We Are Family!

Blessed Parting II

2012-01-25T06:05:00.000-08:00

After the death of his father, Terry wrote a poem titled "Blessed Parting", and it was printed on a bookmark, given at the funeral. A few months later Terry found these words entering his mind, and he put to pen and paper to save them for the appropriate time. Now is that time, as we share it with you...In memory of the one we love.

Blessed Parting was dedicated to Terry's father,
Keith Auger Hebdon
17 December 1921 - 5 July 2011.

Blessed Parting II is dedicated to his mother,
Idris Egbert Hebdon
7 January 1921 - 17 January 2012.

Blessed Parting II

The linger longer method
Is also a plan divine.
It’s how grandma proved to all of us
That she would never whine.

Perhaps you can remember
When grandpa passed away;
It was grandma who lead the music
For the closing song that day.

Some would say she’s stoic.
Others would say she’s strong.
Even others would mention giving.
None of them would be wrong.

When you think of departed Grandma
Think of bread or a popcorn ball
And you will certainly realize
That she isn’t dead at all.

But she continues living
Just not in this particular place.
She’s with Keith and the other loved ones
Who have ascended to greater Grace.

Life Sketch of Idris Egbert Hebdon - given by Terry Wayne Hebdon

2012-01-24T06:39:00.000-08:00

Idris Egbert Hebdon
A unique name, a singular lady.
Many great people and pioneers of this area have passed away in the last several years. In timber terms “we’ve lost too many of our finest old growth trees” or in our desert we would say “sages”. Mom was one of these.

If we were to ask who has had some of moms home made bread or scones many would acknowledge. If we were to ask who has felt of her healing art many more would acknowledge. If we were to ask who has been treated as a special friend the response would be over whelming; or who has received a letter, note or word of kindness or uplifting phone call, or invitation, or visit or finally, if we were to ask who has received a lesson or been taught in any way by her and would you all stand, I’m confidant that our dearly deceased would receive a complete hearty unanimous resounding standing ovation.

If mom were beside me now she would use a bit of her dramatic flair and make sure I spoke up, stood straight, and made sure all could hear and understand. She’d say, “tell them all thanks so much for coming”. She’d say, “tell them I love them”, and sheepishly she would ask “why are there so many?” The response would be, “mom, it’s because we love you”. It’s like the scripture of Jesus. Why did the people love Him so? Because He first loved us. This would please her.

We’ve heard before of the stories of St. Peter meeting people at the Pearly Gates. The most common greeting Peter gets is “Hi Pete, I’m off to see my loved ones,” and hurriedly they would enter. When mom arrived she stopped and enjoyed the beauty of the scene. Then she greeted Peter shaking his had in both of hers and gently kissed the back of his hand as their grasp let go. She asked him how he was. She thanked him for the warm welcome when all along she had made the experience so inviting. Peter suggested she could proceed now so she slowly did. As she looked back upon leaving she was happy - Peter was there on a chair she insisted that he use. He had a glass of milk, some warm bread with peanut butter and raspberry jam. His shoes were off because she had rubbed his feet - He too was happy!

On a very bitter winter day January 7, 1921 mom challenged the -30 degree temperature and made her entrance as the first child of the Hollis Russ Egbert and Marie Antoinette Karren Egbert family, at the home of her paternal grandfather in Marysville Idaho. Cold winters and short summers instilled in mom a tenacious self reliance and determination to always be prepared. In their winter wonderland which is just south of the west entrance of Yellow Stone National Park, mom and her family were not alarmed at all to be snow bound for days / weeks at a time. During the summer they prepared and preserved food for the winter. They had sheep and cattle and pigs and chickens, and her father was a good butcher. The meat would be hung in the shed and cut off as needed. As you can imagine in these conditions there was no need for a freezer.

In mom’s younger years she was her mothers good helper, her fathers go-for girl, and a special big sister to her younger brothers and sisters. Numerous cousins, family, and friends made for many happy times growing up. They lived near the river, so between the garden, the farm, the livestock, the fish, the berry patches, their own industry, ingenuity, and fore thought, they seemed to do quite well.

Mom did very well in school. She was an excellent student and even helped others to learn. She received special assignments from some of her teachers which pleased her very much.

Once at recess a fellow male class mate tried to take the baseball bat from mom, as he almost always did when it was her turn. Somehow she got it from him and hit him over the head with it. He went down with a thud. She thought she had killed him. To her amazement and great relief he did regain consciousness before the bell rang for recess to end. Mom chose to be the last student to enter the building so she could receive her punishment somewhat by herself. The teacher said nothing. As school dismissed that day, once again she hung back just in case the teacher needed to speak with her. Nothing was ever said about this incident. As you can imagine recess was pretty smooth from then on.

Idris graduated from high school and received a guitar as a graduation present. She loved that guitar and used it to bring music and happiness to herself and others.

Mom was very pleased she could attend Ricks College in Rexburg Idaho. Once again she excelled in school. She participated in drama and music, as well as doing well in her studies. She graduated with an Associates degree in teaching and was considered at the top of her class. After college graduation she was the first one to be interviewed and offered her first teaching job $95.00 a month - thing were going well. She taught 4th grade for two years. She held 5 boys back and taught them again the next year. One mother thanked her so much for taking the extra time to help so her boy could say “Now I can learn easier.”

Mom had a way with teaching music. She was often called upon to help other teachers teach their students the songs they were supposed to sing for the play they performed. Mom said, “I guess I was just born with a knack of teaching. I was happy to help them have fun learning.”

Keith Auger Hebdon was the one who finally won mom’s heart and they were married June 21st, 1944. As a special wedding gift mom’s parents gave them 2 woolen blankets from the Minnesota Woolen Mills. This was the mill to which her father sent the wool from the family flock.

The subsequent years were spent teaching school, farming, and wishing for children. Thankfully the children began coming in 1949. There would be seven in all.

The love of land and water was too great for dad so in 1955 the family came to the Quincy area to farm. There was no water on the farm they purchased at Royal so they rented land in the Quincy, George are before moving where their home is now.

As many of you know, it takes special people to settle a land and conquer it’s difficulties and progress and prosper when everything is new and different. But, as a testament to mom and dad’s success in this endeavor there are numerous posterity who are grateful they excelled at that attempt.

Mom always kept a journal. She was a prolific writer. Some may remember her column in the Royal City paper, it was named “Prevailing Westerlies” She also wrote a song as part of a contest on the radio. She sent the song to Texas, won the contest, was mentioned over the air waves for her acumen in compositions and was sent a record of her song, sung and played by the radio station singer and orchestra.

Back to mothers writing. Her final journal entry was Dec. 27th, 2011. There were six empty pages after that. She mentioned once, “this is my last notebook.” Perhaps in one of those remaining six pages we can insert the following:

It was a windy day in the land she loved
When mom was called to depart.
Though the sand and the wind, and the wind and the sand
The place had a warm spot in her heart.

Many times she’d speak of this country
And call it a land “Royal”.
Fewer times she’d mention the difficult
And the constant need to toil.

“In my home is where I want to be
To live out the end of my days.”
So she stayed home and she stayed strong
And blessed others in so many ways.

In her final weeks as many here know
Every moment was cherished.
She was true and faithful and strong
Up till the moment she perished.

The Savior said to an afflicted youth
“Take up they bed and walk”.
Our mother, as we saw her do
Left behind her bed and walked.

Into that realm we don’t recall seeing
But yet we know is there
She’s going to Keith and other loved ones
More good cheer to share.

Thinking once again of mom’s love of words and books and learning and teaching and writing; it may be interesting to know in all her conservatism and economy, she would not abide a malfunctioning or sub par pen. One best not be between her and the trash can when a writing utensil would disappoint.

To conclude - the words of an old time hymn. This hymn was sung at her father's funeral.

“Come lay her books and papers by
She shall not need them more
The ink has dried upon the page
So, softly close the door.
Her tired head with locks of white
And like the winter sun
Has laid to peaceful rest tonight
The teachers work is done.”

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

FYI
- The poem above was written by Terry.

- The song, Come Lay His Books and Papers By
"A poem turned song was written in his (Karl G. Maeser) memory. The words were written by Annie Pike Greenwood, with the music by L.D. Edwards. It is titled "Come, Lay His Books and Papers by." This song became an LDS hymn and appeared in the 1948 edition of the hymn book as hymn #338. After the title it states "In memory of Dr. Karl G. Maeser." It is not included in the 1985 hymn book."

A Grateful Heart

2012-01-23T06:25:00.000-08:00

The daily posts came to a halt last week because there were just too many other things taking up space in my mind. I was still aware of many many reasons to be grateful, but did not take the time to concentrate on posting them. Those reading the blog may not have missed them, but honestly, I did. I kept thinking about what my grateful heart would post about for the passing day, and each day had something I could have posted. My words weren't coming out very well, and the days were so filled that I decided to omit the posting part of the process. However, I am ready to play catch up.

Our weather has been quite beautiful at times and yet so cold and wet we didn't want to be outside traveling in it and we were very concerned for all who were traveling to come to the viewing and the funeral. So far our travels have been done in safety and we have heard that others have traveled safely. We are grateful for that and pray that it continues to be the same for those traveling home today.

We also worried about the conditions at the cemetery. It is so hard to want to stand out in the snow, the wind, the cold, the freezing rain, the fog, - we have had it all! Our hearts are so grateful that the wind was still, the sun was trying to shine and the temperature was at it's best. It may not have been ideal, but it was wonderful to me.

I did not get any photos of the funeral, but if I receive any in the future I'll post them here. I also plan to post the Life Sketch. We were so pleased with everything - the funeral home, the care and concern from friends, the care givers, the family gathering, the food & meals, the kindness of so many, the services, the love and comfort from above, and the list goes on. Compassion was blooming as if it were the first crocus in a snow laden garden.
THANK YOU all for everything!

We will miss the opportunity to see family daily but we look forward to the next gathering. We will especially miss the opportunity to see Mother/Grandma/Great Grandmother Idris daily - it hurts already - but we look forward to that next gathering as well. We missed Dad/Grandpa/Great Grandpa Keith when he left this mortal world. His departure left us with a bit of an empty feeling too.
I was going to write that now we have a complete empty feeling, but it just isn't quite true. There is surely an empty feeling, but it is not a complete loss. We are so grateful that FAMILIES CAN BE TOGETHER FOREVER through Heavenly Father's plan. Hope and Love fills that empty spot.

There has been a different feeling in their house as we have gathered the last few days. It will mend itself in time and life will carry on. We will learn to adapt to the new conditions and we will continue to love our family.

We have a few projects on our To Do lists and we look forward to those being started and completed - these projects will act as a sort of vessel for precious memories and a visual of our family heritage, and they will help fill those holes in our hearts. My heart is grateful for those things that remain to help us along our way, but is even more grateful for the time we spent together for the past 32 years - and the past 54 1/2 years for Terry.

Among the things we have learned from Terry's wonderful parents is that we can do hard things. We are survivors. All is well - My heart is grateful for that peaceful feeling that fills our heart and soul. And so ... we carry on ... we press forward ... we hold tightly, with both hands, to the iron rod - the word of God - 'twill safely guide us through.

Idris Egbert Hebdon Obituary

2012-01-19T09:45:00.001-08:00

There wasn't time to get an obituary in the Royal City newspaper, so I thought I'd share this link as an option.

Kaysers Chapel

We are so thankful for your loving service and prayers on behalf of our family.
We love you!
Have a wonderful day!

We Will Miss Her!

2012-01-17T21:58:00.000-08:00

Today was a bitter-sweet day ...

Our beloved mother, Idris Egbert Hebdon, left this mortal world and joined other loved ones above.
We are grateful that she was able to stay in her home as she wished, right up to her last day. We are grateful for her caregivers and for all who loved and blessed her life. We are grateful that her pain and suffering is over, and that peace and happiness are hers to enjoy.

A viewing will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Royal Camp, on Friday from 5pm to 7pm.
A second viewing will be held on Saturday at 10:00am, with the funeral at 11:00am, also at the church.

We bid Adieu to a wonderful lady. We are grateful for the plan of salvation, a plan of happiness, provided for us all, and we hope to be worthy to meet up with our loved ones again. We will miss her. We will love her forever and always!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I want to share this poem from Idris' collection.

A little road was straying,
Across a little hill.
I asked, "May I go with you, Road?"
It answered, "If you will."

T'was travel stained and shabby
And dust was on its face,
Said I, "How fine to wander free
To every lovely place!

Oh if you're off to mountains,
Or if you're off to sea,
Or if you're bound across the world,
It's all the same to me."

We loitered in the sunlight
We journeyed on together
The sky was like a bluebird's wing
The wind was like a feather.

We passed a ruddy robin
Who called, "how do you do?"
And daisies shook their bonnets back
And begged, "Oh, take us too."

A squirrel briefly joined us,
A brook came hurrying down,
We wandered through a meadow gay
And by a village town.

When dusky twilight met us,
No feet so slow as mine,
"Why, there's a little house," I said,
"With windows all a-shine."

"Perhaps, since night is nearing
I'd rather rest than roam,
"I knew you would," said the little road,
"That's why I brought you home."

(Author is unknown)

Calendars, Planners, and the like!

2012-01-17T05:21:00.000-08:00

Planners and calendars help me remember the upcoming things in my life - a necessity for me that I am happy to have.

The Doctor Was In Today

2012-01-16T21:22:00.000-08:00

The doctor was in and we got to see her today.

WBC = 2.2(L) normal range is 4.5-11.0
RBC = 3.65(L) normal range is 4.5-5.90
Platelet Count = 41(L) normal range is 150-400
Absolute Neutrophils = 1/1(L) normal is 1.8-7.8
ALT = 84 (H) normal is 17-63
AST = 90(H) normal is 15-41

Terry has had a bit of a cold, but it seems that this cold is trying to go away on it's own, so we are pleased with that. No new meds or shots - we carry on the same.

We have an appointment at SCCA on February 2nd, and today our doctor asked if we were prepared for the possibility of them telling us that he needed another stem cell transplant. We are aware of that possibility and are trying to prepare for whatever they may tell us.

We will continue on with whatever plan they think is best and we will continue to trust their judgement - even when it seems to make us wonder in some ways. Obviously we have had some first hand experience with this disease, but they still know so much more about this disease than we do. Mostly though, we will continue to pray and turn things over to the Lord. No one knows more, nor can do more than He can. We trust Him! He is our strength and He has carried us through life this far. With Him on our side, we cannot lose.

A Monkey Puppet

2012-01-16T05:42:00.000-08:00

This Monkey Puppet may seem like a strange thing for My Grateful Heart, but it represents Terry's childhood - it is his from long ago. I am grateful that it was saved for him and that we have it, but I am mostly grateful for the loving family he comes from.
His parents taught him well and I am so grateful for them and his family. I am so thankful that I found him - or he found me - that we found each other.

~~~~~~~

These last two posts for A Grateful Heart were inspired during my several days of working to get my decor put back up after Christmas decor was taken down. I love the Christmas decor, but I also love these special items in my everyday decor.
I think I'm finally getting to the end of setting it all back up. I'm trying to de-junk as I do. That's so hard! I'm planning on de-junking my whole house one room at a time this year.
I think I can!
I think I can!
I think I can!

A Grateful Heart Post

2012-01-15T05:15:00.000-08:00

I am so glad that my mother saved the dress I was blessed in.
It brings joy to my heart as I see it daily - displayed in my cabinet.
It is the first of my three white dresses and I cherish it.

I am so grateful for loving parents and for the family I grew up in. I cherish them, the memories we created together, and even those yet to come.

My Heart is Grateful for Ancestors!

2012-01-14T05:02:00.000-08:00

"Every Human being who comes to this earth is the product of generations of parents."
(Russell M. Nelson)
I love each of my ancestors and I'm so thankful for the lives they lived - they made it possible for me to be here. I look forward to meeting them someday.

Love

2012-01-13T05:46:00.000-08:00

I'm grateful for
LOVE!

Love makes
life enjoyable!

Love of Family ...
Love of God ...
Love of Friends ...

(Image from google)

Shout Out!

2012-01-12T06:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Tawnee!
We Love You!

Photo Update / Family Gatherings

2012-01-12T06:14:00.000-08:00

Here are a few (long overdue) photos from the past week.

Idris and her doctor - who made a house call on Idris' birthday. Awesome!

Gregory brought his family up to visit - and what a sweet visit we all had! They are on the road home and we will miss them.

More Family Gatherings

Our family matriarch is holding her youngest great grandchild.

Terry and his mother, Idris

Idris with her mailbox filled with letters from friends / sisters in our ward.

Ethan's new ride

Brayden, Chase, Auger, Tawny playing wii

(I wasn't a very good photographer this week, and some photos are on other cameras, so I apologize...!)

Glow Sticks

2012-01-12T05:23:00.000-08:00

I like glow sticks!
We got some out to help the kids have a little fun on their way home.
We enjoyed our visit and can hardly wait for the next time!!!!!

I'll try to get photos up soon!

Lights / Lighting

2012-01-11T05:38:00.000-08:00

I really love lights, and I really miss the Christmas lights.
I love the little bit of light that is left in the room as I walk back to bed. I love the little bit of light that is in the family room as I came out in the morning.
I have always liked having a night light on, and have several "runway lights" down the hallway. But those lights don't light up the room, and really don't work too well at all anymore, so I'll probably get right up and remove them.
I miss the tree lights enough this year that I decided to leave a light on somewhere to make up for the light I had taken down. I choose to put a 25 watt bulb in a lamp and I'm loving that look.

(My decor isn't done yet, but the light is on anyway.)

A New Vacuum

2012-01-10T05:36:00.000-08:00

I got a new vacuum a last week and was finally able to use it the other day. It was so awesome! It cleaned! The carpet looks so much better after using this new vacuum. It was long overdue!
It makes me happy!
(Image from Google Images)

SNOW!

2012-01-09T05:21:00.000-08:00

I know - we don't have snow, but I have missed it this year, and feel quite grateful for the snow we've had other years.
There is something beautiful about the snow and I love it!
It's kinda too late to enjoy it this winter season, but I'll be looking forward to another winter with some beautiful white snow.
(Image from Bulletin)

My Testimony

2012-01-08T05:08:00.000-08:00

I am so grateful for my testimony!

(Image from Google Images)

I love my Savior!
I love my Heavenly Father!
I love that I can feel Their love for me!
I love that They have done and continue to do so much for me and for each one of us!
I love being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!
I love the fact that living the gospel of Jesus Christ brings blessings into our lives daily...I love those blessings...It is so worth it!
I love the scriptures!
I love the peace that comes from living the gospel and reading the scriptures and being obedient!
I love that we have a living prophet to lead, guide, and direct us today - President Thomas S. Monson! I love the prophets past and those of old - we learn so much from!
I love the blessings of the Holy Temples - that families can be together forever!
I love that my testimony continues to grow, and that it can always continue to grow!
...

I hope to be found doing things that will be pleasing to our Father and that will bless my life, my family, my friends, and all I come in contact with. I want to be and do better each day!

(Image from Google Images)

Shout Out! and A Grateful Heart

2012-01-07T07:40:00.000-08:00

Today's posts combine into one beautiful thought -
A Shout Out:
Happy Happy Birthday to our beautiful 91 year old mother, Idris.
And A Grateful Heart:
We are very grateful to be able to share this special day with her this year.

FYI:
We had a bit of a scare last night (or this morning around 1:20am) as we were awakened with a phone call that summoned us to her side. She was feeble and weak, but soon gained her strength and we sat there with her for a couple hours listening to and sharing experiences and memories, and had a family prayer, and a bit of a slumber(less) party. Terry and I came home about 5:30am and tried to get a couple more hours of sleep, and will head back over to share some time and visit with Idris' doctor who is coming today. House calls still happen - this one time anyway.

(Awesome doctors is another thing my heart is grateful for, and I know I mentioned it before, but I say it again, because this one is making a house call - coming from the Tri Cities. How's that for medicine in our day and age?)

Here is a photo from her birthday last year - this year photos are yet to come.

A Handy Husband

2012-01-06T05:12:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the To Do list can get pretty long, and sometimes I don't even make a list, but there are still several things that need done. I am so lucky to have a husband that can do the little things (and big things) that need done - almost daily it seems.
All three of our bathroom fans are now working in great condition. After almost 20 years they were getting pretty slow and noisy, or not even working. They have all been cleaned and/or motors replaced. Maybe this is a post about working bathroom fans??? I'm grateful for them too, but ...

It's so exciting when To Do becomes Ta Da / or Ta Done!

I am afraid that the To Do list for Terry is harder than the To Do list for me. Sorry Terry!

(Image is from Oh So Beautiful Paper)

My mental To DO list is pretty large, and the note paper above seems to be my thought on occasion. And, sometimes the Not To DO list wins!

Feeling Better is Good

2012-01-05T05:16:00.000-08:00

My heart is grateful that Idris (Terry's mother) is feeling better. She has been so sick for the last few days, and we have all been very concerned.
Yesterday's visit gave us encouragement. She was doing so much better. We hope today will bring the same good news.
We are grateful for her caregivers. She is in good hands!

FYI - She will be 91 years old on Saturday.

(image from HERE)

Kleenex Tissue

2012-01-04T05:20:00.000-08:00

I love a good tissue -
I'm always in need of one ... or two ...

It's much better than a sleeve

(image from google)

or a roll

(image from HERE)

Medical Report

2012-01-03T21:09:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile, but we went to the oncologist today, and here is Terry's report -

WBC = 1.5, since it's that low and he is not on an antibiotic anymore, Terry got a Neulasta shot today. He will be aching for a few days, but I guess it will be worth it. Right?

Platelets are staying low, at 46 today. They are just maintaining that low.

There is no other info to report - I don't have the print out of the other counts, but things are going okay for now. We have one more appointment with Dr. Smith before our appointment at SCCA in February.

Chapstick

2012-01-03T05:41:00.000-08:00

This is good stuff!

I'm glad they make it, and I'm glad I found it!
It's all I've used for dry lips for several years now.
It works and doesn't crack your lips putting it on!

Faith

2012-01-02T05:10:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for my faith!

Joseph B. Wirthlin talks of faith:
What is true faith? Faith is defined as “belief and trust in and loyalty to God; … firm belief in something for which there is no proof.” We believe that “faith is to hope for things which are not seen, but which are true … , and must be centered in Jesus Christ.” In fact, we believe that “faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel.”

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

Well, this day I am
grateful for
a new year!

Welcome
TwentyTwelve!

(Image from
Pinterest)

A Great Christmas Holiday!

2011-12-31T06:07:00.000-08:00

I love that we had a great Christmas Holiday this year - not that it's a first, but that it can happen over and over again!

Here are some of the things that kept us busy:

I read a lot of stories - and one story a lot of times. It's so fun!

We opened gifts.

We made a craft.

We made some yummy food.

Card games.

We went to see "We Bought a Zoo" and really enjoyed it.
We went out to eat after the movie.

I am so thankful for the members of our family who were able to come join us - we had a great time together! We missed those who could not come. We could have up to 21 people if we all can get together at the same time, but only 14 of us were able to gather for Christmas this year. Our family is growing, and we look forward to bigger gatherings in the future.

We are going to have withdrawals because everyone is gone now!

Soft Carpet

2011-12-30T06:01:00.000-08:00

I love soft carpet under my feet in the morning!

(Image from HERE - it's quite similar to my carpet.)

Clothing

2011-12-29T06:08:00.000-08:00

No matter the look, it's nice to have clothing!
I like that it keeps us warm if we pile it on in the winter.
I like that clothes include pockets to have a place for a few things we want to keep close to us.
I like that there are different styles and colors and that we don't all have to wear the same look - because we can't all pull off the same look.
I am grateful for those who wear modest clothing - too much skin is not appealing to me.
I like comfy clothing...

(Image from HERE)

In Home Laundry!

2011-12-28T05:54:00.000-08:00

I am grateful to have a washer and dryer in my home. It is so nice to be able to work on other things while I am doing laundry and not have to travel somewhere with baskets full of dirty clothes.

(Image from HERE)

Giving!

2011-12-27T05:41:00.000-08:00

Oh the Joy of Giving! It blesses so many lives!

I am so grateful that I can give ... I need to do more of it!

I thank you all for the many things you give to me and my family! You are all awesome! I have felt undeserving of the many gifts you have showered upon us. I have felt guilty that I have not done as much for others this year.
We do feel blessed ... and loved! You have blessed our lives in so many ways!

THANK YOU!

I tried to spend more time in 2011 remembering the things I am grateful for - especially the last couple months. I promise to continue to remember those things, but to also try to give a little more. Giving truly blesses lives.

I don't want to just give though, I want to have charity - charity is the best gift of all.

"Thoughts and acts of charity hold together our societies and link us individually to our Savior." (Quote from HERE)

I really need to remember this -

Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–94) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “We often equate charity with visiting the sick, taking in casseroles to those in need, or sharing our excess with those who are less fortunate. But really, true charity is much, much more.

“Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again. …

“Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended. … Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other” (“The Tongue Can Be a Sharp Sword,” Ensign, May 1992, 18–19). This quote is found HERE

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T05:49:00.000-08:00

In Luke 2 we read that the angel came to the shepherds saying
“Fear not: for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” and then announced the birth of our “Saviour, Christ the Lord.”
This was not only good tidings of great joy to those shepherds, it was good tidings of great joy for all of us. This news should make us joyful in our journey.
My wish is for us each to remember our Savior this time of year as we celebrate His birth, but also, let us not forget Him when the season is over. He is our reason to rejoice and He is our reason to enjoy the journey here on earth.

I am so grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ!

FYI - Click on this link to find a Christmas Devotional and many more short video clips about Christmas.

(images are a couple of my favorite pictures I display throughout the holidays.)

Chocolate!

2011-12-24T06:03:00.000-08:00

Oh Yes, I am thankful for chocolate!
My favorite right now is this yummy stuff from Costco

and there are so many other yummy chocolate things ... and they keep showing up around this time of year ... yummy indeed!

Comfy Furniture!

2011-12-23T05:10:00.000-08:00

I love comfy furniture - so glad to have some!
No photo ... sorry! Too many other things to do today!
Have a good one!

Christmas Decor is Done!

2011-12-22T07:10:00.000-08:00

Finally, the finishing touches are done and up! Christmas decor is complete (except I had a strand of lights go out on me and the garland above my entertainment center looks incomplete, but maybe I can find a way to remedy that??)

The finishing touches were for the trees. We strung popcorn and cranberries this year. I love the look! (one cranberry ... two popcorn ... repeat ... and repeat and ...)

I have red wooden bead strands that I like ...

But this year we strung cranberries and I love that look!

I wanted to wrap the gifts in kraft paper, burlap, and lace, but just didn't take the time for that stuff this year. The photos make me wish I would have. Oh Bother! On to better things ...

I am happy to have the decor feel complete now!

My Grateful Heart -

2011-12-22T06:10:00.000-08:00

NO SCHOOL DAY!

I love days when the kids can stay home with us!!!!

Ruffled Bags - Our Version

2011-12-21T20:55:00.000-08:00

BrittanyJo made these for a couple friends (birthday and Christmas). I wanted to post them earlier, but didn't want to ruin the surprise for anyone that received them. Aren't these so cute?!?!? We saw some similar bags on Pinterest and decided to do it ourselves ... and it worked!

More Cards ...

2011-12-21T20:22:00.000-08:00

I was reminded of some more awesome Christmas cards as I was working in the kitchen this morning. They are so exciting and they make me so happy, so I thought today deserved two Grateful Heart posts.
These awesome cards come from Tawny, Brayden, and Auger, and we can feel the love that they were made and sent with. Here is a big THANK YOU! to our sweet grandchildren! We Love You!

Christmas Cards

2011-12-21T06:39:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful for Christmas Cards!
I love to see the family photos and read the newsletters, and I love the thoughtful words of love and kindness as friends and family wish us a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. (I must admit - I look at the photos and cards as soon as we receive them, but I often wait to read the newsletters after Christmas when I have more time - but I do love reading them!)
I have enjoyed sending them too, but for the last couple years I've not included a photo. That disappoints me, and I hope to change my ways in the coming years.
It took me a while to get them sent this year, but we got most of them sent yesterday ... I still have a few that I'm working on ... trying to get the correct address.
Even though we send no photo, we do send our love!
We Wish You A Very Merry Christmas!

and
Thank You!
for your sweet wishes to us.

Jelly Belly Beans

2011-12-20T05:27:00.000-08:00

I really like
Jelly Belly Beans!
I'm very glad they
have such a
yummy jelly bean
with so many
awesome flavors.

Pear is one of my
favorite flavors!

A Grateful Heart ... Temples

2011-12-19T05:20:00.000-08:00

I am so grateful for temples.
We were able to attend the temple Saturday with several members of our ward.
There is such a special feeling inside those sacred walls, and going there always blesses our lives.
I'm glad we were feeling healthy enough and that things at home were so that we could attend.

(Image from HERE)

Long Over-due!

2011-12-18T22:12:00.000-08:00

I'm finally posting a photo of Akleigh ... yeah! Sorry it's taken me so long!!!
She is really sweet and we should have shared a photo long ago. She had just come in from the cold, and we loved the cute hat and coat, so we made her pose for a picture.

And here is Auger, who is loving the coloring/drawing time lately. He knows his colors and wants a semi in every color.

Happy to have Puzzles

2011-12-17T05:46:00.000-08:00

I like puzzles.
They are especially fun for the holidays.
We put out a puzzle with a snowy winter cabin scene a couple weeks ago to help create the festive feel, and I've worked on it occasionally, finally finishing it tonight.

Great School Concert

2011-12-16T05:28:00.000-08:00

I am grateful for great school concerts, and we got to attend one last night.
(I didn't remember the camera though.)

It was middle school and high school together, so Anthony and Connor both participated and they did a great job. Great Christmas music!
Each band and choir was so easy and enjoyable to listen to, and the evening went by quite quickly. (Sorry to say, sometimes in the past that has not been the case.)

(Image from Etsy)

Money

2011-12-15T05:50:00.000-08:00

Well, we've heard that money is, or can be, the root of all evil, but there is much good that can be done with it too.
I am grateful that I have enough money ... not too much and not too little.
(I suppose someone could debate either of those with me, but I'm feeling good!)

(Images from Pinterest - here, and here)

Happy Healthy Hearts!

2011-12-14T02:44:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post this last week, but didn't get it done, partly because I wondered if I needed to explain, and wasn't quite sure I wanted to. Well, I guess I'm ready to explain...

After a sports physical the doctor sent us to a specialist in Spokane to check Connor's heart. We were a little concerned, but had great hope that all would be well. After tests and a visit with the specialist we were happy to hear that Connor's heart is in perfect condition. Connor may still have the symptoms that he was feeling, but he should feel asured that it is not life threatening or damaging.

We do have heart problems on both sides of the family, so hearts do kind of concern us, but our hearts feel better after learning that good news. I am grateful for healthy and happy children!

(image from Fresh Home Ideas)

Freedom

2011-12-13T05:27:00.000-08:00

Freedom is a
wonderful thing!

To live in a country
where we are allowed
to do and be and become
is a blessing we enjoy
every day.

(image is from google search)

free·dom [free-duhm]

noun
1. the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint: He won his freedom after a retrial.

2. exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc.

3. the power to determine action without restraint.

4. political or national independence.

5. personal liberty, as opposed to bondage or slavery: a slave who bought his freedom.

Medical Report

2011-12-12T22:09:00.000-08:00

Sorry this report is so late, it's been a busy day!

None of Terry's counts today showed any improvement, but we are not worried. They really don't expect any noticeable improvement for 3 or 4 months after the DLI. We have an appointment in Seattle set up for the first part of February, and are hoping to learn something then.

Actually, the counts are slightly lower today but are not critical. The decline could be because he is getting a cold again. Just a soon as he stops the medication the cold symptoms seem to start to come back.
He started the meds again today, but I think it might be a little stronger dose (too tired to go check to be sure).

Terry's lab results:
WBC = 2.2(L)
RBC = 3.68(L)
Platelets = 44(L)
Neutrophils = .8(L)

No appointment next week - actually, we don't have to go back until January 2nd, but we are supposed to call if something changes or if we have any concerns.

Good-night!

Savior of the World

2011-12-12T06:12:00.000-08:00

After four shows we were able to get a photo to share. (I took my photographer on the last showing ... that would be BrittanyJo.) This is a scene with Mary and Joseph just after the baby Jesus was born and the shepherds came to see the new Christ child, just as the angels told them about.

This was a great production and we are so grateful that the members of our church shared their talents with us all. It was beautifully done and it is a wonderful way to remember the real reason for this season. May we keep that feeling in our hearts ... always!

We send a grateful and loving Thank you! to all who participated in any way. You're all awesome!

Good Movies

2011-12-12T05:41:00.000-08:00

I love a good movie, and we just watched one last night ... The Grace Card ... it was a very good movie (though I don't recommend it for a young family).
We need more good movies with great morals and inspiring messages like this.

I am grateful for good, wholesome entertainment!

Winter's Coral

2011-12-12T05:28:00.000-08:00

Winter's
Coral.

The
frost
is so
thick
and
beautiful!

A chance to start anew

2011-12-11T05:53:00.000-08:00

I love this poem by Helen Steiner Rice.

(Image from an old calendar, like 1980-82, that I kept on our wall for a lot of years.)

Isn't repentance a wonderful thing!
My heart is grateful for that opportunity provided for us by our Savior.

I've printed the poem here just in case it isn't really visible in the picture.

How often
we wish for another chance
To make a fresh beginning,
A chance to blot out our mistakes
And change failure into winning -
And it does not take a New Year
To make a brand-new start,
It only takes the Deep Desire
To try with all our heart
To live a little better
And to always be forgiving
And to add a little "sunshine"
To the world in which we're living -
So never give up in despair
And think that you are Through,
For there's always a Tomorrow
And a chance to start anew.

A Christmas Transformation!

2011-12-10T05:30:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas decorations! I love setting up the Christmas decorations! Our home is slowly transforming it's look to Christmas, and because it doesn't do it by it's self it's taking a little ... a lot of time.

Nativities go up first! My favorite of the season - to help us remember the reason.

I also enjoy the fun snowman decor. (I kinda have a lot of snowmen!)

I love the lights on the trees and garland. (I kinda use a lot of lights - we have a city of lights in our family room, but we don't put any up outside ... sorry neighbors! We do love to see them on your homes! ;)

And the reindeer are so cute!

(wait, is that last one a moose?)

And the ... oh! ... it's all so much fun!
However, I don't do much with Santa because the season is for Christ! But this hanging speaks volumes and in such a beautiful way. It's one of my earthly treasures. Someday it will be gone, but it's message will remain in my heart.
It was made by my sister-in-law and given to us several years ago.

My heart is grateful for Christmas decorations!

(This post was created for yesterday, the 9th, but I guess I just saved it instead of publishing it, and found it this morning. So I changed the date and used it today! Sorry I messed up! My Bad! So really, I should be grateful for working brains, or for when brains work ... especially mine! And, I guess I am!)

Savior of the World

2011-12-08T23:39:00.000-08:00

We just witnessed a most spectacular event! Terry and I were able to attend the play our stake was performing, and we enjoyed it very much. It was so awesome and it touched hearts as it reminded us of the birth of Christ and His resurrection.
Words cannot express the feelings we felt there and the job well done, by so many.

Chase was able to participate in this play, as Joseph, Mary's husband / Christ's earthy father. We are so pleased with the wonderful performance he gave and we marvel at the whole cast and crew. They have worked so hard for several months and put together a beautiful presentation that they can be so proud of.

This was the first performance of four - one each night through Saturday, plus the Saturday matinee. We'll be back to view them all and will enjoy each one.

Harvest is Complete

2011-12-08T05:49:00.000-08:00

It's a Celebration!
I love it when our harvest is complete before Thanksgiving - it just feels more like Thanksgiving (and I missed it this year).

We got a late start with the harvest this year ... mostly due to the weather not drying the crop out fast enough. However, we are grateful that the weather remained as good as it has been this winter, allowing us to finally get the corn out of the field. We didn't want to see snow or rain, and even fog would deter us. We didn't get much of it, and we are grateful for that. Maybe now we can say "Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!" Actually we see that others have corn still in the field, so maybe we'll just let it snow ... later.

In years past we have celebrated the end of harvest with a harvest dinner. In fact, we celebrated this year on Feb. 14th with an end of harvest dinner ... end of last year's crop. So, we've done a bit better with this years crop ... at least it's in the same year, and it is before Christmas. Not sure if we'll have a harvest dinner anytime soon ... maybe during the Christmas break. We'll see!

I'm feeling kinda slow and not prepared for Christmas like I wish I was at this point, so being able to concentrate on that more now will be a great blessing.
(I should have taken my own picture of our own harvest, but I didn't do that, and it's too late now. I grabbed this one from google.)

Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes!

2011-12-07T05:29:00.000-08:00

Hands to hold, arms to hug, feet and legs to walk and run ...
Our physical bodies are a pretty wonderful thing (even if they are not perfect) and I'm grateful for the working parts that I still have.

I am also grateful for canes, wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs and anything that helps repair and replace (at least partly) our opportunities and abilities. The things that help us be a bit more mobile are really a great invention and blessing.

Oh how time changes a body - but there is so much beauty in the young and the old! Each has a story all it's own. (Image from Pinterest)

Hot Chocolate!

2011-12-06T06:06:00.000-08:00

It's just so nice to have a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter day or night. I love hot chocolate! I'm so glad that someone mixed it up one day and shared with the rest of us so we can all enjoy!

Baby It's Cold Outside...{Hot Cocoa Recipes and Treats} from Uncommon There are maybe 10 photos with links, one of which is this
White Hot Chocolate that I'm sure to have a cup of some time this winter.

Go to My Stuff Room to see the complete post -
Stirring up Hot Cocoa for A Grateful Heart.
There is also an earlier post with some great hot chocolate bar looks -
Oh Yummy! Hot Chocolate Bar.

a small and simple thing

2011-12-05T05:22:00.000-08:00

I am so grateful for
(pleasant) toothpaste
for sensitive teeth.
Yip!

(Image from google search)

Happy Day!

2011-12-04T05:04:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Skyler!

No talk to worry me today!

2011-12-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

I'm just grateful I don't have to talk today! :) However, I am also grateful that we did have the assignment last week, because it helped me study and learn an important principle.
So as much as I'm glad I don't have to talk, I miss the in depth studying...kind of...I've been doing some different kind of scriptures study this week. I decided to study by theme instead of picking up the book and reading from front to back. This way I include the other books and it helps me with a certain subject or issue in my life. Of course I stopped in the middle of a book and that's a bit crazy for me.

Sunshine!

2011-12-03T05:32:00.000-08:00

Sunshine is beautiful, it touches us inside and out!
I love a day with sunshine! I love a heart with sunshine!

(Image from here)

Wishing you all a bright and sunshiny day!

Phones

2011-12-02T05:55:00.000-08:00

Phones are a terrific invention,
and cell phones just make it better!

(image from etsy)

Happy Day!

2011-12-02T05:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Brian C!

Still Grateful!

2011-12-01T05:25:00.000-08:00

I am grateful for a new day today, for a new month, and for new opportunities ahead.

I just can't stop! So my posts for A Grateful Heart just might be popping up on occasion. I'd like to continue daily, but make no promises, especially because things get a little hectic through the holidays. Actually, that should mean that I for sure continue with my daily posting. We'll see! There is always something to be grateful for!!!!!

(Image from earthboundwinglessdream.tumblr.com)

"Mrs. Heaven"

2011-11-30T05:33:00.000-08:00

Many years ago I was helping in one of the 2nd or 3rd grade classroom and one of the little boys kept calling me Mrs. Heaven. The teacher noticed it and corrected him after a few times and he apologized. I thought it was pretty sweet.
I have thought about that a few times since then and how kind and respectful this young boy was to me.

One of our children brought it up again yesterday and we all smiled and my heart was once again touched. I remember it with fondness and it always brings a smile to my heart.

It reminds me of how good people are and how important it is to be kind and respectful. It also reminds me to be pleasant so that if someone does once again call me Mrs. Heaven I will be worthy of the name.

(The image of those heavenly hearts above comes from HERE)

Paper and Pencil for A Grateful Heart!

2011-11-29T05:24:00.000-08:00

I am so glad that we have an easy and fast way to record things in writing. The fabulous pencil & paper way of doing things is still my favorite, though I do love the computer options too. But, what if the power is out or the Internet is down or I'm not by a computer? I still need paper and pencil! I keep a planner pretty close to me, a tablet and pen in my bag, and a notebook and pencil by my computer. Paper and pencil often serves as my memory.

For me, a fine point clicker pencil just can't be beat! Second best is a pencil sharpener to keep a regular pencil pin-point sharp. I like a fine point pen too! Colored pencils are pretty sweet! And crayons! And markers ... !

We Have Medical News Today!

2011-11-28T18:47:00.000-08:00

It's not really special news, but we have an update on Terry's health. Though it's not special, it is good.

WBC = 3.2(L)
RBC = 3.86(L)trending upward
HCT = 36.8 (L) trending upward, it hasn't been this high in a long time.
Platelets = 53(L) they keep bouncing around lately, anywhere from 48 to 61 the last 5 weeks.
Neutrophils = 1.8 WOW! It's not low..., well it's the lowest number you can get before it is low, but it is in the normal range (normal is 1.8-7.8) so we'll take it.

Terry is getting a cold again. Just a couple days after he stopped the meds to clear up the last cold I noticed he was sniffling again and wondered how long it would be. By the end of the week he's feeling it coming on strong and we don't want to let it get worse so today he got another prescription. We are going to stop it in it's tracks!

They took extra blood today to send over to SCCA for a chimerisms test. Dr. Smith said that they just keep talking about him over there. We aren't sure when those results will be back, but we know it is over one week and it could be two, so we aren't expecting anything soon. We'll post when we hear from them.

We are grateful for the little bit of good news with the blood work ... small climb as it is, it is still a climb.

We are loving the sunshine!
Have a great day!

Games

2011-11-28T05:57:00.000-08:00

Board Games or Card Games or the like - playing games with family and friends.
Our family played Eye to Eye last night and we enjoyed our time together.
Another game we like is Turtlemania. Those two games and many other fun games, like Somethin' Fishy, Sneaks, and Walk the Dogs can be found at Simply Fun.

It's fun to watch our children play games together. A couple favorites are Settlers of Catan and Nerts.

I Love to Read the Scriptures!

2011-11-27T05:57:00.000-08:00

"...feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." 2 Nephi 32:3

My days go so much better if I read the scriptures. IT'S TRUE!
I am so thankful that we have them available to us - our own book to read, and underline, and write notes of inspiration in.
I do love to read the scriptures.
I also love to listen to these videos about the scriptures.

The Miracle of the Holy Bible

Try this link if it doesn't show up on this post.

God's Words Never Cease

Try this link if it doesn't show up on this post.

A Book with a Promise

Try this link if the video above doesn't play on this post.

Thankful for Food!

2011-11-26T05:48:00.000-08:00

Oh Ya, Good Food!
The list of good food is almost never ending, and we had a lot of it for our Thanksgiving dinner. However, this is the only mention today because I promised family I would post this recipe before the end of the week (and it takes up enough space all by itself). It is yummy!

Danish Apple Bars

Ingredients
Crust:
3 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 cup shortening
1 egg yolk (white used later)
about 1/2 cup milk

Filling:
1 cup crushed cornflakes (I don't always crush them, and I also add an extra handful)
8 large apples, peeled and sliced (my favorite for apple pies are Granny Smith or Rome, I used Rome for Thanksgiving)
1 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Glaze:
1 cup confectioners sugar (I add a little more because I like it a little thicker)
3 Tlb water
1 tsp vanilla

Directions:
Sift together flour and salt; cut in shortening until crumbly. Add enough milk to egg yolk to make 1/2 cup. Add to flour mixture, blending until moistened. Divide dough almost in half, making one section slightly larger than the other. Roll out the larger portion; cover bottom and sides of jelly roll pan (15x10 inch).

Sprinkle the bottom crust with cornflakes. Arrange apple slices over top. Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over apples. (Sometimes I mix the sugar and cinnamon with the apples before putting them on the crust.)

Roll out the remaining dough. Fit over top of apples. Moisten edges of the dough with water; seal. Cut steam vents in top.

Brush with stiffly beaten egg white.
Bake at 375 degrees for 45 min. to 1 hour, depending on your oven - until golden brown.

Combine confectioners sugar, water and vanilla, mixing well. Spread over bars while still warm.

Family Gatherings

2011-11-25T05:58:00.000-08:00

Spending time with family is wonderful! That's what we did yesterday. We shared some food and some fun and some stories and some smiles. I am grateful for these special occasions that gather us together.
The sad part is that even though many are gathered together we still miss several other family members who were unable to come.

A WISH!

2011-11-24T06:40:00.000-08:00

We wish you all a
Happy Thanksgiving Day!

(Image from A Step in the Journey)

Tender Mercies / Sweet Experiences

2011-11-24T06:05:00.000-08:00

"...the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance." 1 Nephi 1:20

I know the Lord is aware of me and I know He loves me. I know my Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers, and I know that they are watching over me and care about my every need.

I feel my Saviors love. The love He freely gives me.

This makes me feel very grateful!

(Images from Deseret Book)

My Kitchen!

2011-11-23T05:39:00.000-08:00

I am grateful for my kitchen. It's not the latest, nor the greatest, but it is mine and it's in my home, and it is where I will be spending a lot of my time today.
It is a large area and I have a large counter with great space to roll out pie crusts.

I just happened to have this picture in my computer that shows the counter top I roll my pie crust out on. This time it was used for preparing corn for the freezer. It was taken many years ago, but it is still a big space that I love - and it includes a little bonus ... I love all my helpers!

We are truly blessed to have the appliances and kitchen equipment that is available to us today. Electric ovens instead of a wood burning fireplace or stove is really a wonderful blessing.

A Dishwasher!

2011-11-22T05:59:00.000-08:00

(Image from Google Search somewhere)

I love having a working dishwasher!
'Nuf said!

No Visit Today!

2011-11-21T20:18:00.001-08:00

Just a reminder - Terry didn't have a doctor appointment today, so we have no report.
We will report after the appointment next Monday (28th).

All is Well ... as far as we can tell!

Moments and Memories!

2011-11-21T05:32:00.000-08:00

Memories ... Creating Memories!

Today's little moments become
tomorrow's precious memories!

I love the little moments of today and
I love the precious memories from all of our yesterdays!

Sometimes we don't recognize the true value of a moment
until it becomes a memory.

(Image from my wall)

Prayer and Peace

2011-11-20T05:35:00.000-08:00

"Prayer is the provider of spiritual strength; it is the passport to peace. Prayer is the means by which we approach our Father in Heaven, who loves us. Speak to Him in prayer and then listen for the answer. Miracles are wrought through prayer."

"Pray fervently. With God, all things are possible."

President Thomas S. Monson, "Be Your Best Self".
(Image from my wall.)

I am grateful for the opportunity and privilege of going to our Heavenly Father in PRAYER (whenever, wherever, and for whatever reason) and I am forever grateful for the countless times He has heard and answered my prayers. He sends PEACE even when He cannot send immediate (understandable to me) answers. That peace helps me through any and everything.

Nature!

2011-11-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Nature - Naturally Beautiful!
From the sky to the dirt, season through season this earth is a wonderfully beautiful place to live.

Winter

(Image from HERE)

Spring

(Image from HERE)

Summer
(Image from Cipitio Tours)

Fall

(Image from Love to Blog)

MEDICAL SCIENCE

2011-11-18T05:53:00.000-08:00

This has been one of my options for A Grateful Heart ever since I began. Today is the day for it!

I am so grateful for doctors, nurses, medicines, etc. The best way for me to encompass it all would be to use the term medical science. I've used that term often, but thought I'd check on it before I actually posted today. I think I'll keep using it ... it fits ...

thefreedictionary.com gives this definition

Noun 1. medical science - the science of dealing with the maintenance of health and the prevention and treatment of disease

Delivering and raising 9 children has given many opportunities to need and use a doctors services, clinics, pharmacies, etc. (Not to mention the opportunities for our parents and siblings, grandchildren, etc.) There have been several times that lives were lengthened or given better quality throughout the years, and we are grateful for every single time that medical science intervened and made things right for us.

We are currently undergoing treatment together ... I say together (though I speak of my husband's disease) because it affects us all in different; very real ways ... for SLL/CLL. He has had several dozen chemo treatments, a bone marrow transplant and most recently a DLI in hopes of clearing up that cancer. At this point we have no sign of whether the treatment will be a success, but we have hope.

We continue to rely on the doctors and scientists and researchers to help us out and send us down the right path to healing. We trust in their care and hope all goes well.

I wanted to keep this short, but cannot end this post without saying thank you to all who have and are praying and caring for us. THANK YOU!

And I cannot end without sharing this - We are grateful that we can turn to God for peace - The Lord Is Our Strength! (But, more on that later!)

What You Want?

2011-11-17T05:32:00.000-08:00

This is a book I own, mostly because I love the title.
"You Can Never Get Enough of What You Don't Need"
I read the first chapter, underlined a couple things and left it to sit on my shelf beside my computer. I didn't stop reading it because it wasn't good, but because it was enough for now, and because I really did buy it for the title ... and it is in my face, reminding me, every day. Maybe someday I'll pick it up and read another chapter.

Funny thing is that the second chapter is titled "Enough is Enough". My husband asks me on occasion, especially when I'm preparing for a wedding/reception or wanting to remodel something in the house, "When is enough enough?" I usually try hard not to respond, and just think something like, "this is my role and responsibility so just let me do it well," or "you take care of the farm, I'll take care of the decor!" Ocassionally I might say something like "we're almost there!"

This book is about "The Quest for Contentment." I must tell you that I do feel contentment ... in many ways. And these next two pictures will share why I feel contentment. These are the two things I underlined -

This first is a quote from Maria Von Trapp

The second is the last paragraph of the first chapter.

I believe that! And that belief is an awesome thing. It brings peace to my heart and soul. It does bring contentment and I am so grateful for it.

It is that same peace and contentment that comes when I see a sofa that would be perfect for the wedding I'm decorating for and I'm sure I could squeeze it into my bedroom after the wedding and it would look so good in there, and it is a great price, and it is perfect colors, and it would be delivered at no extra cost, and .... [sigh here!]
It is after I try to rationalize my way into purchasing something that I realize ... yes, enough is enough, and that sofa is more than enough, even if it is so awesome.
True story by the way! [smile here!] Sometimes I really have to work hard at it, but I do tell myself NO.

When we were at Seattle last year I had a cute little bowl sitting on the table with candy in it. When my sister came to visit she asked me about it. As I was starting to tell her when/where/why I got it, my husband quickly added; "It had a price tag on it so she thought that meant she had to buy it!" I think he might really believe that. [another smile!]

I really am a piece of work ... a work in progress ... and I am working on it ... progressing ... slowly but surely ....

I've recently found a quote online that I really like.

Image from I Am Momma Hear Me Roar

Okay, what was I grateful for today?
I am grateful that I decided to post something every day this month about what I am grateful for. Doing so really makes me happy! Being happy is what I want!

Image from Kidspace Stuff

And, I'm thankful for things! Yes, material things!
And for knowing when enough is enough... and having enough... and being content/happy.

I'm thankful for what matters most! Not always are they the things I'm posting about daily, but always I am grateful for those things that do matter most. (Each Sunday you'll find a "What Matters Most" post at mystuffroom.blogspot.com.)

For Gentle Reminders! Like my husband's endearing words, that book with the title in my face every day, and like this -

(Image from Second sister)

And there is at least one more thing I brought up in this post that I am grateful for, but am saving it for later. I've hinted today, but you'll just have to wait!

I'm all over the place today aren't I? You'd think this would have been the post about WORDS. I know ... there's too many of them here. (Hey, yesterday's A Grateful Heart post had very few words and we can always hope that tomorrow will be similar to that!)

I know it was supposed to be just one thing a day, but this one thing included so many. I am so thankful for understanding and patient people. (Long-suffering might be a good word there.) [more smiles!]

enough is enough!
Have a great day!

FIVE SENSES

2011-11-16T06:50:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for every one of my senses! Our bodies are wonderful gifts from God and He has created us in His image, with wonderful abilities. We truly have much to be grateful for.

(Image is from Microbe Magic)

WORDS!

2011-11-15T05:34:00.000-08:00

It's wonderful to have words to use isn't it?!?!?!
I am grateful for words and the ability to share thoughts and feelings by speaking and hearing words, and by writing or reading them. Without words, Terry's poems wouldn't be. Without words, Christmas carols and songs couldn't tell the story. Without words ... well, you understand ... we just couldn't be without words.

Names are great too. One quite dear to my heart lately is "Bama". It is what Auger calls me and hearing it makes me so happy.
It is so wonderful to have them close enough to see often. We miss the other grandchildren that are so far away. We love the words they use when they are near us and we have withdrawals when they leave ... wishing we could be closer. It's the words and photos shared online (or on the phone) that keep us close when there are so many miles between us. I'm grateful to our children for taking advantage of that opportunity so that we can keep our grandchildren in our sight as much as possible. They are always in our hearts!

One last thought - something I saw online and need to remember.

WORDS can Hurt or Heal.
What did yours (mine) do today?

I will try to choose my words more carefully.
Have a great day everyone!

Today's Doctor Visit

2011-11-14T16:59:00.000-08:00

Terry had an appointment today. We didn't see our oncologist, but saw the gal who takes her place occasionally - Anne Anderson. We like her too.

His counts:
WBC = 2.1 (L)
RBC = 3.52 (L)
Platelets = 61 (L)
Neutrophils = 0.9 (L) (But no shot today, they want his body to be without the shot and work on it's own as much as possible. The DLI has a tendency to make the neutrophils low anyway. So really, that number is okay!)

The counts that tell us about the liver were both good today.
ALT = 73(H)[normal is 17-63]
AST = 75(H) [normal is 15-41]
You'll see that they are still high, but not bad, and certainly better than they had been earlier. Well, they have been good for awhile now, so we are quite happy. We don't mind if they still get better, but we are happy to have what we have today.

Terry feels a little better, but we don't know for sure what to attribute it to. He is not fighting that terrible lingering cold/cough/whatever it was, so that makes him feel much better.
Still no idea as to whether the DLI is working. We'll just keep watching and waiting.

Today's info told us they will watch the Lymphocytes and the Monocytes closely for the next few weeks. I'm not sure exactly what they see, but the numbers will tell them something. Maybe when I hear it one more time I'll understand it a bit better. For that matter, maybe not! Anyway, I'll share today's numbers just in case it's visible to us next time.
Lymphocytes = 40 (normal is 21-49%)
Monocytes = 10 (normal is 2-11%)

Another thing we were told was that "he would never have a normal immune system, because he never did have a normal immune system". She laughed as she said it, and she sounded like she was teasing, but it was probably quite honest and realistic.

Okay, now you need to know that Terry is out combining corn. He left early this morning, I picked him up and took him to the doctor (in his work clothes), and I brought him back to the combine to work some more. He's happy to be harvesting! It's a must do kinda thing! It's progress and it's our means of income. He is happy to be doing what he can to support his family.
Our physician wasn't too thrilled to see the "work clothes and dirt under the fingernails after just having a DLI" but she didn't tell him he couldn't do it. She just wants him to be careful. I'm not sure how obedient he would have wanted to be if she told him he couldn't harvest. Good thing we're not going to have to find out! :)

I love that man! He's my favorite!

Thankful for Christmas Music!

2011-11-14T05:57:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful for Christmas Music. We played it yesterday for the first time this season.
The beautiful renditions of familiar hymns and carols, the messages that sing of Christ's birth, and the love of the season just envelopes me as I hear it, hum with it, or sing it.

Thanks again to the Creative Minds that gave us such sacred and beautiful music.

(Image from Pinterest. Thanks to that Creative Mind too!)

A Living Prophet / Wise Men and Women ...

2011-11-13T05:40:00.000-08:00

I am so grateful for the wisdom of others! So many people have given me wise counsel.
My Father, My Mother, My Husband ... to you I say Thank You!
My Bishops and other ward leaders ... My Stake Presidents and other stake leaders ... to you I say Thank You!

Our Living Prophet and all prophets past. To them I say Thank You!
They are truly men of God and give wise counsel, directly from our Father in Heaven, meant to bless our lives if we follow it.

One of my favorite quotes from our present day prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, is this:

(Image from ... and Spiritually Speaking)

Much of the wise counsel given me has been counsel to follow the teachings of our Savior, to believe in Him and to love and obey Him.

I was just re-reading the conference address by Elder Carl B. Cook and was reminded of his experience.
The short story is that he was standing in the elevator after an especially busy and overloaded week (his first as a General Authority). His head was down as the elevator opened on the next floor and someone walked in, though he did not look to see who it was. He then heard, "What are you looking at down there?" His response was "Oh, nothing." President Monson then lovingly suggested, while pointing heavenward, "It is better to look up!"

After relating this experience to us, Elder Cook shared this counsel;
"Since then I have pondered this experience and the role of prophets. I was burdened and my head was down. As the prophet spoke, I looked to him. He redirected my focus to look up to God, where I could be healed and strengthened through Christ's Atonement. That is what prophets do for us. They lead us to God."
Wise Counsel from our Prophet!

We heard wise counsel from every speaker at General Conference. Each helping us understand the importance of living the Gospel of Jesus Christ and becoming a better person. "That is what prophets [and apostles] do for us. They lead us to God [by giving us wise counsel and instruction]."

(Image from Poppies at Play)

Always a challenge for me ... there is one more quote from Elder Cook that I want to share ... sorry if it's too many words ... again!

"If we ... exercise our faith and look to God for help, we will not be overwhelmed with the burdens of life." That paragraph continues with more wise counsel ... his whole talk does ... but that sentence doesn't tell us we won't have burdens in life, it tells us that our burdens will not overwhelm us if we exercise our faith and look to God for help. We will be able to move forward and we will be able to handle the difficulties that do come our way, much better than if we struggle ourselves, without the faith in and reliance on God.

Okay, I'd better stop here. I am so grateful for our living prophet, and for wise men and women that give us wise counsel, helping us look to God and live ... live happier lives.

(The full account of Elder Carl B. Cook's message can be found HERE)

Don't Feed The Bad Wolf!

2011-11-13T05:36:00.000-08:00

An elderly Cherokee Native American was teaching his grandchildren about life… He said to them, “A fight is going on inside me, it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One wolf is evil—he is fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, competition, superiority, and ego. The other is good—he is joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith. This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too.” They thought about it for a minute, and then one child asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win, Grandfather?” The Elder simply replied, “The one you feed.”

A Great Thought I found on Pinterest

Today's Grateful Heart is for Color

2011-11-12T05:52:00.000-08:00

Color is such a wonderful addition to life. It's so inspiring.

Whether it's brilliantly bright like these birds in full color. Flickr

or

Soft and neutral like this next photo from HERE

As the seasons change so do the colors. Each season bringing it's own beauty and splendor.
My favorite colors seem to change during the seasons of my life. My favorites of yesteryear are not necessarily the favorites of today. In fact, this season seems to be a tricky one to figure out...I love all colors! If I had to choose one I'm not sure what it would be. As I try, I feel bad for all the other colors I'm leaving out...they are wonderful too and I wouldn't want to be with out them. Oh Bother!

I love the variety and the beauty that color provides!

Creative Minds

2011-11-11T06:10:00.000-08:00

Evidence of Creative Minds is everywhere!

I'm sitting at a computer (which I know very little about) and posting to whomever wishes to read and it gets to anyone anywhere in seconds. Computers, Internet, Blogging, Email, Shopping, Google-ing, Searching, Learning, Word Processing, Viewing, ... and the list goes on and on. I really am grateful for all of those Creative Minds that have given us these opportunities (and continue to).

(Image from Jenkins Computer Service and Repair)

I love blogging - publishing and checking into others lives. It's an awesome way to keep up with what's going on. The words are great to read, but the photos really delight me.

(Image originally seen on a friends blog ... and I loved it ... saved it ... and share it here. The site reference is on the image.)
Creative Minds thought that up too!

I love scrap booking and book publishing. It gives me an opportunity to use my own mind in a creative way, but I'm always using something that some other creative mind made first, from the very page I begin with (colorful, beautiful, creative page that it is), the glue or tape I use, the clip art, scissors, staples, brads, ribbon, tags, and the list goes on to include the photo as the main object(s) on the page. Oh yes, cameras and photographs are such wonderful things that came from wonderfully Creative Minds. (My photos aren't so awesome, but still I'm grateful to have them.)

The open book above is the book I published of Terry's Poems Collection. His Creative Mind has created many poems that have brought joy to many people. I am so grateful for him and his Creative Mind.

This post could go on with a lengthy list of things that Creative Minds have done, but I will let my readers use their own Creative Minds to continue the list on their own. Happy Creating!

Blessings Mix

2011-11-10T06:25:00.000-08:00

We attended our annual Church "Ward Harvest Dinner" last night and enjoyed a wonderful meal and evening. Thank you, to all who helped make it so wonderful.

The children were able to make one of these Blessings Mix treat bags. I thought they were so cute that I'd post one here. It is more evidence of how good people are and how they try to help others. In this case they help us remember the mix of blessings that are ours, and do it in such a fun way.

So Exciting!

2011-11-10T05:41:00.001-08:00

We get to add to our numbers!
We heard some more great news and want to share it with everyone.
Gregory and Adena are expecting, making our number of grandchildren (sometime around May 2012) up to 7.

That number seven makes me feel a little older, but the actual grandchildren make me so happy. I can handle the older part and don't want anyone to stop having children because I feel older...older is happening grandchildren or not. So instead I say "Bring it on!"

(Image from Trading Phrases)

I enjoy our grandchildren and I get a great sense of joy seeing our children raise their children. They are doing an awesome job!

I love my family! They were the first post of A Grateful Heart this year. I didn't go into detail and I didn't name names there, but I love them all!!!! And will love each individual added throughout the years. I'm beginning to understand in a little different way what a posterity feels like. It's a good feeling.

My Bed

2011-11-10T05:36:00.000-08:00

Today's A Grateful Heart post.

I wanted to post about this yesterday, but thought I'd better stick to one item per day. I actually had three topics on my mind for yesterday's post. We'll see if I post my third option tomorrow?? Never can tell! So many things happen in a day that just might change my mind.

This one however, has been on my mind for a few days now, so I thought it was time.

After coming home from a long, work-out kind of a shopping trip, late (10:10pm), I was happy to get into my bed. Not just any bed...we know that not all beds are created equal.

I didn't get to sleep in it much Saturday night as I waited up for kids coming home from a band trip. I didn't get in bed until after 3:00am that night/morning, so the next night I was feeling quite grateful for my bed.

The week we stayed in Seattle was a hard week for many reasons, but one big reason was the bed. We suffered for a few nights and then decided we couldn't take it anymore and purchased a memory foam topper. The bed was much better after that but it still wasn't our bed. I think I'm becoming a bit picky about my bed! Ah Oh!

Some may wonder what kind a bed we have and want one just like it. I assure you that it is nothing special as to the brand or style or size. It's just ours, in our bedroom, in our home, in our part of the world. I've even complained about our bed before and wondered about buying a new one. I suppose that will happen some day, but I am still happy to have our bed (not as bad as some others we've slept on) to climb into at night.

A Grateful Heart = VEHICLES!

2011-11-09T06:11:00.000-08:00

Today's Grateful Heart is about Vehicles (and other modern day transportation devices).

(Image from Mrs. Lee's Kindergarten)

This is not the vehicle I own. (Sorry, I didn't want to go out in the dark and cold and take a picture of the one I do own. Oh Yes! The comforts of HOME! I think I posted about that already!)
I do however, own a Suburban and am very grateful for the comfort, the number of passengers it will haul, the luggage or baggage space it has, the dependability of it, etc. (Image from Cars With Review)

It's so nice to get where I want to go and pack the back up with whatever I want to take or bring home. (Yes, BrittanyJo and I did go shopping yesterday.) There is warmth in the cold weather days and there is cooling in the warm weather days. There are lights to shine through the night to help us see where we are going. It's so much faster than walking or horse riding.
Over the River and Through the Woods to Grandmother's House We Go is so much nicer now than in the days of a horse drawn buggy.

I'm sure they were happy to have this mode of transportation in the day, but it leaves something to be desired for our day. (Image from The History Bluff)

This is certainly better than carrying the packs yourself, but still not very easy to get where you want to go quickly. (Image from Pinterest)

Don't get me wrong! I am so very grateful for my feet that can get me where I want to go. I'm just glad they don't have to do every bit of travel on their own.

Things That Warm Us!

2011-11-08T06:03:00.000-08:00

I am grateful for THINGS THAT WARM US - things like:

Soft Blankets and Quilts
(Image from Country Living)

Warm Socks
(Image from Wit & Delight)

Fire Place
(Image from Free Christmas Desktop Wallpaper)

Heaters with thermostats to keep the house a constant warm temperature.
(Image from The Family Handyman)

Hot Chocolate
(Image from Spilling the Beans)

and

HUGS!
(Image from the Image Depot)

etc.

Modern Day Bathroom Facilities

2011-11-07T06:25:00.000-08:00

Really!

It's so much better than an out house or a hole in the ground for that matter.
There is warmth and lighting and some comfort and some beauty in modern bathrooms that an outhouse and nature just cannot provide for that purpose.

My bathrooms don't look like this, but wow! Bathroom Remodel Someone somewhere must have a bathroom that looks like this. Never, in the history of "behind a tree", "squatters rights", or outhouses, did they ever look like this.

This might be more of an average bathroom. Though not as fancy as the first photo it is an indoor water closet much better than behind a tree or on a frozen outhouse seat, in the cold and dark and .... Designer's Portfolio

I am very thankful for an indoor bathroom facility...even along the highway routes on occasion. WOW! We are lucky!

Medical Report

2011-11-07T06:23:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful that we do not have a doctor appointment! :)

I just wanted to share that we don't have an appointment today. I know there are several people checking in often for that report and we want to let you know that Terry has a week off. If he has any changes or concerns we are to see the doctor ASAP, otherwise his next appointment is Monday the 14th.

We won't have any type of report to tell us whether the DLI is working, until maybe February 2, our next appointment at SCCA. We are watching for GVHD (Graft Verses Host Disease) which could start showing up next week. We are hoping and praying that it won't be bad.

No doctor visit really means that things are going okay, and I am so very grateful for that, but my Grateful Heart post for today is next. (I will admit that I do wonder if his white counts are okay, but doctor says they should be, so I accept her word on that.)

Church / Gospel

2011-11-06T05:25:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and that we are taught of Him and about the principles and ordinances that will help us to have a happy life and a glorious eternal life if we live worthy of it.

This short video is one such teaching and reminder given to us by our leaders.
It fits wonderfully in my daily posts this month...A Grateful Heart! (and I didn't know about this video before I decided to make these posts daily.)

Live in Thanksgiving Daily

I am so grateful that I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Good Water Straight from our Tap

2011-11-05T06:05:00.000-07:00

It might sound silly to some, but I am so happy to have good tasting water straight from our tap at home. I didn't realize how picky I was about water until we stayed in Seattle for 5 months last year. I didn't drink much water until our kids brought us water from home. I was so grateful for that water from home.

I can't believe I didn't take water from home on our last trip over. We spent a week there with icky water. I had to purchase bottled water, and I'm picky about that too. Some of that stuff tastes terrible.

I'm now home with as much water as I can drink...and it is so delicious!

So, yeah! Water is what I'm thankful for today...good water that is...straight from our tap.

(Image is from NewsPick)

MUSIC

2011-11-04T05:46:00.000-07:00

I HEART MUSIC!

Music is truly a gift! Good music that is!

I am a Child of God by Paul Cardall (on My Playlist) is a great example of good music. It is so relaxing and uplifting. (Music lifts the soul!)

FYI - Gift wrap image from We Heart It.
Heart garland image from Etsy.

FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS, GOOD PEOPLE EVERYWHERE

2011-11-03T05:52:00.000-07:00

Friends make life more fun! My best friend is my husband, but I have other friends who care about us and do for us and pray for us and ...

HERE

Many of my friends are reading this post - THANK YOU for being a FRIEND! (I just sang that to you ... did you hear it in song?)

HERE

THANK YOU for being there for us, even when you are going through hard times yourselves. There is just one sentence from a Jimmy Dean Sausage commercial that I really like hearing ... it is "You're all awesome!" I just love the way he says it. I say to you; "YOU'RE ALL AWESOME!"

Desi44.com | Friends | Forward this Picture">

(I better be a better friend!)