Thursday, November 13, 2008

Learning new things

So I feel pretty confident about putting this on my blog, since it is not read very often. But just in case, this is an experiment to see if I have the process of putting a video on the internet. katie has the cutest video of Ryan and she sent it via the phone so I'm learning how I could put that on the big screen. Meanwhile, this is Max up at Stanley Idaho this summer. What a great time we had.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

It's November


So I am trying to be more creative with my posts. There is quite a learning curve here for me. Heidi tried to show me how to up load pictures so they are not all on the side. Still trying to get that, and as I read the younger generations blogs I'm envious of how clever you all are! Especially all you young newly weds, new mothers or mothers to be! I could barely get the laundry done and do dinner, and there is no way I would be able to do all that you juggle. I guess that's why there is a season for all of us to do what we do.
What a big week we have had in our nation! A new President, a bit of history. Now whether you voted for Obama or not, it was pointed out to me by a daughter that it is cool to have someone to believe in. She said that my generation has had Kennedy, Reagan, and others that have been an inspiration in the political world. But that her generation has always been a bit embarrassed by the leadership they have seen and that now there is excitement and an unknown to Pres. elect and the hope for good leadership and inspiration. I sure hope so. All of us need to do more to insure our freedom and be part of the changes that we want to see in our country. Recently as I get mad while reading the newspaper I have be emailing papers, TV stations, and politicians about my opinion. Our opinions count! And we need to use our free speech for the benefit of our lives, our country's future and that of those to come to this land. We have so much and need to protect those values and freedoms that we already have. I urge you all to do your part in using your voice to better this country and your futures.
I've included a quote from one of the leaders of our church that tells it like it is.

Elder Maxwell made these statements at a BYU devotional in 1978. His talk was then published in the Ensign in February of 1979.

"Make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters, in the months and years ahead, events are likely to require each member to decide whether or not he will follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult to halt longer between two opinions. President Marion G. Romney said, many years ago, that he had 'never hesitated to follow the counsel of the Authorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional or political life.'
"This is hard doctrine, but it is particularly vital doctrine in a society which is becoming more wicked. In short, brothers and sisters, not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes not being ashamed of the prophets of Jesus Christ. . . . Your discipleship may see the time when such religious convictions are discounted. . . . This new irreligious imperialism seeks to disallow certain opinions simply because those opinions grow out of religious convictions.
"Resistance to abortion will be seen as primitive. Concern over the institution of the family will be viewed as untrendy and unenlightened....Before the ultimate victory of the forces of righteousness, some skirmishes will be lost. Even in these, however, let us leave a record so that the choices are clear, letting others do as they will in the face of prophetic counsel. There will also be times, happily, when a minor defeat seems probable, but others will step forward, having been rallied to rightness by what we do. We will know the joy, on occasion, of having awakened a slumbering majority of the decent people of all races and creeds which was,till then, unconscious of itself. Jesus said that when the fig trees put forth their leaves, 'summer is nigh.' Thus warned that summer is upon us, let us not then complain of the heat.--Elder Neal A Maxwell

Monday, October 20, 2008

Time Marches On

Well I can't believe its been 6 months since I last blogged. Wow!! But what a 6 months it has been. Lets see; a blood clot/stroke, days in the hospital, learning to shuffle, walk, not drool, smile again, accept each day for what it is, soooo much gratitude!!!! For family, friends, flowers, phone calls, cards, dinners, fish recipes, fish tacos, flax seed oil, swimming, encouragement, patience, love, sleep, rest, and more and more. And that's just daily living after a stroke!! Then there was the birth of a beautiful baby boy on May 28! Yes that made me a grateful grandma! And what a beautiful time of life that was. Summer with the announcement of a wedding. Our beautiful Laurel to the handsome and very smart Ryan Plewe! Planning and more planning. But lots of help with the help of great daughters. They took over and did for me at a time during which I could barely remember what I had just done or not done. Thank you so much! Ah, the wonderful, fantastic, surprise of finding out where Max was going to go on his mission! That was also beautiful and a great memory for any Mom... In case you don't know Elder Bogner is going to Seoul, South Korea!! Yeah, Max IS speaking and reading Korean! Then on August 3rd baby Ryan was blessed at church followed by a nice party at home! The whole family together. Those times become more and more important as you look to the future and know that you won't be together for 2 years! A few days later we all went to Stanley Idaho for a family reunion with my side of our fam. There is nothin like the Salmon River to set some peace in your soul. I love watching Luke and Max fish. It's freeze framed in my brain. Now it was time to get Max those new suits that he would be wearing for the next 2 years. Man he looked so handsome! (I can say that cause "I'm the Mom") a few suitcases and all too soon it was time to say goodbye, Sept 10Th 2008. Hard to say see you later, I still shed a few tears-so happy, but I miss him so much. Never under estimate how important you are to your family and friends. We all leave our mark in the sand. Home again, school has started, Luke is a sophomore and playing JV football! If only we could freeze our children... And all too soon it's time for flights to bridal showers, seeing old friends, meeting new ones, more showers, Laurel so happy and definitely in LOVE! Working on the garden, (wondering if I have OCD when it comes to Mother Nature). At last the big day arrives with family, flowers, friends and a beautiful day, weekend. Then its over. Just like that. OVER-no wait...we fly to Utah for another beautiful reception and the first snow of the season. Home. Now it's over, aah. What a season of life its been. Each day a new lesson, a remembrance, a smile, some love or kindness. I have been encircled in the love of the Savior each and everyday. Thank you all for all your prayers and kindness toward me. They helped me to smile each and every day and know that all would be well. Thank you, thank you.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Where I'd LIke To Be

I would love to be on a beach ANYWHERE! It's always so peaceful, beautiful, and relaxing. I guess I should have spent more time there..... Last night my mom (who is 87) said to me, "when you close your eyes try to imagine you're at a beach in Puerto Villarta and relax and think happy thoughts" So I am. I close my eyes a lot this week. As many of you know I had a stroke last Sunday. It affected the right side of the brain and the left side of my body. I am so fortunate it could have been so much worse. What has kept me going is knowing that Heavenly Father is in charge and there is so much peace because of that and knowing that I am in so many people's prayers. How could I noit have a full speedy recovery? Thank you so much, it is overwhelming, flowers, treats cookies, jokes, calls, visits, cards, emails and so much love. It is easier to focus on the bright side with so much support! I will write more about this experience later, but for right now I need to go back to dreaming about that hammock on the beach......

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Rex the Wonder Dog

I guess I should explain that cute picture that comes up every time you open this blog. That's our cute, amazing, insane, totally OCD, swimming, squirrel chasing, trampoline jumping, smiling, trickster dog, REX!! He's a great little pooch. Sometimes not much to look at but you always have to smile at his unique approach to life. Like most dogs he loves his family, and we would all argue about who he loves most! Anyway, needless to say in our family he is the true Party Animal!

Sunday, February 17, 2008

what really makes me smile

I know this might surprise you but... I really enjoy watching NBA basketball with my sons! Its awesome, we all cheer and love the comradery of the players, love the skills and how good they all are. I feel my competitive spirit coming out, which is good because it has been lost for a long time and I am able to be competitive with myself now too! Did you see the dunk contest this weekend? Seriously look it up on line, CRAZY stuff- imagine being able to do that stuff. Its great! I love being with Max and Luke and being able to talk with them about bball and actually know what I'm talking about. I think that as a mom it is important to bridge any gaps you may have with your kids. Find something that They enjoy and then enjoy it with them.

My other big smile moment is being with my kids. I know most people write about their little kids but that time has past for me and I now enjoy these 5 wonderful people in my life. I have learned so much from each one- sometimes little things like Carly telling me about keeping your fingernails all even rather than letting one be longer than another. Or Katie sharing her opinion on Narsisisum and how it has effected our lives. Or Laurel showing me how communication is so vital to relationships and that we all deserve respect because we are Gods children. And then there is the great lesson that they all taught me about family heirlooms! And that the laughter we create together is the most beautiful music of all.

Lots of things make me smile, but my personal favorite right now is my smile when I finish my abs workout! You may wonder why but I never really believed that I would enjoy doing something like that. And I think that hanging with my kids has taught me to try harder. Not just try harder in general but to try for me. Moms are notoreous for encouraging others to do their best, but I am learning to do my best for me. Not for Jim and how he feels about me but for me and my feelings. Finishing a workout is quite an accomplishment for me and that makes me smile.

So what makes you smile......Keep that thought

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

I really am challenged

I really don't get how I could always push the wrong buttons! last night I finally wrote a blog, the first, and thought I published it but... I must have some how deleted it. Stop laughing, I know it has to happen to others too! The sad thing is that I have been looking forward to see if anyone had read it-vanity, pride, ugh! Anyway, I guess I will just start fresh. However, I did like posting about watching mindless TV. And last night was classic. I was tired of watching election results, and not seeing things the way I wanted them to be ( I've decided that yes I am competitive and I don't want my side to loose EVER and so maybe I will move to Mexico!) Anyway, I have a new favorite show-"Rob and Big". It is irreverant, silly, sophmoric, dumb at times but it makes me laugh! Last night Big Black got put into the Genisis book of World Records for eating 3 bananas in 3 min. and for eating the most powdered donuts without licking his lips. And Rob made 21, imagine 21 wr's with his skateboard That's just awesome to me, what a great country we live in that we can do such great things! Check it out... Also in my mode of I'm not going to watch another political speculation, I watched- another fav " That 70's Show". I know I am probably reveling too much about myself and my life by writting this but humor is one of my favorite things. the episode was the one where Red keeps calling his son, Mr. Nude. There really is so much in that show... I guess I see abit of our own family in it. I think you know what I mean. So there you have it. Me unleashed on a blog! Exciting isn't it.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008