Today I had a jolting experience. As I was coming home from the grocery store and hit the last block or so from our home, frozen snow started sliding off the roof of my van in large chunks. As I pulled into the driveway and stopped, an AVALANCHE fell on my windshield! I cleared it with my wipers, backed up to reposition the van and pulled up again, and even more covered the windshield. It has been frigid the last two days along with snowfall, and today we have had lots of sunshine. Thus the frozen chunks (HUGE) sliding all of a sudden! I'm so thankful that that didn't happen while I was driving, because I couldn't see a think for those seconds before I got the windshield clear. That could have been a very bad situation on the road.
It's amazing how many sudden, unexpected things can happen and have scary consequences. I definitely felt like I was being watched over! I'm glad I prayed for safety this morning.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Shaking Hands and Heart in My Throat
Yesterday was ward conference in our new ward, and I was asked to play a piano solo for Relief Society. This was only our 3rd Sunday in the ward, so the RS president referred to it as my baptism by fire. :)
I had a little over a week to prepare, so I opted to play one of my own pieces. Well, sort of. So far I haven't completely anything COMPLETELY original, but I have written arrangements of and accompaniments to hymns for choir. The first one I ever did is a medley of the hymns on prayer, and with a little tweaking it works as a piano solo as well. I figured that my nerves would probably kick in pretty good since I'm not in a comfort zone anymore, so I chose that one (I performed a not-my-own-work solo of Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing in our old ward a few months ago and getting it ready gave me fits, so I figured that taking nerves into account it would be a bad choice this time).
Practicing went well and I actually got pretty bored with it. Didn't feel nervous at all the morning of, not in Sacrament Meeting or anything. I went to the RS room during Sunday School to run through it a couple of times and get the feel of that piano, and it went fine; even with people walking in and out and setting up for RS. (The tone on that piano is so lovely that it really smacked me in the face how badly our piano needs to be tuned!)
Then Relief Society started and I about had a stroke! Something that always worries me is blanking out while I play. Sometimes I'm able to get into this "zone" where I'm not consciously concentrating on what I'm doing and I get lost in the music, and that's when I play best. But if that gets broken by a distraction I can find myself staring at the music without it registering where I am, even though I've been reading it the whole time. It's horrible when that happens! That worry, coupled with seeing again all these sisters whom I don't know, really got me going. It didn't help that as the RS president was introducing the program she said that she had heard me practicing and I was "amazing." I sat there thinking, "Well now I'm jinxed for sure!" I said a few prayers and was able to enjoy the speakers and found myself relaxing. My hands didn't get cold or anything. Then, when it was time I started playing and it was fine. Then halfway through the piece, as I got into the more involved parts that also call for more emotion, my freaking hands started trembling, and my heart literally moved up into my throat! Through that, though, I actually was able to pull off one of my better performances and made few mistakes--more obvious to me than them, I think.
I ended up happy with the performance, and so many people were so kind and complimentary. That was a good feeling. I was even happier when I was able to stop shaking about 20 minutes later!
I had a little over a week to prepare, so I opted to play one of my own pieces. Well, sort of. So far I haven't completely anything COMPLETELY original, but I have written arrangements of and accompaniments to hymns for choir. The first one I ever did is a medley of the hymns on prayer, and with a little tweaking it works as a piano solo as well. I figured that my nerves would probably kick in pretty good since I'm not in a comfort zone anymore, so I chose that one (I performed a not-my-own-work solo of Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing in our old ward a few months ago and getting it ready gave me fits, so I figured that taking nerves into account it would be a bad choice this time).
Practicing went well and I actually got pretty bored with it. Didn't feel nervous at all the morning of, not in Sacrament Meeting or anything. I went to the RS room during Sunday School to run through it a couple of times and get the feel of that piano, and it went fine; even with people walking in and out and setting up for RS. (The tone on that piano is so lovely that it really smacked me in the face how badly our piano needs to be tuned!)
Then Relief Society started and I about had a stroke! Something that always worries me is blanking out while I play. Sometimes I'm able to get into this "zone" where I'm not consciously concentrating on what I'm doing and I get lost in the music, and that's when I play best. But if that gets broken by a distraction I can find myself staring at the music without it registering where I am, even though I've been reading it the whole time. It's horrible when that happens! That worry, coupled with seeing again all these sisters whom I don't know, really got me going. It didn't help that as the RS president was introducing the program she said that she had heard me practicing and I was "amazing." I sat there thinking, "Well now I'm jinxed for sure!" I said a few prayers and was able to enjoy the speakers and found myself relaxing. My hands didn't get cold or anything. Then, when it was time I started playing and it was fine. Then halfway through the piece, as I got into the more involved parts that also call for more emotion, my freaking hands started trembling, and my heart literally moved up into my throat! Through that, though, I actually was able to pull off one of my better performances and made few mistakes--more obvious to me than them, I think.
I ended up happy with the performance, and so many people were so kind and complimentary. That was a good feeling. I was even happier when I was able to stop shaking about 20 minutes later!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Teenage Drama=Headaches for Me
Oh my, what a zoo it has been around here the past few days. It's quite the experience to witness your children deal with the complexities of dating relationships as teens. Brittany has been dealing with this kind of drama this week; not sure if it's resulting in a breakup or in a better relationship as they are learning to communicate better. The past two days it has seemed "over," but tonight they're out together with a friend.
It's been a little exhausting for me, but I've been happy that Brittany is speaking up and communicating how she wants to be treated. A couple of nights ago when things came to a head, I got a text from her boyfriend and ended up texting him for about 30 minutes clueing him in on why she was upset. I never imagined THAT would happen! I've always made a point of trying to establish a comfortable relationship with my kids' friends and dates; I never imagined that that would result in being enlisted by the one who ISN'T my kid to help with a misunderstanding. It was pretty surreal!
I'm so glad I'm not a teenager any more.
It's been a little exhausting for me, but I've been happy that Brittany is speaking up and communicating how she wants to be treated. A couple of nights ago when things came to a head, I got a text from her boyfriend and ended up texting him for about 30 minutes clueing him in on why she was upset. I never imagined THAT would happen! I've always made a point of trying to establish a comfortable relationship with my kids' friends and dates; I never imagined that that would result in being enlisted by the one who ISN'T my kid to help with a misunderstanding. It was pretty surreal!
I'm so glad I'm not a teenager any more.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
So Far, So Good!
I am happy to report that the way we are approaching Brittany's school schedule this semester seems to be a good solution.
True to the pattern of the past two years, her migraines and days not feeling well have increased in frequency, with the worst of it being first thing in the morning. I vowed after last year that I would not do the home and hospital option again; it was hard on both of us and we really didn't like each other too well by the time spring rolled around. She's been doing better mood-wise with the medication she's been on, and I was hoping against hope that we wouldn't have a repeat of last year. Last week was the first week back to school and also the end of term, and it was a hard week. Having her schedule changed so that 1st period on both days (block schedule--A and B days) is released time like seminary turned out to be an easy adjustment to make since she had Geometry 1st period, and the other 1st period class was one that she never signed up for and would have had changed anyway.
So this week we have been operating on this modified schedule, and it is making a big difference. I am very hopeful!! She is still in quite a bit of pain when she first gets up, but it allows her to sleep a little later and take a bit longer to get ready if she needs to. I still have her take her meds early so that they are in her system, then let her go back to sleep. The only drawback is that I have to take her since it's later, but I'm happy to make that adjustment. She has been a real trooper! Brittany is my hero in so many ways; I'm amazed at what a strong person she is.
True to the pattern of the past two years, her migraines and days not feeling well have increased in frequency, with the worst of it being first thing in the morning. I vowed after last year that I would not do the home and hospital option again; it was hard on both of us and we really didn't like each other too well by the time spring rolled around. She's been doing better mood-wise with the medication she's been on, and I was hoping against hope that we wouldn't have a repeat of last year. Last week was the first week back to school and also the end of term, and it was a hard week. Having her schedule changed so that 1st period on both days (block schedule--A and B days) is released time like seminary turned out to be an easy adjustment to make since she had Geometry 1st period, and the other 1st period class was one that she never signed up for and would have had changed anyway.
So this week we have been operating on this modified schedule, and it is making a big difference. I am very hopeful!! She is still in quite a bit of pain when she first gets up, but it allows her to sleep a little later and take a bit longer to get ready if she needs to. I still have her take her meds early so that they are in her system, then let her go back to sleep. The only drawback is that I have to take her since it's later, but I'm happy to make that adjustment. She has been a real trooper! Brittany is my hero in so many ways; I'm amazed at what a strong person she is.
Yay Me!!
I'm so excited about something that I just have to tell about it; I have exercised every day, including today, since Monday!
Monday through Wednesday Brittany went to the indoor track at the Rec. Center and walked, and today I did water aerobics. She and I have decided to meet there after school three days a week, since it's right there by the high school. Monday I wasn't counting on lasting very long, not because of muscle issues, but because I have had so much trouble with my left knee for a long time. It's the reason I quit my membership at Curves and started water aerobics. The glorious thing is that we did 30 MINUTES and I had practically no pain! What pain I did experience was toward the end, and I wasn't sore afterward. That right there is a testament to the miracle of exercising in the water. I experience almost no pain in my knee anymore; I do get stiffness sometimes but it is so much better. It's because I started water aerobics a month before starting my job at the Distribution Center that I was able to work two jobs on my feet during the holiday season. I'm so thankful for this progress!
My exercise of choice is still water aerobics. I love being in the water! I love the way I feel during and after, and how hard I'm able to exercise. It is also very soothing to me. I remember the first time I ever got into a swimming pool; I was in 2nd grade and we went on a field trip to swim at BYU. I had never been swimming before and had no idea what to do, but I remember feeling the same way I do now when I go. It's a weird thing to say something can be so relaxing while you're working out; working out typically doesn't feel that way. I love it!
Monday through Wednesday Brittany went to the indoor track at the Rec. Center and walked, and today I did water aerobics. She and I have decided to meet there after school three days a week, since it's right there by the high school. Monday I wasn't counting on lasting very long, not because of muscle issues, but because I have had so much trouble with my left knee for a long time. It's the reason I quit my membership at Curves and started water aerobics. The glorious thing is that we did 30 MINUTES and I had practically no pain! What pain I did experience was toward the end, and I wasn't sore afterward. That right there is a testament to the miracle of exercising in the water. I experience almost no pain in my knee anymore; I do get stiffness sometimes but it is so much better. It's because I started water aerobics a month before starting my job at the Distribution Center that I was able to work two jobs on my feet during the holiday season. I'm so thankful for this progress!
My exercise of choice is still water aerobics. I love being in the water! I love the way I feel during and after, and how hard I'm able to exercise. It is also very soothing to me. I remember the first time I ever got into a swimming pool; I was in 2nd grade and we went on a field trip to swim at BYU. I had never been swimming before and had no idea what to do, but I remember feeling the same way I do now when I go. It's a weird thing to say something can be so relaxing while you're working out; working out typically doesn't feel that way. I love it!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Business Trips are Yucky
Kelly is in Florida on business. He left on Sunday afternoon and will get back Thursday night. I don't like it when he's gone. We got cell phones for me and the kids for Christmas, though, and I am enjoying flirting with him over text messaging. :) I miss him.
He has had a lot of opportunities for travel with his job; this is about his 5th trip to Florida, which is where their sister office is. Last year they went to Disney World for a day on one of their trips and I scored a totally awesome Disney World T-shirt out of that deal. I mean, why go there yourself when someone can bring you back a T-shirt from THEIR trip? Especially when it's your husband!!
I'm not bitter, not at all!
He's been to some really cool places on business--Boston twice, New York City complete with THREE BROADWAY PLAYS and don't even get me started on the fine dining, India twice (three weeks at a time), and trips to California, Oklahoma, Texas and Maryland. I have to say the ones to New York and Boston about killed me; two places I have always wanted to go. When he got sent to New York, I had about 30 minutes notice and he was gone for two weeks!
I am going to get my perks one day, I tell you! I'm glad that he gets these opportunities and does so well with his job. He has had some amazing growth opportunities. We always dreamed of this; I just always pictured me going along with him! One time when he was gone we were talking on the phone and he said, "I'm so tired of eating out." I started laughing hysterically at that point and he said, "What?" I said, "Yeah right, I'm so sure--as you're eating at those nice restaurants you're thinking "Boy, I sure wish I could have Heidi's spaghetti right now." And he insisted that he missed home cooking. I was like, "We're having macaroni and cheese tonight, aren't you jealous?!"
He has had a lot of opportunities for travel with his job; this is about his 5th trip to Florida, which is where their sister office is. Last year they went to Disney World for a day on one of their trips and I scored a totally awesome Disney World T-shirt out of that deal. I mean, why go there yourself when someone can bring you back a T-shirt from THEIR trip? Especially when it's your husband!!
I'm not bitter, not at all!
He's been to some really cool places on business--Boston twice, New York City complete with THREE BROADWAY PLAYS and don't even get me started on the fine dining, India twice (three weeks at a time), and trips to California, Oklahoma, Texas and Maryland. I have to say the ones to New York and Boston about killed me; two places I have always wanted to go. When he got sent to New York, I had about 30 minutes notice and he was gone for two weeks!
I am going to get my perks one day, I tell you! I'm glad that he gets these opportunities and does so well with his job. He has had some amazing growth opportunities. We always dreamed of this; I just always pictured me going along with him! One time when he was gone we were talking on the phone and he said, "I'm so tired of eating out." I started laughing hysterically at that point and he said, "What?" I said, "Yeah right, I'm so sure--as you're eating at those nice restaurants you're thinking "Boy, I sure wish I could have Heidi's spaghetti right now." And he insisted that he missed home cooking. I was like, "We're having macaroni and cheese tonight, aren't you jealous?!"
Monday, January 12, 2009
So THIS is what Heaven is Like
Yesterday was our first day in our ward (see Lots of Tears post if you want to read about the realignment) and oh my goodness, what a wonderful day we had! We were greeted with open arms and so much warmth. And I can't tell you how good it felt to be in a full chapel! I sat and cried through most of Sacrament Meeting. I can't gush enough.
The Relief Society president greeted us in the foyer, introduced herself and it was evident that this ward went to the effort to find out about us when they knew we were being added. She asked about Brittany (Brit was home with bad migrain) and said that she was told she's sick a lot. I was really impressed; she was so personable and friendly. We went into the chapel and Shane went over to the Sacrament table while Kelly went to the restroom, and the bishop came right over to me, introduced himself and said they were so glad to have us, and could the bishopric come and visit this afternoon? The sacrament table had 3 priests administering (I'd forgotten that that's usually the case since Shane has often been a lone priest with either Kelly or another adult up there with him. Mostly young men passed the Sacrament, instead of mostly adults.
The Priest Quorum visited Shane this past Wednesday and none of them were scary. He came out of church SO HAPPY yesterday and said, "I'm not alone." It still makes me cry to think or tell about that.
The bishopric visited yesterday afternoon, and yesterday evening the Young Women's President came over with five or six girls to visit Brittany and introduce themselves. They brought a card with a candy bar saying "You're an important part of our symphony," the favor they got in class yesterday, and a calendar with temples on it that the girls got for Christmas. The Relief Society presidency is visiting me tomorrow morning.
You'd have to have "been there" to really get what a trying experience the last several years have been. They really have been a trial of faith. It has been hard work hanging in there (I could write several books explaining why, but won't). For the first time in I don't know how long I felt ENERGIZED coming home from church yesterday. For the longest time it's been exhausting, and until yesterday I didn't realize how draining it has been to deal with the challenges in our old ward.
There is such a strong spirit in our new ward. It absolutely hit me over the head as I was sitting there. My soul just soared. And I cried--lots and lots of tears again, but good tears.
The Relief Society president greeted us in the foyer, introduced herself and it was evident that this ward went to the effort to find out about us when they knew we were being added. She asked about Brittany (Brit was home with bad migrain) and said that she was told she's sick a lot. I was really impressed; she was so personable and friendly. We went into the chapel and Shane went over to the Sacrament table while Kelly went to the restroom, and the bishop came right over to me, introduced himself and said they were so glad to have us, and could the bishopric come and visit this afternoon? The sacrament table had 3 priests administering (I'd forgotten that that's usually the case since Shane has often been a lone priest with either Kelly or another adult up there with him. Mostly young men passed the Sacrament, instead of mostly adults.
The Priest Quorum visited Shane this past Wednesday and none of them were scary. He came out of church SO HAPPY yesterday and said, "I'm not alone." It still makes me cry to think or tell about that.
The bishopric visited yesterday afternoon, and yesterday evening the Young Women's President came over with five or six girls to visit Brittany and introduce themselves. They brought a card with a candy bar saying "You're an important part of our symphony," the favor they got in class yesterday, and a calendar with temples on it that the girls got for Christmas. The Relief Society presidency is visiting me tomorrow morning.
You'd have to have "been there" to really get what a trying experience the last several years have been. They really have been a trial of faith. It has been hard work hanging in there (I could write several books explaining why, but won't). For the first time in I don't know how long I felt ENERGIZED coming home from church yesterday. For the longest time it's been exhausting, and until yesterday I didn't realize how draining it has been to deal with the challenges in our old ward.
There is such a strong spirit in our new ward. It absolutely hit me over the head as I was sitting there. My soul just soared. And I cried--lots and lots of tears again, but good tears.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Exhaling
I'm letting out a huge sigh of relief because today is the last day of 2nd term for the kids. Brittany particularly had a lot of work to catch up on, because of how many sick days she had before Christmas break. She got a lot done, but this whole week has had to be at the school early and stay after a few times. She is really, really tired and hurting but I'm proud of her for hanging in there. I don't even care what her grades are--I just want passing and credit for graduation (those of you who have the luxury of expecting "straight A's" or "nothing lower than a B," count yourselves lucky).
I'll be anticipating this next semester with drawn breath, since this was the nightmare time last year and the year before. I'm hoping and praying that things go better. One thing we are doing differently that I hope will help is freeing up her first period so that she can go to school a little later if she is having a bad morning. She's going to do East Shore packets for the rest of Geometry and for Health. I feel good about this, and she actually asked if she could do packets for Geometry. East Shore is open until 7:00 p.m. and there are always teachers assigned to the different departments to help, but Kelly is really good at math and can help her on a regular basis. So hopefully this will be less stressful for her.
I'm going to wait until Monday to hold my breath, and am planning on exhaling to my heart's content over the weekend!
I'll be anticipating this next semester with drawn breath, since this was the nightmare time last year and the year before. I'm hoping and praying that things go better. One thing we are doing differently that I hope will help is freeing up her first period so that she can go to school a little later if she is having a bad morning. She's going to do East Shore packets for the rest of Geometry and for Health. I feel good about this, and she actually asked if she could do packets for Geometry. East Shore is open until 7:00 p.m. and there are always teachers assigned to the different departments to help, but Kelly is really good at math and can help her on a regular basis. So hopefully this will be less stressful for her.
I'm going to wait until Monday to hold my breath, and am planning on exhaling to my heart's content over the weekend!
Living at Wal-Mart
I often feel like I live at Wal-Mart, since we purchase so many things there. Since the advent of the grocery section, I'm a regular fixture.
Today I REALLY felt like I live there, because I ended up going twice! I pulled into my driveway after the first trip and realized I had forgotten dishwasher detergent. :p It's a good thing we live close. *sigh*
Believe it or not, there have been a few times when I've gone more often than THAT. When I say I'm forgetful, I'm not kidding! It's a good thing we live pretty close.
Today I REALLY felt like I live there, because I ended up going twice! I pulled into my driveway after the first trip and realized I had forgotten dishwasher detergent. :p It's a good thing we live close. *sigh*
Believe it or not, there have been a few times when I've gone more often than THAT. When I say I'm forgetful, I'm not kidding! It's a good thing we live pretty close.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Good to be Real
Today was my first day back at the Distribution Center as a "real" employee. I'm so happy that I was asked to stay on permanently after the holidays! I was scheduled in clothing today and we were slammed all day, which is definitely what I prefer to it being slow. Something fun that happened was that one of my customers was the wife of my Institute choir director, from my college days. I haven't seen her in a long time, since her husband's retirement party. It was so nice to catch up!
I find that on days I'm scheduled to work, I get a lot more done at home because I have to. By the time I left the house around 9:00 this morning, I had already done and put aways laundry, made rolls and had chili in the crockpot, loaded and unloaded the dishwasher & handwashed what didn't go in the dishwasher, and mopped the floors. It was a good feeling.
I am going to sleep pretty soundly tonight!
I find that on days I'm scheduled to work, I get a lot more done at home because I have to. By the time I left the house around 9:00 this morning, I had already done and put aways laundry, made rolls and had chili in the crockpot, loaded and unloaded the dishwasher & handwashed what didn't go in the dishwasher, and mopped the floors. It was a good feeling.
I am going to sleep pretty soundly tonight!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
A Blonde Joke
I did something this afternoon that gave so much validity to the existence of blonde jokes. It's a good thing I've learned to laugh at myself over the years, because if I didn't I would cry all the time. If there weren't blonde jokes, I would be the reason for them to get started! Poster child, that's me.
I had to meet with one of Brittany's teachers after school, so needed to leave in enough time to get there as the bell rang. Of course, because of all the stinking SNOW still coming down I needed to get going earlier because of needing to shovel around the van, warm it up, scrape the windows, etc.
So I get all that done and then go to back out of my driveway (I didn't shovel the whole driveway because I thought I could back out okay) and my wheels start spinning. I try to go forward and my wheels were still spinning. I finally made it back a few inches and started spinning again. My neighbor was outside shoveling, saw I was spinning and came to dig me out. I got most of the way out and then the same thing happened. He said he was surprised but went around to shovel in back and then I hear, "Ma'am, your emergency brake is on." I could have died. I jokingly said, "I just wanted to see if you would come over and help," and apologized. He was really nice but I felt very, very stupid. I guess I could congratulate myself for providing my neighbors with dinner conversation!
I've been thinking of getting highlights as my hair has gotten a little darker. I'm not so sure that's a good idea, after all. :)
I had to meet with one of Brittany's teachers after school, so needed to leave in enough time to get there as the bell rang. Of course, because of all the stinking SNOW still coming down I needed to get going earlier because of needing to shovel around the van, warm it up, scrape the windows, etc.
So I get all that done and then go to back out of my driveway (I didn't shovel the whole driveway because I thought I could back out okay) and my wheels start spinning. I try to go forward and my wheels were still spinning. I finally made it back a few inches and started spinning again. My neighbor was outside shoveling, saw I was spinning and came to dig me out. I got most of the way out and then the same thing happened. He said he was surprised but went around to shovel in back and then I hear, "Ma'am, your emergency brake is on." I could have died. I jokingly said, "I just wanted to see if you would come over and help," and apologized. He was really nice but I felt very, very stupid. I guess I could congratulate myself for providing my neighbors with dinner conversation!
I've been thinking of getting highlights as my hair has gotten a little darker. I'm not so sure that's a good idea, after all. :)
Grrr
I am so ready for the snow to go away. Have I mentioned lately how much I don't love winter? Oh yes, that's right--I can't seem to shut up about it. It snowed AGAIN all day--from about 1:30 in the afternoon until about 9:00 last night. Even BRITTANY came home from school fed up and cursing the snow! That says a lot, since she is the one who couldn't wait for the first good snowfall so she could go sledding.
The main thing that's driving me nuts about it right now is the fact that I mopped the stupid floor yesterday and you can't even tell. If it was just melted snow it wouldn't be as big of a deal but the salt makes such a mess. I guess I just need to become resigned to mopping every stinking day and counting on the floor looking like crap at night after everyone's gotten home.
The main thing that's driving me nuts about it right now is the fact that I mopped the stupid floor yesterday and you can't even tell. If it was just melted snow it wouldn't be as big of a deal but the salt makes such a mess. I guess I just need to become resigned to mopping every stinking day and counting on the floor looking like crap at night after everyone's gotten home.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Lots and Lots and Lots of Tears
My goodness, I haven't cried as much without breaks as I did yesterday and last night.
As I alluded to in my "Feeling Chatty" post, our stake was realigned yesterday. I've been through realignments and splits before, so figured I'd be okay. I had a pretty good idea of where our family was going to end up, and I was right. The thing that made it so awful was that. . .
The ward we have been attending for the past 9 years, since Shane was in 3rd grade and Brittany was in 2nd, went up in a puff of smoke. Gone. Obliterated. I wasn't prepared for how the words "Cherry Hill 4th Ward is now dissolved," would feel. There have been a lot of challenges in our ward and the thought that we should be dissolved and redistributed has entered my mind many times over the past 3 years. . .I had no idea it would be so darned emotional for me.
Everyone in the stake met for their scheduled sacrament meetings only, and then we had the "stake business" meeting at the Provo Tabernacle. As I walked into our sacrament meeting and sat there I was flooded with memories and since I already knew our family was vulnerable to being moved because of where we're situated I had some very real grief at leaving people I have developed so much love for. I've been teaching Relief Society for the past 4 years and have loved and grown so much in that calling. We have amazingly sweet sisters in our neighborhood.
Anyhoo, I thought that what they would do is expand the ward over to the rest of the neighborhood where they added that part on to another ward on the other end of the stake, so that we would have more members. I had the hope that we would stay, but knew the likelihood was low because our house naturally goes with another ward and was actually added on to 4th ward at a previous realignment about 15 years ago. As I thought would happen, we were restored to the previous ward. Comforting to me was the thought that a couple of other families further down our road would go with us, too, but our little section of add-on doesn't go down that far. I will be pretty much by myself sitting in Relief Society on Sunday, because we are almost the only active people on our part of the street.
After the meeting I just couldn't keep the tears back; especially because we were sitting by one of the families that we thought would go with us. She looked at me and I just fell apart. Our ward was redistributed among 4 wards. I was feeling particularly picked on because just about everyone else has a good chunk of the neighborhood that will stay together, and we don't. I felt like an 8-year old crying, "What if they don't like me!"
I'm feeling better today, and I know it's the right thing for this neighborhood of ours. We have had the largest area of "mission field," and this is going to give two wards opportunities for service that they probably haven't had before. Whoever our poor bishop has been at any given time in 4th ward has had to deal with situations that would toast a lot of people's toes. I remember one of the counselor's wives telling me when we first moved into the ward that her husband had gotten calls to houses before, late at night, and told her if he wasn't back by a certain time to call the police. That has been par for the course.
I've found myself wondering how the very affluent ward who acquired part of that neighborhood is going to handle the elderly sister who likes to get up every fast Sunday and sing a song as part of her testimony? And the special needs family whose 18 year old is mentally 4 years old, likes to wear princess tiaras to church, carries a pink and purple toy cell phone and is very loud and strong when she is upset, and the mother is mentally about 12 and likes to lead music by just waving her arm around? That sister has been leading Relief Society for several years--she has no idea what she's doing, but she loves it and that is a way she can be involved and our ward has just accepted them where they are. There are going to be some eye-popping moments, methinks. One thing that has been wonderful about 4th ward is the unconditional love and acceptance. We felt that immediately when we moved in, which was a relief to me because we were going through some very tough times financially. Absolute acceptance. The active members who have been "holding the fort down" for many years are some of the most Christlike people I have ever met.
One thing that struck me today after I got up and my head cleared was what a beautiful thing it can be to have 4 bishops in that small area instead of one. Four sets of stake missionaries, four Relief Society presidents, four young men's presidents and four young women's presidents. 4th Ward has been carrying a lot for a long time, and was just to the point where it couldn't go on anymore the way things have been. It has been really hard on our youth, who have been dropping out of activity like flies for the past several years. I think the changes will be good for the kids, who need the association of more active LDS youth.
I really hope that we can still maintain the relationships that are there. It absolutely kills me to think of losing them.
As I alluded to in my "Feeling Chatty" post, our stake was realigned yesterday. I've been through realignments and splits before, so figured I'd be okay. I had a pretty good idea of where our family was going to end up, and I was right. The thing that made it so awful was that. . .
The ward we have been attending for the past 9 years, since Shane was in 3rd grade and Brittany was in 2nd, went up in a puff of smoke. Gone. Obliterated. I wasn't prepared for how the words "Cherry Hill 4th Ward is now dissolved," would feel. There have been a lot of challenges in our ward and the thought that we should be dissolved and redistributed has entered my mind many times over the past 3 years. . .I had no idea it would be so darned emotional for me.
Everyone in the stake met for their scheduled sacrament meetings only, and then we had the "stake business" meeting at the Provo Tabernacle. As I walked into our sacrament meeting and sat there I was flooded with memories and since I already knew our family was vulnerable to being moved because of where we're situated I had some very real grief at leaving people I have developed so much love for. I've been teaching Relief Society for the past 4 years and have loved and grown so much in that calling. We have amazingly sweet sisters in our neighborhood.
Anyhoo, I thought that what they would do is expand the ward over to the rest of the neighborhood where they added that part on to another ward on the other end of the stake, so that we would have more members. I had the hope that we would stay, but knew the likelihood was low because our house naturally goes with another ward and was actually added on to 4th ward at a previous realignment about 15 years ago. As I thought would happen, we were restored to the previous ward. Comforting to me was the thought that a couple of other families further down our road would go with us, too, but our little section of add-on doesn't go down that far. I will be pretty much by myself sitting in Relief Society on Sunday, because we are almost the only active people on our part of the street.
After the meeting I just couldn't keep the tears back; especially because we were sitting by one of the families that we thought would go with us. She looked at me and I just fell apart. Our ward was redistributed among 4 wards. I was feeling particularly picked on because just about everyone else has a good chunk of the neighborhood that will stay together, and we don't. I felt like an 8-year old crying, "What if they don't like me!"
I'm feeling better today, and I know it's the right thing for this neighborhood of ours. We have had the largest area of "mission field," and this is going to give two wards opportunities for service that they probably haven't had before. Whoever our poor bishop has been at any given time in 4th ward has had to deal with situations that would toast a lot of people's toes. I remember one of the counselor's wives telling me when we first moved into the ward that her husband had gotten calls to houses before, late at night, and told her if he wasn't back by a certain time to call the police. That has been par for the course.
I've found myself wondering how the very affluent ward who acquired part of that neighborhood is going to handle the elderly sister who likes to get up every fast Sunday and sing a song as part of her testimony? And the special needs family whose 18 year old is mentally 4 years old, likes to wear princess tiaras to church, carries a pink and purple toy cell phone and is very loud and strong when she is upset, and the mother is mentally about 12 and likes to lead music by just waving her arm around? That sister has been leading Relief Society for several years--she has no idea what she's doing, but she loves it and that is a way she can be involved and our ward has just accepted them where they are. There are going to be some eye-popping moments, methinks. One thing that has been wonderful about 4th ward is the unconditional love and acceptance. We felt that immediately when we moved in, which was a relief to me because we were going through some very tough times financially. Absolute acceptance. The active members who have been "holding the fort down" for many years are some of the most Christlike people I have ever met.
One thing that struck me today after I got up and my head cleared was what a beautiful thing it can be to have 4 bishops in that small area instead of one. Four sets of stake missionaries, four Relief Society presidents, four young men's presidents and four young women's presidents. 4th Ward has been carrying a lot for a long time, and was just to the point where it couldn't go on anymore the way things have been. It has been really hard on our youth, who have been dropping out of activity like flies for the past several years. I think the changes will be good for the kids, who need the association of more active LDS youth.
I really hope that we can still maintain the relationships that are there. It absolutely kills me to think of losing them.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
2 Thumbs Up for Shannon Hale!
I just finished the 3rd book in the Goose Girl trilogy by Shannon Hale, River Secrets. Can I just say that if you haven't discovered her books yet, you really need to! My sister raved about The Goose Girl so much I was driven to read it and loved it. The very first Shannon book I read was Princess Academy, which my mother gave my daughter for her birthday a couple of years ago. I of course snagged it and read it myself.
I'm trying to decide whether to read The Book of a Thousand Days or Austenland next. I'm really glad that there are more books! I hate it when I find a wonderful author/series and get to the last book. It makes me sad.
When I run out of Shannon books, I will probably start over on The Goose Girl and read the sequels again, too. They're that good!
I'm trying to decide whether to read The Book of a Thousand Days or Austenland next. I'm really glad that there are more books! I hate it when I find a wonderful author/series and get to the last book. It makes me sad.
When I run out of Shannon books, I will probably start over on The Goose Girl and read the sequels again, too. They're that good!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Feeling Chatty
Hmmm, I'm finding myself coming back to type a lot today. I keep remembering stuff that I forgot to write about. Stuff like:
*I'm so proud that I have a cute background on my blog now. I didn't get how to do that, but with a little help from friends on my favorite message board, I mastered the cutting and pasting off of The Cutest Blog On the Block. I'm feeling very cool!
*We got cell phones for Christmas (I can't believe I didn't do a Christmas post; that bears witness to how tired I was by the time the day rolled around) and I now know how to text. It's a beautiful thing. Shane even texts back sometimes and seems to not mind.
*Our stake is being realigned tomorrow, and we stand a very good chance of ending up in a different ward. We will know after a 3:00 stake meeting tomorrow.
*I need to clean my bathroom. That's probably what this "chattiness" is all about. Avoidance.
*I'm so proud that I have a cute background on my blog now. I didn't get how to do that, but with a little help from friends on my favorite message board, I mastered the cutting and pasting off of The Cutest Blog On the Block. I'm feeling very cool!
*We got cell phones for Christmas (I can't believe I didn't do a Christmas post; that bears witness to how tired I was by the time the day rolled around) and I now know how to text. It's a beautiful thing. Shane even texts back sometimes and seems to not mind.
*Our stake is being realigned tomorrow, and we stand a very good chance of ending up in a different ward. We will know after a 3:00 stake meeting tomorrow.
*I need to clean my bathroom. That's probably what this "chattiness" is all about. Avoidance.
The One Good Thing About Winter
The only thing I like about winter (aside from Christmas) is. . .
Cute scrapbook paper. That's it. I love snowflake designs on light blue or other pastel paper. And that's all I've got to say about that. Now I've just got to get some photos of someone enjoying winter so I can make some cute pages!
Cute scrapbook paper. That's it. I love snowflake designs on light blue or other pastel paper. And that's all I've got to say about that. Now I've just got to get some photos of someone enjoying winter so I can make some cute pages!
Sorry Girls, He's Taken!!
Have I dished lately about how wonderful my husband is? I don't think I have. So now I think I will!
Kelly has been playing Mr. Mom since December 18, which was about when my work hours went way up. He always takes the last two weeks of December and first week of January off of work because he lets his paid leave hours build up during the year. It's always really nice to have him around so much and gives him a nice break. I'm really proud of the fact that this year he has done NO JOB-RELATED WORK during his time off! I told him that's a sign of a recovering workaholic, LOL.
I'm particularly grateful that he has been willing to let me do what I wanted with working and has been completely supportive as far as picking up the slack at home. He's done (including folding and putting away) laundry, dishes, vacuuming, chauffering the kids around, etc. All of that has been really helpful. The biggest thing he's done that I'm grateful for, though, is. . .
Getting the kids caught up on their schoolwork. Both of our kids have some difficulties with how they process learning, and so we inevitably come to crisis points several times during the school year where things aren't turned in and grades are down. Even before the break and end of first term this year, he has taken that by the reins and worked with them to get on track with their classes. He's worked with both of them on schoolwork, getting Shane through his Government class and Astronomy packets and helping both, particularly Brittany, with Geometry. He is so patient and knows how to break things down into managable amounts. When frustrations are running high and almost everyone in the house is screaming, he is the one who is able to bring calm and approach/explain things in a way they respond to and understand. There is absolutely no way Brittany would be passing Geometry this term with the mountain of work she had to do (she missed a lot of class periods due to illness/migraines) if not for him working out a schedule for the holidays and sitting down and working with her. I'm eternally grateful for his patience with them and also with me (I am pretty high-maintenance since I have so much anxiety). He told me that it's his turn now since I did so much to help them when they were small. He really is so much better at handling teens than I am.
I'm grateful that when I've come home after a long day at work he immediately tells me to put my feet up, and he even massages them for me. One day I came home at dinnertime thinking I needed to get dinner ready, and he already had some soup on the stove. It was so nice!
Today we had a nice time together. After I played the piano at a baptism this morning, he went to the pool with me so I could do some water aerobics on my own and we had such a fun time just talking. After that we went grocery shopping and had lunch. I'm really glad that I enjoy just hanging out with my husband. There doesn't need to be anything special going on; we just enjoy being together.
It's a beautiful thing to me to see how we've grown together over the years. I have a sign in my house that says, "We may not have it all together, but together we have it all." I think that pretty much says it for our relationship--we fill in the gaps for each other when we think outside of ourselves and support each other. Kelly pointed out not long ago that he's known me for over half his life. That is pretty cool! We had our 19th wedding anniversary in December, and we met over 18 months before we were married. That is a long time!
Kelly has been playing Mr. Mom since December 18, which was about when my work hours went way up. He always takes the last two weeks of December and first week of January off of work because he lets his paid leave hours build up during the year. It's always really nice to have him around so much and gives him a nice break. I'm really proud of the fact that this year he has done NO JOB-RELATED WORK during his time off! I told him that's a sign of a recovering workaholic, LOL.
I'm particularly grateful that he has been willing to let me do what I wanted with working and has been completely supportive as far as picking up the slack at home. He's done (including folding and putting away) laundry, dishes, vacuuming, chauffering the kids around, etc. All of that has been really helpful. The biggest thing he's done that I'm grateful for, though, is. . .
Getting the kids caught up on their schoolwork. Both of our kids have some difficulties with how they process learning, and so we inevitably come to crisis points several times during the school year where things aren't turned in and grades are down. Even before the break and end of first term this year, he has taken that by the reins and worked with them to get on track with their classes. He's worked with both of them on schoolwork, getting Shane through his Government class and Astronomy packets and helping both, particularly Brittany, with Geometry. He is so patient and knows how to break things down into managable amounts. When frustrations are running high and almost everyone in the house is screaming, he is the one who is able to bring calm and approach/explain things in a way they respond to and understand. There is absolutely no way Brittany would be passing Geometry this term with the mountain of work she had to do (she missed a lot of class periods due to illness/migraines) if not for him working out a schedule for the holidays and sitting down and working with her. I'm eternally grateful for his patience with them and also with me (I am pretty high-maintenance since I have so much anxiety). He told me that it's his turn now since I did so much to help them when they were small. He really is so much better at handling teens than I am.
I'm grateful that when I've come home after a long day at work he immediately tells me to put my feet up, and he even massages them for me. One day I came home at dinnertime thinking I needed to get dinner ready, and he already had some soup on the stove. It was so nice!
Today we had a nice time together. After I played the piano at a baptism this morning, he went to the pool with me so I could do some water aerobics on my own and we had such a fun time just talking. After that we went grocery shopping and had lunch. I'm really glad that I enjoy just hanging out with my husband. There doesn't need to be anything special going on; we just enjoy being together.
It's a beautiful thing to me to see how we've grown together over the years. I have a sign in my house that says, "We may not have it all together, but together we have it all." I think that pretty much says it for our relationship--we fill in the gaps for each other when we think outside of ourselves and support each other. Kelly pointed out not long ago that he's known me for over half his life. That is pretty cool! We had our 19th wedding anniversary in December, and we met over 18 months before we were married. That is a long time!
Friday, January 2, 2009
A Real Job and a Shrink-Wrapped Car
I forgot to post that a couple of weeks ago, the director of the Church Distribution Center called and asked me if I would be interested in staying on permanently after the holidays. I was very surprised because my understanding was that there weren't going to be any new permanent positions available. He said I "have been a wonderful additon to the Center." I felt like Sally Field in her famous, many-times mocked "You like me! You really like me" Oscar speech. The catch is that for the first few months of the year it will only be a shift a week or every TWO weeks unless I pick up shifts from people who need someone to work for them. That's okay by me BECAUSE:
I got a call from H & R Block about part-time receptionist work for tax season, and they are okay with working around the Distribution schedule if I get hired. I'm waiting to hear back for an interview with them.
And an update on the shattered back windshield of our car: One of the guys I worked with at Lehi Mill told us to get the plastic you use for weather-proofing your house windows, etc. It comes with double-stick tape to adhere it and then you take a hair dryer to it to shrink it to size. He suggested double layering it and then putting duct tape around the edges. I was kind of horrified at the suggestion because it sounded trashy to me, but since we were desperate we did it and it's working great. It doesn't even look that bad. So if you're ever in a pinch with your car windows and can't get them replaced right away, that is a pretty good alternative. You can do it for between $6 and $10.
I got a call from H & R Block about part-time receptionist work for tax season, and they are okay with working around the Distribution schedule if I get hired. I'm waiting to hear back for an interview with them.
And an update on the shattered back windshield of our car: One of the guys I worked with at Lehi Mill told us to get the plastic you use for weather-proofing your house windows, etc. It comes with double-stick tape to adhere it and then you take a hair dryer to it to shrink it to size. He suggested double layering it and then putting duct tape around the edges. I was kind of horrified at the suggestion because it sounded trashy to me, but since we were desperate we did it and it's working great. It doesn't even look that bad. So if you're ever in a pinch with your car windows and can't get them replaced right away, that is a pretty good alternative. You can do it for between $6 and $10.
Resolutions
I guess I should make some New Year's resolutions. I avoided them for a long time because I used to set ridiculous, unrealistic ones so decided I was destined for failure so what's the use, but I actually started setting more reachable ones a couple of years ago and that went a lot better.
So, for 2009, my goals are:
*To not set unrealistic resolutions
*Exercise 3 times per week regularly
*Lose 40 more pounds (I lost 40 this past year, thank you very much)
*Take classes or do tutorials to update my computer skills so I can get back into a career when Shane goes on his mission
*Read 2 more Charles Dickens novels: Nicholas Nickelby and The Pickwick Papers, The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis and The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas. I love classic literature and it's a challenge. I feel smart after I finish a classic book.
*Come up with a housework schedule (you have NO IDEA what a big deal it is for me to set that as a goal! Organization is a NIGHTMARE for me. I usually dust when I notice that something is looking kind of scary. My mother, on the other hand, cleans things that are clean.
*Write all my debit card purchases in my check register (Shut up, I don't want to hear it :))
*Quit using avoidance to think I don't need therapy anymore
*Get the rest of our camera film/disposable cameras developed
*Treat myself to one day of scrapbooking every week
*Read something in the scriptures each day
*Strive to live in a more balanced way, saying no when I need to and not overdoing things like my work schedule
*Reserve my woman's perogative to change my mind and throw this list out if it becomes evident that I have just created an unrealistic list of stupid resolutions
So, for 2009, my goals are:
*To not set unrealistic resolutions
*Exercise 3 times per week regularly
*Lose 40 more pounds (I lost 40 this past year, thank you very much)
*Take classes or do tutorials to update my computer skills so I can get back into a career when Shane goes on his mission
*Read 2 more Charles Dickens novels: Nicholas Nickelby and The Pickwick Papers, The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis and The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas. I love classic literature and it's a challenge. I feel smart after I finish a classic book.
*Come up with a housework schedule (you have NO IDEA what a big deal it is for me to set that as a goal! Organization is a NIGHTMARE for me. I usually dust when I notice that something is looking kind of scary. My mother, on the other hand, cleans things that are clean.
*Write all my debit card purchases in my check register (Shut up, I don't want to hear it :))
*Quit using avoidance to think I don't need therapy anymore
*Get the rest of our camera film/disposable cameras developed
*Treat myself to one day of scrapbooking every week
*Read something in the scriptures each day
*Strive to live in a more balanced way, saying no when I need to and not overdoing things like my work schedule
*Reserve my woman's perogative to change my mind and throw this list out if it becomes evident that I have just created an unrealistic list of stupid resolutions
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Welcome to 2009
I'm looking forward to this new year. 2009 is going to be a pretty big year for us, with Shane graduating and going on his mission in the fall.
One of the signs that I am getting old can be found in how my New Year's Eve went:
Both my kids had parties with their friends and sweeties, so we went over to a neighbor's and played games with some fellow oldish people. By 11:30 I was clawing to stay awake! We went till midnight but I was dying. :) And no one else wanted to break out the Martinellis! I did get my New Year's kiss, though.
Gone are the days of parties till the wee early morning hours for me! I told my dd and her group they could cook an early breakfast after midnight, which they did and then kept going until 3:00 a.m. They said they'd try to keep the noise down and I told them it didn't matter; I was so tired I'd probably sleep through anything. :)
I remember the day when I didn't think it was a proper New Year's Eve unless I was out until 4 a.m. *rolling my eyes*
Maybe my best bet is just curling up on the couch after going out to dinner with Kelly and watching Groundhog Day. For some reason I always want to watch that movie for New Year's Eve.
I did learn a pretty fun game with FACE CARDS at our old people party(here is where you gasp in righteous indignation). It's called Hand and Foot. I like it a lot. They said it's a lot like Canasta; I wouldn't know, because I am pretty much a face card virgin. They weren't allowed in the house when I was growing up. I am feeling pretty worldly and sophisticated now. :)
One of the signs that I am getting old can be found in how my New Year's Eve went:
Both my kids had parties with their friends and sweeties, so we went over to a neighbor's and played games with some fellow oldish people. By 11:30 I was clawing to stay awake! We went till midnight but I was dying. :) And no one else wanted to break out the Martinellis! I did get my New Year's kiss, though.
Gone are the days of parties till the wee early morning hours for me! I told my dd and her group they could cook an early breakfast after midnight, which they did and then kept going until 3:00 a.m. They said they'd try to keep the noise down and I told them it didn't matter; I was so tired I'd probably sleep through anything. :)
I remember the day when I didn't think it was a proper New Year's Eve unless I was out until 4 a.m. *rolling my eyes*
Maybe my best bet is just curling up on the couch after going out to dinner with Kelly and watching Groundhog Day. For some reason I always want to watch that movie for New Year's Eve.
I did learn a pretty fun game with FACE CARDS at our old people party(here is where you gasp in righteous indignation). It's called Hand and Foot. I like it a lot. They said it's a lot like Canasta; I wouldn't know, because I am pretty much a face card virgin. They weren't allowed in the house when I was growing up. I am feeling pretty worldly and sophisticated now. :)
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