Monday, January 28, 2008
It Finally Happened
Well, I was going to post last night so that I could keep up with my "once a week" posting goal. However, our evening was filled with trying to find out information about Pres. Hinckley. It was very interesting how quickly the news spread. We do live in an amazing age of technology. While knowing that he could go at any time, once it happened it was a jolt to the system. Poor man, every time he got up to speak, we all evaluated how much he had aged in the last few months. I read in one of the articles about him that he prayed that he wouldn't "linger" in his old age. How wonderful that he was productive up to the very end. There are so many thoughts that I have about him, and about the organization of the church. I am looking forward to his funeral. I remember when Pres. Kimball died and the first thought I had was that he would be reunited with his mother who had passed away when he was a boy of 10 or 11. He missed her so much. When I was born, David O. McKay was president of the church. He is the prophet who issued the call to Pres Hinckley as an Asst to the Twelve in 1958. I will give one piece of advice: If you have not already read Pres Hinckley's biography by Sheri Dew, read it. If you have read it, read it again. He is an amazing man.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Once a week
Life is back to...normal? Mom came home yesterday, a couple of days earlier than expected. That was a nice surprise for us. We went out to Native New Yorker for chicken wings with Jennifer after picking up Mom at the airport. I know she (Mom) was tired from the exhausting visit she had in Dallas. She said she got to visit with most of the cousins while there and because she was there for almost 2 weeks, there was plenty of time to have some nice relaxed visits with Mary and Jesse and Uncle Ed (Julie was in Japan).
Today in church our speaker was a young man who is leaving in 10 days for his mission in Bolivia. This is a boy that had always stood out in a quiet, yet strong way among the other young men in our ward. He is confident, happy, and has no problem expressing his testimony of the gospel. In my opinion, he is a young man who not only meets the raised bar, I think he helped to raise it even more. I will be interested to see his progression, not only on his mission, but after. One thing that I enjoyed the most about his talk today is that he wasn't silly at all. He has a great sense of humor, but that doesn't mean you have to be silly. He isn't one of those young men that seems like a "boy" before his mission and then comes home a "man". I predict that he will come home a little older and with some wonderful experiences to share. But he is already a very strong leader and an excellent example of being 100% ready to go on a mission.
As you may or may not be aware, the housing market in our area is very slow. People are still buying homes, but at a much slower pace. Much, much slower. I'm am still confident, that I can make it through this slump as long as it picks up by the end of the year. It's scary times. I feel like I'm too old to start a new career, so I'm praying that I can make it through. Anyone need a nanny?
Today in church our speaker was a young man who is leaving in 10 days for his mission in Bolivia. This is a boy that had always stood out in a quiet, yet strong way among the other young men in our ward. He is confident, happy, and has no problem expressing his testimony of the gospel. In my opinion, he is a young man who not only meets the raised bar, I think he helped to raise it even more. I will be interested to see his progression, not only on his mission, but after. One thing that I enjoyed the most about his talk today is that he wasn't silly at all. He has a great sense of humor, but that doesn't mean you have to be silly. He isn't one of those young men that seems like a "boy" before his mission and then comes home a "man". I predict that he will come home a little older and with some wonderful experiences to share. But he is already a very strong leader and an excellent example of being 100% ready to go on a mission.
As you may or may not be aware, the housing market in our area is very slow. People are still buying homes, but at a much slower pace. Much, much slower. I'm am still confident, that I can make it through this slump as long as it picks up by the end of the year. It's scary times. I feel like I'm too old to start a new career, so I'm praying that I can make it through. Anyone need a nanny?
Monday, January 14, 2008
Status quo
I have had a pretty good week (knock on wood!). Last Thursday some of us went to the temple. We are trying to have a monthly family temple night. Ben and Caitlin came - it was their 2nd time. Nice to be there for them. We ran into Kathy Melchin, Wade's wife. She told us that their daughter, Bridgette, is in the MTC on her way to Lithuania on a mission. Lithuania? Oh my goodness!
Friday, I went to dinner with Becky, Zack and Jennifer at Native New Yorker. Still gotta love those wings! On Saturday, Becky and I drove with Sarah and the little girls up to Camp Verde (north of Phoenix on the way to Flagstaff) for Ben and Caitlin's Open House up there. His parents have a very nice home. They even served us dinner before the party started. It was nice to be around them. Honestly? They seem like they've always been related to us. Very welcoming, very warm, very relaxed visit. We drove home that evening, arriving a little after 11pm. Church is at 8, remember. I felt like my lesson in YW was good. My girls are very active and respond to questions really well. That's always a good feeling. I worry that they are getting bored with me. I've been teaching some of them for over 2 years.
The weather? It's beautiful. Two weeks ago when Ben and Caitlin got married, it was soooo cold! I was really caught off guard. But the last few days have been beautiful. I see the weather reports across the country with blizzards and tornados and I'm thankful that all we have to deal with is the summer heat.
Yesterday in church the speakers were the High Councilor and a Sr missionary couple. Remember my resolution to "thank" the speakers each Sunday? Well, I was successful, I'm proud to say. I didn't even have to fake it - I told them "thank you so much for coming out so early for us." Actually, the talks were ok, too. Missionary work. Go figure.
Mom is in Dallas for another week. The house is really quiet without her. I turned on a light in her room so it wouldn't be so dark in there. When I went in, I noticed there is a crossword puzzle on her bed, a definate sign that she's been there. But not for a week. I've been able to speak with her almost every day, and she's not as far away as when she was in Panama. And they do speak English in Dallas, so I guess she's ok. It will be nice to have her home. There is something comforting about having her take a little nap on the couch in the evening. We'll have to plan a dinner out next Monday when she comes home!
If I think about it, I'll try to get some pics on here when I get home.
Friday, I went to dinner with Becky, Zack and Jennifer at Native New Yorker. Still gotta love those wings! On Saturday, Becky and I drove with Sarah and the little girls up to Camp Verde (north of Phoenix on the way to Flagstaff) for Ben and Caitlin's Open House up there. His parents have a very nice home. They even served us dinner before the party started. It was nice to be around them. Honestly? They seem like they've always been related to us. Very welcoming, very warm, very relaxed visit. We drove home that evening, arriving a little after 11pm. Church is at 8, remember. I felt like my lesson in YW was good. My girls are very active and respond to questions really well. That's always a good feeling. I worry that they are getting bored with me. I've been teaching some of them for over 2 years.
The weather? It's beautiful. Two weeks ago when Ben and Caitlin got married, it was soooo cold! I was really caught off guard. But the last few days have been beautiful. I see the weather reports across the country with blizzards and tornados and I'm thankful that all we have to deal with is the summer heat.
Yesterday in church the speakers were the High Councilor and a Sr missionary couple. Remember my resolution to "thank" the speakers each Sunday? Well, I was successful, I'm proud to say. I didn't even have to fake it - I told them "thank you so much for coming out so early for us." Actually, the talks were ok, too. Missionary work. Go figure.
Mom is in Dallas for another week. The house is really quiet without her. I turned on a light in her room so it wouldn't be so dark in there. When I went in, I noticed there is a crossword puzzle on her bed, a definate sign that she's been there. But not for a week. I've been able to speak with her almost every day, and she's not as far away as when she was in Panama. And they do speak English in Dallas, so I guess she's ok. It will be nice to have her home. There is something comforting about having her take a little nap on the couch in the evening. We'll have to plan a dinner out next Monday when she comes home!
If I think about it, I'll try to get some pics on here when I get home.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
All Alone
Mom left us - again. She went to Dallas on Monday to visit with the Mary's and the Ed's. She will be gone for 2 weeks. There are many things we will miss while she is gone:
1. Daily crossword puzzles in various stages of completion set here or there until she can get back to finish (always with a pen clipped to the folded newpaper section).
2. Mail delivery. Yes, the mailman brings the mail to our box, but we have one of those community boxes and Mom has always gone to get the mail. We have the key, but we aren't sure which box is ours. Sarah might have to show us - or maybe Zack knows. I just hope there aren't any bills!
3. Dry cleaning service. There is a magical thing that happens in our house. If you have something that needs cleaning, you put it on the ottoman at night. The next morning, it's gone, and by the time you get home from work, it will be hanging on the hall tree in plastic - all clean. It's kind of like the cobbler's shoes, only it's dry cleaning and we are pretty sure that it's mom doing it.
4. All the lights are on. Mom is the only one in our house who knows how to turn off the lights, and she demonstrates it all the time - sometimes while you are still in the room reading.
5. BYU Channel. I tease Mom that this is the "only true" TV channel. Only problem? They never have any original programming. I'm not interested in 15 year old football or volleyball games. Actually, neither is Mom, but she does like to listen to devotionals and the like. Reminds me of when I was about 11 or 12 and we would only get one session of Gen'l Conference on Sunday morning. She would turn on the little TV in my room and tell me to wake up. I promised to. I always heard the opening song and prayer and the closing song and prayer. I think she is still trying to make sure that at some point each day we are exposed to something good.
6. Solitaire. Mom quite frequently uses the computer to work on classes for the Family History Center. But part of every lesson (usually the last part) is a game or two of solitaire. She is very good with the mouse.
7. Leftovers. We always have leftovers in the fridge because Mom always says she is going to eat them. While she is gone, we are going to give them as an offering to the "leftover god". We will, however, wait a respectable amount of time to make sure there is no chance of reprieve.
8. Dishes. While Becky and I are quite capable of loading and unloading the dishwasher, it seems that doing so brings great joy to our mother. So we try to give her ample opportunity to refine her kitchen cleaning skills. She is very good at the dish thing.
9. Phone calls. Everyone leaves the house in the morning before I get up. Maybe twice a month, the phone will ring at about 7:30. I always answer it because I think it might be Mom, and I'm right. She will ask me to make sure that she unplugged her curling iron, then tell me to have a good day, and I tell her to, too. She has never forgotten to unplug her curling iron, by the way. But I appreciate the phone calls and the chance to say good morning to her.
10. Saying good night. Sometimes Mom sneaks into her room and goes to sleep without announcing it. But most of the time as we all make our departures to our room, we have the opportunity to close the day with a "good night" to each other. I hope someone will wish her a good night while she is gone.
These are just a few things that we have to do without while Mom is gone. My niece, Sarah, says that Becky and I are "mama's girls". I accept that. We will try to be brave.
1. Daily crossword puzzles in various stages of completion set here or there until she can get back to finish (always with a pen clipped to the folded newpaper section).
2. Mail delivery. Yes, the mailman brings the mail to our box, but we have one of those community boxes and Mom has always gone to get the mail. We have the key, but we aren't sure which box is ours. Sarah might have to show us - or maybe Zack knows. I just hope there aren't any bills!
3. Dry cleaning service. There is a magical thing that happens in our house. If you have something that needs cleaning, you put it on the ottoman at night. The next morning, it's gone, and by the time you get home from work, it will be hanging on the hall tree in plastic - all clean. It's kind of like the cobbler's shoes, only it's dry cleaning and we are pretty sure that it's mom doing it.
4. All the lights are on. Mom is the only one in our house who knows how to turn off the lights, and she demonstrates it all the time - sometimes while you are still in the room reading.
5. BYU Channel. I tease Mom that this is the "only true" TV channel. Only problem? They never have any original programming. I'm not interested in 15 year old football or volleyball games. Actually, neither is Mom, but she does like to listen to devotionals and the like. Reminds me of when I was about 11 or 12 and we would only get one session of Gen'l Conference on Sunday morning. She would turn on the little TV in my room and tell me to wake up. I promised to. I always heard the opening song and prayer and the closing song and prayer. I think she is still trying to make sure that at some point each day we are exposed to something good.
6. Solitaire. Mom quite frequently uses the computer to work on classes for the Family History Center. But part of every lesson (usually the last part) is a game or two of solitaire. She is very good with the mouse.
7. Leftovers. We always have leftovers in the fridge because Mom always says she is going to eat them. While she is gone, we are going to give them as an offering to the "leftover god". We will, however, wait a respectable amount of time to make sure there is no chance of reprieve.
8. Dishes. While Becky and I are quite capable of loading and unloading the dishwasher, it seems that doing so brings great joy to our mother. So we try to give her ample opportunity to refine her kitchen cleaning skills. She is very good at the dish thing.
9. Phone calls. Everyone leaves the house in the morning before I get up. Maybe twice a month, the phone will ring at about 7:30. I always answer it because I think it might be Mom, and I'm right. She will ask me to make sure that she unplugged her curling iron, then tell me to have a good day, and I tell her to, too. She has never forgotten to unplug her curling iron, by the way. But I appreciate the phone calls and the chance to say good morning to her.
10. Saying good night. Sometimes Mom sneaks into her room and goes to sleep without announcing it. But most of the time as we all make our departures to our room, we have the opportunity to close the day with a "good night" to each other. I hope someone will wish her a good night while she is gone.
These are just a few things that we have to do without while Mom is gone. My niece, Sarah, says that Becky and I are "mama's girls". I accept that. We will try to be brave.
Friday, January 4, 2008
I Hereby Resolve...
I rarely make New Years resolutions, especially in public. But in an effort to really take advantage of this new beginning, and put into action some of the things that I wish I had been doing, I'm going to tell you some of my resolutions. I tell you only because it somehow makes me a little more accountable. I have already written them down and carry them in my purse. One of the enduring lessons of my mission is "A goal not written is only a wish". The other reason to write them down? So I don't forget them.
1. Every week at church I want to personally thank each speaker. I know I always appreciate the comments I get after speaking and usually they are from random people, ones I don't usually have contact with. So I am choosing to "pay it forward" and let each speaker know that I appreciate their efforts. I will take a "pass" each Fast Sunday.
2. Send birthday cards to everyone in my Corbett family. Since I have their addresses and birthdates in my book, I'm going to make good use of that information. I want everyone to know that I'm thinking of them. Please explain to your small children who I am.
3. I'm going to read my Relief Society manual along with the schedule even though I don't attend RS (I've been in Young Women for 2 years, and Primary for a year prior to that). I'm looking forward to the new Joseph Smith manual.
4. I have a new Visiting Teaching companion and route. I'm going to actually do better at this. I always feel like such a failure because I'm terrible at this. As proud as I am of what I do with the YW, I suspect that my VT ladies know the real truth about my dedication. I also do not look forward to being at work all day and then having to go out an "visit" again. A new year, new companion, new list.
5. Read the Book of Mormon. This is the course of study in Gospel Doctrine this year so I will read it again. But actually I will attend the Gospel Essentials class. I like the more intimate group.
6. Finish my History class. I signed up for a class on line last Fall, totally stressed out that I only have 12 months to finish it. I'm half way done. Biggest obstacle? The mid-term! I have to study 6 possible essay questions and write for an estimated 90 minutes. I have finished the first 6 chapters and quizzes and I have a 97% average. But, the tests were multiple choice and open book. I think the mid-term might actually require me to remember something. I have always had an interest in this subject so I'm hoping that I can be motivated to finish with a respectable grade.
So there you have it. These are the things that I have resolved to do. I guess the list can change - be added to, I mean. I don't think I've taken on too much. Meeting these goals will require that I watch less TV in the evening, and I will actually have to schedule time to get things done (like studying).
Hope you are enjoying the New Year so far! I am.
1. Every week at church I want to personally thank each speaker. I know I always appreciate the comments I get after speaking and usually they are from random people, ones I don't usually have contact with. So I am choosing to "pay it forward" and let each speaker know that I appreciate their efforts. I will take a "pass" each Fast Sunday.
2. Send birthday cards to everyone in my Corbett family. Since I have their addresses and birthdates in my book, I'm going to make good use of that information. I want everyone to know that I'm thinking of them. Please explain to your small children who I am.
3. I'm going to read my Relief Society manual along with the schedule even though I don't attend RS (I've been in Young Women for 2 years, and Primary for a year prior to that). I'm looking forward to the new Joseph Smith manual.
4. I have a new Visiting Teaching companion and route. I'm going to actually do better at this. I always feel like such a failure because I'm terrible at this. As proud as I am of what I do with the YW, I suspect that my VT ladies know the real truth about my dedication. I also do not look forward to being at work all day and then having to go out an "visit" again. A new year, new companion, new list.
5. Read the Book of Mormon. This is the course of study in Gospel Doctrine this year so I will read it again. But actually I will attend the Gospel Essentials class. I like the more intimate group.
6. Finish my History class. I signed up for a class on line last Fall, totally stressed out that I only have 12 months to finish it. I'm half way done. Biggest obstacle? The mid-term! I have to study 6 possible essay questions and write for an estimated 90 minutes. I have finished the first 6 chapters and quizzes and I have a 97% average. But, the tests were multiple choice and open book. I think the mid-term might actually require me to remember something. I have always had an interest in this subject so I'm hoping that I can be motivated to finish with a respectable grade.
So there you have it. These are the things that I have resolved to do. I guess the list can change - be added to, I mean. I don't think I've taken on too much. Meeting these goals will require that I watch less TV in the evening, and I will actually have to schedule time to get things done (like studying).
Hope you are enjoying the New Year so far! I am.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Ima Yarn Nerd
Melinda: See which one (if either) of these colors will work the best for your baby bedding. The darker one is called Watermelon. The lighter one is called Bright Pink (how clever!). The lighter one is a little more vivid than the color I did for you personally. The darker one is kind of nice, too. It isn't flourescent, even though it may look that way. Remember, I already have a pale pink one almost finished - it's the "little girl" blankie. This one is for the nursery. So, see what you think and let me know so I can get started. If neither of these hits you, I can do a bright blue, or a lavender/purple. Honestly? I know there are lots of colors in the bedding but I can't remember them all. I can also do one that is like the yellow in a sunflower - really bright. I think I did one like that for Erin and Scott. If all else fails, take a picture of the bedding and post it for me like Kerri did.
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