Finally,we have a new floor in the kitchen. It is a coated ceramic tile. I love it and it will be so easy to clean. I cleaned the fridge this morning and got al the pictures and things put away yesterday. I threw out a lot of things and it is so nice. I love the additition to the kitchen and it is a lot more room that I thought it would be.
We have worked so hard and I think it is paying off for us. We get our new blinds for the addition on the second of August. They are all wood. We have 5 windows and one over the kitchen sink, which still has to be replaced. It is sitting in the garage. I cut the lawn yesterday. I look forward to that as I get to ride the lawnmower. Larry does all the trimming and it takes as long to do that as cutting the lawn. Need to spray for weeds.
We had Sky, Crew, and Ryde here for 8 days. I loved every minute of it. My age is really showing. We did tons of things with the kids. Took them to ride the train up by Donelly, Id. Played in the Park and had a picnic. I also took them to a place they could jump into foam rubber squares and slide down tons of slides. The met some other kids and played tag until they were exhausted. Crew had been sick the day before and he had to rest a little every little while. But it wasn't long until he was having a ball. We tried to do something every day and I think the kids had a good time.
We just got back from Donnelly, Idaho. We spent a few days resting ad enjoying the peace and quiet and the wondeful smell of the pines. The area is beautiful and one of the most gorgeous rides in America. The lake was so lovely and peaceful. We took a couple mile walk to the lake and enjoyed every step. Geneva and Gerald were there. They go every summer. This year Gerald is the President. We played Bingo. Had wonderful food and enjoyed the company. We bought a season pass and hope we get up there again soon.
We are going on a Jeep Run on Saturday. I think Norma and Darwin are going with us. We wanted to go to Yellow Pine for the Harmonica Festival but I have to teach YW this Sunday. I had last Sunday off.
Well, it is time to go pull weeds in the yard. Signing off for today.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Summer is almost here...... I think?
I was thinking that when we got home from Arizonia this year that we would have a relaxing summer and enjoy getting the yard in shape and being in our home again. It hasn't turned out quite that way. From a Missionary coming home, baptizms of a granddaughter, graduations from high school, remodelling projects, being called into young women, (yikes) and going to girl's camp!! (yikes and more yikes); I feel like I have been run over by a Mack Truck. Just keeping up with the yard and the house is a full time job. But it is especially nice to have a husband who shares in the running of our home. Larry is so neat and organized that it makes living fun and comfortable. To say it has been a busy Spring and Summer is definitely an understatement. I guess the Lord has no intentions of letting me slow down. I am just so grateful for healing of my legs. I am willing to go forward with one foot in the air I can die. I love working in the yard and keeping our house clean and organized. I love taking care of Larry and sharing our intimate moments together. I love sitting in Church with Larry by my side. I love having our children come just to visit and talk. I think the world of Rodney and his precious, wise attitude about what is truly important in this life. I love watching Luke play baseball and seeing a great athlete at work. I loved that Luke and family wanted to have Luke's graduation party here. I love the happy go lucky Justin and how open his heart is to the Lord. How he freely talks of his love for Him and shares his thoughts and feelings with me. I love Kristina and Bo and the beautiful young couple they are and how open to the Spirit that Kristina is. Most of all, I love being a part of a family that strives to lift and support one another no matter what. I really love how they each seem to know when right is right and there is no oneupmanship in this family. I love Larry's sisters and their down right openness in accepting me in the family. Most of all, I love being happy and content. Sure there is much I wish I could change, but I am not naive enough to think I can change people. I know that it is life's circumstances that will polish us and make us fit for His Kingdom. And lots of time in the process we have to suffer from the evil and painful acts of others. I am willing to step back and let the Savior perform his miracles in His time. (Although I am do wish sometimes He would hurry a little more) He already knows this as I keep that thought to myself only and in my prayers through Him.
It was such a wonderful day we got to spend at Talon's homecoming. A young man left to go on his mission two years ago and he returned a wise and loving man. So alive with the Light of the Gospel. Talon is a delightful grandson. The Gospel shines in all he says and does. Larry even commented how much Talon has grown in two years. Talon has a great love for his family and I am so blessed to be his gramma. You hold a special place in my heart Talon. You come from fine parents and it show. And I am mighty Proud of David and Jami. I love you all more than you will ever know.
What a great thing to watch your grandchildren grow up. Although it is a bit disconncerting. It means I am much older. But how blessed I am to see my grandchildren entering this world and knowing they will make a difference for good in the circles in which they move. Ryli, my little Ryli, graduated from High School!!! Her graduating class had many graduating with top honors; Ryli among them. She has always been a straight A student. I remember when she was little and she wanted to be the President of the United States. She has changed her mind now but I was amazed that she was so keen at such a young age and wanting to become the President. She is an exception dancer and has spent years taking dancing classes. She has such grace and poise. From the very first time I saw her dance I was amazed at the natural ability she possessed.
My little Skylar was baptized this year. It was a special day for me to see her in her beautiful white dress. Jill made it for her and she did indeed looked like the Princess that she is. The hardest part for me was being shunned by a son. He came in and sat right in front of me and never even acknowledge I was there let alone that I am his mother. These are painful times for me. Not in any circumstance can I imagine treating another human being like that, especially a mom who tried so hard to live the Gospel and bring her children up with such hopes and dreams for them.
I know I wasn't a perfect mother, but I know Iworked so hard at trying to protect and teach my children. I can in all good conscience stand before Heavenly Father and feel good about my concerted effort in being a good mom. I hate the thought of leaving this life and having any of my children suffer when they recognize what they have done to cause our family so much pain, sorrow and separation. We are indeed, enemies to God and carnal in our natures, when we pursue our selfish motives and not seek to truly understand the nature of the Lord and strive to be like Him. No matter what, that is what the Gospel is all about. If we haven't learned that we have no business judging another or their motives, we really have missed the boat on one of the very core principles that the Lord came to teach us. But I must not leave this without telling those children that I love them so much, I do forgive you and do not wish for you to suffer because of this. Move on and know that no matter what your Mother will never stop loving and caring about you. Also I would be truly remiss if I didn't tell those of my children who have tried to make up for the lacking in our family, how much I love them. You keep me going and when the going gets a little too hard, I always get that telephone call from one of you reminding me that I am loved.
Steve and Natalie came for two weeks and Steve added an addition to our kitchen. What a great job he did. I have never seen such beautiful carpentry. The addition is so solid and wonderful. I even have a darling gable roof over the addition. I love it! In exchange for the addtion we gave Steve and Natalie our 30 f00t enclosed trailer and the two snowmobiles inside. It cost us less than a thousand dollars in materials to complete the addition. I am so excited to have a little more room to have people over to dinner. It was so wonderful to have them here with us and share meals and laughs together. I continued to have prayers over meals and felt the blessings of the Lord in my attempt to keep His Spirit here. It was great when Justin came (another Grandson) and he would say a blessing. One thing that happened which thrilled me was how interested Larry's kids were about my food storage. I got a chance to express my concern for all of us because the world is getting to be very difficult. I am hoping that I am able to cause the children to think about the importance of being prepared in every way. I don't know what plans the Lord has in mind but I pray I am doing my part to be a good example for Larry's family. I do know that everything is the Lord's hands and He is never late. I am content to be Larry's wife and share our wonderful, peaceful life together. He is a precious man and I am so thankful for answered prayers. I know that Larry and I were meant to be together. Larry was an answer to a painful pray of not wanting to be alone anymore. Larry is sensitive to this too as he had been alone for seven years and before that he spent 15 years alone after his first marriage. Larry makes me feel fulfilled and our life together is very near perfect.
It was such a wonderful day we got to spend at Talon's homecoming. A young man left to go on his mission two years ago and he returned a wise and loving man. So alive with the Light of the Gospel. Talon is a delightful grandson. The Gospel shines in all he says and does. Larry even commented how much Talon has grown in two years. Talon has a great love for his family and I am so blessed to be his gramma. You hold a special place in my heart Talon. You come from fine parents and it show. And I am mighty Proud of David and Jami. I love you all more than you will ever know.
What a great thing to watch your grandchildren grow up. Although it is a bit disconncerting. It means I am much older. But how blessed I am to see my grandchildren entering this world and knowing they will make a difference for good in the circles in which they move. Ryli, my little Ryli, graduated from High School!!! Her graduating class had many graduating with top honors; Ryli among them. She has always been a straight A student. I remember when she was little and she wanted to be the President of the United States. She has changed her mind now but I was amazed that she was so keen at such a young age and wanting to become the President. She is an exception dancer and has spent years taking dancing classes. She has such grace and poise. From the very first time I saw her dance I was amazed at the natural ability she possessed.
My little Skylar was baptized this year. It was a special day for me to see her in her beautiful white dress. Jill made it for her and she did indeed looked like the Princess that she is. The hardest part for me was being shunned by a son. He came in and sat right in front of me and never even acknowledge I was there let alone that I am his mother. These are painful times for me. Not in any circumstance can I imagine treating another human being like that, especially a mom who tried so hard to live the Gospel and bring her children up with such hopes and dreams for them.
I know I wasn't a perfect mother, but I know Iworked so hard at trying to protect and teach my children. I can in all good conscience stand before Heavenly Father and feel good about my concerted effort in being a good mom. I hate the thought of leaving this life and having any of my children suffer when they recognize what they have done to cause our family so much pain, sorrow and separation. We are indeed, enemies to God and carnal in our natures, when we pursue our selfish motives and not seek to truly understand the nature of the Lord and strive to be like Him. No matter what, that is what the Gospel is all about. If we haven't learned that we have no business judging another or their motives, we really have missed the boat on one of the very core principles that the Lord came to teach us. But I must not leave this without telling those children that I love them so much, I do forgive you and do not wish for you to suffer because of this. Move on and know that no matter what your Mother will never stop loving and caring about you. Also I would be truly remiss if I didn't tell those of my children who have tried to make up for the lacking in our family, how much I love them. You keep me going and when the going gets a little too hard, I always get that telephone call from one of you reminding me that I am loved.
Steve and Natalie came for two weeks and Steve added an addition to our kitchen. What a great job he did. I have never seen such beautiful carpentry. The addition is so solid and wonderful. I even have a darling gable roof over the addition. I love it! In exchange for the addtion we gave Steve and Natalie our 30 f00t enclosed trailer and the two snowmobiles inside. It cost us less than a thousand dollars in materials to complete the addition. I am so excited to have a little more room to have people over to dinner. It was so wonderful to have them here with us and share meals and laughs together. I continued to have prayers over meals and felt the blessings of the Lord in my attempt to keep His Spirit here. It was great when Justin came (another Grandson) and he would say a blessing. One thing that happened which thrilled me was how interested Larry's kids were about my food storage. I got a chance to express my concern for all of us because the world is getting to be very difficult. I am hoping that I am able to cause the children to think about the importance of being prepared in every way. I don't know what plans the Lord has in mind but I pray I am doing my part to be a good example for Larry's family. I do know that everything is the Lord's hands and He is never late. I am content to be Larry's wife and share our wonderful, peaceful life together. He is a precious man and I am so thankful for answered prayers. I know that Larry and I were meant to be together. Larry was an answer to a painful pray of not wanting to be alone anymore. Larry is sensitive to this too as he had been alone for seven years and before that he spent 15 years alone after his first marriage. Larry makes me feel fulfilled and our life together is very near perfect.
Monday, May 2, 2011
My Trip Utah
This is my Mother's Day gift from Jill and Jennifer. A Mansion in Deer Valley by Park City, Utah. The Place was huge. Seven bedrooms and each with its own bathroom. Below I am sitting on the bed that was my bedroom. The house was so big that we kept getting lost in it. My room also had an attached living room with TV and what must have been over one hundred television stations. The pictures have us in each bedroom and the number of fingers we hold up are indicating the room we are in. We watched one of Jennifer's favorite movies, Stardust. It was cute but I kept dozing through it and will have to rent it so I can really watch it. Jill fixed my Mother's Day breakfast and it was pancakes with a brown sugar, butter swirl and they were delicious. Then the girls drove me to the freeway and I headed back to Idaho. It was a beautiful day to travel.
More pics of the Mansion in Deer Valley. The view from the windows was incredible. Still snow everywhere but quiet and lovely. It was so incredible to spend time with Jennifer and Jill. They are so lovely and I am so happy they are my daughters. We had such a wonderful time. Thank you so much girls for the Great Mother's Day gift! I will treasure the memories for a long time to come!
And yes, here are some of my favorite people in the whole wide world. I got to help care for them while Laura was helping her sister prepare for a birthday party. My beautiful little Ella. She is such a treasure to her gramma Hughes. She sobbed when she had to leave; she said she didn't want to leave her gramma Hughes. My heart nearly burst into pieces. I have such a deep and abiding love for this little girl. She is so precious and I have such a bond of incredible depth with this little her. I have the same bond with Jill's children. I just feel the Truth of the Gospel and the Eternities when I hold them in my arms. It is a feeling like I cannot describe, but it is something that is too sacred to be of this world. I love my grandchildren and I am so grateful to my Children who allow me to have this wonderful relationship with them. I got to know Noah a little better and he just clung to me and everytime he saw me he would run and want me to hold him. I felt the same bond forming with this little man. I loved my own children but I cannot explain the love that I have for my grand children. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father has let me live to feel the incredible feelings I experience when I am with and holding my little ones. Words will never be adequate to discribe the feelings that possess my soul each time I am able to be with them. Ryde, didn't even hesitate to run to me this time. He makes me feel so loved. Crew has turned into a little gentleman since last I saw him. He fearcely protects his mom, sister and little brother. He is wise and good, way beyond his nearly 7 years. I love you little man. You are my hero. And Sky, how precious you are. My heart sings and sings when I think of you. And yes, sweety, you will always be my little Angel. I am so proud of how hard you are trying to keep your covenants of your baptism. Heavenly Father smiles down on you every day. Stay True to those sacred covenants and you will never regret it. I love you, Always.
I got a lot of my food storage and brought back to Idaho. I also was able to get my old-fashion quilting frames in the car. I am donating them to our ward here in Nampa, as the ward does not have any. With my knees giving out on me, I prayed for the strength and energy to climb my stairs to bring all the food storage out to the car. I was fasting for Jennifer, so she would pass her Real Estate tests and so it was even more difficult to walk up the stairs many times to get the car loaded. But my knees seemed to get stronger as I worked. Then I had to unload them at home. And Yes Jennifer passed her TEsts! Hurrah, for you Sweety!
Larry went with Darwin to spray some of the wilderness with the boating club. He said it was cold and rainy and he didn't sleep well because he was so cold. I was so glad to see him when he got back home. I beat him by several hours. Anyway, I am getting old and my body is telling me it is time to slow down. But I really don't want to slow down. I want to die with one foot in the air. I am so very grateful for the healthy body the Lord promised me in my Patriarchial Blessing.
Osoma bin laden was killed yesterday. The whole of America is out in the streets dancing and singing. It was all kept a secret until it was done. They buried his body at sea, last night, so there would be no shrine of him for the people to worship. As they were playing an interview with him before 9/11, he bragged at how he was going to destroy the U.S. and kill all the Americans he could, because that is what God told him to do. It is laughable now that he is now meeting God.
My Patriarach Blessing tells me I would live to see great upheavals come upon the nations in my lifetime. In the last few years I am witnessing the coming to pass of the words of my Heavenly Father. I will not fear and He tells me to live the Gospel and everything would be all right. I am in awe of my incredible Heavenly Parents and my brother, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World. He is my Hero and always has been and will always be. It has been a wonderful 2 and 1/2 years for me. Larry and I are so happy and we have been blessed to travel and go rock-crawling and sightseeing with the Jeep Club and other Jeepers. I am in awe of the beauty of the world. Everything in Nature plays such a huge part in my every day life now. We live in Idaho, we have the best ward in all the Church, and we have a lovely, peaceful and happy home. Life is Good!! Best of all, we love one another and we have adorable grandkids, great sons and daughters who mean the world to us and we share the gratitude with our Heavenly Father and our Savior every single day. We have grandsons fighting for our Freedoms and we know that God will protect them for us. They and their families bring us so much Joy! THANK YOU DEAR FAMILY. WE COULDN'T LOVE YOU MORE! LIFE IS VERY, VERY GOOD!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Our First Sunday At Church in the T or C Branch
It was an interesting day at Church today. We are in a Branch and the Branch President was very kind to us and wanted to find the water as soon as I told him Larry was not a member. The Missionaries were sitting right next to Larry and their eyes lite up when they heard what the BP said. A new couple were the speakers and they were very good talks. Especially the Elder. He is a return Missionary and he gave a powerful talk about how service helps us to overcome our own hard trials. I wish I had written down some of the comments the husband made because they were very insightful and full of truth. It felt so good to take the Sacrament today. I miss doing that and renewing my covenants with the Lord. It helps me to remember to live the Gospel better each day. It has been a very hard few days. There is so much to learn here in the office and I have been unindated the last couple of days. I had my world turned upsidedown when I booked a gay couple into one of the rooms. I felt my Spirit just grieve. It was such an astounding feeling as I have always been very careful to accept everyone at face value. But the arrogance and pride that accompanied the young men was emotionally disturbing to me. I felt the pain in my Spirit for hours after I left.
Larry and I talked about giving Jake our notice and staying long enough for him to get another couple. He has had a talk with Jake about the long hours and how unfair it is for us. The RV space is nothing more than a small lot full of rocks and there are 5 of us jammed into here. We do have utilities but it is not worth if we were even just getting 7 dollars an hour. We figured at just that rate we would be making about 1800 dollars a month. We do have full use of the hot springs but not enough to make it worth it. I think after suffering yesterday and last night and finally after Church talking to Larry about my feelings, he ask me what I wanted to do if we leave here. I just want to go to Arizona and spend the rest of the Winter. At least Geneva and Gerald and Patty and Gary are there and we would have family around us. I was so happy that Larry was so understanding and wonderful about it. When he asked me why I was so upset, I told him if I started to tell him I would cry and he said well maybe you need to cry. But I fasted today for Elizabeth and Calvin and Nat and didn't break my fast until afternoon. I was praying for direction also for us and what we should do. To have Larry listen and be so caring has made it all worth the pain I have felt the last couple of weeks.
I really miss the little ones. I knew I would not see them for over 6 months if we stayed here until April. So if we decide to leave T or C, we will go home at the end of March. The weather has been so wonderful here. We have had one rain storm and the weather man said we have a pretty good storm coming in the next few days. But after cool mornings it is around 70 to 80 during the day. I love the Sunsets in the Desert. The are just incredible.
There is a beauty no matter where you are in the world if you just look for it. We have travelled every three days off to someplace. We have been to Cloride and followed a Jeep trail for several miles. We have gone to Ruidoso
and it is a skiers haven. A lot like Park City in Utah. But a lot bigger. Very rich. We went to a few antique stores and it was so fun. We stopped at a place called four corners, Carrizozo. There was an old antique store there and the front doors and wood furniture were absolutely beautiful. The old man that owned it was so fun to talk to and he put his arm around me like my grandpa used to do. It made me feel my Grandpa Peterson was very near me. He was so cute with me. I wish we needed a door as I would love to have bought one for our home. We also spent a day driving to Pie Town, NM. If you blinked your eyes you would miss the whole town. But we did stop and have a piece of Mexican Apple pie. It had green chillies in it and it was pretty darn good. I have 4 new recipe books. The one from Pie town is really a good book.
I broke one of my contact lenses and had to get an appointment in Las Cruces because they don't have anyone here in T or C that does contact lenses. I love the Dr. I had in Las Cruces. I have never had such a good vision test. I have been there twice and it looks like at least 2 more times. If I don't see well enough he redoes the test and gets a better one for me. It has been my right eye that has not been right. I had some serious tests because I do have some serious problems in my right eye. He has been concerned and is making sure everything is all right. I did have to go to a Doctor here in T or C because my ear was plugged seriously enough that the pain was in the back of my neck and I was in terrible pain. The Doctor was also very good and with the antibiotic worked really well and I am on the mend again. I feel so fortunate to find good doctors. After we get the taxes paid on my home we are going to have our teeth cleaned.
Larry reminded me to add that we went to Silver City and then on to Gila Petrographs. It took us most of the day to get there as the road was windy and very slow. We got there just in time to watch the Ranger lock the gate and we couldn't get in. If it hadn't been so funny we would have been upset. But we did get to drive down to a place we found a cave that had been and Indian dwelling and we also got to see some petrographs. We had a wonderful time anyway.
We do have some celebrities come to the Hot Springs. One fellow, Roalf von Shilling is an actor who is in a movie called, "contagion." Although he did say they may change the name of the film. He said it was being directed by the same man who did the "Oceans 11," films. He also told me there were some big name actors in it. I didn't pry but it was fun to listen to his German accent. His wife's name is Angela and she was indeed like an Angel. So pretty and tall and thin. She was so soft spoken and mystical in a way. Really, really lovely. I also met a lady by the name of Yolanda Acosta who is an Author. Her book is out now and it is her life story. She was also a delightful person. So it has been fun to meet all the people. I have been given a tip and had many people tell me how kind I am. It is nice to have other people appreciate you. I love one of our maids. Her name is Cassie. She has had such a hard life and I have kind of taken her under my wing and listen to her. She has two children and her husband is out of work and she is cleaning rooms and houses to support her family. She told me the other day that she loved me. I love her too. The other maids are Rizzy and Diane. They, too, are very good maids. Diane is Rizzy mom. They all do a wonderful job of cleaning. I am grateful for this experience to meet such wonderful people.
Well, it is time to close for today. It has been a wonderful year. Our beautiful tree in front of our home in Idaho split off one third the day we were to leave and Larry and I spent Sunday before we left cutting it up and cleaning the front yard. It was 1.5 tons of tree that we took to the limb dump. I can't believe we did it all by ourselves. Grace just called me and said it had been windy there but the tree was standing tall and withstanding the wind. I guess when I think about it there have been some very trying moments this year too. It keeps me humble and helps me to set resolves in my life.
The thing that hurts the most is when those closest to you say terrible things behind your back. For years I have just put it behind me and forgiven and moved on. This last time I was crying and decided, because of my sweet husband words, to once again forgive and forget. I had prayed very hard about it and on our way to see them some incredible things happened that prevented us from getting there. It all of a sudden came to me that Heavenly Father decided that it was time to move on with my life. Not to be hurt anymore. It was as if Heaven opened its doors and blew fresh spring breezes and smells and told me to go on home and let go. I feel a huge weight off my heart. I am so tired of being the brunt of lies and enuendos. I was beginning to feel like a fighter, going down for the last time. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father who does indeed take care of us and tell us when it is time to let go. I have a wonderful family in Larry's sisters. They are appalled at some of the things that have happened since I married Larry. But they are so supportive and loving and it is so wonderful to see a family that puts one another first and defends one another to the death. I have never heard a word of gossip from one of the family. I feel so blessed to be in this Family. Their support of one another is what I always thought that family was for. Larry is my Prince on a white horse. He came into my life and taught me how love and life is supposed to be. I feel many times like I have died and gone to Heaven.
I just want to tell Skyar, Crew and Ryde how much I love you. I am so proud of the kind of children that you are. How kind and loving you are to me and to your mom. I am proud of the way you have handled the difficult life you have come into because of your dad. You have a wonderful mom who has given her all to see that you have all you need to have a wonderful life. She is dedicated to you and I hope as you grow in wisdom and years you will realize how blessed you were to have her for your mommy. Ryli, I have missed our closeness. You are growing up and are so adorable. I think of you often and miss your little girl years. You too, were blessed with an incredible mom. She is the best woman I have ever known. I hope you understand what she has done with a very difficult life. She should be your example. I hope some day we can be as close as we once were.
Larry and I talked about giving Jake our notice and staying long enough for him to get another couple. He has had a talk with Jake about the long hours and how unfair it is for us. The RV space is nothing more than a small lot full of rocks and there are 5 of us jammed into here. We do have utilities but it is not worth if we were even just getting 7 dollars an hour. We figured at just that rate we would be making about 1800 dollars a month. We do have full use of the hot springs but not enough to make it worth it. I think after suffering yesterday and last night and finally after Church talking to Larry about my feelings, he ask me what I wanted to do if we leave here. I just want to go to Arizona and spend the rest of the Winter. At least Geneva and Gerald and Patty and Gary are there and we would have family around us. I was so happy that Larry was so understanding and wonderful about it. When he asked me why I was so upset, I told him if I started to tell him I would cry and he said well maybe you need to cry. But I fasted today for Elizabeth and Calvin and Nat and didn't break my fast until afternoon. I was praying for direction also for us and what we should do. To have Larry listen and be so caring has made it all worth the pain I have felt the last couple of weeks.
I really miss the little ones. I knew I would not see them for over 6 months if we stayed here until April. So if we decide to leave T or C, we will go home at the end of March. The weather has been so wonderful here. We have had one rain storm and the weather man said we have a pretty good storm coming in the next few days. But after cool mornings it is around 70 to 80 during the day. I love the Sunsets in the Desert. The are just incredible.
There is a beauty no matter where you are in the world if you just look for it. We have travelled every three days off to someplace. We have been to Cloride and followed a Jeep trail for several miles. We have gone to Ruidoso
and it is a skiers haven. A lot like Park City in Utah. But a lot bigger. Very rich. We went to a few antique stores and it was so fun. We stopped at a place called four corners, Carrizozo. There was an old antique store there and the front doors and wood furniture were absolutely beautiful. The old man that owned it was so fun to talk to and he put his arm around me like my grandpa used to do. It made me feel my Grandpa Peterson was very near me. He was so cute with me. I wish we needed a door as I would love to have bought one for our home. We also spent a day driving to Pie Town, NM. If you blinked your eyes you would miss the whole town. But we did stop and have a piece of Mexican Apple pie. It had green chillies in it and it was pretty darn good. I have 4 new recipe books. The one from Pie town is really a good book.
I broke one of my contact lenses and had to get an appointment in Las Cruces because they don't have anyone here in T or C that does contact lenses. I love the Dr. I had in Las Cruces. I have never had such a good vision test. I have been there twice and it looks like at least 2 more times. If I don't see well enough he redoes the test and gets a better one for me. It has been my right eye that has not been right. I had some serious tests because I do have some serious problems in my right eye. He has been concerned and is making sure everything is all right. I did have to go to a Doctor here in T or C because my ear was plugged seriously enough that the pain was in the back of my neck and I was in terrible pain. The Doctor was also very good and with the antibiotic worked really well and I am on the mend again. I feel so fortunate to find good doctors. After we get the taxes paid on my home we are going to have our teeth cleaned.
Larry reminded me to add that we went to Silver City and then on to Gila Petrographs. It took us most of the day to get there as the road was windy and very slow. We got there just in time to watch the Ranger lock the gate and we couldn't get in. If it hadn't been so funny we would have been upset. But we did get to drive down to a place we found a cave that had been and Indian dwelling and we also got to see some petrographs. We had a wonderful time anyway.
We do have some celebrities come to the Hot Springs. One fellow, Roalf von Shilling is an actor who is in a movie called, "contagion." Although he did say they may change the name of the film. He said it was being directed by the same man who did the "Oceans 11," films. He also told me there were some big name actors in it. I didn't pry but it was fun to listen to his German accent. His wife's name is Angela and she was indeed like an Angel. So pretty and tall and thin. She was so soft spoken and mystical in a way. Really, really lovely. I also met a lady by the name of Yolanda Acosta who is an Author. Her book is out now and it is her life story. She was also a delightful person. So it has been fun to meet all the people. I have been given a tip and had many people tell me how kind I am. It is nice to have other people appreciate you. I love one of our maids. Her name is Cassie. She has had such a hard life and I have kind of taken her under my wing and listen to her. She has two children and her husband is out of work and she is cleaning rooms and houses to support her family. She told me the other day that she loved me. I love her too. The other maids are Rizzy and Diane. They, too, are very good maids. Diane is Rizzy mom. They all do a wonderful job of cleaning. I am grateful for this experience to meet such wonderful people.
Well, it is time to close for today. It has been a wonderful year. Our beautiful tree in front of our home in Idaho split off one third the day we were to leave and Larry and I spent Sunday before we left cutting it up and cleaning the front yard. It was 1.5 tons of tree that we took to the limb dump. I can't believe we did it all by ourselves. Grace just called me and said it had been windy there but the tree was standing tall and withstanding the wind. I guess when I think about it there have been some very trying moments this year too. It keeps me humble and helps me to set resolves in my life.
The thing that hurts the most is when those closest to you say terrible things behind your back. For years I have just put it behind me and forgiven and moved on. This last time I was crying and decided, because of my sweet husband words, to once again forgive and forget. I had prayed very hard about it and on our way to see them some incredible things happened that prevented us from getting there. It all of a sudden came to me that Heavenly Father decided that it was time to move on with my life. Not to be hurt anymore. It was as if Heaven opened its doors and blew fresh spring breezes and smells and told me to go on home and let go. I feel a huge weight off my heart. I am so tired of being the brunt of lies and enuendos. I was beginning to feel like a fighter, going down for the last time. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father who does indeed take care of us and tell us when it is time to let go. I have a wonderful family in Larry's sisters. They are appalled at some of the things that have happened since I married Larry. But they are so supportive and loving and it is so wonderful to see a family that puts one another first and defends one another to the death. I have never heard a word of gossip from one of the family. I feel so blessed to be in this Family. Their support of one another is what I always thought that family was for. Larry is my Prince on a white horse. He came into my life and taught me how love and life is supposed to be. I feel many times like I have died and gone to Heaven.
I just want to tell Skyar, Crew and Ryde how much I love you. I am so proud of the kind of children that you are. How kind and loving you are to me and to your mom. I am proud of the way you have handled the difficult life you have come into because of your dad. You have a wonderful mom who has given her all to see that you have all you need to have a wonderful life. She is dedicated to you and I hope as you grow in wisdom and years you will realize how blessed you were to have her for your mommy. Ryli, I have missed our closeness. You are growing up and are so adorable. I think of you often and miss your little girl years. You too, were blessed with an incredible mom. She is the best woman I have ever known. I hope you understand what she has done with a very difficult life. She should be your example. I hope some day we can be as close as we once were.
Friday, September 24, 2010
SUMMER OF 2010
Well, our trip to Kentucy was beautiful and exciting. They only drawback was the heat and the humidity. It was always in the 90 to 100's and the humidity was near or always 1oo percent. In that case it was miserable. Thank heavens we had a beautiful air-conditioned building to spend the days in. We were fortunate to have our motorhome and have the air-conditioning unit. A lot of people did not have it and were only able to get it by running their . There were rules that they couldn't be run after 10 at night or 8 in the morning, but it wasn't long until they did away with that rule. I was so grateful for the motorhome.
We were at the Fairgrounds in Louieville, Kentucy. We had rides to the main building all day long. We got to take classes on RV'ing everyday if we chose to and we got to see a lot of talent on the day stage. We watched a dog show and it was so cute. I couldn't believe how good the dogs were. We also got to see many talented singers. There was one 2o-something girl that was blind from birth. Her name was Sarah Getto. She was self-taught on the piano and violin. She recorded her own back-ground music and added it to her keyboard playing as she sang to us. She was so talented. Her Dad and Mother was her backup support and they were so adorable with her. She had a Master's degree in Music and her mother had to read most of her text books to her as they were not out in braile. What dedicated parents. We bought three of her cd's and have so enjoyed them.
In the evenings we did get to see Tanya Tucker and many other famous singers. We really had a good time. They had a talent show but we were so exhausted from the heat a few days and didn't leave the motorhome at night. The country was just beautiful on the way to Kentucy. I can't believe how much beauty we have here in the United States. We went through 14 states and did stop and spend a night at my step sisters in Oklahoma. I got to see my step brother, Shawn and haven't see him since he was a little tike. I fell in love with him immediately. He has gotten very street-smart having to grow up the way that we each had to. I got to meet his new wife and children too. Shawn is a great father. I am glad he is my brother.
We did stop in Branson, Missouri and got to see a couple of shows. The Righteous brothers was the best one we saw. All in all it was a very good trip. I started to worry about the toronados as we had some real rain storms and the sky was the blackest I have ever seen. We found the shelters and I was ready to run at any given moment. Larry had a good laugh at me.
We have had a great summer with Visiting Teachers and Home Teachers and many wonderful members of my ward. Larry seems to fit in so well. I did give him a set of Scriptures and explained a few things to him and highlighted Moroni 10:4 and asked him to prayfully consider the words of this Scripture before he started reading the Book of Mormon. I was a little aprehensive to give them to Larry but he had tears in his eyes and was very receptive about it all. Now it is up to the Lord to do the urging.
I don't ever do the Lord's work but try really hard to listen to the Spirit when I am to move. This has been an exciting time for me as I attend Sacrament meeting with Larry and watch his reactions to the people in the ward. We are very good friends with a couple that just got re-baptized a few months ago. We have eaten dinner at their house and they at ours. They invited us to lunch yesterday at a little cafe' called Robin's Nest and we had a delightful time with them. We are going to their house on Saturday to watch the BSU/ Oregon game. So we are in constant contact with Church members.
We are also very close to the kids here around us. Larry is so good at staying in touch with them and they with him. We get to see Jill and the kids as often as we can. We see the kids here often as we have Barbeques and dinners a lot. I am also very close to his sisters, whom I dearly love. They have treated me as one of them from the very beginning. I feel so blessed to have wanted a sister for so long and now I have 4 right here who make me feel as if I have always belonged. I am in such good hands with Larry's family. I have missed my sister and our Friday's together. I feel so blessed to have Jill and Shelley and Jennifer and David/Jami, in my life and how they have openly accepted Larry and how good they are to him. Larry is just so in love with Jill's little ones and they love him right back. Especially Ryde. He just looks at Larry like he is the best. When Larry is around Ryde is always in his arms or back in them in a matter of minutes. Larry is so pleased and he sure loves the kids back.
Well, we are on our way to New Mexico for 5 months. We will be at the Riverbend Hot Springs Resort, working 3 days and off 3 days. It has ben hectic getting ready to leave. We vowed not to plan anything this last week and that was a joke as we have done something every day with someone. I did get the Motorhome cleaned and ready to go. All we have to do is finish putting clothes and food in. I am only going to fill the freezer as we want to wait until we get there to buy fresh food. I am so worried that I will wish I had taken something else. I have tried to be very thorough in preparing. Anyway if anyone wants our address for the next 5 months it is: c/o RIVERBEND HOT SPRINGS RESORT
100 AUSTIN STREET
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, NEW MEXICO
87901
We will take lots of pictures. On the Hot Springs side you look out over the Rio Grand River and it is beautiful. We have many hot springs that go from 102 to 108 degrees. It is a resort and not an RV park, with motel rooms and other amenities besides the hot springs. It would be nice to see some of you as we can have guests stay with us. So if you are inclined, please come and spend a couple of days with us.
Well, there was much more to tell and I need to do this a little more to keep up with our life. We will dearly miss some of our dear friends here. I love the ward as they members are so clearly Saints. I have never heard, not even once, back-biting of anyone in the ward. We just couldn't ask for a better Bishop or Counselors. They are truly men of God. I need to get my recommend as I want to go to the Temple with Calvin and Joyce when we get back here to Nampa. I am so excited to go with them.
I hope you all have a wonderful Fall and Winter season. God Bless and keep you safe and well.
We were at the Fairgrounds in Louieville, Kentucy. We had rides to the main building all day long. We got to take classes on RV'ing everyday if we chose to and we got to see a lot of talent on the day stage. We watched a dog show and it was so cute. I couldn't believe how good the dogs were. We also got to see many talented singers. There was one 2o-something girl that was blind from birth. Her name was Sarah Getto. She was self-taught on the piano and violin. She recorded her own back-ground music and added it to her keyboard playing as she sang to us. She was so talented. Her Dad and Mother was her backup support and they were so adorable with her. She had a Master's degree in Music and her mother had to read most of her text books to her as they were not out in braile. What dedicated parents. We bought three of her cd's and have so enjoyed them.
In the evenings we did get to see Tanya Tucker and many other famous singers. We really had a good time. They had a talent show but we were so exhausted from the heat a few days and didn't leave the motorhome at night. The country was just beautiful on the way to Kentucy. I can't believe how much beauty we have here in the United States. We went through 14 states and did stop and spend a night at my step sisters in Oklahoma. I got to see my step brother, Shawn and haven't see him since he was a little tike. I fell in love with him immediately. He has gotten very street-smart having to grow up the way that we each had to. I got to meet his new wife and children too. Shawn is a great father. I am glad he is my brother.
We did stop in Branson, Missouri and got to see a couple of shows. The Righteous brothers was the best one we saw. All in all it was a very good trip. I started to worry about the toronados as we had some real rain storms and the sky was the blackest I have ever seen. We found the shelters and I was ready to run at any given moment. Larry had a good laugh at me.
We have had a great summer with Visiting Teachers and Home Teachers and many wonderful members of my ward. Larry seems to fit in so well. I did give him a set of Scriptures and explained a few things to him and highlighted Moroni 10:4 and asked him to prayfully consider the words of this Scripture before he started reading the Book of Mormon. I was a little aprehensive to give them to Larry but he had tears in his eyes and was very receptive about it all. Now it is up to the Lord to do the urging.
I don't ever do the Lord's work but try really hard to listen to the Spirit when I am to move. This has been an exciting time for me as I attend Sacrament meeting with Larry and watch his reactions to the people in the ward. We are very good friends with a couple that just got re-baptized a few months ago. We have eaten dinner at their house and they at ours. They invited us to lunch yesterday at a little cafe' called Robin's Nest and we had a delightful time with them. We are going to their house on Saturday to watch the BSU/ Oregon game. So we are in constant contact with Church members.
We are also very close to the kids here around us. Larry is so good at staying in touch with them and they with him. We get to see Jill and the kids as often as we can. We see the kids here often as we have Barbeques and dinners a lot. I am also very close to his sisters, whom I dearly love. They have treated me as one of them from the very beginning. I feel so blessed to have wanted a sister for so long and now I have 4 right here who make me feel as if I have always belonged. I am in such good hands with Larry's family. I have missed my sister and our Friday's together. I feel so blessed to have Jill and Shelley and Jennifer and David/Jami, in my life and how they have openly accepted Larry and how good they are to him. Larry is just so in love with Jill's little ones and they love him right back. Especially Ryde. He just looks at Larry like he is the best. When Larry is around Ryde is always in his arms or back in them in a matter of minutes. Larry is so pleased and he sure loves the kids back.
Well, we are on our way to New Mexico for 5 months. We will be at the Riverbend Hot Springs Resort, working 3 days and off 3 days. It has ben hectic getting ready to leave. We vowed not to plan anything this last week and that was a joke as we have done something every day with someone. I did get the Motorhome cleaned and ready to go. All we have to do is finish putting clothes and food in. I am only going to fill the freezer as we want to wait until we get there to buy fresh food. I am so worried that I will wish I had taken something else. I have tried to be very thorough in preparing. Anyway if anyone wants our address for the next 5 months it is: c/o RIVERBEND HOT SPRINGS RESORT
100 AUSTIN STREET
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, NEW MEXICO
87901
We will take lots of pictures. On the Hot Springs side you look out over the Rio Grand River and it is beautiful. We have many hot springs that go from 102 to 108 degrees. It is a resort and not an RV park, with motel rooms and other amenities besides the hot springs. It would be nice to see some of you as we can have guests stay with us. So if you are inclined, please come and spend a couple of days with us.
Well, there was much more to tell and I need to do this a little more to keep up with our life. We will dearly miss some of our dear friends here. I love the ward as they members are so clearly Saints. I have never heard, not even once, back-biting of anyone in the ward. We just couldn't ask for a better Bishop or Counselors. They are truly men of God. I need to get my recommend as I want to go to the Temple with Calvin and Joyce when we get back here to Nampa. I am so excited to go with them.
I hope you all have a wonderful Fall and Winter season. God Bless and keep you safe and well.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
TRIP TO LOUIVILLE, KENTUCY
I am just amazed at how beautiful the Country is. We have travelled almost 2000 miles since leaving Nampa on July 10, 2010. The Southern part of the States is so green and alive. I had a hard time when we left the Mountains and went into Kansas and Nebraska. We stayed in Waco, Nebraska and met up with Natalie and Steve. We had a great time with them. We drove into Lincoln and went to some thrift and antique stores. What a kick. Natalie saves Pyrex ware and we found tons. They had to leave the night we got home from Lincoln as Nat had to be to work the next Morning. They only live about an hour and a half away. It was hard to say goodbye to them again. Got a cute email from Brittany telling me they had already tried one of the rubarb recipes we sent home with them. We left the next morning and drove all day to Columbia, Missouri and then on to Evansville, Indiana. In Columbia, Missouri and in Evansville, Indiana we had horrific rain storms. The humidity is so high and then the electricity went off and I couldn't sleep until the electricity came back on and we had air conditioning again. I have never seen such rain, lightening and thunder. Then the air raids went off and all I could think was we were going to have a toronado and we would die. I was so scared and ask Larry where we were supposed to go to have shelter. He laughed at me but said we would probably go to a building and where there was no glass windows. But it all ended and the only thing that stayed and really wore out its welcome was the terrible humidity. It has been nearly a hundred percent since we got to the mid-west.
At the Evansvilles camp we were on a 4H campground. It was pretty nice. From there we went into Louiville, Kentucy. There were over 60,000 RV's at the Kentucy Fairgrounds. We were in Section J, Lot 1 and row 30 and space 30. We took shuttles back and forth to Freedom Building. We had concerts every night and seminars all day everyday. We bought a nesting pan set for the Motorhome. They are so nice and take up much less space. We also bought a booster antennea for the Motorhome but so far it hasn't done much good. We listen to the radio most of the time when we are not at the Rally.
We saw the "Monarchs". They are a singing and band group from the 70's and they were so good. We saw Tanya Tucker and she is still as good as ever. Bob Newhart was there and there was a talent show and an impersonation show. There was a girl by the name of Sarah Getto who was blind and she self-taught herself to play the piano at 3 and went on to learn to play other instruments. She was very good on the piano and violin and sings like an angel. Her dad was by her side and was so cute with her. Sarah graduated from High School and College with a perfect 4.0 grade point. Her mom read all her lessons and reading material to her as they couldn't get it all in braile. Sarah was a school teacher for a year and then started traveling with her music and she has been all over the world. She was so cute and her daddy was hunting for a husband for her. It was such a good show and her parents adored her and so did the audience.
We also saw Tex and Mary Shultz. They were singers. She played the bass and he the guitar and man were they good. We also got to see a dog contest and it was so fun. The dogs were amazingly good on stage. There were probably about 80-100 dogs. One lady had one in a kind of hammock. It was tiny and she carried it around like a purse. I wanted the dog so much and she told me the next day she sold it. Some of the dogs were so adorable. But with us traveling so much right now we have to wait to have a dog.
We also got to go on a tour to Churchill Downs and the Louiville Little Slugger Bat Factory. We even got to see a real Race Horse. Man was he beautiful. What a Treat! The guide told us that, "we take Billionaires and make them into Millionaires." Horseracing is a very very expensive sport and the horses are always 3 years old and they only race once at the Kentucy Derby. It was quite an experience to see some of the Museum there with all the years of racing. There were four graves of famous horses on the grounds but they only bury the head, heart and hoofs. While there we were in the company of a butch and a dike and the butch was trying very hard not to be a woman. Her sports bra didn't hold it all in and she wore men's long shorts and men's tank top. It was so funny but also very sad at the same time. What a waste of a lifetime.
We left Louiville, Kentucy on Sunday morning. We could have stayed one more day at the Rally but we didn't want to fight the work traffic on Monday morning. We drove across the Ohio River and we are again in Indiana. We are staying at Santa Claus, Indiana. All the streets in the RV Park are Christmas names. We are on the corner of Dasher and Garland. The humidity is still awful. We did get hooked up to sewer and were able to drain the black and grey water. It was driving me crazy. All we had at the Rally was Electicity. We couldn't have survived if we hadn't had it. Some people had their generators on all day and night. I am so glad we have it all built in our Motorhome.
We will go on to Branson, Missouri for a couple of days and go to a couple of shows and hopefully get to see some of the sights. Will write more about that later.
We did get to have Breakfast at the "Waffle House". I remember doing that with Bill when we were in Savannah, Georgia. Their Pecan Waffles are to die for. When we were on our tour we stopped at Mark's Feed Store. It was all paid for in our tour cost. They really fed us well. We had pork and chicken, great beans, salads and buttermilk pie. It was finally real food. The food that we bought at the Rally on the fairgrounds was just horrible. I was so sick of it and was glad to leave today. Not having a car to travel to a restaurant was hard. I wish we had rented one. Anyway When we go to the RV in Remond next year we will take a car too. It has cost a fortune for gas and luckily we saved it all before we left. But it would have been twice as much if we had towed a car. That was our thinking when we decided not to bring a car.
Well, I will finish this up when we have a few more days behind us. We are thinking of going on to New Mexico to see Aaron and Family and on to see kids in Utah after we leave Oklahoma. I get to see Coleen in Oklahoma and some of my other step family. It will be nice to get re-aquainted with them.
At the Evansvilles camp we were on a 4H campground. It was pretty nice. From there we went into Louiville, Kentucy. There were over 60,000 RV's at the Kentucy Fairgrounds. We were in Section J, Lot 1 and row 30 and space 30. We took shuttles back and forth to Freedom Building. We had concerts every night and seminars all day everyday. We bought a nesting pan set for the Motorhome. They are so nice and take up much less space. We also bought a booster antennea for the Motorhome but so far it hasn't done much good. We listen to the radio most of the time when we are not at the Rally.
We saw the "Monarchs". They are a singing and band group from the 70's and they were so good. We saw Tanya Tucker and she is still as good as ever. Bob Newhart was there and there was a talent show and an impersonation show. There was a girl by the name of Sarah Getto who was blind and she self-taught herself to play the piano at 3 and went on to learn to play other instruments. She was very good on the piano and violin and sings like an angel. Her dad was by her side and was so cute with her. Sarah graduated from High School and College with a perfect 4.0 grade point. Her mom read all her lessons and reading material to her as they couldn't get it all in braile. Sarah was a school teacher for a year and then started traveling with her music and she has been all over the world. She was so cute and her daddy was hunting for a husband for her. It was such a good show and her parents adored her and so did the audience.
We also saw Tex and Mary Shultz. They were singers. She played the bass and he the guitar and man were they good. We also got to see a dog contest and it was so fun. The dogs were amazingly good on stage. There were probably about 80-100 dogs. One lady had one in a kind of hammock. It was tiny and she carried it around like a purse. I wanted the dog so much and she told me the next day she sold it. Some of the dogs were so adorable. But with us traveling so much right now we have to wait to have a dog.
We also got to go on a tour to Churchill Downs and the Louiville Little Slugger Bat Factory. We even got to see a real Race Horse. Man was he beautiful. What a Treat! The guide told us that, "we take Billionaires and make them into Millionaires." Horseracing is a very very expensive sport and the horses are always 3 years old and they only race once at the Kentucy Derby. It was quite an experience to see some of the Museum there with all the years of racing. There were four graves of famous horses on the grounds but they only bury the head, heart and hoofs. While there we were in the company of a butch and a dike and the butch was trying very hard not to be a woman. Her sports bra didn't hold it all in and she wore men's long shorts and men's tank top. It was so funny but also very sad at the same time. What a waste of a lifetime.
We left Louiville, Kentucy on Sunday morning. We could have stayed one more day at the Rally but we didn't want to fight the work traffic on Monday morning. We drove across the Ohio River and we are again in Indiana. We are staying at Santa Claus, Indiana. All the streets in the RV Park are Christmas names. We are on the corner of Dasher and Garland. The humidity is still awful. We did get hooked up to sewer and were able to drain the black and grey water. It was driving me crazy. All we had at the Rally was Electicity. We couldn't have survived if we hadn't had it. Some people had their generators on all day and night. I am so glad we have it all built in our Motorhome.
We will go on to Branson, Missouri for a couple of days and go to a couple of shows and hopefully get to see some of the sights. Will write more about that later.
We did get to have Breakfast at the "Waffle House". I remember doing that with Bill when we were in Savannah, Georgia. Their Pecan Waffles are to die for. When we were on our tour we stopped at Mark's Feed Store. It was all paid for in our tour cost. They really fed us well. We had pork and chicken, great beans, salads and buttermilk pie. It was finally real food. The food that we bought at the Rally on the fairgrounds was just horrible. I was so sick of it and was glad to leave today. Not having a car to travel to a restaurant was hard. I wish we had rented one. Anyway When we go to the RV in Remond next year we will take a car too. It has cost a fortune for gas and luckily we saved it all before we left. But it would have been twice as much if we had towed a car. That was our thinking when we decided not to bring a car.
Well, I will finish this up when we have a few more days behind us. We are thinking of going on to New Mexico to see Aaron and Family and on to see kids in Utah after we leave Oklahoma. I get to see Coleen in Oklahoma and some of my other step family. It will be nice to get re-aquainted with them.
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