Experiences

Lately I have have been thinking about the experiences we have had over the past 32 years of our marriage. We have all had ups and down, which are just a part of life. Some days it seems like everything would be easier to just throw in the towel and made major decisions that would change our lives. Sometimes we are dealt a hand that is difficult to bear. But most of the time, we have realized the the blessings come after the trials. And that isn't always easy to see while the trials are there. You just have to keep going.
There have been many times when we wondered if our prayers are being heard at all, when we felt that something wasn't right. You know, those times when you aren't getting what you want or feel you want or deserve at the time. We have looked at those times and wondered just what we needed to do to "deserve" or be blessed with our desires. Our desires were righteous desires, and we just didn't understand what was keeping us from getting some kind of answer. Any answer at all. It was at times like that we would have a "husband/wife" council and look at our lives. We would find one area where we would put more effort into living the gospel better. I remember one time during our early marriage we knew we could be better at paying our tithing. We really worked that on and have been faithful tithe payers since then. We have noticed many blessings coming from that commitment. Another time it was reading the scriptures so we started getting the kids up earlier and read the scriptures every morning. It helped to make the days go better, not perfect but better. And I think our children had better teenage years because of it.
The past week I have needed to take a look at myself again, and see what I can do to make some major changes or adjustments in my life. Since Garth and I aren't home in the mornings together (he leaves for work at 4:00 am) I need to read my scriptures better by myself.
I have the set of books "Your Study of The Book of Mormon Made Easier" by David J. Ridges, which is very good at explaining word by word what each scripture means. I don't have any problem with comprehending what the verses mean, but I enjoy the added details that are included.
I was reading in Alma 8-9, the story where Alma meets Amulek, which is a well-known man in his community. Alma was told to go back to the city that had treated him so badly, and he was told to "Rejoice". He had been rejected, spit upon, and thrown out of the city, and the angel told him to Rejoice! The angel's message was that no matter what circumstances or people do to you in a negative way, what really counts is how you stand with God. Alma had been faithful, so he had reason to rejoice.
The verse that always stands out as Alma and Amulek teach is Alma 9:13. "Behold, do ye not remember the words which he spake unto Lehi, saying that: Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper in the land? And again it is said that: Inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord." How many times do we feel that our answers aren't coming? That is when we need to re-evaluate our lives and see what we can do to live a bit better. Even if we think our lives are in tune with the gospel teachings, there is usually somewhere we can improve. Pray more often by yourself, family or couple prayer. Pay tithing. A true fast. Home and visiting teaching. Scripture reading. Helping someone else. Making it a point to do it and report back to the Lord in prayer helps us see what we are doing to improve ourselves. It is our own evaluation so we might be like Alma and be told that we have reason to rejoice even with all the negative things that are happening around us, or the prayers we feel aren't being answered.
My challenge to you is to find one thing, one area, where you can put forth a little more effort, not to perfection but just a little bit more. Work on that one thing for as long as you need, informing the Lord what you are doing and why you are doing it. Look for the blessings that come as you work on this one little thing. It will soon bring big blessings in your life.

Summer Fun

We have experienced some fun days with our grandchildren this summer. It started with Tyler and Nancy coming for a few days. We had fun playing at our house, then we went to SLC, picked up the Gale kids and spent a day together. We went to the aquarium and rode on the carosel at the mall. Then we went to the new temple.

We flew to Missouri for 6 days with Barrett, Chantel, and the kids. It was so great to have time to visit with them. We went to Penguin Park and had fun, even though we were sweating. I thought it felt really good, just a little wet. Grandpa and Grandma got the chance to take Max and Morgan to Chuck E. Cheese one night and we had a ball. We watched the mushroom growing on the front lawn, and looked for fireflies. We are so glad to have the chance to visit with them. Now, before everyone lets me know I have spelled "Mushroom" the wrong way, I know it! But it is a pain to go back to the slide show page, fix it, then repost it here. So live with my spelling, please. (asked politely)

Chantel and the kids were able to come to Utah and we met up for a visit to the aquarium with the Gales and Aunt Nicky. They were so excited and all in different places at the same time. With the dark lighting it was hard to get pictures of them all together. But here is an overview of their excitement. After the aquarium we ate a quick lunch at Murray Park, then we all headed our separate directions. It has been a good summer for us.

A Forty Year Old Memory

Forty years ago someone told me I would remember that day for the rest of my life. It is true. Although I don't recall all the details of exactly what I was doing, I do remember some. I remember it was a Sunday. Back then Sunday afternoon was filled with friends gathering to share a few hours of time together between Sunday School in the morning and Sacrament Meeting at night. I remember my friends and I were at my house. Although it was usual for the girls to be together, I remember some of the boys our age there as well. We were downstairs and ready to go out the door and up the steps, but decided to stop and watch the small TV sitting next to the doorway. I remember thinking that I didn't want to miss this day in history so I waited to see the images coming back from space. I wondered if the first man to step onto the moon would sink like in quicksand, or would it be solid rock with no dirt. I remember watching as the cloud of dust came up as the lunar lander decended, giving us the fact that there was dirt or dust on the surface. We watched with butterflies as the figure emerged from the lander and took that first step. I remember it was exciting and scary to watch, not knowing what would happen. I was amazed with the pictures and couldn't get enough. But then....it was over and we went on with our day.
So much happened during those first years of the space age. I remember the first man in space, sometime close to my birthday one year. I was very young then, but considering only a few years later we were on the moon, it must have been a time of great discovery. Not much has happened to such a great degree since then. We do get better pictures from space, and there have been many major setbacks, but nothing as exciting to me as that first step on the moon.
I remember that day.....

I know, I know....

I need to update my blog. But I have been working hard to keep myself busy with other things. We went to Missouri and have a fun 6 days, which I will update later when I finally get around to downloading my camera and phone pictures (with Sara's help on the phone thing.)I am now unpacking the things in my room, which is a big pain. Most people pack so they can move. Not me. I pack EVERYTHING and move it all out and then bring it back 2 months later. Not fun. Hope I can remember where it all goes. But I am getting rid of a few things. Hope to get rid of move when I tackle the filing cabinets again. Didn't have to pack up the things in them so I can go through them as I want. (Never.) Trying to get up the energy to do something besides just those things I can do sitting down because I am having trouble breathing and moving at the same time, AGAIN. Waiting for more tests to come back. Anyway.....more later.

Happy Birthday, Barrett

Happy birthday to my only little boy. I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck. When he was little we used to sing this line of a song and he would do some silly actions and sing so loudly. He reached his goal of being a doctor, but his greatest accomplishment is his wonderful sweet family, his two cute kids. And of course, being our son. Happy birthday!

This and That

I found out I am in worse shape that I thought. Not from the doctor that I saw yesterday, but just from my daily activities. Right now I am having trouble even typing, excuse me, keyboarding as we say in school, because my hands are tired. Yes, my hands. I just got done doing something I haven't done in a long time and my fingers are tired. I am really having to concentrate on where my fingers go and where the letters are. It is amazing that fingers can be so out of shape. You will never believe what I did for about one hour. I played the piano! Yes, really played. Songs I haven't played before. And I am out of shape. Right now I feel like your legs would if you ran around the bases and then tried to walk a little. They just don't want to go like they normally do. I am walking, or rather sitting proof that a wrist can get tired. My left wrist is killing me!
I was asked if I could come up with a piano piece for Sacrament sometime in July or August, before school starts. So I went to Deseret Book to pick up a new piano book with arrangements of hymns. What a mistake. There should be a law against selling piano books without a chance to try them out. Would you buy clothes without trying them on? Not me! Why can't I try out piano music? I picked out two books, didn't look too difficult and you can't go wrong with Primary songs or hymns can you? Yes! Although I like the songs, I don't know if they are appropriate for Sacrament meeting or if I can get them ready within a year. It's just not my style of arrangements. And besides, everyone listens to me every three months anyway. I need to practice my finger exercises again! It will take me forever to get back in shape.


We went to Logan yesterday to see if Dr. Walker could give me any answers to my crazy things. He ordered a lot of blood tests and a chest x-ray and told me to come back when I am really sick. Yes, it was more than that, but he wants to see what happens when I am having a really good flair-up. If the rash comes back on my leg I need to get a biopsy so they can look at it closely. Maybe the blood tests will show something. So I am just waiting again. But I am to stay off the prednisone for a while. I hope I can walk and breathe while I am in Missouri.

We had a good visit with Ross and Linda, as well as Cleve and Mary. We didn't get to Kaye and Duane's because they were going all different directions but maybe next time. We drove out to Lewiston to the cemetery for a few minutes, then through Cornish and saluted at our old house. It looks like there is a deck off the back so I suppose someone took out the large window and put in a sliding door in the dining room. It was a very nice house with a pantry to die for. I really miss all the room that house has.

By the time we got home my feet were so swollen, even my toes were big. So I am staying close to home and the water pills are working well.

Just for Fun.

First of all, Happy Father's Day to everyone. Hope you are all having a great day. I didn't have anything to add to my post from last year, so if you are interested in a Father's Day post, read last years. Basically, I'm just too lazy to think of anything else to say, except that you are all great fathers and I love you all.

Yesterday Garth and I were doing work at Magnusons on the floor and I found this list of fun sayings I thought I would share. I think it is all something to ponder and consider. Very profound thoughts.

1. A day without sunshine is like night.
2. On the other hand, you have different fingers.
3. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.
4. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
5. Remember, half the people you know are below average.
6. He who laughs last, thinks slowest.
7. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
8. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
9. Support bacteria. They're the only culture most people have.
10. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
11. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
12. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.
13. How many of you believe in psychokinesis? Raise my hand.
14. OK, so what's the speed of dark?
15. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
16. Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.
17. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?
18. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
19. What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?
20. Why do psychics have to ask you your name?
21. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering, 'What the heck happened?'
22. Just remember--if the world didn't suck, we would all fall off.
23. Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
24. Life isn't like a box of chocolates. It's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your bottom tomorrow.

Have a happy day!

Just a Day

Yesterday (Friday) we decided to go to the wedding reception for Kyle Westover, the son of Melanie, our niece. We knew it would be an opportunity to see some of the family that we don't see very often so we took the long ride to Tooele. I don't remember ever being there before, but it sure seems like a nice place. I can tell it must be growing bigger than it used to be because of all the new homes and businesses. I can understand why people are moving there, with the beautiful view of the lake and the mountains, secluded in the valley like it is. I was impressed.
By the way, I went all the way to Tooele and back home without falling asleep on the ride!
We stopped in Provo to see Dad on our way up. I was thrilled to see him sit himself up to the side of the bed, stand up to the walker, and walk down the hallway. I think he is walking better now than he did last February. It looks like he should be able to get home soon. I know they are waiting for the wound-vac to get done doing its thing, and for him to be doing more on his physical daily care like showering, etc. But I don't see that it should be any problem for him at home. I know we all have different thoughts and feelings about that, but after seeing him yesterday I am very hopeful that he will be able to take care of himself better than before. Yes, I understand that we will need to check to be sure there is food, house care, etc, but I know we can do it. What I saw was encouraging.

Today Garth and I are striping and waxing the floors at Magnusons. It is pretty much in exchange for a wooden shed we want to purchase from them. We decided to put up a larger shed in the garden area, so we can move things out of the storage shed and save ourselves some money. It will pay for itself within two years by saving the money that is going out for the storage unit. We dug up the tomatoes and planted them in pots. Now we need to tear down the old metal shed and get ready to build.

I have now been off the prednisone for 6 days and I am starting to feel the effects.
My knees and ankles really ache when I get up to walk, but after a few steps I don't walk quite as crippled. Breathing is a bit more labored with the peak flow down 50 points from 350 on a good day to about 298 last night. I am hoping it doesn't get much less before I see the doctor on Tuesday.

We travel to Logan on Tuesday to see Dr. Walker, a specialist that was recommended by Dr. Labrum. I called the specialists in this end of the state but couldn't get in for at least 4 months. When I called Dr. Walker they got me an appointment in 2 weeks. I hope he is able to piece together all my silly little symptoms and come up with some reason for all of them. I guess I just really want a diagnosis so I can justify being on prednisone forever. I know it is such a wonder-drug but also has so many hard side-effects. But it sure improves my quality of life. But also don't want my life cut short because of it. The weight gain has been the worst of all! I didn't need to gain any more than I already have!

We are sorry so many of our family have been sick with the flu. The Browns and the Gales seem to be hit hard. I will stay away for a few weeks, thank you. We pray for everyone to be getting better soon.

Happy Father's Day to everyone!

Mr. Swinburne

I just got back from the funeral for Mr. Swinburne. From the number of people in attendance from the two counties, you can tell he had a lot of influence on a lot of people. He is certainly someone you can call a very nice, humble man.
I have memories of Mr. Swinburne from the time I was very little. According to his son, they moved to Huntington in 1959, so I am sure he was teaching at North Emery High School when dad was teaching there. I remember the Swinburne family when the high school teachers had a picnic at Old Folks Flat the day before school started. This was an annual tradition for the teachers to bring their families to the Flat and spend the day together. I remember playing with Doug and Ted Swinburne, David and Scott Kinder, Natalie and Nathan Johansen, and Peggy Jorgensen. Natalie, Peggy, and I would jump around on the logs and rocks bordering the firepit, dodging David and Ted as they tried to push us off. I remember Mr. Swinburne and Dad coming out of the faculty room at the beginning of the day just after they win the ping-pong game against Mr. Bill and Mr. Peacock. They were ready to start teaching.
Mr. Swinburne was also the principal who called Garth one day and offered him the job as custodian at the high school. He was always been a great teacher and example.
He and Lurene raised two great boys, along with their daughter, Kim. Doug and Ted were also gentlemen, very nice looking boys and very good students. I remember when I was in high school Dad would say we were going to the Swinburns to play ping-pong in the evenings. We would go there and I would never get to play ping-pong because I was in the kitchen sitting at the table with Mr. Swinburne helping me learn my math. I never caught on that we were going there for my private tutoring sessions! I wonder if Mr. Swinburne ever resented the fact that he didn't get to play, either! What a great guy, to give up his evening for me sake. That was the kind of guy he was.
Both Doug and Ted are now pastors in their church. As Doug said "We lived in a small town that was dominated by Mormons, but they never dominated us. They respected us and we respected them and we loved each other." Both boys spoke of the love they have for the parents and communities where they grew up and the church friends they had in Price. It was very interesting to listen to their experiences in church, and how they were raised in their faith. They believe in the rejoicing of their father with his daughter Kim who died at the age of 19, twenty-five years ago. What a happy reunion they just be having.
Mr. Swinburne was very religious, reading his scriptures and praying daily. He is a great example of a man who loved and lived his religion. He was a wonderful teacher, both in school and in church. He is loved by many and admired by all. As I talked with his wife this morning, she mentioned his love for our family, my mom and dad and sisters, as well as our own children. They are both wonderful people and we really admire both Mr. and Mrs. Swinburne. I pray the family will be comforted during this time of separation.

I Will Do It, I Will Do It......

I did it! I went for a long walk and I did it! I made it all the way back home before I collasped. For the past few weeks I have been walking around the cemetery, up and down a few of the "roads" and around the outside a few times. It is nice walking because it is pretty level and there are benches where I can rest when I need to. But it is also very easy to decide to stop because my car is right there in the parking lot outside the gate and I can quit any time I want. I decided to do something different this week. If I am forced to walk back home I can't give up so soon. So I decided to leave my car at home and walk up Draper Lane, along Mill Dam Road, past the Law's house, up the hill to Toomers and downhill to my house. That is a long way, for me anyway. But I did it! I stopped to catch my breath along the way just a few times, didn't ever sit down because there was nowhere to sit, slowed down my walking when I got too winded, and limped home the last two blocks. I walked for a full 45 minutes, which is out of my league. My foot was hurting like heck by the time I got home, making it difficult to even bend my ankle, but it got better after rest. I am hoping there isn't a stress fracture there, but I have been nursing it along for several months and I am afraid there is something there. I hope I didn't get myself so tired and worn out the I decided to stay in bed tomorrow. I know the walking is good for me, and I need the exercise to keep my heart strong and my lungs working. I'm just not so sure about the distance! I took my phone along in case I needed to call 911, but just kept right on going. I am proud of myself for completing it.
Garth came home for breakfast so now I need to clean up the kitchen before getting in the shower. I want to check some things out at school, transfer some computer files to my flash drive so I can enhance some of my math lessons while at home. I already spent one hour working on Koy's stocking this morning before my walk, but want to do some more. I also need to start stretching those cloths for the temple.
The sun is shining and I doubt we will get rain. We haven't had what the rest of the state has had this month. It should be a good day all around.
I will post more on the passing of our old friend, Bob Swinburne, as soon as I hear any details. I am still shocking about this, as I thought he would surely outlive my dad. We never know when we will be called home.
More later, if you are waiting!