journal entry- losing the memories

It's another sleepless night. I have no trouble falling asleep when my head hits the pillow the first time, it's only a problem if I wake up during the night and then I can't fall back asleep.  So needless to say, I get a lot of "planning" done in my head as I lay there thinking of everything that needs to be done. I am retired and don't really have a lot on my plate (on a day to day basis) but I mentally plan every event of my life while trying to go back to sleep. Sometimes I have been conscious enough to write things down during my brainstorming minutes, but mostly it is forgotten by the time I actually need to "act on it".  So goes the senior years. I do think my most frustrating times are losing my memories. I am glad I did journal regularly for awhile (during my peak mom years) so I can go back and read it, but for the most part, details are fading away and that makes me sad.  I love being with my sisters and reminiscing about our childhood, it helps keep the memories alive. And now I have started to journal again on a regular basis to be able to share as many memories as I can with my prosperity.

I remember thinking during our younger days that what I really wanted to happen (in my perfect world) was for my mom & dad to own a big piece of property and then each of my sisters and I and our families could all live on a compound, each having a separate house but a common playground, swimming pool, bbq area, etc.  I'm sure no one else would have liked my perfect world scenario, but I dreamed about that for years. I loved living near my sisters and loved the closeness of the cousins. Then, later in life, as my family grew, I had the same thoughts of a compound only this time with my grown kids and their families living surrounding us.  My perfect world is not a reality and I have come to except that fact, but I still hate that I can't have everyone that I love close at hand on a daily basis.

Okay, I just re-read this post and realize it is a little depressing, but that is how I am feeling right now, a little funky.  I know this too shall pass. Life goes on, more memories are made and more memories may be lost by some but a new generation can take those memories and pass them on and the circle of life continues. What a wonderful plan our Heavenly Father has created! FAMILIES ARE FOREVER

Washington trip (part 2) - more pictures

Trip to Washington and 11 month old Seven (part 1 of 2)

Who is Seven waiting for?  In the new house, the windows are tiptoe level for Seven to see out of and he was always looking out the windows. He loved watching his sisters play outside and in the pic on the left,  he is watching Grandpa talk to a neighbor. I should have opened the window so Gpa could hear him calling him.


This is his reaction when I called him.

Yeah, this is why the trip to Washington was so much fun!

Family rocks!

I am so enjoying my time in Washington helping Diona and kids move into their new house on base. They are moving from a very crowded 3 bd. apt with "kid gates" lining the living room/ kitchen to keep Seven out of things (like the "pantry" under the computer desk). There just isn't even space for an infant/toddler to get around and explore properly. And since they moved from a 4 bedroom house in Virginia to this 3bd apt, they have not unpacked lots of boxes which have lined the perimeter of several rooms (and closets and garage is top to bottom loaded with boxes). It will be so nice to have a house again with a backyard for the girls and a sidewalk to chalk with their art and all those good things. I love being here but I always feel guilty because I get to be here and Ray doesn't. But this time he does. He will be here tomorrow and I am so excited. I hate trying to tell him details of what is going on here and what the kids are doing and saying. I am so glad to share this experience with him this time. The kids are excited too. They get Grandpa all to themselves. And, it feels good to be able to help Ric and Diona. With Ric being underway, this move will be just one more nice surprise to come home to (not really a surprise, of course he knows they are moving, but it will be done for him!) But, believe me when I say, Diona could have done this herself (we may be helping to make it easier, but she is one self sufficient woman) She does so much on a daily basis for her family. She is so dependable at work, always taking on the extra tasks and committees no one else wants, and yet she is an awesome mom who spends every minute of the day with the kids in mind. I am in awe when I see how much she accomplishes in one day (up and going at 4:00 AM everyday). Somehow she manages to keep up with household, the kids, herself and all others in need. She has been taking the missionary discussions and attending church and is faithful in reading with the kids each night from the book of mormon stories. She is one of the strongest women I know and I am so happy to have her in our family. I know Ric hates being away from the family but I know he knows that Diona is capable of running things smoothly while he is away. Thanks Diona for being a special part of his and our lives. We love you.

church callings

I don't know the exact date I was put in as cub scout den leader, and sometimes I just don't think about it because it is a simple calling that I enjoy. But this upcoming week is our cub scout day camp and I realize that this is the 3rd one I have been involved in, so I guess I have been in about 3 years. Actually, I was Cameron's wolf leader for 1/2 his year and he is about to move on to 11 year old scouts. Wow, when you have a comfortable calling you don't seem to care.
But, how well I remember being RS president and I could've sworn I was in for 4 years when it was only close to 3. That was a tough time. And even activity committee chairman was one that seemed to last forever (even though I had secretly coveted that position when I got called). So, now that I have come to this knowledge and I admit that I am totally comfortable here, I will probably get a new calling!

Some wedding information

The flower girls couldn't wait to try on their dresses and practice throwing flowers.

This is where we are having Cami's wedding, at the golf course. This gap in the fence is where the archway will go (yes, Linda, Teri said she has it in her shed and we can use it). My problems are the back wall, especially the part with the big gate in the wall. But I suppose that lots of tulle will help cover up. I am hoping to get a piece of carpeting to put down first and then white down for the center aisle. The plan is for a twilight wedding with the sun setting behind us. The guests will be facing the fence/ archway so you can see the nice view. Any suggestions are welcomed.

The plan is then to have the reception in the restaurant except it is not a restaurant at this time. The city owns the restaurant and a guy named Dale is leasing it and not opened it yet and says he is not sure when he will, but he will let us use it and cater if necessary

The date is SUNDAY 10/10/10, so save the date if you think you can come.

"I love to see (and attend) the Temple"

I just love spending the day at the temple. I have to admit I hate the thought of giving up a whole day to go, but it is so worth it once I get there. There were about 12 members of our ward together and we had family names from 2 members. We did initiatory work and an endowment session, so it was a real blessing. I didn't have to drive, was in good company all day and made a quick visit to the bookstore also. I am hoping to someday live closer to a temple, but for now, I will try to remember the wonderful feelings I felt today and continue to attend at least once a month with the ward. For those who live close to a temple, I hope you appreciate it.

On the down side, I had planned to call Lindsey while in Mesa and she was going to meet us at the temple so I could meet Mayan. When I first got down to the church this morning, I called Ray to let him know I would not be driving and the car would be in the parking lot. I then, hurriedly, gathered my belongings and jumped in another car. It wasn't til I got to the temple that I realized my phone was not with me (apparently never made it back in the purse, but on the floor of my car) . But I will go visit the Morris family sometime next week when Di is in Phoenix visiting her kids/grandkids, she and I will go see Lindsey.

So, now that I am refreshed and uplifted, I look forward to the week to come. Ray and I just completed the family history/temple class in Sunday School and have begun the family search for his family. I am looking forward to seeing what information we can gather and begin the important work to be done for his ancestors. It is such a blessing.