Dad in the hospital

This past week, my Dad has been in the hospital.  I wi

New work schedule

I have been trying out a new work schedule since this past July.  I have been working a sort of grave yard type of shift.  I usually report to work around 9pm and get off at about 8am.  I work the last flight into a destination and work the first flight out, so hardly any "pillow time" as we call it.  This is definitely tiring, but I can be home every day after school and have dinner with the kids.  I can come home and take a nap while they are in school.  I just hope the long term effects will not be detrimental to my health.  I try to make sure I get enough sleep, but it is just not all at once, it is broken up into two segments.  It is definitely different.  I hope that it is what is best for the kids. I know it is hard for them for me to be gone the first thing in the morning, they (and I) were used to me being there and making them a hot breakfast and getting Derek's lunch ready for them and now, no more hot breakfasts and Derek makes his own lunch.  They have both been so great about it.  They have tried to find the positive in it and really been responsible on their own in the morning.  I have been trying to find ways to be home more.  I hope this is the answer.  Well, I'll keep evaluating it.   Derek was so sweet to me.  He knew that when I would come home from work I would be especially tired so he many times would turn down my bed for me.  Thank you my sweet son!

Muffin mania

I just got done baking 7 dozen pumpkin and zucchini muffins. Whew!  The kids really like them. The winner though is the zucchini muffins.  It is amazing what people can accomplish when they have people surrounding them that are supportive and appreciative, and believe in them.  I sure am lucky to have my kids for this.  I remember Derek would say how much he loved and appreciated the chicken dinosaurs that I would heat up for him in the oven.  Only, he wouldn't say, "heated up" he would say "cooked".  I know that might just sound like simple semantics to some, but instead, I found it very profound and wise.  He knows instinctively how important his roll is in helping  others, especially those he loves, to feel good about themselves.  I think that he knows perfectly well that their was no inherent skill in heating up the chicken dinosaurs and tater tots but he knew the dived end that he was investing in, in our relationship, in the simple yet great gratitude that he showed towards me in "cooking" his lunch.  He is a wonderful example.

I have been having fun cooking for the kids for a while now and have not written about it for some time.  They are especially fun to cook for.  Their appreciation is quite wonderful to me.  It means a tremendous amount.  Not that they are gushing or overstate their appreciation, it is the fact that it merely exists and given freely.  I love them and appreciate them so much for this.

We have enjoyed a number of recipes and Hannah tells me (mostly, but Derek as well) that she wants to be sure to get a copy of the recipes that I make for them.  Again, what a seemingly small thing but to me, it means so much.  Here is a list of some of the dinners that the kids have expressed to me they love when I make.  (even typing this makes me feel good).   I hope they will remember them fondly as well and pass them on to their children.
1.  Balsamic Vinegar chicken with fresh tomatoes
2.  White chicken spaghetti
3.  Creamy white chicken and artichoke lasagna
4.  Salsa chicken
5.  Cafe Rio salad
6.  Jambalaya
7.  Cheesy chicken tater tot casserole
8.  John Wayne Casserole
9.  Chicken pillows
10.  Aunt Kelly's honey chicken (yes, from Aunt Kelly Smith)
11.  Aunt Kelly's curry chicken
12. Pad Thai
13.  Creamy beef stroganoff
14.  Nanny Supreme
15.  Pork with pineapple salsa
16.  Mexicali hamburger casserole
17.  Swedish meatballs
. . .
Thank you my wise children, I love you!

Extraordinary ordinary people

This entry will not be without tears.  I wish that I were better at writing to pay the tribute that my parents deserve.  This will not convey nearly the emotion I feel and eloquence of what my parents deserve. 

I have had my parents on my mind so much.  I love them so dearly.  They are truly extraordinary ordinary people.  You would never know them from others in the crowd.  They have never aspired to be famous, receive worldly awards or acclaim from others.  They have done much in their lives outside of their families but they have never boasted of that, they hardly even discuss it.  Even if you asked they would not elaborate on what incredible things they have done.  This seems to be such a rare quality.  With so many people that I am around, I hear so much of what they have done to make them appear to be important.  It seems to be such a need for the natural man.  My parents are unique in that they do not have this problem in the slightest.  I find that it makes it so much easier to be around them. 

I miss them so much.  The phrase, "they have been there for me" is such a trite, over used and inadequate phrase but, that is what they have done for me and my children.  Even through the miles apart I feel them always.  I know without a doubt that they love me, no matter what.  This is such a fleeting gift that many children weather young or old are not blessed with.  It is such a tremendous blessing that I will never take for granted. 

I wish that I could see them every day.  They are truly my friends.  I care about them deeply.  They mean so much to me.  They see the best in me and i can feel it with all my heart.  I want to be better every time I am with them, talk with them, or think about them.  I miss them so much.  My father has Alzheimer's and I miss him.  He is usually very social and loves people and his family.  He still loves his family so much but is having a hard time remembering the younger grandchildren.  Many times he is withdrawn and that is so different from his normal self. 

I wish that I could go just to visit with them, and to help out to go grocery shopping, to be companionable with them.  They have done so so much for me, I could never even begin to repay them.  Their examples to me are incalculable and so far reaching.  They are they most pure examples of Christlike love that I have ever experienced.  If I could be like them, I know that I would be following the Savior, because they truly are.  They have no guile and no pride as so many do. 

Homcoming for Hannah

Hannah and Brandon

I love this picture :)

Such a beautiful girl and such a beautiful dress. 

"The Great Gatsby" was the theme

Young Women trips to Temples

 When I was in the Young Women's with Hannah we made trips to different temples throughout the years.  I am so grateful for reminders of the gospel to keep us on the correct path home.  It is good to do these things with friends.  The right friends can help to make all the difference in the world.

 What a beautiful picture.  I love to see my Hannah is good places.  This is a great picture of her with her friends right in among the beautiful flowers.

I love you my Hannah! 

Hannah got her ears pierced :)

The Big Day!  Ear piercing day.  She looks so pretty.