Thursday Temple Day

Sue and I got up and went to the Temple. What a wonderful experience it is to go every week and feel uplifted. I prayed in the Celestial Room for inspiration for my Visiting Teaching. I need to make sure I get it right.
Came home from the Temple and made Lasagna and Foccocia Bread for Heather and Megan. They are on their way to Rexburg to look at an apartment for Megan. How fun for her to go to school right up the highway.
After they got home we went to Brother Blacks BofM class. Heather was really sick with a cold so during the break we came home. Heather needed to take her medicine and relax. I just love having them here. What sweet ladies they are. We worked a little on Megan's genealogy and it is so different that I need to go to the genealogy library and learn this new way. Now we have a small mess that I need to fix.
We all finally went to bed around 11pm. We were all tired and ready.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful for the dear friends I have. I am so blessed to have my friends in my life.

Mom's Ring

I was really missing my mom on Sunday and I found her wedding ring in my dresser so I put it on. It was just like seeing my mom's hand wearing it. I haven't taken it off since. I just reminds me of her so much. How I miss her. It never gets easier. But I know she is looking down on me and watching over me.
This morning was walking as usual then I had to rush home, get my shower, and be back over at the church for 10-12 for visiting teaching conferences. I had a long chat with Connie Petersen. She is such a sweet lady. She told me about the app for my ipod called MyFitnessPall. I down loaded it and tomorrow I am going to try to start eating healthier food.
I took off for Idaho Falls to go to Winco to go grocery shopping. Came home and put all the perishables away sat down for a few minutes and them went back to the church for more VT conferences from 6-8. Now they are done. I will have to make a few phone calls for the sisters that couldn't make it. Then I can redo all the visiting teaching routes and hopefully they will last for a little while. Gina Madsen said it was like herding cats. They just won't stay in place. So true, I got a good laugh out of that one.
Time for bed. Good Night Journal.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful the inspired visiting teaching program and how it keeps the sisters watched over so good. What a wonderful program for caring for each other.

Presidency Meeting

Walked again this morning. We are at 1 hour and 15 minutes. Of course, the first 45 minutes are slower walking because Ila can't walk too fast because of her hips. But we have decided any movement is better than none.
Cleaned my floors and straighten up my house. Getting ready for Heather and Megan to come see me Thursday. Tommy helped me so it made it easier. He gets to scrub, scrub, scrub and I spray, spray, spray. We are a team....
Took the kids to the dentist and dropped them off and came home and worked on my house some more.
My Presidency meeting started at 4pm and it lasted until almost 6. We just talk too much. But we have 4 new sisters moving into the ward and 2 moving out. And we had to finalize our visiting teaching conferences for tomorrow.
Took the kids to YM/YW and now it's time for bed.
Grateful Statement: Today I am so grateful for the wonderful sisters that I get to work with in my presidency. They are truly awesome women. I love each and everyone of them.

Sunday and Monday

I seemed to have forgotten to blog Sunday night so I'm gonna combine.
Ward Council was Good.
Church was Good.
Ditched Sunday School. Bad me!
Relief Society was Good.
That was my Sunday.

Today was good. Sue and I went to walk but they were cleaning all the carpets in the church so we came home.
I worked around my house for a little while.
Went and got my hair cut. Amber does a wonderful job. Glad I finally found someone.
Made dinner, which I didn't want to do but did it anyway.
Took a friends daughter to gymnastics.
Going to bed. Good night....
Grateful Statement: I am grateful for all the sweet sisters in our ward. I am blessed to be able to serve them.

Blizzard

Dark and Stormy

So Much Snow

Woke up to a raging blizzard this morning. The wind was blowing the snow sideways. It was cold and miserable looking. Even Mollie didn't want to go out in it.
Maggie went to the vet and there is nothing wrong with her leg now. He thinks she probably hurt it yesterday and now it's really sore so she doesn't want to walk on it. He gave her some pain meds and said she is not to run around like a crazy dog with her sister Mollie for two weeks. Mollie is sad and misses playing with Maggie. She was doing better tonight and could get up and limp outside to do her business. I felt so sorry for her.
Janna went to the doctor today and had 2 lumps in her head removed and a growth on her shoulder. She was doing really good until the numbing started to wear off. She took tylenol and tried to sleep. We just have a house full of injured people and dogs. But this afternoon she felt good enough to take the skidster and do about 3 or 4 neighbors driveways.
I pretty much didn't do anything today but watch it snow and do laundry and make a batch of cookies so the people next door could have pozzoki's tonight. Sometimes I think I need days like these.
Grateful Statement: Today I am grateful for my sweet daughter. She is so kind and loving to her parents. I am blessed that she chose me for her mom.

Tender Mercies

Went walking with Sue and Ila. One hour down. Wahoo, I'm doing it.
Came home and was trying to find an envelop with money for groceries in it. I had went to the market yesterday and got my prescription and groceries and came home. I paid from my grocery envelop. I couldn't find that long, white envelop anywhere. This morning I started searching again after I came home from walking. I just said a prayer that I really needed to find that envelop. I am doing the Dave Ramsey method and I needed the rest of the money for groceries - milk, bread and such. I searched my car and my house and everywhere I thought it could possibly be. As I was coming in the house from searching my car for the third time I had said my little prayer and I noticed a white trash bag sitting in the laundry room from the kitchen that Tommy had only got out that far. Now Tommy always takes it all the way to the trash can. So I decided to look in it and there was the empty box of Corn Meal I had bought yesterday and all the white grocery sacks and the paper bag from the pharmacy. I opened up the pharmacy bag and there it was, my long white envelop. I could only look heavenward and give a big heartfelt thanks. I felt so loved and cared for that He would answer my prayers so fast. It was truly a tender mercies.
I went and took a Carmel Apple to Mary for her birthday. I just love that lady. She is so very sweet and cheerful even with all she has to deal with.
Came home made more French Bread, Corn Bread for the beans in the crock pot and a chocolate cake for the kiddos next door.
Can I say time to sit down and put my feet up and look at my messy kitchen and try to get up the spunk to go clean it.
Grateful Statement: I am always awe struck at how wonderful it feels when prayer are answered within minutes of asking. It makes me feel that Heavenly Father is truly mindful of me.

VIP Tour of the DI

Off to the Rexburg Temple this morning with Sue. I love this Temple. They had a deaf person in the session so they had monitors where they signed everything. It was so fun to watch and I have a better appreciation of the art of sign language. Very interesting, but somewhat distracting at times.
Made stew and another loaf of French Bread. This one didn't get done all the way so now I know it has to cook at least 20 to 25 minutes but it was lighter than before so I have the rising time right. I'm making this everyday until I get it perfect.
This evening I went to the Deseret Industries for a VIP tour. It was the Bishop, Elders Quorun, High Priests and Relief Society. Very informative. I did not realize all they do there. They are truly there to help the poor and needy and train them to work. They even pay their salary for companies that hire them while in training. So much I didn't know.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for all the DI does for the people in our community. It is a blessing from Heavenly Father to help us on this earth.

Making French Bread

 My French Bread

Walked for an hour today with Sue and Ila. Made delicious turkey noodle soup with the left over turkey from Christmas. It was delish. And I mastered French Bread made in my Food Processor. The first batch wasn't so good. I put in the plastic blade instead of the metal one. Once I fixed that it worked perfect. I baked in on a pizza stone and it was soooo good.
Watched American Idol and now it's time for bed.
Grateful Statement: I am so very grateful that I get to stay home and cook and do whatever I want. It's a true blessing that makes me happy.

Presidency Meeting

Walked for an hour this morning very fast. I was so tired I sat in my chair all afternoon and watch "The Closer" until it was time for my Presidency Meeting. We finished up planning our Visiting Teaching Conference's. I am so glad that is all planned. Went over the Transition of the Young Women and decided because there is only two we would do home visits.
Took the kids to YM/YW and came home and worked on more pot holders for the sisters birthdays. I am ready for bed so good night before I yawn myself to death.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my sweet granddaughter Heather. She is so very dear to me. She has made many poor choices in her life but I think she is on her way to overcoming all this. I am blessed to have her in my life.

President's Day

Walked at the church with Sue and Ila this morning. We walked for an hour. We are getting better and better.
Worked some more on VT Conferences and visited a sister that is due to have a baby in about 3 weeks. And her visiting teacher is moving and really didn't visit her anyway. So I need to fill this spot immediately.
Made Mexican Rice that the kids loved and Tacos and Black Beans. Yummy good.
Now it's time to relax and vegetate.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the sisters in our ward. I have learned to love each and everyone of them. I am blessed to have this calling that makes it possible to get to know them all.

Sabbath Day

Church was good. A returned missionary spoke for 30 minutes so the High Councilman didn't have but about 5 minutes to give his talk. I just can't figure out how you can't tell time and see that you are taking someone's time. Oh well, to each his own.
I had a headache today so it was a little difficult to concentrate. But I got through it and conducted Relief Society. I spent the evening working on our Visiting Teaching Conference. Getting everything ready for Wednesday. That's been my day.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful for the Spirit that gives peace to my soul. Both Sunday School and Relief Society talked about recognizing the Holy Spirit in our lives. I have felt His prompting many times in my life. What a blessing.

Going to the Mall

 

 Crazy Girls

Isn't Harley having a good time shopping...

 Poor Gizmo

Bailee is torturing the cat.

I went to help clean the church this morning at 8am. I cleaned the chapel and the Sacrament Prep Room. While I was there I printed out the reports I need for our Visiting Teaching Conference we are having on Feb 27. I just need to rearrange the VT and so after these conferences I'll know more what needs to be changed.

Janna took the girls and we went to the mall. Harley hates shopping. Her favorite place was Pet Smart to get dog food for Cleo. We did get her to try on a cute little silky shirt with ruffles on the front . It was so cute but she was having none of it. What a character. On the other hand Bailee was loving every minute of it and bought a dress and a belt with her babysitting money for church.

I have been organizing all my pictures for 2011 so I can scrap them. It's fun to look at what we were doing 2 years ago. 

Grateful Statement: I am grateful that I feel so apart of the Rigby 16th Ward. It is my ward now and I am so comfortable in it. I am blessed everyday with wonderful opportunities to serve.

Hospital Bill

We got Tommy's hospital bill today. Let me see. He was in the hospital at 5:30am and in surgery around 7am and out of surgery around 8 or 8:30. In recovery by nine and out the door by noon. The bill was $36,964.50. Are you kidding me. Something is so over the top that it makes my head spin. Thank goodness for Medicare. Now of course, there will still be all the doctors and anesthesiologist and who knows what else. He says he not worth that much money. I beg to disagree with him. He is worth every single dollar AND the 50 pennies. Enough of that vent.
I walked with Sue again this morning and puttered around all day and can't tell you what I accomplished. I'm waiting for Spring then I'll do something. Maybe....
Austin went camping with the scouts again. He really loves camping with his scout troop. Bailee is at her friends house so it's pretty quiet around here. The kids didn't have school so it was a pretty lazy day for all of us.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my Tommy today. I just think how much he has gone through and still he keeps smiling and doing my dishes. I love this man and am so blessed to have him beside me.

Going to the Temple

I went to the Temple today with Sue. It was so good to be in the Temple and feel the peaceful spirit that is there. For the first time in years I had to take a Temple name through. I need to get baptisms and initiatories done on 4 of my ancestors and then I can do their endowments. So I need to work on that.
After coming home I hurried and made Focaccia Bread, Lasagna, Green Salad and Chocolate Cake for the Bishop's Family. Bonnie is always taking meals to everyone else in the ward so I thought she needed some TLC today.
Tonight I went to the Book of Mormon class with Sue. It was so good. I always learn so much.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful for this class. Tonight I learned that if we as parents pray for our children that have gone astray the Lord will answer our prayers and sent Angels to them, just as he did with Alma the Younger. And the Angel told Alma that he had heard the prayer of Alma, his father. What comfort that brings to me.

Getting My Toes Done

I walked this morning again with Sue. We added 10 minutes to our time. I always feel so much better when I am done.
Then it was off to the bank to get my cash and then to Winco to shop. I had to keep track of each item so I wouldn't go over my cash limit. And I got all I needed and stayed below budget. This is getting fun!!!
Came home put my groceries away and picked up Mary and went to get our toes done. It was Mary's first pedicure and she loved it. My toe nails were too long and they hurt when I walked so I really needed to get them done. And I got to go with Mary so that made it even better.
Made Hamburger and Fried Potatoes for dinner and then went visiting teaching. That's been my busy day again.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful today for Sue and Mary. It's so nice to have friends to do stuff with. I am blessed!

Oh My, Too Busy

 

Christmas

Snow

Another busy day. Went walking this morning for 30 minutes with Sue and Ila. It was harder than yesterday but we got it done. Straighten up my house and vacuumed up dog hair and made Mac and Cheese for the kids. I can just pop it in the oven and dinner is served.
I finished the Snow page and scrapped the Christmas page. It was really fun. I love scrapbooking. And (drum roll please) I have finished 2010. Now to start 2011.

I had a presidency meeting at 4pm and have to take Bailee to YW at 6:45 so it should work out good. Austin stayed home from school with a sore throat so he won't be going. He's really bummed because they are planning the Camp Out for this weekend. Janna came home and took the kids to YM/YW so I didn't have to. So I do believe I will be relaxing and taking it easy.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful today for the wonderful ladies I work with. I know I've said this before but I just love each and everyone of them and appreciate the hard work they do. I am blessed to serve with them.

Walking Around the Church

I walked around and around the church this morning with Sue. The time went by so fast and we did really well. I love my walking partner. She's almost as good as Heather. We are doing this every morning except for Thursday because that's the day we go to the Temple.
I came home and made Foccacia Bread for Sue and gave her my Lasagna, Foccacia Bread and Potato Soup recipes. I just love making this bread. It's so quick and easy and so good. Then I made Amish Sugar cookies for two sisters and took them to over to their houses and Snickerdoodles for Austin and the girls. There was some time in there that I put a roast in the crock pot and peeled potatoes for mashed. Gravy, Carrots and Corn finished off dinner. And I baked two yams for Tommy for lunch as he hasn't been feeling good all day. Poor guy. Don't know what's wrong but if he doesn't start feeling better soon he's going to the doctor.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for Sue. It just seems Heavenly Father sent her to Rigby to be my friend. I am blessed to have such sweet friends.

Beautiful Sabbath

Ward Council meeting this morning. We went over all the members that no one knows anything about. Most have moved but we can't send their records to Church Headquarters until we have an address that they moved to. What a job. How do we find out where these people have gone to.
The rest of my meetings were very good and tonight I went over to the church with Ashley and we did the visiting teaching report.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful today for Sunday School. I learn so much for the teachers. Our teacher today shared her rock, small pebbles and sand jar she has in her house. If we put the big rock (scripture study, prayer, etc) in first and then the small rocks (jobs, school, the necessities of life) and then the sand (playing, fun etc) it will all fit. If you put it in the opposite order it will never fit. I looked at my life to see where I needed to improve.

Pages, Pages and More Pages

 Austin the Scouter

 Man's Best Friend

Playing Cards and Such

I made a denim skirt for church today and made Beef Stew for dinner. And Peanut Butter Fudge for Janna. My kitchen gets a good work out every day.

I worked on more pages. I am trying to get caught up. I am so far behind it will be a battle. I love scrapping with Elements 11 and my new big touch screen computer. It's been a very good day.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my grandkids. They truly are a blessing from Heavenly Father. I am a blessed woman to have the family I have and every day I feel even more blessed.

Harley's Second Birthday Dinner

 Grandpa

 Harley and her two dollar bill.

 Austin and Ron watching Harley open her computer.

 Harley opening her computer

I couldn't find a card so I used one I had bought for my mom and crossed off the name. We had a good laugh over this one.

Today Crystal and I visited two more sisters in our ward. Then I balanced my checkbook and worked a little on genealogy. Then it was off to drop keys off at the church for the party they are having tonight. I guess I have the nursery keys for the closets. Who knew.

We met Ron at the Pizza Pie Cafe in Idaho Falls for a birthday dinner for Harley. She opened her presents and loved her new computer. It was a good night and we had fun.

Grateful Statement: I am grateful for Harley today. She is such a good girl and such a hard worker. She got the new computer because her other one died and she does a web site called Harley's Farm and does online goat shows. She is one ambitious girl. I am blessed with amazing grandkids.

Going to the Temple

.

 I love the look on Hailey's face.

Horses

I got up this morning and went to the Rexburg Temple with Sue. I just love that lady. We always have a good laugh. I need to work on some genealogy because I have no more endowments to do for my lady relatives.  Where do I get the time and energy.
I'm making a cake for Harley's birthday. She is 17 years old. She said she really thought she would be taller because both her grandpa's are tall. No such luck.
We went to mexican food for Harley's birthday and tomorrow we will go to Pizza Pie Cafe with Ron to celebrate again.
I finished these two pages. I am into scrapping again. And it's about time because I am scrapping 2010 so I'm a little behind.
Grateful Statement: I am grateful that I was able to go to the Temple today. Heavenly Father sent Sue to Rigby so we could be Temple buddies. I am blessed because of her.

Pooper Scooper Page

Pooper Scooper

I worked on this page today in between all my duties. I took a little girl in our ward to her therapist appointment because her mom had surgery and can't drive. And I took Bailee to school. Her mom made her put $20 worth of gas in my car because she was too sick to go to school and then suddenly she was alright. That doesn't cut it in Janna's book. And I am doing the Dave Ramsey financial plan so I didn't have money for gas.
I went to Broulim's while I waited for the appointment to end. I got Cheese, Potatoes, Frozen Juice for Tommy and Banana's and that was all and I only spent $13.41. I never go into Broulim's without spending $50 it seems so that was good. I am going to do this no matter what. It's now a challenge and I do love a challenge.
I made Chicken Nuggets and roasted Red Potatoes with corn for dinner. Everyone loved it. I love it because it's fried in Olive Oil and then finished in the oven so it's so moist and tender.
I am going to watch American Idol and then it's to bed for me. I have had an excellent day.
Grateful Statement: Today I am grateful for my dear husband. Even though he doesn't feel very well he still has a good spirit about him. I am blessed to have had him in my life all these years.

Dean Doing Dishes Page

Doing Dishes

I think this is a priceless picture of Dean doing dishes. See he can do them if he wants to. I just love, love, love this son of mine.
This is what I finished working on today in between making Lasagna, Green Salad, Thousand Island Dressing, Focaccia Bread and a Chocolate Cake for dinner and to take to Colleen. The rest of the week is covered by other sisters so I am done. I love her family and I am so glad she let me bring meals into her.
We had our presidency meeting today. We planned when we would have our Visiting Teaching Conference. So now I have to get ready for that. Always something to do.
Grateful Statement: Today I am grateful for my presidency and their willingness to serve. They are such an important part of this calling for me and I couldn't do it without them. I am sooo blessed to work with these ladies.

Day of Service

Today I made a double batch of Potato Soup and Focaccia Bread and took soup and bread to the Bradshaws for dinner. I asked if we could bring dinner in this week and they agreed so they didn't have to stress about food.
I paid all my bills. What a job. I am going to do the Dave Ramsey (sort of) version and only do cash. I think Tommy and I will spend less if we only have so much. It's too hard to keep track of what you spend with a debit card. So we'll see how this goes. When I get my check we will start.
I went to a sisters house and helped her do a menu for a food order with Crystal, my awesome 2nd counselor. She is so wonderful at all she does. Then I took the order to the Bishop's house and went back and picked it up after he had signed it and took it back to the sisters house.
Then it was back home and dinner served to the family. Janna and I ran over to Walmart for Harley's birthday present. On Thursday she will be 17yrs old. How can my grandbabies be getting so old.
Now it's time to put my feet up and work on pot holders for the sisters.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the opportunity I get to serve others. I truly makes me happy to know I am doing the Lord's work. I am blessed to have this calling.

Calf is Out

Live Stock

Our silly calf got out and spent the night and morning roaming around the back. Harley is getting attached to him because he follows her around the farm. I told her to call him Hamburger and tell him he gets to end up in the freezer so it won't be a surprise when it happens. LOL.
I went to church today and had a really good day. We had an inactive family come to church and Evelyn Muir and her husband were there also. I love when inactive members are reactivated.
I came home from church and made Black Bean Burritos for dinner. Then I spent the evening vegetating. That's been my day and a very good one at that.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for the Sabbath and fast Sunday. I love to go to church and listen to the Testimonies. It always lifts my spirits.

Thanksgiving Page

Thanksgiving

I worked on this Thanksgiving page today. It took me most of the day off and on because I ran everything through actions. After about half way through I realized you could leave the action window open and just click on whatever you were running an action on and it would do it and stay open. I love this Elements 11. I was amazed at how much Janna and John look alike. She will absolutely hate this picture but it's one of my all time favorites. John always thought the sun rose and set with his sister. No little girl could have been more loved by a big brother.

I made my chocolate fudge pound cake with fudge frosting for the family and made baked chicken, baked beans and mashed potatoes for dinner. Now it's time to relax and do absolutely nothing.

Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my ability to scrap these wonderful pages that bring back so many good memories. I am blessed with my wonderful family.

Food for a Funeral

Busy day again. I collect lots of food from the sisters and transported it over to the church. Tiffany and I put all the food out and served the family of Brother Lords. It was pretty sad to see his sons so upset.
The Bishop and Bonnie came over after the funeral and stayed to help. They sent us home and said they would take the leftover to a family in our ward. So I took them up on it and went home.
Grateful Statement: I am so grateful for my wonderful Bishop and his wife, Bonnie. They are so humble and always there when they are needed. I am blessed to serve under such a righteous man.