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HyChipJ2loM/VDl8t9wSq9I/AAAAAAAAICY/sl2MsawA9LI/s1600/Mayor's%2BWalk_%2BKeeping%2Btradition%2Balive%2Bwith%2Bnew%2BMayor%2BJon%2BPike%2B_%2BSt%2BGeorge%2BNews_Page_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HyChipJ2loM/VDl8t9wSq9I/AAAAAAAAICY/sl2MsawA9LI/s1600/Mayor's%2BWalk_%2BKeeping%2Btradition%2Balive%2Bwith%2Bnew%2BMayor%2BJon%2BPike%2B_%2BSt%2BGeorge%2BNews_Page_1.jpg" height="306" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wil served as a translator during the St. George Marathon for the delegation from Japan</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: italic;">
<br />
<i></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I know I am not a perfect parent. I sometimes yell. I get discouraged. I have even been known to leave a child sitting at school when they expected to be picked up. It is because I know that I am imperfect and have had my doubts, that I am doubly grateful that my children are becoming successful and productive adults. (Knock on wood since we are only halfway there.)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
At the beginning of the week I went to lunch with son #2. I had heard on the news that morning a story detailing how a child's perception of favoritism can lead to substance abuse. (Read the article<a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/09/17/349246014/kids-perception-of-parents-favoritism-counts-more-than-reality" target="_blank"> here)</a> I asked son #2 if he thought his dad and I had a favorite child. He said he didn't think we did (insert my very brief sigh of relief), he knew we did because it was obviously him. (Insert shocked look on my face. Well maybe not so shocked since I knew which son I was talking to.) He did say that he had come to realize that some of his siblings take more time and effort than others and not just by Rick and me as parents, but by the family as a whole. He also said that the one needing more attention is often changing as life changes. I thought this was very insightful for someone who is just embarking on adulthood. I was impressed by his maturity.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSqSAKsDxA2of-huhIoT37XyJdDy5T2qrQY2v9KsiB5MxxgGyhUXi6hnww1H8-zRWHpe4tkop87udEbCNnvE-e4xnDt9Q-gF1D69ERL2ZZcbmUdVg4SVTyMSqD5UCtWTL-h0S_13Rvts/s1600/34190_000_WWC_26-FamProc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSqSAKsDxA2of-huhIoT37XyJdDy5T2qrQY2v9KsiB5MxxgGyhUXi6hnww1H8-zRWHpe4tkop87udEbCNnvE-e4xnDt9Q-gF1D69ERL2ZZcbmUdVg4SVTyMSqD5UCtWTL-h0S_13Rvts/s1600/34190_000_WWC_26-FamProc.jpg" height="640" width="488" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Read more about the Proclamation on the Family by clicking<a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-and-church-history-student-study-guide/the-worldwide-church/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng" target="_blank"> here.</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I firmly believe that the principles contained in the LDS Proclamation on the Family are the best possible scenario in which to raise happy, healthy and responsible children. Today I read an article about the importance of PDA (public display of affection) in marriage. (You can read it <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/embarrassing-pda-from-parents-could-be-the-secret-to-a-happy-childhood-2014-10#ixzz3H54t8Q00" target="_blank">here</a>.) As I read it, I reflected on how Rick has never been one to shy away from holding my hand or giving me a quick kiss goodbye. I love my eternal companion. I could not have imagined a better partner through life's journey. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have always believed in the concepts of bonding, boundaries and mentoring;</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Bonding - spend time together, support each other in individual activities, participate in activities as a family and be involved and invested in each other, </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Boundaries - have family rules and consequences for breaking those rules, make sure that the rules are understood by all, each child is different and unique so rules need to take into account those differences. Children do not have to agree with the rules because you are the parent and establishing the rules that help the family run smoothly is your job, but they need to understand the rules and the consequences for not following the rules.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Mentoring - be involved in your child's life, know their friends, Friend your child on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and Instagram or any other social media, know your child's passwords, go to parent/teacher conferences, do the hard stuff even when it is inconvenient or when they protest.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A great website in Utah for helping with these concepts is <a href="http://parentsempowered.org./">ParentsEmpowered.org.</a> I became aware of this site when I was teaching classes on the effects of alcohol on an adolescent's brain for the police department where I worked. I found it to be a site that summed up my feelings towards successful parenting in a succinct and often humorous way.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/bDygQwMObvo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div>
<i>Video from the LDS Church - It's About Time Mormon Ad Campaign</i><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
At the end of the week, a friend of mine who is a new mom asked if I thought her child was doing alright. She told me that she was so bombarded by people telling her what she should and shouldn't be doing that she was beginning to doubt herself. I felt strongly to reassure her that she was doing a good job. Many will sit on the sidelines and second guess our decisions - the Monday Morning Quarterbacks of Parenthood, but as a parent we know our children best and when we are trying and listening we will know what that child needs at a given time. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We can educate ourselves from the best books written by the foremost experts on the subject; we can attend classes and seminars; we can search the internet for tips on successful parenting, but I still believe that the most important thing our children need is our time. At the end of the day, these children are their own individuals and will one day leave our home and start their own adult lives and make their own adult choices. The time we spend with them and the tools we give them will provide them the foundation they build on for the rest of their lives. Those lives will be their choice and when that day comes, we need to let them know that we love them and if they need it, we still have time for them.</div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/tk3rS8Yh-SI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;">Read more about how to have a successful family </span><a href="http://www.mormon.org/values/family" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="text-align: center;">. </span></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Watch more great videos about time with your family<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA3D84DCAB4DD27F1" target="_blank"> here</a>.<br />
<br /></div>
MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-6799312275803101772014-10-21T10:41:00.000-06:002014-10-21T10:41:52.284-06:00The Watchman<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X2NFtqqHHNo/VEaChmds_kI/AAAAAAAAIMU/dum-4bPoRzw/s1600/1914662_1102159289286_5024279_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X2NFtqqHHNo/VEaChmds_kI/AAAAAAAAIMU/dum-4bPoRzw/s1600/1914662_1102159289286_5024279_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This time of year brings fall break and fall break to me is hiking and camping in Zion National Park. From the middle of October to the middle of November, you can walk along the Virgin River and watch the leaves change from their summer green to the golds and reds of autumn. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vlCFA1Y0CUk/VEaAdumWYwI/AAAAAAAAILw/RBL-DbiQuyI/s1600/IMG_3435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vlCFA1Y0CUk/VEaAdumWYwI/AAAAAAAAILw/RBL-DbiQuyI/s1600/IMG_3435.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As a child, we would often sing in church a hymn titled "<a href="https://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/israel-israel-god-is-calling?lang=eng" target="_blank">Israel, Israel, God Is Calling</a>". The refrain of this song repeats the phrase "Come to Zion, come to Zion". Zion is promised to be a place where the Lord can be found and the individual is encouraged to rejoice as "Zion's walls shall ring with praise."</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVmXxZlmpuw/VEaBDyOyRgI/AAAAAAAAIL8/sZHu9e_Ky8Q/s1600/SANY0272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVmXxZlmpuw/VEaBDyOyRgI/AAAAAAAAIL8/sZHu9e_Ky8Q/s1600/SANY0272.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think of the joy our family has found within these canyon walls, I know that we have been able to draw closer together and the memories and connections we have created here have been the good times that have helped us through the hard times. We have rejoiced.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rv_YLzYTaKM/VEaCgnC3i5I/AAAAAAAAIMQ/mXO79cfbwTw/s1600/1914662_1102158369263_754858_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rv_YLzYTaKM/VEaCgnC3i5I/AAAAAAAAIMQ/mXO79cfbwTw/s1600/1914662_1102158369263_754858_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Zion National Park has been home to many. While these individuals had diversity of culture, they all shared a belief in the sacredness of this place. Its beauty is a testament to a loving Heavenly Father who wants His children to be happy and find joy and peace.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FrzABbugVkY/VEaHsq5PM9I/AAAAAAAAIMs/3IBW5_La7Gc/s1600/DSCN4173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FrzABbugVkY/VEaHsq5PM9I/AAAAAAAAIMs/3IBW5_La7Gc/s1600/DSCN4173.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the entrance to Zion National Park stands one of the more distinctive features of the canyon; The Watchman. At its base is the campground that bears the same name. Many mornings I have sat by our fire and watched as the sun revealed this majestic peak and at night I have tucked by children nestled at its feet. To me the name calls to mind that hymn from my childhood. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know that I have a loving Heavenly Father who is watching over me. He wants me to be happy and has provided a way for me to find that happiness. I am grateful everyday for that knowledge and the peace and joy it brings to my life. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/2w49_1a9X0Q/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/2w49_1a9X0Q&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/2w49_1a9X0Q&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<br />
To learn more about the joy found in God's light, click <a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/plan-of-salvation" target="_blank">here</a>.MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-37795964183022048822014-10-09T10:46:00.000-06:002014-10-09T10:46:21.077-06:00What Did You Do This Summer?I can't believe I haven't posted anything since June. Seriously, have I really been so busy that I couldn't take time to update my blog? I know that summer must be officially over since the red, white and blue decorations are being replaced by pumpkins and leaves of gold, the coat rack is filled again with jackets and backpacks and the crockpot is full of soup. Today I am making chili for the ward's Chili Cook-off or I should say Rick is making chili for the ward's Chili Cook-off. (It counts if he picked the recipe he wanted me to use, right?)<br />
<br />
So here are some highlights of our summer. You can be the judge if we kept busy and had fun. (Pictures are not necessarily in chronological order)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JerxGG2xEV4/VDa1831sGZI/AAAAAAAAH7Q/mFH5TtAbnDI/s1600/DSCN8290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JerxGG2xEV4/VDa1831sGZI/AAAAAAAAH7Q/mFH5TtAbnDI/s1600/DSCN8290.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elks Flag Retirement Ceremony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5avRfUt9mEc/VDa17ilXVDI/AAAAAAAAH7I/Guw2AEkCwHs/s1600/DSCN8294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5avRfUt9mEc/VDa17ilXVDI/AAAAAAAAH7I/Guw2AEkCwHs/s1600/DSCN8294.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mbZFHyxiaNc/VDa19cqDMiI/AAAAAAAAH7U/1YFSakowADg/s1600/DSCN8313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mbZFHyxiaNc/VDa19cqDMiI/AAAAAAAAH7U/1YFSakowADg/s1600/DSCN8313.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PlcG5n1Pe_0/VDa2XduY6bI/AAAAAAAAH74/JvuAeup-0ik/s1600/IMG_2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PlcG5n1Pe_0/VDa2XduY6bI/AAAAAAAAH74/JvuAeup-0ik/s1600/IMG_2521.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuscon Arizona</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u6ae8b-mctE/VDa2blQvhWI/AAAAAAAAH8A/t9aPqFl59rk/s1600/IMG_2535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u6ae8b-mctE/VDa2blQvhWI/AAAAAAAAH8A/t9aPqFl59rk/s1600/IMG_2535.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F7RqWTN8Z2U/VDa2m8ZAjBI/AAAAAAAAH8g/pn7YCxrv8bY/s1600/IMG_2542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F7RqWTN8Z2U/VDa2m8ZAjBI/AAAAAAAAH8g/pn7YCxrv8bY/s1600/IMG_2542.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZm9RvlnQw3C_TQtuGdFfqyPSbcTtJLmGj_5ZftQsWpoWPoqse1tSqnjqExLfxJuZ_8bo_4lENXyq4XtpvOyDrBScho6z9n1KcNEHrqvTmiV3kxDaC6tqAXbPDy9mVavw_r5_rjmzC00/s1600/IMG_2560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZm9RvlnQw3C_TQtuGdFfqyPSbcTtJLmGj_5ZftQsWpoWPoqse1tSqnjqExLfxJuZ_8bo_4lENXyq4XtpvOyDrBScho6z9n1KcNEHrqvTmiV3kxDaC6tqAXbPDy9mVavw_r5_rjmzC00/s1600/IMG_2560.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gilbert Arizona Temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C0vfgqXBee0/VDa2m7rwISI/AAAAAAAAH8c/xnwy4gLgKwY/s1600/IMG_2568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C0vfgqXBee0/VDa2m7rwISI/AAAAAAAAH8c/xnwy4gLgKwY/s1600/IMG_2568.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ytt1NMb5XFQ/VDa2h7Iw0FI/AAAAAAAAH8Q/yUL9LrTiBXw/s1600/IMG_2588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ytt1NMb5XFQ/VDa2h7Iw0FI/AAAAAAAAH8Q/yUL9LrTiBXw/s1600/IMG_2588.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Las Vegas Temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-THg15Nl5nyE/VDa2M9kMBII/AAAAAAAAH7o/3exdUDcTr2U/s1600/IMG_20140727_105607_816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-THg15Nl5nyE/VDa2M9kMBII/AAAAAAAAH7o/3exdUDcTr2U/s1600/IMG_20140727_105607_816.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wil and fellow missionaries of the Japan Sendai Mission <br />at the homecoming of President and Sister Rasmussen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udnnQdZRmSg/VDa2RaRYuKI/AAAAAAAAH7w/EF47LjqUPVM/s1600/IMG_20140728_172836_945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udnnQdZRmSg/VDa2RaRYuKI/AAAAAAAAH7w/EF47LjqUPVM/s1600/IMG_20140728_172836_945.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoover Dam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rVlb5GTigWU/VDa2m591fqI/AAAAAAAAH8Y/Z5-T_JCxSjk/s1600/20140809_182425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rVlb5GTigWU/VDa2m591fqI/AAAAAAAAH8Y/Z5-T_JCxSjk/s1600/20140809_182425.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ogden Temple Open House</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3O8Kz7Mhf_Q/VDa2oSM1mvI/AAAAAAAAH8w/GReel_XmjwI/s1600/20140809_183906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3O8Kz7Mhf_Q/VDa2oSM1mvI/AAAAAAAAH8w/GReel_XmjwI/s1600/20140809_183906.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ogden Raptors Game</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0wMGOIqlZhk/VDa2ptMLomI/AAAAAAAAH84/9IHWpjKY2uQ/s1600/DSCN8438a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0wMGOIqlZhk/VDa2ptMLomI/AAAAAAAAH84/9IHWpjKY2uQ/s1600/DSCN8438a.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily dances through Peach Days Parade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v-Gypq5TF8I/VDa2vmm9bcI/AAAAAAAAH9A/gE16SHDf5nE/s1600/IMG_3003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v-Gypq5TF8I/VDa2vmm9bcI/AAAAAAAAH9A/gE16SHDf5nE/s1600/IMG_3003.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Utah Symphony performing in Springdale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8dxilcPIrGanfd_5DZkP4gbERCpTz3sbpfnZWKajH6BNoBvrdMzzS-8PkHjF8QBXixhfOxWh2gIpekpyvkM-z6E-jdBOulQ2opoAmcJnqKQP6arV8fQ3VEjkHWNuQXf1ZlOXYkRExP0/s1600/IMG_3117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8dxilcPIrGanfd_5DZkP4gbERCpTz3sbpfnZWKajH6BNoBvrdMzzS-8PkHjF8QBXixhfOxWh2gIpekpyvkM-z6E-jdBOulQ2opoAmcJnqKQP6arV8fQ3VEjkHWNuQXf1ZlOXYkRExP0/s1600/IMG_3117.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nascar Hall of Fame</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AmHFuqHgmto/VDa3kykPreI/AAAAAAAAH9o/04BrGqHfCzs/s1600/first%2Bplace%2Btigersharks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AmHFuqHgmto/VDa3kykPreI/AAAAAAAAH9o/04BrGqHfCzs/s1600/first%2Bplace%2Btigersharks.jpg" height="248" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tigersharks take Beat the Heat at the end of a great season</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K1XIN0IUfW0/VDa3hrFatPI/AAAAAAAAH9g/SQ5ESZRTzqI/s1600/IMG_2603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K1XIN0IUfW0/VDa3hrFatPI/AAAAAAAAH9g/SQ5ESZRTzqI/s1600/IMG_2603.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYOHPXtww-2B6oujQrsHp3iruySuq6t1VjrPmlaPadzmDbIWNy3qLalYSKN4Zv9ur4u_FUjk34BVKmtZFN4Fv2Sci6emy22dKz5d5lpBMs8P6p_nook3M3T1MBfS_CDZHuD1rOCbcABc/s1600/IMG_2631+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYOHPXtww-2B6oujQrsHp3iruySuq6t1VjrPmlaPadzmDbIWNy3qLalYSKN4Zv9ur4u_FUjk34BVKmtZFN4Fv2Sci6emy22dKz5d5lpBMs8P6p_nook3M3T1MBfS_CDZHuD1rOCbcABc/s1600/IMG_2631+-+Copy.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QPZK_5Rq3HA/VDa3fqVZeeI/AAAAAAAAH9Y/qGAHZyrKZfw/s1600/IMG_2659%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QPZK_5Rq3HA/VDa3fqVZeeI/AAAAAAAAH9Y/qGAHZyrKZfw/s1600/IMG_2659%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAWTgUTaPhOAI7WZdxw-BF4Drh5Q34CeRug3iCpyarRVUbNXydMWGlQkeO1vL-YeeDtI0Ut5NWeMNXzdRX0fqeUMs3JAG1hsbcrGEbOjuM_YdcuqYsuAX_RxucYW91_7-CpWQreSYPWA/s1600/IMG_1613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAWTgUTaPhOAI7WZdxw-BF4Drh5Q34CeRug3iCpyarRVUbNXydMWGlQkeO1vL-YeeDtI0Ut5NWeMNXzdRX0fqeUMs3JAG1hsbcrGEbOjuM_YdcuqYsuAX_RxucYW91_7-CpWQreSYPWA/s1600/IMG_1613.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QRQjExRJB44/VDa3qtkZqSI/AAAAAAAAH9w/ZS8pAQTAP8g/s1600/IMG_20140628_110901_292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QRQjExRJB44/VDa3qtkZqSI/AAAAAAAAH9w/ZS8pAQTAP8g/s1600/IMG_20140628_110901_292.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioF0rdhyphenhyphenHbj9wTBWm9R_dy_oY2ar2Ta6FVO1nTdfQpwQzGMja_2B3wBcyKmCq0KjnI0Wxd4PaX_6dILh7gWpbh1Va4OmNpglzKZ35vFJAaDp_WSszLS9-tBOv4W6YsdYmoHthltOMCBJ4/s1600/10492024_10201623769671147_2113232587794410250_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioF0rdhyphenhyphenHbj9wTBWm9R_dy_oY2ar2Ta6FVO1nTdfQpwQzGMja_2B3wBcyKmCq0KjnI0Wxd4PaX_6dILh7gWpbh1Va4OmNpglzKZ35vFJAaDp_WSszLS9-tBOv4W6YsdYmoHthltOMCBJ4/s1600/10492024_10201623769671147_2113232587794410250_n.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">26th Wedding Anniversary - Sure love this guy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So now I am hoping to get back to regular posting. In fact, I have a couple of ideas ready to go. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-70912482338254744882014-06-30T19:07:00.000-06:002014-06-30T19:09:19.949-06:00I Believe in Pink!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ma9PL7-CA3I/U7Hzb-BObII/AAAAAAAAF58/PYTXJcYKiCo/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ma9PL7-CA3I/U7Hzb-BObII/AAAAAAAAF58/PYTXJcYKiCo/s1600/images.jpg" height="224" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; language: en-US; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: center; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Amaze;">I
believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe
in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to
be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe
that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.</span><span style="font-family: Amaze;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Amaze; font-weight: bold;">Audrey
</span><span style="font-family: Amaze; font-weight: bold;">Hepburn</span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I believe in being happy. I believe that being happy is a choice. I believe that our Heavenly Father placed us here on earth to be happy. He even has told us that men are that they might have joy.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I believe that joy is found through Heavenly Father's Plan of Happiness. I believe that as I choose to follow my Savior, Jesus Christ, I will find true happiness in this life and in the eternities.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/epNjOrfmdlA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-35390575866974477322014-06-21T22:15:00.001-06:002014-06-21T22:22:24.503-06:00It's been happening for 26 years<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever... it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">Aaron Siskind</span></i></div>
<br />
I have been doing a lot of scrapbooking the last couple of months. It is one of my favorite things to do with my children. They sit with me in the office. We will pull up a movie on Netflix or load a DVD into the computer and just hang out. While I put pictures to paper, they will comment and reminisce about the adventures those pictures represent. It doesn't matter which of my children is around. They all like looking at the pictures and sharing their memories. <br />
<br />
I am still astonished at the pictures people had of my children that I didn't even know existed until after the house fire. Last week I finally completed through 2004 with the pictures I have acquired. While there are still some holes, (read pre-digital era), I think I have been able to put together a pretty good representation of the years. Looking through the albums and remembering where we have been and what we have accomplished together strengthens the bonds we have with one another.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">It's great to reminisce about good memories of my past. It was enjoyable when it was today. So learning to enjoy today has two benefits: it gives me happiness right now, and it becomes a good memory later.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">George Foreman</span></i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Rick recently went on a river trip with the boy scouts. Another leader that went with him is a new father. As they were going along, the discussion turned to all the picture taking people do. Rick started to brag on his wife and told about the albums that I have put together over the years and how much our family, especially our children have enjoyed them. We really had a good laugh when he came home and realized that I had spent most of the time he was on the trip doing exactly what he had described.<br />
<br />
Today Rick and I have been married for 26 years. I am not going to say it has always been easy, but I can say it has been worth it. Sticking pictures on paper, retelling the stories they represent, and sharing those stories with my children, reminds me what a good life we have had and how blessed I have been to be stuck with my best friend for all these years.<br />
<br />
To celebrate, Rick and I put together this video of some of our favorite pictures to what has become our theme song*:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyG0GpoP9Yno4SlB8-BeMkbxdGYUwP41vcWgmyNhvuYg97jOfpWIhxSCvaUEQOSfubsb0NbVcrKok89GeeU' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
*Stuck With You by Huey Lewis and the NewsMrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-5418409964303707162014-05-13T12:48:00.002-06:002014-05-13T12:51:32.889-06:00Count Your Blessings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>May God give you a sense of what He is up to in your life. May you see glimpses of the breakthrough that is just up ahead. May you - with all your heart - believe that trusting Him over what your eyes see, is totally and completely worth it. May you shift your weight off of your logical reasonings and onto the weightiness of His powerful promises to you. You have got help and resources that go far beyond anything you could ever need. Smile with joy and walk by faith today. He has got you. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>- Susie Larson</i></div>
<br />
Sometimes the love/hate relationship I am having with my body is almost overwhelming. Each morning as I wake, I make an evaluation of what and how I am feeling. Usually those first few minutes are a pretty good measure of how the day will be. I have to admit that no longer having the commitment of a job has allowed me mornings when I can pull the covers over my head, burrow into my bed and take a slower start to the day. This is a real blessing to me at this time.<br />
<br />
Another blessing I have received is the need to slow down and choose wisely in the things to which I say yes. This has allowed me to spend more time with my children, including more quiet time.<br />
<br />
There are two scriptures in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that have come to have greater meaning to me recently:<br />
<br />
<i>Mosiah 4:27 And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>D&C 10:4 Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength and means provided to enable you to translate; but be diligent unto the end.</i><br />
<br />
As an LDS woman I have often felt pressure to be all things to all people; to be the perfect mother, the perfect wife, the perfect cook, the perfect homemaker, the perfect friend, the perfect teacher, the perfect volunteer, the perfect employee, etc. When I felt short of this perfection, I was wracked with guilt and feelings of worthlessness. But guess what! No one is perfect. Nor are we able to or expected to be. What is expected is to do the best we can with wisdom and order. <br />
<br />
I think this idea must have been forefront in my mind as I chose the lesson for our monthly mid-week women's meeting. To read this beautiful message entitled "<a href="https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/pdf/callings/relief-society/RS-SG4-InWisdomOrder-eng.pdf?lang=eng" target="_blank">Wisdom and Order" click here.</a> One of the quotes I found most compelling was from Sister Elaine Jack, former General Relief Society President. Sister Jack states, "Sisters, how are these things manifest unto us? Plainly, through the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, through the example of our Savior's life. Only by living His gospel can we find what is real. We can never accurately take the measure of our lives based on social, economic, ethnic, age, marital, or physical conditions. Ask yourself, are the comparisons you may make of yourself and others based on the model of the Savior's life, or do they come from trying to fit your life into the pattern of others' lives?"<br />
<br />
While comparing ourselves to others can bring about feelings of discouragement and disappointment, we can look to others for inspiration. I truly believe that if everyone were to place their problems in a pile and we were allowed to pick those trials that we would like, we would inevitably choose those trials that we now have. It would be disingenuous to envy someone's blessings if I did not also envy the trial that helped them obtain that same blessing. Let's face it - we all have trials. Some may be more obvious than others. Many quietly move forward steadily and with faith, while others are more vocal as they need and desire external support. Neither way is right or wrong. And at times our need for support and external validation fluctuate. It is just important that we continue to move forward. <br />
<br />
As I look around me, I see many individuals who inspire me. Most significant in my life is my aunt. She has battled MS for many years, yet even now as she is confined mainly to a wheelchair, she continues to find ways to serve others. Whenever we see her, she has a smile on her face and a positive word for everyone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/SGniRk_GcLs/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/SGniRk_GcLs&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/SGniRk_GcLs&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This song is so beautiful, I wanted to share it.</i></div>
<br />
I do not believe that all blessings come through trials, but often our greatest blessings come after a trial of our faith. I believe that man was put upon this earth to be tested, to determine our willingness to live according to the will of our Heavenly Father. I am often disappointed when I hear someone comment that an individual needed to be humbled or "called to repentance". If good things can happen to bad people, then the converse is also true - bad things happen to good people. I believe that there are times that we are given trials because the Lord knows we can handle them, our faith will remain unshaken and only be strengthened, but we must go through the trial for those around us or because through our trial not only will we learn and grow, but we can become the Lord's tool that helps someone else grow.<br />
<br />
This was brought home to me like a being struck by a sledgehammer this past weekend as I attended my daughter's dance recital. Over the past year, her dance teacher had her world turned upside down as illness has left her in a wheelchair. A year ago I watched this amazing woman take stage at the recital with one of her students who was living with cancer and wanted to be a part of the recital and dance as she loved to do. A special number was choreographed between student and teacher that left not a dry eye in the house.<br />
<br />
This year it was her turn to dance from a chair and again leave us all touched. I thought back to the December recital as she called to encourage and pray with her students from her hospital room. This year has not been easy, but I see in my daughter how she has been inspired by Mrs. Lacey. Emily has learned to keep going even when others tell you you can't. Emily has felt unconditional love and support. Emily has learned far more than turns and kicks and steps. Emily has learned by example lessons that are priceless. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oXsrE80LbmA/U3JevPvterI/AAAAAAAAFUo/KWPINgs8zN8/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oXsrE80LbmA/U3JevPvterI/AAAAAAAAFUo/KWPINgs8zN8/s1600/photo.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily with Mrs. Lacey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-44083611262352278622014-04-21T21:28:00.000-06:002014-04-21T21:48:14.496-06:00#Because of HimFor Easter, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints put together a social media campaign with the hashtag <a href="http://easter.mormon.org/" target="_blank">BecauseofHim</a>. The focal point was a video depicting the mission of our Savior Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/_S3TI4bYerU/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/_S3TI4bYerU&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/_S3TI4bYerU&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
No matter how many times I watched this, it brought tears to my eyes and I felt the truth of the message in my heart.<br />
<br />
As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we were asked to share this video through social media outlets with our friends and to share our testimony of the Savior and of His Atonement as part of our Easter celebration.<br />
<br />
I thought of the lonely path that Jesus had to walk as He completed His earthly mission. There was no other that could complete the task set before Him by our Heavenly Father. Even as He suffered agony beyond anything that we as mortals can imagine, Christ did not turn away because He loves you and He loves me.<br />
<br />
Because of His sacrifice, I will never be alone. Because of His sacrifice I will be resurrected. Because of the unconditional love He had for me, even though I am not perfect, I can repent of my sins and be forgiven. Because of Him the path has been marked and the way shown for me to become a better person. Because of Him, I will be able to be with those I love for eternity. Because of Him, death is not the end, but only a transition - a stepping stone on the path of eternal progression.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
All these things I know to be true. When I think of eternity, I think of being with my family. As I have done my genealogy, I look forward to meeting my ancestors and rejoicing with them as we are united and share in the joy of that reunion. Today, I gained a new perspective.<br />
<br />
When I was a young girl, probably about 10 years old, my parents hosted a couple of men who were coaches of a basketball team from Australia. The team had traveled to the United States to compete with various high schools and Ogden High had been one of those selected. All I really remember is that my parents were asked to house the coaches of the team during its stay in Ogden. <br />
<br />
I can remember thinking how tall these men were and how much I loved listening to them speak. When they left, they gave my parents a photo calendar of Australia with their home addresses inside. For almost ten years, that calendar sat in my parents' bookcase until I went to Ricks College. While there, I had two family home evening brothers who were called to serve LDS missions in Melbourne Australia. My mom suggested that I give them the addresses of these two men and see if they could find them. What resulted was a 25+ year correspondence between myself and the wife of one of these men.<br />
<br />
While we never met, we would through annual and semi-annual correspondence share goals, struggles, joys and faith. Jenny would often write of their desire to come to the States to visit and how Dale fondly spoke of his time there with the basketball team. He remembered me as that shy little girl. Unfortunately, Dale had MS and the progression of the disease took a toll not only on his health, but on their finances as well. So instead we exchanged cards, words and pictures and talked of time when we may be able to meet. <br />
<br />
I had harbored hope that one of my children would serve an LDS mission in their area and be able to knock on their door. I imagined the look of surprise and joy when Jenny opened the door and saw this boy she had watched grow up through pictures standing on her doorstep. How awesome that scene would have been. But unfortunately it was not to be as each of my boys was called to serve somewhere else.<br />
<br />
This year as always, I sent off my Christmas card and letter, but I never received one in return. I began to wonder what had happened. I knew Dale had been sick. I knew the couple had been struggling. As the time went by and I did not hear anything, but my package did not come back, I thought to look for them on social media. An internet search returned the following simple words:<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">SHEEHAN (nee Shaw), Jenny Beatrice. Passed away suddenly at home. Loved wife of Dale, eldest daughter of the late Reuben and Myrtle Shaw, dear sister of Ann, Gwen, Robin (dec), Sally, Trixie, Jim and Ian. Your long struggle is over. Rest now. Friends welcome to graveside service, Thursday October 3, 2013.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #45818e;"><br /></span></i>
How final these words were to all the earthly dreams that I had of meeting this wonderful woman who has been a part of my life for so long. But then I thought of the last week and the message that had been so strong:<br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Jesus is the Son of God, our Savior and Redeemer. Because of Him, death is not the end, and life takes on new meaning. We can change, we can start over—and we can live again with God. This Easter, celebrate His life and discover all that’s possible because of Him.</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><b><br /></b></span>
Because of Him, death is not the end. It is a transition. Jenny has stepped from this mortal existence to a place of peace to wait for the resurrection. Now I will look forward to the day when we will see each other there. How great will be our joy Because of Him.<br />
<br />
To read more, click <a href="http://easter.mormon.org/" target="_blank">here #BecauseofHim</a> .MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-8367654521715699072014-03-20T23:32:00.000-06:002014-03-20T23:38:41.238-06:00Where are they now?How many times do I look at those celebrity "Where are they now?' articles online? Or in supermarket tabloids? Probably more often than I would like to admit. I often wonder what it is about human beings that drives our curiosity to such lengths that a whole profession has been generated in trying to satiate our need to feel "in the know".<br />
<br />
To me that is part of the appeal of Facebook. After a day at work, I can come home, kick my feet up and "stalk" my friends virtually. Sometimes I comment or "Like" a post or picture, other times I just scroll down my Newsfeed catching up on what is going on with everyone else.<br />
<br />
Here are a few of the things that happened to my friends this week:<br />
1. Friend competed in a contest to name a helicopter and his suggestion won. He receives a free trip over Zion Canyon in newly named helicopter.<br />
2. Friend's son married his long-time girlfriend by proxy since they are currently serving in the military in two separate countries.<br />
3. My son's friend from elementary school just had a baby girl.<br />
4. Friend was able to meet his favorite author who is also his inspiration for starting his own writing career.<br />
5. One friend posted pictures of skiing in Alaska, while another shared photos of a work meeting at Lake Tahoe. (No skiing involved there due to no snow.)<br />
<br />
I gathered information about what people had for dinner, (KFC, Chinese, chicken nuggets, mac and cheese), who attended the political caucuses and what they did there, saw cute photos of friend's pets and children, found some great ideas for foods to make, participated in the This is Madness tournament and found a few inspiring quotes that brightened my day.<br />
<br />
I also learned that a friend from school lost his brother in a car accident, while my cousin's daughter was injured in a different accident, but is now home recovering. Through Facebook I learned of a homicide near my home that has shook the foundation of our community. And in these tragedies I found hope as I saw individuals reach out to offer support and encouragement to one another. My cousin appropriately described Facebook as "Insta Support". My own experience has taught me that not only are individuals willing to share words in an online post, if given the opportunity they will put action behind those words.<br />
<br />
A new phenomenon I am witnessing in my online escapism is a a thing called Throwback Thursday or TBT. Friends will post pictures from who knows when, just something that holds a special memory for them. I love seeing photos of more recent acquaintances from the time before I knew them and I love seeing the photos of long-time friends and reminiscing of days gone by. <br />
<br />
Before I know it, I will be interfacing with some of those long-time friends out of the virtual world in real time as we celebrate at our 30 year high school reunion. I keep thinking that this must be a typo. No way can it have already been 30 years!! But the date on the calendar and the lines on my face seem to tell a different story. I am looking forward to celebrating with those who are there and remembering those who have left us too soon. The fact that so many of us remain so connected illustrates the deep bond we continue to have. My husband has said that he has no plans on attending his own reunion, but he would not miss mine for anything.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ackKY8wmqz8/UyvQCvApBeI/AAAAAAAAE1I/5jmxt0dfWxQ/s1600/169049_1665655212963_1584769196_1485987_1923649_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ackKY8wmqz8/UyvQCvApBeI/AAAAAAAAE1I/5jmxt0dfWxQ/s1600/169049_1665655212963_1584769196_1485987_1923649_n.jpg" height="400" width="292" /></a></div>
<br />MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-62304648417057327122014-02-20T22:27:00.001-07:002014-02-20T22:27:26.752-07:00Down to the Sea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJNlzbxBSUZWnAQsqjtmfgOIwinQx2-YR-E9HyEQBeKSQB9JoMzhCJGBCWVC6gA7t9UWcv8P_kOYau8yLgEzh-5ncAfo8p6wU77X0fHUN7B37h8ZilQV4fqEccslhPUblh6QLb8GmC7I/s1600/1238786_10200969653638655_1362489566_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJNlzbxBSUZWnAQsqjtmfgOIwinQx2-YR-E9HyEQBeKSQB9JoMzhCJGBCWVC6gA7t9UWcv8P_kOYau8yLgEzh-5ncAfo8p6wU77X0fHUN7B37h8ZilQV4fqEccslhPUblh6QLb8GmC7I/s1600/1238786_10200969653638655_1362489566_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i>Sea Fever</i></b></span></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i></i></b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">BY JOHN MASEFIELD</span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,</span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;</span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,</span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking,</span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide</span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;</span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,</span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.</span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,</span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;</span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,</span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.</span></i></b></div>
</div>
<i><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OUIl_hET--A/UwbaMLuG_fI/AAAAAAAAEno/dkVJYPWSRUI/s1600/DSCN7975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OUIl_hET--A/UwbaMLuG_fI/AAAAAAAAEno/dkVJYPWSRUI/s1600/DSCN7975.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">There is nothing I enjoy more than the feel of sand between my toes.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXXsARrk4kg9Me5mLFliiY2qMW42DrTNHPUvWZWSMebTwM9JCBy-tWG9RQ15GHdqyq-0RALvFjyGUFeBhcRqPu3DtUATwXKOTDRmzMzpwReHpc8T9a8Y_b4pl0V4WlpJHsm_J25Zw6Ck/s1600/DSCN7974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXXsARrk4kg9Me5mLFliiY2qMW42DrTNHPUvWZWSMebTwM9JCBy-tWG9RQ15GHdqyq-0RALvFjyGUFeBhcRqPu3DtUATwXKOTDRmzMzpwReHpc8T9a8Y_b4pl0V4WlpJHsm_J25Zw6Ck/s1600/DSCN7974.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> I love to listen to the crash of the waves. Their rhythmic ebb and flow soothes me.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDsTPWsMKRs/UwbanfRImGI/AAAAAAAAEnw/uFh3fXqprIQ/s1600/DSCN7979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDsTPWsMKRs/UwbanfRImGI/AAAAAAAAEnw/uFh3fXqprIQ/s1600/DSCN7979.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">When my soul is troubled; sand, water and sky bring peace. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Time along the river's edge or the shore of a lake is a temporary fix.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HRItvoB-Hfc/Uwbaueau_OI/AAAAAAAAEoI/4hOXobytkpI/s1600/DSCN7980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HRItvoB-Hfc/Uwbaueau_OI/AAAAAAAAEoI/4hOXobytkpI/s1600/DSCN7980.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">I feel myself drawn to the sea. It is a physical pull.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQz0jow73M0/UwbawDBh3hI/AAAAAAAAEoQ/CfdTem6yp-s/s1600/DSCN7981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQz0jow73M0/UwbawDBh3hI/AAAAAAAAEoQ/CfdTem6yp-s/s1600/DSCN7981.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">It fills my senses with smells, sounds, sights, tastes, and textures. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="text-align: start;">There is nothing that can compare. </span>My spirit is revived, my heart feels lighter.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_63zyHFjccg/UwbatUdsrLI/AAAAAAAAEoA/ap6UrcZyEIs/s1600/1900108_10200969667919012_479811758_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_63zyHFjccg/UwbatUdsrLI/AAAAAAAAEoA/ap6UrcZyEIs/s1600/1900108_10200969667919012_479811758_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-79388533778625343572014-02-14T23:44:00.000-07:002014-02-14T23:57:10.033-07:00Remember when....<i><span style="color: #38761d;">“Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to just be people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old time rail journey…delays…sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling burst of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.” ― Gordon B. Hinckley</span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
Romance in the air at work today led to the sharing of marriage proposal stories. I loved how each story reflected the personality of the individual sharing. I thought back to my own marriage proposal. I wrote about that proposal previously<a href="http://westofzion.blogspot.com/2010/06/twenty-two-years-ago-i-married-man-most.html" target="_blank"> HERE</a>.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/TTA2buWlNyM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Today I thought about the years since that proposal. Life has not always been perfect. We have definitely had our ups and downs. There was even a point where we had decided to throw in the towel, but what I know is that I sure love this man and I am glad we have been able to spend 27 Valentine's Days together.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzn2nxK_WaZw6crbPvLntywduJHYjqc2o3VhU1fmCwmZE3F0hv17tcEbIEyEjGPqo5rl7WA-QAzRMly8QBbTelrUav5OxpoWSMBKxwhpsBwLV7NhjVtgcOcJJtkZHUvMNg-CuUTqD42pc/s1600/2014-02-08+10.29.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzn2nxK_WaZw6crbPvLntywduJHYjqc2o3VhU1fmCwmZE3F0hv17tcEbIEyEjGPqo5rl7WA-QAzRMly8QBbTelrUav5OxpoWSMBKxwhpsBwLV7NhjVtgcOcJJtkZHUvMNg-CuUTqD42pc/s1600/2014-02-08+10.29.14.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last weekend we celebrated by taking a "stay-cation" and went to Zion National Park staying in the Zion Park Lodge. In the morning, we went for a walk together along the Riverwalk Trail before heading home. Each time we walk that trail, I discover something new. This trip was no different. In addition to the heron perched on rock in the middle of the river, I learned that I still really like this man I married. Even all these years later we still have plenty to talk about, even without the children for entertainment purposes. Yep, I still really like him and better yet, he seems to like me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Valentine's Day started off with craziness as I hurried to get out the door to the doctor, Emily was rehearsing her presentation for the History Fair, Wil was in a rush to catch his ride to school and Lela and Jon just tried to stay out of the way. As always, when things get crazy, Rick has my back and stepped up to help Emily rehearse, get dressed and haul presentation, computer, Valentine's, etc. to school. He helped her find where she needed to be and provided me with an update so I didn't have to worry. I see his example in our children as Jon came to the rescue to help with Emily's class party. Rick has taught by example the importance of teamwork and stepping up to help and support one another.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Recently we met with our stake president (the ecclesiastical leader of multiple LDS congregations). One of the first questions he asked was about the status of our marriage. I waited for Rick to respond and in his normal understated way, he declared our marriage to be fine. Later after much poking by me, he amended that description to be "very fine". Yep, he doesn't want to be too enthusiastic. Got to appreciate the understated steadiness of his devotion.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So while I may not have received flowers or chocolate that I did not order/purchase myself today, I have the best gift of all - an eternal Valentine who is dependable, steady and loves me and whom I am still head over heels in love with and enjoy spending every possible moment with.</div>
MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-85846394503652771222014-02-06T23:26:00.001-07:002014-02-07T08:44:08.834-07:00The Big PictureFor about fifteen years I have been cycling through periods of feeling normal contrasted with times where I have experienced episodes of severe stiffness and swollen joints. There was a time that I was determined to learn what was causing the symptoms. Many tests were done, but no conclusions were reached. What I did learn was that if I got enough rest, kept my stress under control by finding ways to relax, and watched my diet, I could maintain the periods of normal and minimize the periods of discomfort. I decided I was tired of being a pincushion and feeling like maybe I was just crazy and so I stopped bugging the docs and just did what worked for me. I will also admit to surfing the internet and reading about different conditions and applying the advice found for what most seemed to fit in my "symptoms".<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My plan seemed to work, as I was able to give birth to two beautiful little girls, keep up with teenagers and toddlers all at the same time while being employed full-time and keeping a house going. A lot of credit for my continued health during this time goes to my most amazing husband. He really is my rock, the love of my life, my biggest supporter and most importantly my best friend. But age and stress seem to have caught up to me and the episodes of discomfort occur more frequently and last longer. Looking at what was going on, my sweetheart and I decided it was time to once again seek the opinion of a professional. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As we sat in the doctor's office this week listening to his recitation of the results of a multitude of tests that had been run, we once again experienced the feeling of defeat as the result of each individual test was negative. This is good news he kept saying. It didn't feel that way to us. I watched Rick's face reflect my own feelings of frustration. Finally the doctor ended his list of what the tests said wasn't wrong with what he felt was causing all the discomfort. At first I was taken aback, because hadn't he already told us that the specific tests were negative. We asked for clarification. This is what I learned: although the specific tests that most usually would indicate the conclusion were negative, when he reviewed my <b><u>overall</u> </b>history, including things that I had never payed attention to before, he noticed a pattern and that pattern left him 100% certain of his diagnosis. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now I get to say again how much I love Rick. He is not afraid to kick me in the butt when necessary. After leaving the doctor, I was depressed. I knew what the doctor's words meant. I just knew my life was going to change. How was I going to do deal with this latest development in life? Rick exercised great restraint in not rolling his eyes or laughing out loud at my ridiculousness. He did give me time to process the new label in my own way, but he would not let me wallow in self-pity. I won't say that I didn't try though. What difference did a label make he asked. You have been living with this for fifteen years. Be glad you now have a name to place on it and because of the name, there is a way to move forward. We have gone through hard times before and done just fine. A name doesn't make this hard, and if down the road it does get hard, we will get through it together just like everything else. Yep, Rick too looked at the big picture.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So here I sit three days later. I have done a lot of reflecting on the discussion Rick and I had. I have refocused from the minutia to the big picture. I have thought back most specifically on the last year and what a year it has been. On any stress test, our family would have scored quite high. Yet here we are still together, still laughing, still with goals and looking forward to the good times ahead. We still have our faith and testimony in a loving Heavenly Father and His Son, our Brother, Jesus Christ. In fact that testimony has grown for all of us as we have had a front row seat to witness His tender mercies. We are still happy and full of joy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At work we were having a discussion on the power of the brain. The brain is an amazing organ. As human beings, we use a very small part of its capacity. It is also a part of our body that we can continually change or reprogram. Studies have shown that where an individual places their focus will literally develop pathways or connections in the brain tissue. As a result, an individual can lead themselves to dark places in thought that are hard to escape. Yet there are other individuals that experience similar trauma that have found a resiliency that allows them to move forward and upward with their lives. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A human beings, when we get so caught up in the details, we lose sight of our reality. We can become so focused on a small point that we lose sight of the big picture. On a trip to Chicago, Rick and I visited The Art Institute of Chicago where I was able to view one of my favorite paintings: <i>A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat</i>. This painting is an enormous seven feet by ten feet. In the gallery there is a bench directly in front of the exhibit where you can sit and gaze upon its magnificence. For those who may not know about this masterpiece, it was done in a technique called pointillism which is the application of uniform size dots instead of brushstrokes. I had viewed images in textbooks and on postcards. I had studied the technique of pointillism. But while we sat there and took in the detail of the master's hand, I found myself lost in the individual dots to the point of losing the image and only seeing chaos. It was when I took a step back and refocused my perspective that I once again could truly enjoy the view.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTU1QXXc3d8/UvR4BjcyqHI/AAAAAAAAEcg/E9dkhbl_qAo/s1600/800px-A_Sunday_on_La_Grande_Jatte,_Georges_Seurat,_1884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTU1QXXc3d8/UvR4BjcyqHI/AAAAAAAAEcg/E9dkhbl_qAo/s1600/800px-A_Sunday_on_La_Grande_Jatte,_Georges_Seurat,_1884.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is who I want to be. I do not want any label to define me. I will continue to work to keep my life in balance, not ignoring or rejecting this newest label, but accepting and incorporating it into the bigger picture that is my life. I have been too blessed to let one thing define who I am or what I can still accomplish. Yes, there may be limitations, but having a diagnosis also provides me with better options for treatment and a professional to guide and advise me in those decisions. I was looking back to something Rick said shortly after our home had been destroyed: "Our life before was great, we couldn't imagine it being better. Right now life is good, but it will be great again." That is my big picture - I have a great life.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To learn more about lupus, click <a href="http://www.lupus.org/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7764173925294758251.post-10120253309937695712014-01-27T21:22:00.003-07:002014-01-27T21:22:49.696-07:00Too Many Good ChoicesI really hate it when you have to choose between two good things - or many good things. These are the times that I wish I could be like Michael Keaton in Multiplicity and find a way to be everywhere at once so I didn't feel like I was letting someone (everyone) down. It is easy when the choice is between good and bad or something you like and something you don't like, but dang it is hard when you are forced to choose between things you really do like.<br />
<br />
That is what happened to me this last week. I really love scrapbooking and my amazing friend puts on a full-out super scrapbooking retreat each January. I love to get together with the women I see there every year. Especially because this is usually the only time I get to see some of them all year. But this year as the date grew closer and along with it the time to commit, family circumstances led me to believe that I needed to be home. I was able to have a mini-getaway the end of October with one of the ladies in the group who also would be unable to attend in January. And yes, we did have a lot of fun! And yes, I was able to get quite a bit accomplished! And yes, it was great to have the break and I would do it again! But this weekend as I watched the posts on Facebook from the other women in the group as they enjoyed their weekend, I felt a little sad.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, I got to spend an amazing evening with my sweetheart. I got to spend one more weekend with Jon - these are hopefully few in number before he returns to California. I got to say goodbye to one of the students at school as they discharged. I got to spend a Saturday afternoon with Wil running errands and having lunch. I got to watch my husband sit on the stand for the first time as the first counselor in our LDS bishopric and try to manage the raising and lowering of the microphone. (Yes, I got a good chuckle.) All in all it was a good weekend, full of positive activities. It was great to kick back and relax and build my familial relationships.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I think we get so caught up in the idea of right or wrong when making choices that we cannot make a choice; we become timorous. I have found that after analyzing the pros and cons of the options placed before me, if I "trust my gut" I do not regret my choice. There is freedom in knowing that you have taken action; a sense of empowerment for lack of a better term.<br />
<br />
Two of my favorite quotes:<br />
<br />
<i>In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.</i><br />
<i>Theodore Roosevelt </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward.</i><br />
<i>Amelia Earhart </i><br />
<br />MrsWixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16225798308470720152noreply@blogger.com3