ROCKY MARRIAGE

Many know that I love rocks. I would have quite a collection if they weren't so heavy! My shoebox weighs about 8 lbs – with my iron ore chunk making the box lopsided. So why am I writing about rocks? Well to be honest, I failed in writing about our anniversary this past week. Von and I celebrated our 34^th Anniversary—and Opals are supposed to be what you give each other.

To honor this mileSTONE—I thought I would use the characteristics of opals to describe our lives, personalities or whatever I can come up with and make it work – something like the way I play Scrabble!!!

Opal variations are practically unlimited—example would be the children we produced – they are as varied and as different as can be.

They all show in their own special way that unique play of colors
– I would like to think we are a colorful couple—meaning we are unique, and our red personalities don't show up to often!

The name Opal was probably derived from Sanskrit "upala", meaning "valuable stone"—I consider our marriage a valuable relationship, worth working and refining.

In the days of Roman antiquity there existed a so-called "opalus", or a "stone from several elements"—yep, that describes our relationship—there are several elements that keep us together-love of the Lord, covenants, family, faith, determination—OK—this list can go on for a long time. You get the picture!

Pliny, the famous Roman author, called Opal a gemstone which combines the best possible characteristics of the most beautiful of gemstones—I feel that the characteristics and strengths we have brought to our marriage, those developed over the years and those learned from our parents, children and others continues to make our marriage the best possible.

The small spheres of silica gel causes interference and refraction, dissecting the light on its passage through the gemstone, turning into all colors of the rainbow—I guess that is my hope and prayer that as our relationship continues to develop and mature, that we are able to "interfere and refract" with one another so that our light will continue to radiate, sparkling together in beautiful combinations.

Even though we have had our share of "rocky" trials and obstacles, my husband has always been my rock, my foundation that I rely on. I love you Honey B.

I am BUSY!

No Sleep = Haggard Looks

I received my new orthodontic appliance first part of June. I was imagining it would be something different. I finally got up the courage to start wearing it last week, knowing full well that my mouth was going to hurt. Within a few days, my teeth are where they should be, and I am grateful. The bite is right, the gaps between my teeth are closing up. However, I haven't slept well wearing it to bed. I am sure wearing it during the day would be better, but I have to talk - I have important things to say to people...

The bags have reappeared under my eyes. I really want to sleep, but I don't because my "appliance" doesn't allow me to. I wish there was a solution to my dilemma. Here it is 1 am, and the thought of going to bed keeps me awake. I will get through this - this isn't hard, just not easy. Wish my lack of sleep wouldn't show up on my face!!!

I tell myself that having straight teeth has been worth the pain and inconvience - and truly - I do feel this way, and I am very grateful. Just let me sleep!

Just Busy!

The month of May is about to end. What a month this has been. The first two weeks I was in SoCal helping Ann-Marie and her family. Yes, I was tired every night and hit the pillow snoring - but it was good. Being a mom and caring for a family is my most favorite job, even when children have temporary attitudes! They always make up for it with the funny things they do and say.

I was grateful that I was able to be there for Ann-Marie and Collins. I tried to be the Mama Bear and protect my child - but her Sugar Daddy was always there to take care of her, and that is the way it should be - depending upon one another in times of need and times of joy.

Julianne and I were able to overlap our stay a few days before I went home to Utah. I felt confident in Julianne's ability to care for her sister and the children. One day, Julianne is going to be an incredible mom. But then she has lots of great examples - her sisters!

I had a few changes while in CA - Collins took my braces off - yea!!! And I got a new color and do'. Thank you Collins and Julianne!

When I got home, Honey Buns had the house spiffed up and shining! He was sick the whole time I was gone with a nasty cold. I hope he was happy to have me home! I think the house being cleaned was his way of saying "Welcome Home!"

Loralee and the girls got in the next night. That was so fun to have them here. Always so many things we want to do and never enough time. Then Dr. Dave, oops, Dr. Love drove in on Wednesday afternoon! His girls were happy to see their daddy again.

I had a RS cooking class which Loralee and Kimmy helped me with. Mexican food - yumm - cilantro, cilantro and other good stuff! Then I had a Stake Primary leadership meeting. What a busy week.

Adrienne and her family drove in Sunday afternoon. More kids, more late nights and more babies to love! So within a week - I have been with all my girls - and this weekend get to see my boy.

The month has passed by quickly. So many changes in each of our lives - hopefully making us more appreciative of each other and what we go through. I will have seen almost all my grandchildren and children this month - what a treat that has been. They keep me centered. Von and I have truly been blessed.

ALLIGATORS

All right - it has been a few years since I had to wrestle with an alligator - oops - I mean a 3-year-old. I have been hanging out here in SoCal this week - being a mom to 4 boys. Yes, it has been awhile.

Let's see, boys are distracted easily, stinky, rough and tumbly. And when you think you will never get through, they suprise you with a tender sweet disposition. My boys are wonderful - I have 8 that I call mine, and then I have 4 SIL - which I will claim in a heartbeat if they will let me! So that is a total of 12 men in my life. I am pretty lucky.

I used to call about 10 other boys mine many years ago - but they all grew up and forgot how much I loved them, played with them, cared for them and prayed for them. Those were some of my nephews. I wish they could remember and understand how much my heart breaks when I see choices they make and how much my heart soars as I watch them progress in life. You never stop loving them, you just learn to refocus your love and attention to those who surround you.

Never did I imagine that my lot in life would be 5 daughters. I thought I would have boys - lots of them since I seemed to be surrounded by nephews - big ones, stinky ones, ones that teased unmercifully. But then I loved doing all the boy things - like digging in the dirt, playing ball, experimenting, exploring, discovering what the world was all about. My favorite book was "My Side of the Mountain." It was about a boy who ran away into the woods and survived by creating his own shelter, learned to eat from the land, etc. I would imagine my own world if I was left to my own devices and created in my mind a world that was magical (I still was a girl!).

Do I regret not having all those boys? No. However, I do have one son who loves to experiment, explore and discover what life is about. That really isn't much different than me!

Now I have 6 grandsons that will be experimenting, exploring and hopefully I will be a part of their lives as they discover what life is all about. But in the meantime, I still need to wrestle the alligator.

You're Killing Me Smalz!

Ever have one of those days? I have been having them all week. I even look a little haggard and puffy eyed like my friend here. This past Monday I had to clean the ovens in the food labs where I work. After three hours the fumes (I thought) gave me a migrane headache. Again on Thursday in the labs, I thought the residue of the fumes gave me a migrane. Then today, on my merry way across town - boom - migrane! I rarely have migranes. My daughter thinks they are a rebound migrane from going off some medication. I think I agree. Well, it looks like I may not be ready to go off the medication just yet - I need my wits and energy with me the next two weeks! Drugs, Dr. Pepper - sounds really good about now!

Art Nest Pincushion RingGIVEAWAY!!!!

Art Nest Pincushion RingGIVEAWAY!!!!