Sorry - removing comments for this post.
With the recent earthquake in Chile and the not so recent earthquake in Haiti, it has caused a great deal of thinking on my part. Seeing the destruction and devistation are difficult to watch. Thousands dead. Even more wounded and homeless. A lack of medical teams and supplies.
Lately, I have felt like I am trapped inside my own spiritual earthquake. When we left Ohio, I felt like I suffered the biggest "earthquake" of my life. Gone were the great friends that I had made (physically speaking). Gone was the security of knowing that whatever happened, I could takle it.
Yesterday in Sunday School, we talked about Abraham and the many things he endured in his life. The promises he had been given of his postairity but being older and still not having children. Not questioning God and his plan when he himself was lieing upon the alter. Meant as a sacrafice. His life was spared, but he didn't doubt. When he was asked to sacrifice his much awaited for son, he DID NOT question. Instead, he willingly (but I am sure with a heavy heart) took his son to obey the Lords commandments.
I have not yet been asked to sacrifice my children. I have not yet been asked to give my life. I have questioned a lot of things since we have moved to Alaska. I do know the Church is true. I do know that God loves us. I have been blessed in Alaska. It hasn't all been dark clouds and rainy days. (Not snowy either). Knowing all of this, why do I still question?
Only a few select people know this, but we had an opportunity to move to San Antonio this coming summer. We decided not to do it for a number of reasons, but the main being that we do not feel that we are done here. What?? Do I know what we are meant to do here, no. I wish I did. I would do it so we could leave. Instead, I choose to stay in my torn apart life. You see pictures of the earthquake victims and they just look so tired. This is how I feel. Sometimes, I am surprised when I have made it to the end of another day. I made it through one more day. Trying not to focus on tomorrow, almost willing tomorrow not to even come.
Then, amidst the destruction and devastation, you watch the Olympics. Watching the best in the world doing what they love. Each one putting everything they have out for others to see. Trying to be the best of the best. **Attempting the impossible.** For the most part, being kind to each other. Supporting each other and being excited for each others successes. Teaching my children to be excited for those who excel in each event. Even if they are not from USA. (Trying to teach Aaron the same after the Hockey game yesterday!) Joy and wonder. That is the Olympics for me in 3 words!
Attempting the impossible. I feel like that is what I do every day. That was the conference talk we discussed yesterday in Relief Society. I left feeling even more discouraged than I have before. The feeling that my best isn't good enough. Trying to figure out how I can fit more activities and chores and lessons and laundry in 1 day. How can we make a day 30 hours and not 24. I could use the extra hours. Not just for sleep, but just to get it all done. Because, I can't get it all done. Making lists makes me depressed. Turning it over to the Lord hasn't worked. I just feel more alone and more afraid. So, I sit, in the middle of my own personal earthquake. Just trying to survive from day to day. The feeling of exhaustion never leaving. Attempting the impossible every day only to feel like a failure. Still, I get up every day. I get dressed, and I try. I love with my whole heart. I fight with my whole heart and I shed a LOT of tears.
Hoping that today is the day I feel like my prayer is answered. Aaron's job will all of a sudden be "normal." The kids will stop fighting. The laundry will get done and we will all be loving and happy. Here's to hoping for today!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Military Wife
Got this the other day and couldn't help but post!! Gotta love being a military wife!!
Military Wife
Lots of moving...
Moving...
Moving...
Moving far from home...
Moving two cars, three kids and one dog...all riding with HER of course.
Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house;
Moving curtains that won't fit;
Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours.
Moving away from friends;
Moving toward new friends;
Moving her most important luggage: her trunk full of memories.
Often waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting for housing.
Waiting for orders.
Waiting for deployments.
Waiting for phone calls.
Waiting for reunions.
Waiting for the new curtains to arrive.
Waiting for him to come home,
For dinner...AGAIN!
They call her 'Military Dependent', but she knows better:
She is fiercely In-Dependent.
She can balance a check book;
Handle the yard work;
Fix a noisy toilet;
Bury the family pet...
She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts.
She can file the taxes;
Sell a house;
Buy a car;
Or set up a move...
.....all with ONE Power of Attorney.
She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her.
She reinvents her career with every PCS;
Locates a house in the desert, The Arctic, Or the deep south.
And learns to call them all 'home'.
She MAKES them all home.
Military Wives are somewhat hasty...
They leap into:
Decorating,
Leadership,
Volunteering,
Career alternatives,
Churches,
And friendships.
They don't have 15 years to get to know people.
Their roots are short but flexible.
They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after them.
Military Wives quickly learn to value each other:
They connect over coffee,
Rely on the spouse network,
Accept offers of friendship and favors.
Record addresses in pencil...
Military Wives have a common bond:
The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands; his commitment is unique.
He doesn't have a 'JOB'
He has a 'MISSION' that he can't just decide to quit...
He's on-call for his country 24/7.
But for her, he's the most unreliable guy in town!
His language is foreign
TDY
PCS
OPR
SOS
ACC
BDU
ACU
BAR
CIB
TAD
ABU
And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his.
She is the long- distance link to keep them informed;
the glue that holds them together.
A Military Wife has her moments:
She wants to wring his neck;
Dye his uniform pink;
Refuse to move to Siberia;
But she pulls herself together.
Give her a few days,
A travel brochure,
A long hot bath,
A pledge to the flag,
A wedding picture,
And she goes.
She packs.
She moves.
She follows.
Why?
What for?
How come?
You may think it is because she has lost her mind.
But actually it is because she has lost her heart.
It was stolen from her by a man,
Who puts duty first,
Who longs to deploy,
Who salutes the flag,
And whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her Military Husband,
She will remain his military wife.
And would have it no other way.
--Author Unknown
Military Wife
Lots of moving...
Moving...
Moving...
Moving far from home...
Moving two cars, three kids and one dog...all riding with HER of course.
Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house;
Moving curtains that won't fit;
Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours.
Moving away from friends;
Moving toward new friends;
Moving her most important luggage: her trunk full of memories.
Often waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting for housing.
Waiting for orders.
Waiting for deployments.
Waiting for phone calls.
Waiting for reunions.
Waiting for the new curtains to arrive.
Waiting for him to come home,
For dinner...AGAIN!
They call her 'Military Dependent', but she knows better:
She is fiercely In-Dependent.
She can balance a check book;
Handle the yard work;
Fix a noisy toilet;
Bury the family pet...
She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts.
She can file the taxes;
Sell a house;
Buy a car;
Or set up a move...
.....all with ONE Power of Attorney.
She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her.
She reinvents her career with every PCS;
Locates a house in the desert, The Arctic, Or the deep south.
And learns to call them all 'home'.
She MAKES them all home.
Military Wives are somewhat hasty...
They leap into:
Decorating,
Leadership,
Volunteering,
Career alternatives,
Churches,
And friendships.
They don't have 15 years to get to know people.
Their roots are short but flexible.
They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after them.
Military Wives quickly learn to value each other:
They connect over coffee,
Rely on the spouse network,
Accept offers of friendship and favors.
Record addresses in pencil...
Military Wives have a common bond:
The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands; his commitment is unique.
He doesn't have a 'JOB'
He has a 'MISSION' that he can't just decide to quit...
He's on-call for his country 24/7.
But for her, he's the most unreliable guy in town!
His language is foreign
TDY
PCS
OPR
SOS
ACC
BDU
ACU
BAR
CIB
TAD
ABU
And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his.
She is the long- distance link to keep them informed;
the glue that holds them together.
A Military Wife has her moments:
She wants to wring his neck;
Dye his uniform pink;
Refuse to move to Siberia;
But she pulls herself together.
Give her a few days,
A travel brochure,
A long hot bath,
A pledge to the flag,
A wedding picture,
And she goes.
She packs.
She moves.
She follows.
Why?
What for?
How come?
You may think it is because she has lost her mind.
But actually it is because she has lost her heart.
It was stolen from her by a man,
Who puts duty first,
Who longs to deploy,
Who salutes the flag,
And whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her Military Husband,
She will remain his military wife.
And would have it no other way.
--Author Unknown
Friday, February 19, 2010
Thoughts on Service
So, this month is focused on Service for Activity Days. The 2 activities we had this month are my favorite that I have planned for the whole year. I thought I would share our lessons.
The first activity was a washing feet party (I did receive permission from the bishop!). The young women wanted to join us for this activity, so we had about 35 girls. We had the lesson first. My biggest desire with the lesson is that they realize the importance of the one act that Jesus Christ did. I explained that in that time the servants usually are the one that washed the feet of the guests. I then asked the girls if Christ was their servant. They all answered quickly and loudly with a no. I paused for a minute and told them that it was a trick servant. Christ may not have been the servant of the building but he was a servant of our Heavenly Father. We are all servants of our Heavenly Father. We are to do the work that he wants us to do. The single act of washing of the apostles feet proved to us that nobody is exempt for service. It doesn't matter how much money we make, how big our house is, our job we have or where we are at in our life. We are all comanded to serve others.
The 2nd activity was about the sacrament. We took the first 20 minutes and mixed bread. Enough for 2 loaves. We put them in the bread pans and let them rise while we had the lesson. The missionaries taught the girls about the Sacrament. When it was introduced (before the washing of the feet), why it was introduced and what it means in our lives. They even had a great object lesson. The girls all listened intently. You could have heard a pin drop. They answered questions, they participated and enjoyed themselves. When the missionaries finished, I talked to the girls for a minute. Do people always know when we perform a service for them? No. I explained that sometimes the only one that knows the service was performed is us. But, our Heavely Father and Jesus Christ always know what we do. They are the only people that we need to know. This coming Sunday, when the deacons pass the sacrament, they will be passing the bread that we made. I explained to the girls that most people who partake of the sacrament will not know that they made the bread. But, they will know. It may be a small detail. People probably won't know any difference. All of that doesn't matter.
When we serve others, we are showing our love to our Heavenly Father. The girls responded very well to the activities. I am very pleased with the way the girls are learning and growing and I can see it happen.
The first activity was a washing feet party (I did receive permission from the bishop!). The young women wanted to join us for this activity, so we had about 35 girls. We had the lesson first. My biggest desire with the lesson is that they realize the importance of the one act that Jesus Christ did. I explained that in that time the servants usually are the one that washed the feet of the guests. I then asked the girls if Christ was their servant. They all answered quickly and loudly with a no. I paused for a minute and told them that it was a trick servant. Christ may not have been the servant of the building but he was a servant of our Heavenly Father. We are all servants of our Heavenly Father. We are to do the work that he wants us to do. The single act of washing of the apostles feet proved to us that nobody is exempt for service. It doesn't matter how much money we make, how big our house is, our job we have or where we are at in our life. We are all comanded to serve others.
The 2nd activity was about the sacrament. We took the first 20 minutes and mixed bread. Enough for 2 loaves. We put them in the bread pans and let them rise while we had the lesson. The missionaries taught the girls about the Sacrament. When it was introduced (before the washing of the feet), why it was introduced and what it means in our lives. They even had a great object lesson. The girls all listened intently. You could have heard a pin drop. They answered questions, they participated and enjoyed themselves. When the missionaries finished, I talked to the girls for a minute. Do people always know when we perform a service for them? No. I explained that sometimes the only one that knows the service was performed is us. But, our Heavely Father and Jesus Christ always know what we do. They are the only people that we need to know. This coming Sunday, when the deacons pass the sacrament, they will be passing the bread that we made. I explained to the girls that most people who partake of the sacrament will not know that they made the bread. But, they will know. It may be a small detail. People probably won't know any difference. All of that doesn't matter.
When we serve others, we are showing our love to our Heavenly Father. The girls responded very well to the activities. I am very pleased with the way the girls are learning and growing and I can see it happen.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Miracle Exist!
Go here and watch this video. Then, tell me that God does not exist and that He doesn't love his children!
Olympics
Kids were supposed to be getting ready for bed. Instead, this is what I found:
They are watching the pair figure skating. They were amazed at how high they can jump and how far they can throw. Nate asked me if I could do that to him. Ha!
**Disclaimer - Maggie has been having an awful runny nose and that is why her finger is up her nose. And, she was supposed to be picking out PJ's which is why she doesn't have any pants on.
**Disclaimer - Maggie has been having an awful runny nose and that is why her finger is up her nose. And, she was supposed to be picking out PJ's which is why she doesn't have any pants on.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
A Year...
365 days. What a differance a year makes. I was just looking at pictures of Maggie after her heart procedure. With tears in my eyes, I am so thankful that she is okay. She is a stubborn and mean girl, but I sure love her. She completes our family. The way she smiles with her head ever so slightly turned. The way she gets her dad to do what ever she wants.
As difficult as it is, I am complete. I am blessed. I am loved. I have everything in my life that I desire - except a clean house. I am so grateful to a loving Heavenly Father who knows exactly what we need!
Thank you for being part of my life. Thank you for all you do. Near or far, know that you are in my heart!!
As difficult as it is, I am complete. I am blessed. I am loved. I have everything in my life that I desire - except a clean house. I am so grateful to a loving Heavenly Father who knows exactly what we need!
Thank you for being part of my life. Thank you for all you do. Near or far, know that you are in my heart!!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
White Bread?
I need help again! Next week, for our Activity Day's activity, we are talking about the sacrament. Why it was started and the importance behind it. Then, we will be making bread. I will bring it home and bake it and deliver it to the Bishop. That bread will then be used for the bread of the Sacrament the following week.
In the handbook - it states that the Sacrament bread needs to be white and without crust. I don't have a recipe for white bread. So, if you have a recipe that you like, would you please e-mail me, Facebook me or post the recipe as a comment. I would really appreciate it!
Thanks in advance!!
Sassy
In the handbook - it states that the Sacrament bread needs to be white and without crust. I don't have a recipe for white bread. So, if you have a recipe that you like, would you please e-mail me, Facebook me or post the recipe as a comment. I would really appreciate it!
Thanks in advance!!
Sassy
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Answer to below
To answer Laura's question and for any others wondering about my purchases below - it was at Fred Meyer. So, those in Utah could go to Smith's Marketplace (I think) and those in Ohio could go to Kroger.
Here's how I did it. Fred Meyer has a deal for buy 2 games get 1 free. Then if you go here and click on the link they have to be directed to the coupons. You can use 3 coupons with your purchase because you are getting 3 games. So you get an extra discount off the other items because 1 of your 3 games is free. I did my games in 2 seperate purchases. I grouped the 3 most expnsive ones together and then grouped the others together.
The Ponies - I only paid for 1. I got 6 of them and 5 were free. Go to the same place and print the My Little Ponies coupons. You can only print 2 coupons per computer, so find another computer that you can print 1 more coupon at. If you take 3 coupons with you, With the buy 2 get 1 free deal at Freddies - you get 2 free. Then - with the buy 1 get 1 free coupons, you get 3 more of the ponies for free. Thus, only paying for 1 pony. You can't beat that. Can you say Birthday Presents?
When you are directed to the website to print the coupons, it will ask you to download a program. It isn't harmful. Just FYI.
So - if you want to see if you can get this killer deal - check out your local add for Kroger/Smiths Market Place or Fred Meyer. Hope that helps clear it up!
Here's how I did it. Fred Meyer has a deal for buy 2 games get 1 free. Then if you go here and click on the link they have to be directed to the coupons. You can use 3 coupons with your purchase because you are getting 3 games. So you get an extra discount off the other items because 1 of your 3 games is free. I did my games in 2 seperate purchases. I grouped the 3 most expnsive ones together and then grouped the others together.
The Ponies - I only paid for 1. I got 6 of them and 5 were free. Go to the same place and print the My Little Ponies coupons. You can only print 2 coupons per computer, so find another computer that you can print 1 more coupon at. If you take 3 coupons with you, With the buy 2 get 1 free deal at Freddies - you get 2 free. Then - with the buy 1 get 1 free coupons, you get 3 more of the ponies for free. Thus, only paying for 1 pony. You can't beat that. Can you say Birthday Presents?
When you are directed to the website to print the coupons, it will ask you to download a program. It isn't harmful. Just FYI.
So - if you want to see if you can get this killer deal - check out your local add for Kroger/Smiths Market Place or Fred Meyer. Hope that helps clear it up!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Super Shopping Trip!
I just returned from a SUPER shopping trip! I wanted to share my purchases with you!
2 gallons 1% milk
2 gallons Chocolate Milk
6 cartons of Maggie's Milk (Soy)
1 Things game ($28 retail)
1 Taboo game ($30 retail)
1 Pictureka! game ($30 retail)
1 Scrabble Junior ($16 retail)
1 Clue Carnival ($16 retail)
1 Sorry ($16 retail)
6 My Little Ponies ($7.69 each)
1 Almond Joy mini pieces (my guilty pleasure)
3 Dinasour eggs (Easter Basket items - $7 normally)
3 dollar items for Easter Baskets
2 Strawberry Shortcake Dolls
1 Tag system animal cards (for a friend)
Grand Total - $125
Had I paid full price for all of these - my total would have been around $280. A lot of the games and My Little Ponies are going to be gifts for birthday parties. Never can get enough of those. I am going to head back tonight or tomorrow to get some more. Lots of birthday parties.
2 gallons 1% milk
2 gallons Chocolate Milk
6 cartons of Maggie's Milk (Soy)
1 Things game ($28 retail)
1 Taboo game ($30 retail)
1 Pictureka! game ($30 retail)
1 Scrabble Junior ($16 retail)
1 Clue Carnival ($16 retail)
1 Sorry ($16 retail)
6 My Little Ponies ($7.69 each)
1 Almond Joy mini pieces (my guilty pleasure)
3 Dinasour eggs (Easter Basket items - $7 normally)
3 dollar items for Easter Baskets
2 Strawberry Shortcake Dolls
1 Tag system animal cards (for a friend)
Grand Total - $125
Had I paid full price for all of these - my total would have been around $280. A lot of the games and My Little Ponies are going to be gifts for birthday parties. Never can get enough of those. I am going to head back tonight or tomorrow to get some more. Lots of birthday parties.
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