Back at it...

Went to Hawaii - Kauai - for a week and a day. Took my running shoes and all my running cloths with me, intending to do my runs a few times. Didn't even take my shoes out of the suitcase! No worries though, I did plenty of hiking and snorkeling and Kayaking to keep me sweating hard.

Got home and right back at it! Spent an hour on the treadmill Tuesday morning. It felt great to actually be running again. Thursday I spent another hour on the treadmill. Really starting to feel like my sore shins are heeling and I'm back to normal. Still, I am going to go one more week inside before feeling like pounding the pavement again. My Physical Therapist has told me that I don't need to come back - until, or unless I really need them. I hope I never need to visit them again - because that would mean I'm hurt again! So, they are confident that I will be fine. That helps a lot.

This morning, instead of going on a super long run, or spending two hours inside, on the treadmill, I took a long 21 mile bike ride. Way different muscles getting used, tired, and ON FIRE! But it was a great workout. No pounding, no impact, and yet lots of sweat and got my heart rate up for two hours. Awesome. Some people say I'm crazy. I might be, but what does that mean anyway?

Grrrrrrrr!

After spending several dollars and many hours with my PT (physical therapist) I felt like my training was about to get back up to speed today. I rode 20 minutes before a scheduled 8 mile run. At about mile 4 my legs were throbbing so bad that I didn't dare go any farther!! GRRRR. So frustrated right now! I'm also feeling a little discouraged too. I am NOT ready to throw in the towel. In fact, I have a PT appointment on Tuesday and will be having a real "heart to heart" with Steve.

"Is this thing bigger than me or not?" That's what I am going to be asking him. Some people are only cut out for short distances. I don't want to be one of them!!!

I think my problem this morning was the fact that I didn't hold to the exercises I have been instructed to do in order to change my stride length. I didn't work on counting my strides in a minute, because I thought I was running the longer distance at a slower pace. I did, however work at keeping my body tall. And I did work on keeping my arms swinging. Just two things alone felt good while I was doing them.

Man, this is such a mental game.

Okay, Monday morning I will do nothing but work on my stuff! I will look silly for the first, fifth, tenth - and so on - minutes, while I swing my shoulders. I will count my strides for the second minute, sixth minute, and so on. I will concentrate on running on/in a line with each step for the third minute, seventh minute, and well... I think you get the picture. I will work on that this whole week, as well as the next two weeks, until I make it my own!!! (I'm told that it takes 21 days before a thing becomes a habit.)

A work in Progress...

Yep, I'm still here and still training for my marathon! I have definitely had my share of challenges in the last week and a half. Last post was regarding my painful legs. This one is about what I am doing about that issue.

I had a visit with a Sports Medicine Doctor. He x-rayed my legs to make sure I didn't have "stress fractures." I don't - thank goodness! But I do have "shin splints." He sent me to a Physical Therapist who is teaching me to shorten my stride and rotate my hips more. (I can't help but think that Spencer W. Kimball must not have been talking about running when he told us all to "Lengthen our stride.")

My first run with a shorter stride did not go very well. I was still in constant pain all day after words. The icing, stretching, and resting didn't help at all. But I think the 16 mile bike ride on Saturday was a brilliant way to vent some of my frustration. Because my run this morning went way better than I expected. Not even a twinge of pain in either leg today. Tomorrow I will go a little farther and then see the PT again in the afternoon with good news. Hopefully he will have some new fun thing I can try on my next run - maybe even some great training advice for the future.

I am a marathon runner and this is my story...

Not as bad as it could be

Had a visit with the Dr today regarding my leg pain(s.) Its not stress fractures, which is really good news! But it is pretty bad and will take some time to fix. I have "medial tibial stress syndrome." Also known as shin splints.

All my life I have dealt with these stupid pains! Every time I run a lot. In high school it was during basketball. But this time I am going to be smart about how I treat it. I have already made an appointment with a Physical therapist to fix the problem once and for all. He is going to be able to help me with what ever is causing the problem: ie, my "gate" or stride, or the way I place my foot (Pronation/modality,) he will even evaluate my shoes - that I just got and paid a grundle for. I will have to take a week or two off running but I will replace it with biking and or roller blading - fun huh? I hate that I won't be up and out side in the mornings, enjoying the cool morning air, but I want to run my marathon and so I have to do what I have to do.

Stay with me on this...

The Hills

There was a TV show called The Hills. My daughter watched it all the time. It was a "reality" show about some very wealthy people who were always complaining about the fact that their neighbors Mercedes was bigger than theirs - or something really dumb like that. As if the very wealthy really need to worry about much... but I digress...

My post today is about running hills! Do I love them or hate them? Do I look forward to running them? Should I even care? Well, the marathon I am training for has plenty of them. I do love running down hills - who doesn't - they are easy and I can get a little more speed, plus catch my breath because I'm not working as hard. Down hill is my favorite! Its the UP hill that is my nemesis. (I live on top of a hill - a very large hill. Every where I choose to run involves some sort of down hill and then back up on the return trip.)

This mornings run was a short 4 miler and I was pretty confident that I wouldn't have any trouble. The 4 milers are now common place and I can do them pretty easily - I know, crazy, huh? But that wasn't the case as soon as I started into my run. There was pain. Normally the pain goes away after about a mile, so I kept on running, and hoping. After two miles the pain was not gone. The pain starts in my shins and works its way up to my knees and then sometimes even my hips. I kept running. Well into about mile three I couldn't stand it any more so I slowed to a walk. The pain didn't go away even at that pace. Then I turned the corner... There it was, the bottom of the hill. I had to go up that hill to get home. I started to run up it. The pain sort of went away as I leaned into the hill and put my head down. One foot in front of the other, slow steps, up, up, up. About half way up the hill kind of levels off for about 100 feet or so. I kept running. Then the next part of the hill - this time much steeper and longer. Again I leaned into the hill and put my head down. I wasn't quite sure how much farther I had so I looked up and saw that I had almost crested it. I was almost there - at the top! (Even on good days I have never run the entire length of the hill with out stopping!) After I crested the hill I just kept running. By now, I was only about 1/2 mile away from home, so I just kept running. It's these small little victories that give me strength to keep going. I CONQUERED THE HILL!

By the time I walked in my front door, I could barely stand. The pain was unbearable. I downed a few 100 milligrams of ibuprofen and lay on the floor for few minutes. After my shower, the pain was nearly gone and I felt human again. Even now the pain is just a memory, but the fact that I ran the entire hill is just that - FACT! And believe it or not, I didn't hate it. in fact, that remains the best part of this mornings run. I hope some day - soon - to be able to say that I LOVE running up hills.

Run, Run, Run...

Six miles seems like a long way when it's traveled on foot. The Pioneers of the 1840's usually only traveled that far in an entire day. This morning however, I ran that far. I did it in a little over an hour too. Yes, it seemed like a long way! When I got to my half way point, I was still feeling pretty good. I was even doing pretty well after another mile, but I started to get anxious to get home and be done by mile five. In other words, my mind was not where it needed to be and I was tired. But I did finish my six miles this morning and I get to take tomorrow off - but only off running. (I have a tee time at 8am and a couple of softball games in the evening.)

I often wonder if I am too old to be starting to train for a marathon. I mean 26.2 miles is, like, forever! Then when I finish a 10 mile run, and even six mile runs, and am still able to do all the stuff I have to do in a day - in other words "it doesn't kill me" - I realize that forty-eight is NOT too old to do anything. "I can do anything I set out to do!" Kind of like, "...as a man thinketh, so is he." I have learned in the last few weeks that my state of mind creates my body's reality. When I say, out loud, that I love to run, I usually feel like I love to run. When I say,"this hill is hard and I hate it." Well, I never quite make it up the hill with out stopping!

I am actually having a great time with my running. It's been fun to see what I am able to accomplish. My muscles are usually sore EVERYDAY! But if they weren't, I would just need to work harder.
COME RUN WITH ME!

I am a marathon runner...

For several weeks now I have been running again. I say again because before I had kids I considered myself a runner. I used to run three miles a day and then once a week I'd actually run five miles. I loved the feeling of being able to just get out and run for 30 or 40 minutes at a time. I was not fast, but I was consistent. I loved the "high" that running gave me.

When I had my first baby I thought that my Doctor had done something wrong during my episiotomy! I was furious with him. I thought that maybe over time and by doing "kegal" exercises things would get better. They never did! Especially not after my second baby. That's when I resigned myself to bike riding and roller blading. Those were the only ways I could achieve that same runners "high."

Now its been 24 years since my last run, but three years ago I had a hysterectomy and a bladder sling! (I know, too much information...) So, at 48, I want to be a runner again. I've started reading Runner's World, and buying expensive running shoes, and running cloths, and energy foods. Heck I even enter 5k's and Tri-althlons. In fact, I am entered in the St. George Marathon, in October this year! (28 years ago I had trained for this marathon and had to quit because of an "over training injury" - also called shin splints, but I have always wanted to run a marathon!) I stumbled across a book called The Non-Runners Marathon Training Guide. As I read the first few pages I realized that I could be a marathoner. So I am following the training program that this book recommends and by the end of September I will be ready to run a marathon. Why not run the St. George? (The St. George marathon is a lottery entry so I had to enter and then hope I got chosen; which I did.)

Two days ago I ran 10 miles for the first time in my life! Well, let me back up, four weeks ago I ran 6 miles for the first time in my life. The next week, I ran 8 miles. I run 4 days a week now. The distances vary from 3 miles, to 4 miles, to 5 miles. Each week I increase my milage by 2 or 3 miles a week. Because of where I live, I have to ultimately run hills every time I run, but I am getting to where I love the challenge they provide. Each day is like a new victory for me.

I am 48, I have asthma, and a bad knee, but I am a marathon runner! Follow me on my runs - I am going to start to log my journal here, on my blog.
Tomorrow I run 6 again!

Duck, duck, duck... GO.

A few days ago I had a Dr.'s appointment before work. I didn't have a chance to have breakfast so after my appointment I stopped at a deli for a breakfast sandwich (you know, Fired eggs, ham, cheese on a bun.) Anyway, there is a small stream near where the deli is located. After I crossed the stream and was headed for the driveway there was group of ducks crossing the road. (I know that a group of geese is a gaggle, and a group of fish is a school, but what is a group of ducks?) So I'm waiting for the ducks to cross the in front of me - there must have been about 10 of them. The third one from the end suddenly stopped and looked behind at the rest of the ducks crossing - as if to say, "hurry up..." The last few waddled a little bit faster, but all the while the one that stopped never took their eyes off the back of the pack. It (she or he) has making sure that they all made it across safely. Those ducks made it across the street and into the stream to swim another day!

I don't know why that was so profound to me, but it struck me in a way that made me think about all the care givers in my life. The people who made sure I always made it across the street safely, or even made it through life safely. I am grateful for their protective "wings" and watchful eye. I also thought about the "ducks" coming up behind me. I hope I stop and make sure they make it across (life) safely. These are precious creations of our Heavenly Father and we have stewardship over their care.

I am always thankful that Heavenly Father gives me all these "moments" to stop and observe special moments in my life - or even the lives of those precious beings all around me. I'm glad I was a part of that little moment in those ducks lives. I'm also glad I was going slow enough to stop and watch that caring moment.

I got my breakfast and made it to work that day a better person for having saved the life of a duck or two.

Burning for 48 years... and counting

I recently had a birthday - another birthday! While I don't really feel my age, on paper I am pretty old. I remember when TV was only seen in black and white, radio only played on am stations, there were no seat-belts in cars (or if there were, no one ever used them,) and running shoes where usually a really good pair of high-top converse'. I was born before Kennedy was assassinated, before the Beatles came to the United States, and the conflict of the Vietnam war. I was even born before the first man ever walked on the moon. A lot of things have been invented and or became house hold items since the year 1962. Being "my age" actually has a lot of advantages. I love that I am still young enough to do all the active things that I do and yet old enough that my kids don't need a baby sitter and in fact they can be left home alone for days at a time. Oh sure there are things that come with "aging." Like having a little more gas at the most inconvenient times, or like the "spare tire" of fat that accumulates just above the waste line, in my back, creating that all too attractive "muffin top." Yeah I love that one...but hey, all of this is better than the alternative.
But...
Today i read a story of a town that has been disappearing over the last 48 years. In the year 1962 a fire started burning in a coal mine and is still burning today. They say it may burn for another 100 years! At any rate, over the years, homes and businesses have had to be evacuated because of the Carbon Monoxide that was poisoning the air they were breathing. There is even an incident where a 12 year old boy fell through the ground - a sink hole - into some of the burning coal. He lived, but just barely. Today there are less than 5 homes still standing. One of the homes is the Mayor's - he is 86. The government has been trying to get ALL of the residence to leave since the early 80's, but these die hards just can't leave. They love their town in the mountains of Pennsylvania.
In my life, I have seen a lot of progress and growth. Today, after reading that story, I realized that truly there is opposition in all things! People in Centralia, PA have seen a lot of regression, and shrinkage. A once booming mining town is now a cluster of five houses that are inevitably going to be gone before the year is over. The only way any one will know there was ever anything there are the streets that are still paved and street light polls that still stand.
I don't even live there, and will probably never even visit the sight, and yet I felt sad for those who have had to leave their homes and a town they loved. For some it was the only home they had ever known!
I was also struck with the fact that a fire could be burning for 48 years! It hit me that that is how long I have been alive. That is a long time!!! It just goes to show that the element of fire has its own life and its own purpose.

In the scriptures the Holy Ghost is compared to a fire that "burns in your bosoms." Or some times even represented as a flame, as in the parable of the Bride Groom. I hope we will all be the coal that keeps this fire of the Holy Ghost burning for our whole life. And I hope we never do anything to put out the fire that burns in our hearts of the knowledge of Jesus Christ's love for us.
Fire is a powerful element that can either destroy or create power. Fire has destroyed many forests, many homes, and many towns. But fire has also powered many trains and ships filled with travelers who are searching for something different, something better. A fire is something that burns inside of each of us. It will either destroy our spirit for doing good, or give us power to strive for something better, something different. Lets let that fire drive us toward making covenants with our Heavenly Father, and toward serving our fellowmen.

A blast from the past

I saw an old "friend" today on a social network page. I say "friend" but really she was an acquaintance - a friend of my sister. When I was a teen ager I looked up to her and wanted to be like her. She was outgoing, talented, good at everything she did, and was always the center of attention. Not that I wanted to be the center of attention cause I was so shy, but, well, yeah, the center of attention!
I had heard that in college she got into some moral problems and was kicked out of school for what ever it was that she did. I also heard that that caused her to leave the church. I'm not judging her, it's just that, well that was what I had heard...
I always thought she had a great singing voice and she could play the guitar like a pro. (She was kinda the reason I always wanted to play the guitar.) In some of the on-line photos I saw of her this afternoon, it looks as if she has a band and is still singing and playing her guitar. In fact she doesn't live that far from me - in Salt Lake City. However, I don't plan on looking her up anytime soon.
My thoughts after seeing her photos and stuff are this: there was such a different air about the person I knew in High School and the person I saw in those pictures today. Of course, in high school I think I lived in a bubble and there were a lot of people I admired. And today, I am more of a realist. I wouldn't quite say I was a cynic, but I think I have fewer people I look up to or want to emulate. At any rate she looked happy in the photos with her friends and her band. She looked like she had found success in life. She was definitely being the center of attention. But I also noticed that there were no family type pictures. No kids of her own, no siblings, just friends and her. It made me kind of sad for her. I know I would be nothing with out my family.
My Mom is my hero, my brothers and sisters are my best friends and my husband is my constant companion - the love of my life. My kids are my life! These are the reasons I get up every morning. Don't get me wrong I love my friends - they keep me grounded - but life with out family is just sad and lonely.
I am thankful for my family! I'm glad I stayed on the path I started out on as a kid. I'm glad that things that were important to me as a child are still important to me now, as an adult - family, that's what matters!

God Bless America

I just got home, last night, from a trip to Fort Benning, in Columbus Georgia. Brian's youngest son Eric was graduating from boot camp and some Infantry training. While we were there we toured the Infantry Museum on base, saw some of the monuments out on "Sacrifice Field." I took some pictures of the Airborne monument. (These monuments were all dedicated to soldiers that have lost their life in their service to their country.) The Museum was full of historical war moments, the history of the Infantry, and all things hero!
As we toured the museum I couldn't help but feel gratitude for every man and woman who committed their lives to the service of their country - whatever the reason was, and whatever their service was. I read a story about an Army nurse and the devoted service she gave during World War Two. She lived to be 104! I saw an American flag that looked like it had blood stains on it. I saw Uniforms that had shrapnel holes in it, parts of tanks that had holes it them as well. I am completely aware that war is not for the weak hearted. War is not something to be taken lightly either. War is ugly! I have seen displays of what the enemy used in Vietnam - in the jungles. They were devious and yet very cunning! Some of their methods were very archaic as well. It is all about survival when it comes to war. But freedom is the driving force! Walking through places like this museum creates a great and overwhelming feeling of gratitude and appreciation for service and sacrifice. These were men and women, my brothers and sisters who gave so much - some gave all they had. How can I repay that debt to them? I can give my support and live my life in a way that makes their service and sacrifice worth it. I can be the kind of American that is proud of her country and all that it stands for.

I now place Eric in the category of hero! The young men who took part in the ceremonies we got to watch are all my heros. These are the young men who will be on the front line, fighting the enemy, in my behalf! I consider myself am a patriot. I am humbled by the whole idea of being a person who supports, and knows one of these soldiers. I am overwhelmed by the strength and unity that emulates from these young men. I am thankful that there are soldiers who are willing to give their life in order that mine might be free.

I love that I live in this great America. Please, God, continue to bless America?!

Light versus dark...

Ever notice how, in the old westerns, the bad guy always wore black and the good guy always wore white? In the last couple of days there have been two themes running through my mind. (Some times things really strike me and other times I am really oblivious to what the spirit is trying to get through to my dense brain!) I'm not ever sure why these particular ideas are so front and center - it's not like I have trouble with them or I am blind to them.

Yesterday, while I was sweating through one of my work outs, it struck me how often my eye is drawn to lights. I was laying on a bench, doing a bench press with a couple of dumbbells, trying to focus my attention on an object on the ceiling to get my focus off my effort; my eye kept shifting to the over head light - which was really bright actually. It wasn't even in my direct line of sight, but I kept drifting up to look at it. Then my mind started to try and decide why I kept doing that. It kind of bugged me because the light was bright and actually uncomfortable to look at. Thats when it occurred to me that Jesus Christ is the light of this world and we MUST look to Him.

In a world full of so much darkness we need His light:
As a small child I had a bit of fear in the dark - I think most children do. It was always more comforting to have a small light on in my dark room at night. When ever I find myself in the dark - physically - it seems hard to see where I am going until I turn on a light. Then that light guides me to where I need to go and it helps me get there safely. The gospel teaches us that light and dark can not co-exist. The light absorbs the darkness but the darkness cannot overwhelm the light. Light always wins in the end.
Yet there are those that continue to shut out the light. They choose to close their blinds and turn off the switches and be in the dark - physically and spiritually. Some will even say they like it that way.

As for me, I embrace the light. I constantly have a need to fill my home with light! It warms me and comforts me. The reason it becomes uncomfortable to look directly at the light though, is what troubles me. Well, not troubles, but gives me pause. If Jesus Christ is the Light, and I can't look directly at it without feeling discomfort - spiritually - it is because I am not quite where He is. I know that I am working on being worthy to be where He is, but it will take my life time. But that is why I am so attracted to the light. I am constantly looking to where the light is - I am figuratively looking to Christ. I hope I never loose that impulse. Jesus Christ is MY LIght! He brings me comfort and keeps me from the darkness.

The other theme - of today actually - is "what good ever comes from a life of drugs and alcohol abuse?" Several stories in the news lately have to do with individuals who have taken the path that leads to drugs and alcohol - they usually get there out of curiosity or pressure from others to join the "fun" or even desperation to find something better. These stories are about crime and killings and just plain old trouble with the law.
This morning, for example, I looked at a picture of a woman only 5 years older than me who looked like she was at least 20 or even 30 years older! She was a drug addict; booked in jail for stealing a dead woman's credit cards and using them to buy things for herself! Sounds like an upstanding thing to do.
Another story is one of a female Sheriff's Deputy that was killed by a drug dealer who had, moments before, sold drugs to her brother. The drug dealer than had to hide in a man's tool shed over night - in sub freezing temperatures - so that he didn't get caught and thrown in jail. He did get caught and will go to prison! Also sounds like a great way to spend a life!
So, I can't help but wonder what good ever comes from a life of drugs? So many people die from drug over doses, car accidents while under the influence, and diseases from shared needles. I guess the bigger question is what can be done about preventing the use of the drugs in the first place? Probably not much, since the evil forces out there are so cunning and clever about how they get there "victims." They know how to make the darkness look so much more appealing than the light.

That's all she wrote...

Tomorrow morning when I wake up it will be 2010. That is even hard to grasp when I'm typing on the keyboard!

I remember when I was in grade school and I would do the math in my head regarding how old I would be in the year 2000. I was 38 two weeks into the year. So, now, add another 10 years to that... The funny thing is, I really don't feel any different. Last month I had some different pains in my knees that I had never felt before, but I thought it was because I was spending 8 hours in a chair at my desk everyday! It might me a sign of aging, but I can't say for sure - I've never been this old before. Anyway, it just seems strange to me that we live in the time that we do. 2010!!! Un-real. Exciting, but un-real.

I've known people who look forward to making "New Year's Resolutions," and I've known people that say, "It's just another day. Why should I make goals on this particular day? I can set a new goal any time I want." Well, I'm the kind that likes to take the opportunity of the turning of a new year to use as a guide post. I like to make resolutions and set new goals - however, I do it closer to my birthday. For me its a time to evaluate my own personal changes and needs as I age or come into new seasons of life. It helps that my birthday is really close to the first day of a new year too.

What I really hate though is that the people that set a new goal to get into shape in the new year do it at my gym during the same time I go. It never fails, during first couple of months at the gym, the machines and weight rooms are packed with people I've never seen before. And they are all way over weight! Not that I hate that people are wanting to get into shape - I'm a big advocate of staying healthy and being in shape. But I am at the gym at least three times a week - more in the summer months - all year long, and those people are in my way. I never see them by the first of March though so then I can work out in peace and quiet! So, essentially I try not to set a goal I know I won't stick with - like losing weight or getting into shape. What I do like to do is tell myself to have more fun with the shape I'm in - like go snowboarding more or snowshoeing - get outside! (Which is tough this time of year cause it's so cold!)

At any rate, 2009 is quietly sliding into history and being replaced by 2010! Lets all do something memorable this year. Make sure you tell your family how much they mean to you. Find something new you can really embrace and let your spirit take flight! In other words, go out and live - Life Is Good!

The key to success

I just have a minute but I needed to write this down before it left my brain.
I always hate being the first one to work, because my key never works very well in the lock on the front door. I'm always forcing it in and "jiggling" it around, try to "make it work right." This morning was no exception. Brian went out rabbit hunting with some buddies and I was at the shop before the other guy. So I pulled out my key and tried something different. Today I tried the gentle approach with the key. I didn't use any force at all and the key went in with out a catch, and when I gently pulled it out it came right out! I was so amazed.
Lesson learned today: force never gets the results you might be looking for, and all you ever get is frustration, sometimes even angry. But gentle persuasion always works, you feel relieved and may even find yourself smiling at your success.
I think this applies to most things in life - I have tried it with my teen-agers. I always find that our relationship goes more smoothly and we can really communicate better that way.
Today the use of my key was a success. I was the last to leave work today as well - my key worked like a charm! I even smiled at myself for how clever I was.

A Family Tradition Revisited

For the past 6 years my kids have spent Christmas eve with their dad. I had started a tradition many years ago - as a teen - where I would read from the Scriptures, the story of Christ's birth. There are many in the Book of Mormon, the Old Testament, and of course the New Testament. Some years I would read them all but most of the time it was Luke. For the past six years my kids have gone with out that tradition, because it only happens on Christmas Eve. This year was different. This year they were with me! I hope my kids always miss that tradition when are not with me.
I read first from Isaiah, chapter six verse nine. Then I read from Luke chapters one and two. I usually follow that up with my newest Christmas story book for that year. (I have bought one a year for several years.) This year's was titled "If You Are Missing Jesus." It's a story about a family who had bought a new nativity set that happened to come with two baby Jesus'. This Mom left her number and a note with the store clerk that said, "If you are missing Jesus, call: 7165." Then over the course of the next week or so she anxiously waited for someone to call because their nativity had no Jesus. No one ever called about that but she did get a call from a desperate Mom, whose husband had just run off, her furnace just quit - they lived in North Dakota - and she had small children who were cold and hungry. The lady with the extra Baby Jesus got her husband to fix the woman's furnace, her children gathered cloths and blankets for the little ones and some of their neighbors donated beds and furniture as well. All because of a little baby Jesus!
The reason I tell the details of this story is because of something really ironic that happened to us. At Brian's annual Christmas get together with his family, his Dad does two things every year; one, he turns and gifts a small bird house ornament for each grandchild and each of his kids (and their spouse); and two, he give each family a small gift of some sort or another. This year we each got a "coffee table" book and a small nativity set. The nativity was small and inexpensive, but I collect them so I was grateful for the gesture. When we got home and I opened the box to display it with the others I have, I carefully opened each piece and placed them in the scene. Low and behold I had NO baby Jesus! I have wise men, a shepherd, even a sheep and a donkey, but no Jesus. The sad thing is I don't even have a number to call! Since I don't really believe in coincidences, I believe that this a lesson for me to learn:
Always remember to include Baby Jesus in your Christmas traditions!

Oh Holy night!

What a relief. Our Choir program is finally over, and the YW program is done. I always look forward to the Choir's Sacrament meeting each year. We have been practicing for weeks and weeks for todays presentation. Why is it that on the day of the big event you can never find the right note at the right time? Last week I nailed them all. But not today - maybe I wasn't holding my mouth just right or something...
Any way the songs were wonderful arrangements - mostly Mack Wilberg's - and our Director is a member of the Morman Tabernacle Choir. We even had the largest choir in the history of our ward for these pieces. Our Bishop refers to us as the Southern division of Mo Tab. I don't know about that, but I do know I was struggling today. It might have had something to do with the fact that this year I have challenged myself to sing the first Alto/second Soprano parts of each piece. Usually a little bit higher range than I am used to. Like I said, I wanted to challenge myself and extend my range. In weeks past I did it just fine - well it took some effort and concentration, but I got the notes.
All in all, the songs and the message was beautiful. Jesus Christ was born into the world. The greatest miracle ever to occur to mankind. We celebrate that birth with Christmas. Amid all the controversy, all the political (in)correctness, all the anti-religious messages, and all the "holiday" wishing, I am keeping Christ in my Christmas! I don't care how many people get offended by my wishing them a Merry Christmas. I don't care how many people would rather see a Santa Clause than a nativity on my Christmas cards. I am keeping Christ in my Christmas! I hope you will too.
In Young Women's today, all the leaders recited, from memory, "The Living Christ" as our program and lesson - interspersed with various Christmas hymns. Each class did two songs. One of the songs the Mia Maids did was "When He Comes Again." I have an arrangement or two for my guitar so I decided to play while the girls sang. (I was doubly nervous with playing and reciting my memorized part.) Gratefully I got through the guitar playing and the girls sounded great! After we sang that song I just stood there and recited the second to the last paragraph of the Living Christ. I nailed it! Whew, I was done! Now I could relax. The day was over and I didn't have one more thing to do. What a blessing today was for me personally. I had been praying in my heart that everything would go well and it did!
That is why I know that Heavenly Father is a personal God. He felt to bless little, small, insignificant, me. That is why I will serve Him. He loved ME enough to send a Savior to atone for me. Jesus Christ was not afraid to do His Father's will, so why should I be afraid to keep Christ in Christmas.
And tomorrow is Monday!

The Happ, Happiest season...

Been crazy busy at work! "Cyber Monday" hits us hard. As well as Cyber Tuesday, Cyber Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and probably everyday for the next couple of weeks. With Christmas falling on a Friday we could be shipping up through the Tuesday before. So take a deep breath, here we go!!!
Went into work on Saturday to try and keep ahead of the curve. I'm sure I will have twice as many orders tomorrow as it is. So far I've been doing really good at keeping my cool and not getting stressed out. I just sit at my desk and listen to Christmas songs and polk at the computer keys while I enter over 100 orders in one day. REALLY looking forward to tomorrow... deep breath in, breath out slowly, deep breath in, breath out slowly.

Had a wonderful weekend. It was Stake Conference. Our ward sang in the Saturday night Session. We had the opportunity, of course, to listen the great messages from chosen speakers in our Stake. We heard one woman talk about how much our ancestors need us and how much we need them for both of our eternal salvation. She put things into great perspective. She made me almost want to get on the internet and get into it. One day I know I will get involved in my genealogy.
We also heard from our Stake President. He is a pretty inspired man. His message was one of great timing. We have been instructed to be in the business of rescuing souls. Whether we are the rescuer or the one being rescued, we will always need to look to Christ both as our example and as our Saviour. Today we were again taught great gospel lessons. Our first speaker was a 12 year old Deacon, with some very sage words of advise. Out of the mouths of babes, right?

So we begin. December will go by as fast as the rest of the year has gone by. Christmas will be here, like tomorrow, and the next thing I know I'll be another year older. But hey, it's way better than the alternative... I will do my best to calmly do my job and relish the season - and the goodies that come around too.

Gobble gobble...

Just finished a wonderful evening with the kids. When I say kids, I mean TJ and Randi. Brian and I are in the time of life where our kids are pretty much on their own and will usually come home for the holidays (except Randi of course, she still lives here.) We used to "get the kids" every other holiday, but now it's more like, "let us know what your plans are and we will work with them." Eric is in Georgia, finishing up his Army training - plus he's married and has other family plans with his new wife. Amber wanted to do a dinner with her friends and boy-friend - that no one really approves of. TJ and Randi spent last year with their Dad so they came over here. I'm glad too because when it's just Brian and I dinner is kind of quiet. Next year in fact, we might just go out to eat - depending on what any of the kids want to do, of course. At any rate, I am stuffed and my kitchen is no longer covered in dirty dishes. TJ is on his way back home, and we all had a great time with one another. I am blessed to have this gift of family.

Now that Thanksgiving is over though, I can start thinking about Christmas. We get TJ and Randi again for Christmas Eve. Haven't had them here for Christmas Eve in forever. It will be nice to have them here and do some of the things we used to do on that special night. I love Christmas Eve. I love Christmas. Of course it's the time of year that I try to focus everything on the Savior, but in reality I should do that all the time. I just love that most of the rest of the world is focusing on Him too. I hope my kids get that sense about me and how important Christmas and our Savior is. What an amazing thing His birth was. How very lucky we all are to have been given that gift! I love that we get to celebrate His birth every year by having Christmas.

I hope every one had a wonderful Thanksgiving. And that wherever you are, wherever your loved ones are, I hope you always remember how very blessed we are to have each other. Whether we are friends or family, distant or close, my life is forever changed by you being in it. God bless you always.

Sunday afternoon

While I was sharing my music with a soprano in choir practice today I was able to find every note I needed to sing. Did I mention the lady next to me was a soprano? Then when more people came to sing I had to share with another alto. After that I was hardly ever on the right note. Every time I sit next that particular alto she throws me off!!! I don't play the piano, or the organ, or anything that you need to be able to read music to play, so it's hard to know exactly what my note is. This lady is our ward organist and she sings flat, or the wrong note, yet when I sing with a soprano, I hit my note the way I should. I don't get it. We are singing some pretty tough songs for Christmas this year. I want to be able to sing them well and I don't think I am doing that.

Really had a wonderful weekend. It started with a session in the Provo Temple, with a really good friend of mine. It's nice to get in touch with the Spirit that I feel in there. It ended with a friends son's wedding reception last night with Randi. Actually had a really good time - I think Randi did too. She kind of connected with the little brother. I've been friends with the Mom for years. I watched her kids grow up. Her older daughters have kids of their own and they are adorable. I got a chance to hold their babies and visit with every one. It was fun to see them all again. Randi might have a new friend to "hang out with."

Sundays are very relaxing days for me. I get to sleep in most weeks and that feels good. Then I get to relax and read the scriptures for a while. It feels nice to get some balance in my life after a busy hectic week. Then I get to go and listen some pretty remarkable people teach the gospel and increase my understanding of the principles. My heavenly Father is good to me. He has blessed my life with abundance.

cloudy with a chance of snow

Just got back from a wonderful Temple session in the Provo Temple. It is really cool how the Temple continues to open my understanding and deepen my testimony of the gospel. I am so grateful that I was born to such wonderful parents! They taught me to love my Heavenly Father, and to believe in Christ. Because they taught me when I was young, I am able to take those teachings into my adult life and increase them. I think it's called synergy. The gospel is taught line upon line, precept upon precept and they all continue to increase in size. Today my spiritual eyes were open a little bit more to the concepts taught in the Temple. That is how I know that God loves us. He teaches us, patiently and with love. When I took my concerns with me into the Celestial room, He, once again, comforted me and let me know that all things will work out for good and that I must be patient and love unconditionally. That is also why I love to go to the Temple. I feel comfort and I feel all my worries fade away.

This morning was beautiful, with very little clouds. We have been expecting snow today. Now it's getting a little more blustery, and the sky is clouding up. But it is November and we have had some pretty nice weather up till now. It's about time the ski resorts get something to offer. At first, in September and October, I wasn't at all ready for cold weather. I think it will be okay now. I am looking forward to snowy days and some cold nights now. Next week is Thanksgiving, and I am looking forward to some time with my family around me. The smell of pumpkin pie and Grandma D's rolls will fill the house. I am looking forward to that too! (Randi actually said she is looking forward to helping me bake this year - I am REALLY looking forward to that too.)

Life is settling down this time of year and I am able to relax a little - knock on wood. I still need to shop for Christmas though, so stay tuned...