One word: Seminary

I LOVE TEACHING SEMINARY! I really do. Some people think I am nuts. ( I am, but that is not why)!
It is the best calling in the whole church! Who doesn't love spending time with our awesome youth and feeling of their spirits every morning? They are incredible.

I love learning with them and watching them grow spiritually. There is almost nothing in this world like it!

But as a consequence, I don't get too many other things accomplished! I get engrossed in the planning of lessons and activities and reading for fun or perusing the internet to stalk blogs or write on my own doesn't really happen. So when I don't get much done, there is only one word: Seminary!

Oh well. Life is good ! I will keep setting my alarm and crawling out of bed to get dressed up to hurry off to the church to greet my cute little students!

All the way to Georgia

I did not expect that what started out as a vacation and visit to see Lauren would turn out to be one of the best things that has happened to me in a while!

It was such a great time for all of us! Lauren has a beautiful place to call "home" (for now) and she has a lot of fun stuff to do close by! We shopped and ate and toured and laughed and cried and did a 1000 piece puzzle all in 3 days. It was so much fun! I absolutely loved all the green scenery. I think I could get used to that!!!

On Saturday, Laurens ward had a Pioneer Day Celebration, so we decided to go and see where she went to church and meet some of the people in her ward. I cannot tell you how thankful I am that we went, because we debated the issue!

Collette, a lady who is in the R.S Presidency,came and introduced herself to us... and at that moment only Colin and I were left at the table. We talked about her kids and my kids and what they were all doing. She said that she thought Columbus, GA was "hickish" which cracked us up. Colin was very attentive to her. She told us that she was ready to move to AZ to be near her kids. Then she was the answer to a prayer that I have prayed a very long time for. She said... "you know, as long as you are doing what you should, the Lord blesses you. There have been many times in our lives where we didn't know how we were going to sell that house, or make that move, but the Lord provided." She continued on with things like "the Lord is so mindful of us and has the big picture if we would just let him help us and let him make us into the people that he wants us to be"!

I am pretty sure that my mouth was hanging on the ground and my eyes looked like a deer in the headlights. I could not believe what I was hearing. Colin had every attentive bone in his body at attention!!!

I cannot express to you my happiness and my gratitude to her. Proof that "The Lord does hear and answer our prayers, but it is usually through another person that our needs are met".

We left the building a few minutes later. Colin said, "She was so nice". Little does he know how very nice she actually was. She was my angel. Answering my prayer.

I had to go all the way to Georgia to have a prayer answered, but I would fly to the moon if I had to!

Thank you Collette...

Leave it to him...

Man, you gotta love my husband!

I have been feeling like poo lately with a stomach ache to top all stomach aches AND a tired body that doesn't want to be vertical for very long or it starts complaining.

AND I look like poo. You know how it is when you don't feel "right"? You also don't look "right"!!

So today my cute hubby came and sat by me at some point during my migration from couch to couch and said "man, you look so cute today"! What? Me?

Leave it to him to make me feel so good about myself when I don't feel good at all!

Thanks, hon! You made my day. Now, back to the couch.

To my husband, who is also a Dad, on Father's Day

His name? Leon. His game? DAD! Of course, he has many games, but the one he gets noticed for today is father of our children!

Leon has been such a great provider for our family. I never have needed to worry about whether or not we were going to have enough money to pay for the necessities of life, while I got to stay home and take care of our kids.

He is well known around here for his analogies. He has taught our children to look for those in life! (Sometimes they laugh at him because sometimes they don't exactly fit, but it's the thought that counts!!!) He has taught them to be wise with their money. He has taught them how to work. He has taught them how to communicate effectively. He is a coach for job success and resume building. He has been there when they needed him.

I am so thankful for him and for the Dad that he has been to our kids. I appreciate and value his efforts and will always be grateful for what he has done for our family!

Thank you Leon! I love you so much and know that our children love you too!!

A thing or two I learned from my Dad

My Dad taught me some things... He taught me to respect my elders. He taught me to have manners. He taught me that idleness was not acceptable. He taught me that cleanliness is next to Godliness (I hope he doesn't come over very soon!!!) He taught me that reading is a great way to have adventures while never having to leave your house. He taught me how to put on panty hose correctly. (Are they still called that? Do women even wear them anymore??) I will explain...My Dad was a truck driver and in order to stay warm (I am letting out some top-secret info here!) they wear panty hose under their pants!!! Don't tell anyone this secret came from me!! And I think one of the most important things that my Dad taught me was to never talk bad about anyone. I never heard him say a bad word about anybody while growing up. I have to say, and not with pride, that I have not been a very good example of that for my own children...but I am trying to do better!!
He provided for 7 children and worked hard to make sure that we had a roof over our heads and shoes on our feet!!
Happy Father's Day, Andrew Daniel Rhode King McInnes, because your Mom thought you would be the last child and so she gave you all the names!!!
I love you! And thank you for all that you have done for me!

Lucy and I

I scored myself a pretty sweet little job. And it is sweet in more ways than one. I only work 2 days a week, Tues and Fri. each day for 2 hours!!

I work for an OLDer lady named Lucy, she won't disclose her age but says she is an octogenarian, so, somewhere in her 80's. If I were to guess I would say 85 or so. And she is a real sweetie!

Lucy is very well known in this community. She is a concert pianist, specializing in Chopin. She and her husband organized the Chopin festivals here for many years. She still gives concerts all over the city. Her sweet companion passed away 3 years ago and I have the privilege of hearing all about their relationship and what a "saint" he was.

Normally, I clean for her. Light cleaning. But Friday was not an ordinary day for Lucy and I. When I arrived at 9 a.m. she was dressed and ready to go. We went grocery shopping and gassed up her car. (I even have my own key to her car, she showed me where it is stored). I didn't have time to do anything with her house that day except run a quick vacuum over her most used room. She was most happy that I went with her to the store. I have a feeling it will become a regular activity for us.

While we were at the grocery store, the man in the produce aisle was very helpful to us and very friendly. She commented as we walked away from him how he was a nice guy!

At the gas station, a man who was gassing up next to us was chatting with me. I got back in the car and Lucy said "flirting with the men I see". I was a little mortified at first, and then I giggled. I told her about how Leon calls me the "giant ear" because everyone talks to me. I talk to everyone, too! I like people.

She made me sad when she replied that no one talks to her. It reminded me that today our society suffers with a real problem...ageism. We do not respect the elderly anymore. They are thought of as burdensome, a drag on our system, a menace on our roads, a life already lived. What we tend to forget is that they have had years of experiences that have shaped their characters, no matter how that character happens to be. They are wise . I am sure that they look at the younger generation and sometimes cringe. How things have changed.

Next week she wants me to drive her car to the East side for service. I have a feeling that her house isn't going to get much of a cleaning!

I am enjoying Lucy and our time together! She plays the piano while I am there and I love to work while doubling as her audience!

Sweet, don't ya think?

A hole in my heart...

I am not usually so dramatic but this truly expresses the way that I felt yesterday as I watched my little family of Lauren, Derek and Titan drive away. I could hardly stand to watch as they honked and waved good-bye. My heart hurt. Physically it hurt. It felt heavy. And now, there is a hole.

I am going to miss them so very much. I am so grateful for the time that they lived here and we were able to spend lots of time together. I am so thankful for the wonderful parents that Lauren and Derek are to baby Titan. I am so in love with that little boy. Well, I am in love with all of them, but there is something about that little guy that I can't resist! He knows how to brighten the day! He laughs and makes funny faces and makes me turn on Sesame Street. I am really going to miss him.

Being positive, (something I am trying HARD to do!!) I am excited for their adventures and for the new life that they are beginning. I am happy that they get to have experiences to help them grow. They get to see new and wonderful places and meet new and wonderful people!

So, I am going to patch up the hole in my heart with memories!! AND with the fact that I am going to visit in July!! (I hope that I remember to come home!!!)

I am so thankful for a loving and close family! I am so blessed.

Assurance...

Does this ever happen to you? You are minding your own business and thoughts just pop into your head? This morning as I was driving to Seminary, and observing the beauty of the outdoors with my sunroof open and windows down, I had a moment just like that.

It was a solemn and reverent moment. I had the warmest feeling come over me and the thoughts that went through my head went something like this: That I have Heavenly Father who made this world and all of His children in it. That this life has a purpose, for everyone. That when this life is over, it's not really OVER...I will continue to live. It is overwhelming to think that Heavenly Father knows and loves each one of us personally, but I know that He does.

I am so grateful for moments like these that offer the assurance of all of great and wonderful things that are ours as His children.

Something I learned from Ernie and Bert...

You know?! Sesame Street! Ernie and Bert are 2 very opposite people. But they are pals. They sing a song on Sesame Street that, this week, struck my very core. It is called "I LIKE YOU". Here is the scenario: They are laying in bed and Ernie asks Bert if he ever thinks about things that he likes and Bert replies, "yes I do, but not now because I am going to sleep." Then Ernie asks Bert to tell him some things he likes. Bert tells him a few and Ernie sings back, "I really don't care for any of those things, but I like you..". And the song goes on about how they have very little in common but they still like each other.

Sometimes I get discouraged because Leon and I are also two very opposite people. It can make life and little hard to navigate sometimes. I am Ernie, Leon is Bert. I like to play jokes, Leon does not. Leon likes sports, I do not. I like to talk about silly and unimportant things. Leon likes to analyze topics. I find that most things in life have a funny side. Leon is more serious and somber. I like quiet and peace. Leon likes loud and boisterous.

Even though we are very different, we are trying to find ways to meet in the middle and still be pals while we work on our relationship. Some days are better than others. And when a days comes where we have forgotten where the "middle" is, that is when we sing the '' I LIKE YOU" song to each other. It puts everything back in to perspective.

I am Ernie. Leon is Bert. We like each other.

Lessons from a pine tree (or two)

As I drive around the city and even as I sit in my backyard I am reminded of why it is that we need to have trials. I don't like them, but I do know they have great importance in our lives.

After the storm of the century that hit in February, our city has not been the same. We have lost many pine trees and many more palm trees. The palm trees I can give a pass to. They are used to warm weather, but the pines? Don't they grow best in cold places? Aren't they used to that kind of weather. Of course they are. But because the pine trees live here, they have been so used to calm, warm weather, and they have become "whimpy".

Just like we do.

Our strength comes from being tested and tried. Our strength comes from walking INTO the wind, not away from it. Our strength comes from standing firm while opposing forces try and push us around.

Notice the sad pine tree and palm trees in my neighborhood?

Lost.............but not for long

I have a mustard colored purse that I love! And I love it even more now that I know it can be spotted almost anywhere.
I lost my head for a moment at the mall this week! I walked in to a store, and was so excited to see that a cardigan that I had been looking for was there. I set my purse down on the display and right there...I tried that beauty on. I walked to a mirror a short distance away to "survey" and quickly decided that it was going home with me. Then I meandered to another part of the store,my favorite actually, the clearance section!! I held up a few pieces of discounted bliss when all of the sudden it hit me that my mustard colored companion was NOT on my shoulder...I turned to Sheridan in a panic and said "My purse....I don't know where it is!"


We both turned and looked in the direction of the most-sought-after-sweater stand and Sheridan pointed and excitedly exclaimed "there it is".

Do you see him "grazing" amongst the sweaters?????

Be careful what you wish for..

I think it was Friday and I said to Leon "All I really want to do is sit down, relax and read a magazine". Fast forward to today which is Monday. I woke up with a rumbly tumbly...not so pretty. So guess what I have had time to do ALL DAY..while laying in bed....(well, in-between bathroom stops)? Read a magazine...or two..or three...ugh. This is not exactly what I had in mind when I said I wanted to relax and read. Oh well....be careful what you wish for, you just might get it!!!

WRONG WAY

I am pretty sure this hasn't been my week but I didn't realize it 'til i have been blogging about some of the happenings...I know, I am a little s-l-o-w!!!

On my way to Seminary Thursday morning, I was at a stop light in a big intersection when suddenly a little car (smaller than mine, believe it or not...) turned into on coming traffic and landed in the lane next to me...she was facing my car..and she was going the wrong direction. I honked my horn ( a favorite thing of mine to do) to let her know..HELLO, WRONG WAY!!! The poor lady was mortified and slowly backed out of the lane and got onto her own side of the road. I looked at the guy next to me and he mouthed "Oh my gosh"! My sentiments exactly!

On the positive side, she didn't pull into my lane!!! That would have really made it a bad day!

Off

Ever had one of those nights (or days) where everything is just "off"? Mine started first thing in the morning yesterday. I got to Seminary and realized that it was my day to do the games and I had totally forgotten..so I quickly pulled together a game for us to play. After class I was talking to some fellow teachers and we were discussing the economy and the state of affairs that the world is in and I got scared . I am not prepared. I am not ready. This left a pit in my stomach. Then I got to my spin class and a lady behind me was standing up pedaling during one of our rounds and one of her pedals came completely off of her bike and she let out a blood curdling scream . Her poor ankle.

Then Leon and I went on a date. We saw Hanna. I don't recommend it. After the movie we tried to go out for dinner and I must remind you that we live practically in Mexico where the culture is laid back and late....and it was 8 :30....8:30 at night...the first MEXICAN restaurant that we tried..closed...the next one...closed..the third one.....it was closing in 2 minutes. You may be asking, "Is this for real". So did we. Where did we end up? At the imposter Mexican food...Taco Bell...gross.

We came home and read our scriptures and crawled into bed..so happy to leave that day behind.

I am really looking forward to today,hopefully, being "on"!!!

Oh what a night!

To tell this story, I must go back in time, and take you with me. It was the year 1986 and a little 5 year old girl was camping with her Dad and brother. The "boys" left the little girl in the trailer sleeping while they went fishing, the weren't far away from her and her Dad even checked on her at one point. 5 minutes after he did so, he saw a plume of smoke and flames rising from the area where the trailer was parked. After rushing back, he found that the trailer was engulfed in flames and his little girl was inside. He bravely rushed in to save her. Her sleeping bag had fused to her body and she was burned very badly. This little girl is Sage Volkman. We happened to move into her ward when she was about 7. We got to know her and hear her stories and watch her grow and get strong. What a resilient and brave girl.

Now, fast forward to March 29th. I had a speaking assignment at a Standard's Night in another ward. For 2 weeks before I had been preparing for my talk. The subject? Gratitude. I prayed and studied and prayed and pondered. And one day it came to me that I should talk about Sage. I had by chance run across someone's blog that had mentioned her and given some direct quotes from her. For some reason, I had a little hesitation of my own, not exactly sure if I should talk about such an extreme example. I kept getting "nudges" (I guess I need knocks over the noggin) that I should talk about her. So I worked her into the talk.
After the meeting was over, I had a woman come to me with tears streaming down her face. She told me that it was the year 1989 when the story of Sage appeared in the Ensign and her Mom had read the story to her. She proceeded to tell me that she had always felt an attachment to her, and loved her. She attended BYU-I and there she ran in to Sage and became friends with her but had lost contact after all these years. She even named one of her daughters Sage. She was so excited to know that I knew how to contact Sage and hopefully get those 2 in contact with each other! Well, it is still a work in progress. I am her friend on Facebook and I did write her a note explaining the circumstance, and I am waiting a reply.
Oh what a night!
I am grateful for the promptings of the Spirit and even more grateful that I listened.
And I am so grateful for those who recognize and express gratitude when life is less than ideal, even downright cruel sometimes. We have so much to be thankful for, even in times of trial. And maybe especially then.

Troops and Troopers

I didn't know this until a few months ago, because , well, I just didn't, but in the military when they refer to a "troop" it means 1 person..not a whole bunch of people. So Garrett is considered a troop. He is also a real trooper. He has worked very hard and sacrificed so much for his family. I know that he misses his family, just as they miss him.

Sheridan is a real trooper too. She has been strong and supportive. It has not been easy and some days are better than others. Faith, prayers and strong love are all necessary ingredients in the recipe for success here! All of the above are present as they continue on this journey.

May the Lord bless and keep you Garrett. We are praying for you ! We love you and thank you for all that you are doing for your country and your family.

We look forward to seeing you, the troop, reunite with your troopers in 9 months!

Uhhhhhh....

Well, this is a bit embarrassing... and I even tried to blame this on Leon, but since it is on my side of the bed it could only be one culprit. I think I need to shave my legs more often.

A "spin" -ister love

It's not a secret...Leon knows...I have found a new obsession, besides him. I have started "spinning". Not yarn. On a bike. I always sweat like a hog and feel so good after I am done. Don't ask me how I like it in the middle of the workout, cuz, for one I can't speak but for another I might be a little mad that it hurts and it's hard. But in the end I am always glad that I endured to the end ! Then I come home and have chocolate covered peanuts...oh well...it's the effort that counts....right???

A wall

Since the day that Leon suggested we pack up and move (see post "Exodus out...of El Paso)I have have not been able to "see" us moving there. There has been this sort of "wall"... is the best way to describe it. I cannot see beyond it. We would talk about it, we would scheme and plan and we even went so far as to drive around that ENTIRE valley, 600 miles worth of that enormous place, and still I feel nothing. I finally told Leon ( I was apprehensive because I did not want him to feel bad) and he was confused. Me too. I can't explain it, I only know what I feel.

We have since found a few answers. After a meeting with his boss it came out that there are going to be some changes and with those changes, a possible different outcome for us. I don't know where we will move to, it is possible still to AZ, but possibly not. I do know that the Lord is watchful and I am so grateful for His love and guidance.

Maybe I will be able to see over that wall soon!

Pighter Filot

Today in Seminary I got accused of a "mom-ism". Imagine that.

I was playing a game with the class about the Quorum of the 12 Apostles and the First Presidency. We were discussing who had what for a career and at the time we were talking about Pres. Monson And me, with all of my teacher confidence (ha) said "How awesome that our Prophet was a" ...and then I said it..."pighter filot." Oh boy. The room erupted with laughter and that was when Kaelin told me that was what they called a "mom-ism". But it's ok. We then talked about Elder Packer and how he is really looking old and tired. You know why? HE HAD 10 CHILDREN!!!!

That is why parents talk backward and look tired and old....so there.

The nerve

I have only one left and I think there are people standing on it.

Exodus Out...of El Paso

I knew the day was going to come. I had been asked and even pleaded with. I am stubborn. I really don't like change. Actually I don't like change at all. I know DEEP in my heart that change is good, it is a time for growth and a time for renewing. It is also hard and it tends to stretch one's limits. That is the point, I guess.

So, Leon and I, Sheridan and baby Sawyer will be hauling all of our goods to the hot SW valley of Phoenix in June. It will be ok. I don't love the heat, but after the brutal winter storm that we had a couple of weeks ago, I choose warm over cold. I will embrace the new life and will "bloom where I am planted". I can do that!

But, we are not the only family members exiting this border town. Lauren, Derek and baby Titan will move to Georgia in June. I will sure miss being able to play with that little boy whenever I want to, seeing his sweet face and little teeth (with the gap in the middle) when he smiles at me. I hope they have a guest room...I have a feeling I will be there ALOT!!

Colin is the only one that is staying behind. He has moved out on his own and has a good job so he does not want to leave and have to start over. Good plan. We wish him lots of luck and happiness and safety here. We will miss him.

So, El Paso, there is a reason that we lived here for 5 1/2 years. We have loved and learned and grown. We have shared and laughed and cried. We are leaving here better people. Thank you for what you have taught us. We might miss you for a minute!

It's almost here...

It is almost Valentine's Day...my FAVORITE holiday. Is that weird? Probably. I decorate the house with hearts. Lots of hearts. Paper lantern hearts. Heart-shaped bowls. Hearts that hang. Heart clings. Even heart lights! I set out Valentine candy (that rarely makes it to V-Day!) and I bake sugar cookies and decorate them to give away (of course I have to taste them first to make sure they are fit to give away!)

When the kids were small "Cupid" would come and visit our house all day long on V-Day..and that night, he would ring the doorbell and leave their last goodies of the day on the doorstep! I miss those days.

Show more love. I am going to try and make everyday Valentine's Day!!!!

The ties that bind

Have you ever thought about the ties that bind? They are strong and they are persistent. They are patient and they are most definitely pulled on.

My Dad's sister ,Hannah, and her husband, Leo, both passed away in January, and not only that, they did it 2 days apart. Some people are so lucky! He has always said that he would not let her go without him, and that he didn't!!! I have often wondered about the bonds of love and I do believe that they are stronger than we recognize. We love them and their family. Until we meet again, Uncle Leo and Aunt Hannah!

But this is not all. My sister-in-law's parents died within a week of each other and she always comments about how it all went when her Dad got to Heaven. He most likely said "Oh, I can't be alone, I need my wife here." And he pulled.


I took care of a couple in Carlsbad and although she wasn't very old, she had been bed bound for years. He husband was much older than her. She contracted an infection and passed away. 5 days later, he, too was gone. And she pulled.

A neighbor lady of my mother-in-law had dementia. Her husband had a few health problems but nothing fatal. She passed away and 3 days later he passed. And she pulled.

Pure love. Strong love. Binding love. These are the ties that bind.

Mascara Blobs in the Eye

Just thinking about this has had me laughing for hours.

Lauren just happens to be my child who loves, no, I mean LOVES to pick at things...her scabs, pimples, moles, hang nails, and she is not a respecter of others things..she will pick at yours too.

As she and I were Sheridan's "coaches" during labor, we were heavily involved in the process of helping Sheridan to focus and push! So, while we were getting ready to encourage Sher to push one more time Lauren looks at me and says "Oh my word Mom" (all the while I am thinking about what the heck could be going wrong) then she continues "you have a HUGE blob of mascara in your eye..should I pick it out?"

I will say, though, that she has precision picking skills. Now we need to work on the timing!

Birth Day

The date of the induction was scheduled for Monday, January 24. It was Saturday, the 22nd and I was wracked with concern for Sheridan and praying that she would not have to be induced. Having had all 4 of mine born by c-section, I don't know a whole lot about vaginal births, except that being induced typically means a long, hard and sometimes complicated labor. All day on Saturday I had a nagging feeling that she was going to go in to labor on Sunday. Sunday morning came... Sunday afternoon came and she commented to me "here it is, Sunday, and nothing has happened". All I could say was "the day isn't over". At 8 p.m. her labor started....

At 2 a.m. Lauren and I drove her to the hospital and at 12 :14 p.m. a beautiful, dark head full of hair little boy was born. Sawyer Scott Hargrove. The birth went smooth and Sheridan healed quickly.

I am so thankful for the opportunities that I have had to watch my daughters give birth and become Mothers themselves. What a miracle! I am so thankful for my girls. They are truly my best friends and I love them so much. I feel honored that Heavenly Father has given me the blessing of being their Mom.