Sadness

I feel sad tonight. Wow, what a beginning. People think I'm this fun loving, easy go lucky type of person, but I'm not. That's really just an act to a certain extent. I'm not saying I don't try to be upbeat for the most part, but I tend to be a "goof" to hide my real emotions. We all have something we hide behind, right? Please say yes.

Just for the record, I can't pin my sadness down on any one reason... more a combination of things. Life just gets to me some days. When I was younger (like a teenager), I always pictured myself getting married, having lots of children, living in a nice house with a picket fence, and growing old beside the man I loved. Like that happened! Too many bad choices were made.... so many regrets. Oh sure, I wouldn't trade my children for anything, but I do wish things were different for all of us. Perhaps someday my prince will come... then again he may not. Time will tell.

I might also add that I used to feel more sad when the moon was full. Don't laugh... I looked out back at the moon a little while ago, then looked on the web to see what cycle the moon is in. It's a waxing gibbous (96% of full). Maybe that's part of my problem tonight. Or maybe I'm just tired. I can tell you it's not PMS... thank goodness.

Ok, enough of this. I'm going to go read for a little while, then I'm going to bed. Sweet dreams.

Mean People

I'm feeling frustrated right now. I got a call from a grandparent of 2 girls in my Girl Scout troop. She was trying to give me a "heads-up" about something that had come to her attention. I have been a co-leader of 2 (and sometimes 3) troops in our area for 5 years now. I've stuck with it this long because of the girls and the fact there's no other people willing to step up and take over. I've enjoyed it, but for now it's time for me to step aside and let someone else take over. Of course I've made mistakes along the way, but I've ALWAYS tried to do my best for the girls and make them feel safe and accepted in our troops.... ALWAYS!

This call was to tell me there are 1 or 2 unhappy parents. I didn't hear this from the parents who are upset... I'm not even sure who the second parent is. I do know 1 parent is upset because her registration check from last fall never cleared, but that has nothing to do with me. All registrations were sent to council months ago. I heard this from the grandmother who called. She heard it from a new Cub Scout pack leader who just took over the pack that meets at our location. I don't even know this leaders name... I've seen her in passing but don't know much other than that. I'm curious how she got involved and why she thinks she needs to take care of something that doesn't involve her at all. In addition, she also said some completely untrue and unkind things about our troops. I wonder why. Why would someone do such a thing? I will say I know this is not the type of person who should be working with our children if this is how she's going to act. What kind of example is she setting?

The really sad thing about all of this is that it's the last nail in the coffin, so to speak. I'm done. I can't and won't continue working in an area where such ugliness exists. I can't "save" the girls I've worked with all this time. In our community we need good leaders working with our kids. There are so few good role models. Unfortunately I've come to the point where I'm spread too thin and must let something go.

Best of luck to this unkind woman who took over the Cub Scout pack. I hope she has luck, however, I'm not sure she will if she continues the way she is beginning. Enough said.

Mother's Day

Today is one of my favorite days of the year. I love this day because it is a day to reflect on motherhood... at least I do. Of course the obvious thing is about paying tribute to mothers. I looked on the web and found some pictures which I feel show some of the joys of motherhood.

I also came across two pictures which really impacted me. We truly hold a life in our hands. From the moment we conceive we will always be a mother.... through time and eternity. It's true that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. Is there any position in the world more important? Society would have us believe there is, however, I know this to be false. It doesn't matter what else I do, if I fail my children, I will have failed in life all together.
Today I sat behind Emile and the kids at church. As I watched her with Harrison and Zane, I saw how her life might be in a few years. She was helping them take the sacrament, taking them to the bathroom, keeping them quiet and settled, etc. It truly was like looking into the future. Even a member of the bishopric told her how grown up she looked today. He wondered who she was when she walked into the chapel with the boys... thinking she was a new member or visitor... until he realized it was her. So you see, it's not only me who saw the future. Before I know it, she will be a mother... I a grandmother... and the circle of life will continue. It always does. And so as this day comes to a close, so does my reflecting for now. Happy Mother's Day.

Thunderstorms.... Round 2

Susquehanna Valley, Pennsylvania
Currently: 62°F Heavy Rain
Susquehanna Valley, Pennsylvania
Currently: 16°C Heavy Rain
Wind: Northeast at 10 MPH
Humidity: 93%
Dewpoint: 60°F
Barometer: 29.99 inches and rising

Wind: Northeast at 16 KPH
Humidity: 93%
Dewpoint: 15°C
Barometer: 1015 millibars and rising

Sunrise: 5:52 am
Sunset: 8:11 pm


Last updated: 10:00 pm EDT May 12, 2007


Another evening of heavy rain and frequent lightning. We had a heck of a storm go through just after 6pm. We were expecting Harrison and Zane to arrive for the night. Wouldn't you know it, they got here at the peak of the storm. Emile was soaked trying to help get them safely in the house. We were joined shortly before 7 by Hayden and Conner. We had a fun evening watching "Cars" and eating popcorn. Now I get to go to sleep to the sound of rain falling. There's not much better than that. Good Night.... Sweet dreams to all.

Thunderstorm

We had our first real "severe" thunderstorm of the spring season last evening. I LOVE THUNDERSTORMS! I love watching how they build in intensity and move closer until finally they release their energy and move on. I kept listening in on weather reports throughout the day and it looked as if we would have a decent chance of a storm, and sure enough just at dusk it hit our area. I wasn't disappointed. A few homes were hit by lightning, resulting in fires (although that's the part of the storm I don't enjoy) and there was some flashflooding resulting in water rescues. I sat out on the front porch and watched the lightning until it was close enough that I didn't feel it was safe to stay outdoors any longer. I probably should have come in sooner but it was so relaxing watching while I rocked on my rocking chair. I also planted a bleeding heart plant in my flower bed abour half an hour earlier, so the rain was most helpful for that as well. Isn't Mother Nature wonderful!!

W.A.M....

Here's a "spin" on Jamie's entry about HAM. Mine happens to pertain to something far more logical and useful than hiking across Maryland.... although if the DAM crew (Dave, Andy, and Michael) want to hike, more power to them, you'd find me dead somewhere.

Way back in the beginning of time (or so it felt), some DAM men decided to go hike all over kingdom come. When they got home they smelled really bad and their wives had to wash their stinky clothes. What did she use?????
You guessed it, her hands. It was backbreaking work. But did that stop their DAM husbands from hiking again? NO.

Fast forward many years. So now we at least find someone smart enough to invent a useful item for women, especially since DAM men were hiking more and more. What was it?
Here you have it... the WASHING MACHINE. Women the entire world over were jumping for joy. Finally their hands would get some much needed rest. As time went by, these machines got better and better, making women happier and happier.
Now if you fast forward another 50 years, give or take, you can see that washing machines do just about anything you could imagine. Women are now washing with ease... allowing them to be free to do more enjoyable things with their DAM husbands.
So, have you figured out what W. A. M. stands for? DUH???? It's..............
W.= Washers
A.= Are
M.= Magnificent

Yes, yes, yes........WASHERS ARE MAGNIFICENT!

The End

Ok, so this was a fun little thing for me to do, however, have you ever thought about the modern conveniences we enjoy? I mean really stop to think about it and how it makes our lives so much easier? On Glenn Beck (a few months back) he was talking about how easy we have it. What about you. What do you consider the greatest invention of your lifetime (or that back to say your grandparents)? For me it really is the washing machine. I would hate to have to wash the way they did in old times. I could get by without a dryer, microwave, T.V., even a fridge. I wouldn't want to have to give up my washer. Please comment and let me know what you think. I'd love to get your perspectives.

The Price of Beauty

Mint Mask..... $2.47... Cucumbers..... $0.66... Relaxing makeover with a friend..... PRICELESS!What we "women" won't do to look beautiful for our public. But the payoff is so worth it.

Spring

Most everyone knows that Autumn is my favorite season, however, you may not know that my second favorite season is Spring.










It's a time of rebirth, of renewal, of starting over again. Much like Autumn, the colors and smells are wonderful in their own unique way. Seeing the beauty around me restores my hope and inspires me.

The Sounds of Music

Last evening we had the pleasure of attending the spring musical performed by the elementary bands. There are two bands. Beginning band is all 4th grade students. Concert band is the 5th grade (second year) students. Both groups did a good job. This was Brie's first performance as a flutist. She was excited and probably a bit nervous at the same time. The students really did well for their first time playing. It will be great watching their talents grow as the years go by. Way to play Brie!

Willie and Martin Handcart Company

These are pictures of some of the portraits hanging in the Visitors Center at the Washington DC Temple. They are part of an exhibit about the Willie and Martin Handcart Company. The paintings are truly touching. I can't imagine the courage and faith the members had who went through that ordeal.




Can you imagine burying your infant child in a shallow grave such as the one above? How would you feel if you came upon your sister and found her dead? What about watching your husband slowly slipping away? I have always found this particular part of church history particularly compelling. These members wanted so badly to be with the saints in the Salt Lake Valley that they did whatever it took, up to and including death, to get to the valley. Would I be able to do that? I don't know if I could. It makes you stop and think. It also reminds me.... once again.... of how blessed I am. I have much to be thankful for.

BLT Reunion

Isn't the ocean wonderful! This past weekend we had our annual BLT Reunion. It was nice to see everyone again... lots to catch up on, along with games, crafts, scrapbooking, new hair styles, fabulous food, and much more.











Of course there was the crab feast which is always a huge hit. This year was no exception.
We had an incredible house to stay in. There were plenty of rooms (and bathrooms) and the kitchen area was great. Even the living room was nice and allowed open access for everyone to talk back and forth to one another.
















Brad even built a fire on the beach Sunday evening. It was beautiful to see it from my perch on the deck. The kids loved the fire.


















So another reunion is done. More will come. I suppose some may think I'm nuts... perhaps I am, but I'm not sure what the future reunions hold for me and my little family. I know how important getting together as an extended family is, however, I also know the unique needs of my personal family. Time will tell what tomorrow brings. As for this past reunion, the memories are good. We truly did enjoy the time we shared with everyone. Thanks for the memories.