Halloween -- fun for the young at heart!

Happy Halloween! It's been a good day...Work was fun today. It started with the nurse managers and administration pushing around the Halloween cart filled with treats. They all looked so cute and the cart was decorated just beautifully! Great job, ya'll! Then for lunch the hospital auxillary treated the employees to a barbeque on the patio. It was such a beautiful day and we ate out on the patio in the sunshine. What a gorgeous day it was today--the weather has been absolutely perfect the past couple of days--it's cool and brisk in the morning and warm by noon. Just perfect!

This evening for Halloween I decided to test the "you're only as old as you feel" saying...and IT WORKED! We had a GREAT TIME! I dressed as a little girl in my baby footie pajamas, a big red bow, my slippers, and a teddy bear. (costume compliments of Addison--she put it together) A little goofy, but very comfy! Addison was beautiful -- she was the princess from "A Cinderella Story." We went to the church party and trunk - or - treat. Everyone looked GREAT! Becky was "X-Scream Makeover Gone Bad" and it was cool! Laresa was Smartie-Pants (too cute!), Alana's costume and wig was great and her trunk was decorated so neat. Our bishopric served the hot dogs and they are too fun--what an awesome group of men. One highlight of the night was Joey surprising me by showing up at the party after work. I'd just picked up the phone to call him and Darla said, "There's Joey coming in!" (I didn't need my teddy bear anymore with my costume--my real teddy bear was there then!! Love you, honey!) It was a fun night. Another highlight was talking to Ethan and Erika this evening. Ethan called just before we left just to catch up and chat and it was really nice. Erika called when we got home tonight--thanks, kids, Mommy loves you all so much! I love any holiday and special occasion--to me they all spell time with those you care about most.....even on the phone they're still close at heart! (By the way, Erika, check the candy before you give it out! Ha! Just kidding! You're too funny!)

Happy Halloween to all!

Another Awesome Weekend!

It has been a beautiful weekend! The weather was perfect! Friday we got much needed rain and the Camden/Lugoff-Elgin football was postponed until Saturday. Addison had to work Friday night and I had a date with Joey and his two children, Abby and Alex. We had dinner at San Jose then some shopping at Lowe's. I had ordered some quotes from Ginger's party a few weeks back and they came in so I was off to buy ceramic tiles and wood to start my projects. The finished ones are at the top and I'll be selling them (if anyone's interested) and some are holiday gifts. I so enjoy crafts and stayed up wayyyyyyy too late Friday and Saturday nights painting and crafting...but it was fun.

Saturday was a very productive day. Addison and I slept in some (to me 8 am is sleeping in really late--Addi "Sleeping Beauty" got up around 10:45'ish--must be nice!), got the housework and laundry done, did grocery shopping at the commissary, then home to get ready for the eveing activities. Addi had to work again -- by this time she's feeling more like Cinderella -- she had to miss the game (LUGOFF WON!! YAY!!) and the pig-pickin' at the Osteen's. However, she had a good night at work and Joey, Abby, Alex, and I had fun at the pig-pickin'. Bishop Joyner knows how to cook a pig! Darla liked the caramel cake I made--I'll make you one for your birthday next month, Darla! The food, fun, friendship & fellowship, and the music was wonderful. Thanks, David and Ruth for your warm hospitality --great party!

Today was perfect, too. I absolutely LOVE Sundays! Church was everything one could hope it could be. The talks in Sacrament Meeting were so good and Brother Adams always gives such a spiritual lesson in Sunday School. Our Relief Lesson today was from the May Ensign, the conference edition. It was entitled "The Tongue of Angels" by Jeffery R. Holland. The message was such a profound reminder to me that it is so important to watch very closely not only what we say but also and especially how we say things. In the address Elder Holland says, "There is a line from the Apocrypha which puts the seriousness of this issue better than I can. It reads, "The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh: but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones." With that stinging image in mind, I was particularly impressed to read in the book of James that there was a way I could be "a perfect man."
Said James: "For in many things we offend all. [But] if any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body."
Continuing the imagery of the bridle, he writes: "Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
"Behold also . . . ships, which though they be . . . great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm."

This was powerful to me, then later in the address he added, "So, brothers and sisters, in this long eternal quest to be more like our Savior, may we try to be "perfect" men and women in at least this one way now—by offending not in word, or more positively put, by speaking with a new tongue, the tongue of angels. Our words, like our deeds, should be filled with faith and hope and charity, the three great Christian imperatives so desperately needed in the world today. With such words, spoken under the influence of the Spirit, tears can be dried, hearts can be healed, lives can be elevated, hope can return, confidence can prevail." Great lesson! And, Channel, you're an awesome teacher!

One last thought on that topic--when I was a very young girl my daddy who is so kind and so full of wisdom told me : Think before you speak. Just imagine holding a birdcage filled with lots of little wild birds and you're standing out in a wide open field. Once you say something it's like opening the cage and letting go all those little birds into the big world--you can NEVER catch them all and get them back into the cage again. And so it is with the words we say--once they're out we can never fully take them all back. Maybe it's good things and other times it may be words we wished we'd never said and then it's too late and the damage is done. I know that I will try a little harder to be mindful of the words I say and the expression...My kids are quick even at their ages now to say, "Mom, don't look that way, please." They say my eyes reveal my mood whether mad or glad and they can always tell if they're in trouble by the look and shape of my eyes. (Maybe not a bad thing all the time!)

And lastly, what could be better on a beautiful Sabbath afternoon with gorgeous weather than spending time at Grandmother & Grandaddy's house?! Also posted are some photos taken at Mom's this afternoon. Lunch was delicious, Mom, you always out-do yourself! Thank you for all you and Daddy do for so many--ya'll are amazing!

Hope everyone has a great week!

Mic-Mic's Awesome "Great" Nephews!

Tomorrow I have the priviledge of spending the evening with three of the sweetest people on earth!! They are my great nephews, Spencer, Andrew, and Carson, currently 3, 2, and 11 months. They are so fun and have such amazing personalities. I love them so much and I'm looking so forward to spending time with them tomorrow evening after work while their mom, Ginger, has a night out to see Dracula. They like going to Sonic so we'll probably have a date at Sonic and visit Addison while we're there. Then we may have to go to Wal-Mart, just in case they just have to have a new ball or some treat!

The Book of Mormon class was really good tonight. I learn so much at each class! Before church Addison and I had dinner with Joey before he went to work. He's on night shift this week--don't know how he does it switching shifts each week but he's amazing. After the class I enjoyed visiting with my friend, Jayne. She is also just truly amazing and so very talented. Thanks, Jayne, for being so uplifting--I appreciate you.

Wednesday is probably my second favorite day of the week, Sunday being my very favorite. Maybe it's the mid-week relief feeling? I look forward to seeing Addison after work every day and because she doesn't work on Wednesdays, she's usually done with homework when I get home and we generally have a dinner date together in the evening before church. We act silly and tonight we sang in the car driving home from church and just had a really fun evening. It's been a good day...a really good day. I also spoke to Erika briefly--they're doing well. She and Jack are making some great future plans concerning their education. I'm so proud of you both! The only thing missing is I haven't talked to Ethan in a couple of days so I think I'll give him a call before turning out the lights. Good night...

"Luck is where opportunity meets preparation"

Happy Birthday, Erika! Can't believe my daughter is 21 today! Wow the years have flown! It's tough being so far away on special occasions, especially a birthday, but I called her VERY early this morning to wish her HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Tonight she was going out to Olive Garden in Idaho Falls with Jack, Jenny (who's visiting her mom in Pocatello), Jenny's mom, Jack's parents, and Jack's uncle. She was excited--I'm sure she'll post birthday photos on her blog soon. My heart has been in Idaho today...

My new job is awesome! Actually, each job I've had at the hospital has been and I work with some of the most fantastic people in the world. They are so kind and compassionate. I got flowers yesterday on my first official day in the new position from the two people I report to. The flowers are beautiful as are Paula and Stacy. They've made me feel so welcome and I appreciate the confidence they have in me. I was not looking for a new position because I love patient care and being on the floor helping others. When asked to help out in this office one day I found out about the position and I felt it was luck. It seemed to be a wonderful opportunity and I truly believe the Lord's hand was guiding me because of the way things worked. I am so grateful for the blessings I've received. Maybe I was just in the right place at the right time? I don't think so--I believe I had a little extra help.

I also believe that we are blessed so many times through other people. I have a new friend, Katherine, who has been in our ward just a short time. She is a military wife and has been awaiting news of whether she and her children would be joining her husband in Germany soon. I know she has missed him so. Well, she received word that they will be going to Germany. She leaves November 1 so it's selfishly a happy/sad feeling I have. It's been fun getting to know her family and we had a blast going to the movies last weekend! She's amazing. Katherine, I'll miss you. Our friendship came about when I really needed a friend. Though it's only been a few weeks it's a friendship that will last. Maybe I'll get to go to Germany someday?! Never been there before! Bon voyage!

By the way, the Family Home Evening Phantom has been on the prowl and hopefully lots of families have been stung by the bug! Ha! Thank you!

Happy Sunday!

It has been a great Sunday! Church was awesome with some great talks about parenting and families, lunch was good, the day was relaxing. Considering the fact I worked seven days in a row and then off today it was just a great end of the busy week and a wonderful beginning of the new one. This week has alot of happenings:
*Erika's 21st Birthday is Tuesday
* Line Dance Lessons on Tuesday with friends
* A great Book of Mormon class
* A wedding AND a pig-pickin' on Saturday
It's going to be a fun week. I also begin my new position at the hospital tomorrow and hope it goes well. I'm excited about a new adventure with new challenges. I always think of the butterfly with new challenges--without the struggle of coming out of the tightly woven cocoon the butterfly would never gain the much needed strength necessary to fly. Aren't they beautiful and amazing?!

Hope everyone has a fantastic week! I wish you a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY ON TUESDAY THE 23rd, Erika!!

The Baby Girl

Addison Valana (aka "Addi") is the baby girl. Though she's 16 1/2 years old, she's still the baby. (It's okay--I'm 40'ish and still the baby in my family, too! Ha!) Addison is also so fun to be around and is so quick. There is never a dull moment or a boring day when she's involved. She keeps me on my toes and we have a good time together. It's just the two of us at home now and she's probably gotten a little spoiled at times, but she's so sweet. We enjoy doing things together except for one major thing--Addison has this character flaw or you may call it character blessing--she HATES to shop! Her future husband will love that trait more than likely! She loves so many other things like church (she has the greatest Sunday School teacher), anything to do with music, watch movies, talk on the phone, Text her friends, spending time with her friends, and recently she's been learning to sew. She also enjoys helping in the kitchen and learning to cook different things. (probably inherited that from Erika, not me!) Addison has such awesome people skills, especially with older people. This is a great plus at her job where she works the drive-through quite a bit--she's such a people-person! The photos show some different phases of Addison. By the way, her middle name, Valana, was from my dad. It is a combination of Valencia, Tiawanna(my sister), Lana(my mom), and Anne(my best friend from Hawaii). She's a really neat and beautiful young woman. I love you, Addi-Boo!!

My Son, My Friend

Ethan is my second child and my only son. He is such a nice person and is so fun to be around. He is always pleasant and is so talented! Ethan loves surfing, playing the guitar, his Jeep, music, hanging out with his friends and of course, HIS MOM! Ha! (I'm in trouble if he reads this! Ha!) He attends Frances Marion University and lives in Florence. It's not real often that he gets home since he attends school full-time and also works on campus everyday. However, he did manage to make it home last week for the evening. He first stopped by to see me at work at the hospital surprising me with a Diet Mountain Dew! (told ya--the young man loves his mama! Ha!) Then he got a haircut at Toppers (Patsy is the only person he'll let cut his hair), got new contacts, then for the main event--DINNER @ SAN JOSE's -- our family favorite! He, Addi, and I had a great time catching up on life's events and some good food! It's always sad to me when he leaves even though he's been away at school over a year now, I still miss him. He's doing great, though, and majoring in Graphic Art and Design. Hopefully when he's making the big bucks he'll still love me as much! Ha! Love you, Ethan!

Mommy's first baby girl...

Erika Lindsay was my first baby girl. She came into the world very vocal and strong-willed. This has thus since become one of her greatest character traits. Erika is loving and kind but she is strong and independent. Because of many changes in our family through the years, Erika became my friend, my buddy, my helper, and at many times--the other parent in our household. She accepted responsibility early on and helped me more than she will ever realize. I know Erika was a special blessing sent to me as my angel and she always will be. I love her and I am so proud of her and all the accomplishments and successes she has achieved! Oh the hats she's worn at such an early age -- Ethan's best buddy, Addi's big sister, carpool coordinator, basketball star, soccer captain, newspaper editor, Young Women's class president, seminary student, honor roll student, housekeeper, meal planner/chef, movie attender (this was your favorite!), purse and shoe shopper (your FAVORITE addiction!), candy striper/volunteer @ Baptist, babysitter, ...and the list goes on. Wow, all this while remaining Mom's right arm! You are one incredible young woman, Erika Lindsay. Now you're married and putting all those practices into place as you begin a new journey with Jack and you are doing a fantastic job! I love you--you will always be Mommy's first baby girl!

Valencia's Sweetheart...

Joseph is my sweetheart. We have been engaged for six months now and he is the love of my life! He is so kind and thoughtful and so very talented! He plays the guitar and has an incredible voice. He has been called "the wedding singer" recently because he sang for first dances at both Becky's (my best bud) and Erika's (my daughter) wedding receptions. Most importantly, he sings to me quite frequently. For my 40th birthday he surprised me with a song he'd written for me and the words described our relationship both 20+ years ago and now. You're awesome, Joseph! I love you!

My Best Aloha Friend!

This is Anne Mangum, my best friend I had not seen in 16 years!! She surprised me by attending Erika and Jack's Wedding Reception in Rexburg, Idaho. (Erika and Addi, Anne's daughter, were playmates when we lived in Hawaii from 1986-1989. Then they both ended up at BYU-Idaho and found each other there on Facebook and Anne and I reconnected as well.)

After 16 years it was at though time had stood still and we picked up right where we'd left off!

This was one of the greatest surprises I've ever or WILL ever receive--when I looked up and Anne was standining there in the reception line with two of her daughters, Addi and Stephanie! We had such a great time! We've vowed to meet at least once a year someplace! I love you, Anne!

A great time!

It's been a great day, a good week, a fantastic month, and an awesome year. So much has happened in 2007! I'll elaborate more later, but things that have made me smile :) lately:

Erika's wonderful marriage to Jack Maxfield and getting to know Jack's family, visiting Idaho and Utah, my best friend I hadn't seen in 16 years (Anne Mangum) surprising me at the reception in Idaho and spending time with her in Idaho and in Salt Lake City on Temple Square the last night there (giggling and catching up until 4 am and getting up to attend the temple at 5am!), Ethan's grades in college (way-to-go, Ethan!), surprising Addison at the drive-through @ Sonic when she's working, dancing with Joey and hearing him sing (he's so talented!), my job at the hospital when I've truly helped someone and they've smiled back (priceless!), Carson's feet wiggling when he gets excited about something, Spencer and Andrew telling me they love Mic-Mic (that's me) "a lotta bit!" when I asked them if they love me a little bit or a lot, memories of Yellowstone with Jack, Erika, Mom, and Dad, reading and studying the Book of Mormon more, Becky's sweet potato pie she surprised me with (I almost ate the whole thing! YUM!), riding to work with Becky in her black car (sometimes it takes two to shift the gears--she's so fun to ride with and she helps me so), General Conference talks this past weekend (some were geared especially just for me), and this list goes on...

It's been a smiling month!

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Just setting up--check back this weekend. Hope everyone enjoys General Conference! Have a great week!