Sad Story

I heard the saddest thing last night and can't seem to get it off of my mind. We went to Jacob's pinewood Derby last night (and by the way Jacob - you were awsome!) Its interesting to go to another town & ward and see how they do things. There are always kids running around crazy. But across from us sat a young man holding a little girl. Amy was just put in as the "compassionate Service" person in her ward and she told me the story about this young man. Well he was young to me. Probably about my boys age. He has 4 children - the oldest 8 - 2 weeks ago his wife just decided she didn't want to be a wife and a mom anymore and she left them all. Now its true that I don't know all of the story but I don't understand how a mom can leave her kids. Everyone needs to get away once in a while but how can you stop loving your family? I watched as this man held his daughter, helped his son race his car and attended to the other 2 boys. He is a good dad. Amy said that the ward was trying to help him with babysitting and things because he has to work. This story has broke my heart. I have heard other stories similar to this and it has made me think back to when my kids were young. They totally drove me nuts. And some days I didn't want to do it anymore. But then there was a good day and it gave me strength to go on. Ed has always told me when I was ready to give up on many things, "give it a day or two and it will be better." And it always is. There were many days we didn't have any money, but we had a warm house and plenty of potatoes. There were lots of nights without sleep, and days without naps, and a husband working long hours for us. I didn't appreciate them as much as I should have back then. Now - that my kids are grown with kids of their own and we watch them be good responsible adults - I know that it was all worth it. Where would they be if I had given up or Ed had given up. The sacrifices that you are making now for your children will determine who they will be when they grow up. You are building adults. And its a big hard job. Hang on, Hang on, it will all be worth it someday. I promise.

Most Embarrasing Moment

I've had alot of embarrassing moments over my life time - but this last weekend has to rate right up there and I'm not sure why I'm even sharing this. It was one of those moments you see happening to other people and you say "gee, I'm sure glad that wasn't me, what a dork!" Now someone has probably said that about me. Ed and I went to Spokane and we were done eating at a resturant. I went to the Ladie's Room and came back and went about emptying our tray, refilling my soda, putting on my coat, when a young man came up to me and said "excuse me mam, but you have a long piece of toilet paper stuck to your shoe." Sure enough, I looked down and there was about a 2 foot streamer of toilet paper stuck to my shoe. As my face turned crimson red I thanked this brave young man & told him how embarrassed I was. He just smiled and went back to his seat. I really was embarrassed but I thought what a brave kid that was. Sometimes its better NOT to know if you did something embarrassing. Then you can go about your business and never know what a spectacle you made of yourself to strangers. But in this case I really appreciated him telling me. Who knows how long I would have walked around with that toilet paper stuck on the bottom of my shoe because Ed never noticed it.Well, maybe he did and just didn't say anything. But this is my advice to others: If you see someone with toilet paper stuck to the bottom of their shoe, TELL THEM. They will be greatful for sure! Even better than that - help them get it off the bottom of their shoe- Ed & I had a heck of a time.

New Year - New Goals

So its been an exciting New Year already hasn't it. Abby getting married New Years Eve and new babies being born & blessed. Spring weather in January. Wouldn't life be so dull if nothing new (good or bad) ever happened. Well, for my New Year's resolution I decided to pick something besides losing weight. I'm on a constant diet and will be for the rest of my life. Lose then gain, lose then gain. Ho Hum. So my New-New Years resolution is to become financialy fit. To start with I am cutting the pork spending as John McCain would say. I have thrown away so much food that I bought with intentions of using and it gets lost in the fridge or I don't have "all the ingredients" for a recipe. You know thoses drawers in the bottom of the fridge called "the crispers" - well ours are called "the rotters" cause thats what happens there. So,last weekend I made a menu & shopping list for this week. I went to Walmart for my shopping. The trick was to not leave the food section. My eyes kept veering towards the clothes and electronics but I kept control of my shopping cart and only bought what was on my list. To help matters out, Ed stayed in the car. I couldn't believe how much lower my walmart receipt was. Now, I realize things will come up, such as unplanned company for dinner and you only planned fish for 2 and your husband has asked his 3 big sons to come for dinner and help him on a project. Thats where you improvise and thankfully have hamberger in the freezer and yes I did have to buy buns. But all in all it has worked out good so far. Its actually alot like going on a diet. It takes alot of self control to stick to the menu and shopping list. I have to actually "cook" which is a whole new goal in itself but I think its going to be good. Of course we're only on day 4 - but I have high hopes for this one. What will I do with all the extra money I save . . . hmmmmmm.

Check this out!

I hope Roni doesn't mind me sharing this but they had a photographer come to their house the other day and take pictures of Jeremiah and they are the cutest things. Go to Jonda Spurbeck Photography and bring up her web site. They are the first pictures. Theres one of him in Brian's race car helmet. So cute!

Baby Blessing Announcement

Erin & Chris would like me to post this announcement for them: This coming Sunday they are blessing their baby girl, "Cassidy" and have invited any of the family that wants to come. It will be at their ward in Ephrata at 11:00. The address of the building is : 1301 E Division. After sacrament meeting they will be having lunch at their house : 14133 Wenatchee Ave. and if you plan on going could you please bring a salad or side dish. Also if you are going could you please respond to Erin's e mail so they can get a head count.Her email address is: chriserincox@yahoo.com
(evidently our big family dinner last Sunday didn't scare them too much)

Sunday Dinner

I knew that would get your attention! Sharon wanted me to tell everyone that Sunday Chance is reporting his mission and would like to invite all the family to come. After church she is having lunch for anyone who wants to stay and is asking you to bring a BIG salad. I am guessing she is providing the main dish. So pass this on to all of your family members so everyone knows. It should be a really good Sac. meeting. We love you Chance and are glad to have you back with us again!

Sweet experience

I have been trying to blog for the last week and I just get started and something happens. Well last night something really big happened. Watching a new baby being born has got to be one of the most spiritual experiences ever! Mishelle's were all C-section and for some reason they will only let the dad in the delivery room, so thank goodness I have daughter in laws who want me to be in with them when they deliver. (I'm not sure I would have wanted my own mother in law in the delivery room with me)and I was very hesitant at first, I don't do well with things like that I didn't even watch my own babies be born - but I'm telling you when they are pushing - everyone in the whole room is pushing - and when that baby comes out and makes its first cry - everyone crys. It is something you can't explain. The baby had a few complications while Roni was in labor- his heart rate kept dropping and they would try all kinds of things to get it back up. So you can imagine our relief when the baby was out and crying. I was happy to share this experience with Paula too. These kind of things just make us closer as a family. I have lots of things I want to blog about - and I will - but right now thank you for letting me share this most wonderful experience with you.