Remembering....

A friend, fighting her own battle, gave me one of these today.  A flood of memories came to my mind.  It was a little less than 6 years ago in October that I started my own battle with cancer.  I remember in vivid detail the day (it was a Sunday evening over at Grammy and Grampy's house) when Brad and I gave each family member their own "Live Strong" yellow bracelets.  We sent them to family who were not in Gilbert.  Everyone wore them every week and I knew it was in support of me.  Their prayers, their fasting, the hope that I would be cured.  I can't tell you how much that helped when days were rough.  Just knowing that my family and friends were praying and thinking about me strengthened my resolve and determination to endure a little longer, a little better each day.  Now, It's my turn to stand strong for someone else.  How grateful I am for my family, their love and support during such a "faith-building" time in my life.  Remember those blessings I'm counting?

Today, I'm treasuring the countless memories I have of love and support from each of my family and friends.

Just Counting My Blessings!

I’m counting my blessings today. Even though at times, I feel overwhelmed, I know that I should be grateful for all the good in my life. I’ve also decided that when there are many “deadlines” in my life – I need to thank my Heavenly Father that I am healthy enough to be busy.
As I was driving home from school, realizing I had a LOT of homework, a RS class to teach, and many little projects to complete, I started to feel overwhelmed.  Most of us, at times, feel there is not enough time in the day to accomplish all of our "to-do's"  But then, I realized that instead of feeling stressed, I should be counting my blessings. 
Then, Jenny called asking if I could watch Jade while she attended the temple.  Of course, I said YES and immediately started changing my plans to accommodate a special time with my grand-daughter.  After spending some time with her...I realized that I do indeed have many things to be thankful for.  And when I get stressed...I am going to read this list for starters and ENJOY my time here on this beautiful earth!

Some of the blessings in my life today:

The time spent with our precious grand-daughter – Today she was laughing at the simplest things…and we caught in on camera (Jacque and I) I am popping a ball up and down in my hand and Jade is cackling, which in turn, is cracking both Jacque and myself up.

The ability to learn and grow at such an “old” age. I really like learning and my school classes are a challenge, but interesting. I’m not complaining…it just takes me a little longer to catch on.

The capability to serve others – this coming Saturday is our RS’s “Super Saturday” where I am helping the sisters put together 72-hour kits. About 60 were ordered. That is a lot of food! I have discovered that when my kitchen is messy and un-organized, I tend to be a “little” stressed out. But why? I haven’t figured out why my stress levels increase just because my counters are a little dirty and there are packages upon packages of food EVERYwhere…..but hey….It’s an opportunity to help others, and I’m grateful for that!

The answers to prayers – this is a little personal, but I guess I can share that prayers are answered in some VERY interesting ways. Aly shared a “cute” little story about getting lost in the ghettos of her town and somehow getting back to her “home” safe, and in one piece. Many might consider it just a “coincidence”, but I will always acknowledge my Father’s hand in our lives….always!!

A sweet husband who just want to “be with me”. Most people know that Brad does NOT like to shop….AT ALL!! Well, our washing machine is on it’s last cycle. After a repairman estimated the cost to fix it at OVER $1,000, we decided it’s time to get a new one. So, I told Brad I was headed to Sears to look over the brands. He said he would go with me, if afterwards, I would watch Survivor with him. I had to look at him to see if he was serious…he doesn’t usually like to go to malls…stores…anywhere that doesn’t have electronics in the title of the store. So, WE went to Sears and he strolled around while I asked all the questions. Of course, the nice salesperson tried to engage Brad in the conversation, but his answer? “Talk to her… I’m just here to be with her.” How blessed I am to have a husband who wants to spend time with me…even at a store. And yes, we watched Survivor when we returned!

Yes, I am enjoying a very busy day, but I also have many blessings that help me to realize how blessed I am!!

Mt. Graham - a piece of heaven on earth

Subtitle:  Jade at Mt. Graham

Labor Day was spent with the Weech Family on beautiful Mt. Graham at Columbine.  In years past, it has been rainy and cold.  I guess we were in for a treat this year.  It was beautiful, the stars were amazing each night, and we didn't have any rain.  Now, for those in "Tent City", that is always a good thing.  But I think, as we were driving down, we missed the rain...even for a little while.

This is our very own "Tent City" - in back of the cabin where the very brave fight the wild-life, the lack of restrooms and chilly weather to "enjoy" their time on Mt. Graham.  I am always so impressed by the great attitudes of the Karges Family, the DeSpain Family, the young marrieds,  and Mark and Yvette's young family.  They are truly mountain troopers!!

 

Our time spent at Mt. Graham is always a fun, memorable family treat.  This year, we were missing our Aly - who was absent for the first time since she was born.  Also missing was Elder DeSpain, serving in the Dominican Republic Santo Domingo East Mission.  We welcomed home Kade, who just returned from the England Mission.  No matter who is there, we have fun.  This year marked the first time we went as grandparents.  What a treat that was!  Both Grandpa and myself enjoyed every minute we spent with Jade.  And our amazing picture taker, Jacque, captured some of the best moments we had.  So if there are a "few" pictures of Jade....don't mind them....just scroll on by...if you can!!

Even tho we do the same things each time we are up at Columbine, we enjoy spending time together.  Some things just never change and some traditions live on...and on...and on. Some of my favorite traditions include:

Brad - cooking bacon for breakfast - he is the only one that can do the job right!

Watching new parents show their sweet children all the beautiful things around the cabin

Watching Grandparents enjoy every moment they had with their beautiful, inquisitive grand-daughter

Cousins playing, laughing, talking all night, laughing, spending time together...did I say laughing??

This was a first - napping for our very own energizer bunny!

Motorcycle rides, cousins who WANT rides and cousins who become the drivers at a certain age.  It's a rite of passage and one that all cousins look forward to.  Learning how to ride, driving by themselves, and finally - taking the younger cousins on ride after ride after ride!

While up on Mt. Graham, there are many things to do to relax.  Since there is very little phone access, computer access and deadlines to meet, life slows down a little and memories are created.

This guy is Cindy's 8th kid.  He can last longer than most of the adults and some are younger than Dan!  He pitches the ball for hours and plays "Dead or Alive" until the younger ones can't play any longer.

Yes, that is Jenny wacking one outfield!

Did Jacque catch that one??

Card games are a staple, and every group - young and old - play.  No fights, no bad sportsmanship, just fun, laughs, and good times for all.

Grandma trying to relax a little!

How did another picture of Jade get in this blog??

Our Sunday meetings were quite large this holiday.  Maybe because the weather was just about perfect, or the last holiday before fall - whatever the reason, there were about 300 in attendance.  From the moment the sacrament was prepared, you could feel a special spirit that touched each of us thru-out the meeting.  I always have my testimony strengthened by those who share their thoughts and feelings, and this meeting was no different.  I can't imagine a better place to be on a beautiful Sabbath morning.

This year, while I was teaching the YW's, Aunt Roxanne enlisted the help of the "older" group for the Primary. Here, we have Tyler helping the younger ones sing "Jesus Wants Me For a Sunbeam". Only Tyler could make everyone laugh and sing. He probably had as much fun as the kids!

And then there is Kade pretending to be King Darius, and commanding the children that they couldn't pray.

Uh...Kade....you sure you got the story right??

We even had a real life Daniel who taught the children to have courage and pray!

      What a fun Primary!!

And what is Labor Day without the yearly "hike down the mountains that won't take very long".  Each year, Daryl promises that THIS hike will be better, shorter...something!  The brave souls, once again, believed Uncle Daryl when he said it would be a "short hike of 3-4 miles" off the west end of the mountain.  8 miles later.....8 miles later, they were all very tired...but happy to be home and headed for a nice shower!

Until next time - see ya!!  LOVE TO ALL!!