*MONDAY MEMOS*
(If pictures are too small, just click to enlarge)
Weekly recap of my rather crazy, insane, but fun and rewarding life!
dear monday, today was supposed to be the 2020 Boston Marathon. It has been postponed until September but there is talk it might have to be completely cancelled. It has never been cancelled in it's 124 year history. How sad that it is happening with the perfect numbers 2020 and the jackets this year were red, white, and blue. But I guess at least that should be a happy spot in it all. In honor of the marathon I ran the Virtual Moley Mile race. People were running any distance, though a lot were doing the full 26.2 in their own neck of the woods. No one was allowed to run the actual course. My distance was 2. 62 miles but I wanted to run 1.5 miles even though I wasn't sure my ankle would allow me to. But I did it!
That is my farthest since my accident...though I have run that far before, just not farther. Every time I attempt, my ankle lets me know in no uncertain terms it's a bad idea and so I have been holding back for a couple months or more. It felt pretty good today with the exception of going uphill. And later in the day, it was very sore. I guess I will just have to keep being patient.
FB POST:
After carb loading for five weeks (#quarantine) 🤣😆😂, I ran the virtual Boston Moley Mile today! Boston Buddies from around the globe are virtually running from wherever they are in a tribute to the Boston Marathon that was supposed to be held today. Today's race is dedicated to Timothy Moley who ran the Boston Marathon in 2017 on crutches due to a torn meniscus after training for months. He always runs his last mile the fastest (#moleymile), which is the goal for today's run. Most are running long distances but I gave it my all and got in 1.5 miles (running - my farthest since my accident) 2.62 overall! I will treasure this medal!
I had to take a photo of me in the quarantine mask #bostonbuddies so I can remember WHY I even did this little virtual race.
I found a PENNY! THANKS TYSON! He is always there when I race and today was no exception. I am not finding as many as I used to because I tend to walk the same route pretty much every day and so I have found all the old ones.
Here is my official certificate and bib!
I ordered the medal but it hasn't come yet!
This is what it looks like!
On the BOSTON BUDDIES FB page:
After carb loading for five weeks (#quarantine) 🤣😆😂, I ran the virtual Boston Moley Mile today!
I know most of you are running long distances but I gave it my all and got in 1.5 miles (running- my farthest since my accident) 2.62 overall! I will treasure this medal! (when it arrives😆)
The Boston FINISH LINE this morning. How sad is that?
The Finish Line 2020
First time in the history of the Boston Marathon it has been cancelled.
The Prudential Tower in 2020. No marathon...
The start of the marathon in 2017
I also posted this on Facebook:
Was having a bit of a pity party as today is Patriot's Day and the day the Boston Marathon was supposed to be run. #postponeduntilsept
It's hands down the world's best marathon and I have always wanted to get back and run it as many times as I can qualify.
Due to my accident 16 months ago, I am about as far away from that dream as I have ever been. I have been feeling pretty discouraged lately where my progress is and where I thought it would be by now.
THEN this popped up on my memories and as I re-read the last time I ran this race, it helped put it all back into perspective for me. I was blessed beyond comprehension that I even got to run this race not only once, but twice. I will never take that for granted! Especially now. But more importantly I CAN STILL RUN! Not long and not fast, (YET!) but that has not been taken from me as one of my ankle specialists told me it would be one year ago.
I truly experienced a miracle this past year. The quote I used in this post, "We must run with patience the race that is set before us."...has never inspired me more than it does now. I believe this race was preparation for what was ahead for me.
I did a virtual race today as a tribute to this great race and I can't believe how blessed I am that I was able to run a full 1.5 miles! THAT is a miracle!
#patience #patience #patience #runtheracethatissetbeforeyou
It is hard to not be a part of the running community anymore. I miss it so much. But, I am not giving up! I WILL BE BACK! It's just taking me longer than I thought it would.
My friend Gary who beat prostate cancer (who I call Guru Gary) because he sent me uplifting quotes and stories and helped me get through my hard year, as well as sent Elder Randall and his wife to visit me since he is close friends with him, sent me this note:
Jodi,
I have read for the first time, some tremendously powerful and inspiring words, about a race that could have been called “Overcoming, Against All Odds” or “Overcoming, Against All of the Elements.” It was written by the runner and has multiple inspiring messages to me and anyone that has the privilege of reading it. I am not sure if you have really read it or not. If you have, I hope you will read it with fresh eyes as it relates to today. I would like to share some of the lessons that I see in these inspiring words. It is applicable in all aspects of life but particularly when some one is going through difficulties in this life. Here is only one quote that might give you some inspiration when things get difficult in this life:
“We were then hit with one of the heaviest downpours I've ever seen in my life that just wouldn't let up. It was crazy. But I was grateful for the timing because it kept me focused and I felt like I crushed the hills - mainly because I was so distracted by the rain and some back pain.”
What an inspiring moment in that runners life that can inspire others for generations. I would suppose that the runner that wrote this, can go back in her minds eye, to that very moment and really feel the power of those words. Because I really believe, unbeknownst to her, she really wrote those words to her future self. Words to inspire her future self, with personal faith and courage, with sayings such as; “You've Got This Mom” and to “Keep swimming, Just Keep Swimming!”
Along the way there will be blessings that will be placed in her path. There is time to enjoy them and remember them. They might be as simple as “three pennies.”
Challenges at times are relentless as, “the cold was beginning to take it's toll. I kept pushing through the forceful headwinds.”
At times we can feel like we are up against overwhelming challenges, “I was having serious thoughts of quitting especially knowing the Newton Hills were upon me. It was becoming difficult to make my legs fire how I wanted them to. I kept looking at my pace and I was becoming even more discouraged because my time was slowing. But each time I looked at my pace band, I saw Tyson's cute smiling face on it looking back at me and that would give me the inspiration I needed to keep moving forward. I kept hearing the words, "You Got This Mom!" in my mind.”
We need to keep proper perspective and the proper pace in our lives. “And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a woman should run faster than she has strength. And again, it is expedient that she should be diligent, that thereby she might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.”
This is what the runner did, “I pulled back and got to a 9:15 pace by mile three. It was still pouring and the wind gusts were brutal. It never stopped raining or blowing. At times the rain would just come down in buckets harder than anything I have ever seen in my life. But once you're wet, you're wet. Wet is wet. You can't get any wetter. So bring it on. That is how to take on every new challenge. Trusting in God and having faith. Enjoy the personal insights from these inspired and inspiring words of your own. I could draw many parallels but I believe you will see them and the Lord’s Spirit will convey it to your spirit.
This was my joy in reading your words! The "Heartbreak Stops Here!" and I knew the infamous hills were behind me and a great relief poured over me.
“Then, just when I needed it most, I saw my very wet and very supportive family standing in that freezing rain at mile 17 waiting for me with big hugs, excitement, encouragement, my fuel, as well as warm dry gloves!”
“It really gives you a lift hearing them cheer you on personally. My goal was to smile the entire 26.2 miles (no matter what) because I believe smiling helps me mentally.”
“I felt relief but also a bit beat down because even one more mile was going to take everything I had. I remembered why I was doing this and I kept thinking to myself, "You are running the Boston Marathon!" That, coupled with thoughts of how blessed I am to be able to do this when so many will never get to, pulled me towards that finish line. "Do it for those who can't."
“I will never be able to erase the picture of all those people standing out there in the torrential rain cheering us on! I felt the love from all of my family and friends back home as well cheering me on so far away. Knowing I was being prayed for and encouraged by so many helped me to dig a little deeper.”
“Crossing that finish line made you feel that if you could conquer that, there are no limits in what you can do in life. It made me reach deeper and realize a new depth to my own personal strength. It took all I had to keep running and it made me stronger.”
“The medal I earned this year will always represent to me that we CAN "run with patience the race that is set before us."
Jodi, I really believe that you were inspired to write these words for the race that you are in now. Reread your own words and recognize the many parallels with the challenges you have experienced and are experiencing. See your own words that were written just for you!
Undoubtedly we all would rather run downhill or at least on the flats. However there are real “Heartbreak Hills” in all of our lives that we must face. There is no going around them. We must push on to the glorious finish. So now is a good time to “drink deeply” from your “spiritual fuel of Faith, Hope and Trust in God.” Knowing full well that God has remembered His faithful daughter. Take the short breaks you need and deserve, enjoy your family and friends, that will ever and always support you, who without question, really stand with you and have never failed you. One friend, who has been to the hardest of all Heart Break Hills, for truly His heart was broken for us, stands with arms open to gather you in from the storms of this life, in His loving arms. Close your eyes, see and feel in your minds eye, the warmth of His loving embrace, personally just for you! Just as the children of Israel were told to look to the brazen serpent and live. So it is for you and each of us to “look steadfastly to Him and be healed of all our infirmities.”
Jodi, My dear friend, God bless you to, “Run with “faith and patience” the race that is set before you. You have had to dig deeper than ever before, but you really have great personal strength and great personal faith! Let your own powerful and inspired words coupled with your and our powerful faith, push you on, my dear friend, to the finish line! You are doing so well. You are so much stronger today because you have and are lifting heavier today. Have faith knowing that the "Heartbreak Stops Here!"All our love, faith and prayers.
I have to tell you when I read this......I had tears streaming down my face. It all felt so right. I was overwhelmed with how you nailed it. And confused as to why I had missed it all. I had to even re-read it twice and I didn't catch that I had wrote that for my future self. I needed you to point that out to me. It is pretty profound actually. I am so grateful that you "got it" because I sure didn't! It amazes me how Heavenly Father can work in our lives sometimes and we have no clue. But, it was SO perfectly worded what I needed to hear now. So thank you Gary! I am actually still reeling in awe of it all.
But then something even more powerful happened yesterday. I kept trying to find some time to sneak away and write you about it but I had a full house from Saturday afternoon until late last night and had no time until today.
My husband got a call from Elder Stephen Randall on Saturday night asking if he could come and visit. He asked how I was doing and said he wanted to stop by on Sunday at noon if that was possible.
He and his sweet wife Kathy both came. We had a wonderful visit and he shared a lot about blessings and faith and doubt and healing. He asked me several questions about my experience and just listening to myself share it all, got me pretty choked up and I had a hard time several times, but he was so kind. He said we always pronounce a blessing to heal and then the receiver has to be willing to accept the will of the Lord whatever that may be. His sweet wife told me to hold on tight to what I heard before all this happened (when I heard that my running days are far from over) and she shared how sometimes people hear things and then when things go south they question if they really heard what they did, but she said if I know it was from God then I should get that phrase cross-stitched and read it and repeat many times a day. She was very sweet. Elder Randall was so loving and understanding. He asked me if I ever asked, "Why me?" and how our trials are really given to us for our growth and not punishment. I need to take the time today to really think about all he said and write it down in my journal. It was mostly just a visit of support and comfort. They are such a wonderful couple and so humbling for me that they would travel just to check on me. I feel so grateful to you that you shared with him what was going on, other wise he would have never known and I would have missed out on such a gift. He also told me he would continue to pray for me and keep my name on the temple prayer roll.
It was pretty special. So, thank you again for all you have done for me. The blessings just keep multiplying!!! Bless you, Gary
He has been such a blessing to help me stay positive and uplifted when I struggle. His timing is always impeccable as he seems to be inspired to know exactly what I need to hear WHEN I need to hear it. I am very grateful for all the friends I have who have helped me through this rough patch of my life.
I went to visit Carson and get him out of the house on a bike ride. We headed to the cemetery as we always do. He is such a great kid. We ate his lunch while we watched them make a new road. Then we said hi to Tyson.
We found Lorenzo Snow's grave and he fixed balloons on a strangers grave and said hi to Julie's grandma and grandpa and dad.
On our way back he always asks if can do our "tradition". We doorbell ditch Sky and it is so funny because usually Sky opens the door before we can get out of there. He loves it.
Tonight we all watched a movie. We watched A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. It was good. I could get used to these movie nights! The boys literally study ALL. DAY. LONG! Not sure how they do it, but it amazes me.
dear tuesday, I got up early and practiced the harp and then had my lesson. It went pretty well. My songs are tough right now. But, I practiced a lot this past week. I usually practice longer but I had some errands to run so I took off. I tended the Little's for a couple hours because Haylie had court stuff to work on. We had fun. It was a nice day and so after playing in the playroom we went out in back and hiked up our hill.
Then I took them up the mountain and it was quite the adventure. Little Liam is tough. That kid just went up like it was nothing. We got all dusty and so had to clean off our shoes after but it was a lot of fun.
Poor Liam did not want his diaper changed. They are so stinkin' adorable. Haylie came and then I worked on the family newsletters. I really wanted to get them done because tomorrow I want to spend all day on the pantry. I went to the Print Shop to get the newsletters. They turned out pretty nice. I worked hard getting them ready to mail.
Sky and crew stopped by on their way camping. We made Hobo Dinners. Carson gave me a "present".
We all headed up to Mantua to have dinner with Sky and crew. Everything is closed as far as camping. But Dave called a friend who let them camp on his property. It's all about who you know because it was a nice place! We had fun shooting the gun and then playing with an airplane. We ate and it was so good. I love hobo dinners and camping! We made Smores after. Taylor made sweet potatoes too. It was pretty chilly so I stayed by the fire.
Everyone took a turn shooting the gun.
 |
| I hit the tiny target! |
Carson and Taylor were playing "spy". Carson loved being with his uncles! He hasn't had any social interaction in forever!
HOBO dinners! The best!
The boys were doing their "thing" where they toss around a hot coal! This was all new to me. Apparently they do it all the time. Even Dave got in on the action. Boys!
Taylor stayed and camped with them but McKay came home because he has finals this week and needed to study hard. It got pretty chilly by the time we left. I left my coat with Saran for tomorrow.
dear wednesday, I had big plans to get the pantry done today but other things came up and I had to get the newsletters done. They are done but I needed to finish the addresses, and fold and stuff them today I got out early and got in three miles. It wasn't as warm as I had thought it would be even though it was 50. I came home and showered and finished the newsletters. I went to the post office and mailed them. WHAT A RELIEF to have those done! WOW! HUGE RELIEF! I honestly did not think I would end up getting one out this year and made me sad because I haven't miss one single year in 30 years. One year I did combine two years, but at least I recorded for both years. I am sure people are going to think I am crazy, but that's okay. They would be right! haha
I will post the newsletter at the bottom of this post.
I went to Haylie's to be the third party in giving the kids to her ex. But she was on the phone chatting to her attorney because apparently the ex decide to switch times on her.
Anyway, she had an appointment because she thought she wouldn't have the kids. I told her I would tend them. She brought them over an hour later and we had fun. They are so sweet and fun. Carson showed up when we were outside playing. They stopped by on their way home from camping. One of the wiggle cars I bought arrived and so Dave built it and we all tried it out. It was a blast.
FUN on the wiggle car!
Yep, me too!
Liam wanted to join me!
I ran to Walmart to find a cool plane Sarah had on clearance, but they were gone. I got a few things and even some paper towels and some hand sanitizer. That stuff is hard to find. There was plenty of TP though! But still no Lysol or disinfectant stuff. That stuff hasn't been in stock for a month or more. We had a taco dinner thing tonight and strawberry shortcake.
SPRING!
How Mr. Cat still feels about the quarantine.
dear thursday, I got out on a walk/run before it started raining but I got caught in a pretty good downpour while out. I loved it! Today was our Sista Zoom Lunch. I have been so excited and looking forward to it. It turned out great! Shauna got it set up and we had 12 or so Sistas. Jacki even showed up but mainly because Kathy was there with her daughter getting her hair done. We all chatted and then we each took a turn sharing what we have been doing and how things have gone with the whole pandemic. Most said they have just stayed home and not been too productive. Some were still working and others were happy to be home and not ready to go back out. I feel that way in some ways as well. I have enjoyed the down time a lot and not sure I am ready to jump back into crazy busy again. I told them that Taylor and McKay were home from college and that Taylor's medical school was shut down in March until fall and how fun it's been having them both here. I told them I got my blog books printed FINALLY (after 12 years!) and that I finally got my Christmas newsletter done! haha They thought that was funny. I also said my next project is to overhaul my pantry. I also said I have been OD'ing on chocolate and my highlight is my trips to the store. I shared that Dave had the first patient with Covid 19 in our county and how we were quarantined for two weeks without leaving the house. Shauna talked about how sad it is to watch her students who are seniors go through this and how hard it is for them. Hopefully they will still get a graduation but they will still miss the best part of school life....the spring of your senior year. I loved that so much. I feel so sad for them. They are getting robbed for sure. We had a great time. Dave was home for lunch during it and after he asked me if I was always the life of the party. I was thinking I was pretty mellow! Hah If he saw how I usually am... LOL But it was a lot of fun. We chatted for almost TWO hours! But it went fast and it was good to see and talk to everyone. Those that attended were: Shauna, Kathy, Jacki, Lisa Hales, Lisa Clements, Diana VanLeewen, Bonzo, Calene, Patti, and me. I might be missing one.
I made stuffed green peppers for Dave's parents.
I picked up my YUM sugar cookie...
A nice lady in our ward that is originally from Africa made this gorgeous necklace for me out of magazine pages.
Taylor was facetiming his new roommate. He seems like a really nice guy.
I had to run some errands and ended up at Kent's to get some copies of the N&J for Karen etc. because Dave's dad is in it for his retirement.
I ended up getting some stuff for Sky and took it over to them. The glass window fell and shattered everywhere after I spent so long sweeping it up the other day. I came home and finished fixing dinner. I was so tired all day because I did not sleep well at all last night. I think it's because I go to bed listening to a book with my headphones and it keeps me awake or I fall asleep in the middle and then wake up. Either way, it's not working very well but I am getting a LOT of books read!
This is how Mr. cat usually sleeps on me. Only, it's usually about 3:30 a.m., not first thing in the morning.
I love our yard in the spring!
My neighbor has this ↓ growing! I LOVE IT!
dear friday, I got up early this am and put away Easter and cleaned the oven all before 9 a.m. It was chilly. I practiced the harp for a long time. I made poppy seed bread to take to Don K. because it was Sharon's bday. Took some to Miriam and Julie C too along with the newsletter.
I went to Carson's because he called and wanted to know if I was going to come and go on a walk with him to the cemetery again. How I love that boy! I can't even express the level of love I have for him. He is so sweet and special. We went to the cemetery and he had fun looking at the graves and things and collecting things for his crafts. Sky took them and threw them away as soon as he saw them though. He get frustrated with his desire to collect junk. I used to as well. We played doorbell ditch as we always do when we get back. It was fun.
I came home and Dave smoked our Costco rotisserie chicken. It was okay. did my crossword game with the boys and then hit the hay. I wasn't feeling well. I didn't sleep great last night.
dear saturday, I hit Kent's before my walk this morning. When I was putting the groceries away, Dave said he would go with me on my walk. We went to Pioneer Park. He wasn't as fast as me and got agitated that I was ahead of him, but that was after he stopped and examined some ducks. After that, things went south. I got in 4.5. He left before two. When I got home I cleaned the garage cupboards because I knew I was going to have to transfer some of my pantry stuff in them. I got rid of a lot of stuff but still didn't have as much extra space as I was hoping.
But it feels so good to get things in order. I am getting ancy to get my pantry done but the expand-a-shelf I need for my canned goods hasn't arrived yet. It is frustrating because I just want to get it done.
I showered and then ran some errands. I returned the wiggle car because I was supposed to get two and when I saw my order it said only one. I can get a much better price. So I took it to the UPS store. It's so convenient to return things there you order from Amazon. I also took Carson an ant farm I had in the garage.
I have to order some live ants now. He rode his bike to Grandpa Jo's while I drove along. Karen and Mickey were there and he was so excited to see them that he ran into the house. Oops. Hah They were happy to see him. He is so adorable. I chatted with them for a bit.
Mickey is hating life right now and misses her friends. This whole thing is getting old, but so necessary. Dave's Dad came out to say hi. He didn't look so great. He looks tired. I made sure Carson got home and then came home and worked on the computer a bit. I was beat. I was hoping to get more done today.
We ordered curbside Dutch Oven for dinner tonight. So good!
BUSY Saturday night in BC! Hah
You can't really tell but there is police tape across all the playground equipment all over town to keep kids off it. Happy Corona!
dear sunday, I made homemade buttermilk pancakes with homemade buttermilk syrup today. They are so good! I felt bad for McKay and so I googled a recipe for Keto pancakes and Keto syrup. Trying to make all four things at once got a little crazy but it was worth it. Everyone appreciated it I think. Sunday's are definitely different now.
Sky called and said Carson was wondering if I was coming to go on a walk with him. I told him I would be there asap. We went to the cemetery again. We sat on a bench (headstone) and just chatted and he is the sweetest little guy ever. He is so tender and so grown up for his age. I just love him. It was fun.
THIS is what I saw as I drove up my street.
Another puzzle the boys finished.
Not sure if I posted this yet, but these M&M's are to die for!!!
Brownie Fudge!
We had dinner outside for the first time this season! It was still chilly and I had on a jacket, but it was fun. I made Salisbury steak and it was heavenly.
We had a movie night again and it was fun. We watched Call of the Wild. It was good but also sad.
Some screen shots of my planner. Someone said to do this so you can remember what your schedule was like during quarantine. Mine, is actually pretty busy! NOT going places, but lots of things to do around here!
Schools you attended - let's see if you remember.
Kindergarten:Agnes Wrizley Elementary? Sparks, NV
Grade 1: Alice Maxwell Elementary? Sparks, NV
Grade 2: Alice Maxwell Elementary Sparks, NV
Grade 3: Alice Maxwell Elementary then Club Heights Elementary Ogden, UT
Grade 4: Roosevelt Elementary Washington Terrace, UT
Grade 5: Roosevelt Elementary
Grade 6: Roosevelt Elementary
Grade 7: TH Bell Jr. High, Washington Terrace, UT
Grade 8: TH Bell Jr. High, Washington Terrace, UT
Grade 9: TH Bell Jr. High, Washington Terrace, UT
Grade 10: Bonneville High, Washington Terrace, UT
Grade 11: Bonneville High
Grade 12: Bonneville High
College: Weber State, Ogden, UT
Dixie College, St. George, UT
Weber State, Ogden, UT
THIS one popped up on my FB memories. Not sure how long ago I did it, but it's been a while!
Let's have some fun on here. Forty odd things about me. Learn 40 things about your friends and let them learn 40 things about you. PLAY ALONG! Copy and paste then erase my answers and fill in with yours.
1. Do you like blue cheese? Absolutely not
2. Coke or Pepsi? Neither
3. Do you own a gun? No
4. What flavor Kool-aid? Grape I guess
5. What do you think of hot dogs? Only at a baseball game or cooked over a bonfire.
6. What is your favorite TV show? Carol Burnett reruns, but just started to watch This Is Us and loving it. Thanks Karen for the recommendation. 
:)
7. What is your favorite movie? It's a Wonderful Life, Somewhere In Time, Sound of Music, all the old musicals and Doris Day films.
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Water
9. Can you do a push-up? A few, then have to do the knee kind. But I can plank like a boss. 
;)
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My 20th anniversary ring.
11. What is your favorite hobby? Running, blogging, cake decorating.
12. O.C.D. or A.D.D.? O.C.D.
13. Do you wear glasses? Granny glasses to read
14. What was your favorite cartoon? The Jetsons
15. Name 3 things you did today. Attended a scripture study group, took dinner to a friend, practiced my harp.
16. Vodka or Tequila? Neither
17. Current worries? Too many to mention
18. Current Hates? The negativity on social media
19. Favorite place to be? Home, or in the outdoors, or near the ocean.
20. How did you bring in the New Year? Playing games with Dave's family
21. Where would you like to go? Greece, Bora Bora, Italy
22. Name 3 people who will do this? Dawn, Lori, Colleen
23. Regular or satin sheets? Satin or Flannel
24. Favorite Color? Hmm....let's see....I guess it would have to be.....P U R P L E !!!
25. Ever been on a cruise? Yes and can't wait to go again.
26. Right handed or left handed? Right
27. Can you whistle? Of course
28. Where are you now? Home
29. Would you be a pirate? Absolutely! At least for Halloween.
30. Favorite food? Chocolate! I also love lasagna. And movie popcorn. And vegetables of any kind. Just say no to seafood!
31. What's 3 things you drink regularly? Water, water, water
32. What's your favorite holiday? Halloween!
33. What's in your pants pocket? A penny I found
34. Last thing that made you laugh? When I just sent a text message to the wrong person.☺
35. What's your favorite animal? Any kind of feline
36. What's your most serious injury? Broken tailbone (4 times) once while giving birth, once from hurdling, twice from falling.
36. How many TVs in your house? 3
37. Worst pain? Child birth or mile 25 in a marathon
38. Do you like to dance? Love to
39. Are your parents still together? Yes ♥
40. Do you enjoy camping? Love it! I prefer to camp in a luxury hotel though. ;)
Marie Osmond:
I found parts of this on social media and simply had to share it...The official lockdown in our country began on March 23 and for many places it will probably end around May 1, lasting a total of 40 days.
40 is an interesting number and seems to have many meanings. Some theologians believe the number 40 in the Bible represents “change” while some think it means “until it is finished” I don’t think these two ideas are mutually exclusive and either definition works.
In the Bible we read that the flood lasted 40 days. When Moses was 40 he spent 40 years in voluntary exile in Midian after killing an Egyptian. Moses stayed on Mount Sinai for 40 days while he received the commandments. Moses and the Israelites wandered 40 years in the desert. The Savior fasted for 40 days. It is 40 weeks for the ideal pregnancy and 40 days for a woman to rest after giving birth.
Ironically one of the definitions for the word quarantine is, you guessed it, 40.
There have certainly been some changes during this quarantine. I have been focusing on the healing that is happening! Rivers are cleaner, vegetation is growing, the air is less polluted and there is less crime. The whole Earth is at rest for the first time in many years but most importantly - people are turning their hearts to the Savior. This “change” is causing so many to be transformed to see priorities differently.
The fact this year is 2020 and 20+20 = 40 is interesting to see. Perfect vision is “20/20” so let’s use this time to focus our SIGHT on the Lord. As we live according to His perfect vision I believe we will feel the protective guidance from His Spirit as He holds us in the palm of His hand. I know these times has been unsettling for all of us, but it is my prayer these days of “quarantining” will have purpose as we express love and appreciation for each other. I hope we can find His spiritual peace and lasting knowledge through His words and wisdom that our homes, nation and world so desperately needs.
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FAMILY NEWSLETTER 2019-2020
Merry Happy Everything 2019-2020
Merry Christmas 2019 ─ wait! It’s now spring 2020!
Yes, this newsletter is late due to reasons aplenty.
But traditions die hard and so document I must,
Confined now at home, my excuses have all turned to dust.
Debated sending this out or just placing in our family archives,
No pressure to read ─ feel free to shred when it finally arrives.
Here’s last year’s belated lowdown ─ it was one for the books,
Definitely one that we won’t too soon overlook:
The first part of 2019 Dave’s career switched from doctor to nurse,
Being my caregiver for months yet not a word did he curse.
He drove me to Huntsman for radiation before work every morn,
For a month ─ just like a mailman ─ through rain, sleet or snowstorm.
The rest of his time was taken by church meetings and such,
When it came to down time, he didn’t have much.
Still loves to garden, play pickleball and work in the yard.
Loves using his Traegger ─ so far only one meal has he charred.
As for me 2019 presented a challenge or two,
But when it came to miracles, I had more than a few.
Went from wheelchair to crutches to cane ─ as my leg slowly progressed,
As a breast cancer survivor I feel incredibly blessed.
After a year of physical therapy ─ a mile I can finally now run,
Can even place 1st in my age group if I’m the only one!
I love lunching with my Sista’s ─ continue to pursue the harp,
Still in Stake YW sports but my Sunbeams have stolen my heart.
Skyler’s year was noteworthy of this there’s no doubt,
Some exciting changes ahead will soon come about.
The highlight for sure was that to Sarah the question he popped,
Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany was their enchanting backdrop.
September 19, 2020 is the date they have chose,
When I hear Carson call him “Dad”, my heart overflows!
Doing exceptional in solar ─ received a prestigious national award,
Moved back to BC and our rental duplex he’s painstakingly restored.
Bryce is also living in Brigham, not too far away,
Still doing landscaping and working very long days.
Loves being outdoors be it blazing hot or freezing cold,
To him hunting, fishing, and camping are better than gold.
His girlfriend Haylie’s two Little’s love him just like a dad,
It’s no wonder ─ so much to their life he does add.
This grandma gig is even better than I originally thought,
Love em, spoil em, give em back. Yes, I like it a lot!
When not studying, Taylor worked in Logan’s hospital O.R.
Volunteered as a fire fighter but still managed to buy a new car.
Come summer he was off to the Smoky Mtns. in Tennessee to run a zip line,
Attended a Ram’s game in L.A. ─ definitely putting him on cloud nine.
North and South Carolina, Nashville, Dollywood and Lake Powell too,
This kid gets around ─ sightseeing he knows how to do.
This fall he moved to Yakima, WA to begin Medical School,
We miss him but grateful he’s doing what he always wanted to do.
McKay is still at USU ─ a Utah State Aggie through and through,
Continues to pursue pre-med ─ but has lots of fun too.
Waited tables at Maddox but still got amazing grades,
Frequently has us all laughing with his many escapades.
This summer ran a zip line in Tennessee with his friend and his bro,
To his beloved Carolina Panther Stadium he was lucky to go,
Didn’t get to see a game but still kissed the ground,
If he had seen a Panther, I fear he would’ve bowed down.
Our 2019 was loaded with challenges but also miracles galore,
It’s beginning to look like 2020 might be an encore.
Yes, Christmas is long past but spring helps us to not forget,
The Savior who gave His all for which we’re forever in debt.
As our world right now is in turmoil and a lot of unrest,
May spring remind us to focus on hope and how much we’ve been blessed.
During this quarantine season, may your sanity remain,
And enough toilet paper may you be blessed to obtain
Happy Corona!
Love,
The Wilding’s
