Count Your Many Blessings

I woke up this morning counting my blessings. Shonna challenged me to do so alphabetically (see her blog) so I'll attempt to do that now: A Atonement-appropriate that it starts with A so I can list it first- my greatest blessing America Ancestors Autumn-my favorite season Apostles B Brielle Blake Brian Blogs- a fun, new addition to my life Books- I've read some really good ones lately Bed-man, I love my bed! BYU Book of Mormon C Christ Christmas Christmas cards- I love this tradition Conference talks- I'm a conference talk junkie- I love studying them Chocolate Camerons- Mark and Donna, for raising a good son Car- I'm so thankful for our cars Comments on blogs D Dates with my husband Doctors- especially this year Dishwasher- my automatic one Dryer- I didn't have one for many years, I've never outgrown my gratitude for it. Daughters Dad- I miss my Daddy E Energy- love it when I have it Email- what a blessing this is in my life! Earrings F Family- immediate and extended Friday nights- love our weekly dates Freedom Football- the BYU variety G Gasoline George W. Bush- no, I'm not kidding. The media has sold the country, the world, that he's been a terrible president- the cause of all our problems. I'm not buying what they're selling. Have there been any attacks on American soil since 911? I think he's a good, God-fearing man who's done the best he can in hard times. I hope history is kind to him. H Holy Ghost- my goal is His constant companionship Home- my very favorite place on earth Hymns- I study them and love them I Idol- American Idol- my favorite tv show J Jared Joan K Ken- my 2nd greatest blessing (after the atonement) Kristen Keynotes- my singing group. I love those ladies Kissing grandchildren L Love M Michelle Mackrorys- Mitch and Carolyn, for raising a fine son Music- such an important part of my life Movies- good ones Mom- I miss my Mom N Nathan Neighbors- we have such good ones O Optimism P Prophet Prayer- what a blessing to know we can talk to God and that He cares Priesthood Princes- Gary and Cynthia, for raising a fine son Piano- probably my favorite earthly possession Physical therapy Q Quiet- not just all I could think of for Q. It really is something I greatly value R Really great family! Rings- I love my rings Recipes S Shonna Singing Scriptures Sons-in-law: I have the three best in the world! Summit- where I do my physical therapy. I love their pools T Temple Teaching- one of my passions Thoughtful kids! Trials U United States of America V Very nice kids! Voice students W Water- especially indoor running- what a blessing! Wonderful kids! X X Rays- that show my knees are good Y Yummy food Z Zuper kids! (I hate zoos)

Tag, You're It!!!

Being a random person, I love randomness and chance. So, I love this tag from Brian to just look in certain picture folders and post whatever picture is there: the fourth picture in the fourth folder, the third picture in the third folder, and the 10th picture in the 10th folder. Then, I'm going to add the 16th picture in the 16th folder. This is going to be fun! Oh, fun one! This is Michelle with her cousin, Stacy in their Indian costumes for folk dance. Third picture in the third folder: Jared with baby Brielle 10th of the tenth folder: Blake's Grandparents, Brother and Sister Cameron, at Shonna and Blake's reception: such nice people! 16th picture of the 16th folder: Shonna in Nida, Lithuania eating soup. Ah, this brings back memories! We ran to get something to eat between the folk dance concerts. Notice the girl in the bikini outside behind Shonna. It was FREEZING cold out there- windy and cold. We were all miserable at that dinner wondering how she was surviving! (That's the Baltic Sea out there!) Okay, now tag, you're it!!! It's really fun, try it!

Rise and Shout!!!

I stole this from Joan's blog, cuz I thought it was a great idea- as they approach the biggest game of the year! Everyone join in!!!! "Oh Rise and shout . . . Ra, ra, ra,ra,ra, Go Cougars!!!

Stake Conference

This weekend was our stake conference. With Ken in the stake presidency, it is approached with much prayer,anticipation and thought. Ken was assigned to speak in the Saturday night session and the Sunday morning session this time. He did a great job. Last night he spoke on the importance of taking time to ponder. This morning he left his prepared notes to tell of a great experience he had on Labor Day at the Welfare Farm (so many people showed up to help they finally closed the gates and then drove around in a tractor BEGGING people to go home- not your usual welfare farm story!) Both meetings were great and the spirit strong. I was amazed at how well they were able to keep their composure, considering what happened: We had a tragedy in our stake last night. As Ken and I arrived at the stake center about 6:30pm, a fire truck sped by going, we later learned, to the nearby high school. They were preparing to present the play, "Oklahoma" when a young man was fooling around and put the prop gun to his head and fired. It had a blank, but, I guess, at close range, it still can do a lot of damage. He is in our stake. His bishop was pulled from our meeting, telling him only that the young man had been shot. The stake president saw that happen and during the congregational song, went down to talk to the bishop's wife, who was very emotional. He then told Ken and had Ken ask the one giving the closing prayer to pray for the family. We later learned that the young man had died. They were going to life flight him, but he died on the way. I'm sure, besides the bereaved family, many students will need help and counseling. They locked down the school right after it happened, and interviewed the students who were there. The play was cancelled, and everyone sent home. Ken and the stake presidency spent this evening consoling the family. They have had an outpouring of love from their ward. Nearly 40 people showed up to clean their home, mow their lawn, wash their windows, clean out their fridge, etc. after stake conference this afternoon. The bishop called one or two to help, and within minutes, 40 showed up. The news stations are swarming their home. Friends have been there all day helping answer calls and taking care of the business. Good things are happening in our stake. They've recently organized, with other stakes, a Spanish branch (hosted by us), a Samoan branch (hosted by Bloomington stake) and a special needs mutual (hosted by us). They had a great turnout. They've called wonderful individuals to serve in the YM and YW presidency, including three recently released bishops and our past stake RS president. Each member brings a friend to help. They started in a large meeting, then divided into groups for getting to know you games. Ken took some pictures of their first meeting:

Happy Birthday, Brielle!!!

 

Pretending With Brielle

On Saturday morning, Ken and I tended Brielle and Nathan while their parent participated in intramural racquetball. Ken took Nathan for a walk outside, and I suddenly found myself being "dressed" for church by Brielle. She got me in a pretty dress, then buckled me in my chair in the car. She then climbed up on the rocking chair and drove us to church (really, really fast) She unbuckled herself, then came and got me and unbuckled me and instructed me to "hold her hand in the parking lot". We then went into church (in the dining room). We sat on the chairs and she mumbled stuff and shouted out "amen" I said, "Let's go to nursery" and she said, "We'll go to nursery in a little while. Right now we need to sing." So we sang "I Am a Child of God" and had the sacrament and had more mumbling and amen. We sang "Jesus Wants Me For a Sunbeam" and she said a nice prayer. Then she said, "Let's go to nursery." She took my hand and led me to the kitchen where she pretended to open the door and let me in. She stood at the door and said, "You stay here and play with your friends. I am going to class and will be back to get you in a little while. Have fun, I love you." and off she headed to "class" in the living room. She climbed up on the couch and sat very quietly with her hands in her lap. So, I played nursery in the kitchen. I did "ring around the rosie" and shouted "Again" after each round. She would look over at me from the corner of her eye and smile. Pretty soon, she came to the "door", pretended to open it and asked if I needed to go potty. She took my hand and took me to the potty, then took me back to nursery. I told her I needed a snack, so she got me the Life cereal. I asked her for a bowl, and she said, "No, just have it on a napkin." I told her I wanted her to stay for snacks, so she did , then she played some games with me with the letters on her fridge. Soon thereafter our “game” was interrupted, but the role reversal was so fun. It's so fun to see what's in her little head!

Happiest Halloween!

We had a wonderful Halloween. Jared and Kristen came for the weekend so we could be part of the festivities. It was so fun to see our little cowboy and cowgirl have such a good time. In preparation for the big day, Jared asked Brielle, "What do you say on Halloween when you ring the doorbell?" She thought for a minute and responded, "Granma and Grampa, here I am!" By the time she got here, though, she knew "trick or treat" and what was going to happen when she said it. Thanks Lu and Jar for sharing the fun with us!!!

Rim to Rim!

"Never again!" Ken swears this was the last time (he said that last time he did it, too) So sorry, Jared, Blake, Brian, and Tom . .. you'll have to hike the Grand Canyon rim to rim without Ken. He says he'll be glad to be the driver. Twenty-four miles of grueling hiking is a lot when you're 50-hmmm, well plus. But, he did it! I'm so proud of him. Four guys from the ward went- Dave: a young buck in his forties, Steve- slightly older than Ken and Ken hiked and Kurtis drove them (Kurtis has a bad back and can't hike right now). They left here about 3:30am on Friday and started the hike about 6:45am on the North Rim. They hiked all day long and reached the south rim about 6pm that evening - A long, grueling day. They spent the night on the south rim and drove home on Saturday, so tired and so sore. He walked a lot like an eighty- year- old man, and per Tom's instruction, tried not to groan every time he stood up or sat down. He's recovering, and in spite of it all, is glad he did it! At the bottom "Please sir, I want some more" I gotta go where? Still smiling!!!

Hinton Sibling Reunion

Last weekend was the Hinton sibling reunion at Pine Valley. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend because I was very ill with a kidney infection, but Ken went for most of it and had a great time. They all came here on Saturday night for dessert, so I got to see everyone and join in on some of the fun. This is a great annual tradition which we all anticipate!

Now That Was Fun!

I just taught a lady how to swim! I went to do my therapy today. I'm now in what they call "open gym". It just means that I go and do the exercises they've taught me in the gym and then in the pool. I was in the pool, pretty self-absorbed- focused on my aches and pains, when this cute, little black lady- Jackie - came in to get in the pool. She was probably about 5'2", 45-50 years old. She obviously wanted to be right by the wall, so I scooted over and let her have that space. We chatted a bit as we walked. I noticed her clinging to the wall at the three foot level. The indoor therapy pool is three-foot deep at either end, graduating to six-foot in the middle. I went on with my exercises, which include treading straight-legged, then bicycling for ten minutes each. She watched me closely. She just couldn't believe I could do that. She asked me many questions about how I stay up. I told her I could teach her. She was on a "noodle" so was afloat, but as we chatted, she suddenly noticed that she was at the 5-foot level. She had a bit of panic attack. I told her how to move her feet and arms and helped her back to the three-foot area. Then, I taught her how to basically doggy paddle on the noodle. She went back and forth, just thrilled to death. "I'm swimming! I'm swimming!" she said. I told her that 80% of swimming was just overcoming fear. I then had her try it at 4 foot, then 5- foot. "Do you think I could go clear down the whole pool?" "I sure do!" And she did! I wish I could describe the look of sheer joy she had as she touched the other "bank". "I did it!" I was clapping and cheering! I get tears in my eyes even now as I recall. What a thrill! She told me that when she first came to therapy, she had a panic attack and simply couldn't get in the pool. So, they rescheduled her and then the therapist (Katrina- she's the pool gal) got right in with her. Jackie said she still was very frightened as she had never been in a pool before. She said Katrina had to hang on to her the whole time. Katrina had helped her several times that way, then let her do it on her own. She still was very frightened, but finally graduated her to "open gym" And now, by sheer determination, she was swimming! She then paddled all the way back down the pool. She was just so excited and thanked me over and over. I left today with a new friend and feeling SO much better than when I came. I don't think that had much to do with the exercises, either!

Sorry, Dad

 

I've done it now. I've officially killed my Dad's beautiful shamrock plant. Those who knew my Dad know that he had an amazing green thumb and love for beautiful flowers and plants. Each of us who wanted one, inherited one of his beautiful plants when he died. I chose my favorite- the shamrock. I remember marveling at the big, bushy plant that grew in the family room. I loved how the leaves "closed" each night. Dad passed away five years ago this month, and I've kept it alive until now. As long as it lived, I felt that a little of him was still alive. I feel very sad.

Touch the Sky!

Friday and Saturday, we made our annual trek to the mountains to "touch the sky". This tradition started when our children were small. We would take a picnic, and sometimes other family members (I remember Don and Ada's family and Grandpa and Grandma going with us) and drive to the mountains to see the beautiful fall colors. As we approached the mountain, we would say, "See that mountain? Look to the top. Is it touching the sky?" "If we climb to the top, will we be touching the sky?" Then we would do just that and reach up and touch the sky. Ken and I left Friday afternoon and drove up Cedar Mountain. We stayed in a rented, little cabin on a ranch very near our own mountain property. That cabin has a colorful history. The story is told that John Wayne loved that little cabin and would stay there when shooting westerns on location. So, we've slept where John Wayne slept! Yes, you can touch me. Also, in the show "My Friend, Flicka", Burl Ives dispensed wisdom in a wicker rocking chair at the stone fireplace in that little cabin(Where Ken is sitting) They've since added the heat stove. We enjoyed toasting hot dogs and smores outside for dinner, and then, (Kristen, Shonna, and Michelle- you need to be sitting down while you read this part) we played Rook 500 to 500! with a dummy hand. No, I'm not kidding. We played for nearly three hours. Ken is not a big game player, and he has never, ever played a full game of 3-hand Rook. "I'll play two hands" or "I'll play until 9:55" is what I've heard through the years. It was amazing. Then, after breakfast in the morning, he played again to 250. He won both games. I think his goal was that I would have the time of my life. We enjoyed sitting in the sunshine and reading and then later, a nice drive to our own property and over the mountain. We saw flocks of wild turkeys, deer, and beautiful color (the pictures don't do it justice) We picnicked on the way home, arriving in time for the general women's meeting. Ken doesn't want stuff much. He doesn't long for "things". But he does have a love for the mountains and would love a mountain cabin. Not exactly my dream. His dream: mountain cabin. My dream: a husband that will relax and not have to be productive every minute. Hmmmm. Maybe we can both be happy . . . . .

Our Beloved Neighbor Pat

For the past six weeks, our beloved friend and neighbor, Pat has been in Intensive Care at the hospital battling for her life. She finally lost the battle on Sunday morning. Pat and Pete moved across the street from us shortly after we moved in. We have been friends and have become like family since. We loved dear Pat and will miss her dearly. Though not members of our faith, they have been at every baptism, mission farewell and homecoming, wedding (dinner and reception) and ball game through the years. They have welcomed each of our girls' spouses and the grandbabies. (The picture is of Pat with Brielle) We feel like we've lost family and will miss this dear, gracious woman. We are grateful her struggle is over, but she leaves a huge hole in our hearts. Last night, in her honor, the neighborhood and friends had a party! Isn't that a great a idea! A party! It was a very fun outdoor barbecue. Many, many people came to pay their respects and mingle together in honor of Pat. I think she would have loved it! Goodbye, dear Pat, until we meet again!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Hallelujah #1: I'm not crazy! In my explore, I just hadn't looked to the other side of my car. There I discovered the big fertilizer spreader had escaped, rolled and crashed into my car- hence the big noise. Mystery solved. Hallelujah #2: I went to therapy (hhhmmm hhhmmm: PHYSICAL therapy) this morning and was finally released to get in the pool. Hallelujah! Everything has to be completely healed before they let you in- no scabs. With my last knee, it was two months to the day that they released me. This one has healed faster. It may have something to do with my taking the washrag to it frequently- that gets rid of scabs! I get to start on Thursday. It's so much more fun to suffer through the painful exercises in the pool than in the gym. Hallelujah #3: I just did another milestone. I haven't shopped at all since the 2nd surgery except the grocery store and Costco where I ride the little motorized cart. I've run errands that I can drive through, but no other shopping. It's frustrating to need something, but not be able to go and get it. I've been working on LAST summer's Europe trip scrapbook. It's such a special time in our family: We're in Europe, Michelle is in Europe, too with the folkdancers and we occasionally see her (she's also engaged and missing her Brian), Shonna and Blake are engaged and nearing their wedding date, and Kristen and Jared are awaiting the arrival of baby Nathan any moment. We are firing emails back and forth. Those emails are so precious to me and just capture that pivotal time in our family's history. So, I've been determined to get those emails into the Europe trip scrapbook, which has taken many hours to get them edited, respaced, etc. Then I discovered that the book I had purchased wasn't large enough to hold all that. So, after therapy today, I went to Michael's and bought a larger book. I know, not a big deal to you, but a milestone to me. I am shaky and ready to be home, but I did it! Hallelujah!

Mystery NOT Solved

With courage strong, I've just explored the garage in the happy light of day. Nothing seems amiss! Everything, including the golf clubs are right where they were before. Now I think I must be going crazy!

If a Tree Falls In a Forest . . . .

I have a question for you . . .one of those, "If a tree falls in a forest" thought-provokers: If you're husband is out of town and you're folding clothes at midnight and you hear a LOUD crash in the garage . . . That's what happened to me about an hour ago. What I NEED to know is: Do things fall in the garage all the time, and I just don't hear them because I'm asleep or I just ignore it because my safe, secure husband is right there next to me? Or is this something I should be concerned about? Is someone in my garage right now? No, I'm not going to open the door and look . . .that just doesn't feel right. I've been staring at the doorknob for the last half hour with phone in hand to see if it turns. I decided to come in here and write about it- then there will be evidence when they confiscate my computer to solve the crime. This is how I used to be every time Ken was away overnight, when the kids were little. I would strew toys up the stairs and down the hall so the bad guy would trip and make noise and wake me up( my sister taught me that- but I won't tell you which one). I slept (sort of) with a kitchen knife under my pillow (as if I'd use it!) and practiced dialing 911 in the dark. I was prepared! But that's long-since worn off. I now kind of like having free-reign of the house- for a night or two. I'm a bit of a night owl and I can play the piano at midnight and no one cares. I've tried to reason this out: What could have fallen? It's not like we have a really messy garage. In fact, a couple of weeks ago, I had Ken help me load my trunk and back seat with stuff that accumulated for DI and I hauled it over there. So there's really no junk- Ken keeps it pretty spiffy. Oh wait . . .. just before he left, he took his golf clubs, shoes, hat, etc, out of his trunk to pack. I'll bet that was tenuously teetering and just finally gave up. Okay, I'm off to bed. . . . "but if I die before I wake . . . . "

Luli Turns 30!

We had a wonderful weekend! Kristen (better known as Luli), Jared, Brielle, and Nathan came to visit to celebrate Luli's birthday on Saturday. It was so fun to have them here! First, we went to lunch at Lu's favorite Texas Roadhouse Grill. We then headed to the office to watch BYU celebrate her birthday in GRAND style! What a game! We then had homemade chocolate ice cream, and played All- a fun card game Brian and Michelle taught Kristen and Jared. It was nice of the guys to let the girls win, since it was her birthday. We then had family prayer, and then Ken, who had high council early Sunday morning, headed off to bed. Brielle had his pillow, so ran in to give it to him. She told him goodnight, and then as she was closing his bedroom door, said,"Grampa, don't get out of your bed!" I guess that's what she hears every night. Those kids are so dang cute. Kristen and Jared have been trying to teach Nathan sign language. It helps so much at this age so he won't have to scream, "Uh, uh, uh!!", but can communicate his needs. She's tried to teach him "drink" and "more" and "all done", but he had never done it until Sunday. After consuming his corn and meat and potatoes (he's a good little eater) he waved his hands in the all done sign and said as clear as can be, "All done!" It was fun to get to witness it. He was so proud of himself. Church with those little ones is a whole different experience. Every time anyone says "Amen" (I didn't realize how often we say that in our meetings) Brielle hopefully says, "Let's go to nursery!" I watch my precious daughter now as a mother herself and marvel at her energy and patience and love. She is a magnificent mother(ask Brielle and Nathan), daughter(ask Ken and Me), sister (ask Shonna and Michelle), and wife (ask Jared). We feel it a privilege to be her parents! Happy birthday, Lu!!!

Therapy

When I tell people I'm in therapy, they get a funny look on their face. And rehab isn't much better. So I guess I should title this post "Physical Therapy". My usual therapist is a kind and gentle man. I found out just how kind and gentle this week when he was out of town. I was relegated to Jane. I've known Jane for several months as I've been in "therapy" with my other knee and am a frequent visitor there. She seemed so nice. But when let loose on my knee, she turned into an Amazon woman. She seriously seemed to be intent on breaking my leg in half. At one point, I whimpered and told her it was scaring me. She just said, "I know" and kept pushing. AAAAHHHH! But, I got her back . . . in the only way I know how. When she put me on the infamous "rack", I got out my ipod, plugged in my earpieces, cranked up Keynote Christmas music and sang for all I was worth. "A star dances, an angel sings." That oughta learn her!! I have Jane again on Monday and Tuesday. I'm thinking of downloading "A hundred bottles of beer on the wall" and really cutting loose. Te he he!

Recovery!

It's been awhile since I posted here. I'm doing well- on the road to recovery. This week I graduated from home physical therapy to outpatient therapy. I've traded my tennis ball adorned walker for "the rack" at the therapy unit(a grueling piece of equipment that forces bend and flex). Somewhere in there, I used a cane, but came to understand why President Hinckley preferred waving it around and "knighting" people with it to leaning on it - it's mostly just in the way! I feel so very blessed to have not had any of the complications that can come with this surgery (everyone find wood and start knocking!) and to be blessed with such a wonderful husband and good friends and family! Thanks to all for your prayers and good wishes!