Thursday and Friday got away from me as far as writing down what I am thankful for, but I woke up with the thought.
Thursday I was grateful for crockpots. I feel in love with the cooking device 30 years ago. I have used up a couple. I enjoy cooking roasts, stews and chilis in a crockpot or slow cooker. I love coming home from work to a cooked dinner.
Friday I was thankful for fall. It is so beautiful right now. The golden leaves make everything look golden outside. It feels so peaceful.
Today I am grateful once again for my grandchildren and my children. I am so thankful for these wonderful, amazing little people who call me Granny, Gramala or Damma. They are so smart and kind. I am blessed to have them all living so close and even more blessed my children and their spouses allow these sweet souls to come spend the night with me once a month. We watched Toy Story 3 last night and it reminded me how quickly this thing called childhood will pass and Me like Buzz and Woody will no longer be needed by these beautiful children but maybe there will be other little ones who will play with us. Yes I cried.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
3rd Day of 30 Days of Thankfulness
Today I'm thankful for my husband of 31 years. We met 32 years ago this month. I thought he was the most handsome man I have ever seen. And he made me laugh...a lot. He still does.
I still remember when I proposed to him, shortly after Christmas. Told him, "Let's go to Nevada and get married."
He thought I was joking.
It took him a month longer to realize we were going to get married.
I love my man, Rod. He's been the best thing that has ever happened to me. He believes in me. He has encouraged me to do whatever I want to do most of the time. He, like President Hinckley, is a man who lets his wife do what she wants to do and stays out of the way. He knows how much I love my children and grandchildren. He knows how much I love to help others.
I still remember when I proposed to him, shortly after Christmas. Told him, "Let's go to Nevada and get married."
He thought I was joking.
It took him a month longer to realize we were going to get married.
I love my man, Rod. He's been the best thing that has ever happened to me. He believes in me. He has encouraged me to do whatever I want to do most of the time. He, like President Hinckley, is a man who lets his wife do what she wants to do and stays out of the way. He knows how much I love my children and grandchildren. He knows how much I love to help others.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Day 2 of 30 Thankful Days
Today I'm grateful for the opportunity and privilege of voting. Too many people out there said it doesn't count. Well, it doesn't if you don't vote.
My father, Richard J Dunn, my grandfather, Eldon Fay Watts and my uncles, all fought and served this country so we could vote.
So basically get out there and vote. If you don't vote, don't whine about where this country is going. I don't agree with everyone, but I do agree we need to stand up for what we believe in, even if that vote ends up on the losing side.
My father, Richard J Dunn, my grandfather, Eldon Fay Watts and my uncles, all fought and served this country so we could vote.
So basically get out there and vote. If you don't vote, don't whine about where this country is going. I don't agree with everyone, but I do agree we need to stand up for what we believe in, even if that vote ends up on the losing side.
Monday, November 1, 2010
30 Thankful days
The beginning. My daughter-in-law, Megan, has inspired me to write this blog. Each day I will write something I'm thankful for.
Today, Monday, Nov. 1, 2010, I am thankful for my children and their spouses who are truly, caring, kind and concerned parents.
I was in 2nd District Court in Farmington this morning and a 20-year-old man was sentenced to jail for breaking the femur and fracturing the skull of a 2-year-old last November. The little girl was the child of his girlfriend. The mom didn't buy his story.
I wasn't there for his case, but I did some checking and may do a story.
I know what bones sound like when they break. I accidently broke my son's foot when he was 4 years old. I knelt down to help him pick up his toys and landed on his foot. He screamed. I cried. We went to the doctor.
I know what a femur is like to heal. Same son, two years later. He gets in the way of a motorcycle on 2000 West. I was stupid and allowed him to cross the street by himself with his older friend. He got ran over and his femur was broke. It took weeks of healing.
I know my children are human and get frustrated with their kids, but none of them would intentionally injure a child because the child is crying.
They know they can call me and I will come get my grandchild or grandchildren.
I am so grateful to have caring and kind adult children who are wonderful parents to their children.
The beginning. My daughter-in-law, Megan, has inspired me to write this blog. Each day I will write something I'm thankful for.
Today, Monday, Nov. 1, 2010, I am thankful for my children and their spouses who are truly, caring, kind and concerned parents.
I was in 2nd District Court in Farmington this morning and a 20-year-old man was sentenced to jail for breaking the femur and fracturing the skull of a 2-year-old last November. The little girl was the child of his girlfriend. The mom didn't buy his story.
I wasn't there for his case, but I did some checking and may do a story.
I know what bones sound like when they break. I accidently broke my son's foot when he was 4 years old. I knelt down to help him pick up his toys and landed on his foot. He screamed. I cried. We went to the doctor.
I know what a femur is like to heal. Same son, two years later. He gets in the way of a motorcycle on 2000 West. I was stupid and allowed him to cross the street by himself with his older friend. He got ran over and his femur was broke. It took weeks of healing.
I know my children are human and get frustrated with their kids, but none of them would intentionally injure a child because the child is crying.
They know they can call me and I will come get my grandchild or grandchildren.
I am so grateful to have caring and kind adult children who are wonderful parents to their children.
Monday, August 9, 2010
August
It's August.
Sunday was yesterday. It was actually the first Sunday in awhile that I spent home alone. Being a bishop's wife is sometimes a lonely calling. But I really, really enjoyed myself this time. I watched Agatha Christie movies, crocheted, ate Spaghettio's and prayed no one would call me. And they didn't. So it's all good.
I think about the future and I see myself writing a book either a murder mystery or comedy. I wonder, could I combine the two?
But first I must write about our trip to Bonner's Ferry, Idaho on July 23 through July 25.
Bonner's Ferry is 20 minutes from the U.S. Canadian border or about 12 hours from our home.
We took Rod's mom, Maxine, with us in our new Honda Ridgeliner. It was a barrel of laughs.
Rod and I had been with Maxine for about 10 hours when we arrived in Missoula. We got separate rooms. Maxine was concerned it cost too much, but Rod said we got the senior discount.
"See bringing you was a good idea," I said.
"Uh, honey, we got the senior discout because of us, not Mom," Rod said.
Since when did I become a senior citizen?
We had made pit stops all day on the way to Missoula and now we were searching for a place to sit down and eat dinner.
Sign up ahead.
Maxine asks, "Is Hooter's a restaurant?"
"Yes, I said.
"Can we eat there?" she asked.
Rod, I and Maxine are very conservative members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in other words, card-carrying Mormons.
Rod's face got all tied up in knots as he blushed and I realized this 82-year-old woman was perfectly serious.
"I said, "Nope. Rod and I don't eat there."
When we arrived at Bonner's Ferry the next day, another day long trip because Rod took the scenic route, I told his sisters they get to explain to her what Hooters is. I tried, but I kept laughing and couldn't get the words out.
Anyway, Sarah and James' wedding was wonderful. I want bagpipes played at my funeral. They had bagpipes instead of an organ played inside the Lutheran church. About 200 people showed up for their wedding ceremony. I love small towns.
It was when we got there on Saturday Maxine pointed to her ankles. They were very swollen.
"What happened?" I asked.
"Oh, I decided not to take my water pills on Thursday so I wouldn't be a burden," she said.
"Well, you better take one now because you're going to be a medical emergency if you don't and I have no idea where a hospital is," I said.
Gads, we had stopped every hour or so while driving so we could all go to the restroom. What was she thinking?
So her feet hurt. She didn't want to walk anywhere. Now that ticked me off because she knew there was going to be a lot of walking at the reception. It was outdoors. And lovely and everything.
I put her at a table with the pastor and his wife. I then disappeared with Rod and we decorated Sarah and James' rental car.
I went up to Sarah after we finished and told her "The code is 45."
She then asked, "Small or large denominations."
"A combination," I said.
We don't just trash the inside of the car. We make it a treasure hunt also.
Then all too soon it was time to leave. Naturally, the water pills kicked in.
So on the way back as we weaved through a canyon that had mostly campsites, Maxine asked if we could possibly stop at a nice place so she she could go to the bathroom.
"Mom, notice trees," Rod said.
"Wait," I said spotting neon lights ahead. "Look that may be a place."
As we pulled in the parking lot, I thought, "This is not possible."
It only had motorcycles in the parking lot.
"Well, it's a bar, Mom," I said.
"Do they have bathrooms?" she asked.
"Yup, and they flush too," I said.
Rod wanted to know how I knew restrooms in bars had flushing toilets.
Going inside felt like stepping into the movie, "Wild Hogs" except Rod, Maxine and I were dressed in Sunday best clothes.
Those bikers were very nice. They didn't even make fun of us, which was nice.
The drive home the next day was stopping every hour or so at rest stops, convenience stores, cafes or whatever.
Sunday was yesterday. It was actually the first Sunday in awhile that I spent home alone. Being a bishop's wife is sometimes a lonely calling. But I really, really enjoyed myself this time. I watched Agatha Christie movies, crocheted, ate Spaghettio's and prayed no one would call me. And they didn't. So it's all good.
I think about the future and I see myself writing a book either a murder mystery or comedy. I wonder, could I combine the two?
But first I must write about our trip to Bonner's Ferry, Idaho on July 23 through July 25.
Bonner's Ferry is 20 minutes from the U.S. Canadian border or about 12 hours from our home.
We took Rod's mom, Maxine, with us in our new Honda Ridgeliner. It was a barrel of laughs.
Rod and I had been with Maxine for about 10 hours when we arrived in Missoula. We got separate rooms. Maxine was concerned it cost too much, but Rod said we got the senior discount.
"See bringing you was a good idea," I said.
"Uh, honey, we got the senior discout because of us, not Mom," Rod said.
Since when did I become a senior citizen?
We had made pit stops all day on the way to Missoula and now we were searching for a place to sit down and eat dinner.
Sign up ahead.
Maxine asks, "Is Hooter's a restaurant?"
"Yes, I said.
"Can we eat there?" she asked.
Rod, I and Maxine are very conservative members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in other words, card-carrying Mormons.
Rod's face got all tied up in knots as he blushed and I realized this 82-year-old woman was perfectly serious.
"I said, "Nope. Rod and I don't eat there."
When we arrived at Bonner's Ferry the next day, another day long trip because Rod took the scenic route, I told his sisters they get to explain to her what Hooters is. I tried, but I kept laughing and couldn't get the words out.
Anyway, Sarah and James' wedding was wonderful. I want bagpipes played at my funeral. They had bagpipes instead of an organ played inside the Lutheran church. About 200 people showed up for their wedding ceremony. I love small towns.
It was when we got there on Saturday Maxine pointed to her ankles. They were very swollen.
"What happened?" I asked.
"Oh, I decided not to take my water pills on Thursday so I wouldn't be a burden," she said.
"Well, you better take one now because you're going to be a medical emergency if you don't and I have no idea where a hospital is," I said.
Gads, we had stopped every hour or so while driving so we could all go to the restroom. What was she thinking?
So her feet hurt. She didn't want to walk anywhere. Now that ticked me off because she knew there was going to be a lot of walking at the reception. It was outdoors. And lovely and everything.
I put her at a table with the pastor and his wife. I then disappeared with Rod and we decorated Sarah and James' rental car.
I went up to Sarah after we finished and told her "The code is 45."
She then asked, "Small or large denominations."
"A combination," I said.
We don't just trash the inside of the car. We make it a treasure hunt also.
Then all too soon it was time to leave. Naturally, the water pills kicked in.
So on the way back as we weaved through a canyon that had mostly campsites, Maxine asked if we could possibly stop at a nice place so she she could go to the bathroom.
"Mom, notice trees," Rod said.
"Wait," I said spotting neon lights ahead. "Look that may be a place."
As we pulled in the parking lot, I thought, "This is not possible."
It only had motorcycles in the parking lot.
"Well, it's a bar, Mom," I said.
"Do they have bathrooms?" she asked.
"Yup, and they flush too," I said.
Rod wanted to know how I knew restrooms in bars had flushing toilets.
Going inside felt like stepping into the movie, "Wild Hogs" except Rod, Maxine and I were dressed in Sunday best clothes.
Those bikers were very nice. They didn't even make fun of us, which was nice.
The drive home the next day was stopping every hour or so at rest stops, convenience stores, cafes or whatever.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Just thoughts
I had so much fun with six of my grandkids this past weekend. Five of them spent the night Friday. Rod was gone on a "Mormon Trek" with the teenagers in our ward.
First to arrive was Ellie, 9, and Katie, 6. Next was Ben, 2 1/2. About 30 minutes later Caleb, 5, and Corbin, 22 months, showed up. We played outside until it became apparent that the sun was going down. Then the little munchkins ran inside excited with the idea of sleeping on cushions in the living room. Ellie loved the idea of sleeping on Papa's pillow on his side of the bed.
"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity," she said.
Before she nestled down, she read "The Lorex," by Dr. Seus to us. I then read "27 Rabbits."
Corbin nodded off in his bed in the back bedroom listening to LDS Primary songs. He needs music.
Caleb, Ben and Katie looked at picture books until 10:30 p.m., while Ellie read some more Dr. Seus stories. I have a volume of them.
During the night I heard Ben crying. He managed to get his head stuck between the cushions of his sleeping area and Katie's. It wasn't life-threatening, just uncomformtable. Ellie slammed her head on the headboard of my bed. Scared me to death.
Finally at 3 a.m. I fell asleep, only to be awaken by the munchkins in the living room laughing at 6:30 a.m.
Rotten children...
I told them they had to be quiet for an hour. The sun's up, they said. It's time to wake up. Too early for grumpy grandma.
Once everyone was awake, I cooked pancakes, waffles, sausage and bacon for the group. Then it was time to put on swim suits, gather up umbrellas, towels, sunscreen and water balloons. We headed outside to run through sprinklers, build forts with umbrellas and throw towels on the ground.
Julie, my youngest grandchild, joined us at noon for a picnic of turkey sandwiches, watermelon, cheese slices and pineapple.
Nap time arrived and sure enough I was able to get only two asleep. But no worries.
Their parents arrived at 4:30 and took those sweet children home.
I love being a grandma. It's the reward for being mom. I love being mom. Even to adult children who sometimes act as if I was totally crazy. Maybe just a little.
First to arrive was Ellie, 9, and Katie, 6. Next was Ben, 2 1/2. About 30 minutes later Caleb, 5, and Corbin, 22 months, showed up. We played outside until it became apparent that the sun was going down. Then the little munchkins ran inside excited with the idea of sleeping on cushions in the living room. Ellie loved the idea of sleeping on Papa's pillow on his side of the bed.
"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity," she said.
Before she nestled down, she read "The Lorex," by Dr. Seus to us. I then read "27 Rabbits."
Corbin nodded off in his bed in the back bedroom listening to LDS Primary songs. He needs music.
Caleb, Ben and Katie looked at picture books until 10:30 p.m., while Ellie read some more Dr. Seus stories. I have a volume of them.
During the night I heard Ben crying. He managed to get his head stuck between the cushions of his sleeping area and Katie's. It wasn't life-threatening, just uncomformtable. Ellie slammed her head on the headboard of my bed. Scared me to death.
Finally at 3 a.m. I fell asleep, only to be awaken by the munchkins in the living room laughing at 6:30 a.m.
Rotten children...
I told them they had to be quiet for an hour. The sun's up, they said. It's time to wake up. Too early for grumpy grandma.
Once everyone was awake, I cooked pancakes, waffles, sausage and bacon for the group. Then it was time to put on swim suits, gather up umbrellas, towels, sunscreen and water balloons. We headed outside to run through sprinklers, build forts with umbrellas and throw towels on the ground.
Julie, my youngest grandchild, joined us at noon for a picnic of turkey sandwiches, watermelon, cheese slices and pineapple.
Nap time arrived and sure enough I was able to get only two asleep. But no worries.
Their parents arrived at 4:30 and took those sweet children home.
I love being a grandma. It's the reward for being mom. I love being mom. Even to adult children who sometimes act as if I was totally crazy. Maybe just a little.
Friday, July 2, 2010
One interview
Yesterday I interviewed a woman who is the same age as my daughter Terra. She weighs as much as my daughter Jennica. And she has two children, a husband who adores her and a brain tumor.
The brain tumor is scary. She's been dizzy, sick to her stomach and in pain. But what touched me more than anything was her mother-in-law. I could tell how much the woman loves this young woman. She struggled to keep her emotions in tack. I tried so hard to keep it together, but it was difficult.
I wanted to hug my daughters, my sons, my grandchildren, my husband, my daughters-in-law, my sons-in-law, and my mother-in-law. I know we have problems, but my problems are nothing compared to this sweet family.
They do not think they were that special to interview. They are just ordinary people. I'm an ordinary woman too. I know what put the "news" in their lives was the outpouring of love they received from the community and their workplace. They have touched so many people that others want them to have joy, laughter and love. I understand that.
I felt their love and I only want the best for all of them. They touched my live and in a positive way.
Too many times people worry about me and about the stories I write because they think the negative stories are going to do me in. What they and sometimes I fail to realize, the positive stories impact me more, much more, than any negative story will.
Katrina and Scott you are my hereos. You are there with others who have faced the worse that can be dished out to them and yet still remember to love others, laugh with them and bring joy into their lives, even if it is for a brief moment.
The brain tumor is scary. She's been dizzy, sick to her stomach and in pain. But what touched me more than anything was her mother-in-law. I could tell how much the woman loves this young woman. She struggled to keep her emotions in tack. I tried so hard to keep it together, but it was difficult.
I wanted to hug my daughters, my sons, my grandchildren, my husband, my daughters-in-law, my sons-in-law, and my mother-in-law. I know we have problems, but my problems are nothing compared to this sweet family.
They do not think they were that special to interview. They are just ordinary people. I'm an ordinary woman too. I know what put the "news" in their lives was the outpouring of love they received from the community and their workplace. They have touched so many people that others want them to have joy, laughter and love. I understand that.
I felt their love and I only want the best for all of them. They touched my live and in a positive way.
Too many times people worry about me and about the stories I write because they think the negative stories are going to do me in. What they and sometimes I fail to realize, the positive stories impact me more, much more, than any negative story will.
Katrina and Scott you are my hereos. You are there with others who have faced the worse that can be dished out to them and yet still remember to love others, laugh with them and bring joy into their lives, even if it is for a brief moment.
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