I'm Back

OK, I'm back. After not feeling so hot for a day and a half, I am doing much better! Yesterday was a total loss. I was pretty much useless. Hailey cooked dinner (for the second time this week) and Randy played taskmaster...it's good for him, right? I climbed in the tub after taking 10,000 mg Vitamin C and Vitamin E and instantly felt better. I decided it was probably more of a stress thing than a virus. But whatever it was, it is gone.

Emma is also doing really well. I'm beginning to wonder if it really is RSV. I only suctioned her once today, and I have yet to do a breathing treatment on her. She is eating and drinking well now, and acts pretty normal. My understanding is that RSV takes a lot longer to get over than that. But, whatever. I have kept her home and will, for the next few days just in case.

A Three-Hour Tour

The dentist went on a three-hour tour of my mouth today. He explored places nobody should have ever seen. As if the drilling and filing was not enough, I felt like a snake- unhitching my jaw bones. And I must say, having a root canal re-treated is much worse than the first time around. So between the after-effects of the root canal and the sickness at my house (I am not feeling well, now...) I feel like crawling in bed.

What a Day!

This morning on my way to see Casey's display in the district Science Fair (woohoo...I'll get to that in a minute...) I was able to listen to the press conference announcing the new First Presidency. I have been wondering how President Monson must feel, following President Hinckley. So I was happy to hear his response, "Easy. Gordon B. Hinckley blazed the trail." So true it is! It was great to hear a little bit from each of them and I'm excited to hear more from them in conference this spring.

I remember when I was younger thinking just how young Thomas S. Monson would be as prophet. And while he is 80 years old- he still has dark hair! Randy thinks he dyes it....what do you think? If he doesn't, he is the first prophet since Joseph Smith to have hair that isn't gray or white. (Brigham Young's hair wasn't white when he was made prophet, but it was by the time he died in his 70's) It's kinda like my mom- even now at 70 'at least 19' she still doesn't have a gray hair. Maybe I'll be so lucky!
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So Casey's project was elected to go to the district level, after all! So his complaining was for nothing...but our pep talks weren't. He went there expecting to only get a 'participant' ribbon. While I don't want my kids to strive for mediocrity, I also don't want them to get their hopes up too high and be disappointed if they don't win 1st place. We find out on the 19th if he won or not...the suspense is killing us all! We showed up to visit him at the fairgrounds and he was with a judge at the time. He looked like he presented himself well and all that matters is that he did his best!---------------------------------
Yesterday after dinner, Emma started coughing and was really congested. With all the RSV going around, I told myself I would watch her closely today. By this afternoon, her cough was significantly worse and she was pretty miserable. I called the doctor, and in between her coughing I explained her situation. They instructed me to bring her in right away. I am glad I did. The doctor is leaving out of town this week and he diagnosed her with RSV. He prescribed a BBG (a nasal suction machine) and some Albuterol for the nebulizer. So every 3-4 hours we get to torture the poor baby by sticking the tube up her nose and sucking out anything not attached to her sinus cavity...and then blow cold mist into her face. She's really gonna love me by the end of this. So Mindy, you can't have your baby for at least another 10 days...sorry- you have to wait! ;)

Change of Address

I was just writing to let everyone know we have had a change of address. Apparently our house was relocated in the night. I'm not sure if it was picked up by a tornado much like in Wizard of Oz, or if it was some type of Star Trek beam-style transport. But here is our new address in case anyone wants to send us a letter:

123 Penguin Drive
South Pole, Antarctica

On second thought, don't bother sending us a letter, we can't find our mailbox...

Touched

"Each life that touches ours for good reflects thine own great mercy, Lord; thou sendest blessings from above thru words and deeds of those who love."

I was very touched today by President Hinckley's funeral. The first thing that struck me pretty hard, was seeing the empty chair between President Monson and Presisdent Eyring. I felt a little sad that dear President Hinckley would not be in that chair at the next conference. Until President Monson stood to talk. I was reminded just how much I love him, too. As a young child, it was Thomas S. Monson that always kept my attention. So as I heard him speak today, I felt a sense peace knowing that a beat would not be missed, and that he would be soon be at the head of this great church.

I enjoyed Elder Tingey's talk and was captivated by the phrase he quoted Presisdent Hinckley saying many times: "The best is yet to come!" How true that satement is. It is to believe that things could get any better, but I have faith that those words are true. I was touched by President Monson, who worked along side him for so many decades, saying, "God be with you'til we meet again." I enjoyed hearing him speak at the graveside and smiled at the fact that some Lancashire dirt was sprinkled in President Hickley's grave, so he could be buried on English soil, as well.

I sobbed though most of the funeral, but was lifted by the many stories and jokes that were told about President Hinckley. I cried tears of joy, and tears of sadness. I noticed his casket placed directly in front of the pulpit made from the tree he grew in his own backyard. And I realized that his lfe was celebrated in the conference center, just like it was 2 years ago at his 95th birthday. But this time, we did not anticipate his grand entrance through the door on the right, waving his cane and smiling to us. Instead, we watched his grandsons as they reverently carried his casket out through the same door.

I will always cherish the years we were blessed with his leadership. It makes me smile to remember the many times he made us laugh. But it makes me smile even more to know that his jourmey on earth is done. And he has moved on to do the work in Heaven that the Lord has called him to do, along with his eternal companion.

Hello, this is your husband

It's 7:30 pm on a Friday night. You are out having a rare night of fun with your friends. After putting on a movie for the kids and practicing the piano, the thought occurred to me to finally take a moment to read your blog. Thinking I would only be a minute, I sat down to quickly read. Three hours later, I have read all of your postings. I've laughed and even shed a tear or two. As I was reading, I was reminded how wonderful a person you are, and what great perspective you have. It was also fun to find out what happens around here everyday, while I'm off in my own world. I'm so proud of you for hanging in there. Thank you for you, for your love, and for the rest of your eternity you'll be spending with me, if you'll have me. I truly love you, though I don't often show it. And I don't even care about those who might be reading this! I'll visit again in a while. Until then, happy blogging!

PS - Can I make a snow cave tomorrow with the kids after our chores are done? No candles this time.

'Til We Meet Again

What an amazing week this has been.

On Wednesday I attended the funeral for my SIL's mom., Susan. She was a wonderful person with a generous heart. She was always looking for ways to help others.

This past summer, I experienced her generosity first-hand. I had flown down to Arizona for the weekend to help with my niece's wedding. She was also there, along with her husband. I busily helped with last-minute preparations for the big event. As I was washing a drink fountain, getting ready to assemble it, I accidentally dropped it and it broke off a piece near the bottom. I was upset and was wanting to go buy a new one for my SIL- who was unaware I had broken it. I had no car and would need someone to drive me to the store. Susan got word of what happened and approached me. "I have one, too. It's in the back of my car. How about you take that one, and I'll have the broken one." I protested, saying it was only fair that I buy a new one. She would not accept that, insisting that I take her up on it. In her words, "Leslie hosts parties much more than I do. I could just put some lace over the broken part and nobody would even know."

What a kind lady. At her funeral, there were many stories told, like this one that illustrated her charitable personality. Although many tears were shed, I came away from the funeral inspired to be a better person. The Spirit was so strong as the song, "Because I Have Been Given Much" was sung. "Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?" was also quoted. What a legacy this lady left for her 7 children and 25 grandchildren. Not to mention the countless people she has helped along her life's journey.

And then yesterday I took the kids to President Hinckley's viewing. It was a neat experience. The kids were so reverent- even Nathan walked with his arms folded. I didn't even have to tell them to. The Spirit was so strong, how could anyone not feel it? I hadn't cried about his passing until I saw the flowers given by his family. There were flowers with his children, grandchildren, and great-grand children's names on them. The one that got me was the one with his great-grand chidren's names. It read:

"Grandpa, we will always Be Grateful, Be Smart, Be Clean, Be True, Be Humble, and Be Prayerful...Because we love you!"

And then last night, I was reading on Meridian Magazine's website, this article. It is long, but well worth the time to read it. I realized just how much I will miss Presisdent Hinckley. I was bawling. I am now, too.... As Sheri Dew put it, "He was a people's Prophet." He had a gift that drew people to him. I also read their tribute to Marjorie Hinckely that was written almost four years ago. And again, I felt joy for him- to be reunited with her.

Tomorrow we will watch his funeral. I look forward to the opportunity to remember him and feel the Spirit, yet again.