27 Years Later!

When I was a kid I wondered the same thing every other person wonders and that is where and who exactly is the person I would marry someday. Of course as a teenager you dream of your favorite movie star and hope that they will be that person. You have your local crushes during high school. I remember one guy who for a full year we smiled and nodded at each other never saying a word the whole year. The following year we were in an English class together and became good friends and laughed about our year long glances only to find out we each were attracted to one another.

Some girls look for boys who are like their dads. And I suppose I probably did as well. I was just a babe when I met Mike. I was 17 but would soon be turning to the ripe old age of 18. I look at girls who are 17/18 and think wow by that age I was dating my future husband.



My roommates had met Mike's roommate a week before school started and the following Saturday night met back up with him (his name was Mike as well) and they invited Mike and his roommate over for dinner in between church. Yes we had split church meetings way back then. We went to Sunday School in the AM and then to Sacrament in the PM. I had arrived in Rexburg just a day or two before the weekend and they informed me that they had invited a guy and his roommate from our ward over for dinner. (Seems to me there were 3 guys. But for the life of me I don't know who that 3rd guy was.) Anyhow Mike and Mike arrived. I remember Mike walking into our apt in a gray suit. I thought he has to be a RM he can't be my age since he looked way older then I was. They were both cute and since all of my roommates(4)were in the kitchen cooking dinner I took it upon myself to entertain the male guests. I knew I entertained better then I cooked so I was good with that.

I think Mike and I talked pretty much the whole time. Ok I probably talked the whole time. Mike tells me that I can carry on a conversation by myself. We ate dinner and he and I walked to Sacrament meeting together chatting about Rexburg and the surrounding area. That is pretty much the beginning of our relationship. I was currently writing to a guy I had dated in Ca who was on his mission. Mike knew about him and didn't like him. I figured all was ok because I wasn't going to fall in love. I was already in what I thought was love with someone else.



Never before have 2 kids from Ricks College walk so much around Rexburg. We walked everywhere and I mean everywhere. Mike would spot me on campus and the next thing I knew he would be standing next to me. We did everything together and had fun doing it. I remember the first time he held my hand. It was after we had gone running. I wasn't going to tell him I hated running and couldn't run. Our first real date was to see the movie Grease but it left the small theater and we ended up seeing the Sound of Music. Our first kiss was under a tree on 2nd Avenue, I believe. We went to all the dances on campus and attended all the devotionals together. I discovered something I truly liked about Mike- I liked how the pockets on his pants danced when he walked. I use to find myself walking behind him often. :-)



By Christmas time I knew I didn't want to leave him for the Christmas break. I thought it just might kill me to not see him for 2 whole weeks. I was in love! We would have one more semester left together before he would leave on his mission for 2 years. Remember I was already writing one missionary and now I would have to start that process over again? UGH!!! I just kept thinking... why couldn't he have been a RM to begin with. Well he wasn't and we continued to date and fall deeper in love. I'm sad to say that I would have been happy for him to forgo his mission and marry me but Mike knew what was right and he always kept that in his site for which I am very thankful he did.

The walking and the talking continued. Our favorite thing to do was to walk and play in the snow. And during the winter in Rexburg there is snow everywhere. We ran around in more parks and went down more snow filled slides then any person in their right minds would and should do. We would swing on swings and go as high as we could and jump into the new piles of snow to see who could go the farthest. We got very cold and our clothes would be so wet they would turn to ice but we were having a great time. We would run back up to the school go inside the closest building and stand between the double sets of doors. Inside those double sets of doors were wall heaters and we would sit on them to thaw out. We sat on the heaters until our pants were thawed and our bottoms were almost thawed and then we would run to the next building only to sit on those space heaters repeating the same process. That is how we survived the cold Rexburg winters. Running from Building to building with frozen clothing and very cold bodies and red cheeks.

Well the end of the semester came and I was very sad. I knew this would possibly be the last time I saw him for over 2 years. We said we would write each other but writing doesn't replace hugs and being together in any way. My best friend would leave to go serve the Lord. I will always be thankful Mike knew what he needed to do and he never wavered in doing the right thing.



We both went to our respective homes writing and calling when we could. I remember when Mike called me to tell me he had gotten his mission call. Italy... where in the heck is Italy? Oh the boot shaped country??? I think I have seen that before. He then invited me out to his farewell. I jumped at the chance to see him one more time. I don't remember how many days I went out to SLC for but we had a great time. Nothing like being with your best friend again. See we didn't make any promises that I would wait for him. We just said if we were each around in 2 years we would see what might happen at that time but we both knew we loved each other very much. In fact in each of our letters we signed them with Forever and Eternity. We still use that today.



Mike left in July for Italy and I went back up to Rexburg in Aug. Mark was coming home in Nov. I dated a few guys while up in Rexburg but my heart was in Italy. Mark came home (Mike said he knew when Mark came home because my letters stopped for a month. I don't remember that) and he came up to Rexburg to see me. I drove down to Provo with him to listen to his homecoming talk. I remember thinking he is one wacky guy and I wasn't sure I liked him! I did talk to him one night for 5 hours long distance and hoped my phone bill wouldn't come and the funny thing is it never did. I secretly hoped Mike wouldn't come home the same way Mark did.

I remember one night kneeling down and praying and asking Heavenly Father about Mark. I didn't stay on my knees long to hear the answer but jumped right up and climbed into bed. I had a dream that night and in my dream a person came and sat on my bed and told me that I would marry Mike. Mike was to be my husband. This happened not once but about 2 or 3 times that night. I woke up that next morning thinking... hummm I guess I got my answer I'm going to marry Mike and I hope he would know that as well.

I never told Mike about that dream until he came home and maybe even after we were engaged or married. Mike had business to do with the Italian people he didn't need to hear about me and my dreams. Anyhow, we continued to write and about a month or two before he came home I wondered if I should go on a mission. I asked Mike what he thought about that idea and since letters were taking about a month to get the answers back he would be close to coming home when I received a letter from him. I remember reading it in my front yard. It simply said I don't think you should go on a mission. Lets go together when we are older. Come to Utah and please be at the airport when I get home.

Wow- I remember telling that one to my Mom. She said you can't go ... you will look like you are chasing him. I was so put out because she just didn't get it. As luck or the Lord would have it my family decided to have a family vacation in Utah the same time Mike would be getting back. How convenient that was for me. It would be too late to tell him I would be there. He would be home in 2 weeks.

The day came when he would be flying into SLC. I had hoped he told his family I would be there. I was staying with my family out in Bountiful at my uncle's house. I got to the airport and saw that his flight had arrived. I walked towards the gate. I didn't want to barge in on the family welcome so I lingered a little around the corner. I thought surely he has gotten off the plane by now and so I slowly walked to his gate only to be greeted by his parents. Who informed me Mike wasn't on the plane. He had eaten some peanuts on the plane and was still in NY. He would be on a flight the following day and to come back at that time. I remember thinking gosh... I have to do this again?

The next day finally arrived and I stood back as he greeted his family- I was still in love and I saw him come towards me and he gave me a big hug. I remember saying.. I have missed you so very much. He whispered in my ear I'm back and I'm not going away again. Mike invited me over to the house and as we walked to the cars and I asked if anyone wanted to ride with me. I didn't quite know how to get from the airport to their house. Thankfully Wendy, Mike's sister said she would ride with me. We drove to their house and Mike patiently waited to go see the Stake Pres so he could be released. He finally got the call and was gone in a flash and back in a flash. I heard him yell to me to come down to his room for a minute. I walked in and he grabbed me and gave me a big kiss. Boy was he out of practice!



It didn't take long for us to figure out what we wanted to do. We were both still around after 2 years! We went on a picnic lunch 3 days later in Cottonwood Canyon I think. I remember Mike laying on a blanket and I was sitting up getting stuff put out for the lunch when he said... well what do you think we ought to do now? I said well I don't know what do you think? He said lets get married. I said great idea!!! We decided we wouldn't tell anyone for 2 weeks after all he had just returned from his mission the a few days earlier and thankfully not weird. We first needed to find a date the temple would be open and picked the month of December. We found out that Dec 30th would be the date we would venture inside the Oakland temple and become husband and wife - Forever and Eternity!



So here I sit almost 27 years later and still in love and still glad I married my very best friend. The Lord has blessed us with so many things these past 27 years and just one of those many blessings is 4 amazing children.

Sometimes I look at Mike when he is far off and I think to myself- you chose well girl, you are truly loved by Heavenly Father because he gave you Mike! Mike has been a wonderful man in my life. He is all things I hoped for and even more. Yes he is much like my father in many ways and I have determined he is just perfect for me.

Thanks for being in my life all these years and for being you! I love you without measure and can't wait to venture into eternity with you! Forever and Eternity! I love you Mike.

Thoughts on Christmas by Bruce-

I receive every Monday morning an email from my brother and his wife who are serving a mission in New Jersey. This email gave me a lot to think about. I asked Bruce if I could post it on my blog and he said sure if I felt I truly wanted to do that. So here is his email. I hope you are able to go away with new perspective as I was. Thanks dear brother, I love you!

Mission Field Notes – Midge & Bruce

December 21, 2008

Some time ago I got interested in Christmases of yore, and started to research what it was like during Joseph Smith’s day. The research did not last for long, mainly because there is not much recorded on that topic, at least, not that I could find. Documents and diary entries that occurred around Christmas make reference, for the most part, to non-Christmas events. Drawing upon some of that information, I share the following:

Joseph and Sidney spent all of December and part of January 1831 doing missionary work, having been called of God to go “unto the world in the regions round about” (D&C 71). On Christmas day 1832 Joseph received the revelation on impending civil war that would break out (D&C 87). In December of 1833 he was occupied with the recent expulsion of Saints from Missouri (D&C 101). December of 1835 was joyous, and the prophet wrote: “Elder Packard came in this morning, and made me a present of twelve dollars, which he held in a note against me. May God bless him for his liberality. Also James Aldrich sent me my note by the hand of Jesse Hitchcock, on which there was twelve dollars due. And may God bless him for his kindness to me. Also the brethren whose names are written below opened their hearts in great liberality, and paid me. …”

December 1842 was spent nursing Emma who was in poor health and soon to deliver a baby. The day after Christmas the Prophet wrote: “She was delivered of a son, which did not survive its birth” (History of the Church, 5:209). That made now five children (as I recall) who had died in infancy.

The Prophet said this about the 1843 Christmas in Nauvoo, his last and probably the best of all: "This morning, about one o'clock, I was aroused by an English sister, Lettice Rushton, widow of Richard Rushton, Senior (who, ten years ago, lost her sight), accompanied by three of her sons, with their wives, and her two daughters, with their husbands, and several of her neighbors, singing, 'Mortals, awake! with angels join,' &c., which caused a thrill of pleasure to run through my soul. All of my family and boarders arose to hear the serenade, and I felt to thank my Heavenly Father for their visit, and blessed them in the name of the Lord. They also visited my brother Hyrum, who was awakened from his sleep. He arose and went out of doors. He shook hands with and blessed each one of them in the name of the Lord, and said that he thought at first that a cohort of angels had come to visit him, it was such heavenly music to him."

It was in the D&C 20 revelation given in April 1830 that Joseph learned that Jesus’ birth was not in the month of December but was in fact the 6^th day of April. So it is likely that this information had a diminishing effect for him in terms of observing the world’s December 25^th celebration. Joseph also believed that the Savior was crucified and died on his birthday. He wrote the following: “On the 6th of April, in the land of Zion . . . met for instruction and the service of God, at the Ferry on Big Blue River. . . the day was spent in a very agreeable manner, in giving and receiving knowledge which appertained to this last kingdom—it being just 1,800 years since the Savior laid down his life that men might have everlasting life, preparatory for the last dispensation.” (HC 1:337)

The celebration of Christmas 2008 in New Jersey got started in early October when the first yuletide goods started appearing in the stores and malls. I don’t recall hearing the Christmas songs that early, but I know that they, too, were on hand well before Thanksgiving. The economy of the world started to collapse in “mid-season,” and was in full swing by early November. World leaders have held their breath hoping for a good 2008 Christmas shopping/buying season in order to salvage any semblance of the “good life.”

It is worth noting and comparing Joseph’s Christmases in this particular year 2008 of fear and uncertainty. By comparison the times of yore were sparse – even paltry in terms of material “gifts.” Even with the economic downturn, people today find themselves challenged in their pursuit of finding the “perfect gift.” Materialism is so rampant that hardly a gift exists that is not already owned by nearly everyone.

On the other hand, the “gifts” of the Prophet were different in their very nature. The things that occupied nearly all his Christmases had to do with building the Kingdom. His was not just the cause of truth, but the very essence of truth itself. You see this phenomenon extant today in the building of temples. When the rebuilding of the Nauvoo temple was announced the result was absolutely electric. The ward and stake temple activities reached record levels, and everyone it seemed got involved doing genealogy so they would have a name to take to the temple. There were all kinds of projects enacted by every Church group from the boy scouts to Elder’s quorum and Relief Society organizations all of which were calculated to greet and celebrate this extraordinary rebuilding of the Nauvoo Temple. Songs were learned, practiced, and sung with fervor, and there was an outpouring of gigantic proportions right through all the dedicatory sessions. For a time, the patrons came from the corners of the earth to enter this special temple. These were all truly efforts in the cause of truth, but in terms of embracing actual truth – well – that has been another thing.

You have to ask yourself why it is that the Saints so enthusiastically embrace the building and inauguration of a new temple, but not long after it is dedicated and the newness has worn off – why is it – that the subsequent attendance diminishes until it has settled into a steady state of relatively sparse attendance. The off season in Nauvoo is slowly lengthening, and the last year I worked there as a temple worker I witnessed the ordinance numbers slipping below the previous year. The buildings themselves are of little consequence when compared to the life-fulfilling, absolute-truth sustenance of the ordinances and eternal blessings offered and practiced therein. There is a big difference, in plain terms, of engaging the cause of truth versus engaging truth itself. The two are miles if not eons apart.

This was never more evident than the first December that we were called to be temple workers in the Chicago temple. Traveling to the temple in December was different for us, and regrettably, it had never been a part of our Christmas traditions. But as we traveled to the temple that December 21st, it was with anticipation of great blessings and the opportunity of obtaining of new insights about the Savior. He was inculcated into our lives that day, and those sought-for blessings materialized, but too, we discovered something else. I officiated two sessions that day with a combined total of five patrons – three in one session, and two in the other. There were more temple workers there that day than all the patrons combined. People were so busy shopping and preparing for Christmas that they forgot about Christ or at least where to truly find Him.

We learned an absolute truth back then. Absolute truth exists at people’s core, and it is what daily inspires them to do the things they do. Comparatively speaking the cause of truth is fleeting; the trick is that lasting value is measured only by an individual’s core of absolute truth, and that is where people spend their “regular” time.

The interesting part of Christmas lies in the charitable effect it has on people. This never changes. I first encountered this phenomenon in Denmark on my mission. People would cease, for a season, from slamming their door in my face. I spent a lot of time for three winters tracting in very cold deep snow where the sun came up around 10:00am and it was dark again by 3:00pm. During the Christmas season things changed; my companion and I got invited inside a lot. People offered us hot drinks, and in some cases, asked that we stay inside long enough to warm up. But, then, they explained, they wanted us to go because they had no interest in our message. I shall never forget those three Christmases spent in that little land preaching what people were so intent on finding, but slamming their doors on the source of the very thing they so anxiously sought.

We are truly enjoying our time here in New Jersey during the season of such great cheer that is being offered in a time of such anxiety and fear. People see our name tag and on it are the words “Jesus Christ,” and we get an extra “God bless you.” On every side there is joy, hope, and optimism, and the people here go out of their way to be kind and courteous. We look forward to celebrating the life of Him who is our elder brother. It has been interesting to be in our small apartment, which is indeed decorated with a small two-foot tree that automatically lights up every night around 6:00. Last year, we spent a quiet Christmas here at the apartment. and then later that day went out for a drive. We ended up eating a late dinner at the only open restaurant - a Chinese restaurant. It was a very “Ralphie” kind of experience. We were alone with the cooks, and they did everything they could to create an atmosphere of cheer. Maybe this year, we’ll go back. But we’ll never forget our time here, which has been so wonderful.

Midge reports: We have been so busy it’s hard to believe that Christmas is on Thursday. We’ll slip up to Boston to be with Danika and her family if the weather is clear, and we’ll get a phone call from our own missionary. I remember the Christmases when we got something special in our stockings for after Christmas, like tickets to the “Nutcracker” or the Ice Capades. This year the something special is Rick’s baptism on the 27^th. He hasn’t faltered in his determination to be baptized, but said he felt he had “a very small testimony.” We handed him the interview questions, and said, “Are there any of these questions you could not answer yes to? If so, let’s talk about it.” He slowly started reading the questions, and answered, “Yes, I’ve always believed that…” and then would read the next one. By the time he got to the end of the list, he had born his testimony, and broke down in tears. He thanked us for “being willing to walk with him on this journey” and said he was looking forward to doing the same thing for someone else. It was a wonderful moment.

We spent three days last week out of the office, trying to cover the tasks of the senior missionaries that left with no replacements. We moved an apartment of elders on Monday and another apartment of elders on Friday (just before the big New Jersey snowstorm slowed traffic to a crawl). We would go into the office in the mornings to try to “put out the fires” of our office obligations. Bruce would cut a raft of checks and leave them for the mission president to sign, and I would send off as many referrals as I could get to.

We don’t want you to think that our days are just work, work, work, though. The highlight of the week was a Thursday trip into NYC with the CES couples in the Morristown Mission and all the senior couples in the New Jersey Cherry Hills Mission. We began with a session in the Manhattan Temple a la our newer treasured Christmas tradition. We ran into many of our young missionaries both coming and going, and it was wonderful. Later on, we all had lunch at the Stardust Diner, a place where the waiters/waitresses are Broadway wannabes. They sing as they serve you! We then had group tickets for the “Holiday Extravaganza” at Radio City Music Hall. It was amazing, especially the special effects we had to watch with 3-D glasses. Attached (honestly, Bruce promises to attach the pictures this week), you’ll see the pictures of the Lake Hiawatha Seniors looking particularly snazzy in our 3-D glasses taken inside Radio City Music Hall, and the two of us in front of the giant Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center. Consider this our Christmas card for this year…we didn’t have enough time to get real cards out. We wish you a wonderful week, and the very best of Christmases.

Love, Midge and Bruce

Zoo Pictures

Life in a Zoo!

So last Saturday Mike and I picked up Annalise and Lauren early and headed to the Zoo in Jacksonville. I didn't know what to expect since I haven't ever been there but I was excited to go. It takes about 2 1/2 hours to get to Jacksonville from Tallahassee but we amused ourselves the whole time.

Annalise must have a one track mind and just wanted to get to the zoo to see the monkeys. Mike decided to stop to get some gas before we left town and she spoke her peace with a No ZOO! We told her we needed to get gas and Lauren and I jumped out of the car and grabbed breakfast at McD's. The funny thing is we turned off the street and into the zoo park only to hear... NO ZOO! We told her we were finally at the zoo and we were going to park and go in.

We rented a stroller for Annalise to ride in. Kathy and Devin have her well trained to get in and buckle up for the ride. Mike and I were able to un-train her and teach her how to get in and out at lightening speed and then to walk instead of ride. Awe yes the joys of not being the parent! Well Annalise doesn't walk she runs. I shared with Mike earlier a great buddy system plan I had come up with and how I would be buddies with Lauren and he would be buddies with Annalise. They seemed like a fitting pair. Worked for me at least. Annalise never ran too far away and really did quite well. She kept her buddy busy but he was having a great time. She loved the animals. She was a bit board with any animal until we finally came upon some monkeys she had waited so long to see. Lauren, Annalise and Mike fed a giraffe and I took pictures. Lauren was able to also feed a bird.

We saved the train ride for the last thing to do only to have Annalise last about 5 mins on it before she was sound asleep. I looked at Mike and he said, it's been a long time since I have done this. It was a very fun day. We both commented on how we never thought we would be at the zoo the whole day. We arrived about 10:00ish and left 15 mins before the park closed. We decided that somethings are more fun if you take kids with you. Mike and I were both bushed by the time we got home. I actually fell asleep in the car just outside Jacksonville. We are glad Annalise and Lauren came along for the ride.

As a side note- I had cortisone injections (Thanks Tom!)in my knee about 3 week ago and for the first time in years I didn't have knee pain as I walked. I didn't even notice that my knee was feeling great until the next day in the shower when I pondered on the events of the previous day. Yes it is a great thing to have medicine that will take away the pain!

Amazing Singers

The two young ladies on the right are six years old. The two in the middle are seven and the one on the left is eight.

Christmas Questions

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Depends on how tired I am and if Mike will wrap them. Had way to many late Christmas Eve wrapping parties!

2. Real tree or Artificial? Real for sure but we only do artificial in Fl. Way to many ticks come with the real trees! But there is nothing better then fresh tree smell!

3. When do you take the tree down? New Years day along with everyone else in the world.

4.What is your favorite family tradition? 1. Being with my family is the best. 2. Sitting in a quiet house with the lights out and just the tree lights on and pondering. 3. Reading Jonathan Toomey. 4. Knowing that my shopping is ALL done!

5. Do you like eggnog? Yes we do!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? That was too long ago. Seeing as I must put something I would have to say a husband! But I didn't get him as a kid! He came later on.

7. Hardest person to buy for? Everyone in my family. Wish I was more creative.

8. Easiest person to buy for? Murphy! His wants never change!

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes I have many since I have collected them for many years. I always look for the ones where Mary is holding her swaddling boy.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? We don't do well with either I'm afraid. I try to send out Christmas cards and miss the holiday only to say, New Years cards will do. Then that day passes and I think... Valentines Day cards would be amazing, and well it just continues on. Sorry folks!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Can't think of anything right now.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Any of the old Christmas shows I grew up with. Drummer Boy taking the lead.

13. When do you start shopping? When I have time. It gets later and later each year! But I do start to think about Christmas in June/July. The problem being is I get stuff put it away and forget about it.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Nope only wedding gifts!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Sees candy!

16. Lights on the tree? Yes and those especially that are attached to the tree!

17. Favorite Christmas song? Oh Holy Night, I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause sung by Jeff and Lelia Crosby.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel with all our kids together and then stay home. Last year we all went to Disney and had a blast. Wish we could do it again this year.

19. Can you name all of Santas reindeer's? Sure can!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? PJ's on Christmas Eve, everything else on Christmas morning. PJ's one gift the kids wont let us quit doing even though they are adults.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Having to work.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Nativities and Santa's.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Sees Candy! And anything else we chose to make. Our dinners rock!

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? That Rob and Brittany could spend it with us and time to relax.

Time

Is it me or is time passing by too quickly???? It almost seems a shame to have it zoom by because you can't enjoy the moments of a day. Now I know what you are thinking to yourself. Why would I want to slow down a bad day?

It just seems a shame to not be able to take a moment to ones self and enjoy time. Tonight I left a friends home and decided to drive around and look at the lights. Some houses were simple and some had a ton of stuff on them. I enjoyed myself as I drove down the streets on my way back home. One house that is in our neighborhood has put up lights that move to music. I had hoped they were done by now so I could enjoy them. How disappointed I was when I drove to their house with my window already down.... they only had a few lights up. No music and a for sale sign in their yard. I guess someone else will get to watch their light show! Maybe they just haven't finished their yard yet.

We shall see. Here is hoping time slows down for you and for me and we get to enjoy a moment to ourselves!

Decorating the house.

On Friday Mike and I were emailing back and forth at work about what to do that night. It was date night and it was a chance to be together. We enjoy those moments even more since he is gone almost all day Sunday, Tuesday, Thursdays. We talked about bringing out the Christmas stuff on Saturday. It is exhausting to do that. I didn't really want to spend a whole Saturday putting things up and out. So we decided to jump on it Friday night. Bryan and Michelle came over for chile and hot dogs. Bryan then helped Mike get the boxes from the attic down. The festivities had begun!

The tree went up quickly and the decorations for the tree as well but it was late and we couldn't finish it in one night. Bryan and Michelle left late and we sat all alone amongst the boxes bushed!

We got up the next morning and proceeded to finish the tree. I opened more boxes and to my great surprise I found a whole new bunch of wreaths to put out. They all look wonderful and I was thrilled for last years after Christmas clearances. Mom loved wreaths and I have come to as well so I try to put them everywhere in my house. Mike never says anything to me if I want to buy something he just says... is there anything else you wanted to get as well? I love that about him.

Mike left to go help Devin take his stuff down and then they came back to put our empty boxes back up in the attic. At some point Bryan had brought over Glenn Beck's Christmas DVD thinking we would like to watch it so we popped that into the machine. We laughed as we watched it. It was pretty funny and brought back some of my own memories as a kid with my family. His DVD is divided up into 2 sections. Part 1 is funny stories about growing up and part 2 is about the reason for Christmas. He kind of reminds me of a preacher on TV when he got going but hey, he was driving home a great message.

He talks about a Christmas sweater his mom gave him. How he careless threw it on the floor and perhaps stepped on it. It was the last Christmas gift his Mom gave him because she died after that. But he talked about the Savior and his Atonement and do we do the same thing with the gift He gave to us? It touched my heart as I reflected on my life and how I am need to change my life in so many ways.. so I can one day stand in front of the Savior and not be ashamed that I threw his precious gift, He worked so hard to make happen for me, down on the ground only to be casually walked around.

I always acknowledge the many things we have been blessed with as a family and I know they come from ONE Source. I think I shall make my New Years Resolution to pick up the gift of the Atonement next year. To learn about it, to understand what that means for me.

I think I understand better this statement by Pres. Hinckley " There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter. The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection."

Pres. Hinckley also said "Everything we do is done in the name of Christ. ....We worship Christ; we believe in Christ; we accept him. And he's our savior; he's our redeemer. He's the Son of God; he's the great creator; he's the word made flesh as spoken of by John. He's the savior of the world, Jesus Christ, the Son of God."

The only thing I have left to say is BRING ON THE NEW YEAR!

Thank you Barber/Meyer Clans!

Last night we were treated to a wonderful sound outside our door. I could hear them all the way in my bedroom. As soon as I heard the sound I sprang to my feet (and for those who know me... that isn't easy some days!) and ran to the front door. Mike had the door open and there stood the whole Barber/Meyer Clan singing Christmas Carols. You all sounds amazing and brought tears to my eyes. I love the fact that you come and sing at our door. I often think of the times when the boys got their mission calls and we heard Called to Serve each time.

Thank you for making my night brighter and my Christmas Season extra special! I love you all!

Back to the old grind!

So today was back to work. Back to getting up early and wondering just what to wear. What to take to eat for lunch if I got the chance to eat lunch. Wishing that I had another week to stay home. Dreading the drive into work with everyone else.

I woke up with Mike and beat my alarm clock by 15 mins. I got out of bed and headed into the shower. I was actually ok going back to work. I hadn't looked at anything work related for 10 glorious days. I had move into a new office and my stuff hadn't even been unpacked yet. The day started off with a bang and just got busier. I have really some big things I need to do like hire new testers and schedule the schools for Jan.

I am still adjusting to the working world. I have pondered on what I would like to do for the next 15 or so years. I don't think it is testing though. I have decided I need to go back to school. I think I will pursue that in a year. I am still figuring out what I want to be. But I am pretty sure it will be in the health field. Perhaps be a nurse or do PT or something like that. I'm excited about the future and the many things it should have in store for Mike and I.

So here is to the women who work and to the women who stay home. I admire you and your lives. I am pretty sure there is not just one way to make it through this world and I know the only way to do it right is to listen carefully and follow the Lords will.

On a side note- it's the Christmas Season already. Black Friday came and went. I went and had a pedicure on black Friday. The lady making my toes and feet look great asked me how long I had been out shopping. I said I haven't. This is the first place I came. I called Mike to ask him about some deals I had seen and he said... Be careful at Walmart they have mobs running up and down the aisles. I said no running here. He told me about some guy getting trampled. That happens every year I thought. Then I heard on the news the story. I felt so bad for this young man and his family. How sad is it that people push and shove for "things." They aren't even things you get to take with you when you die. The real shocker is how mad the people where when they were told the store was closing because someone had died. They screamed at the employees and kept on shopping. Has life become that cheap? Do people really value "things" more then they do life? That just makes me sad. The world has changed since I was a kid or even a newly married young person. I shall say a prayer for the family of Jdimytai Damour. Come on people lets be kind to one another!

Thanksgiving

Today has been a productive day. The house is pretty clean, I have gone through all the ads from the newspaper and determined that I wont be getting up early for any of the big sale items. Long gone are the days of free stuff at the doors.

The turkey is in the oven, the stuffing is made and over to Devin and Kathy's to warm up. The Sweet Potato Souffle is cooked and it will just need to be warmed up. The Pumpkin and Key Lime Pies were bought yesterday. The garage was cleaned out, Mike paid the bills and 2 loads of dishes done! 1 load of laundry is done with 2 more to go. Wow... it only 1:30. Not bad at all.

While today has been a busy day I have not gone without thinking about my family and friends and how much you all mean to me. Robby and Brittany are in Ca with her family and I am glad they arrived safe and sound. We will miss them but are happy they get to enjoy the time with her family and getting away from Rexburg.

Thanksgiving Day always gives me a chance to reflect on past Thanksgivings. I remember one time as a child we were painting the living room I believe (it was huge). We didn't have a big sit down fancy dinner but rather we sat on painting stools and chairs draped with drop clothes. I think that was the best tasting Thanksgiving dinner I have ever had. I use to think it was because I was probably so hungry that it tasted so good. But thinking about it today I have come to the conclusion that it was most likely because it wasn't a big production and we just hung out as a family with paint specs all over us. I remember lots of chatting and laughing going on that day. I often think about the huge dinners we had as a family. I miss hearing my parents voices and laughter and even though we try to do "Mom's Stuffing" it will never be as good as her was although I am told it comes in as a close second. She made amazing rolls which I have tried to make but they only turned out once. Those were the days and I wish that I had the time to learn from my Mom how to do all those things she did. I wonder if they need a roll maker in heaven?

When we moved to Florida we would get together with many friends who also had small children. We had more food then we knew what to do with it. Those were very fun times and it provided us with a family when we couldn't go home. Nothing like 4 or 5 families squeezed into one home. Living in Florida you never know if you will have a warm summer day or a cold breezy day. Today happens to be a bit on the cool side but it isn't too bad.

We still get together with family and friends. That is what Thanksgiving is all about. Sharing time together and making memories. Each person bring a unique perspective to the dinner. Maybe that is how it was with the Pilgrims and Indians. Each sharing a part of their heritage and life with each other. After all that is how we gather amazing recipes?

Well I hope you all have a wonderful day with your family and friends. I shall be thinking about you.

Regrouping the home!

So one of my goals while off this week and next is to really clean my house. I know sounds fun doesn't it! But I am really tired of clutter and junk laying around. Mike and I are going to get serious about food storage and that means clearing the decks! I decided it costs a lot of money do get organized. And the fact that when you clean one room it always means precleaning or post cleaning of other rooms because you need to put things back in their spots. It's a vicious circle for sure.

I was pondering today that perhaps I should buy one more closed cabinet to fit all the junk in. I thought about it and decided that all the junk wouldn't fit into one cabinet but maybe 2 would. Na not even 2 would do it. I was talking to Mike and I told him he needed to build me floor to ceiling cabinet/bookcases. His response back to me was "when did you want this done?" I told him this week or next would fit in great with my plans. He just laughed and said it wasn't going to happen.

These are the times I miss my dad. He could whip up for me anything and everything I needed. In fact it would not only look good it would last forever and withstand any hurricane force winds that came into town. But alas that isn't an option.

Right now I am also painting our piano room and then hopefully the room across the hall way to match. I figured a simple tan would look great and went to buy the paint. I went to Walmart (to buy their amazing Kilz paint) and there was no one around to mix it. I even had someone called but they never showed up. It was like the only people in the store where shoppers. I then drove over to Home Dept and had to wait for someone to come to mix it there. (Seriously where are all the paint people in the town of Tallahassee? Is there a strike going on somewhere?) Well back to my walls. I pick a color just lighter then my bedroom and bathroom. Simple enough right. I get one coat on and hate it. I get 2 coats on and am luke warm to it. Can a tan/brown/taupe color really be this hard to figure out? I wish it had a little more brown in it but not in a dark way. Less pink as well. Hummmmm I need to learn to trust my instinct and not let the paint people tell me what they think and rely on what I know and think and go with my color. So in the mean time I sit here with one wall almost painted smelling the fumes. It's too cold to open the window so hopefully it will just fade away or I'm not going to care what gets done.

We are also working on getting our pantry shelves more stable for the up and coming building of our food storage but for now I have to figure out what to do with all the small appliances I have sitting on the floor. Throw them out you might say, but I do use them every now and then. I thought well put them in the garage but that would require me to dejunk and clean that part of the house first. The cycle is never ending. I hear my mother loud and clear saying to me- "If you would put things back where they belong you wouldn't have a messy house." How right she is. But for now I pay the price of not doing that. UGH!

Shopping would be so much easier than cleaning but after this is all done it will feel so great and be much more rewarding than shopping. I sure hope I can remember where I put thing once they are moved to their new home. Awe the joys of getting older! Wish me luck or better yet come on over and give me a hand. Perhaps I will share some of my great junk with you!

Copy Cats???

So I have decided like everyone else on the planet to join the blogging world. Does this mean I'm a copy cat? Or does it mean I have seen the value in keeping my family and friends closer to me? I like the second thought better. Thanks to my wonderful daughter Alyse who started this ball rolling I shall follow along.

I have many things to be thankful for and realize that everything comes from one person. My Father in Heaven. I thank Him for ever breath I breath and every good and hard thing that I have experienced in my life.

So my life thus far...... has been amazing and will continue to be amazing. Come along for the ride.