Sierra Chamber Opera

We had the Sierra Chamber Opera come and present a short opera for our residents at work today. It was so much fun putting it all together and seeing the residents experience so much happiness. The food was a great hit. Everyone who attended was very complimentary. I couldn't have been as successful without the great family volunteers who came, and Rosemary and Sara who pitched in to make it extra special. Anoline put together a great menu that the residents loved. All in all a very satisfying day!

Driving Miss Kelly

Or rather, Miss Kelly driving! She finally has her official permit, and now...(insert drumroll) she is driving us everywhere!

I want her to have a TON of driving experience before she gets her own license. She is loving running errands with me now. Can I just say that I'm loving it, too? For too long now, shopping, which I hate with a passion, was grueling because I had to go all by myself. Now, I have a willing driver! And it's too hot for her to stay in the car, so she actually comes in with me. And since she hit that cool teenager phase, hanging out with mom (and/or siblings) is not preferable to most other options. So I'm squeezing every little blessing I can out of this experience!

Saturday was her first day of driving with me. She is doing a great job! Of course, I'm stricken with panic from time to time, but I just try to remember what it was like learning to drive and how much I appreciated people who were patient and kind as I was learning.

The kids aren't taking it as well. This morning, on the way to church, Kelly asked if she could drive. I said, "Sure." Joe asked quickly, "Can I walk?" We all laughed, but there is a certain element of responsibility that comes with driving passengers and I want her to learn that as soon as possible.

These Moments

Tonight was Laine's final concert for the Bullard TALENT concert band. We listened to some wonderful songs which were beautiful (and surprisingly spiritual for a public school choir) and I thought back to watching her in the Bullard Balladeers when she was in fourth grade.

After their beautiful songs, while her older brother sat by me doing his pre-calculus homework, we were tortured with almost thirty minutes of video from the choir's Philadelphia trip, which Laine did not go to. (Every year we have to sit through that! Urgh! Even when Laine DID go on those trips, I hated being forced to watch those dumb videos.)

Then the Bullard Balladeers performed and did such a wonderful job that I immediately felt better.

It's a bitter-sweet time, these last days of eighth grade at Bullard Talent. I've had at least one child there since 2007, so it's been a while! When Laine is promoted and heads off to Bullard High School, I will have only one child left to cross the threshold into high school.

Why don't my kids ever listen when I tell them to quit growing up so fast??

Lessons in Humility

"I thought I was all alone," she said as she grasped my hand and kissed it. Her next words were as mixed up and confused as they are 90% of the time. Then, with her eyes closed, my hand pressed to her heart, and with great reverence as I sat next to her, this: "Oh, God, last night when I was alone in my room and I prayed for someone so I would not be lonely and afraid, you heard me." I must admit, I teared up. Not because of her kind sentiments about me, but because this sweet lady, who sometimes couldn't remember what to do with a fork or the word for the bathroom, still remembered how to pray.

I'm fairly sure that God translated her words for my benefit. And in my heart of hearts, I too offered a prayer. Please, Father, if I ever get dementia, please let me never forget how to pray. Even if I forget all the names of all my children, or my own name, or even how to form sentences, please help me remember thee.

And right now, please bless my efforts to be the best friend I can to any and all who need me.

Peace, Prayers and Precious Moments

I had the pleasure of visiting the temple this evening. When I first got off of work, I debated about going because I was tired and didn't want to fall asleep in the temple. I squashed all the worldly objections my mind was raising, and committed to going anyway, stopping to get Del Taco on the way home so that I could cross food off my list of objections. At home, I was preoccupied doing some planning for tomorrow and answering emails, but I managed to change, eat and get on my way in plenty of time. Along the way, however, traffic was difficult, and to make matters worse, there were emergency vehicles heading in the same direction as me, causing even more traffic delays. I walked in just a few minutes before the session was to start, and changed quickly.

There were quite a few people from our ward there, which delighted me. As I sat there, I pondered for a few moments, but noticed my mind was unfocused and still distracted by the busy-ness of the day and all the concerns I have for various situations. I closed my eyes and tried to focus my attention on my breathing and on the peace of the temple, and it really helped. As the session progressed, I finally felt my mind and heart fill with peace, and I could pray in earnest.

Toward the end of my time at the temple, my bishop did a kindness for me that really touched my heart, and because of that kindness, I felt the spirit very strongly and an abiding peace that filled my soul. It was truly a precious moment that I shall not forget. The temple is a place of refuge and strength for me. It is one of the ways that the Lord can speak to me and quiet my worries. I'm so grateful for it, and for the beauty of it. It teaches me about consecration and duty, and helps me feel the Lord's love more abundantly in my life so that I can share it with others throughout my days of working with others. I'm so very thankful!

Birthday Weekend

I celebrated my birthday this weekend. We were lucky enough to have Erin and Nick in town for Nick's sister's wedding, so they were able to be here and attend church with us on Sunday morning. On Saturday, the kids mowed the lawns and tidied up the yard a bit, so that was a HUGE gift to me. (I don't have to be depressed anymore when looking out of the windows!) I received a meyer lemon tree, which my former husband Patrick planted for me along with a fig tree that I had yet to plant. During the day on Saturday, I happened to glance outside and noticed a hummingbird on my porch, right outside the window, hovering there for a few minutes. I consider that one of many gifts from my Heavenly Father. I also received a gift card for Chipotle and CHOCOLATE...how can any birthday be bad when it involves lemons, hummingbirds, chipotle and chocolate? (Especially Lindoor Truffles.)

Sunday was kind of a lazy day, for which I was grateful. The kids played Settlers of Catan and taught Nick how to play, and now he has a new favorite game! We had scrambled eggs and waffles with strawberry topping for dinner.

On Memorial Day, the kids of course had no school, but I had to work. Fortunately, Erin and Nick were able to be home to keep the kids occupied. When I returned from work, we cleaned up a bit, and I prepared ribs, rice pilaf (a ton...three bags to freeze for later use!), corn on the cob and lemonade. I also made myself a birthday cake...lemon with lemon frosting. Are we noticing a theme here?? LOL

On Monday, Erin & Nick surprised me with new non-stick frying pans. I guess they noticed that my small and medium frying pans were old and icky. I used them to fry eggs this morning!

I feel very blessed to have my children, good health and many wonderful intangible things in my life. Here's to another good year!

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.