I just put my check in the mail for tickets for Time Out For Women in Denver. I am so excited. My first experience at Time Out For Women was in Kansas City. I drove, and amazingly enough, I didn't get lost. I went with some sisters in the ward. Had a great time. It was a 6 hour drive but seemed like 2 hours.
I loved meeting Sheri Dew, Hilary Weeks, Pamela Hansen, Sharon Larsen, and a few others. I truly felt the spirit of Emma Smith on Friday night. I repented of my feelings I had for her, they were pretty harsh.
I loved all the messages from the Saturday Session and enjoyed all the books I purchased and actually read.
The Next TOFW I went to Denver. I drove again. I went with Debbie's family this time. I almost killed us on the busy hiways. Too many navigators, LOL!! I enjoyed spending time with Tauna, my online friend. It was such a treat to rub shoulders with her and know that both of us were there for specific reasons. She was my shoulder to bounce off ideas and frustrations. Louise was a rock for me. She helped me heal my broken heart about Moms. I really appreciated her spirit talking to mine even when she never said a word.
I got to meet Kenneth Cope, Mary Ellen Edmunds, Pamela Hansen again, Virginia Pearce (pres. Hinckley's Daughter), and Jenny Oaks Baker on violin, and her nephew on the piano. Fabulous! What a Great spirit the music brought friday night! Saturday was filled with Laughter and insight.
I attended TOFW in Omaha last fall. Wow. I went with my friends in the stake and Adrienne. Met up with some ladies from the stake and enjoyed just BEING away from the family. I really enjoyed the music again. Jenny Oaks Baker, Kenneth Cope, Cheri Call. I walked away with a knowledge of Sin and Weakness, there is a difference. I struggle with food as a weakness. The Lord is going to teach me Temperance on this! I didn't have a lot of AH HA moments, light bulb moments, but I just really enjoyed the sisters I was with. The Travel, the laughter, the friendship. Laurie drove this time. It was nice to chill. I was told that my good friend who I was cleaning his house had died 3 weeks before (God Rest your Soul Jim Gilbert) and so for me not driving, that was a good thing because I was a mess. I had mascara in my eyes for a long time.
On the way home a sister in the Stake asked if we would drive her car home to Kearney for her husband to pick it up. Stacy was brave and took on the task and so Adrienne and I rode with Stacy. We talked a lot. We learned a lot and our friendship and respect grew for one another.
This trip I'm taking with some new ladies in the stake. It's March 6, 7. I will be meeting up with Tauna and her mom in Denver. Laurie and her Sil, and niece, and Bonnie and her Friend, and Adrienne and Stacy. I'm excited. I hope I don't overwhelm them with my dorkiness. You either Hate me or you Love me. I am real. And I'm a real dork sometimes. I wear my heart on a sleeve and my opinions too. ha ha! I love to talk and I love to share many lessons of life. I am hoping to be taught this time.
A man who NOT learn from anyone but himself has a fool for a teacher!
I am open to learning! (I'll say that three times and click my heels)
I am counting down the days to TOFW.
Maybe you can come with us this fall to Kansas City!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
HOLD ON
Good cheer is a state of mind or mood that promotes happiness or joy... With God’s help, good cheer permits us to rise above the depressing present or difficult circumstances. It is a process of positive reassurance and reinforcement. It is sunshine when clouds block the light." --Marvin J. Ashton, "Be of Good Cheer", Ensign, May 1986, 66
D&C 68: 5–6
Father, Cheer Our Souls Tonight, Hymn #231
Seems like when I'm bored I get lots of messages in my head! I don't like that. I have talked with Ron and Adrienne, trying to figure things out. It helped. Thanks guys!
I finally get a card from my mom and dad and it makes me cry.
Happy Birthday
from your mom and dad
With love to a wonderful Daughter....
~~~From your Mom
From frist holding the precious gift
of a daughter
to sharing in each new discovery you made....
From loving the laughter and drying the tears
to living all the priceless moments
that only mothers and daughters know....
From caring for you as a child (was baby)
to admiring you as a grown-up friend...
I've loved being the mother
of a daughter as wonderful as you.
~~~~From your Dad
From feeling so proud and protective
as you took your first footsteps in life
to knowing you couldn't stay
my little girl forever...
From wanting you to be safe and happy
to supporting you as you tried new things...
From loving you for who you were
to respecting the person you've become...
I've loved being the father
of a daughter as wonderful as you.
Lots of Love
mom and dad
We Love you Very Much.
I believe Satan knows when to push the buttons of UNWANTED with me. I HATE IT!
Then the FORCE of GOD floods in!
I decided to get unbored by playing the piano. You know Every song I played was SAD! SO LONELY....blah blah! From Seventh Brother
LET ME IN from Rigoletto...
WHAAAAAAAA
I get the letter and I cry and try to find out how to work this Ipod. I'm such a dork. Thanks for helping Raymond learn how to TURN ON THE DERN thing! ha ha!!
I get it turned on and what is the first song...........JOE BRO'S
HOLD ON
after that was the song
HEAVEN....(BASSHUNTER)
THANK YOU HEAVENLY FATHER FOR THAT MESSAGE!!!
After that was Toby Mac...I'm for You!
I just love that my kids listen to AWESOME music and it lifts me!!!!
I'm at the piano...
I'm playing the song..My favorite things...so here goes.
1. My piano
2. My children
3. My Husband...CRAZY
4. My Calling
5. MY HOME
6. MY TALENTS!!!!!
7. My LOVE
8. My Stamps
9. My writings
10. My friends
11. My Toes
12. My strength
13. My endurance
14. My Perserverance
15. My WW buddies!
16. My VT Buddies!
17. My FREEDOM!
18. My Norm's Swimteam T-shirt!
19. My computer!
20. My email lists!!!! I LOVE YOU LADIES!!
D&C 68: 5–6
Father, Cheer Our Souls Tonight, Hymn #231
Seems like when I'm bored I get lots of messages in my head! I don't like that. I have talked with Ron and Adrienne, trying to figure things out. It helped. Thanks guys!
I finally get a card from my mom and dad and it makes me cry.
Happy Birthday
from your mom and dad
With love to a wonderful Daughter....
~~~From your Mom
From frist holding the precious gift
of a daughter
to sharing in each new discovery you made....
From loving the laughter and drying the tears
to living all the priceless moments
that only mothers and daughters know....
From caring for you as a child (was baby)
to admiring you as a grown-up friend...
I've loved being the mother
of a daughter as wonderful as you.
~~~~From your Dad
From feeling so proud and protective
as you took your first footsteps in life
to knowing you couldn't stay
my little girl forever...
From wanting you to be safe and happy
to supporting you as you tried new things...
From loving you for who you were
to respecting the person you've become...
I've loved being the father
of a daughter as wonderful as you.
Lots of Love
mom and dad
We Love you Very Much.
I believe Satan knows when to push the buttons of UNWANTED with me. I HATE IT!
Then the FORCE of GOD floods in!
I decided to get unbored by playing the piano. You know Every song I played was SAD! SO LONELY....blah blah! From Seventh Brother
LET ME IN from Rigoletto...
WHAAAAAAAA
I get the letter and I cry and try to find out how to work this Ipod. I'm such a dork. Thanks for helping Raymond learn how to TURN ON THE DERN thing! ha ha!!
I get it turned on and what is the first song...........JOE BRO'S
HOLD ON
after that was the song
HEAVEN....(BASSHUNTER)
THANK YOU HEAVENLY FATHER FOR THAT MESSAGE!!!
After that was Toby Mac...I'm for You!
I just love that my kids listen to AWESOME music and it lifts me!!!!
I'm at the piano...
I'm playing the song..My favorite things...so here goes.
1. My piano
2. My children
3. My Husband...CRAZY
4. My Calling
5. MY HOME
6. MY TALENTS!!!!!
7. My LOVE
8. My Stamps
9. My writings
10. My friends
11. My Toes
12. My strength
13. My endurance
14. My Perserverance
15. My WW buddies!
16. My VT Buddies!
17. My FREEDOM!
18. My Norm's Swimteam T-shirt!
19. My computer!
20. My email lists!!!! I LOVE YOU LADIES!!
Okay, I'm repenting.
I refuse to take my posts off of my own blog. I guess if people don't like what I write, it will keep them off of my blog. Ha ha!
I am sitting in my office shuffling paper around trying to look busy when I hit myself on the head.
I need to repent. I need to show gratitude for what I DO HAVE and not what I don't have.
I was reading some blogs earlier. Thanks LJ. Thanks Em, and Thanks Em's friend Stephanie. Time to reflect on THINGS. Deep down the message I got from these ladies is...Grateful. Love. Goodness. Sadness.
Trying to find the gratefullness in everyday boring life is hard. It gets mundane. You know me, I like a list. A list of things to do. A list of stuff to keep my mind from wondering all over MALONEY. I hate thinking. I hate the things I think about. I have NO control of what my mind wonders on and I hate it. If I keep a list, then I can focus.
When I'm bored I eat. Nothing else to do, ugh.
Back to my thoughts on while I was sitting at my desk. I need to write down the things I'm grateful for on February 6 and 7.
Here goes.
1. I am grateful for Justice getting out of bed and hugging me first.
2. I am grateful for Shai hugging me second.
3. I am grateful for the surprised...OH HAPPY BIRTHDAY (forgot to give you a card) Greeting at Just for Ladies.
4. I am grateful for the Lodge and for a great breakfast. Eggs, Hashbrowns, whole wheat toast, and bacon (which Karrea ate).
5. I am grateful for my job. The children telling me happy birthday and giving me hugs.
6. I am grateful for the desktop Crazy got me for my laptop computer. It will keep it from getting over heated and it has a light.
7. I am grateful for the cards I received in the mail. Eileen, Liz, and Anne, Thank you (oh and RS on sunday handed me a card)
8. I am grateful for the Strawberry Shortcake Crazy got me and the kids.
9. I am grateful for the spirit that God gave me to be grateful that day. Heaven knows last year was a big stink bomb.
10. I am grateful for a phone call from my step mom. She really made my day and suggested I go to Mall Cop.
11. I am grateful for Subway and supper time.
12. I am grateful for the Movie Mall Cop whom reminded me of my brother Roger (which is in our prayers), and made me laugh all night! I was NOT disappointed.
13. I am grateful for Adrienne FINALLY giving me a present...An Ipod.
14. I am grateful for Shai and Jd's presents....my favorite candy bar...Mint 3 Musketeers, and the new Jenny Phillips CD (thank you ann snider), and love letters.
15. I am grateful for the Trip to the temple on Saturday with my special friend Rhonda and her Dh and Crazy. It was fun. sorry we were sardines. Better planning next time.
16. I am grateful for seeing my friend Audrey on her wedding day at the Temple. I worried about her! She was/Is so beautiful. I didn't realize it was the day...I just saw her going in. I wished I would have stayed! whaaaaaa
17. I am grateful that Rhonda bought lunch at my favorite Restaurant..OLIVE GARDEN. I am happy and content just with the soup and salad. (I still can't weigh in. I was even good! ha ha)
18. I am grateful that God loves me and I had over 140 messages on Facebook and email groups wishing me a Happy 41st. I really did feel loved!
The trick of getting older is the Trick of getting Wiser. I pray for wisdom. I pray for the gift of being grateful!
I am sitting in my office shuffling paper around trying to look busy when I hit myself on the head.
I need to repent. I need to show gratitude for what I DO HAVE and not what I don't have.
I was reading some blogs earlier. Thanks LJ. Thanks Em, and Thanks Em's friend Stephanie. Time to reflect on THINGS. Deep down the message I got from these ladies is...Grateful. Love. Goodness. Sadness.
Trying to find the gratefullness in everyday boring life is hard. It gets mundane. You know me, I like a list. A list of things to do. A list of stuff to keep my mind from wondering all over MALONEY. I hate thinking. I hate the things I think about. I have NO control of what my mind wonders on and I hate it. If I keep a list, then I can focus.
When I'm bored I eat. Nothing else to do, ugh.
Back to my thoughts on while I was sitting at my desk. I need to write down the things I'm grateful for on February 6 and 7.
Here goes.
1. I am grateful for Justice getting out of bed and hugging me first.
2. I am grateful for Shai hugging me second.
3. I am grateful for the surprised...OH HAPPY BIRTHDAY (forgot to give you a card) Greeting at Just for Ladies.
4. I am grateful for the Lodge and for a great breakfast. Eggs, Hashbrowns, whole wheat toast, and bacon (which Karrea ate).
5. I am grateful for my job. The children telling me happy birthday and giving me hugs.
6. I am grateful for the desktop Crazy got me for my laptop computer. It will keep it from getting over heated and it has a light.
7. I am grateful for the cards I received in the mail. Eileen, Liz, and Anne, Thank you (oh and RS on sunday handed me a card)
8. I am grateful for the Strawberry Shortcake Crazy got me and the kids.
9. I am grateful for the spirit that God gave me to be grateful that day. Heaven knows last year was a big stink bomb.
10. I am grateful for a phone call from my step mom. She really made my day and suggested I go to Mall Cop.
11. I am grateful for Subway and supper time.
12. I am grateful for the Movie Mall Cop whom reminded me of my brother Roger (which is in our prayers), and made me laugh all night! I was NOT disappointed.
13. I am grateful for Adrienne FINALLY giving me a present...An Ipod.
14. I am grateful for Shai and Jd's presents....my favorite candy bar...Mint 3 Musketeers, and the new Jenny Phillips CD (thank you ann snider), and love letters.
15. I am grateful for the Trip to the temple on Saturday with my special friend Rhonda and her Dh and Crazy. It was fun. sorry we were sardines. Better planning next time.
16. I am grateful for seeing my friend Audrey on her wedding day at the Temple. I worried about her! She was/Is so beautiful. I didn't realize it was the day...I just saw her going in. I wished I would have stayed! whaaaaaa
17. I am grateful that Rhonda bought lunch at my favorite Restaurant..OLIVE GARDEN. I am happy and content just with the soup and salad. (I still can't weigh in. I was even good! ha ha)
18. I am grateful that God loves me and I had over 140 messages on Facebook and email groups wishing me a Happy 41st. I really did feel loved!
The trick of getting older is the Trick of getting Wiser. I pray for wisdom. I pray for the gift of being grateful!
A phone call
I got a phone call on Sunday from one of the Bishopric. I had been on his mind. Was there anything I needed?
I had been feeling very un-needed. I remember reading something in a book, I was thinking it was in "Extremes" but can't find it now, that said "Feeling Un-used" isn't NOT the thing to do. That we are to have faith that God has us where we are supposed to be.
Why do I have those feelings?
I was in a Ward visiting on Sunday (with my Stake Primary Calling) and most of the people sustained were having 3 and 4 "jobs".
There went my feelings of I'm not being needed in the Kearney Ward again. I hate that.
My mind has been muttered and tossed and turned. I don't see around the corner. I don't know what the Lord has in store for me. I know what happens when I tell the Lord I'm bored! ha ha. I believe that is how Karrea came about. (don't worry, I won't share details, ha ha)
I have one month before the baby comes. I won't be bored then.
As the bishopric member asked me if I was okay, I took a second to "check" myself out. Hey, I'm doing great. I could honestly tell him that. "how are you doing personally?" (like I would answer him in a room full of my family, ha ha) I checked myself over again and I could honestly say I was doing great.
He was puzzled as to why the "spirit" prompted him to call me. I just spilled it. I told him what I had been feeling. He chuckled and named a few spots that needed to be filled. I told him I was always willing. I have NEVER complained about a calling persay....I have voiced my opinions on the way it might be ran and maybe that is why I stand without Helping in the Kearney Ward.
I am still trying to figure out what is going on.
Don't get me wrong, I love being in the Stake. I love to travel around and meet people (we have a 1000 mile radius that we travel) I love the people I travel with. Such a blessing. When I was in the Stake YW I was happily busy doing doing doing. In the Stake Primary, its a little different. I get to travel around and sit in an hour meeting and getting the Presidency's ideas and concerns and then we go to primary and we sit and watch kids eat thier boogers. HA HA!! That is a highlight of the day! I truly do love it. I don't mean that to be rude. It really is funny and I find that me and the 2nd Counselor both enjoy the scene. Ha ha!
I love the Lord. I love to Work. I love to Serve. I just hope its not MY pride, or the pride of the natural man that keeps me from being where I'm supposed to be in this life and in this ward.
Maybe I'm just supposed to be a floater so I can help all around. I think its funny when I hear Pam say...but you are too busy to help. Please. Live my life. I'll be the first to tell you if I can't help. I don't think it's fair to assume people are TOO busy, and I don't think its right to assume we are NOT too busy to help because you are AT HOME, or Single.
I think the KEY to this is communication. Honest, Balanced, True communication. Let the spirit guide!
If you have a prompting to ask someone to help. Let them be the judge if they can do it or not. I hope I can practice what I preach.
I had been feeling very un-needed. I remember reading something in a book, I was thinking it was in "Extremes" but can't find it now, that said "Feeling Un-used" isn't NOT the thing to do. That we are to have faith that God has us where we are supposed to be.
Why do I have those feelings?
I was in a Ward visiting on Sunday (with my Stake Primary Calling) and most of the people sustained were having 3 and 4 "jobs".
There went my feelings of I'm not being needed in the Kearney Ward again. I hate that.
My mind has been muttered and tossed and turned. I don't see around the corner. I don't know what the Lord has in store for me. I know what happens when I tell the Lord I'm bored! ha ha. I believe that is how Karrea came about. (don't worry, I won't share details, ha ha)
I have one month before the baby comes. I won't be bored then.
As the bishopric member asked me if I was okay, I took a second to "check" myself out. Hey, I'm doing great. I could honestly tell him that. "how are you doing personally?" (like I would answer him in a room full of my family, ha ha) I checked myself over again and I could honestly say I was doing great.
He was puzzled as to why the "spirit" prompted him to call me. I just spilled it. I told him what I had been feeling. He chuckled and named a few spots that needed to be filled. I told him I was always willing. I have NEVER complained about a calling persay....I have voiced my opinions on the way it might be ran and maybe that is why I stand without Helping in the Kearney Ward.
I am still trying to figure out what is going on.
Don't get me wrong, I love being in the Stake. I love to travel around and meet people (we have a 1000 mile radius that we travel) I love the people I travel with. Such a blessing. When I was in the Stake YW I was happily busy doing doing doing. In the Stake Primary, its a little different. I get to travel around and sit in an hour meeting and getting the Presidency's ideas and concerns and then we go to primary and we sit and watch kids eat thier boogers. HA HA!! That is a highlight of the day! I truly do love it. I don't mean that to be rude. It really is funny and I find that me and the 2nd Counselor both enjoy the scene. Ha ha!
I love the Lord. I love to Work. I love to Serve. I just hope its not MY pride, or the pride of the natural man that keeps me from being where I'm supposed to be in this life and in this ward.
Maybe I'm just supposed to be a floater so I can help all around. I think its funny when I hear Pam say...but you are too busy to help. Please. Live my life. I'll be the first to tell you if I can't help. I don't think it's fair to assume people are TOO busy, and I don't think its right to assume we are NOT too busy to help because you are AT HOME, or Single.
I think the KEY to this is communication. Honest, Balanced, True communication. Let the spirit guide!
If you have a prompting to ask someone to help. Let them be the judge if they can do it or not. I hope I can practice what I preach.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Signs
I was driving home from Visiting teaching Last week and I saw this sign on the Baptist church. I pulled over and wrote it down. I passed it again coming from this same sisters house (I dropped some birthday presents off to her cutie patooty children) and I pulled over and wrote it down again. I found myself thinking about it over and over again.
He Who Will Not Learn From Anyone but Himself, Has a Fool for a Teacher.
My paper is in the car so I hope I am quoting it right!
The lessons I can see that others need to learn (my teenagers) is this! They live in a world where they KNOW EVERYTHING. Goodness, even my 3 year old says...I KNOW THAT!
How frustrating. I know I used to say that too. It drove my step mom NUTS! But did I mean it? Did I say it to be rude or snobbish? I can't remember, ha ha.
If you KNOW IT...DO IT! I tell Karrea. I just get a sigh from her.
Last friday I hung around seminary so I could get my pampered chef 9x13 pan safe home and not have a bus ride. Shai had breakfast. They take turns, but it seems like its our turn all the time, ha ha! It's cool! Beats Donuts every friday! Do you know how many points those are? 6 if they are just glazed. OH DANG!
On fridays they play games to work on memorizing. What a great scripture to work on. Probably the longest one on the New Testament.
2 Tim 3:1-5
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
This Scripture is for our times. I don't remember being so rude as a youth. I guess I wasn't allowed to have an opinion until I was 18 and even that was questionable.
I was out of the house at 17. I lived with my step-mom's sister in Blanding Utah. I didn't have a lot of rules there. I mean, where is a fat pregnant unmarried teen going to go? I turned 18 in Feb. had the baby June 14. After I put the baby up for adoption I came home for a few weeks, hated it and moved back to Utah. Was there for 2 years and fended for myself. I learned from the school of hard knocks.
I watched people. I didn't always choose the good things of the world, but knew I was watched over and protected many times.
It is really hard to see this scripture come to pass even in our own ward/home. All I can do is strive to NOT let Satan rule here! Fill my home with the things the Prophets have counseled. Pray for my kids to be strong. (as I see Adrienne packing and probably moving out today!)
I hope that I can let others continue to teach me, and not have the attitude that I KNOW! (well, if you know it, then do it! Isn't that INTEGRITY?)
He Who Will Not Learn From Anyone but Himself, Has a Fool for a Teacher.
My paper is in the car so I hope I am quoting it right!
The lessons I can see that others need to learn (my teenagers) is this! They live in a world where they KNOW EVERYTHING. Goodness, even my 3 year old says...I KNOW THAT!
How frustrating. I know I used to say that too. It drove my step mom NUTS! But did I mean it? Did I say it to be rude or snobbish? I can't remember, ha ha.
If you KNOW IT...DO IT! I tell Karrea. I just get a sigh from her.
Last friday I hung around seminary so I could get my pampered chef 9x13 pan safe home and not have a bus ride. Shai had breakfast. They take turns, but it seems like its our turn all the time, ha ha! It's cool! Beats Donuts every friday! Do you know how many points those are? 6 if they are just glazed. OH DANG!
On fridays they play games to work on memorizing. What a great scripture to work on. Probably the longest one on the New Testament.
2 Tim 3:1-5
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
This Scripture is for our times. I don't remember being so rude as a youth. I guess I wasn't allowed to have an opinion until I was 18 and even that was questionable.
I was out of the house at 17. I lived with my step-mom's sister in Blanding Utah. I didn't have a lot of rules there. I mean, where is a fat pregnant unmarried teen going to go? I turned 18 in Feb. had the baby June 14. After I put the baby up for adoption I came home for a few weeks, hated it and moved back to Utah. Was there for 2 years and fended for myself. I learned from the school of hard knocks.
I watched people. I didn't always choose the good things of the world, but knew I was watched over and protected many times.
It is really hard to see this scripture come to pass even in our own ward/home. All I can do is strive to NOT let Satan rule here! Fill my home with the things the Prophets have counseled. Pray for my kids to be strong. (as I see Adrienne packing and probably moving out today!)
I hope that I can let others continue to teach me, and not have the attitude that I KNOW! (well, if you know it, then do it! Isn't that INTEGRITY?)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Rough-age
"Our Heavenly Father loves each one of us and understands that this process of climbing higher takes preparation, time, and commitment. He understands that we will make mistakes at times, that we will stumble, that we will become discouraged and perhaps even wish to give up and say to ourselves it is not worth the struggle. We know it is worth the effort, for the prize, which is eternal life, is “the greatest of all the gifts of God.” And to qualify, we must take one step after another and keep going to gain the spiritual heights we aspire to reach." --Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, "One Step after Another", Ensign, Nov. 2001, 25
I found myself in a great sunday school on the 1st of Feb. The spirit really thrives in there. I had been fasting and praying for strength and guidance as a mom and wife. (I'm still working on the wife one, will make that a fast and prayer next month and the next and the next, ha ha).
I felt like I needed to go out in the hall and there was Shai all crouched over in the chair by the bishops office. I had kind of barked at her in the morning about being kind to her baby sister. I don't think a 14 year old needs to fight over who gets the fuzzy blanket, her or Karrea. It should be a given, the baby gets it. (I'm not a baby anymore mom, I'm a big girl, is what you will hear from KC, ha ha). Shai is afraid we are spoiling KC. Sorry, impossible. Well, we have all treated them the same, so they are ALL spoiled or NONE of them are spoiled, ha ha!
She got her MP3 Player taken away the night before for not being kind to her brother, she shut the light out on him while he was in the tub, NOT COOL. Broke his heart. "He does it to me" Ugh. I had warned her that she needed to be a better friend to him (he could be the prophet some day, ha ha) I told her if I found her being unkind she needed to give me something. I asked for the Joe bro c-d, she said that didn't hurt, so I asked for the MP3 Player. She said...."That is a 70.00 MP3 player", I pointed to Justice and said that is a priceless soul you are hurting!
Life was rough for her the past couple days.
I felt it was me. I said...are you crying because of me? she shook her head NO. Do you want to talk about it? Let's go in the bathroom (sorry girls, I know you were trying to come in and I was blocking the door, hope you forgive me! and hope I didn't pinch fingers...)
What's the matter? Familiar words came out of her mouth that rang in my heart a few weeks ago....I DON'T WANT TO BE HERE! (in church?) HERE ON EARTH! A light came on.
My advice to her was....
1. Heavenly Father is trying to teach you something. and your body doesn't like it. It doesn't always like what it needs to learn. Meaning the heart or the mind fight each other causing us to NOT WANT THE CHANGE.
2. There are BAD people every where. Fake people everywhere. Focus on the good people or person even.
3. I love you and I understand! We can do this together! Most of All Jesus understands you!
4. Don't fight what the Lord wants to teach you. Keep an open mind and heart!
She felt better afterwards. I feel sad for her. She goes to school with some kids who don't practice what they should, even as LEADERS.
At lunch she talked more specific about the name calling in AP class and the glares from you know where! I said, well, maybe that is their face? Embrass being a Weirdo, a Spaz, a MORMON, a FREAK. When someone calls you that...say THANK YOU.
Wasn't Jesus a Weirdo? Freak? Who knows....we do know he suffered all things! Embrass it girl! Laugh at it! Stand up for yourself if the Spirit prompts you too.
(then I hear her calling Adrienne a freak and her brother a weirdo...UH HUM!!! Shai, DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO TO YOU!)
Seems like after we have talks like this the hands of a three year old grabs the RIGHT FHE message that needs to be taught that night.
Family Home Evening again! Karrea picks out of the Jar. PRAYERS! Heart felt prayers
We needed that!
I found myself in a great sunday school on the 1st of Feb. The spirit really thrives in there. I had been fasting and praying for strength and guidance as a mom and wife. (I'm still working on the wife one, will make that a fast and prayer next month and the next and the next, ha ha).
I felt like I needed to go out in the hall and there was Shai all crouched over in the chair by the bishops office. I had kind of barked at her in the morning about being kind to her baby sister. I don't think a 14 year old needs to fight over who gets the fuzzy blanket, her or Karrea. It should be a given, the baby gets it. (I'm not a baby anymore mom, I'm a big girl, is what you will hear from KC, ha ha). Shai is afraid we are spoiling KC. Sorry, impossible. Well, we have all treated them the same, so they are ALL spoiled or NONE of them are spoiled, ha ha!
She got her MP3 Player taken away the night before for not being kind to her brother, she shut the light out on him while he was in the tub, NOT COOL. Broke his heart. "He does it to me" Ugh. I had warned her that she needed to be a better friend to him (he could be the prophet some day, ha ha) I told her if I found her being unkind she needed to give me something. I asked for the Joe bro c-d, she said that didn't hurt, so I asked for the MP3 Player. She said...."That is a 70.00 MP3 player", I pointed to Justice and said that is a priceless soul you are hurting!
Life was rough for her the past couple days.
I felt it was me. I said...are you crying because of me? she shook her head NO. Do you want to talk about it? Let's go in the bathroom (sorry girls, I know you were trying to come in and I was blocking the door, hope you forgive me! and hope I didn't pinch fingers...)
What's the matter? Familiar words came out of her mouth that rang in my heart a few weeks ago....I DON'T WANT TO BE HERE! (in church?) HERE ON EARTH! A light came on.
My advice to her was....
1. Heavenly Father is trying to teach you something. and your body doesn't like it. It doesn't always like what it needs to learn. Meaning the heart or the mind fight each other causing us to NOT WANT THE CHANGE.
2. There are BAD people every where. Fake people everywhere. Focus on the good people or person even.
3. I love you and I understand! We can do this together! Most of All Jesus understands you!
4. Don't fight what the Lord wants to teach you. Keep an open mind and heart!
She felt better afterwards. I feel sad for her. She goes to school with some kids who don't practice what they should, even as LEADERS.
At lunch she talked more specific about the name calling in AP class and the glares from you know where! I said, well, maybe that is their face? Embrass being a Weirdo, a Spaz, a MORMON, a FREAK. When someone calls you that...say THANK YOU.
Wasn't Jesus a Weirdo? Freak? Who knows....we do know he suffered all things! Embrass it girl! Laugh at it! Stand up for yourself if the Spirit prompts you too.
(then I hear her calling Adrienne a freak and her brother a weirdo...UH HUM!!! Shai, DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO TO YOU!)
Seems like after we have talks like this the hands of a three year old grabs the RIGHT FHE message that needs to be taught that night.
Family Home Evening again! Karrea picks out of the Jar. PRAYERS! Heart felt prayers
We needed that!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Family Newsletters, love them or hate them?
January, Can you believe it's almost over? I can't believe it. That means 41 is around the corner for me. Ha Ha.
I see the reflection of 2008 in the rearview mirror and it looks kind of crazy. It was crazy busy, crazy weather, crazy life lessons learned, crazy fun, and crazy learning. I don't know how else to describe it.
I didn't really do an email newsletter last year. I got to feeling that it may have come acrossed as boastful, or annoying so I quit. I got a few people who were upset that I didn't keep them posted on what was going on in the Matson home.
I personally like to write. I don't think I'm a good writer, but I do like to keep people posted. I love the communication. I like that people get to know us and that we are real and we are here to learn and grow and become better.
Last year things were really rocky and that is another reason I didn't write very often. I didn't want to be a downer to those that were having good times. It truly was a struggle just to get out of bed some days. Some days turned into weeks. I could feel depression loom in the near distance. It was quite scary. I got to thinking, how scary it is for people who don't have the faith of a Savior pulling them out, like I do. I am here to testify that He did pull me out. I could feel satan rage so many times and so strong. Satan tested my friendships, my motherhood, my roles as a mother, and a daycare provider, and more. I found myself on my knees a little longer. I received a fullness of God's love and Grace.
It is true, we come closer to God in the storm. I know that literally too. I am grateful I know about Jesus and God's plan. I am grateful that I had friends who answered my prayers. Just by being themselves. I am grateful for phone calls. I am grateful for the money people sent us after Ron lost his job. How amazing was that? All over the U.S.A. friends were so good to us. I paid them back, but they didn't expect it. That is just who I am.
I try to pay Heavenly Father back by giving and serving. I have so much to be grateful for.
January Ron and I thought about the things that needed done on the home to update it and make it better.
February I turned 40. It was sad. My family did NOTHING for me. I got a card from a friend and that was a great feeling. I got a phone call late at night. I just cried. I was allowed to have a do-over. That was a fun night. I chose a night that we could celebrate and I liked it.
March Ron lost his job. 19 years at Coleman. He had to cash in his 401K. There goes retirement. Who says it would have been there after the bailouts anyway? I think it was a blessing.
April was rough for Adrienne and I. WE learned that we have boundaries and if they are crossed its not a pretty sight. Let's just say, it got pretty heated in our home for a night. She spent the night at a friends house to keep safe.
May Adrienne graduated from High School. That was a chore. Luckily I had picked up some cute valentine's day decorations and candies for her party, there was no money due to no job for Ron. I am grateful for the guidance I had to get that stuff. She did a cute job decorating. She had a lot of friends come over. She had a lot of family support too. It was nice.
At the end of May Ron purchased Heaven's Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning of Hastings. He bought Clay, Adams, Nuckels, and Webster County (not sure I spelt N county right, haha) He has never owned his own business before. I am his helper. As long as he feeds me I'll work for free. ha ha
June was the tornado and hail storm.
June 5 we were standing at the front door checking out the weather. A friend had called and said a storm was heading right to our house. Ron had to explore outside. I stayed in. He darted in the house when the hail got quarter size. I screamed and grabbed the baby as soon as the baseball size hail came flying in the house through the kitchen window.
It was scary. All you could hear was smashing glass, the car alarms blaring, and pounding on the walls and roof. It seemed like forever. I cried. I pictured a tornado heading to our house and it was going to take us up or smash us in. It was one of the scariest feelings I have ever lived with. I have never seen such devestation, except for on t.v. It looked like someone had taken a machine gun to everyone's house and a bat to everyone's vehicle.
That means we got a new roof, new skirting, 5 new double pane, Low Energy windows, new paint job on the outside, the kitchen got painted, the sky light in the bathroom was replaced. The bathroom got remodeled. The T.V. room got new carpet and blinds. The dining room got new carpet and blinds, the kitchen and entry way from the door got new flooring that looks like wood.
Ron did most of the repairs. July was a busy month for Carpet Cleaning. On the days he and I weren't busy doing carpets we were busy remodeling the house. Adrienne was great at watching the kids this summer. I believe she learned a lot.
August we continued to remodel. We got the carpet laid, and the kitchen done and the outside mostly done. We ordered shingles for the roof but it was on back order. It was hard to get a lot of supplies. I lost my best friend because of a lie. God made it right! I am grateful for that. He blessed me with another friend. I was really sad for a long time though. We had been friends, best friends for 13 years. The Lord warned me Oct of 2007 that our friendship would end, and warned me how it would happen. I wasn't looking for it, but hind sight is 20/20. It's exactly how it ended. Still hard to take though.
September Shai turned 14, was in the school play and so it was fun helping out at the school and the play. That cast of Joseph and the Technicolor dream coat were AMAZING!! who knew that Kearney had that much talent? I'm still overwhelmed at the talent. I was so grateful that Shai got to be a part of it. She beamed every night on stage! This is her dream.
October Adrienne turned 18. Got an attitude of being invincible and you would have thought she turned 21, ha ha. Good thing we love her and she's a good kid, and she's cute! (kind of how we looked at her when she was two and sassy pants)
Ron repaired the roof finally. A few of the guys from Church came to help. That was a blessing. He was killing himself every day and night up there working 15 hours or more a day. He was up there until 10:30 pm. He could barely walk at the end of the night. I wished there were more that could help him, but God blessed us with those who could even put an hour or so in.
November brought Karrea turning 3. She is quite the princess. It's amazing some of the funny things she says. She will repeat a movie. The way she giggles, its contagious. She loves church. She loves to learn. Her favorite things are movies and friends and cuddles. We had Thanksgiving at my house. My side of the family. Nancy actually invited us to Thanksgiving at her house but plans were already in the making for my family.
December found us sad. Shaun Henry, Ron's baby sister's husband was killed in his pickup coming from a service call. He worked at a Tire repair shop. He was only 38, and left 4 children behind. Kim is beside herself. She is only 33. I still find myself crying for her. My kids miss him. He was the FUN uncle. He was always trying to kiss on them. It was funny! It was hard seeing him lay in the coffin with his hands all rough from "service". What are your hands looking like? That is what kept going through my mind. Just the thought makes tears bubble up inside and out.
He actually died on Justice's birthday. J.D. had a really hard time. He wasn't doing at school the next day and so we prayed. The spirit spoke to him. He was comforted. He felt like Shaun was watching over him. It was a great experience for Justice to have. The "veil" is thin at times.
Christmas was humble. We had fun finding sales after the Christmas day. We don't do gifts, we give money. We had fun shopping and spending time together. We felt very blessed by all those who gave and remembered us. It was fun reading Christmas cards and seeing pictures. I don't understand why people get mad at Newsletters, I love them. One of the ladies at Weight Watchers mentioned that she hated them, they seemed like BRAG letters. I think that is sad. I think we should celebrate everyone's accomplishments. I think we should love to hear how other people learn and grow on this journey. I know my letters are not intended to be that way.
I know its late but....HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Happy New President! ??
You are loved! You are prayed for! You are thought of! You are needed! Keep the faith. Keep your chin up! Keep in Touch.
We love you
Ron, Shanon, Adrienne, Shai, Justice, and Karrea
I see the reflection of 2008 in the rearview mirror and it looks kind of crazy. It was crazy busy, crazy weather, crazy life lessons learned, crazy fun, and crazy learning. I don't know how else to describe it.
I didn't really do an email newsletter last year. I got to feeling that it may have come acrossed as boastful, or annoying so I quit. I got a few people who were upset that I didn't keep them posted on what was going on in the Matson home.
I personally like to write. I don't think I'm a good writer, but I do like to keep people posted. I love the communication. I like that people get to know us and that we are real and we are here to learn and grow and become better.
Last year things were really rocky and that is another reason I didn't write very often. I didn't want to be a downer to those that were having good times. It truly was a struggle just to get out of bed some days. Some days turned into weeks. I could feel depression loom in the near distance. It was quite scary. I got to thinking, how scary it is for people who don't have the faith of a Savior pulling them out, like I do. I am here to testify that He did pull me out. I could feel satan rage so many times and so strong. Satan tested my friendships, my motherhood, my roles as a mother, and a daycare provider, and more. I found myself on my knees a little longer. I received a fullness of God's love and Grace.
It is true, we come closer to God in the storm. I know that literally too. I am grateful I know about Jesus and God's plan. I am grateful that I had friends who answered my prayers. Just by being themselves. I am grateful for phone calls. I am grateful for the money people sent us after Ron lost his job. How amazing was that? All over the U.S.A. friends were so good to us. I paid them back, but they didn't expect it. That is just who I am.
I try to pay Heavenly Father back by giving and serving. I have so much to be grateful for.
January Ron and I thought about the things that needed done on the home to update it and make it better.
February I turned 40. It was sad. My family did NOTHING for me. I got a card from a friend and that was a great feeling. I got a phone call late at night. I just cried. I was allowed to have a do-over. That was a fun night. I chose a night that we could celebrate and I liked it.
March Ron lost his job. 19 years at Coleman. He had to cash in his 401K. There goes retirement. Who says it would have been there after the bailouts anyway? I think it was a blessing.
April was rough for Adrienne and I. WE learned that we have boundaries and if they are crossed its not a pretty sight. Let's just say, it got pretty heated in our home for a night. She spent the night at a friends house to keep safe.
May Adrienne graduated from High School. That was a chore. Luckily I had picked up some cute valentine's day decorations and candies for her party, there was no money due to no job for Ron. I am grateful for the guidance I had to get that stuff. She did a cute job decorating. She had a lot of friends come over. She had a lot of family support too. It was nice.
At the end of May Ron purchased Heaven's Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning of Hastings. He bought Clay, Adams, Nuckels, and Webster County (not sure I spelt N county right, haha) He has never owned his own business before. I am his helper. As long as he feeds me I'll work for free. ha ha
June was the tornado and hail storm.
June 5 we were standing at the front door checking out the weather. A friend had called and said a storm was heading right to our house. Ron had to explore outside. I stayed in. He darted in the house when the hail got quarter size. I screamed and grabbed the baby as soon as the baseball size hail came flying in the house through the kitchen window.
It was scary. All you could hear was smashing glass, the car alarms blaring, and pounding on the walls and roof. It seemed like forever. I cried. I pictured a tornado heading to our house and it was going to take us up or smash us in. It was one of the scariest feelings I have ever lived with. I have never seen such devestation, except for on t.v. It looked like someone had taken a machine gun to everyone's house and a bat to everyone's vehicle.
That means we got a new roof, new skirting, 5 new double pane, Low Energy windows, new paint job on the outside, the kitchen got painted, the sky light in the bathroom was replaced. The bathroom got remodeled. The T.V. room got new carpet and blinds. The dining room got new carpet and blinds, the kitchen and entry way from the door got new flooring that looks like wood.
Ron did most of the repairs. July was a busy month for Carpet Cleaning. On the days he and I weren't busy doing carpets we were busy remodeling the house. Adrienne was great at watching the kids this summer. I believe she learned a lot.
August we continued to remodel. We got the carpet laid, and the kitchen done and the outside mostly done. We ordered shingles for the roof but it was on back order. It was hard to get a lot of supplies. I lost my best friend because of a lie. God made it right! I am grateful for that. He blessed me with another friend. I was really sad for a long time though. We had been friends, best friends for 13 years. The Lord warned me Oct of 2007 that our friendship would end, and warned me how it would happen. I wasn't looking for it, but hind sight is 20/20. It's exactly how it ended. Still hard to take though.
September Shai turned 14, was in the school play and so it was fun helping out at the school and the play. That cast of Joseph and the Technicolor dream coat were AMAZING!! who knew that Kearney had that much talent? I'm still overwhelmed at the talent. I was so grateful that Shai got to be a part of it. She beamed every night on stage! This is her dream.
October Adrienne turned 18. Got an attitude of being invincible and you would have thought she turned 21, ha ha. Good thing we love her and she's a good kid, and she's cute! (kind of how we looked at her when she was two and sassy pants)
Ron repaired the roof finally. A few of the guys from Church came to help. That was a blessing. He was killing himself every day and night up there working 15 hours or more a day. He was up there until 10:30 pm. He could barely walk at the end of the night. I wished there were more that could help him, but God blessed us with those who could even put an hour or so in.
November brought Karrea turning 3. She is quite the princess. It's amazing some of the funny things she says. She will repeat a movie. The way she giggles, its contagious. She loves church. She loves to learn. Her favorite things are movies and friends and cuddles. We had Thanksgiving at my house. My side of the family. Nancy actually invited us to Thanksgiving at her house but plans were already in the making for my family.
December found us sad. Shaun Henry, Ron's baby sister's husband was killed in his pickup coming from a service call. He worked at a Tire repair shop. He was only 38, and left 4 children behind. Kim is beside herself. She is only 33. I still find myself crying for her. My kids miss him. He was the FUN uncle. He was always trying to kiss on them. It was funny! It was hard seeing him lay in the coffin with his hands all rough from "service". What are your hands looking like? That is what kept going through my mind. Just the thought makes tears bubble up inside and out.
He actually died on Justice's birthday. J.D. had a really hard time. He wasn't doing at school the next day and so we prayed. The spirit spoke to him. He was comforted. He felt like Shaun was watching over him. It was a great experience for Justice to have. The "veil" is thin at times.
Christmas was humble. We had fun finding sales after the Christmas day. We don't do gifts, we give money. We had fun shopping and spending time together. We felt very blessed by all those who gave and remembered us. It was fun reading Christmas cards and seeing pictures. I don't understand why people get mad at Newsletters, I love them. One of the ladies at Weight Watchers mentioned that she hated them, they seemed like BRAG letters. I think that is sad. I think we should celebrate everyone's accomplishments. I think we should love to hear how other people learn and grow on this journey. I know my letters are not intended to be that way.
I know its late but....HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Happy New President! ??
You are loved! You are prayed for! You are thought of! You are needed! Keep the faith. Keep your chin up! Keep in Touch.
We love you
Ron, Shanon, Adrienne, Shai, Justice, and Karrea
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