Counting Blessings

Thanksgiving was wonderful as 70+ of us gathered together at my brothers' new building complex. Beautiful buildings and apartments and the clubhouse was the perfect size. We missed Steve, Kellie and their little family, Jeremy and his family, and Dany with hubby. It was so fun to have almost everyone - wow, what an accomplishment for a family this size and distance! Anthony took pic's - all but Jared's, I was told he would hurt Anthony so "I" took the picture =P, psh you'll learn. You get to see my ugly flat hair, it had an under curl when I first arrived but this was quick before people skedaddled. (=0 a Gpa Terry word!)

Pondering today in church, knew I needed to be there as I have been struggling to learn how to deal with other people's free agency and the affect it has on me. Obviously this is something I REALLY need to learn as it keeps cropping up - UGH. I learned today that I just need to keep reminding myself that no matter how it seems, I do not know their heart or circumstance and if it is to be, the Lord will bless it. Not easy at times watching a child but a needful lesson for me. I also learned to watch what I say on here - LOL. I mentioned a couple of posts earlier that I don't know how to deal with teenagers anymore - pfft. SO, I now no longer teach the Marriage and Family Relations Class in Sunday School - I teach the 12 & 13 yr olds. >.< They rattled off the class and I knew immediately why I was called - all my old trouble scouts - YAY Memories! (hehe love that commercial)

What is Thanksgiving to me really?

We all pass around the emails of friendship and love and of those we don't want to lose this year. Without the email have you really TOLD them that? Welcome to my Thanksgiving. It will never mean the same to me or my family.

Ten yrs ago, Thanksgiving meant an early morning phone call that I knew was coming but didn't want to face. A call from a heart-wrenched sister, having watched our mom collapse in a heap in the hospital hall as they heard the news that they were too late and Dad was gone. A call that shocked me because I hadn't wanted to believe that the impression I received the day before had come true. Thankful for that impression so that I could be there for my mom and continue in a dazed shock. Thankful that in-laws were actually at my house to be with my kids while I went to the hospital for the day to be with my family. Thankful for a father who lived a long and full life and who was now out of the immense pain he'd been suffering. Thankful I didn't have to go through it alone.

Thankful that there is a grave in Salt Lake that I faithfully took my mother to visit, but that I can't bear to visit anymore. Thankful that my parents know that and that I can feel them with me without the need for a physical monument. Thankful for wonderful neighbors, supportive friends - past, present, and waffling - and for family far and near. Grateful for a warm bed, modern convienences, money to buy them and jobs that bless me with that money. Thankful for home and family, fights and all. Grateful to Christ for his sacrifice for me and what his gospel means in my life and when I let it, the peace it brings. Grateful that I still live in a country that is FREE and that there are those who are still willing to fight for that freedom, bless you.

Weird as it may be.... Grateful I guess to be ME. With all my pity and woe is me's, I would rather be me than any other that I see. Life is hard enough with my own problems, I don't need anyone else's, but I'll glady and gratefully help carry their burden to lighten my own.

6 Quirks

Ok, sorry boo, didn't see this when I was supposed to >_<, better late than never. So, I'm supposed to say 6 things about me that are quirky that people may not know. Interesting....
1. I rock out to opera in my van. I seriously crank up Charlotte Church and sing along and won't get out til the song ends.
2. I'm still afraid at night, but when my kids get up I have to act brave to calm them down while I than sit and stew. ><
3. I am a HORRIBLE arachnaphobic! If spiders are anywhere within 2 ft of me I get the heebie geebies, itchies all over and can't calm down. If I'm eating, I can't finish my food.
4. On cold winter nights, I still sleep with my covers over my head. Sounds good for warmth but read #2. Lol.
5. I disect snickers bars. I nibble all the chocolate off the outside, than eat it layer by layer.
6. I LOVE peanut butter and fresh tomato sandwiches! (w/ salt & pepper) Nothing better except pb & banana =]

DUCK OR EAGLE?
No one can make you serve customers well. That's because great service is a choice.
Harvey Mackay, tells a wonderful story about a cab driver that proved this point.

He was waiting in line for a ride at the airport. When a cab pulled up, the first thing Harvey noticed was that the taxi was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed in a white shirt,
black tie, and freshly pressed black slacks, the cab driver jumped out and rounded the car to open the back passenger door for Harvey .

He handed my friend a laminated card and said: 'I'm Wally, your driver. While I'm loading
your bags in the trunk I'd like you to read my mission statement.' Taken aback, Harvey read the card. It said: Wally's Mission Statement: To get my customers to their destination in the quickest, safest and cheapest way possible in a friendly environment.

This blew Harvey away. Especially when he noticed that the inside of the cab matched the outside. Spotlessly clean! As he slid behind the wheel, Wally said, 'Would you like a cup of coffee? I have a thermos of regular and one of decaf.' My friend said jokingly, 'No, I'd prefer a soft drink.'
Wally smiled and said, 'No problem. I have a cooler up front with regular and Diet
Coke, water and orange juice.' Almost stuttering, Harvey said, 'I'll take a Diet Coke.'

Handing him his drink, Wally said, 'If you'd like something to read, I have The Wall Street
Journal, Time, Sports Illustrated and USA Today.' As they were pulling away, Wally handed my friend another laminated card, 'These are the stations I get and the music they play, if you'd like to listen to the radio.' And as if that weren't enough, Wally told Harvey that he had the air conditioning on and asked if the temperature was comfortable for him.

Then he advised Harvey of the best route to his destination for that time of day. He also let him know that he'd be happy to chat and tell him about some of the sights or, if Harvey preferred, to leave him with his own thoughts. 'Tell me, Wally,' my amazed friend asked the driver, 'have you always served customers like this?' Wally smiled into the rear view mirror. 'No, not always. In fact, it's only been in the last two years. My first five years driving, I spent most of my time complaining like all the rest of the cabbies do. Then I heard the personal growth guru, Wayne
Dyer, on the radio one day.

He had just written a book called You'll See It When You BelieveIt . Dyer said that if you get up in the morning expecting to have a bad day, you'll rarely disappoint yourself. He said, 'Stop complaining! Differentiate yourself from your competition. Don 't be a duck. Be an eagle. Ducks quack and complain. Eagles soar above the crowd.''

'That hit me right between the eyes,' said Wally. 'Dyer was really talking about me. I was always quacking and complaining, so I decided to change my attitude and become an eagle. I looked around at the other cabs and their drivers.. The cabs were dirty, the drivers
were unfriendly, and the customers were unhappy. So I decided to make some changes. I put in a few at a time. When my customers responded well, I did more.' 'I take it that has paid off for you,' Harvey said. 'It sure has,' Wally replied. 'My first year as an eagle, I doubled my income from the previous year. This year I'll probably quadruple it. You were lucky to get me today. I don't sit at cabstands anymore. My customers call me for appointments on my cell phone or leave a message on my answering machine. If I can't pick them up myself, I get a reliable cabbie friend to do it and I take a piece of the action.'

Wally was phenomenal. He was running a limo service out of a Yellow Cab. I've probably told that story to more than fifty cab drivers over the years, and only two took the idea and ran with it. Whenever I go to their cities, I give them a call. The rest of the drivers quacked like ducks and told me all the reasons they couldn't do any of what I was suggesting. Wally the Cab Driver made a different choice. He decided to stop quacking like ducks and start soaring like eagles.

How about us?
Smile, and the whole world smiles with you... Peace, Love, and Happiness!

Happy Holidays

Taking a step back . . . . ..

I must confess that the world around you seems clearer and easier to understand once you've calmed down, taken a step back, and reassessed the situation. My last blog was me in pain over things that a friend had said to me, that I didn't understand. They sounded hurtful and my body soaked up all the pain it could. Yesterday, I took the chance to look over the messages again, asked a couple of other friends some direct questions so that I could than refocus and my chat with my friend is suddenly different. My friend was telling me something about their pain and frustration and because it dealt with me directly, I couldn't make sense and understand. I hope I do now. I am grateful that I didn't make "emotional" decisions at the time and hope the same is on the other end.

From comments on my blog, to IM messages with friends/pirates, to teaching my Marriage & Family Relations class, I've come to realize that it isn't just men and women that think differently. Everyone looks at things in their own particular way - that's why we disagree. We give clues to what we are saying, but just don't come out and say it - expecting people to read our minds and know what we are trying to say. I admit, it's a weakness of mine, Dean gets after me all the time about it. However, with that knowledge, (some people call it overkill) I am trying to learn.

Unless you were the cheerleader or popular jock, most kids don't have a great time in Jr High or High School. I was one that didn't. Mixed signals from everyone, also trying to figure out life, left me usually alone, frustrated, angry and assuming. Life got no better as a single adult. With a close relationship to each of my Single Adult Ward Bishops, I received many "clarifying" blessings, most to deal with myself and if I was even where I was supposed to be in life. My eyes were opened a couple of times when 1st one bishop asked who I was dating - no one - when he sat back with eyes wide open and said, "You have to accept them!". I just laughed - well, you know I would if they asked. He was once again shocked, telling me that several of the YM in the ward had expressed interest in me to him. Ok, well telling the bishop doesn't tell me who you are or getcha a date =P. The 2nd time was at Dean & I's 2nd reception, an open house in Oregon. I met the parents of a guy I met Dean through, a mutual friend in the Single's Ward. Blew Dean and myself away to find out that Dean "stole" me from him. Oh? interesting. He never even mentioned he liked me that way or asked for a date..... peculiar.

Once hitting Jr High, I grew up with the popular guy calling me a dog, hmm changed his tune in 9th grade when he wanted to cheat off me =P, sharing a bathroom with an anorexic sister that compared herself to me each day (yeah, I lost), and than having the guys in school who worshiped her tell me that I was "almost as cute as my sister" - lol that one didn't score any points. I don't relate any of this for you to say, boo hoo poor you, rofl, it is in the past. However, I do relate it to show how the things we hear or see each day, help to shape our self image. Helps to shape us into the people we become later in life. Senior yr in HS, I found my self esteem. All it took was a field trip to Washington DC, meeting kids from Puerto Rico, Chicago, and Detroit. As the guys on the trip from my home town treated me like crap - the guys from elsewhere, did not. Wow, what an eye opener.

This is long, lol, maybe I shoulda put it on the book =]. Point being, (I'm gonna mix a bunch of stuff from previous posts) you should never "choose" to let someone else decide who you're going to be. Surround yourself with people who encourage you, uplift, make you feel like your important and bring out the best in you. If others want to tear us down to make themselves look better, we cannot control that. But we CAN control how we choose to deal with it. Yep, sounds great, now to just put it into practice. =P.

What an idiot.....

so maybe I shouldn't be putting this one on my blog but writing it out somewhere but I did that a couple of days ago and it made my hand hurt =p. Therefore, skip this post - it's just gonna be ramblings and me trying to make sense of my current world.

I have a wonderful husband and kids whom I love very much. I have great friends and neighbors who I also love. The problem? I guess I just don't know how to deal with teenagers anymore. I used to be quite good at it and now it seems I cause more problems by being in their life than helping. I help too much? I love too much? Kinda makes it hard to enjoy one of my blessings (to know the needs of others) when its rejected or becomes cumbersom because I get too involved. My children say that all the time, guess I should be listening to them more often.

So back to my debate with myself before I lose anymore friends. And I've said it before, where do I find the line, to keep my emotions in check and choose not to let other people's decisions affect me? It's a lesson I've been trying to learn all my life.... anybody got an answer?

A season for Thanksgiving

So three very good talks in sacrament meeting yesterday. How true it is that we should be ashamed that we wait to be reminded by the calendar to give thanks. We should always be grateful, not just for our blessings, but the people in our lives and we should tell them OFTEN, not just once a year. So, this post is to express to those I love, those that have touched my life, those that have left it, and all the wonderful big and small blessings I receive each moment of each day.

Thank You

Mrs Zouleck (7th, 8th Grade) Ms Whicker(HS) Mr Greenhalgh(HS)... Wonderful school teachers who I still remember 20+ yrs later, for they truely inspired me.
Mr Hull Mrs Palmer Ms Gardner Mrs Cook Mr Welch Mr Nolan Mrs Cox Mr Lether Mrs Neilson Mr Earl.... more wonderful teachers that touch my childrens life, yesterday, today and in the future.
Curtis Dalton, Cameron Crabbe, Bud Keeler, Ron Haycock Sr, Phil Dalton, Brian Dalton, Tonya Madill, Marilyn Mulvey, Monica Clemens.... Wonderful dedicated men and women in the scouting program that have helped mold and strengthen my boys.
Tyson and Will, Lorna and Reed, Pat and Norm, Tonya and Dan, Eileen and Kathryn, Dave and Debbie, Deb and Todd, Sam and Wilma, Shar and Warren, Gaia and Stan, Joy and Robert, Becky and Dan...... Exceptional neighbors that have made it so easy to stay in our house for over 10 yrs, we have the best cul-de-sac ever.
Rolene, Jenny, and Shanna....my young womens leaders who didn't choose favorites and truely loved and helped me through teenage years.
Vaughn LeGrand and Peggy Sue....my parents who raised me with a tough but gentle hand and helped mold me into the person I am today.
James and Judy, Steve and Kellie, John and Mikey, Susan and Lyman, Mimi and Bruce, Reba, Denise and Mark.....my brothers and sisters and their spouses. I'm blessed to have a family that is close knit and still keep tabs on each other.
Eledice, Corry and Jolene,Deb and Herb, Dan and Linda, Dianna and Bob, Darran and Sharon....I'm blessed to be included in a wonderful family.
Gretag, Zonkers, Sarahjane, Smats, Sworder, Bobbyorr, Mindylou, Malick, Antax, Innsomniac, Dianimal, Lonesome, Shotzgun.....pirates I gotten to know and have befriended in my year+ on Yoho Puzzle Pirates. They've helped a depression lessen and filled lonely moments with laughter, and given me GREAT tips on puzzles. =]
Brandon, Heather, Stephanie, Becky, Tyler, Miranda, Justin, Pat and Molly....friends. Some still here, some infrequent, some have moved or vanished, all still a part of my heart and life.
Anthony, Benjamin, and Olivia....my wonderful children who try so hard and though they make mistakes, are wonderful and good kids.
My eyes, ears, mouth, nose, fingers, legs, aches and pains.....to see the blessings of the beautiful world and people around me, to smell delicious plants, rain and food, to taste- a kiss and wonderful food- to speak and to be heard, to hear my children, the birds and the silence, to be able to work, to feel the textures and pleasures of life, to move and express myself in dance, and to know that I'm alive for if I wasn't I would have no pain.
Dean....my eternal companion and love, my helpmeet and better half. The man who knows me, tries to understand, helps, comforts and endures. I love you.
My Savior, Jesus Christ...for he gave his life for me that I may be forgiven of the horrible things I do, may have eternal life to share with my family, and blesses me more than I deserve each day.

♫Because I have been given much I to must give, because of thy great bounty Lord each day I live, I shall divide my gifts from thee, with every brother that I see, who has the need of help from me. Because I have been blesssed by thy great love, dear Lord, I'll share that love again according to thy word. I shall give love to those in need, I'll show that love by word and deed, thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.♫ Hymn 217
♫ When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost, count your many blessings name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done. So amid the conflict whether great or small, do not be discouraged God is over all. Count your many blessings angels will attend, help and comfort give you to your journey's end. Count your blessings name them one by one, Count your blessings see what God hath done.♫
Happy Thanksgiving

Found this poem....

So I was cleaning out my church bag tonight, while getting ready for my lesson tomorrow. I found a poem I had written during sacrament meeting, when what someone said while giving a talk, had touched me. I think it's kinda fitting for the world today and shares a little bit of my testimony.

Peace
In times of worldly turmoil, on every side I see;
distress and chaos and sorrow, from sea to shining sea.

How than as we look around us, peace nowhere to be found;
can we now refind the solace, that once was all around.

In days of sin and darkness, where hope seems to be lost;
how grateful I am for my Savior, his life and his ultimate cost.

For in the shadow of darkness, there glows a shimmering light;
a beacon through troubled waters, to guide me through the night.

I gather my loved ones about me, trying to shelter from sorrow and sin;
yet unlike days of old, not all are bold, their free agency won't let me in.

I gather the light around me, searching for peace once more;
accepting the peace and sweet release, of the one who has gone before.

kzenger 10/12/08

I know we AREN'T Perfect yet..... but

Why aren't there things we can understand? When going through "blessings" in life, (we will turn it around since most trials turn into blessings)why can't we understand what we are supposed to learn? That is the point of the lesson right? Hmm, I obviously, seriously need to work on patience. Some trials I understand later why and they are very beneficial, others I just shake my head and wonder, especially when its a trial from another person that affects you. When its that, is it really a trial? or is it repercussions of free will?

Love this quote I found "We cannot live for ourselves, a thousand tny fibers connect us with our fellow men." Also, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle. Plato". It is sooooooooo hard sometimes to not let what is happening in our own lives not affect others. Difficult to understand how one little word or action can kill a relationship whether it's intentions were meant to or not.

Life and love (in all forms) are so fragile. Why do we abuse them? take them for granted? be afraid of the emotions that others cause in us? Do not all of us want to be loved? I believe yes, I've never met anyone that could say no to that question. It's part of human nature, it what makes us human. =] Maybe we should ALL try to be a little more human around other humans?

Are we REQUIRED to get OLD?

I can understand having to be mature when your a parent, I mean your the parent, someone has to be. But why do we have to get old mentally? When did it become prerequiste that we forget what it was like to be teenagers, what its like to play as a child, what it's like to be newlyweds?

My kids friends talk to me and I have young friends online. . . why does it have to be that there is such an age gap? Shouldn't we all just get along and accept each other who we are no matter the age or circumstance? I hate it when I'm put back in my place as the "old" friend, the mom, or the conscience - why can't I just be a friend? Lol prolly because I act to much like the list above, shame on me.

Where do we draw the lines in life? Why is everything black and white? Why does it have to be young or old? Why prideful or humble? Enemy or Friend to my kids? Friends or nothing to supposed friends? I do love you or I lied? Accepting yourself or not? and why can't I find the happy medium inbetween? Not everything has to be black and white, many things if placed in that category lead you to self destruction or pity. How do we keep that day when all seems right in life with everything and everyone? Hmm, I hope one day we all can find the answers, I think world would be a much better place.

♫Do dah do... la la la ♫

=] Hey, notice the time? It's not 2am, ok it is 12:30 but that's better! Went to the doctor today because of my insomnia, not going to bed until 5am kinda drew the limit. While he was there he listened to my lovely little "wheezy" sound when I exert, laugh, or try to sleep. Therefore, I came home with an antibiotic cuz my "cold" is no longer a cold it is now an infection sinus & lung =P, a new anti-depressant sleeping pill, and got my inhaler refilled (so I don't have to listen to the "wheeze"). SO, forgot and took a WHOLE pill (was supposed to start with 1/2 - oops, what can I say, I'm TIRED!)at 9:00 tonight and here I am - AWAKE! Hmm, I'm supposed to play around with it, times and dosage and go back in 3 weeks; hopefully sleeping. *Cross your fingers =]*
All of you know I'm "weird" or "strange", I wear that badge with honor thank you! LOL. Haven't we been told we are to be a "unique" people? He he he (yes I get more strange the more tired =P deal with it) Anyways, I listen to Christmas music - WHENEVER I want to. I have a playlist on my computer. Three radio stations in Utah started last year playing Christmas songs on Nov 1st. WAHOO! (for me that is) Yes, it seems that Christmas comes earlier and earlier each year. Yes for those of you who have to put up all the christmas and sell the christmas - you are SICK of it already. BUT when you get home, have a chance to unwind, relax, isn't it wonderful to just sit and listen to the beautiful songs with the powerful words that bring back great childhood memories? Or even memories you've created with your own children?
Growing up I remember that my dad wouldn't let us TOUCH a Christmas record (yes, I said RECORD)until the day AFTER Thanksgiving. I've kept my mom's tradition that as the "mom" I don't have to cook on Christmas day =], my day off too. So we have a BIG Christmas Eve dinner and than eat leftovers, presents, and stocking stuff all day - it's great! No dishes either! There was one tradition my mom kept up after we'd all grown up and moved away. I would always, up until she died, find a present or two from Santa for me and one for Dean, under my tree. She would mix it in with other presents she was delivering but it would find it's way there. Santa never forgot me, what a wonderful spirit of Christmas, I want to do that with my children after they leave. We've kept up with my father's tradition of dropping of an anonymous sub-for-santa box of goodies to a less-fortunate family in our neighborhood, opening 1 gift on Christmas eve and have added sharing the Christmas story from the Bible and Book of Mormon, having children play us wonderful songs on the piano, and leaving our Christmas lights on the house on all day Christmas Eve, night, and Christmas day - to symbolize the day, night, and day without night that marked the Saviors birth to those here in America.
Traditions are wonderful expressions of love passed on from generation to generation. But what I truely love about this time of year is the peace it brings to me. The happiness, the love, the kindness, and joy it brings when I am "serving" others, listening to music, baking with my kids or delivering goodies with my hubby. It's a wonderful feeling that helps calm a troubled, self incriminating soul and brings peace to the world around "me". May we all feel this peace not only now, but throughout the whole year.

Veteran's Day

Proud to be an American..... Yes, I am. My father, having served in the US Military for 25 yrs, his father before him being a Police Officer, instilled in his 8 children a love of country, citizenship, and pride. Do your best, give it your all, be proud of what you've accomplished (but not overly so), than press on.

My father retired from the military when I was 2 yrs old - the end of the Vietnam War. I never had to move as often as my siblings, but only because he was never home to get tired of somewhere that fast. We did go monthly to the Air Force Base here in Utah to grocery shop, renew ID's, regular shop, etc. I grew up loving the sight of a man in uniform. =] Their proud stance, the nobleness it entails, and the unconditional loyalty from whatever is asked of them. Yes I can hear some of you now, not all soldiers are that way - if they are true soldiers, they are and on this Veteran's day, these are the men and women we honor. The men and women who leave their families and country that they serve to live in another foreign land for untold number of months. Never sure if they will return, always hoping for peace, willing to fight for freedom, lacking the comforts of home and family, all so that I can go on my daily routine and not even have to acknowledge (if I don't want) that there is war going on or that there are people who would take away my freedom in the blink of an eye.

Our world is unsettled, in chaos, and turmoil. People fighting other people's rights, not listening to the voice of the people, much is going on. On this day, whether American, Canadian, Australian, whichever country - please take a moment of silence and offer a thanksgiving prayer for those that have fought for you, so that you didn't have to.

It's not always Perfect

Comments & Myspace layouts

Another restless night. . . . .

Ok, I tried to blog at 2:30 this morning when I was supposed to be sleeping but WASN'T again. But to prove that I WAS tired, I typed it all was proofing, clicked a button and it POOFED! Pfft. So I'm going to try to remember what I was saying cuz I think some of it was good - LOL.

My thought: How does it feel to be proven right for once? Pretty good right? Think about it, people go OUT of their way to prove you wrong, even if you are right. It's this wonderful Pride thing again. Why can't we all just be honest? How do we accomplish what the Prophet has asked us of not being contentious when dealing with our fellowman? How do we let our own pride go and give each other free will and the opportunity to fall on their own? And if we know we aren't supposed to, can we do it without causing harm or contention? I believe it's possible. When you start by being at peace with the situation and within yourself - it doesn't become about you anymore and as the scripture says "When ye are in the service of your fellowmen, ye are only in the service of your God". So the word "TIME-OUT" is very appropriate in life. Take time to step back from situations, take time to reflect, and above all take time to make peace with yourself before going into battle. Wickedness never was happiness and can't even stand to be in the same room.
I hope that's something I can strive to be.

Last Birthday Cake of the Year! WAHOO

Well, it wasn't sideways when I took it or when I uploaded it - dumb thing. If you can tell what it is, it's the bat signal - wahoo, no more for atleast another 7 months! =D Ben is excited to be 12, but he still doesn't look it. =] He won't be ordained to the Aaronic Preisthood until the 16th due to out of state family plans. Wahoo - one more Deacon! Lol, the Elders will be soooooooo happy, our ward is so tiny that we usually have twice as many Elders and Teachers as we do Deacons passing the Sacrament. His best friends birthday is in 2 months so we are trying to get there.

Amber had on her blog all these wonderful quotes, I need to get the book she has by Elder Maxwell so that I can do some major underlining. A couple that I really liked were:

As women it is expected of you to be Saviors and a regenerating force in the lives of children here on earth.

Love many things, for therein lies true strength!

Love is a VERB. Reactive people make it a feeling. Proactive people make it something they do.

Taking a Breath

Well, as with any election year, our lives are about to change. Good or bad, I just pray that we are prepared and can get this country back to what our founding father's had in mind for us.

Was blog surfing earlier and found 4 new posts to ogle, lol. A couple were great laughs - wahoo, that's always nice. A couple were great reads and very worth the time to stop by - lol, I even took NOTES! You know, I REFUSE to let Satan and idiotic people ruin this for all of us. I will control what I can but I can't control someone else's idiotic tendencies but I CAN control what happens after they make a move. So for all my wonderful family and friends who share out there with me - THANK YOU, please keep it up, it makes my day. Ouch, so much makes my day that I haven't started WORK yet! Eek - not good. However, as one who likes to write, I know the value of acting upon inspiration when it hits - I'll still get work done LONG before my body will let me get to sleep tonight =]. LOL, my poor desk planner is scribbled all over today from notes and idea's - he he - that's AWESOME!

Ohh, it's good to be reminded of things - we really too soon forget and let the world get in the way. I realize today that when I'm reminded of who I am and what I can become, my whole day changes. The pining, the heartache, the doubt and confustion are gone - they have to be, for light has replaced them and starts to ebb them back into their corners. Yeah exactly, picture one of those movies where good vs evil and the dark can't stand the light. I believe that is the greatest tool that Satan possess in these days, not one of hardship or hard work like our ancestors who had to build new lives for themselves but of self worth. They looked at our day and were thankful for theirs because ours is too difficult. And how many of us today suffer from self doubt, low self esteem - the battle has been brought directly to us and into us, we have to fight for ourselves in order to fight for our families. Deep breathes - we can do it! We can ENDURE all things, we've been told so and we've been saved for this. Determination, Strength, and a solid belief in who we are and what we believe... Carry On! (or Press On in my dad's words)

Fun things and a Change....

So it's Nov 4th - Election Day! Scary. Not sure I've ever been nervous about an election but this one definately frightens me a little. If you are 18 or over, PLEASE go out and vote today - make time, this election is worth it. (yes, that is light reflection not stains on my hoodie =P)

Ben received a fun surprise yesterday - a worrisome one for me for a moment. UPS rang my doorbell and delivered a package for Ben - okay not too surprising his birthday is very close but it was not from any name or company I recognized. So, mom opened the package. Found the contents he's proudly displaying and a letter to his "parents" at the bottom. LOL - shouldn't that have been at the top?!?! He entered a contest on the side of a Carl's Jr kids meal sack, mailed it in - almost late to boot - and was one of the runner ups! Maybe he does take after his mom and dad. =] His disappointments? Why send a PINK shirt to a boy - ROFL and he doesn't have a DS to play the game they sent him! Darn. LOL, I'm real sad you can tell? He's not getting a DS. Olivia inherited the prize pink shirt =] and his best friend brought his DS over for them to try out his new game - he loves it.

Besides the weather changing =], you might notice some changes in the blog. Dean got concerned after a report on the news about how people are now starting to abuse bloggers. There is NOTHING left in the world these days to have trust in I guess. So, sorry, no more anonymous comments mates - you have to tell me who you are OR ask your questions on AIM =]. Other little things might disappear or appear but those close to me will know of them should they occur =]. Google accts are really easy to get and free - just have to have email and since I know most of your emails, that's the way I preferred it.

In December, instead of the 12 days of Christmas it will be the 25 days of Nativities XD. I actually have more than 25 >] and am determined that THIS year - they will ALL get to come out! They might be found in weird places around the house but they will be out =]. I will try to add a Christmas story also since I collect those too - I hope you enjoy - you have a whole month to anticipate - ROFL.

Band Concert/Halloween

It really annoys me when I have everything typed and ready and it poofs! Grrrr. I don't remember what I typed previously so obviously it wasn't important. =P

As you can see by photo's, Anthony's 1st band concert of the year was this past Wednesday. New band teacher, 4 concerts instead of 2 but... we will give him time to adjust and acclimate. Anthony is in the Percussion Band and the Symphonic (or Advanced) Band.
The Percussion Band - by far! - sounded the best of the night. We were all amazed and impressed with all TWENTY ONE members - since that is normally unheard of in Jr High. Anthony got to move around and be Mr Percussion as he played Sleigh Bells, Bass Drum, Crash and Suspended Cymbals. He's not sure he's going to stay in band through High School but, we shall see. They will start playing at the Basketball games and the school musical - lol this year its the Music Man, how appropriate. =]

Miss Olivia had her first Halloween without brothers this year. She headed out with her friend and her parents this year. Yep, not even us! She had a ball as you can see and MAYBE her candy will last until Easter this year again but we will see. ;] She's sharing with brothers, nice sister. Her friends Sarah is Hermione and Olivia claimed to be Jessie from Toy Story 2 but considering she was "carrying" I called her Annie Oakley. Meh, both were red-headed cowgirls =].

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! WAHOO!!! It is now my very favorite time of year. The temperature drops below 78, the windows in my house open, the hoodie appears and I BAKE! I celebrated the beginning of fall last night with homemade Banana bread. As of this posting, there are 2 pieces left! Egads!! Lol - I guess that's good, shows they miss it when I actually cook =]. For family, can't wait to see all of you the day after Thanksgiving in Bountiful for the Terry Thanksgiving. To everyone else - HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!f

Alright, Alright.... I will expand....

Lol... Well, I DID get some of you thinking obviously =]. A little disappointed you didn't feel like sharing who you were but that's okay - atleast you were thinking. So I'm expanding, so that my previous post makes a little more sense.

Arrogance: Over convinced of ones self worth or Haughty.
Haughty: Arrogant or inordinately proud.
Proud: Feeling pleasurable satisfaction over an attribute or how one's sense of self worth is measured. Self Respect. Latin: Brave or virtuous.

In our culture today, I believe that people tend only to think of the "negative" when they see or hear any of these words: Pride, Assumption, Haughty, Arrogant. I don't see that these words are ALWAYS negative; they have good in them also. Are we not told, moderation in ALL things? Yes, being OVER assumptive on something, being OVERLY prideful or arrogant can be negative and cause problems but I believe that we all NEED to be Proud; of ourselves, our friends, our family; Arrogant sometimes, when a point needs to get across- just don't overstep it; and Assumptive, else there would be nothing to believe in, proud of, or arrogant about.

Having said all this above; let me restate my previous sentence from the last post.
"When I "assume" something, I am "arrogantly" taking upon myself what "I think" to be true, whether it is or not." Now, depending on your situation, that can be good or that can be bad. So let's redirect this sentence: "When I "take upon myself" something, I am "convinced" that what I think is true, whether it is or not." Hmm, thinking again?!?

This is the definition I was looking for in my previous post. My "assumptions or beliefs" that I listed are things that, especially in the world around us today, I'm sure more than one person has thought about, weighed, wondered, and "hoped" to be true. However, until they are justified by another person, they are left to be assumed and hoped for. Many of us have been let down by others, but did "they" really let us down or were our "assumptions" of the situation wrong? That is my underlying meaning, that is what I want us to think about. In a world so full of "me,me,me" I think it would be nice to think "me" as far as responsibility and love others, not put off the blame.