Thanksgiving Holiday

Photos

Here are some of the photos from our visit to my folks' house in Eastern Idaho. Above you'll see my little brother Michael, my niece Chloe sitting in front of a picture of my Dad, my little brother David and my niece Sarah, my brother Gabe (Sarah's Dad) with Joey giving bunny ears, haha then me giving Michael bunny ears (now we know where Joey gets it!), and finally everyone sitting around playing video games after eating.

Simply the Best (written Wed. Nov. 26, 2008)

My husband is the most incredible man ever. Today, he took both boys out on the farm (we are at my parents' house for Thanksgiving) just to explore around the fields. They were outside for quite awhile. All three came back in the house smelling like dormant hay fields, fresh air, and snow. Their pretty little cheeks (I mean their studly, manly cheeks) blushed a fresh rosy glow from the northern nip wisping in the air. They had taken a bunch of photos of my Daddy's cows, old fences and sheds, and the magnificent Teton mountains. They gushed about their little excursion and their excitement tickled my soul. Afterwards, I mentioned that I needed to wash my hair and Wayne asked me if I would like him to do it for me. Usually I am quite independant, thank you very much, but I have been sick with this nasty little cold for a few days and haven't been quite up to par. Feeling achy and weak today, a rush of delicious gratitude washed over me as I humbly accepted his sweet offer. Leaning me over the edge of the kitchen sink, he gently shampooed and conditioned my hair. Such a simple thing, really, washing another's hair. What was it about that simple act of service that overwhelmed me with deep feelings of love and gratitude for this man? Perhaps I am reminded of another simple act of service offered, oh, so many years ago as the Savior himself bent over his disciples' feet and gently washed them. He didn't HAVE to do that, they were capable of washing their own feet, He did it because he LOVED them with a love that transcended life and death. He LOVED them so much He wanted to give them a beautiful gift of service. As I wrapped the towel around my head, I leaned up against my sweet husband, who loves me with a love that is unconditional, tender, and transcends through this life and the eternities. Blessed and loved by the best. That's how I felt. As he settled me onto the couch, my amazing man looked out the window. "There's your Dad out there by himself trying to get hay down to feed the cows," he chuckled. Throwing on his coat, he happily went out to dump more love and service on my Dad. All before noon, he bonded with and served his boys, lovingly cared for his wife, and happily pulled hay and fed the cows with his father-in-law. Atta Boy, Wayne, you are SIMPLY THE BEST! I love you.

Life is Nice

This is my family when I was just a toddler (yeah that's me on Mom's lap). David, Mary, and Michael were yet to come... And there is Joey and Isaac when they were little guys...

Thanks to everyone who checked out my little blog! That is so nice of you! What do you think? Isn't life nice? I mean, sure it can be downright dirty too, but even when the dirty nasties creep in, doesn't it feel good to breathe and be alive? I think so. A friend of ours, who lives in another state, called us yesterday with news that his brother (whom we didn't know) had committed suicide. We were devastated for our friend and our sympathy and love go out to him. When I woke up this morning, I was thinking about life and how short it is, how unexpected the end (even if the end is expected) and I thanked God for Life. I looked out the window and saw a beautiful sight. The rain and snow had cast an icy spell all around me; preserving every blade of grass in it's own individual tomb. The fog was heavy and thick, shrouding everything in white silence. As I stepped outside, my breath lent its warmth to the fog and I felt connected with the Earth that God so lovingly created for all of us. I felt gratitude for my life. I breathe, I think for myself, I take care of myself and my family, I can see and hear, I give and receive love every day, I have a wonderful family with my dear and delightful husband and two incredible sons, my parents are noble and good (and still cancer-free!), and I grew up with the best brothers and sisters in the universe (3 brothers, 4 sisters: Yep, eight was enough for Mom and Dad!). Whew, talk about a run-on sentence! Do you see what I mean? The choice is always on the table: choose happiness, choose sadness. I make a commitment to choose happiness more often than sadness and to love this beautiful life that Heavenly Father has blessed me with. My sister always says, "It's all good." And it is.

Delicious Dates

Wayne and I love dating each other. We recently underwent a little construction in the marital dating department and have committed ourselves to Delicious Dating. We take turns planning the succulent treats each Friday (or Saturday afternoon for flexibility). Usually, the event is a scrumptious surprise, and we savor every moment of being together. We laugh, hold hands, and refresh our friendship, affection, and love for each other. We are so lucky that our children are teenagers and we are past the "need a babysitter" phase of life! Yesterday, it was my turn for the date. I had been planning on purchasing tickets to Michael McLean's "The Forgotten Carols," but one of our sons had a musical rehearsal and we ended up being on a time budget. On a spontaneous whim, I booked a reservation at Brick 29 Bistro in downtown Nampa. Being our first time there, we absorbed every aspect of the restaurant from the gorgeous decor to the enticing smells wafting from the kitchen. Greeting us promptly, our friendly hostess seated us near the kitchen. What a view! I expected it to be noisy and bothersome, but it was exciting to see the chefs' magical flying hands as they prepared delightful creations. We relaxed into the private booth and giggled and whispered as only friendly lovers can. Each bite of food was amazing and the portions were more than generous; prompting a wonderful buffet for two as we tasted each other's appetizers and entrees. After a satisfying meal, we meandered around the Masonic Temple where Brick 29 is located. Decorated for Christmas, we happily cuddled up and took pictures in front of a beautiful Christmas Tree. Relaxed and refreshed, we drove slowly home, already planning what next week's Delicious Date will be.

Okay I am totally new at this and have really resisted the whole blogging thing, but my Mom doesn't have high-speed and is a little "computer illiterate" and I think she will like this. So, MOM, this is for YOU!!