One of those days

I am having a horrible day. My escrow just fell out, 1 week before it was to close. My poor sellers were all packed up, they even rented a POD for all their boxes. Now they have to unpack and put the house back on the market and then we wait, and wait and wait for another buyer. I am in a very bad mood. So I am going to share this; at least it made me smile.

I GOT STOPPED FOR SPEEDING YESTERDAY.

I THOUGHT I COULD TALK MY WAY OUT OF IT
UNTIL THE COP LOOKED
AT MY DOG IN THE BACK SEAT

Feel like poetry writing?

I need a few poems and I am not very good at writing them, in fact I am terrible. So I am seeing if any of you would like to participate.

We have a young man and young woman in our ward who is doing their eagle project and her Laurel project together. It was my suggestion, so I feel a little responsible to help them.

This is becoming a nationwide program so you may have heard of it in your area. This project is called The Garden of Innocence. It is an non-profit organisation that provides coffins for abandoned babies who have died and would not have a proper and loving burial. Sometimes the babies are found abandoned, but most are babies that are born with defects and do not live. When the parents find out the baby won't live they just leave them in the hospital and never come back. Upon the death of the baby the hospital then turns them over to the county as abandoned. The Garden of Innocence provides each baby with a casket (made by the eagle scout project), lined with flannel (Laurel project) and then the baby is given a name, a personal poem is placed in the coffin along with a stuffed animal. A local cemetery has provided a special section for these babies.

It is a wonderful project, the eagle scout collects money for the wood and has someone help him build them. They are about 12 inches by 24 inches. Even though they are plain, they are beautiful after sanding and staining. Then they are lined with baby flannel and really look special.

If any of you would like to send me a poem to put in the casket send it on the blog. We are doing 15, but there are over a hundred needed, so the poems will all be used.

Seminary, Primary, Relief Society?

Lauri has raised the question, "Is seminary really important?" Then the next step in the thought process is, "Is primary important? What about Relief Society?" I suppose I could go on, but you get the idea. My first response is of course. But why? I didn't fully have the answer until today at Relief Society. Our lesson was by Kristi Krueger, teaching her first ever RS lesson and it was on Zion.

What is this Zion the Lord talks about? Zion is most of all - people. People who are pure in heart; people who love the Lord and try to follow his teachings. Of course it is also our stakes and our homes.

I began to think about what you mothers are up against today. Cheating and lying are common, pre-marital sex is the norm, drugs and alcohol are cool, everything from pornography to dishonesty to homosexuality is allowed. It is made to look like it must be experienced if a person is to really be accepted. So how do you counter this? How can you balance the peer pressure your kids are or will be facing?

The only answer is in the stakes of Zion and in the home. It goes without saying TV, music, computers etc. influence the spirit of our homes. But as kids get older friends become almost as important as family. Seminary, Primary, YW & YM all provide an opportunity for the kids to see they are not alone in their beliefs. It gives them a chance to make friends who believe as they do. There might be a temptation that your child is facing, and of course not telling you about, that may be addressed that day in Seminary. Coincidence? I don't think so. I think the Lord cares as much as you do and prompts the teacher to touch on the very topic your child needs that day. You never know if today is the day the light goes on and they are strengthened because they were there.

I remember when I was a young mother with so many children. Most of my Sundays were spent out in the hallway with one child or another who was acting up. At one point I expressed that I didn't even know why I went to church. I was just like a colander and at the end of the day everything had drained out. Then I had the thought, "At least you are wet". It's the same for all of us, kids included. You won't go too far wrong if you keep getting wet.

So what is the first step to becoming more pure in heart? Being where we can have our spirits renewed and uplifted. In this crazy world that's not easy. But it is possible.

WHY MEN ARE NEVER DEPRESSED:

Men Are Just Happier People-- What do you expect from such simple creatures?

• Your last name stays put.


• The garage is all yours.


• Wedding plans take care of themselves.


• Chocolate is just another snack.


• You can never be pregnant.


• You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.


• You can wear NO shirt to a water park.


• Car mechanics tell you the truth.


• The world is your urinal.


• You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too"icky."


• Wrinkles add character.


• Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100.


• People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.


• New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.


• One mood all the time.


• Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.


• A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.


• You can open all your own jars.


• You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.


• If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.


• Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.


• You almost never have strap problems in public.


• You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.


• Everything on your face stays its original color.


• The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.


• You only have to shave your face and neck.


• You can play with toys all your life.


• One wallet and one pair of shoes -- one color for all seasons.


• You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.


• You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife.


• You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24, in 25 minutes.

No wonder men are happier.

All in a day's work

What an interesting day I had yesterday! I received a lead for a new buyer who was leaving the next day. He was from Texas and wanted a house he and his wife could live in while visiting their children. But, he only wanted bank owned properties, on the coast, for under $500,000. Well, there were 5 that fit that description. As we drove around looking he realized they were dogs. Totally trashed, one even had the sinks and toilets removed. He soon came to the conclusion that it was going to take a whole lot of money to fix them up. Next we looked at condo's. Some good buys, but he finally found a fixer in not too bad shape. We spent the entire day looking. But at least I think he is going to buy.

So I am told they want to think about it and could we meet back at the property at 7:00, it is now 4:00, but I said OK. I get there early. The condo units (about 6 condos) are surrounded by tall trees and lots of heavy brush and bushes. Very dense, kind of like being out in the forest, except for the freeway noise. All of a sudden while I am standing alone in the parking lot, a helicopter starts circling over my head. They are saying, "We are looking for a robbery suspect. White male with a shaved head." I immediately get back in my car and lock the doors. The cops keep circling. I decide it would be safer if I go inside the house (it is vacant). I dig in my purse, but no lockbox key. I search the car, but no key. I now remember I left it on my desk at home. Not only can't I get in, but the buyer can't get in either. Just as I make this realization the buyers get there. Husband, wife, son and twins, aged 19 months. We stand in the parking lot and I explain they can't get in but I have a contract ready to sign.

They are irritated but say OK after they walk around the outside. It is now dusk, but you can still see if you peek in the windows. All of a sudden, up comes the helicopter, " We are looking for a robbery suspect, white male, shaved head, white T-shirt, hands cuffed in front of him." Over and over, round and round they go. It is so loud we can not hear one another. The babies start to cry and the wife is scarred. But the husband is determined to look in the windows. This goes on forever. Then we hear from above, "Tracy Lyon give up, don't make us send the dogs in! Come out now and surrender to the police officer and you won't have to go to the hospital." Police officer? All we see is a helicopter directly overhead. This goes on the entire time we are filling out and signing the contract. Finally the helicopter leaves, I assume Tracy didn't want to see the dogs. It's about 8:30 now. I have an offer for the condo. The buyers who are slightly shook up along with their screaming babies finally leave.

And I go home with my offer. The offer- $301,000. The asking price - $439,000. Oh yeah, that's going to happen! When monkeys fly........(you know the rest). Oh the glamor of it all.
A day in the life of a Realtor.

It's so quiet here!

It's so quiet you can hear a pin drop, or an animal outside that makes the dog bark. I am not accustomed to such quiet, it will take some getting use to. The family was here, of course not all of them but quite a few, and now they are gone. I loved the noise, the hustle and bustle, being woken up by little ones peeking in my bedroom door and asking, "Are you awake Grammy?". Oh yes, the house was a constant mess, the TV was seldom turned off and the wet towels went on forever. But it was good.

Yesterday Jim and Mike left for their week long High Sierra backpacking trip. So it is now just Betty Boop and myself. To make matters worse, Betty Boop is depressed. Yes, she is moping around as if it's my fault everyone is gone. First thing in the morning she runs from bedroom to bedroom to see if she's missed anyone. Then she comes and flops down by my feet and gives me the sad eyes which is suppose to get my sympathy. I think it is working.

It is now 9:00 and no one has gotten me my Big Gulp. That is next on the list, right after get dressed. I am grateful to have people I love in my life. It is wonderful to know I will never be alone. It was difficult many times to try to raise 8 children, but I am now reaping the rewards of that choice. I look at dear friends who are not married and their children come seldom to visit or stay in touch and I see a loneliness that I will never experience. I think the greatest blessing I will ever have is my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and Jim.

I am also grateful for this week of solitude to reflect on how rich my life is because of the family I have. We are often loud and opinionated but with that comes deep love for one another and oh so much fun! We can't be together and not laugh. Who could ask for more?

Don't Miss IT!

Be sure to go to the blog, "Howells Happenings" and read what Ana wrote. You will love it. Ana is 11 and you'll enjoy her post entitled, "RIP Charlie"

Wild and Crazy!

Yes, it has started! The family is here! Not the entire family but half of it. It would be wonderful if everyone could have come, but that is too much to hope for. I am still hoping for a reunion with everyone next year. Maybe we can get beach sites and go camping at the beach. So far it is great with lots of little ones, laughing and non-stop talking. Yesterday was beach day. Today there are a few sunburns, so even though we will be swimming; we will have to cover up. Here are a few photos from the beach. Check out the other blogs for more.

How to Dance in the Rain

Received an email I wanted to share:

How to Dance in the Rain

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00.

I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health.

He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease.

As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?'

He smiled as he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.'

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought,

'That is the kind of love I want in my life.'

True love is neither physical, nor romantic.

True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

With all the jokes and fun that are in e-mails, sometimes there is one that comes along that has an important message. This one I thought I could share with you.

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.

Sunset at North Pole

Don't you just love this picture? It is the sunset at the North Pole. There are so many fantastic things to see in this world. Someday......

It's official - I'm certified!

Well this ends a very long training period. I have been taking classes and just passed my final!!!I have decided I really don't like to study anymore and the more I have to memorize the crazier I get. But I must if I want to continue making money; which I do since I am a long way from retirement. I just completed special courses to add the credentials to my resume. I am now certified in loan modification and short sales. Basically I can now help people stay in their houses if they choose by getting the bank to renegotiate their loans or if they can't do that help them with a short sale so they won't have a foreclosure. Now, realize I have been doing this for quite a while, but it is so much more impressive to say "certified", are you impressed? It is sad this is what the real estate market has come to. It doesn't look like the market is going to turn around for several years. This is good news for the buyers, but very difficult if you have to sell your house. A lot of people are getting hurt. I hope by being the best in these niches I will generate some new business. I know I will be helping some people who will not be paying me, but I think the referrals will more than make up for it.

Home Cooking

I have decided to share my favorite recipes with everyone. To start off I will share Jim's special secret barbecue sauce recipe. Just look to the sidebar and you will find it. This is good with both pork and beef ribs. It is also great with chicken.

Memories

Thanks to Aunt Vicki!

Frustration!

This week I am grateful for computers! Yes, they are both my curse and my blessing. I have 2 computers, one my desktop that I use for almost everything. It has a huge monitor so it is easy for me to see. My eyes are going, so sad, but it doesn't mean I am getting old; just need new glasses. Well, it was running slowly so I let Cowboy Dan (the computer guy), put in a new hard drive. All of a sudden it froze up and come to find out, he had to put the old hard drive back in and since I was using the new one for 6 weeks that meant I lost most of my data for those 6 weeks. Including my emails that I was saving and some other stuff I cant remember but know I will need in the very near future. Very irritating.

Then my other computer is a notebook, I use it for business and can't live without it. I discovered I couldn't use the notebook with Mircosoft Word, a big problem. I called Gateway, was put on hold a half hour, finally got someone, talked for a few minutes and was disconnected. I did this routine for several days, totaling up about 8 hours of being on hold with very bad music playing.

Well today I spent 2 hours on the phone with Mel, who has a very stong accent (Raheem is probably is real name). Hmmm.... could I be talking to India? But miracle of all miracles Mel was able to fix the problem. I take back all my bad thoughts of him. I am now up and running again and wondering how did I live without these machines? So if you are keeping score it is:
COWBOYS 0
INDIANS 1

Relief Society

We had a great lesson on Sunday. It was about our divine nature as daughters of God. It emphasized how easy it is to not realize all of our individual potential. I especially loved this quote from the lesson. It is by Marianne Williamson.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Graphics for 4th of July Comments

Eberly's Misery

A small problem with "Truth in Advertising". Michael, Eberly and I took a little backpacking trip this past week, and it was much longer and harder than a review article said that it was. I'm afraid we almost ruined Eberly for ever going again!! Most of our energies were spent climbing over downed trees and scrambling over rocks (at over 7500' elevation).

The scenery was great, but it was hot and dry. NOT a "High Sierra" experience.

I don't think that Eberly ever finished counting all of her mosquito bites (we forgot repellent) and she felt bad enough when we first woke up in the morning that she didn't get to have a Delicious fried Spam breakfast!! We packed up early and headed out. At least we got to check out our backpacking gear and determine where changes need to be made. So now the question is "Eberly, are you going to try it again in 3 weeks when we do the "Sierra Trip"????

Love,

Dad, Grandpa, Jim

Where would I be without Jim?

This week I am grateful for my husband. This is probably the blessing I never take for granted. I am aware of how rich my life is because of him. Right now he is getting my big gulp to start the morning. It is 7:00 and I'm not even dressed yet. There are so many little acts of kindness he does for me. It just makes me love him more. It is so unusual for two people to have such a perfect fit. Even more amazing when you think how young we were when we got married. I was talking to a friend who was upset with her husband because he said some unkind things to her. He had apologized and said he didn't mean it, but she was still so upset. My advise to her was, "to let it go". She didn't really want to let it go since he hurt her feelings. She finally did come around to understanding how important it is not to obsess about things that happen. I think my letting go of the little things that irrate me or make me angry is something that has helped our relationship to be stronger. I love the phrase, "You can either be right or happy"! It is so true, you can't always have both. So I choose to be happy and I am delighted with the depth of the love that Jim and I share.

Too tired for deep thoughts!

It is Sunday night and I have been going since early this morning. I am way too tired for deep thoughts, but want to say something to help the week get off to a good start.



Ginger' Beauty and Fashion Tips
1. No one with perfect hair is really happy on the inside.
2. True beauty comes from within. Within a great hair salon.
3. Smart women know that real beauty doesn't come from a make-up bag.
You need a drawer.
4. "Natural" and "Beauty" go together like "Diet" and "Bearclaw".
5. Surround yourself with ugly people.
6. "One size fits all" is the cruelest phrase ever.