HANGING IN THERE

Many ask me how I am doing these days, and I reply, "Hanging in there!"

This week I realized that maybe that isn't a good answer.
Should I be more truthful?
Should I be more positive?
What would be an appropriate answer?

So for those who want to know how I am doing, let me tell you. I am doing great!

Sure, I don't get enough sleep; I could be eating much healthier; I could be exercising; I could be going to the temple more often; I would like to see the sun more often; I would enjoy some creative adventures; yes, I could, I would and I need to - if there were more hours in a day! But there is not, so I am hanging in there.

The day will come again when I feel more in control of where and what I am going to do (wishful thinking?). Until then, I am learning new things. Some days those new things are hard. But I am here for a reason, and I have to keep hanging in there with the hope and belief that the Lord will make known to me what those reasons are.

I wrote a letter to my aunt this week. She promptly replied and shared some things with me that made my day, giving me that boost I needed to hear. My aunt, the 90-year-old cheerleader - bless her heart! Her belief in me as well as others, makes hanging in there easier.

In the last three months, I have had two cousins that have been dealing with cancer treatments of chemo, radiation and hair loss. It has been hard, possibly the hardest thing they have ever had to deal with in their life, yet they are getting through it. They don't know the reasons. They don't know the outcome. But they are hanging in there.

When I think my journey is difficult, I think of them and many other family and friends who are dealing with hard things. And you know what, a outpouring of love and gratitude fills my heart for the wonderful experiences and people that I am associating with. I am blessed by so many, especially my family.

While attending a meeting with some special ladies, they asked how I was doing. I told them, "If I can just get through this week, I will be good." They quickly came back with, "You told us that last week!" So I did, and more than likely I will say that every week!!! But it is OK, cause I am hanging in there, and it is great.

BYOB&S Night

It is official. Tonight is the first of my BYO__ Nights. Tonight it is:

Bring Your Own Bowl & Spoon Night

Featuring: Minestrone Soup and Homemade Bread
Serving Dinner: 7 - 8 pm (I have to tackle homework after that)

Dinner will be served until we run out!!!

Just a recap on BYOB&S night. Nobody came, so I shared with some single neighbors. But that is OK. Another night/day.

It Needs a Little Something More!

This weekend we watched General Conference - all weekend, or at least eight hours worth. I vegged the whole weekend and only left the house for maybe 40 minutes! Loralee and the girls spent all day Saturday here, and we listened and sewed. Loralee posted pictures of the Halloween skirts we made on Facebook. While we were finishing the skirts, I made the comment, "It needs a little something more." Loralee laughs at me and tells me, "Ann-Marie says that when she cooks, and Adrienne says that when she is creating a paper craft." That made me feel good.

Guess my daughters do take after me! They are all so creative and cute!!!



What more can I say, I needed to add another picture of my girls at the Getty Museum in Santa Monica, CA, at our first ever mother-daughter retreat!!!