Tender Mercies

Tues. night I ran my hands through my hair and I noticed it was beginning to fall out. Even though I had told myself it would be happening this week and that I could handle it, I was still a little upset over it. Honestly I'm not sure how anyone can be totally prepared for it. As I was beginning to feel sorry for myself the door bell rang. When I opened the door there stood 4 YM and their leader singing the most beautiful hymn, "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear." They sounded like angels as they reminded me of what was really important. They may think it was just an activity caroling to members of the ward but to me it was a tender mercy from my Heavely Father. I felt His love for me and was reminded again that I don't have to go through this alone. I know that my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ are with me. It also reminded me that the birth and life of Christ is what is important. My hair will grow back and I will beat this cancer. The Lord will help me along the way. I just have to take the time to reconize those special moments and remember there are many people willing to help. As Jared handed me the plate of cookies I told him since he was one of mine, (I had taught him years ago in Primary) I needed a hug. That was all it took and I was being hugged by all 4 of the boys. I was very humbled as I came back into the house. After all loosing my hair is nothing compared to the humble surroundings Mary had as she gave birth to the Savior of the world. I am thankful for these YM for being willing to come and share that message with me through song.

Dad's new toy, AKA The Big Orange Beast

From Dad's new truck

As you all know, Dad's blue Toyota hit the dust about a month ago. Brandon found a truck he thought Dad would like on Craig's list so the two of them headed to Seattle to look at it. It didn't take long for Dad to realize it would be a good replacement for the old Toyota. (he still misses the Toyota though) About a week later he and Brandon headed to Seattle by ferry to pick up the truck. Dad has enjoyed having a truck again. Because there is a 4" lift it is kind of hard for me to climb in. One time I forgot about the lift as I was getting out, boy was that a surprise when the ground was farther down than I expected. I haven't done that since. When Dad first said he was going to get the truck I asked him who was more excited about it, him or Brandon? His reply was Brandon. Now that he's had it for a week I don't think that's the case. I hope this one brings him as much satisfaction and joy as his Toyota did.

End of Radiation

From end of radiation

On my last day of radiation I was pretty anxious to just have it over with. When they were finished the techs waited a couple of minutes before coming in, (it was probably only 30 seconds longer than normally but seemed longer) The table is raised durning radiation so I couldn't get up until they came in. When I was finally able to get up they had a certificate and a pink balloon for me. The 2 girls that were there most of the time with me and my favorite techs, were there. They congradulated me for finishing radiation. I thanked them for being so kind and helpful and they informed me that I had made their morning because of always being happy when I got there. They made me feel so good as they asked for a hug and wished me well throughout the rest of my treatment. I had to see the Dr. beofre I left and the nurse told me that I was probably the most postitve person that he had seen coming for radiation. He told me that he knew I had some bad days but never let it show. As I would go into the radiation room there was a saying on the wall that said, "You can't direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails."< That is a motto I have decided to live by. We are all given trials in life that we would rather not have. We can't change the trials but we can decide on how we will face those trials. I am trying to be positive through this trial. I know there have been and will be more times when my attitude might not be as positive as I hope but I'm trying. I know the Lord has blessed me with others in my life to help me accomplish it. When we got the mail there was an envelope full of sweet letters and pictures from Jen, Joel and their family. I was touched as I read each card and was impressed that Mary chose to do that for the activity for FHE. Thanks Mary for writting letters to me as the activity. I felt so loved and cared for. A little later that evening Brandon stopped by with flowers from all you kids. I again felt loved and cared for as I finished that part of the treatment. I loved the calls, texts as well. Thanks so much for being there for me. I love you all.

I walked out the front door and what did I see.......?

Yesterday as I went to get the paper I opened the door and saw the most beautiful sight. The door was covered with hearts made by my activity day girls. As I took each heart off the door my emotions got the best of me. I cried harder with each one I read. They had sent me wished to fell better and their love for me. I was able to go to the activity last night and I told them how much their hearts had meant to me and the smiles on their faces were priceless. I love these girls and the other leaders I work with who taught the girls to think of others. IT MADE MY DAY!

Be not afraid, only believe

Sunday was stake conference and I am so glad I was in attendance.  As Pres. Weaver, the Tacoma mission president spoke, he quoted this scripture from: Mark 5:36, Be not afraid, only believe.  I don't know if I have ever been touched by a scripture before as I was with this one.  All of a sudden I felt like I didn't need to be afraid of the treatment for cancer anymore, I just needed to believe that God is in charge and that I will be taken care of by Him.  It was amazing the peace I instantly felt.  I know for a fact that it was a tender mercy from my Heavenly Father and an answer to many prayers concerning the fears I had facing chemo and possibly radiation.  I know the Lord knows me and is aware of my situtation and he will be with me throughout this difficult time. 
I looked up the scripture and found that it was said to the father of the 12 year old girl who had died.  He had said his daughter had already died so there was no need to bother Christ any further.  As they aproached the home they saw those who were mourning. Christ tells them not to weep that the girl is just sleeping.  They laughed at Christ.  Christ took the mother and father into where the girl was laying and He took her by her hand ask to her to arise. She arose and walked. 
Just as Christ loved this family as he performed a miracle for them.  I know He loves my family and we will witness many mircles and tender mercies.  I love what we can learn from this scripture, as long as we believe we don't need to be afraid.  I think it can apply to many aspects in our lives.  I am grateful for my Heavenly Father's love and concern for me.  It is humbling to me to know that my prayers were answered in such a simple way, and for the love my Heavenly Father has for me.

Time with Isaac & Lydia

A couple of months ago I planted flowers out front and ever since then Isaac has told me that I didn't let him help me.  I guess sometime  before I had planted them I had told him he could help me and I forgot.  I ended up buying more plants and told Isaac that I needed help planting them.  Isaac and Lydia were excited as Brandon dropped them off to help.  Lydia made sure I knew that Mommy and Daddy were not staying only her and Isaac were.  Isaac pitched right in digging the holes and deciding what flowers to plant where.  Lydia wasn't quite so sure about helping when she realized her hands had to get dirty.  She was more content to watch and play with her baby.  Isaac worked hard digging the holes and planting the flowers.  As we were working together he said to me, "Grandma I love spending time with you."  Boy did that make my day!  After planting for a while the kids decided they needed a break so they sat at the table on the porch and water colored a picture for their Mom.  Isaac was painting a picture of the flowers we planted and Lydia painted stars.  It wasn't long and Isaac decided we needed to finish planting.  So we planted tulip and iris bulbs that will bloom in the spring.  This time Lydia wanted to help by putting the bulbs in the holes.  By the time we were finished they were hungry and ready for lunch.  As I fixed macaroni and cheese they sat at the kitchen table and finger painted.  Time flew by and it wasn't long before their Daddy came to pick them up.  They were excited to show Brandon their pictures and the flowers they had painted. 

I look forward to the times that I can spend with my Grandchildren.  I wished they all lived close enough to have them over once in a while to do special projects.  The phone calls and letters mean so much to me.  Last week one day Spring called just to talk.  She spent quite a while telling me all about school, activity days and the books she's been reading.  I know life is busy and there's other things that could take up their time but I sure appreciate it when they call to let me know about the everyday events in their lives. Grandchildren are truly a blessing in my life.

Mary's dress

A couple weeks ago I took a class at work>  I was able to use the 830 machine and do the embroidery on the dress.  I finished it today and will be sending it to Mary soon.

From Mary's dress

It was fun learning more about that machine and machine embroidery.

New Porch

We have been wanting to put a new porch on for quite a while.  We wanted to make it bigger so we can put chairs and a small table so we can enjy sitting outside on warm summer nights.  Mike Webb came last week and did it.  We had to remove the bushes because they helped with the rotting of the wood, since it never really dried out.  I still have to plant some flowers and we need to stain the porch.  We will do that later this summer when we are sure it is dried. .

From new porch

Material Girls Quilt Shop Retreat

There was a retreat for the employees, at Seabrook (by Pacific Beach).  We were each given a project to work on.  Sarah gave me the Lone Star.  When I first saw the pattern I was telling her how pretty it was, so she decided I would make it.  We picked out the fabric for the kit from the fabric that I loved.  Later Terry told me how shocked she was that I was going to be making it because of the difficulty.  She commented several times how glad she was that she wasn't going to make it.  Needless to say, I was a little worried about it.  However Val was a great teacher and walked me through it.  When I had finished it, Sarah told me that since I was finished early I could make another one.  That way I could keep one and she could use one for an example for the 830 club to make.  At first I wasn't very happy about it but figured I may as well since I didn't have anything else to work on.  I was amazed how much faster the second one went and how much better it turned out.  I ended up telling Sarah thanks for having me do it again so soon so I could remember how it's done and prove to myself I could do it, without any help this time.  I still need to do the back ground and the borders. 
It was a fun few days and I learned so much.  Everyone had a good time being together, helping and encouraging and teasing each other.  Seabrook was beautiful.  We would stop sewing when the sun came out and would take advantage of the sunshine by going on walks.  One morning Terry, Liz and I walked down to the beach and on the beach for about 2 hrs.  It was a few days of sewing, eating and going on walks.  Sarah wants to do it once a year.  I am looking forward to the next one.  I forgot to take the camera when we would go walking and I never got a picture of Sarah and Val.

My trip to Utah

I was able to spend a couple of days with Kim and Alanna on my recent visit to Utah. It was fun to spend individual time with each of them as well as the time we spent together. Kim and I were able to go shopping at the outlets in Park City. We visited, played games together and went to lunch. She took me to Alanna's where we stopped at Tai Pan to look around a bit before Kim had to head back home for work the next morning. I went into Alanna's class on Fri. morning and helped correct papers before I headed to the airport to get Karen. That afternoon Craig & Sue, Shonie and her children and Kim met us at the motel. It was the beginning of our annual Race for the Cure event. RACE FOR THE CURE Craig and Sue brought pink hats for everyone to wear. Our pink attire is growing and growing. It was fun riding Trax into Salt Lake and getting there early enough to take advantage of all the freebes. We were asked to pose for photographs by the news and the event people. We were asked if we were a team and if so what was our name, that got us thinking that next year we will register as a group and our group name will be "Team MandM. (M and M standing for Momma and Mary) In Mom's memory. We plan on handing out little packages of MandMs with a note that say's thanks for walking. They also asked why we walked. As I thought about that, my answer would have been for my Mom, my sisters, my 3 daughters, daughter-in-law, and 3 granddaughters and all the women in my life. I hope this is a tradition that I can participate in for many years. My biggest hope is that some day there will be a cure for this diease. Later that day we all headed to the park where we could just relax and visit. Susie and her family came to visit. It was fun seeing everyone. Some of us made fools of ourselves as we played "curses". Then we all went to Texas Roadhouse for a great dinner. Thanks Alanna and Eric for buying my dinner for Mother's Day. (yes, I had the roadkill, since Alanna said it looks like me:) MOTHER'S DAY: I was able to go to church with Alanna and listen to the wonderful lesson she gave the YW on honoring their Mother's and other women in their lives. We then got Karen and Kim and headed to Smithfield. This was the first time I have been there since Mom's funeral. It was hard for me to go but knew it would be much easier with Karen, Kim and Alanna with me. We enjoyed the drive there, (thanks Alanna for taking us) as we noticed the many changes in Logan since we had last been there. Sue has been so special at keeping Mom and Dad's grave decorated so nicely. It was such a beautiful day with a bright blue sky. It was so peaceful being there and remembering Mom on Mother's Day. I miss her and Dad so much and was surprised at how close I felt to them while we were there. Afterward we drove past the house and was very pleased to see it in such good condition. The new owner is taking good care of it. It did seem strange to just drive by and not get out. I pictured Mom being in the kitchen baking bread waiting for us to arrive. I could see Dad sitting under the tree enjoying the cool breeze and sunshine with Skipper by his side. Thank goodness for memories and for the knowledge we have of seeing them again. CITY CREEK MALL: Alanna took Karen and I to the City Creek Mall that is just across the street from Temple Square. It is a beautiful upscale mall with water fountains, creek and a small waterfall. The fountains are beautiful as they spray to music. It was so peaceful and calm as we watched the fountains and walked along the creek. It was so neat to walk out of the mall and see the temple across the street. I'm sure that Chrismas time will be magical with the decorations I'm sure they'll have, along with the decorations at Temple Square. It was a fabulous week and it went way to fast. I cherish the time I have to spend with my children. I love the girls week as we like to call it. Jen, you were missed tremendously. I look forward to the time we can all live closer so it is practical for all to attend. It was hard to say goodbye and head on back home. But the memories and the hope for next year makes it possible.

Trans-Siberian Orchastra

Dad found out that the TSO was going to be in Eugene, OR. so he called Curt to see if him and Suzanne would like to go. Since Suzanne wanted to I broke down and said I'd go as well. Brandon and Heather were going to go but Brandon had to work so Mike and Carrie bought their tickets and went with us. We all met at the hotel and went to Subway for dinner just in time to get to the concert. I had talked to Suzanne and asked her if she knew any thing about them and she said no. I told her that the last time I went with Gary I told him it was too loud, too long and too bright. She said maybe she'd better bring earplugs, sunglasses and a book. I thought that was a good idea.The first half of the concert is good because they tell a story and it's pretty interesting but the last part just goes on and on. Dad, Mike and Curt loved it. Us girls would have all been happy if it would have ended right after the story. It was fun being together and we enjoyed our visit with Carrie and Mike as we drove there and back. Carrie found out that there was a Vodoo Donut shop just a couple blocks from our motel, so we walked there for breakfast the next morning. They had unusual donuts, such as: bacon, fruit loops, dirt donut with oreos on it etc. Dad got the dirt donut and I played it safe with a glazed old fashioned.

Time with Karen In Wenatchee

Karen wasn't going to be able to meet in Salt Lake for the Race for the Cure because Katy was suppose to have their baby that week.  So she came up here instead.  I picked her up at the airport and we headed to Wenachee for a few days.  Thursday night they had a girls night out with special shopping downtown and a reception.  It cost $20.00 to sign up for that so we thought it would be a fun thing to do.  However it ended up being a waste of money and we didn't even go to the reception.  We did enjoy being together and had lots of laughs.  On Fri. we went into Levenworth and looked in all the shops.  The first shop we went to we found our prized purses.  I looked at Karen and said, "If you get one I will."  So we ended up buying what I call my traveling bag.  I told Dad that it's big enough to hold everything we need like a camera, my Kindle my wallet etc. and he could carry it.  His reply was it looked like a Mexican purse.  (can you believe that?)  We asked the lady at the shop to take our picture then she took one with her camera to put on their facebook.  Yup! we are on their facebook. (I guess that makes us famous) Sat. morning we headed back to Seattle and went shopping at Ikea until it was time to say good bye as Karen headed back to AZ.  It was such a fun sister time.  Thanks for the memories, Karen.

Catching Up

It has been a while since I did a new post.  So this post is just random events that we've had the past few months. 
Then end of Feb. I was able to fly to Jen and Joel's for a visit.  It is so much easier to surprise the kids that I'm coming so Jen doesn't have to hear from the younger kids, "when's Grandma coming" every day.  Sammy decided that they were going to airport to look at planes and he told the kids to look out their window and watch the planes.  All of a sudden I hear Joshie yell, "It's Grandma."  All the way home the kids were chatty and excited to tell me all about the things they had been doing.  Thomas and Spring were able to go to a friends house after school and we picked them up from there.  Spring answered the door and was speechless and just stared at me for the longest time.  Finally Thomas came and saw me and when he said "Grandma," it caused Spring to respond.  It was pretty funny.  I was able to spend special time with each one of them which is always fun.  I loved going to band practice with Thomas.  I am very impressed with the band program.  I had lunch with Spring and got to work in her classroom.  Sammy and I went shopping together.  They younger three had special one on one with me at their house.  At first Gideon would turn his head everytime I would talk to him.  It didn't take him long to warm up to me.  It was a fun week and I always look forward to the time I can spend with them.  Jen and I had time to visit as well as she helped me with Alanna's Christmas gift. (yes, I'm already starting) The time went way to fast and I was on the plane heading home.


I've tried to have Isaac and Lydia over one at a time.  I was able to take Isaac for a hair cut, let him fingerpaint and then he made a butterfly wall hanging for his Mom for Mother's Day.  When I had Lydia we made cookies and she she made her butterfly for her Mom.  They each know they get a turn and look forward to their special time with me.  At one visit Isaac said to me,"Grandma I love spending time with you."  That made my day.  I love spending time with each of my grandchildren.


Alanna and Eric were able to come up for a fast visit in March when Eric's brother got married.  We picked them up from the airport on Fri. then went to lunch.  Brandon and Heather came to visit with them.  We all went to Blueberry for frozen yougart before I had to take them to meet Eric's parents.  It was a short but fun visit.

A Little Piece of Heaven

My all time favorite place to go is to In N Out. Today, since it's Mother's Day, I decided to splurge. I wanted to remember this trip so I had Alanna and Karen take pictures.

HEAVEN- just beginning my dinner. Check out the SMILE on my face

YUM!  This is the best place ever!  I am their biggest fan!

Anymore in the bag???  It can't be all gone yet.

I am now a proud owner of an In N Out T-shirt too!  It's what I've always wanted! :)

I know my Father lives and loves me too.

On Wednesday I took Shirley ( a lady I work with) into Ikea. On the way in the car seemed to be making a louder noise than normally. I chalked it up to road noise and the fact that I didn't have the radio on to drown it out. We arrived there just fine and did some shopping. We were planning on having lunch there but the cafeteria was closed for the week for remodeling. So we decided to stop at Taco Bell on the way home. As we drove out of Taco Bell I felt like the car was dragging something and the noise got louder. I pulled back into the parking lot and checked under the car and around the tires but didn't see anything. As we got back onto the freeway the noise got louder and louder. I called Dad and asked him what could be causing it but he was abut ready to go on a drive with the students so I told him I'd call Brandon. Brandon could hear the noise and was trying to diagnose the problem as we were talking. The part that was stumping us was that the car was running fine and smooth. I told him I'd call him back if things got worse. Just as I got off the phone with him I could tell that the back end of the car was beginning to shimmy. I immediately knew what the problem was. I told Shirley I bet the lug nuts were loose. I pulled over and sure enough I had lost 2 lug nuts off the passenger rear wheel. I called Brandon and he was already on his way to come and help me. We had just crossed the bridge so Brandon had quite a drive to rescue us. I was so appreciative of his willingness to drop everything and drive out of his way to help. He took one nut off the other rear tire and put it on the other one to help balance the tires. Then he followed me home and to Westbay Auto to get 2 new lug nuts and put them on for me. Now earlier in the day when I first heard the noise the thought came to me that it was the lug nuts but because the car was running smooth I ignored it. I know know it was the prompting of the spirit. I'm so thankful that the Lord didn't give upon me that the prompting came again as soon as the car started to shimmy. I'm certain that an accident was avoided because of the prompting of the Spirit. Earlier in the day I had prayed for safety as we traveled to Ikea. I know my prayers were answered.
Thanks again Brandon for helping out when it was raining so hard and I'm sure it wasn't convenient for you.

Mexico

We had the opportunity to go to Mexico to get away from the gray days in WA. It turned out that the weather in Mexico was similar to ours only about 15-20 degrees warmer. Normally they only have blue skies and no rain this time of year. This year has been different, the week started with gray skies and continued all week. Sunday we had the most sun and laid out by the pool for a while. Even though it was cloudy it was a lot lighter than it is at home when it's cloudy. It rained a couple of days but only for a few minutes. Even though the weather wasn't perfect the trip was fabulous. We were able to go on some great excursions.
Saturday we did The City Tour: We were picked up at the hotel and our tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Besides touring the city we went to a Tequila distillery and learned how they make it and those who wanted could taste the different tequilas they make. Dad and I were the only ones in our group who didn't try it. The tour started about 9 and we didn't get back to the hotel until close to 5.
Monday was our day to swim with the dolphins. We were given life vest to wear since we were in deep water. (mine was too big, even though it was as tight as it would go) We were able to do the tricks with the dolphins. First they just swam around and we could rub them as they past by. They love people, were very eager to be around us. Then we were each given a chance to ride holding onto 2 dolphins. It was amazing how fast they swam. We then got to dance with them, feed them a fish and kiss them as well as being able to rub them. The dolphins took us each to the other side of the pool as we held onto their fins and they swam on their backs. It was such a fun experience. They are remarkable animals and very personable.
Tuesday we took the all-terrain tour of Mexico: We started the trip by taking a 30 min. boat ride to where we would get on the vehicles. There were 13 people in our group plus the tour guide and driver. We first stopped at some beautiful gardens where we had time to look around and enjoy the beauty. We then went to a small town. In Mexico a town has to have a town square where there is a gazebo, a church, a town hall for it to be considered a town. The Mexican people work 6/10 hr. days a week. Usually on Sunday they go to the town square and visit with others. It was also interesting to know that 40% of Mexico's income comes from USA, when family members come here to work and sends money home. (this is upsetting to me. Because I know that a lot of them are here illegally and are being paid under the table) Mexico also has no welfare. If you work you eat, if you don't work you don't eat. (I have to admit I think that's a pretty good idea) There's also no retirement. They have to save throughout their lives for retirement. Up until this year education to 9th grad was all that was mandatory. It is now mandatory through 12th. We were able to see they make homemade tortillas, and see a small cheese factory. They make the tortillas and cheese for they towns people. We visited another tequila distillery and had a yummy lunch at a small restaurant. We returned back to our hotel about 6p.m.
Wednesday night we went to The Rhythms of the Night: We took a 45 min. boat ride to an Islad where we had dinner and a show. The Island was lit completly by candlelight. It was really pretty. The show was mostly dancing deplicting their ancient history. We could really compare the Lamanite's history in the show. Then we were taken back by boat to our meeting place and a taxi to our hotel. We got back about 12:30 am.

Bendict House

Once a year our ward cooks dinner for a week at the Benedict House. It is a half way house for men, located in Bremerton. They are on their own for breakfast and lunch but dinner is provided by churches and other organizations. Bro. Chadwick our ward's High Priest Group leader, asked Gary and I if we would head up dinner for the 21st. I have participated for the last two years helping others prepare and servie the dinner but I have never been completly in charge before. We prepared dinner for 22 men plus a couple of staff and the 7 of us who were there fixing dinner. We were able to eat with the men and encouraged to visit with them. We fixed chicken enchilada soup, rolls from Costco and mud pie brownies. Other than making about twice as much soup than we needed, everything turned out really good and everyone seemed to enjoy it. I enjoyed preparing dinner with our group and enjoyed visiting with the men. This is a very worth while service that our ward has chosen to participate in. There are very strict rules that the men are expected to live by as they make the necessary changes in their lives.

Snow 2012

All week they had forecast snow. By Tuesday afternoon everywhere around us were getting snow but Silverdale was lucky enough to miss out. On Tue. night they said everyone in Northern WA would be hit by Wed. morning. I woke up through the night and saw a skiff of snow and figured that would be all we got. By the time I got up in the morning we had 2-3 inches and it was still snowing. All school districts in Western WA were cancelled except for one by the coast. We were on national news. Because the temptures dropped the roads are covered with a layer of ice and then the snow. Here it is Thur. and it's snowed all day. It was suppose to warm up and change to rain by noon. Dad decided to head out for a while in the Subaru and wasn't too concerned about getting home. Well, after several tries he gave up and parked the car at the bottom of the hill and walked up. It's 3:30 and has finally stopped snowing (after 7 inches). Hopefully things will warm up and we will be able to get the car tomorrow. Once things start to melt they are concerned with flooding. I'm so thankful that we do not live close to a river here. It is pretty, but when it is so difficult and dangerous to get around I'm really glad it usually only lasts a couple of days.

My newest doll

doll

Karen got me this doll for Christmas and for my birthday. She doesn't have a name but came with a birth certificate that we can fill in a name. I haven't chosen a name yet. Maybe I should have everyone tell me their ideas for a name. Last summer when Karen was here she saw my dolls and has bought herself several. She blames me for getting her hooked on collecting dolls. It was so nice of her to get me this doll. When I told her it was way too much her comment was that I had always been there for her. I'm very thankful for the relationship I have with her.