St Pat's Day Decos

I made these from cutouts I bought at the dollar store. Quite happy with how it looks, especially as deco is not particularly a talent of mine.




I bought this Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus at the after-Christmas sales at Walgreen for $2. The bronzed and marbled spray paint cost $5; I was contemplating getting the $1 can of white or black, but decided to go with the color I wanted. I'm so happy I spent the extra money, I love how it turned out. (I collect Nativities because my sister Kristi told me years ago that she collects them, and I enjoy them also.)

Thankful

I'm trying to be more aware of the many blessings the Lord has given me, and to just be thankful for them. I have a great husband, wonderful kids (including son-in-law) and grandkids, siblings for which I'm grateful, and raised by parents who did the best they could. I have the gospel and a knowledge of the Lord and His plan. I wouldn't change places with anyone, certainly not for fame or wealth.

I write this with all the unhappy things that are happening in my extended family right now, things that we plead with the Lord to change and give us the outcome we want. I remind myself that this earth life is not our end station, that is to come, and to just put my trust and faith in Him and His plan, which is ultimately that He wants the very best for us, and that is His work.

It's nice to be home

I have now been back in Philly for a week - there's no place like home!! It's still cold here, but not freezing and no snow. We are having a mild winter, unlike last winter with tons of snow. I'm not complaining; the thing I do really miss is St George weather.

I'm following the 2012 presidential race quite closely. Every time, we say it's the most important one, the country can't afford to elect the wrong person. This time, it really is true. The country can't afford another 4 years of Obama and the Democrats. But, the Republicans are not a lot better. I thought Bush was an honorable man; still he marched us left, at a slower pace than the Democrats would have, but steadily left.

I don't think Romney will march right. I don't think Santorum will march right. I think Ron Paul would, but he is too crazy on some issues. I keep reminding myself that the Lord is in control, His plan will ultimately prevail.

Right wing extremists

Sisters in Utah

My sister Kristi and I seem to have the same taste in shoes. Here are our bedroom slippers by our suitcases when we were in St George helping mom.




One morning we decided to hike the Temple Trail. This is a photo taken by Kristi, with her cell phone camera.




And here I am...hmmmmmm...can't decide if I like it or not!!

Family for the weekend

Charles and Jolene came to mom's on Fri and left this morning, Mon. It was so thoughtful of him to come, especially since he came down after a procedure for his colon cancer. It was wonderful to see him and Jolene. We mostly just chatted.

My sister, Kristi, also came on Fri; she and I will drive up to Provo together on Wed, and then I fly home on Thurs. It has been so nice to be here with mom and my sister and brother, sister-in-law, just spend time and reconnect with them.

Doing better

Mom is doing so much better, amazing. It must be lowering the dosage of the Nor something or the other. She took a shower today in the stand-up shower, and is walking more. Last night she almost hopped out of the chair she was sitting in.

As Eric would say, "Yee-haw!!!"

Chomp, chomp, drink, drink

Paige called last night to tell me a cute story about Stella. She made chocolate chip cookies in the evening, which are a fav family treat. As everyone was sitting at the table eating their cookie and drinking some milk, Stella said she needed to go to the bathroom, and Paige said, well go. Stella looked at Paige and Kincade and said, "Don't eat my cookie!" She was assured they wouldn't. She told them again, don't eat my cookie; once again assured, just go to the bathroom, we won't eat your cookie.

When she was in the bathroom, she yelled out, "What are you doing?" "We're not eating your cookie." Stella replied, "I thought I heard a chomp, chomp, and a drink, drink."