Tuesday-Take the TV

A fun video was created for Jory & Sarah’s wedding full of their youth, dates, courting & wedding pictures. Our assignment was to take our new 42’ TV. No problem, we’ll do it. We discussed the logistics of how to get it there. Box it up, take it the night before, take it day of in someones van, etc.

Worried about the safety of it in someones car while at the ceremony, we decided to take it on the way to the reception. No problemo. After the luncheon a nap for Allan & errands for me took place. Before we knew it, Jory was calling to see how close we were because the photographer was there. We totally forgot about pictures & everything else after our part was accomplished. It was 4:50pm with only a few minutes before the reception & rush hour traffic to deal with.

Pulling up to the garden reception with ten minutes to spare, we headed behind the home as the plastic was being removed from all the tables & flowers. The video gal said to us, "Where's the TV?"

THE TV, we forgot to bring the TV! Oops. We called our adult children to throw it in their car & told her it would be here asap (50 minutes). Needless to say, she wasn't very happy.

It arrived & was set up for a special couple viewing.

Monday-Munch a holic

Now the wedding's over & I don't have to worry about fitting into the dress I bought that was 2 sizes smaller than I normally wear. It miraculously fit, by the way. It's a good thing I stood the whole time.

I've been on a munch everything in sight binge. Leftovers from the luncheon, two goodies at the reception, birthday cookie, cakes, candy, chips, fries smothered in cheese, bacon you name it. I've consumed each and everyone of them. The cravings increase as your will power decreases. Have you noticed.

Help me Dr OZ. He only allows you to eat fish, veggies, fruits & cut all white items (sugar, flour, etc) out of your diet, except cauliflower & egg whites. Am I ready for you?

Saturday-Surviving Son's Wedding

Yesterday, Friday, June 26th was my only son, Jory's wedding in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple to Sarah Sargent. Her initials are now SSS. Perfect doesn't describe how beautiful the day unfolded, from the safe 25 mile trip to the temple to the hasty clearing of the reception items as the winds and storms impatiently awaited their turn.

It rained the hour we spent during the ceremony while in the temple stopping as the bride & groom stepped out the doors to the waiting crowds and photographers. Picture perfect clouds kept us from squinting and cleared as we made our way to the luncheon at a mountain setting in Provo Canyon. Live music, delicious food and cool breezes permeated the atmosphere as we mixed and mingled with the happy couple.

Then the storms rolled in making havoc of the garden wedding preparations, but only until 6pm when the first guests arrived to greet the newlyweds. The heavens held their peace for three hours as we again laughed, cried and filled our hearts with enjoyment. Hugs, tears, words of love and good byes were exchanged to our newly married children preparing to depart on their honeymoon and new life together.

As the pair made their way to the car, family scrambled to clear away the festivities and smiling guests drove home, the rains poured down once again, but we didn't even care.

It was the end of a perfect day and the beginning of a new union of Mr. & Mrs. Jory Schmidt.

Tues-This is the First Day of My 57th Year

How lucky is the person to live half a century & more. I'm a brat on my big day doing those things I consider too selfish other times, such as getting a back rub, catching up on Facebook, buying a shake, eating more junk food than I should, reading whatever I want, painting my nails & so on.

I awoke at 5:55 a.m. and got up at 5:57. Everytime I looked at the clock it was ?:?7. I think this will be my year for sevens. It's also a giving day. Deliver a lost item to a cousin, pull a neighbor's weeds, compliment everyone I see, let someone in while driving, take a piece of mail to the correct location etc.

You know the drill. Many well wishers that remember, which feels good. One year when I was new to the neighborhood, we all went to lunch for someone elses birthday. I was too uncomfortable to tell them it was mine also. They found out & had cake & ice cream that night. That was even more embarrassing because they stopped going to lunch for fear of missing someone.

So far no extra aches or pains have shown up & that's a good thing.

Fri-For Father's Full of Expectation

In a recent conversation with a friend about expectations not being met, I was surprised when she admitted that she had none, therefore; she was never disappointed. I know the word, 'assume' makes an 'ass out of u & me' or so a college instructor taught. But, expectation is knowing the job will be done according to how you've planned or want it.

Every day as a child my dad expected me to carry my part of the load, by doing my chores, being a helpful family member and performing as asked. His example helped me to expect alot of myself and others. I'm grateful for this gift.

Don't we have expectations in setting standards, achieving goals and in pushing ourselves? Responsibility is a form of expectation. Isn't it a part of proving you can do something or follow through to your best ability? It's earned by dependability and performance. Without it trust is compromised.

DJ Gregory, was born with cerebral palsy and not much was expected of his life. His father decided otherwise. Having faith in DJ, his father encouraged him to try everything. He's become famous for setting high standards for himself.

"If you have a dream, go after it. Don't let anyone say you can't do something." DJ Gregory. This is his 'long walk not toward perfection, but possibility. A walk beyond measurement." ESPN

Please take a few minutes to watch this 11 minute video. It is sensational.

If you ever had a dream or if you have never had a dream, please watch...

http://vodpod.com/watch/1165857-walk-on-espn-video

May we all choose to rise above what we are capable of & achieve beyond the improbable. Thanks to every father (Or mother) that taught us to want to.

Wed.- What’s to Worry About?

I’ll admit I’m a worrier, especially when the agenda has additional events. I pile them on top of the daily ‘pack around with me’ worries getting edgy if the load becomes unruly. My fragile sleep habits get worse, sending me into an impatient mess.

Write them down, use a day timer or ‘don’t worry, be happy’ you say? I can’t write fast enough to list the thoughts going round and round like the ‘Price is Right’ wheel. ‘Don’t forget,’ ‘Call these people’, ‘Remember to,’ ‘Pay this bill’, ‘What’s for dinner?’ ‘Why did I say?’ and so on and so on.

My great, great grandfather, Wilford Woodruff said, ‘Do the job that needs to be done today, then sleep like a baby.’ I obviously wasn’t blessed with his gift.

Share the load. It dawns on me occasionally that Allan could take a few worries. When I try to give them, he can’t understand what there is to worry about. He’s simply lucky.

Give the load. Often, I ask Jesus to take the load for me. He willingly takes it, dishing it back to me with words of encouragement a little at a time making timely suggestions every step of the way. Thank you, again and again for helping me get through yet another busy time.

Monday-Make a List & Check With Him Twice

Early Saturday I made a "To Do" list, because I wanted to get alot done. I included Al’s jobs on it, to ensure he did the most important items. He started in on the first one before 8 am. I was excited to say the least. Taking a break after job #1, I didn’t want to nag for fear of souring him on the rest, so I let him be.

I mentioned one of the jobs three hours into the break. He shrugged his shoulders and went to the garage. After lunch he was reading/napping on the deck. What’s the deal I thought as I raced from laundry to scrubbing to vacuuming? My frustrations began spilling out of my mouth in ‘I need help here’ negativisms.

Finally at 5pm he offered to help vacuum. ‘This is my job!’
‘Why don’t you do one of yours on the list?’ I asked.
‘What list? Where?’
‘The one on the table, I wrote it up this morning.’
‘I didn’t know there was a list. Why didn’t you tell me?’
‘I thought you knew!’ I named several jobs, some of which he immediately went to work on.

Granted, I should have shown him the 'List'. He's good to do the things I ask. Why do I have to make a list? He’s a big boy. I’m not his mother.

Does he not see the bushes need trimming, tree branches cut, garage cleaned and so on? It leaves me irritated and too tired for closeness when this happens. How hard is it for him to ask what needs to be done, instead of me having to ask him? The jobs don’t go away if we don’t think about them, they just get more unruly, along with my disposition.

He missed the 'List' should I be Pissed?

Sat- Super Strength: Step by Step

Eleanor Roosevelt said, “We do not have to become heroes overnight, just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it is not as dreadful as it appears, discovering that we have the strength to stare it down.” …The thing you must remember is that you must do the thing you think you cannot do.”

After reading 'No Ordinary Time', I've come to appreciate many of the challenges and success of Mrs. Roosevelt. She was born rich but with a sad home life, homely, self conscious and so on. Not letting these major trials hold her back, she became a great example to women.

Anthony Rodriguez of ALS wrote: I believe everyone around me has the same potential as I do and I’m willing to help them find it. Through encouragement and with support, I believe in their success and their visions. Together we push forward, driven by a vision, brought about by the decision to be successful at work, at home, in every aspect of our lives.”

Don't allow yourself a pity party by saying or thinking, 'I can't do it!' Instead, let your self talk be, 'I can do this, I Can Do This, I CAN DO THIS!' You can, we can.

Thurs.This is 'The Street Where I Live'

This is my tree lined 'welcome home' not too big cul de sac street. It's where I live, walk, think and sleep. We bought our lot twenty plus years ago, after I drove all over the valley looking for the 'the perfect place'. You know where your kids will have friends, you feel safe, you can be yourself & it feels like home. You're determined to be happy for ions of time there. We have been, too.

Our lot was a white railed sheep pasture with a sign saying, "Meadow Lane." I knew instantly it was the place for our family. I studied the 1/2 acre spot with Mormon tea vine growing wildly and year round stream flowing on the back property line. It was love at first sight and I never tire of sitting in the yard enjoying the world, except for the barking dog next door & a few other things.

Certainly we've had our fire department & police visits, such as when Amy Edwards, my neighbor passed away unexpectedly during the night. It was scary the day five police cars pulled up blocking off our street as they hunted a murder fugitive, that found refuge in someone's weedy back yard. Sad when an officer came to tell the Gibbs, their daughter had been killed in a car accident. Happy when numerous announcements were delivered telling of a wedding or birthday. We have shared fireworks, BBQ, rides when broke down & cries for a mixed up youth.

Many have moved on to larger or smaller homes, but we've stayed. Soon it will just be the two of us and time to make plans for a change. May you love the 'street where you live' also.

Mon-Magnificent Monarch

I was daydreaming as I looked out the window last Monday afternoon, when a magnificent Monarch butterfly made it's way to my window mesmerizing me in its beauty. They are become quite rare these days with the urban jungles taking over the landscapes.

That same day, my husband also saw a Monarch butterfly miles away while he was working. What a treat for us both to see one on the same day. It brings back the days of my youth when we chased and even caught them. Maybe that is why they are so special and rare. Think of the special or rare beauties in you life & be grateful for them.

Sat-Super Sad/Super Glad

Some significant things happened this week never to be forgotten to make many sad, such as:


RIF-Reduction in force at work, where five great & not so great people were let go.
Without any warning now they are looking for jobs, ways to pay bills & so on.

Flight-Air France disappearance has no confirmed wreckage or survivors.

Loved ones die or critically hurt, car accidents, home fires and more.




Super Glad- Weddings are happy occassions & its three weeks until my sons.
Thousands of kids out of school for the summer.
Camping, amusements parks & hikes.
Families leaving for vacations or family reunions. Renewing old friendships.
A weekend with the guys or gals with no worries.

Thurs. Three Are Through

Three Are Through: Three of my nieces, Camille, Alison & Emily are graduating from high school this week. They are through, through with the peer pressure of making the grade as they walk the halls. Their done with the popularity contests of having the right kind of friends, trying to look hip with latest clothing, electronics and jargon. No more pretending to like someone they don’t, listening to the immature gossip rampant in schools and being the target of some jealous unknown.


Three are free from the day to day monotony of public schools. They’ve survived thirteen long years of rules & regulations government has placed upon them, passing tests, walking the line as they gained knowledge. They’re better for having endured challenges and rising above unfairness.

May your futures become better than your past. Tomorrow is the beginning of the rest of your life. You have the potential to achieve great things, so go out there and ‘Do It’!

Monday-Mega Moody Mama

I've been in the worst mood all week long & totally took a blog sabbatical, as you may have noticed, or not. I couldn't stand myself or anyone else. My husband was the fall guy getting blamed for everything. Why can't he shave more often, edge the lawn, be more entertaining, lose weight, finish the laundry room and so on.

Some days I was like bull in a china closet ready to break everything in sight. It sure helped get some cleaning done with all that energy, tossing out some long kept junk. I felt like I was the "rage against the machine" pulling out messy drawers, too long unnoticed dumping the contents in the trash. Blogging was out of the question as I stirred up one once peaceful setting after another.

I had plenty of burned bridges to repair as I came down from this mad woman trip now ready to be decent again, until the next irritant gets me in a mood.