When Flexy (Alex) was a teenager he was just a little guy. That’s not a huge surprise, because his Dad is a little guy, but the generation before my darlin aren’t so little. His Dad is quite tall and so are some of his siblings. So back to Flexy, we became concerned enough with his size that we took him to a specialist. An Endocrinologist had made arrangements for a home care nurse to come to our house in the late evening to draw blood to check his growth hormone. It’s true when they say you grow at night. Your growth hormone peaks at night so he came at around 9-10:00 pm. He put a port in Alex’s arm so he could draw blood about every 20 minutes or so for a while. I remember him being there for at least an hour. Each time after drawing blood he’d sit at the kitchen table working and waiting for the next draw.
Earlier in that same evening Kelsey was doing homework at the kitchen table and for the last little bit my Mama was sitting at the table helping her. We had Alex sleeping in the room closest the kitchen so it was an easy distance for the nurse.
After the home care nurse left we quickly got ready for bed. Kelsey was close enough to the kitchen table to see a scary thing happen and what could have been a been a tragedy. The dome light above the kitchen table fell hitting the table and shattering in all directions. It was a fairly large dome light and had facets so that the glass just flew everywhere. It left a dent in the table where it fell that is still there today. It took quite some time to clean it up and my memory tells me we found a piece of glass here and there for days and maybe even months after.
The timing of it is the amazing part. If it had happened any earlier it would have been a really bad accident. The home care nurse was sitting inches from where the light landed. Kelsey and my Mama were close too. The timing was everything. I am so grateful that the dome light held on till just the right time. No one was hurt. It was a mess, but cleaned up well.
Was Father in Heaven helping? Was our Guardian Angel holding it in place till it could fall without hurting anyone? We may never know, but I know that we are protected in this earth experience and I am so grateful.
As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.
He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.
We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.
He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the fulness of times” (Ephesians 1:10).
Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:
“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:3–4).
Of Him the Prophet also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—
“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22–24).
We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—“built upon the foundation of … apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20).
We testify that He will someday return to earth. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.
We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.
A professor asked his class, “Where do you live?” Answers came from around the room, starting with the dorms and various other locations around the city. The professor asked again, “Yes, but where do you live?” Someone shouts, “United States of America!” He responds, “That’s true, but where do you live?” “North America,” “Planet Earth,” and “Milky Way Galaxy,” are answers given. “That is correct,” said the professor. Even though we all live in different locations, we all live in the same place.
I love this little story that my Mama told me from her college geography class. Even though we all live in different places and have very different lives, we have much the same feelings and love for our beautiful world. I am so grateful for a loving God who created this beautiful, wonderful world.
I think He must have favorite colors much like we do. The blue sky in its many hues and the brilliant white clouds that sometimes are gray, or almost black. Clouds that are huge and puffy or whispy or even dappled. So much variation and beauty. When I was a child I loved to lay on the grass and watch the sky. The clouds make interesting shapes and I could almost feel the earth spinning as I watched the clouds go by.
What a creative thought to use water to beautify and add to the landscape in various ways to make us stop and look. A waterfall, how breathtaking, the bigger the better. The sound is deafening. A little creek or stream is so relaxing the sound is like a lullaby, tinkling with its various pitches. I had a favorite little creek that I spent time near as a child and it was magical. I would make little pools with various rocks and float leaves and sticks on the water. Hours were spent and so much happiness was experienced there. I remember feeling so much peace and love and even now slow, small water has a way of calming me and helping me to know there is a higher, bigger power that loves me and knows where I am and how I’m doing. He sends a feeling that I can’t deny. I love that different bodies of water are different colors too, depending on all kinds of things, like how deep it is, what’s in the water, etc.
The luscious greens of the many grasses, and plant life all over, from the plains to the rain forest. The golds and pale greens of the desert. The rocks that are all so very different yet the same. The Mountains that show signs of stress and upheaval while getting to where they stand now. My favorite mountain is a sentinel, a guard and protector to our city and makes my heart feel so blessed to see it and know it’s been here, watching for millennia. It is beautiful!
The majestic trees that sometime grow taller than buildings. Their strength is evident by their stature. Some of their foliage turning shades of gold, red, orange and brown, before the fall in Autumn, a witness of the cycles of life we all go through. We went to visit Vermont this fall and the scenery was so lush and speckled with so much color. Wow! I had another feeling while viewing the trees and leaves that God loves us so much to give us the seasons. Season’s give us a different way to view the same place. It is good to see things from a different perspective. It’s good to have different challenges too. We’ve been in a drought, our lawn was not the usual green, plush grass that we usually get to see and sit on, and the grand kids play on. It makes me appreciate the water. The abundance of water. I hope we can have a green lawn and flowers next summer. I am so grateful for nature.
Fresh tomatoes from the garden are a favorite of ours. We eat them almost every day in the summer. It is amazing to see the gardens full of vegetables and the trees full of fruits. What bounty. Flowers are my favorite though. I love to look at the tiniest detail of each flower. While hiking with my sweetie, we found a tiny little white flower on the trail as I stopped to look, I noticed that the petals were shaped like hearts. I felt His love right then. A little testimony of Gods love. Flowers gladden the heart. They bring a smile to your face. You can feel a warmth and amazement for the tiny details. The colors are so wonderful. The smell is the best. When I worked at the flower shop I was amazed that the best smelling flower to me was called Stock. Just a random average name for something that smell amazing. I think God loves hearts, and stars.
Stars when you’re camping are the best. You’re out away from city lights. Sometimes you can even see our Milky Way Galaxy. It makes you feel small in the immenseness of space. Small, but loved and significant. The Big Dipper, the Little Dipper, Orion, the North Star. I have a soft spot for the North Star, because it reminds me of my Daddy. He’s a light in my life and following him has always lead to good things, good decisions and happiness. It’s because he has always followed our Savior.
Animals are precious. Even big ferocious animals like lions and hippos are so soft and gentle with their babies. Some animals are majestic. Watching a tiger or giraffe walking is a sight to see. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t smile when they are holding a puppy or a kitten. Our silly little pup is so fun, and annoying, she wants to come sit by me, and when I call her to come up, she just looks at me. It’s funny and she cracks me up. I call her my therapy dog, because she loves me and I love her, and snuggles are very nice. All of the different species of animals, rodents, birds, fish, reptiles are so interesting and fun to see and learn about.
The Sun is the most important. It gives us light and warms us. I struggle with the shorter days in the winter. In fact as we get closer to the Winter Solstice, I am even more grateful for light. There is a sweet hymn that encourages sharing the light you have inside you.
When the days are gloomy, Sing some happy song; Meet the world’s repining With a courage strong. Go with faith undaunted Thru the ills of life; Scatter smiles and sunshine O’er its toil and strife.
Sometimes living on this beautiful world, our earth is tough. Even though it’s hard, I am ever grateful for the opportunity to live here and have the experiences that life gives me. Focusing on that is best. If you think about it, the whole world testifies of Gods Infinite love for us. I am so grateful for this wonderful world.
When the kids were little we lived in on the east bench of our town. It was not unusual to see Black Widows from time to time. They would be in various dark places like the garage or in the basement.
One time we found a Black Widow and decided to keep it and observe it for a while. We bought a little container that was safe and gave us ample viewing area. We would put flies, mosquitoes, and other insect type animals in the container and watch Charlotte do her thing. Wow! It was very interesting.
We saw a juicy and feisty yellow jacket (wasp) flying around the house and we decided to put it in the container, alive, and see what she could do with it. Brett put the wasp in and we all gathered around, and wow! Just, wow! She was amazing, extraordinary! She stayed at the other end of the container while the wasp just buzzed and vibrated. It was very angry. Then Charlotte came crawling over very speedy and bit the wasp, then crawled back over to the end of the container. She waited for a minute or two and then crawled back over to the wasp and bit it again. Then ran over to the end. Pretty soon the wasp was very still and calm. Then Charlotte calmly crawled over to the wasp and started wrapping it up in silk. She went round and around the wasp until it was completely wrapped up. For the next few days she would occasionally be at the wasp drinking it.
Having Charlotte was such a fun experience. We had her for a few months, then decided we were done. I had an idea to call the local Nature Center and ask if they would like to have her for their display. She was a beautiful specimen. They said, “Yes!” We delivered her to the Nature Center and shortly after received a lovely letter thanking us for the donation.
During the few months we had Charlotte, we had become very impressed with her and the amazing abilities she had to kill and eat.
Most houses have a junk drawer. It’s usually somewhere close to the kitchen or laundry room. Maybe you have two junk drawers. It is the drawer that holds things that don’t seem to go anywhere else, or the things that we need and use a lot and we need them close and easily accessible. Here is a list of the things in a typical junk drawer.
Pencil, pen, ruler, tape, highlighter, stamps, chapstick, batteries, scissors, paperclips, a doohicky that holds an ace bandage on, screws, nails, letter opener, scratch paper, stapler, paper clip, little gold bell, screw driver: standard and Philips, red eraser. some random plastic something that may not be needed, but we are afraid to throw it away because what if it is, whistle, white out, etc.
In the junk drawer we had growing up the most useful and handy item was the ruler. Not for me, but for my Mama. She used it often for all kinds of projects, but on occasion she would need to get one of the brothers back in-line, when they were misbehaving. She could open the drawer and grab the ruler in one swoop and hit one of the brothers on the bottom end with it. They would usually laugh, as they ran from her, because she’d hit them on the pockets of their jeans which provided too much padding. I never worried about the ruler, because she never used it on me. Thank heavens!
Junk drawers are interesting and helpful, and a necessary part of a home.
As we go through our young lives, it’s not unusual to decide what you want to be when you grow up. I always wanted to be a Mama, and feel so grateful that I have had that blessing in my life. I thought I might need to have a job besides being a Mama. I thought for sure that being a teacher would be the best job! Think of it, crayons, glue, paper, all kinds of art projects and bulletin boards. I would dream of putting large Alphabet letters up all around the room and teaching the kids to sound out words, and to learn what 1 + 1= and all kinds of important things relevant in life. I would have twenty kids in my class and they would call me teacher. They would need a hug once in a while and pep talks like, “You can do it!” I would have a smily face stamp to stamp on their assignments, and stickers, too. I would tell their parents how much I love being their child’s teacher.
I would say, “That’s it! I’ve decided I want to be a kindergarten teacher!”
Then a little time would go by, and I’d think, maybe I want to be a nurse. They do so much good. They help people feel better. They get to check peoples blood pressure and heart rate and oxygen level. They can hold someones hand when they’re scared or upset about something that’s wrong with their body. Or I could help with important life saving surgery. Handing the doctor the instruments needed to complete the task. Of course we never think about the not pleasant stuff like blood, throw up or poo. But seriously I really wanted to be a nurse.
Then I graduated from high school.
I said, “I have no idea what I want to be when I grow up!”
Then an opportunity came available to go to cosmetology school. I love hair, and make up and finger nails that are painted. I will do this!
I graduated with a certificate in cosmetology, and got my license. I worked in a little shop for a bit while I was pregnant with my “First Born.” I have kept my license and even had a little shop in our home for about 8 years. I love doing hair.
Now that I’m older. I have to say, I’ve never been a kindergarten teacher, and I’ve never been a nurse. I still admire the people who do those jobs and sometime feel like I wish I could have done it all. Of all the jobs I’ve had, I love my Mama job the most. I got to teach them and nurse their wounds and hearts and cut their cute little hairs. I even got to teach, nurse and cut hairs on some adorable daycare kids through the years. In our family we have almost always needed income from me, so I’ve had a ton of jobs. Because of a sweet and amazing husband I’ve been able to move around as much as I’ve wanted. I am grateful for him and his steady income. I am also grateful for all the jobs I’ve had in my life. I’ve learned so much and hopefully I’ve blessed others along the way.
When I was in first grade I had the prettiest teacher. Her name was Miss Peacock. I loved her. The fact that I loved her and that she was pretty has nothing to do with my story except that this experience happened while she was my teacher.
All of the children would go to the restroom together, either after recess or just a restroom break. It was always busy with girls coming in and out of the stalls. As this was a routine and we did it everyday, one little girl had pinched her fingers more than once in the cracks on the side of the stalls. She would stand with her back to the stall and put her fingers in the cracks on either side of the stall. I thought why does she do that? What is the fascination with putting your fingers in the cracks. I made a grave decision to put my fingers in to see what was like. As I did the child inside the stall opened the stall door which pinched my fingers, but especially my index finger on my right hand. I cried out in pain, and pulled my hand from the door. My pointy finger was bleeding and the skin was torn. I didn’t go to my teacher, I went straight to the nurse’s office. All the schools at that time had nurses at the school full time. I remember holding my hand in front of my face and crying hard as I walked to the nurses office. I knew she would help me and call my mama.
I remember laying on the small cot that was set up in the nurses office with bandages and ice on my finger while I waited for my mama to come get me and take me to the hospital. The pain coming from my hand was immense. I kept going over in my mind what had happened and thinking why did you do it? Why did you put your hand in the crack? I must have had bigger fingers than the little girl who I saw do it before, because she was never hurt like I was. It was one lesson that I will never forget of doing something dumb because you saw someone else do it.
We lived in the country, and the school was a distance away our home, so it was a little while until my mama got there. Then we had to drive to the hospital which was about a half an hour away. When we got to the hospital we found out that my finger was broken and was almost torn off just below my nail. It was stitched together and I was given a splint to hold my finger straight while it healed. I learned to write with my index finger straight in the splint. And it healed very well. I have good use of my finger, almost the same as the left index finger it just looks a little scarred up. My finger nail isn’t real pretty, but I’m ok with how it looks.
All said I learned a valuable lesson that day to choose wisely what you do, don’t follow others if their choices are negative, or have a negative outcome, think about consequences- they are part of life and are based on laws that cannot be changed. I feel sad writing about this experience, because I know that little girl (me) that struggle so much, but I always know the woman I have become and how I have overcome so many challenges and come out of those experiences successfully. I always felt God’s love for me as a child and I knew He would help me with life.
When I was about 4 years old, I had my first experience in a long line of experiences getting stitches. I was climbing on the back of the VW bug that my parents owned and fell. I don’t know for sure how it happened, but I cut my leg on the license plate in the process of falling. It was bad. I had to have many stitches. I don’t know why my parents never counted, because I sure would have. The cut ran lengthwise on my inner thigh and was at least two thirds the length. I remember my mom running out to see why I was crying, and then the look on her face. She had to run and get a washcloth to hold my leg closed. I spent at least a week recovering on the couch in the living room. When I needed to go potty, someone would carry me to the bathroom and wait, then carry me back. I was so sad that I was hurt.
Since my Daddy passed on, my Mama has given me quotes from his journals. One of the quotes said. “May 22, 1966, Joy cut her leg real bad when she climbed on the back of the car, a few weeks ago but it is healing. Jo and I had to pack her around everywhere for about a week.”
One thing that made my time on the couch not quite so boring, was that some of our neighbors brought me over some coloring books and crayons, which I totally loved. We lived in a great neighborhood.
Little did I know at the time that I would be getting more stitches as I was doing my best to grow up.
A handful of years ago I was in a challenging place. Our life had changed completely. If you visit the blog or know me you would already know this. Just for the sake of the story I’ll tell you a what happened.
One thing that I should share is that I have depression. I have had it for many years. I am a pretty good faker, but mostly because it’s my struggle and I don’t want people to ask too much about it. I have had a lot of responsibilities while having depression, so I would say I’m high functioning (whatever that means). I mostly just do what I need to do and cry or be by myself when I get home. I’m telling you this because I’ve dealt with this for a long time, and if or when something big happens or changes, it can have a huge impact on my wellbeing.
Somehow I made it through a son entering the army, a son going to South Africa on a LDS Mission, and two daughters serving missions, one of which was out of the country. I am very protective and a worrier, so my kids growing up, and living somewhere out in the world is not fun. I was only able to handle this time and these experiences because of my faith in God and my understanding that it is actually a good thing and important for our kids to grow up and leave home and make their way in the world. We always knew that the end goal was to raise our kids and send them off into the unknown. We wanted them to be amazing, independent and make the world better for their being in it. That is what they did. They are wonderful. They are incredible people and I look up to them.
When our youngest Emily, our Bonus Baby came home from her mission we thought, “What’s next?” All of our children were living at home. Our oldest and his sweet wife Janet were living in our basement apartment, while they looked for a home. And the other two were working and deciding what they were going to do. All the kids were working to give us help with the bills and such. We knew we wouldn’t/couldn’t make ends meet without them. We were house poor when we bought our wonderful home, but wanted to stay as long as possible. We lived there for 18 years. We raised our kids there, we loved our neighbors and location…but, we knew it was time to move. We prayed and felt like we needed to put the house up for sale. We sold it in 2 months. Riley and Janet bought a house. Alex bought a house and the girls moved in with him.
In a 3 months period of time we got our youngest home from a mission, moved and became empty nesters. I mean when it’s right, it’s right! I knew it would be hard, but I also knew it was right. Things fell into place. Next was adjusting to all the new stuff, and missing my kids. Sniff, sniff, waaahhhhh!
We love our home! We love our neighbors and new friends. I was just so lonesome. So lonesome for my kids. I guess we really ripped the band-aid off! I had a few different jobs, but was really struggling with my depression and finally decided to stay home and do daycare. What that meant was I could feel sad now and then, and hold and love someone else’s kids while I try to adjust to this new normal. It helped. I love children and they love me.
On one occasion I was feeling super sad, and I said to Father in Heaven. “If you’ll help me feel better, I’ll do more.” Meaning I’ll love others more, I’ll leave my house and serve. I’ll bless others with my love. I was having a hard time just helping with the young women in our LDS Ward. I wanted to help, but totaling didn’t want to help. I didn’t want to leave the house. Tears came very easy. I cried so much during this time in my life. After I told Heavenly Father that I’d do more if He helped me feel better, the very next thought that came to my mind was, “If you’d do more, you’d feel better.” Very clear, very calm, that was the answer. I said out loud, “Damnit!” I didn’t want that answer! I knew that that was the right answer, because we forget ourselves when we serve, but I didn’t feel like it. I wanted to feel like it and then do better.
Doing what God wants is always good, but when we do it while we’re in the middle of pain, hardship or sorrow, it is actually doing something that will help us to be more Christlike. Serving, loving and helping another while you’re in pain is what Jesus did after He suffered in the Garden when He healed the guards ear. It’s what He did on the cross when He was in agony and He gave John charge over His Mama. He is our best and most wonderful example. I want to be like Him.
That was pure revelation for me. It was then and is now a guide to doing better. If I’m struggling to love, serve or help another and I don’t really want to do it- I know that’s ok, but I also know I’ll feel better after I do it. I’m so grateful for revelation. I’m so grateful that even in my weird chemical brain I have been blessed with inspiration. I just need to be still and open to it. I want any and all the inspiration that Heavenly Father is willing to give me. I know that He will inspire you too with what ever help you need. Be careful though, cause you might just have to do something you didn’t really want to do, but I promise you will feel better!
When I was little, I had a tricycle. I loved my tricycle, and rode it as much as I could. Some days were snowy days, and some days I was busy doing other fun things for playtime. I remember one year it was Christmas time, and I found my tricycle in the basement in Dad‘s room where he did projects. I was surprised to find it there, and wondered what Daddy was doing with it. On Christmas day I received a tricycle that looked a lot like my tricycle, but was a different color. How fun to get a new tricycle in a new color to ride and enjoy! Many years later, and many Christmases later I was one of the parents with little children to surprise on Christmas morning. In the garage hidden in the back was a Wonder horse that had belonged to Riley years before. He had outgrown it and I thought he forgot about it. My Darlin and I thought we would paint it up and give it to Alex for Christmas. Early on Christmas morning the kids woke us up excited to check out their presents! It’s always a fun time on Christmas morning. As each of the kids surveyed their gifts, I noticed Riley checking out Alex‘s horse. I could practically see the wheels turning in his head. Then he said, ”Hey.., that looks a little like my old Wonder horse.” I said, “Hmmm, I thought your wonder horse was in the back of the garage.” and he said, ”Oh yeah!” and then continued playing with his toys as happy as could be. Another Christmas, Riley had asked for a mountain bike for Christmas. Weeks before Christmas came my Darlin and I had found a bike in really good shape at a yard sale and decided that this would do for Riley‘s Christmas. Christmas morning came Riley surveyed his toys and came up to the mountain bike and said, ”Hey, this bike is used!” all the kids stopped what they were doing a looked. I had to think fast and said, “Well, maybe it is. Maybe Santa gave it to another little boy that didn’t appreciate it and so now he’s giving it to you.” Riley looked at the bike smiled and said, “This is a great bike!”
As children, we never realize the sacrifice our parents make to provide for our needs and our wants. It isn’t until we become the parents that we see how much love really goes into the gifts that are given. My parents were doing the best they could, and me and my Darlin as parents were too. The most important part of getting and giving gifts is understanding the heart of the person giving it. Most people are doing the best they can and we should appreciate that.
Teaching our children to love and appreciate what they have and what they get is the very best gift we can give them, and I’m so grateful my parents gave me that gift!
