Settling In

Living among boxes. I should be more motivated. We finally got an air conditioner. In this heat I'm surprised there wasn't one in the first place. But then we moved into a place who's previous tenant smoked both cigarettes and pot (that's why he was kicked out) and the place has been treated for cockroaches and is over run with spiders!  They said they had the carpets shampooed but I don't believe it. They should have replaced the carpet and repainted. The hotter the place gets the more it smells like cigarettes and pot. I swear we are getting a contact high! Joy!

We went to a pancake breakfast at church on the 4th. It was great to have people welcome us so quickly. I liked church on Sunday but one day was all it took for the kids to decide to go to the singles ward! Lol! 

Later in the week we went to South Jordan. We saw the temple and went to the Village Baker and got lunch to eat in the park. The house we used to live in is gone but it was nice to see my old neighborhood. 

The next Sunday we went to church then visited the Bang's when they had invited us over for dinner. It was like having a hug from family. One I was really needing. 

4th of July pancake breakfast at church

July 1, 2015

What a whirlwind! My favorite thing about this month was staying in a hotel for 2-3days.

When I saw my apartment I was horrified. Nothing is ever as good as they make it seem online. I hid in the pantry and cried while my kids, neighbors, and members of our new church ward started to unload the moving van. In hind sight it wasn't all the apartment. It was a lot of it but it was like I was at that point, there's no turning back. Once everything was off the truck I couldn't run home to Indiana. Not that I wanted to. 

It is going to be hard starting a new life. I can do it but tough. 

What Was I Thinking?!

Truly, I must have not been in my right mind when I decided to drive a U-haul, towing a car, in a (barely) three person cab, AND a dog 1,478 miles in just two days. I should be committed! And who's to say I wont wake up in the morning needing a padded room? But I did it!
 I actually did it!!!

Sitting in the hotel room at our final destination it's easy to look back and think, that was no big deal. But I know the truth. That was HARD! It was long, and often mind numbing. It cost a small fortune, and  sometimes I thought it would never end. The second day was so hard to get in the truck. Even the dog resisted with all her tiny might. 

But some amazing things happened. First, for two whole days no one watched any television. Yes they watched one Disney movie on the way but I don't really count that. Second, no one fought! NO ONE!!! It's like my kids were possessed by kindness. We sat shoulder to shoulder and not once was there a cross word. We had the best conversations, sang along to songs, and actually enjoyed each other's company. 

I am truly blessed. I'm sure the old grumpy kids will resurface but for the most miserable trip of my life, it was truly the best time of my life!

PS. My kids just got back from getting dinner and they snuck off to see the Temple! Could I ask for more?! I think not!

Acts Of Compassion and Love

Today I pack up almost 44 years of my life into a truck. Most of those years were spent here in Evansville. This is where I was born and raised. This is where I raised my children. 

I think about all the things that happened here and I am filled with love. My heart is filled with family, friends, memories, laughter and tears. Most of my kids firsts happened here. First days of school, first time riding a two wheeled bike, first loves and first heart breaks, first time driving a car... It all happened here. Baptisms, confirmations, blessings, growing testimonies, faith, seminary graduation, and mission calls were all part of living a life with the Savior as a close friend and guest in our home. 

We had such an amazing ward family, leaving them is one of the hardest things to do. I know that anyone that moves here will find themselves surrounded with love and support so great they will have no fears. Evansville is truly a blessed place. 

 While I am excited to go back to Utah to live my next 44 years, I will truly miss the friends and place I called home for so long. It doesn't seem real. It feels like I'm watching someone else's life. When I needed a few more hands to help us get the truck loaded in time, here came the Kennedy's. And in just a few short moments it was all done. I cannot express my gratitude enough for all the helping hands that surrounded me over the last few days. It literally brings tears to my eyes. 

I may never be able to "pay them back" but I will surely "pay it forward" acts of compassion and love should create more acts of compassion and love. 

Always. 

Unemployed

What a wild ride the last two weeks have been. Now that the business is closed and I am home, I can sit and reflect on my life and what I have learned from this seven year long job.

I think one of the most important lessons I have learned is compassion. I have learned as an employer and employee, that we should always treat others with compassion. Being a "hard" person doesn't make you strong and compassion doesn't make you weak. Everyone has their own burdens they carry and I try to remember that when someone isn't feeling their best. 

Another thing I have learned is how important honesty and trust is between fellow employees and between customers and vendors. If you give honesty and trust, you usually get it back tenfold. I would never want to be at the opposite end of that. 

I have learned that I can do hard things. Yes, I usually worked at a desk behind a computer. But I also was able to get dirty and work in the plant when I needed to. I value the times I worked and sweated with the rest of the employees. I don't want to loose sight of the blessings in my life and my work life. 

While there are many more things I have learned I will end with this last one, no matter what is said, no matter what is done, no matter the situation, you are always in control of your actions and reactions. Everything we do is a choice. I want to always choose to never give others the power to change who I am. I want to be true to me and not let outside influences control me. 

There are always lessons to be learned. I choose to learn as much as I can and apply it as I move into this new chapter of my life. 

I am truly blessed. 

Even a Marshmallow Can Help

Let me explain. For one of her birthdays, my daughter received a foam mattress pad from her grandparents. Not just any foam mattress pad but this thing is just about 5" thick and all Heaven.  It has been lovingly dubbed "The Marshmallow". I have to give credit to my daughter, when she knew this trip, and all this mess was getting to me, she offered her greatest treasure. The only down side is that I keep trying to find ways to guilt her into letting me use it. So far, if it isn't real, she's not falling for it. Darn. But I will say, the sweet little sacrifice she made in my behalf was greatly appreciated while it lasted. Now I am well rested and ready to tackle my next task. Well... maybe Monday seeing as today is almost done and tomorrow is Sunday.

Counting my blessings until then. 

Therapeutic Blogging

It has come to my attention that I have been ignoring myself in the process of shutting down the company, getting ready to move, and life. That's no way to live and certainly no way to survive the upcoming weeks. So here I am, clicking away and contemplating lessons I have learned recently. I think the biggest one is that I emotionally take on all the responsibility for everyone and everything around me and I need to stop that now. I need to delegate. So, to my adult children be ready to bear the burden.

But more importantly I need to turn to the Lord more often. I need to offer up my concerns and worries to Him. I need to share with Him, the bad AND the good. And there is much good. 

Prayer brings peace. And these next few weeks I'm going to need all the peace I can muster!

So Busy!

I have every intention of keeping this up. I really do. But do you know how much my life is taken up with stuff?! I'm sure as time gets closer there will be more to add. But for now my life has been work, packing, planning, and stuff. More to come.

Unpacking What Matters Most

There will always be work to do. Cleaning my home, packing up "stuff", and all the things involved with shutting down a company, but this shouldn't stop me from taking time for what matters most. While there are some spiritually uplifting things to read and post to facebook, it really is a waste of time, especially if it is being placed ahead of things that are more important and have a greater eternal purpose. The same can be said for TV and games. I see the time growing short, not just the time that I have here in Evansville, but the time that I have my "children" in my home. With a daughter who is 21 and a son shortly turning 23 I know that before I can blink they will be moving on with families and lives of their own. I MUST make sure that my priorities are always in line with what the Savior would want.
This journey to Utah isn't really my big picture. It is just a step, albeit a large and critical one toward my eternal goals for myself and my children.
So, as I pack books, winter clothes, decorations, and extra blankets, I will be unpacking quality time, faith building experiences, laughter, long talks, and quiet moments. Those things should never be packed away for another day. They should be sitting out and being used, daily. They are things that never go out of style and always hold great importance. It is during the use of those things that matter most, the greatest joys come to pass.

Wrenches

I realized this weekend that there will be wrenches in this whole process. Being sick the last few days is what really brought this thought process on. I admit that I can make the best plans possible, but there are going to be times that something happens and I can't avoid it. I didn't have any moving type plans this weekend but being so ill and not being able to choose any differently was emotionally painful to live through. Life would be so much easier if we were never sick, hurt, or challenged in any negative way. But then, how would we recognize the good that comes if there was never any bad? (I still think I would like to try a life without the negatives.) But that's not why we were put here on this earth. So I will push through the hard parts and try to stay as unruffled as possible.

I used to joke that Brigham Young's wife, upon seeing the mountains, gently pulled him aside and said something like, "Dear, you want to stop again and ask for directions?" In reality though I admire the women who faithfully followed their testimonies across the plains and over/through the mountains. Their journey is amazing and inspiring. What they could have done with what I have to make the same journey puts my efforts to shame. 

So as I sit home this Sabbath day, recovering from my small "wrench" I will try to remember that this journey has been done before and through much more challenges than mine. I will continue to do what I know is right for me and my family. I will exercise faith in all things. And when I stumble I will turn to the Lord. 

Baby Steps

So much to do and so little time to do it in. Well, not really. I have about 4 months but sometimes it feels like there isn't enough time. But then sometimes I wish it were already here.

Excitement...

Dread...

Moving a family halfway across the country comes with a multitude of emotions. 

Bringing boxes home made it feel real. I have gone from "This is a great idea!" to "This is real! It's really happening!"

There isn't much I can do yet so, bring on the lists. What I need for the trip, what to pack in the truck, what to pack in the car, what to get rid of, different rental locations, job searches. 

For the most part, I think we all are ready for the next stage of our lives. Once you know something is right, it's hard to wait around for it to begin. 

I have found a vet, groomer, and kennel for Gypsy. Not that I plan to use the last one often but I decided every option should be prepared for. I have even started the process for substitute teaching! They really require a lot from subs. It's nice to see a school system that has testing for its substitutes. I am looking forward to the process. 

I think this year is going to be exciting, challenging, and strengthening. 

Easy? It's never easy!

Big Decisions and Big Changes

Why yes, we, Jonathon, Emma, Gypsy (the dog), and I have decided that we are no longer bound to Indiana. We are pulling up our roots and moving to UTAH! We officially announced this to family At Christmas. (At least I think it was around Christmas) Later we shared the news to close friends. When I finally posted it to facebook I think my heart sped up. It always feels more final when you have posted it to facebook. (Like everything on there is SO true.) Ha-ha! But there it was on my profile and news feed and I couldn't help get a bit more excited for our upcoming adventure.

There are so many factors that have played into it being the right thing at the right time. First of all is prayer. I was starting to feel unsettled, restless, and a bit underwhelmed with my daily grind. I had spent a lot of time on my knees praying to find peace with where my life was at. That this was all there was, here I am and here I'll stay. It wasn't working.

My apartment lease was going to be up at the end of June 2015 and I started thinking that this was a great time to make a change and move somewhere less expensive. I thought this was sure to cure my unsettled feelings.

It didn't. I still felt like there was something more I needed to do. My daughter Emma and I were talking about the future one evening. We both knew that my son Jonathon was going to leave in a little over a year and go to Utah. It's just what those young Mormon kids do after High School and/or serving a mission. He was both of those things. We realized that with his future taking him so far away from out little Evansville, Indiana town, we would likely not see him much, or his future family if ever. This caused my daughter and I to tear up as we realized what the future had in store. 

Left to my own thoughts I also contemplated my daughter's future. Truthfully, there is nothing here for her socially. Yes they have a little Family Home Evening/Young Single Adult group but it really isn't enough. She needs to go west like most of the other YSA kids. She needs to experience what the world has out there for her. She needs more than our life here can provide her.

Problem. Emma has never been one for change. As a matter of fact, she avoids it at all costs and I knew getting her to do something like going away to school, (halfway across the country) was NOT going to happen. At least not on her own.

Back to my knees I went. I had an inkling of what the answer was before I prayed about it. The relief I felt when I knew what I needed to do was overwhelming... until I realized ALL that I needed to do to make it happen. I needed to move everyone to Utah. Wow!

I started looking at jobs and apartments in different cities in Utah. Provo was out of the question because it was so expensive. (I had to think ahead and plan for a time I might not have kids living with me too) So I looked at South Jordan (where I used to live), SLC, West Valley and Brigham City.  I started to lean more toward Brigham City. There was a variety of housing in each of these places with potential. But nothing felt right. 

Jonathon came home and I decided to talk with him about it. At this time I had not mentioned anything serious to Emma. She was still in the "Moving would not be fun and Jonathon is going to move away from us" stage. It was not the time to spring this on my "Just Say NO to CHANGE" daughter. Not yet anyway. Jonathon seemed to light up and get excited all at once and said, "How about Ogden? I LOVED being there on my mission!" 

As I looked into the things available in Ogden I got more and more excited. So after doing some research, I again went to my knees. I felt Peace. I felt Joy! 

When I finally sat down with both kids and said, "This is the Place..." (Pun intended for my Mormon friends) The reactions were mixed. Jonathon was all in and on board! Done deal! Emma however was not. She was quiet, sulky, and I believe at the beginning of a LONG panic mode. She told me she didn't want to move, she was happy here and didn't want to leave her friends but she understood that it was "probably" the right decision.

Later that night she woke me up shaking and crying begging me to tell her we wouldn't go. I did not give into her request. I knew that she was overwhelmed and that she just needed time. I told her that I KNOW this is the right thing to do for all of us and that if she prayed about it, and gave it some time she would too. 

Later I found out that she had secretly decided to stay behind when we left. I can laugh about it now because following her own confession she revealed that she did know it was right, she was only a little scared now.

There is still more to do than I care to admit, but that was pretty much how it all started. 

We are UTAH bound!

June 28, 2015

Stay tuned...

Starting Over

I have been very lazy about posting. But in my defense I had been posting on Jon's Mission Blog for two years. Now that he has returned It is time to get back to life and start blogging. I am going to remain very family centered with this blog and include some of my own personal thoughts, but from time to time there might be a recipe and posts about some favorite products occasionally with a shout to Influnester and the free products I get to test. All that being said I will sign out for now while I decide what in my crazy life I want to share.

Going to do some catching up!

Coming soon: Christmas 2011, Emma's Junior Prom, Choir performances. Eagle Scouts, Family fun and more... Stay tuned!

Stir Fry in a Hurry!

First let me say this is not my usual post because if you look at the rest on my blog they are all about my family. And I guess this one is because my daughter and I decided to be creative not knowing if it would even taste good. The recipe is 100 percent mine and as you will see, will be 100 percent yours too.

I don't make anything without following a recipe. I rarely veer from the recipe because I want to make what works so that it will actually be eaten. So it was very out of charter for me to, along with my teenage daughter, to just randomly decide to make a vegetable stir fry. I went to the store and bought vegetables that sounded good in a stir fry and went home.

A couple of days passed and I worried the vegetables would go bad so I stopped by one of the Asian markets on my way home for whatever kind of sauce you use to make a vegetable stir fry. WOW! There were so many things to choose from and NONE of it was in ENGLISH! (well some of it was but all the other languages terrified me!) After walking around for 20 minutes with nothing in my basket I got the nerve up to ask the woman at the check out what I should use if I want to make a vegetable stir fry. She said with all the confidence I lacked, "Oyster Sauce! It's good on anything!" I was happy because I actually saw it on the shelf and knew where it was!

But as I walked up to the check out I noticed there was a minimum purchase of $10 to use my bank card. (Who actually carries cash nowadays?) This was good news for two reasons. I actually thought about getting an onion and some bean sprouts and changed my mind. Now I was excited because I HAD to buy them to make my 10 dollar purchase! And oh JOY! I still had 6 bucks to go! So to the delight of my 18 year old daughter I bought 2 strawberry sodas with more writing on them I didn't understand (and it took us 15 minutes to figure out how to open them), and a package of jellies something or other for her to share with her friends at school. She squealed like a little girl which I guess at times, she still is. (By the way I joked with the woman that helped me earlier about having to go back for more goodies and when my total came up $10.17 she said, "Oh! You did really good!" and made my day!

Now for the recipe!

Veggie Stir Fry in a Hurry!

-Chop some or all or more of the following vegetables.

I used...

Long Bok Choy

Napa Cabbage

Broccoli

Red, Yellow, and Orange Peppers

Green Onion

Yellow Onion

Mushrooms (not the fancy ones just the regular white button ones)

-Dump chopped veggies in pan with about 2-3 TBSP vegetable oil

-Cook on medium-ish high heat

-Add Oyster Sauce (I used about half of that bottle its not as strong as I though it would be. Its a nice mild flavor)

-Then after my vegetables became tender I added the bean sprouts for about 3-5 more minutes.

**While all this was going on I was making rice which by the way I had to run to the computer to get the right water/rice ratio because the rice bag was long gone and in a Ziploc bag.***

There are so many other yummy veggies that I could have put in this and it would have been fantastic. But I guess I better make this the end of a long but delicious story! Thanks and enjoy making it your own!

Mele Kalikimaka or Merry Christmas!

Time for a little reflection...

So life is always busy. Because of this fact posting has been slow going. But with Christmastime comes a much needed break and a moment for pondering. I am so grateful for our Savior and for his life and sacrifice. I am filled with joy for the two beautiful, funny, and insightful children who's love for God is a constant blessing.

Now for the commercialism of the season! Enjoy!

And the Diploma Goes To...

So yes, after the tragedy of the afternoon (car accident) Jonathon did in fact, take his first "walk down the aisle". (so to speak) I am so proud of him. I see his future changing and him growing. I am proud of who he is and what he will become. Congratulations Jon! You are a class "A" kid and a person I am proud to know. It wasn't easy. I raised you on my own. But I wasn't really ever alone. My parents, friends, and church family have been there for you and we all love you! We can't wait to see what your future holds!

(Pre-Graduation Class Day)

(Close Up)

(Finding him was like playing "Where's Waldo!)

(Walking In)

(Class of 2010!)

(Grab the Diploma and RUN!)

After the ceremony which was long but good (during which I cried almost the entire time) We all met up for hugs and "pats on the back" and all that other wonderful congratulatory stuff that happens after the ceremony. Along with the graduate, Emma (his sister), and myself (mom), we were blessed to have my parents there, (Granna and Grandpa) Jon has been blessed to have so many wonderful people be a part of his life and support him and all his endeavors. He is, who he is, in large part the the people below and an even larger part to God who is a source of strength and comfort to him on a daily basis.

From Diapers to Dents

Well it wouldn't be a complete High School experience without the token car accident. Jonathon was true to the teenage cliché getting into at least one accident in their high school driving years.

But Jonathon waited until the very last day of his senior year to complete this feat!

On the afternoon of graduation on his way to lunch, Jonathon started to change lanes while a truck hid in his blind spot.

Jonathon's Car Door

The "Other Guy"'s Truck

One of the biggest things I have taken away from this is how blessed he was in that he and his sister (she was sitting in the passengers seat) were not hurt at all. Looking at that car door still brings tears to my eyes because I know that my little boy was sitting behind the wheel with that dented door protecting him. I can see the reinforced steel that the door shell started to mold around and I am thankful that there are safety standards that car makers must meet. I can actually visualize what happened in my mind as Jonathon described the "slow motion" feel as he watched the shattered glass fly past him peppering the car seats and floor boards toward his sister.

The Lord has blessed me every day that these children have been a part of my life and I am grateful for every breath they take! They are amazing kids!

Central High School Spring Choir Concert 2010

Well, I really enjoyed listening to how great the choir has gotten. Emma has enjoyed herself immensely this year in choir. I think her being in the musical this year really helped. She is looking forward to next year where the School will be performing "Grease"! She can't wait for another fun year. I love Emma and I am so proud of all her accomplishments this year. I can't believe she will be a JUNIOR when School starts in the fall! GO EMMA!

You're the One That I Want

(On The Left, Back Row)

Fireflies

(Back row second from right)

I Thought I Lost You

(First one in back row from the right but it looks like the second person from the right)

Finale

(Second green shirt from the right in the front row)

Can He Really Be 18?

April 17, 2010

Turning 18 is a milestone I never thought would come this quickly for my first child and my only son Jonathon. As we do with every birthday, the choice of dinner is in the hands of the one celebrating their birthday. This year Jon wanted to go to Buffalo Wild Wings.

We (Emma and I) sang Happy Birthday and Jon lit his own candles. I can't, just CAN'T believe that he has turned 18! Sometimes I have a hard time remembering what he looked like as a baby, toddler, child, and pre-teen. I am so glad we have photographs to go along with the ever fading memories. There is so much life happening to him at this time. I hope he loves every minute of it!