How Much Rope Will It Take?

Growing up I use to hear the phrase.....give a man enough rope and eventually he will hang himself.
I believe that is true in a collection of people, too. The past week has been full of news about our government and the corruption within it. Personally, I have not been shocked at what has come out. What has truly surprised me is that the general media is finally starting to report on it after refusing to acknowledge wrong doing for months....(I say years). It will be interesting to see where all the probing takes us. If I were a betting person, I would guess we haven't even hit the surface of what will be discovered. I believe all 3 'scandals' are linked by ideology and I have names of people I am just waiting to hear about, for I believe they are the puppeteers who orchestrated what had been discovered. (No, I am not not talking about Obama and Clinton...even though I believe they are not innocent.) 
 What is sad to me is how the American people have been duped by the media who have clothed this administration in a shield of  non-information. Yes, there has been an attempt at transforming American...and it hasn't been for the better. I believe if the media truly did the job it was suppose to, the majority of the people would have been outraged much sooner. News organizations have edited the truth..while perpetuating the lies. As far as I am concerned, they are co-conspirators.
What is happening in DC is far beyond the drama of what Hollywood dreams up. It is a triple scooped waffling cone of crumbs and melting goo....ready to dump it's ugliness into our laps because the media hasn't been there to catch the drips that should have kept everything in check and clean. Grab the towels everyone....because not only are we going to be stuck cleaning up the mess but also find ourselves covered in what is left behind....or to get back to how I started....I will be anxiously watching as people are grabbing for the rope and trying hard to pull themselves out of the mud they created to only fall farther into their own undoing for they have hurt this country and the people who love it.

A Beautiful World Where Bad Things Happen

Yesterday's terror attack in Boston was not just tragic, but it was evil...yes, evil. It takes an evil mind to plan to kill and maim innocent people who are simply enjoying a day with family and friends at an athletic event. I personally don't want to dwell on the evil in the world, but instead would like to remind others that this is a beautiful and wonderful world in which bad things happen. We cannot go through life focusing on the bad. We need to realize that there are bad things, people, beliefs, etc. but that generally we have so much more to be grateful for. It is our responsibility to recognize these blessings daily and keep a proper perspective. If we live our lives in fear, hatred, envy and pride, then we will find ourselves in a cycle of  never trusting, seeing goodness, and being able to enjoy life. We will give away our freedom as individuals to live happily. Yes, terrible things happen that are disturbing, hurtful, and unfair, but if we chose to wake up each morning with a heart full of gratitude for the beauty in the world then when bad things happen, we will see them with better eyes.....with compassion, hope, charity, love, the ability to cheer on others who do good and have good things happen to them. Though what happened yesterday was beyond comprehension, it was also a day of heroics, people coming to the aid of others, people mourning with those who mourn, outpourings of love and even miracles. Unfortunately, I believe that bad things happen sometimes to wake us up as individuals...To force us to feel, care, come together and turn to God. Some would curse God and ask why??? while building up their feelings of hatred believing they have been forsaken, but many will turn to God for comfort and to gain the strength they need to go on and put their faith in Him who created us. Life is about choices. How do we choose to handle our tragedies, trials and challenges? Yes, we have moments in our lives which are hard to bear and we grieve....that is normal, but we need to allow happiness back into our lives to survive and feel peace in our hearts. My heart goes out all those who have been affected by the horrendous act in Boston. I pray they will find the comfort and peace they need to move on and once again see the beauty in the world.

Spring Break Get-Away

This past week was spring break for our area. It has been a while since since George and I have been able to get away for a few days, so we booked a place on the coast and invited Andrea, Jeremy and the girls to join us. The previous weekend was gorgeous, I wish I could say the same for this weekend. It may show spring on the calendar, but I tell you, I don't think I have ever seen it more windy and rainy on the coast! We managed to have a good time anyway. Just being away from home was nice. We left Friday morning and first headed to Tillamook to the cheese factory and the outlet for Tillamook beef jerky and pepperoni....oh yum! We sampled cheese...and bought some varieties, had ice cream then down the road couldn't resist the pepperoni and loaded up on the beef jerky. Once at Tolovana, the wind really kicked into high gear. That night the chairs on the decks of the Inn were being bounced all around and the sound of the wind hitting the side of the building and the windows was enough to keep one from getting a good nights sleep. Thankfully, even though Saturday morning it was still windy, we were able able to enjoy a trip to Seaside. The bumper cars were a hit with the girls and we also played miniature golf. Once we got back to the Inn, there was a break in the rain and wind died down a bit, so George, Andrea and the girls walked the beach to Hay Stack Rock. Jeremy and I stayed behind as I was having some neck and shoulder issues and Jeremy didn't really want to venture out for the long walk in the cold weather. The indoor swimming pool at the Inn was a great way to finish both days and tire the girls out.

Say CHEEEEESE!

Jeremy with Ally

Andrea with Kaitlyn

Go Grandpa!

Easter Weekend
What a beautiful weekend we had here! It felt like summer...high 70's, clear skies, trees bloomed out, simply gorgeous!!!  I even pulled out my capris and short sleeves for the first time since September! The weekend was not only beautiful because of the wonderful weather, but also because of the events. Saturday morning our granddaughter Kaitlyn was baptized and confirmed a member of the church along with her good friend Talita and a boy in her ward, named Grant. The spirit was felt during the the heart-felt talks and the beautiful videos that were shown. ( Andrea gave the talk on the Holy Ghost.) Kaitlyn seemed to fully enjoy her special day. After the baptism, we enjoyed a nice luncheon at Andrea and Jeremy's place with ham, various salads and dessert. The day was still young, so we decided to venture across town to visit Mom. We found her not feeling quite up to par. Her back was bothering her after doing some trimming in her yard the day before, but she seemed to do find as we visited and later joined us for dinner at the Red Lobster...her favorite!
This morning, we went to Andrea and Jeremy's ward for sacrament meeting. There were great speakers and at the end, the primary sang. Once home, we hurriedly hid 71 plastic eggs filled with candy in the yard for an Easter Egg Hunt for Ally, Kaitlyn, Mya and Brennan. The girls had fun finding the eggs, but somehow we are still missing one....I guess it will be found another day....but little Brennan was so tired, he slept through it all...in fact, he slept the whole time he was here! I am sure he will join in the fun next year. 
 

Ally and Kaitlyn

Kaitlyn with her friend Talita

Maybe next year, Brennan!

Today I have had much time to ponder while working. I find that when the sun comes out and shines through my window, it energizes my mind while calming my soul so I can think clearer. As a young girl my teachers would write on my report cards that I had a tendency to day dream. Well, I guess in that respect I have not changed much. But I do have to say that as an adult it isn't about dreaming as much as it is about analyzing aspects of life. It is too easy to dream about the 'what if's' or 'I want's' and lose sight of reality. I would rather find new ways to deal with the realities of life so as to find meaning, purpose and joy. One can never find joy in continually expecting to find that unreachable pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but instead can be found  in the little moments that materialize along the journey of everyday living. When working hard, one can feel accomplishment. When doing something for someone else, one can feel love grow in their heart. When one listens to another person in their time of need, one can feel bonded with friendship and feel needed. When someone else reaches out to us, we can feel gratitude. When we are having some recreational fun, we can exert energy and/or relax which benefits the functions of our bodies. When we take the time to organize our surroundings, we also unclutter our minds so we can think more clearly and have time for other activities. When we prepare ourselves for the unexpected, we can feel peaceful rather that panicked. When we set goals, we stretch ourselves and grow as individuals.When we are willing to recognize our faults and change our ways, we can free ourselves of shame and regret.When we invite God into our lives, we gain the knowledge that we are never alone and are loved despite whatever shortcomings we may have.
Though life has it's hardships, I am thankful I can still see the goodness and blessings in my life. In fact, I think I see them more clearly. My life right now leaves me very tired at the end of each day, but I have peace of mind knowing that I am making a difference not only in my own life, but in the lives of  many others. I am also grateful  for others who have made a huge difference in the quality of my life with their kindness and love. For that, I peacefully say thank you and good night.

Yes, it has been a very long time since I last posted here on my blog. So much has happened, yet so little has changed. The world is in turmoil politically, economically, morally, etc., yet at the same time, there is much to be grateful for if one chooses to to see beyond all the turmoil. I can say that on a personal level, also. Our lives have been turned upside down with health and financial challenges, early unexpected retirement and other issues. Yet, at the same time we recognize the blessing that have come our way and feel a great deal of gratitude that our needs have been meant. We have learned over this past year that having faith and exercising it can bring peace where there otherwise would be anxiety and heartache. We are hopeful that this new year will bring us some relief, but also know new challenges are ahead. Life isn't easy right now, but at the same time, we know others that are suffering much more than we are. We are appreciative of our family and friends who have been understanding and supportive. I can't begin to express how much what seems like little things others have done have make a big difference in keeping our spirits up. The 3 sets of carolers that came to our door at Christmastime, friends stopping by to say hi, dear old friends who made sure we got out of the house, children who showed their love and support in different ways, listening ears, encouraging words, meals and goodies shared, etc.have helped us in moving forward with a positive attitude.Thank you to all of you!
I am sure those who use to check my blog regularly will be shocked to see that I have a new post. I hope to be posting more often this year than I did last year. Time will tell.................