Sweethearts - a tribute to Joseph who's not feeling well today... (and trying to learn how to do these slideshows! First one!)

Quote worth passing on...

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Good works...

Good works...that's one of those amazing wonders of mankind that just simply amazes me. It's more like dominos than checkers, more like hurricane force winds and waves than a calm stream, and just one of those awesome gestures that leaves your heart so full of gratitude and love. It's the thing that you just can't give away for keeps for it keeps coming back to you. It seemed that the week started out a little yucky and I had a mini-pity-party with my feelings. Well, thanks to my sweetheart (who'd taken a day off from work together with me Monday so we could paint at the rental house only to realize the renters were still there 4 days past their deadline date, etc. - another story for another day) well, he turned the day around and we did what we could and then went to his house, loaded up the four-wheeler on the trailer, and spent the next three and a half hours riding dozens of trails at his hunting club. The weather was gorgeous, just cool enough for a jacket and very sunny, and the woods were gorgeous. We saw so many deer tracks and I think he pointed out every place he'd killed deer the past ten+ years. (It was great seeing the excitement in his eyes and hearing it in his voice as he shared his hunting adventures and his prized bucks over the years he'd gotten with his bow!)
After playing awhile and getting muddy and dirty we got ready Monday evening and headed out to Sandhills for Five Guys Burgers and Fries and to Target to browse - another favorite date-night place. He completely turned around what I'd almost labeled a wasted day earlier in the morning.
A day or two later I had another neat experience at work about service and learned a valuable lesson. I have a dear friend who sends me a "hi, have a good day" type of email every single day and it always makes me smile. It seems I can't surprise this friend first - he always gets me first and he truly is a genuine friend.
Another day or so later I read Christy's blog about the primary song "I'm Trying to be Like Jesus" and by the way, thanks again, Christy. I commented to her that I'd considered myself tagged and vowed to do some act of service daily anonymously. Serving others, especially in the right spirit has always been the best medicine for the down-in-the-dumps syndrome so I probably had a somewhat selfish motive for service because I wanted to feel that warm fuzzy feeling you get when you truly serve. Well, this is where my story really begins and the real purpose of this post tonight. The good works, they kept coming back. I did not expect it and really, in all actuality I'm not real sure how to take it because I'm pretty stubborn and very independent. However, my heart is so full tonight. Last night before going to bed (or actually this morning at 1:35 am) before falling asleep things looked dim - from projects to vehicle brake problems to finances to chores - I felt so overwhelmed. My mom has always taught me to pray about things and turn it over to our Heavenly Father and then let go. (that's the part I have such a tough time with - the "letting go" part because I just want to fix things and make it all better and keep on going) Just before falling asleep I could imagine my mother, even at this late hour, saying, "Things always look better in the morning." (Okay, I'm also thinking it's already morning and not looking better yet. Perhaps it's like it is on Christmas Eve- no matter how late you stay up you still have to fall asleep for Santa to come - even if it is well into Christmas morning!)

This morning I woke up and thought, "Wow!" What a difference a day makes! Addison took me to work after seminary and I had curb-side drop-off service and did not get drenched in the rain before work. (Blessing #1) I was able to accomplish a lot in the early part of the day at work. (Blessing #2) Joey and Addison got together and made a plan for getting the Jeep taken to the shop after school to have the brakes fixed (and yikes! Both rotors had to be replaced and the metal-on-metal sound we've heard the past few days was very real - it was in really bad shape) The Jeep got fixed and in the meantime I had curb-side pickup after work by my sweetheart in his truck (I refer to his truck occasionally as my gray Dodge chariot because it's much like the Dodge truck he drove when we were sweethearts in high school. It brings back fond memories of the good-ole days!) Okay, this was blessings #3 and 4. I'd given my friend Abby a gift I'd made her (a Joy in the Journey ceramic tile plaque) and got to see her again just before leaving work and this was also a blessing - she's so sweet. Well, by this point I'm thinking, okay, who can I do something for or what kind words can I offer someone in need - then the answer came when I got into Joey's truck. He was and is sick with what appears to be looking like the flu. (poor guy) He followed me home after picking up the Jeep from the repair shop and allowed me to be his nurse tonight. He acted like he loved the chicken soup and crackers and even the pudding. This made my heart feel a million times blessed. The other main event of my day that just took the cake, I mean just blew me away was a card I took from the mailbox this evening with something inside from my dearest and bestest friend Anne in California. Anne, you know what you did, and I am still a little in shock about what I found inside the card. You know good and well you shouldn't have and now I can't hardly wait to send you a surprise back in the mail. To have only spent two days with you in the past what, 16 years, we truly have always been soul-mate friends. You probably know me better than I know myself and you are such a special person with so many wonderful qualities. Thank you for being the forever friend you have been to me for the past 20 years and I pray that someday I will have the opportunity to do something amazing for you - I love you, girl, and I miss you so much. Those years in Hawaii will always be my most fondest memories with the best friend of a lifetime. (Geez - and even with all those little kids we had - yours, mine, and whosever wanted to hang with us - good grief - we did all those things with a thousand kids tagging along - can you imagine the stuff we'd get into if we lived closer now that we don't have little ones anymore?!?! Ha!) We were and still are a pretty amazing duo don't you think - even when we had little Billy-Doug tagging along - we were still the coolest!! Ha! Ha! What a hoot!!!! Does Paul still like the marshmellows in cereal = I never get that kind of cereal without thinking of that kid and Paul with the marshmellows and I have a good laugh!!!! Just had to post these photos of a blast from the past! Ethan was just a newborn and look how small the girls were - it doesn't seem like that much time has passed! This is what true friendship is all about - lessons I learned from you, Anne.

Anne, was this Jennifer's birthday, about May or June 1988?

(Ethan was just a newborn and check out that new perm I had-

the labor perm we'll call it! Can you believe we were perming hairthat night and I was having contractions?! What fun memories - Ha!)

The McDonald's playground in Kailua - kids loved it!
Addie Marie and Erika Lindsay - "Little Anne and Mini Valencia"They were too cute!!

And just look at us now after all those years -- I think we've still got it!

Well, the day is about gone and yippee, it's the weekend. Addison is spending some time with her Dad, Donna, and Ivy this weekend so it will be quite different around our house. She hasn't been in some time and I know Ivy must be delighted to have her big sister around for a couple days (Addi on the other hand will be worn out! Ivy loves to entertain Addison and she is such a character!) Ethan had a good week at school and may come home tomorrow. When I spoke to Erika earlier she said she and Jack had spent a big part of the day in Idaho Falls looking at vehicles and just having fun. Best of luck to you kids finding a car, I'm truly sorry about the Honda, Erika, I know how proud you were of your car but I'm just grateful you're okay. Joey left just a little while ago to go home and rest and I hope he feels much better in the morning - he has a fever and just feels lousy. As for me, I'm a little excited about planning my day tomorrow - I just want to go do good things...I love the new plaque Addison received in Young Women's that says "Good Works" and what a beautiful reminder to us - it's such a great feeling to serve and yet on this day today, it kept coming back and just really strengthened my testimony about the Saviour's love for me, just plain old me, Valencia, in small town, South Carolina. He loves me through and through and knows me so individually. Today I know that he placed my angels in my path to remind me - and two days ago when you mailed this card, Anne, how did you know my heart was heavy and my burden was overwhelming that day? Yes, I know that Redeemer lives, He lives and He loves me even with all my weaknesses and failures - He loves me. I have a testimony of the power of love in our families and with our friends and fellowmen. I so love the scripture which speaks of "inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." My prayer is that I can demonstrate the lesson of "good works" more valiantly in my life and that I may know of the things my Father wants me to do. I pray also that I may an instrument in His hands and that I can be a better servant delivering joy to others with a spirit as has been given me. I am thankful for my precious family, for my brother and the generosity he exemplifies. I'm thankful for my sister who is also my dear friend and the enormous heart she has and the countless hours she spends on seeing to other people's needs before her own. My parents, wow, what an example they set and what great people they are - they love all and they are so loved. I hope to be more like them everyday. I love and appreciate my sweetheart, Joseph, and his patience and the lessons he teaches me at the most inopportune times sometimes - he has the heart of a giant. What a blessing friends are - those far away who are so dearly missed, I pray they feel of my love for them. I love life and I'm thankful for it and for the opportunities we have to struggle so that we might more fully recognize the blessings in our lives. Without the bitter we'd never appreciate the sweet. (ever tried good cold orange juice with a chocolate bar - ooh, the chocolate is just not right with something else sweet - it just ruins it!) Tomorrow, I want to make a difference - somewhere - sometime - to someone. Good works ... it's so contagious!

Bowling for Alex's Birthday, Super Saturday, and Perry's Baptism - What a Weekend!

Happy Birthday, Alex! 2/16/08
Addison poses after her first strike! Then she

got 2 more on her last turn! You go, Addi - Boo!

Abby got a strike early in the game! You go, Abby!

My Sweetheart! He loves me even though I didn't get a single strike this time around! (in bowling anyway! Ha! Ha!)

Final Score - Joseph takes this one - Congrats, honey!

What a great weekend! It was packed full with lots of wonderful happenings and great people. Just a quick chart of events:
Friday - Work was great, Addison worked at Sonic and got news of another job offer, had date with Joey to the Ward Valentine's Dance (had a great time - line dancing was so fun, Brenda!) and just a great day!
Saturday - Did household chores early, went bowling for Alex's 12th birthday (great job, Joey!), then to Florence to take Addison and Jordan for Super Saturday youth activity and I had a date with Ethan! Such a fun time!

Addison and Jordan after dance -- filling Ethan and mein on the details! (Reminded me alot of me and Kristy a "few" years ago!) They are so cute!

E'Man!

We tried to eat at RedBone Alley, Outback, Chili's, Red Lobster, Ruby Tuesdays,

Olive Garden, and I can't remember the others -- all with tremendously long waits --

must've been something great going on in Florence. We ended up at Carolina Wings

and it was really good! Ethan saw lots of people he knew and I felt pretty special

out with such a popular young man! We talked and laughed and just had a great time. Then we did some shopping at Rugged Wearhouse -- Ethan found some cool Hurley flipflops and a couple shirts and Mom, of course, LOVES a great bargain! Happy belated Valentine's Day, Eeskee!

Addison and Jordan stayed in the car while Ethan and I went in Piggly Wiggly to get

him a few groceries. Well, they had a really good time while we shopped - they decorated

Ethan's Jeep with window chalk. His face and expressions were priceless when we

came out! It was funny and he is such a good sport. As you can see they made up after

lots of laughing and then Addi and Jordan enjoyed a ride around the parking lot in a shopping cart just being silly giggly girls - Whew, girls!

What fun!

Just gotta love these young people!

They help keep Mom at least young in heart!

Thanks for some good laughs, ya'll!

Sunday - Joey came over early before church and surprised me (even re-proposed...details maybe on later blog, church was great (loved the Sunday School lesson, Brother Adams!), ate lunch at Mom's (yummy!), then Perry's baptism tonight which was so special!

Perry, Jody, and Kyle on their very special day-We love ya'll!

Daddy studying over his notes for his talk on the Holy Ghost - He is such a special person!

We counted more than 70 people attending Perry's baptism! Jody's family is so loved and I know that Aunt Elma and Uncle Buddy were there - the spirit was so strong. What a great day for their family and I know their next goal is the temple. I am so happy for you all and love you so much, Jody, Perry, and Kyle!

The Bucket List and hot chocolate from Books-A-Million - What a great date!

Valentine's Day turned out to be a great day! Work was good, everyone seemed so happy and cheerful and I received a few special "Cupid" deliveries from my bosses, Paula and Stacy, and one anonymous one (I think from Becky, maybe?) and Joey gave me a dozen red roses and a beautiful card. Then we went out last night to SandHills to see "The Bucket List" (AWESOME MOVIE!) and to our favorite place "Books-a-Million" for hot chocolate and browsing. We had such a fun time and that movie really made me think - the best point of the movie was talking about finding JOY and how these two men with just months to live who were so very different took an adventure and the joy they found...I won't give the ending away but it was one that touched my heart tremendously. One of my favorite sayings is "The best things in life aren't things" and this is very much applicable to this movie.

I really love Valentine's Day - especially since Joey came into my life this time. He makes such a effort to maintain our "sweetheart relationship" and Valentine's Day has become a very special holiday to us. A couple years ago he surprised in a very big way to a carriage ride and he had packed hot cocoa and the works. Another Valentine's Day he prepared a magnificent meal for me, he is so good to me.

Tonight we attended a dance at church and had a very nice time. I love to dance with Joey and I love the way he looks at me and it's like there's no one in the world except the two of us. I love you, Joseph, and I am very thankful for the relationship we have and the love we share for one another. I do believe you are my soul mate - I could never imagine a day without you - I love you very, very much! Thanks for such a great Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

I hope everyone has a very special Valentine's Day! My day today (2/13) was pretty crummy after work but my dear Addison really brightened the evening with her thoughtfulness and appeal. She is really amazing at cheering me up when she knows I'm down. She didn't really know about my evening being so yucky in detail but still sensed I needed cheering up for whatever reason. Upon arriving home from her Young Women's Meeting tonight she told me not to peak -- she had a surprise! Moments later she walked into the room with a cheese tray and sparkling white grape juice in the nice goblets to toast. Underneath the cheese tray hidden was the movie "Bridge to Terabithia" to watch while we made Valentines. I was so touched and tried so hard not to cry and still not wanting to share much about the evenings' happenings with her except the bare essentials. We had a very nice evening. We gathered candy to make Valentine treats for me to take to work tomorrow and then I got her card made after she fell asleep. This year, Addison, you are my Valentine!

Happy Valentine's Day in just a few more hours! I hope Cupid covers all his territory!

One last thing -- congratulations to Erika on making 100 on her big test today! I am so proud of you, Erika, you are going to be an awesome nurse! Keep up the awesome work! I miss ya'll and hope your Valentine's package arrives on time tomorrow. And, Ethan, I know you're doing great, too, and I look forward to spending the evening with you in Florence Saturday while Addison is at Super Saturday activities. Pick us out a great restaurant where I can get a really good salad! Love ya'll, kids!

P.S. The beautiful rose bush is a Valentine's gift from our home teachers with a great box of chocolates! Thank ya'll--you're the best!

Great Friday night and Mr. LE

It's been a great weekend thus far and with Ward Conference tomorrow it can only get better. I had a half day off yesterday and got some much-needed things done. Last night after Addison was done with Mr. LE practice (she is Jamie's sweetheart/escort for the Mr. LE contest) we went to get a movie and got take-out from Zaxby's for us and Joey. We had dinner, got comfy, and watched "The Game Plan" -- excellent Disney movie starring The Rock! (He's so hot!) It was so relaxing and then Ethan got in around 10:30!!! I was so excited he was coming home for the weekend!!!! It'd been a few weeks and I'd missed him. Addi and I ended up camping out in the living room along with Chloe who was also so happy when Ethan got home. She's so funny--she loves Addison and me until Joey comes over and she gives him all her attention then. And last night when Ethan came through the door, oh my goodness, she went nuts! What a sweet puppy she is!
Today was great also. Wasn't the weather incredible!? I loved it! I got up early and went to get my taxes done which turned out to be pretty good. Then I headed to PetSmart to get Spencer an accessory for his new guinea pig he got for his birthday. Turns out we got him an exercise ball he can put Snowball in and all the boys will enjoy watching him run around in the ball. Spencer's birthday party was at 11:00 and the weather could not have been more perfect. I'm sure Ginger will post photos on her blog of the party. The kids had a wonderful time with the treasure hunt Ginger and Shaun had prepared and they enjoyed all the pirate festivities! Mom (Grandmother) made his pirate cake and it was so yummy! So were Jenny's famous sugar cookies! As for Daddy (Grandaddy Oree) well we enjoyed the hot dogs - they were fab! Fun party, Ginger and Shaun -- ya'll are awesome and Happy Birthday, Spencer! Mic Mic loves you!
Tonight Addison had the Mr. LE contest with Jamie and she looked beautiful! Jenny did her hair and it was gorgeous! (Thanks, Jenny, you're a great hair dresser.) Everyone looked so nice at the contest and I would NOT like to have been one of the judges. Tom Hoke won Mr. LE and it was a fun contest. Afterwards we went to San Jose' (a traditional favorite following activities) and then a bunch of kids came over for a movie. I think I'm going to call it a night -- Sunday morning comes really fast and I'm looking so forward to Conference. Ginger is our new Stake Relief Society President (she's so amazing!!!) and she will be teaching the lesson in Relief Society tomorrow at our ward. Following conference I have to go in to work for a while for a Nurse's Open House / Recruitment Fair at the hospital and work as a greeter/guide for the fair.
Hope everyone has had a nice weekend and was able to take advantage of some of this beautiful weather we've had.