I love to see the temple!

Since the temple has re-opened, I have been trying to get to the temple weekly. So far so good. I went with Michele (Millicent's mom) the first week, and last week I went with Melanie.

When I drive to the temple, I think of what it was like to hear about the temple coming to Fresno. From the first moment I heard that the church was building small temples, the spirit whispered that we would have one here and to prepare. Yet when they announced it, I was overcome with joy. Seeing the temple on the beautiful grounds, I remember taking my children to the groundbreaking. Kelly and Joe helped turn over a shovel full of dirt that day, and I was pregnant with Laine. We drove by the temple site nearly every week after church to see the progress they made.

I still remember the dedication of the temple, and seeing President Hinckley live, in person made my heart swell with testimony. Attending the temple now, I think about all the worries, concerns and heartbreaks I have brought to The Lord and turned over to him there. I consider things of eternity. I pray for my friends who are grieving or sick or who have other troubles. I ponder what it will be like in a few short weeks to be with all four of my children in the temple. I consider the sacred things that have happened or been revealed to me here, and I feel so very blessed.

The First Days

I've been in training at my new job, and enjoying every minute of it! I feel so blessed to be working, and even my kids can tell. Kelly asked me, "Does it feel good to say that you can't answer your phone because you're working?" And Laine said, "It must feel good to be earning money again!"

I keep thinking, I'm going to get paid to do this? Paid to love people, nurture them in every way I can, and keep busy doing good? I almost feel guilty for taking money to do what I love doing anyway. Almost.

There are a hundred residents at Nazareth House. There are about 75 employees. So basically, I have to learn 175 names/faces in addition to trying to learn all of my regular responsibilities. I need to learn each resident's particular needs/likes, as well as their unique situation. I conduct one or two morning and afternoon activities personally, oversee the activities of each of the assistants who help with activities, and also arrange  staff activities and in-services (training) for them.

I get to work with a lady I really like and admire. She is one of those people who never asks anyone to do anything she wouldn't do herself, and no job is beneath her at Nazareth House.

I think I'm in love. :)

Hiking Photos

One of the beautiful wildflowers.

My friend Keith and I like to hike occasionally. On Saturday we decided to hike up the San Joaquin River Trail beginning at Sky Harbor. I appreciated having a companion since I don't like hiking alone, and Keith puts up with me going slow, stopping to examine the view, panting my way up hills and exclaiming over every wildflower. He's a good friend, or more like a brother to me.

Aren't these poppies beautiful?

I couldn't resist this tree. It reminds me of me.
All beat up by life, but still going strong!

An image from across Millerton Lake. This might be my dream home.
Far from everyone, peaceful and no one is coming over to
my house asking me why I don't tend to my yard.

Look at this vista! This is further up the trail, and after hiking uphill for what
seemed like forever. It was worth it, though.

Another view along our trail. It just takes my breath away.
And not just because I'm so out of shape!

A close up of a lovely poppy.
These flowers make me happy!

I liked this geological structure. Neat!

Looking back over my shoulder along the trail, this is what I saw.

This is a day-use area that costs $10 to park. There are bathrooms
here to begin and end the hike. We didn't park here. We parked
up yet another hill. (Oh, my aching legs!)

Millerton Lake at the starting/ending point.

Heart Full of Gratitude!

I received word today that I FINALLY have a job!!

Let me pause to explain, for those who haven't been job searching lately, that it's very hard to find employment in the current economy. I know highly qualified amazing people who have been looking for work for two years, so the fact that I was able to find work in three months is a miracle straight from my Father in Heaven. It is evidence that his promises are sure.

Very humbling indeed.

Quitting my job at New York Life was a leap of faith. Trying to go back to school to get my bachelor's degree was another leap that began with frustration (not being able to get in at first, not being able to get classes) and ended with a shower of blessings (finishing in two years, with highest honors). Taking the Lord at his word that I should not work but be a full-time parent and student required immense financial discipline and trusting his promise that after I was done with my degree that I would be able to find work quickly enough to stave off losing my home and being out on the street with my kids, even in the face of the horrifying state of the economy, took more courage and faith than I thought I possessed at times.

And the true trial came after I finished my degree and began my quest for employment in earnest. I was led about which services to utilize to find employment. I was taught to accept help from others (admittedly, I'm still not good at this. I've been independent since I was about 16 and I've seldom relied on others for anything.) I applied at nearly every job I could find, but prayed mightily to find a job that would allow me to serve others and yet meet my financial needs.

And the Lord keeps his promises! I will begin work at the Nazareth House on April 4, 2013! Full time, with benefits (after 90 days), as an activity director, serving about 100 senior residents at all levels of care. I can't begin to say how humbled and grateful I am. For some tender stirrings of the soul, there are no words. I feel loved beyond my ability to express it or believe it.

Priesthood Power!

On March 7th, Johnny turned 12 years old. It's a huge deal for boys in our church, because that is when they first receive the priesthood. Boys from age 12 until age 14 are ordained as deacons. Deacons pass the sacrament in church and assist other priesthood holders and the Bishop as needed. In order to receive the priesthood, young men must be interviewed by the Bishop, who determines whether or not they are keeping the commandments, living righteously, and are otherwise eligible to receive the priesthood. They are then interviewed every six months by the Bishop, or as needed, to check how they are doing and receive guidance as deemed necessary.

There are two priesthoods in the church: the Aaronic (or lesser priesthood) named after Aaron from the Bible, and the Melchizedek priesthood, named after (you guessed it!) Melchizedek. Each priesthood has offices with differing responsibilities. In church on March 10th, it was announced that Johnny had graduated from primary and was worthy to be ordained as a deacon. On March 17th, during priesthood, Johnny was ordained by Brother Nick Musick, the young men's president in the ward.  In the circle of men who surrounded him during his ordination and blessing were the Bishop, Brother Scoffield (from the Bishop's Storehouse), Brother Peterson (our home teacher), and Nick Sanders (Johnny's brother-in-law). This past Sunday, he passed the sacrament for the first time. It was fun to see him dressed in his suit and carrying out his responsibilities with solemnity.

Now we have two priesthood holders in the house! Joe will be turning 16 this summer, after which he will be ordained to be a priest. Priests bless the sacrament, perform baptisms, and assist other priesthood holders with their responsibilities.

I feel very blessed to have the priesthood power here in our home. :)

Mile Markers

Last weekend, we celebrated Erin's 26th birthday...tacos and cake and ice cream, Uno, the Fresno Zoo, and all the tender madness of family. It was wonderful!

Since then, Johnny has been counting down the days until he's out of primary. Last Sunday he gave his last talk (EVAR!!) in primary, and he's furiously checking and double checking his Articles of Faith so he can get his Faith in God award before he graduates from primary on March 7th. He will become a deacon then, and he's already asking me if there's some kind of training that he can go to that will teach him how to pass the sacrament. It touches my heart! I need to get him some ties, church shoes, and white shirts for this next stage of his life. He's outgrown everything we have already.

Laine and I are working on the Virtue project, which entails reading the Book of Mormon from beginning to end, for the Young Women's Medallion. She needed some encouragement there, so I volunteered to do it with her. I think it will be very cool!

Today I took Kelly with me to do visiting teaching for the first time. She was bored and anxious for it to be over. Still, I think she may remember it when she is old enough to do visiting teaching on her own.

I spent a great deal of these last two weeks struggling to keep an upbeat attitude. It has been a very trying time to be a mom of teenagers, and I have felt completely inadequate and very much alone. Not that others don't have similar problems, but it's just that most of the time when the crises happen, I have no one around to back me up or for me to get encouragement from. Still, I'm counting my blessings and trying to remember that this part of the journey won't last forever.

I'm having anxiety about starting a full-time position and leaving the kids to fend for themselves for those few hours after school. The job search is a daily trial, but I'm grateful that the Lord has kept his promise to watch over our family during this time. He is faithful and always keeps his promises!

Valentine's Day Was a Bust - Mostly.

Just saying.

I made bacon and pancakes for the kids for breakfast. Big hit. I also bought the kids each a giant sized candy bar and gave them a second little treat.

I brought the kids to school, during which Kelly and I had a discussion about her plans that turned into an argument because she wanted to spend all day with someone special and I asked her to be back by 4. Then I went to help prepare the room for the Central Valley Professionals seminar. Everyone was running late, so I was scrambling on my own to get everything ready on time.

I then revamped my resume and spent time preparing for a practice interview, which turned out to be the highlight of my day. The two interviewers gave me high marks and told me they were very excited about my prospects. I felt like I was floating for a while.

When I arrived back at the seminar, I discovered that one of our speakers for Friday was unable to make it, and I had to prepare a presentation to make in her place. I left CVP and picked up the kids and drove home.

Just before four, Laine told me that her sister had texted her to pack some things on her behalf for her dad's house (the kids were scheduled to be with their dad). I tried to reach Kelly for the next hour by text and with phone calls. She refused to answer her phone. Her dad came to pick up the kids, and Kelly still wasn't home. When I checked the voicemail on my home phone, I discovered that the school had left a message that Kelly had not been in 5th period that day either. I began to freak out a bit. Kelly didn't respond to my texts until five fifteen. She claimed she hadn't missed any school and that her phone hadn't been working. Naturally.

A friend I invited over for BLT's and a movie never showed up and never called, so I spent the evening alone, ate all the bacon myself, and about two cups of chocolate pudding. Is that what you call stress eating? I was upset because I'm trying to eat healthier, and I really blew it.

So my day left a lot to be desired. Thank God today is a new day.

Red Letter Day

We had a red letter day here in the Cavanaugh household! I received my official transcripts in the mail, reflecting my degree. I was especially pleased to see the summa cum laude designation. :)

Tonight during mutual, Joe was running for his physical fitness badge and managed to crash into a cactus, injuring his shoulder and chest, poor guy.

And I ensured my status as my kids' favorite valentine by using WD40 on all the door jambs in the house. The happiness level is high and the noise level (well, squeakiness level) is low. I also bought bacon for breakfast tomorrow as well as a chocolate treat, so I should earn a few hugs, at least.

Two Right Feet

I wanted to mention something funny that happened on my trip to Omaha.

I pack light for plane trips these days because the airlines charge $25 or more each way for checked luggage, so I bring one carry on instead. This means I have to limit the number of shoes that I bring. On this trip, I brought my dress boots (black and short) for my slacks outfit, and black flats for my dressy outfit at the Corporate office on Wednesday.

Let me explain Home Instead culture at the corporate office. Lori is very meticulous about her appearance, and everyone in the office follows her lead. They are dressed to the hilt and perfectly coordinated, the women always wear hose, the men always wear ties.

When I dressed Wednesday morning, I discovered I couldn't use the hose I had. Well, I was wearing a long skirt, so perhaps no one would notice, right? So I went to put on my flats and discovered that I had two right shoes!! What??!! My boots weren't appropriate for the outfit, and I couldn't go to the store before our meeting since it was starting early. So I put both right shoes on, and tried to hide my feet all day. Fortunately, no one noticed or at least, were kind enough not to say anything.

At least it wasn't two left feet, right?

Foundation Board Meeting

I flew to Omaha February 5th for the Foundation Board Meeting. I arrived late afternoon and took a nap before dinner with Judith, Kathy, Mary, Roger and Ellen. We ate at Bravo, and the food was delicious! We caught up on one another's lives and chatted about business matters.

Wednesday we had meetings all day. We decided on some grants, discussed the future of the Foundation and thoroughly enjoyed one another's company. I even saw some old friends around the Home Instead Office, even a franchise owner I hadn't seen in ages. In the evening, we went as a group out to dinner again, and once again, the chatter and teasing was non-stop. By the time I arrived back at the hotel, I was completely exhausted, but I couldn't get settled to sleep, so I woke up on Thursday feeling groggy. Fortunately, our meeting was at the hotel, so I didn't have to go far. After the meetings, Judith and Kathy and I went to lunch. On our way there, an SUV turned right in front of us without seeing us. Not only that, but he turned into our lane and we were about to have a head on collision when Judith navigated around the car (fortunately avoiding oncoming traffic) and our lives were preserved by guardian angels. Since we were going about 35 mph and there was NO time to stop, it would have been a serious accident. Thank heavens we were blessed to avoid the accident!