Broccoli Anyone?

I have been trying to eat better, more vegetables, less sweets, you know that kind of thing. In turn, I am trying to help my kids be healthier too which isn't too hard because they usually like to eat whatever I eat. But holy cow! Do you know how expensive fresh produce is? For one head of broccoli it was over $5 dollars! No wonder America is so obese! Let's see for five bucks I can get a burger, fries, and soda, or one head of broccoli...hmmm......So many great things about living in Blanding, buying fresh inexpensive produce -- not one of them. Oh well!

I Miss My Sweetie!

Clay is on the mountain camping with the Young Men (his new calling is 2nd Counselor in the Young Men) he is also still one of the Gospel Doctrine Teachers.
I am glad that he accepts and fulfills all his callings without complaint. I really need to learn from his example.
I just hate having an empty bed! I know it is only for a few nights, but I really miss his presence in our home.
I am grateful for the blessings of an eternal marriage, I am so thankful to know that we will be together forever. This is especially comforting in light of recent events in our community (see Nan's blog for more info).

Babies Heal Fast!

One week later, and he looks so good! Chrislynn hang in there, yours will heal fast too!

Not our Best Day

Yesterday was a LOOOOOOONG day. We spent part of the morning at a viewing (Clay's Grandma Perkins passed away) the afternoon at a funeral and graveside dedication, and the afternoon and evening at the clinic and hospital.

It was cold at the cemetery so after all the official stuff was done, I took Thomas and Timothy to the truck so they could be out of the cold and watch movies. For some dumb reason the sprinklers were on, so Eva and I were racing to avoid the water, and as Eva opened the back door, Timothy fell out onto the pavement. I initially thought that Eva was the hurt one because she was crazy screaming, but as I listened to her shouting that she had given Timothy brain damage, I realized Timothy was the one in trouble. Brad was quick-thinking enough to grab a diaper for me to hold on Tim's head as we rushed to the clinic. Eva kept crying about it being her fault, and chastised Thomas for not holding on to Timothy. We kept reassuring them that it was all right, but when we got to the clinic and they saw how much blood there was they were both freaking out. Thank goodness at that moment Hollie came back to where we were and offered to take Eva and Thomas to the Family dinner. So Timothy ended up needing 3 stitches to close 2 wounds, and we had to take him to Monticello Hospital for a CT Scan to make sure he didn't have a cracked skull, or swelling of the brain. The fact that we haven't heard back on the scan tells us that it must have been okay, and Tim had been acting fine. I am thankful for my Dad and my Husband. They gave Timothy a Priesthood Blessing, and I know it made all the difference. I am so grateful for extended family. I did not have the ability to take care of Eva and Thomas emotionally yesterday. They needed the love and support of all of our Family so they could deal with the trauma. I am grateful this happened when Clay was with me. I don't think I could have handled it on my own. In fact, Timothy loves his Dad so much, he didn't want me during the clinic/hospital ordeal, he wanted his Daddy. Thanks to all the family who helped us through our first emergency ordeal.

A Few of My Favorite Things

In celebration of another great year of life, I wanted to share some things that make me happy!

CRUISE:

-Finally dancing with my husband

-No kids to worry about for over a week!

-Great friends and family that willing watched above mentioned kids

-Having something big to motivate me to lose 20 lbs (and over 24 inches)

-Celebrating 11 wonderful years of marriage in a tropical paradise

-Seeing my brother Drew the most relaxed I have EVER seen him!

-Doing karaoke for the first time

-Someone else being in charge of the cooking and cleaning for over a week

-Spending quality time with my extended family

HOME:

-A great home to live in with awesome neighbors

-Working out-it makes me feel and look younger

-Serving in the Primary -- I love those kids!

-A testimony of the Gospel

-Living close to so much family

-Great books to read

-My family

There is so much more, but this is enough for now. What are you grateful for?

Clay

Recently my Mother and Sister Nan shared on their blogs how great their lives are because of their husbands and it really made me think of how blessed I am.
The other day I detailed how my life has improved because of my wonderful husband. As I shared with my friend how he has calmed me and made me a better person, my friend's eyes filled with tears. Clay is a great Husband and Father and an asset to our community. He has shown dedication to his boss by being an honest, courteous, helpful, knowledgeable employee. He has worked for Stan for 12 years! People tell me all the time that they don't like to shop at San Juan Building Supply if Clay isn't there. Clay honors his priesthood and accepts and fulfills his church callings. Clay doesn't criticise me or belittle me he treats me with love and respect, even when I don't do the same. We are going on a cruise in a week, not because it was something my husband wanted to do, but because he knew it would make me happy to take a vacation with my best friend/family. I could go on and on but I won't. Happy Anniversary early my love, here's to another wonderful 11 years!

I've Got Skills

The other day Thomas and Eva and I had an interesting conversation. Thomas said to Eva "I'm a better climber than you even though you're older than me". "Well Thomas" I said, "we all have different things that we are good at. You are good at climbing and Eva is a good reader". Thomas thoughtfully replied, "So I have climbing skills and Eva has reading skills, you have exercise skills and Dad has work skills." Yeah Thomas (Napolean) we've got skills.