Good decision...

Grahm was telling me that you should not try to cut down a tree branch when you are standing on it. He said that would be a bad decision. I agreed with him! We talked about other things that were good and bad decision. Of course it's always a good decision when I can be with my grandsons. They are going to the Property so I needed some extra hugs that will last for a few days, another good decision. (Cash was fishing with Grandpa).

Good decision . . .

For good...

I've heard it said
That people come into our lives
For a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good

Rachel Packard Florence

Our next door neighbor's daughter passed away a few days ago. She had a previously unknown form of breast cancer. Rachel was only 52 years old. She sang in The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square for over eleven years. At the beginning of the service we listened to a recording of Rachel singing “For Good.” She wanted those to be her last words to everyone there. There were also several members of the Choir in attendance and they sang a few hymns. It was a sweet tribute.

She planned every detail of her funeral. I share it here because I want to remember. Rachel asked her best friend to speak and to represent her and the things she had learned throughout her life.

1. Allow for imperfections in ourselves and others

2. Learn to let go and submit our will to God’s

3. Allow others to use their agency and learn to love and accept what is

4. Strive to change for the better … just a little every day

5. Trust in God’s timing and purposes

6. Understand that people change best when we don’t need them to

7. Focus on changing yourself instead of the other person

There were only two speakers, the second was her uncle, her Dad’s brother. Rachel wanted her uncle to represent her Dad who had passed nine years ago. He preached quite a sermon!

He said, “There are only three kinds of business in the universe: mine, yours, and God’s.
Whose business is it if an earthquake happens? God’s business.
Whose business is it if your neighbor down the street has an ugly lawn? Your neighbor’s business.
Whose business is it if you are angry at your neighbor down the street because he has an ugly lawn? Your business.

He also told this story:

''Seems there was a fellow who had a little trouble connecting with the ball. And on one tee, he happened to put the ball next to an anthill. And when he took his first swing, he missed the ball and hit the anthill, sent a few hundred of them into orbit. Then he took a second swing and, again, he missed and hit the anthill. As he wound up for a third try, one ant said to the other. 'You know, I think it’s time to get on the ball.'''

I pray our neighbor Sheila and her family will have peace and comfort in the coming days.

This week...

For about twenty years there has been a battle to add an east/west corridor through Highland. Well good sense finally prevailed and it's now open. It usually takes me about fifteen minutes to get to school and now it takes about 8 minutes. Big deal you might say, yes it is to me! It's a nice road and much needed with all the added traffic around here! 

We had a birthday celebration for our school counselor. Mary is a treasure, and at 78 years young is showing no signs of slowing down. I made two Tres Leches cakes and they were a big hit. It was fun to honor Mary for her dedication and wisdom. She has personally given me sound advice many times. She plans to retire when she turns 80! Mary is mentoring Katie and she will be a wonderful replacement in a few years.

Mr. Bingham and Mr. Corless, two of my favorite teachers at Lincoln. Mr. Bingham has had a beard all year. He promised his family he would shave it off when his grandson was born. That happened Thursday so we will see if it's gone on Monday. Mr. Corless will meet his son, Michael Jr. this coming Thursday! 

I happen to sub for PE the day of the pickle ball tournament. Rocco and Matai were in the finals. Matai lost and was not a good sport about it, I was disappointed with his reaction but it was still fun to watch. I want to play pickle ball. Four more days of school and no masks! 

Staff appreciation this week, lunch from Blue Lemon and beautiful roses from my aide Jeanette. She told me I was a good supervisor and that she loved me.

Yesterday was National Pizza Party Day so we had a party. I wish I would have taken a picture of Cash's epic pizza bites, they were the best yet! I made pizza dough with both white flour and wheat flour that I ground. I decided to try something a little different, so my pizza had spinach, artichokes, tomatoes, and sausage. It was yummy.

Grandpa tells Grahm stories often, so for a change he asked Grahm to tell him a story. He would clear his throat and then add to the story, cutest boy ever! 

Colby helped me make ice cream cone cupcakes. He added the frosting all by himself. He's such a fun assistant.

Spring soccer is coming to a close. I have enjoyed watching Cash, Colby, and Grey play. I am so proud of them. They try their best and are good sports. After Grey's game I took Grey and Grahm for a sandwich and some fun at the park before Colby's game. I love the two G's! 

Grahm asked me to keep an eye on the dinosaur! 

Colby's game

Cash's game, who is that tall boy?! 

Grandpa found some suckers.

Colby took Grahm to the playground several times during the game, he's an awesome big brother.

Just so thankful . . . 

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Spring 2011

 Sweet moments with Cashee boy! 

Return and Receive...

I testify there is no greater goal in mortality than to live eternally with our Heavenly Parents and our beloved Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. But it is more than just our goal—it is also Their goal. They have a perfect love for us, more powerful than we can even begin to comprehend. They are totally, completely, eternally aligned with us. We are Their work. Our glory is Their glory. More than anything else, They want us to come home—to return and receive eternal happiness in Their presence.

Return and Receive | Elder M. Russell Ballard

April 2017

Everyday is better than the last...

I am grateful for soccer games, watching Grandpa flying his airplane, playing with the Grands at the park, beautiful views, lots of hugs, holding Grey and Grahm on my lap, and for everyday that is better than the last.

Grahm: "Ninety-ninety, what a game."

Word of the day from Grahm: "Piatobia!"