PISTOL PACKIN' MAMA

Don't mess with grandma!

Some of you may be surprised to know dad & I enjoy target shooting. We went out with our bishop & his wife (that's them behind me; good place to be!) a few weeks ago (pre-hospital visit). He has an artillery & is very generous to share. Our local shooting range is great (border patrol practice there too). We get to try out a lot of different weapons. I even shot our own shotgun this time. Not as much of a kick as I thought it would be.

I'm a pretty fair shot, I think. Dad & I took a personal protection class in Idaho a couple of years ago, which allowed me to obtain a concealed weapons permit. Doesn't stand in Arizona tho and will have to take another class to get one. So now I'm shopping for a pistol....thinking of a Smith & Wesson 38 cal with a crimson trace! What a lovely mother's day present that would be! ha ha

HE'S AT IT AGAIN

All of you know this....dad is not a 'sitter'! Me, on the other hand, world-class! (I've won awards!) Even while beating up little kids when substitute teaching, he's managed to crank out a new piece of furniture for our bedroom. We purchased the large piece at Costco Home in the "dent" section at a great discount. We decided he could build matching night stands. Unfortunately, I was in my sick mode and didn't get on-going pics of the process, but it's nice & roomy & has space for me to pile all my junk on top! (he hates that!) Another one will soon be in the works for his side of the bed. The man has sawdust in his veins!

"COME ON DOWN, YOU'RE THE NEXT CONTESTANT

I was sure I heard the "ding, ding, ding.... & Bob Barker (ala Drew Carey) saying you've won a 3-day, two night stay in a resort hotel near you, CONGRATULATIONS! So why are my souvenirs bruises & a kidney transplant diagnosis?!



It was just a 'tummy ache', I said. Probably something I ate. 'Not so fast there lady.....you're not going home today.' And then it began. All the sticking, poking, cathing, peeing, I-V-ing, shots & any number of humiliating and painful 'treatments'. Three days and 5 doctors later.... Oh yes, let's talk about those 5 docs. Four were from India and one from Russia....couldn't understand any of them! Forget about dad hearing them or comprehending what was said! But I had my ace in the hole...SALLY! She's got good hearing & an iron-clad memory. Between all of us, (dad included) we got most of what was said. Can you say "Nephrologist"?

So where does it all stand today? I go in for blood work and shot on friday & meet with the nephy guy monday afternoon to see what my new kidney numbers are. We're praying for 30 or better. I was at 11 in the ER and 10 is automatic dialysis! Argh! I'll keep you posted.



What can you do? You know the answer to that one already. PRAY & if you're so inclined & want to: FAST. I'm not allowed to at this point, for obvious reasons. I DO KNOW the Lord is mindful of this situation and WILL help us, even if does require a transplant. I've had two blessings (with anointings) & I'm doing what the docs say and taking masses of pills, etc. We do all we can do and then allow the Lord to do the rest.



Oh yeah, here's a picture of my resort! I wouldn't recommend it for relaxation & rest & it's VERY pricey!!

Ringing in 2009

It was a great, funny ride! AND Clean! We can recommend it to any & all ages. Even the kids would get most of it. Since Adam Sandler became a real life dad it seems he evaluates what kind of movies he does. Anyway, it was a action-packed, laugh-out-loud flick. We took in the 4 pm showing. There were 8 of us in the theater, I think.

Then we ate dinner at Mimi's mainly because they sent me a $10 off dinner coupon for my birthday. Sally, Gerry and Sally's mama (Freda) joined us for both events.

We were home by 7 pm and in bed by 10:00. But as usual, I can't sleep again so here I am bothering you again.

One piece of good news is our good friend (computer guru) Wayne fixed up the old puter so dad can have his very own and not mess mine up anymore!!! YA HOO RAH! She's not the girl she used to be, but will serve him well enough to play solitaire and go on-line to get subbing jobs. He also asked if he could do a blog on it! I said, OF COURSE! So get ready for some "with love, from dad" entries. Beware however, his spelling is atrocious & he writes in one, big long sentence. Other than that he is just bursting with wisdom and sometimes even a bit of wit!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Goodbye Christmas, Hello Valentine's Day

They went up just after taking down our McCain/Palin signage was retired. Seems we just get them up.... and then, well you know. We were 1 of about 5 folks in our subdivision that had some sort of nativity scene on display. Ours is kind of a cheezy plastic set, but it is our belief it's most important to display the 'reason for the season'. Somehow the polar bear blow-up or a trio of penquins

rocking back and forth just doesn't do it! Dad is ADAMANT about this and I heartily

support his effort. He actually bu

ilt a 'manger' and draped it with branch trimmings... looked pretty authentic! We looked all over for more 'nativity' pieces to add to our display without success. A donkey/sheep/ camel/a wise guy or two and maybe a shepherd!? Any or all would be welcome. Maybe next

year.

So we're already gearing up for the next holiday: Valentine's Day! Thankfully no major creche required...maybe a simple heart wreath for the door or some valentines in the window. I'm planning to eat a large quanity of chocolates to celebrate. What are you going to do to decorate for the 'LOVE HOLIDAY'?

THE POWER OF THE PRIESTHOOD

Dad & I love our calling as Empty-Nester's Family Home Evening coordinators. It is not only fun & interesting, but there are always spiritual experiences associated with it. All our empty-nesters are included; sometimes teaching or bringing treats, etc. We just make sure there's something planned. Most older people are pretty reliable, so it makes our calling easy. But more than anything, we LOVE these people, they are like family to us. What a blessing to be part of their lives, the great parts as well as the challenging parts.

Tonight was an example of the love we all share because of one of our members has cancer, (the docs only gave her 6 months a year ago). She's only 54 years old, her name is Linda. She had been doing pretty well; we were hopeful she would overcome this disease. But she received bad news from her onocologist today. The cancer is growing in her brain, liver and bones again. Mike, her husband was in charge of the lesson tonight; they were late arriving. (dad & I always have a 'dog & pony show' on hand 'just in case'.) When they arrived, Mike shared the bad news with me, I suggested she have a blessing. Afterall, we had approximately 600 years of Priesthood power represented. We went ahead with our FHE lesson (the great new Pres. Hinckley video). Then we gathered everyone around so Mike could explain what was going on.

What a beautiful spirit filled the Relief Society room while we watched those 12 great men lay their hands upon her head & administer to her with the sacred oil. Tears were flowing & testimonies of the priesthood power were strengthened again. Her blessing didn't promise a healing, but it did promise peace & comfort in her trial. We all pledged in our hearts to do what we can to help them. They have not been blessed with children & most of their family lives in California & Utah....so we're their family!

Mike was also given a beautiful blessing, giving him strength to be able to handle all that may come his way. He's a great guy.

We ALL have or will have trials. It is said 'not more than we can bear'; but sometimes we wonder don't we? Through it all we always need our Heavenly Father's help & guidance. He is ALWAYS there for us....He is waiting for us to ask. Go ahead, ask Him, He wants to bless you.

DIZZY DAME AT THE MESSIAH

They angels came...they ALWAYS do, filling in where we are weak & making a beautiful 'noise' unto the Lord! Inspirational, as usual. BUT here's the rest of the story......

She was fine; beautiful in Christmas red. The prelude Christmas Carols were just beginning when she grabbed my arm & said "oh no, not now"! My dear friend, Beth, (our low-tea hostess) has a condition that rears it's ugly head at the most inopportune moments. She has extreme vertigo that hits for no apparent or predictable reason. The poor thing didn't get to sing a single note the entire performance. She had to sit in her seat with her eyes glued to a fixed point across the chapel (the air vent) for 1 1/2 hours! (Cannot close her eyes either.) She ALWAYS carries medication to counteract the dizziness.... ALMOST always! She had it with her during church earlier in the day, in her scriptures...which were on her desk at home! Nothing we could do and she would not allow us to carry her out....so there she sat. Husband was summoned at the last "hallejujah" to race home for meds while we attempted to comfort her & lighten the moment with our own 'fainting at the worst possible time' stories. Sooooo, NOW we (a couple of her friends) carry 2 pills with us....just in case.

So I have to say it was a memorable Messiah performance. It's always worth the time & effort even tho it takes some doing once in a while to get myself out the door to rehearsals. I will be back next year, IF the voice allows. I hope I'll know when to stop; there's a sister in our ward that someone truly NEEDS to tell!