*Monday Memos*

*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, I left for PT at 7 a.m.  I keep improving.  My extension is getting there!  But, the ankle has decided to be the problem child now.

I got home and got ready and then Haylie dropped off  Brinlee and Liam while she went to an appt.  We had fun. We took a little walk.  We fed the cat.  Then Carson had to go to his gymnastics class so they helped me sweep the porch  It was fun.  

They love to take selfies and see themselves on my phone.  

Playing with Obleck.  (Cornstarch and water)

They are so cute. Haylie picked them up and I headed to O town to pick up my mom and then go to lunch with Shauna and her mom at the Prairie Schooner.  We sat in a covered wagon. It was fun.  

We just always pick up right where we left off as if no time has passed. Our moms make us giggle and laugh because they are both so much alike.  They are so funny.  They keep forgetting stuff and ask us questions about it.  It was a short lunch because they had to get back for something.  We got some pix.  

I stopped at the car-wash on the way back to my moms. How pretty is that soap?  I have said it before, and I will again, I LOVE going through the car wash!  Kind of feels like a stormy day!

I chatted with my Dad for a bit and then headed out.  When I got home, I made a shepherd's pie and then found out Dave had put spaghetti in the crock pot already. Great.  We ended up having both which was actually good because we had Bryce and crew and Sky and crew eat with us. 

dear tuesday, 

I GOT MY MIRACLE!!!

My ankle bone is alive!!!

I had my appointment this morning at the U of U. I first had an MRI which took a very long time. I had to wait for a long time and then the MRI also took forever.

Then upstairs to my appointment.

We had to wait a bit and then a PA came in and she examined my ankle and asked me a lot of questions. She said she would go get the MRI results and read them and then let the doc know and then they would be back in.

They came in together and she told him what she found on her exam and then he said he had looked at my MRI and said that I have big things going on with my ligaments in my ankle and they will need time to fully recover but they would resolve themselves. He said it looks much better than the first MRI and things have improved significantly. He then kind of acted like that was it and so I said, "I can't leave until I ask you if my talus bone is dying?" He smiled, and responded with, "It is alive!". I said, "You mean I can run again?" He said, "Yes you can run again! But not now! It will take some time to get back there."
I then said (a little bit stunned), "I think I just received a MIRACLE!" He had a big grin on his face and was so sweet and happy for me.

I don't care how long it takes! I was healed! I have been given a miracle! I have been trying to process it all because truthfully, I was a bit skeptical when he told me that. I know, I know, "Oh ye of little faith!!!" But I felt that way because it has been such a roller coaster ride and the last time I was SURE I was going to get this miracle I was told the opposite and now I guess I am a bit gun shy of just believing it really happened! It has sunk in a bit more now and I am finally more able to accept it with open arms and such gratefulness...but there is still a part of me that is in disbelief!
Now I just need help with my unbelief! I know it's from the craziness of the up and down and being put through this refiner's fire. And it's hard for my finite mind to accept something so big. But, it's real! I think it's been hard to fully accept the news I got today because I feel I need to protect myself from more disappointment. So now, I have to figure out how to trust and believe this is really what happened! LOL It's like which doctor do I believe. The one who said I can never run again because it's dead or the one who says I can run again because it's alive! Of course, I choose the latter, but it still messes a bit with your head. Okay, I’m not even going to question the other doc or his motives, I’m just going to openly accept that I was healed!!!!

It's kind of surreal at the moment because even though I have had faith and was being positive, I was also willing to accept Heavenly Father's will for me...no matter what. I got to a place where I could say, "but if not..." and that is when things changed as far as total acceptance. And then when I got my miracle, I was a bit stunned to say the least and instead of leaping (like the guy Peter healed in Acts), I sat there in shock and yes, a bit of disbelief. I leaped later....on the way to the car. LOL

We celebrated on the way home by stopping at Hires Big H for burgers and a rootbeer and then at Nelsen's Frozen Custard! I haven't had an entire hamburger in ages but today nothing was stopping me! It was so good!

Bumbleberry Concrete with almonds at Nelsen's! We shared, but I could have eaten my own in celebration!

Here it is.... Right there in black and white!!!

Here's my social media post:

☆*☆*☆*☆░C░E░L░E░B░R░A░T░E░!░!░!☆*☆*☆*☆
A HUGE thumbs up and an attempted heel click jump! (fail)
A Hires Big H (w/o mustard) then a Nielsen's frozen custard!
Celebrating GREAT news from the doc that in time I’ll run not just walk!
Filled with gratitude and love for so many prayers answered above
Received an incredible MIRACLE today! HIP HIP and HOORAY!!!
☆*☆*☆*☆░C░E░L░E░B░R░A░T░E░!░!░!☆*☆*☆*☆

Okay, all cheesiness aside...

Have miracles ceased?
I say unto you NAY!
I am living proof of that!
I was told by a specialist three months ago that I had a dying ankle bone from my snowmobile crush in December and that I would never run again.
This was pretty devastating news to me.
But through the power of faith and much prayer as well as priesthood blessings, I found out today from another specialist that bone that was dying, has healed....miraculously!
It is alive!
I have truly received a miracle!
I am filled with such gratitude and joy and wish to thank each of you who offered prayers up in my behalf because I know great power has come from that.
I am still in physical therapy and I still have a long recovery ahead with the ankle and it will take time, but one day I know I will be able to run again.#miracle
I am so grateful to a loving Heavenly Father who is so good.
He made this happen.
He doesn't always answer our prayers the way we hope and pray for, but He ALWAYS answers our prayers and is right by our side strengthening us along the stormy paths of life.
And that, right there, is a miracle in itself!

#gratitude #miracles #havemiraclesceased #faithasamustardseed #celebrate #secondopinion #running

We stopped and picked up Carson at my parent's house. They had had a lot of fun as you can see...  Hahahahahahaha  She's such a great sport!

We visited with them for a bit and then we brought my mom back with us so she could go to the Kid Movie with us.  We came to our house and then we drove back to the movie.  It was Small Foot.  It was cute but very packed. We had to sit clear up front on the side in about the only seats left.  It was a cute movie....

Snowmobiling in this movie?  How ironic!!!  

It gave me PTSD (Post Traumatic Snowmobile Disorder!)

But made me feel EXTRA grateful for the miracle I just received!

My Dad said he would meet us halfway so I didn't have to bring her all the way home and he didn't have to come and get her at my house.  Carson and I headed home and I had him take a little rest. He was so tired.  I laid by him for a bit and then hurried and got some stuff done.  

We are tending him for a few days while Sky and Sarah are in Las Vegas at a wedding. Paigely got her mission call.  She is going to Everett Washington!  I totally guessed that! Well, I guessed Washington! I'm so so so proud of her!

Jodi

My niece Paigely and my Mom.
Everyone calls Paigely my mini me.

dear wednesday, did yesterday really happen?  Or was it all a dream?  My head is still reeling!  I woke up about 5 a.m.  I got up and practiced the harp. I haven't had time to practice at all and my lesson is today. Crunch time!  I then went on a walk and came home and practiced some more. I arranged to have my lesson be an online one this week because I am tending Carson and I hate to drag him with me because he would be so bored.  It went well but holy, my songs are getting so hard right now.  I need to practice two hours a day to get through them all.  I took Carson to Haylies while I went to my physical therapy. 

She is so nice to watch them.  I picked them up after and they were painting with sidewalk chalk.  

I think they had fun. I met the dog Marlo and her brother and then we immediately went to Maddox to meet my parents for their anniversary.  They have been married 61 years today!  Wow!  That's crazy!  

The sign I gave them says: Behind every successful marriage is a lot of GOLF!

We had a nice lunch and then I told Carson he had to stay awake because it was too late to take a nap.  And so,of course, he wanted to take one!  lol  I sent Sky a video of him saying he wanted to take a nap because I knew that would floor Sky since Carson's worst nightmare is to take naps.  LOL 

Mr. Cat looking like a mean tiger.  Haha 

In this ↓ photo Mr. Cat and Scratchers are laying by each other peacefully! WOW!
Another miracle this week! 

dear thursday, BIG DAY!  I got ready for the Honeyville Freedom Run 5K this morning.   I have ran this race almost each year since 2010.  I missed it in 2013 when I ran the Blacksmith Fork Freedom Run.  But I haven't missed it with that exception.  Here is my history of this race so far:

2010 - 1st place
2011 - 2nd place
2012 - 1st place
2013 -  Blacksmith Fork Freedom Run
2014 - 1st place
2015 - 1st place
2016 - 1st place
2017 - 1st place
2018 - 1st place
2019 - 4th place (walked)

We picked up Haylie on the way.  She was nervous.  I actually kind of was too.  Not sure why since I was just going to walk it.  I hope I don't feel tempted to run.  Haha  We got our shirts and bibs and then since it was so cold we sat in the car. Brrrr.....  It was chilly!  Once they lined up we headed over.  I didn't talk to too many peeps.

The gun went off and so did we.  We were doing a pretty good pace I thought.  Haylie was a trooper and kept it up the whole time.  I am sure she was struggling some but she didn't let on.  This was her first ever attempt at this distance walking.  She did great!  About a quarter mile before we got to the finish line, Colleen met us and walked with us to the finish line. She is so sweet. That's class right there.  She is in my age division and I was so happy that she took first this year.  We always chat about that each year before the gun.  Haha  

I CROSSED THE FINISH LINE!!!

I wasn't sure I would ever be able to say that again!  Even just walking!  BUT...ANOTHER miracle!!!  Life is great!  I came in 4th in my AD.  The 2nd and 3rd place were also walking and just barely ahead of us.  I am so competitive that I am sure if I had been alone, I would have attempted to pass them. I am glad I wasn't because I think it would have not been good for my leg/knee/ankle.  I even tried to run a bit and it was very painful in my ankle.  It's going to be a long haul before I am back I am sure, but I am so happy I was able to do this!!!  I am okay taking 4th, only because I was walking it.  Haha  Today was my 9th time racing it.  I am okay with that.  I am can't express how grateful I am to have done it!  As I crossed the finish line I saw Bro Packer with his camera.  Him and Jill came over and we chatted about it and about my Dr. appt. 

He is in these pix with the red hat behind us. I wasn't sure who they were there to see and I should have asked because I found out later from Julie C that they came JUST TO SUPPORT ME!!!  Now, that is what I call TRUE FRIENDS!  I was so shocked when she told me that.  I feel so bad now that I didn't ask who they were there for.  They are truly amazing.  Then another guy came up to me and introduced himself as Jeff B.  He had on a Boston Marathon shirt and he is the one that posted on the Boston Buddy Training page about running Honeyville 4th of July and so I responded to it and he knew it was me because I had on the Boston Buddy shirt.  His first time running Boston was last year but he BQ'd for 2020 as well.  Great guy. We got a photo.  

Haha it looks like we are holding hands.
But, NO, we are NOT!  LOL

Cute Colleen

Haylie and I both won free bowling for a door prize.  Carson and Dave were at the playground and then we got a few pix and headed home without breakfast this year. I think this is the first time we haven't eaten it.  I was totally okay with that and ready to roll.  Dave was going to walk it with us but I wasn't sure Carson's little legs could do it. I am sure he would surprise me but the course is kind of rocky and muddy and not stable and I worried.  So they actually drove home during it since we were walking not running.  They almost missed us crossing the finish line.  

A BIG thumbs up!!!

Happy to see me!  This kid always makes my day!

Here are the photos Bro. Packer took.  ↑

I hurried and showered and then took Carson to the Perry parade.  Parking was a nightmare but we managed after a few failed attempts down the wrong streets.  Sam had text me and told me we could join them because they had a big blanket and lots of room. I took her up on the offer and we found them and sat with them. Carson was so happy because he had friends. Her kids are so adorable and so sweet. They shared their candy if Carson didn't get any. I don't know many kids that do that.

Sam's gone through a lot this year with her health (scary blood clot in her lung) but is on the mend. We walked over to the park and he played on the playground and he immediately made instant friends with so many.  That is how he is.  So friendly and so fun. I talked to Julie C and her kids and then we decided to head home because the lines were too long for everything.  

My Boston Buddy!

We ran to Smith's for some more food for the picnic later today.  I came home and made a berry cheesecake salad.  It's so yummy.  

I made an oriental salad as well.  We got all the stuff ready and it started to cool off and fast.  It rained for a bit too.  We went and met Dave at apt and then headed to his parent's house and met Karen, Barry, and Mickey there.  We loaded their Suburban and took off for Camp Cumorah.  It was a bumpy ride but nice to be out of the city. We got set up and Kurt H had to let us in because they had been camping there but left to go back home for the afternoon.  We were up there alone and he said we could use his razors and anything else.  Carson drove around in a little John Deere jeep for a while. 

We ate and then took the razors for a spin. I was really leery of going for a ride.  Still having some PTSD (Post Traumatic Snowmobile Disorder!).  But Dave talked me into it.  It was actually really fun and my adventurous spirit sprang forth and I loved it. I even took the wheel when he got out to lock the gate.  Hah  He insisted I drive it back after our drive out and I refused because I was honestly too nervous to, but he said it would be good therapy for me. He talked me into it and I am glad he did because I loved it. I even wanted to go fast.  I love speed but I resisted for the most part. I gunned it quite a bit a few times and picked up some nice speed.  I think it helped.  It made me want to be on the wave runners on a lake going really fast. So, he was right, I think it was good for me.  

No more PTSD?  Definitely not Post Traumatic Side by Side Disorder.  
I'll stick with the S standing for snowmobile.

Dave took his dad for a spin and it suddenly turned really chilly and windy and started to rain a bit.  We gathered up everything and hurried and put it in the car and by the time they got back we were all ready to go.  We headed back home and it was crazy weather.  Sky and Sarah got home safely from Vegas and it was time to go to the fireworks.  Bryce and Haylie were here but they didn't want to go.  We weren't sure if they were going to go ahead with the fireworks or not, but we went down there anyway and everyone was in winter coats and blankets and the wind mostly stopped and the rain and so it was a go.  Yes, on the 4th of July!  It was cold!!!  Carson and I walked to the bathrooms and there weren't near as many peeps as usual.  We chatted with a few peeps.  It's a social place that's for sure.  It was just Brian and couple of Becky's kids and us. Carson made instant friends with one of their granddaughters.  The fireworks were AMAZING this year!  I stayed up too late trying to post some pix of the busy day and my first race since the injury.  

I found this up in the campground today just as I was about to get in the razor!  I think Tyson was telling me, "Good job and HI!"

dear friday, I headed to PT first thing. My knee was not feeling too hot. My ankle is also swollen.  Maybe I overdid it yesterday.  That pink disc is VERY tough!  I am getting better at it, but it is pretty tough. 

I thought I was pretty good to go, but  maybe not.  I came home and hung out with Carson.  Sky and Sarah headed to SLC to rip out some base board out of a house to re-use in the apt.  When they got there the guy told them they could basically have everything in the house for a killer deal because they are going to gut it...kitchen cabinets, doors, sinks, mirrors, light fixtures, flooring, tile, you name it.  I think they are excited to get the cabinets for a house if they get in one but the rest he said we could put in the apt.  Once we get it all fixed up, they will want to just live there. Hah. I ran to get Paigely a little gift for her mission and then Carson and I hung out. We went to get a Slurpee (which made me sick- ugh- I think those things are all chemicals) and then we went to Bunderson and played on the playground and swings. He had drawn up a treasure map before and so we were the pirates looking for treasure. We found some gold (a canning lid).  He is so cute.

We made a trip to Wallies. It was a lot warmer today than yesterday.  Sky and Sarah made it back but Dave didn't get home until after 8.  We were asking Carson what kind of party he wanted and I went and got my birthday party file and we looked through lots of the parties I did for my boys. I loved to do bday parties and the file is thick of fun ideas and the invites and detailed lists of games and all the other stuff I did at each one.  I thought I had him talked into doing a pirate party, but he later decided he wanted to stick with a villain party. I am not sure how I will make a villain cake because he can't choose just one villain.  His bday is the day after Tyson's and so it's going to be a crazy couple of days trying to do two big parties.  I'm glad I am feeling back to normal (pretty much anyway) otherwise, there is no way.  He thought about Peter Rabbit and wants me to make macarons that are bunnies dressed up and I told him there is no way since I haven't even made normal ones in months and months.  But there is nothing I wouldn't do if he really wanted me to.

Check THIS out!!!!

I found this in the bday party file.  It was from McKay's 8th bday party.  So crazy!
McKay choose RUSSIA to serve his mission when he was 8!  I passed out mission calls to them at the party as part of it and asked each boy where they wanted their call to be.  I remember telling them I would keep it and check to see if any actually got called to that place never expecting it would be McKay going to Russia!!!  Isn't that amazing?  I don't believe any of the other ones went to the places they choose.  Four (that I know of) on this list, didn't even serve one.  I had to add some of these pix from that party...

Dave and I went to Idle Isle for dinner.  I had the salad bar but still ate too much.  We shut the place down.  We thought they closed at 9 but saw on the window it was 8:30 when we left. Oops. We were the last people out but another couple left just before us. Yes, we were 'those' people.

dear saturday, today I went to the hs track and got in a little over a mile.  All walking, of course!  Robin text me to go walking and so I came back and met her at the park. Carson joined us.  He ran some of it and played some of it and always hid around the fence to scare us.  Sherri W.  joined in as well.  It was like old times running together again, only we were walking. We discussed all the things we used to when running long miles with the addition of my current injury.  It was fun. 

Carson took these but took about 20 shots.  I think I was telling him that was enough, but I love the look on Sheri's face. 

I got in a total of 4.5 miles.  My ankle and knee were feeling a lot better than they were yesterday, but I am still not sure if I should do the Dam Race or not.  I want to very badly, but it's a 5 miler and I am not sure if that will be over doing it or not.  I have to admit I am very surprised the 5K took such a toll on my ankle and knee.  After I got ready, I headed to O town to the temple for Paigely's endowment session.  I arrived in the chapel before anyone in the group and I almost went with the session right before.  I wasn't sure if she was waiting in the endowment room or what.  But I waited and then they all came in.  The session was nice. I felt some impressions while sitting there. I have been struggling a bit feeling like I haven't been as grateful for this miracle as I should be. It's not that I am not grateful though, it's that I am feeling a little hesitant to fully accept it because I guess I am afraid it's going to be taken out from under me.  I am not usually like this and so I am not sure why I am feeling like this.  But I don't want HF to think I am like one of the nine lepers who didn't express their deep gratitude for being healed because that is not it at all. It's more of being afraid for fear once I fully embrace and accept it, it will ripped out from under me.  Silly, yes, I know.  I felt a strong impression that He was happy with me and that it was through my faith and the faith of many others that I was indeed given a miracle.  I felt much peace and calm and I was so grateful for the personal revelation we all have access to when we need it.  Paigley was so pretty and I am so proud of her!!!  Doing this has to be hard when her parents have left the church but she is strong. Her cousin Emma was also taking out her endowments. They both are going on missions. Paigley to Everett Washington and Emma to Riverside CA.  I talked and hugged everyone in the Celestial room and then got dressed and ran out and called my parents and I met them and then the entire group came out and got photos.  There were over 40 people!!!  

With my parents and my bro's family (minus Chantel).

We then went to Union Grill for lunch and it was fun and yummy. My mom is such a hoot and had us all laughing.  I got the turkey lettuce wraps and she got enchiladas and we shared.  We then shared a caramel bread pudding!  Best dessert next to chocolate I know!  

I am so glad I went. We had so much fun!  I don't get to see them that often and itw as just so nice. Craig (Alli's dad) ended up paying the entire bill.  He is such a nice guy.  I can't even imagine the total!  With 40 people that had drinks and dessert, it must have been close to $1000 with the tip.  We tried to pay him, but he wouldn't accept it.   It was pretty late (5 pm )when I left the restaurant.  I got home and prepared my Primary lesson.  Everyone was at the apartment working.  Dave didn't get home until after 10.  

dear sunday, today was fast and testimony meeting.  I planned on bearing my testimony today because I would feel such ingratitude if I didn't after the events of this week.  I dedicated my fast to HF in gratitude for the miracle He blessed me with.  I truly can't even begin to express my gratitude.  After a baby blessing and two other testimonies, I had to get up because I was afraid my heart was going to burst. 

I talked about how I had been told that I would never walk normally again, let alone run, and how I had to wait two months before my next appt. and during that time I studied about faith and truly felt I exercised it and had not only faith the size of a mustard seed but the size of a huge plant or tree and I felt like I was going to be told it was healed.  Then when I was told that nothing had changed and that if I ran I would do irreversible and permanent damage,  I was confused and very disappointed but that is when I really learned what true faith is.   The best example to me is in Daniel where Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were told to worship the idol or they would be thrown in the fiery furnace and how they said stood firm and refused to bow down to the idol because they knew their God would save them from the fiery furnace, "BUT IF NOT", they would still trust in Him and worship Him.  I talked about how that is a demonstration of true faith because even when we believe and hope for things and have faith the outcome will be how we desire, it isn't real faith unless we can say that no matter what the outcome, we will STILL believe and trust in God because His plans are always greater than ours and His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways not our ways.  Once we put it all on the altar, things change.  Maybe not the way we hoped for, but WE change.  I explained how I got a second opinion because you know how Dr.s are... (haha) and how I needed to wait another month before I could have a new MRI and find out what it said.  And then when going to that appointment, I was feeling full of faith but still unsure what the will of Heavenly Father would be, but was told the bone was alive and would recover on it's own and what a REAL miracle that was.  There is a conference talk by Dennis Simmon's titled, "But If Not..." that I referred to a bit. I ended with saying we can believe and have faith that our sickness or disease will be cured, BUT IF NOT..... or we can have hope and believe our loved one will not pass away, BUT IF NOT....  Even if we don’t receive what we had faith and hope in, we still have to TRUST in the Lord’s plan no matter what happens because He loves us and His plans for us are always better than our own. 

I, for once, felt good about it after I sat down. Haha  I usually wonder what I said but this time I actually remembered.  The Parrish's were there visiting and it was so nice to see them.  Marilyn was in tears when she hugged me and thanked me for my testimony and told me they pray for me every day. I am so humbled how many people tell me that.  Truly humbled.  I chatted with several others who thanked me and then I headed to Primary.  I only had one Sunbeam. It was Liesl. She is hilarious but didn't like being the only one there.  Lena made it in and so that helped.  I am not sure she learned much but I tried. hehe  We came home and I made homemade garlic breadsticks to go with the lasagna.  

It took a while for them to get done but it was worth the wait.  Bryce and Haylie were here before but had to leave before we ate.  After dinner I actually took a nap and even fell asleep. It felt so good!  Naps are one of the best gifts in life!  Bryce and Haylie came back with the kids who had been with their dad for almost a week and it was easy to tell.  They struggle after being with him and it truly breaks my heart. It's hard on Haylie as well.  It is sad.  Liam has separation anxiety which is totally understandable.  We try to distract them and they were happy after a little while.  We played outside and then I made a chocolate pudding cake and it was yummy.  

I had to make something chocolate to celebrate World Chocolate Day!  Here is my FB post:

Today is WORLD CHOCOLATE DAY! I am so happy that Facebook reminds me of these very important holidays so I can celebrate properly! Of course, every day is chocolate day for me but it's always nice to have an extra reason to celebrate! :D 

♥♥´*•...,¸(*•.¸♥¸.•*´)¸.•*`♥♥

♥«´`HAPPY CHOCOLATE DAY!´»♥

♥♥.¸.•*’ (¸.•*´♥`*•.¸)`*•.¸♥♥

dear random, I think this is Taylor with CJ's dad and sister. 

 This was at the cabin.

My PJ's.  Backwards... but oh, so true!

dear quotes,

 I made this one because I love this quote so much!

THIS one is my original quote.  I stole the background of the internet though. LOVE IT!