Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Lessons I'm Learning

The last few days have been hard. The days of desperation and pain from Joe's Meningitis are gone now but his slow, not steady, progress is disheartening. Joe was surprised at how car sick and dizzy he felt when he accompanied me while dropping off the preschooler at school. At times of late I have reflected what the Lord would have me learn from these trials. Hannah has been battling a bladder infection, Susie has an ear infection, I am coming down with the flu (fever, headache, sore throat, runny/congested nose, body aches). I still feel I am physically carrying a baby, four children, and a run down husband (physically and emotionally). Maybe one of the lessons learned is that I can't physically carry it all. That I am not supposed to. Perhaps Heavenly Father wants me to learn to be humble, to set aside my pride, and ask. When someone asks or indicates that they would like to help--perhaps I could suggest a way they could help us. Perhaps. I believe in the power of prayer. It is one of the best gifts we can give one another. My prayers have been more sincere and filled with faith. Let me last until things start to improve around here. I took the follow from a post at Segullah.

Pray for me; heal my heart

Posted by Michelle L. | March 24, 2011

After the funeral, the house felt oddly clean and quiet– especially in little Robert’s room where his blue-trimmed crib lay empty. Just days before, Pam’s miracle baby had pulled himself up to standing, laughed at the sunshine and reached for her arms; but in the morning he was blue and still.

Pam stepped onto her back porch, turned her face to the moon and wondered how long her heart could continue to beat when she was so filled with pain. As she stood outside she began to hear whispers, to literally feel the prayers of all the friends, neighbors and family who were praying for her and her husband. They came to her like falling stars, tiny bits of light splintering the great blackness of grief.

I’ve thought of Pam’s experience on the back porch many times since she described it to me. Any time that I’ve thought that my one prayer couldn’t make a difference, or been shy to ask for prayers in my behalf, I’ve pictured that celestial meteor shower of hope and love.

My friend Cheri recently introduced me to the concept of a personal prayer roll. As Cheri is acquainted with a concern or grief, she adds that person to a prayer roll that she keeps at her bedside. And each night, Cheri reads those names, praying for each person individually. When Cheri told me she had added me to her prayer roll last fall, I felt a rush of love and gratitude for her and an extra assurance that God was aware of my needs. I’ve since created my own list with the names of my children, the Young Women I serve and loved ones in need. I believe there is great power in speaking those names out loud. I know God hears my prayers.

In the past, I felt awkward about asking others to pray for me. Now I plea with my friends and visiting teachers to petition God in my behalf. Many, many days I have felt a lightening, an extra strength that I know was a result of prayers offered in my name.

Few actions make me feel more loved than when someone tells me they’ve placed my name on the prayer roll of the temple. I usually stand in front of that little white box, scribbling names and searching my mind for who I may have forgotten– and yes, I always pen my own name.

Last Wednesday, I said goodbye to my oldest son on the curb of the Provo MTC. “Take a good look at that cute face,” my friend advised, “because you’ll never see it again. When he comes back he’ll be changed.”

Ben was so giddy, so glad to leave that we were all perhaps, a little overconfident. But the MTC is hard, especially that first week. He wrote:

“I don’t mean to complain or make you worry but I think it helps to admit that things are hard. I never thought it would be this hard. One night I was having an especially lonely time. I prayed and told Heavenly Father I didn’t know if I could do this. I climbed into bed and as I lay there I saw you all praying for me– Mom, Dad, Stefan, Hans, Xander, Gabriel and silly little Mary followed with her own prayer. I felt so loved. I immediately felt better; I love you all so much.”

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And so, I’ll continue to offer, every night, every hour, a prayer for those I love.

How have you felt the power of prayer in your life?

How do you make your prayers more effective?

Saturday, March 26, 2011

BYU Traditions Ball

Several weeks ago, Joe bought tickets to the BYU Traditions Ball at the Hinckley Center. He was not sick at the time. Right up until 8:00 p.m. (when it began), he thought he might be able to go. He could not. He felt too awful. We tried to give the tickets away at the last minute with no success, so I went with another man. My little man. We had a nice time. He dressed up in his new Easter suit (with tube socks and sandals because he couldn't find his church shoes). I was chauffeur. He was entertainment. We had not counted on it raining. He held my hand while we ran in the rain. He told me he enjoys most anything with cheese. He does not know what he wants to be or do when he grows up. He likes to draw. He was disappointed that there is not lots of candy at the dance. He thinks there should be lots of candy available. When you are seven, cut up fruit, vegetables and dip, do not count as dessert at a dance. He learned the side to side dance move. We "side to sided" to the door. Every date needs dessert. He bought me and him Earths Best Yogurts from the twenty dollar bill I slipped into his sock. (He only has decorative pockets). The above photo only shows the first of many layers of toppings, surrounded by a thin layer of melted yogurt. Next year I hope to attend with my other man. This year I am grateful for my little man.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Flying Ponies for Sale?

Hey, do you know where I can buy a flying pony? This morning I was putting on a Bernstein bear movie for the Littilies so that Joe and I could catch more sleep when Susie saw the opening and said, "Mom, please, can you get me a Flying Pony for Christmas?! That way I could fly to cousin Lolly's (house) whenever I want to."

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Meningitis not a Migraine

Joe developed a headache last Thursday evening. He took medication and asked me to rub his back but fell asleep early and so I put the children to sleep. He woke up early Friday morning with what he thought was a migraine. He took medicine for a "migraine" all day with little relief. Thinking his back was out, he saw a chiropractor and came home in even more pain. That night he had a fever and was in a lot of pain. Medications were barely taking the edge off and he slept little and restlessly. Sunday, he had a priesthood blessing and fell asleep for a couple of hours and awoke in so much pain he began to vomit. We went in the ER and to make a very long story short, there they preformed a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) and diagnosed him with Viral Meningitis. He has found some relief with Advil, Benedryl, Lortab, and some caffeine. Today brought some hope of relief as he was able to sit in on a long work call and feel more "himself." Thanks for your prayers. It has been difficult to be up with him and see someone you love and care about in so much pain. I was grateful to the sunshine today. It brought us hope. We still have more days (and even worse nights) of pain. We are learning many things through this current trial. Thank you very much for your kind thoughts and prayers. We feel your love and it strengthens us.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Escaping to Hawaii (Hospital)

Tired out, I resented being a mother last Thursday. Joe fell asleep early. I lectured children about all that I do, that is really their jobs and then put all the children to bed after scriptures and prayers. The next day, Joe invited me on a surprise date to "get away" to Hawaii. he brought home an orchid that reminded him of a plummeria and insisted I wear it behind my ear. We said goodbye to the children and enjoyed a movie and popcorn (despite Joe's "migraine"). After, he took more medicine to try and free himself from his bad headache. This weekend, instead of getting away to Hawaii, we spent many painful hours at the ER and then at home where Joe is healing from meningitis. Just another day in Paradise, I guess. I am so grateful to have another day with him.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Top O' The Morning to Ye

To a Lepercon I wold like it if you wold draw a pickcher of yoursellf. if you take a coin or gem please leave a toy p.s. do not step on the thing or you will get trapt from Jon. In the triangle box--stay away from Hannah (she doesn't believe in you.) Top O' the morning to ya! Hello Jon! We Leprechauns dress a lot like your people, humans do. We wear a button up shirt and regular old green pants. We wear better shoes than your people do though. Ours are pointy. Enjoy the Gold! From Leprechaun Sam O' Green P.S. Thanks for the heads up about the trap.
Happy St. Patricks Day
Miss R, Jonathan and Susie built a Leprechaun Trap again this year. The difference is that this year, Jonathan left a note telling the Leprechaun to leave a picture of himself and warning him about the trap. They received milk chocolate coins to share among themselves. We also enjoyed festive foods--chicken and broccoli casserole, green Jell-o, pistachio salad, and green sugar cookies. Hope your St. Patrick's was lucky too!

We Caught Ourselves a Little Leprachaun

Ahh, she has reddish hair and the Luck O' The Irish too!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Catch Up

Last night (early this morning, rather) I played catch up...through Valentines anyway. I've included a 7 Layer Cookie Bar recipe, Ballroom pics, snow day, and more about baby. Hope you are well.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Baby is Growing Up!

Our little one is now praciticing to be a full fledged toddler: babbling (sometimes quite loudly to be noticed, fed, "one of the gang"), walking along things (hopefully stable), scattering books on lower shelves, discovering doors on cabinets and items from inside those cabinets, pulling over and going through the trash cans, squealing with preschool sister, laughing when she knows something is a game, etc. She even has a nick name "Scripture Ripper." Hopefully, one day this will be "Scripture Reader."

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Dating is Dangerous!

Hey all, I've got a lot to Blog about (ice skating, Fairy Tea Party, etc.). I am home fretting because today the nerves in my back are acting up. A couple of Fridays ago I went with Joe to bungee jump and on some of the flips I timed them wrong and was jerked pretty hard on the way down. Turns out I separated some ribs (T10, T11, and T12). Have any of you separated ribs and what, besides a rib belt, helped you recover the fastest? I am on four Advil currently and have these spasmodic clusters of pain when I go to sit, lay down, pick up Evie, etc. Dating can be dangerous, I say!

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Fairy Tea Party Fun

Fairy pendant, pink Fairy Fluff (cotton candy), and "Pixie Dust" favors
Shy Little Fairies
Ballet Fairies Perform
The Fairy King
Mature Fairies
Grandma and Grandpa relax after the Tea.
For more on this from a local paper, see here. Campbell Fairies, Clayton Grandma, and Ashton Fairies went to the annual Fairy Tea. It was delicious, of course!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Shall We Skate?

Ahh...car rides make me so sleepy.
Miss H and school friend Nike.
Anxious, fearful, and he's up and enjoying himself!
Sweet and patient Miss R spells Joe and I
Skating with cousin Sonya.
With an hour left, Miss R watched the Zamboni clear the ice.
And she's up and happy!
Joe called this afternoon. It turns out his company is sponsoring a free family skate night with hot cocoa and treats in Salt Lake. We eat a quick picnic lunch dinner in the car, listen to Dave Berry's hilarious Science Fair audio book and before we know it-- we are there. Miraculously (and thankfully) I did not fall once.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Easy (and delicious) Seven Layer Cookie Bars

Ingredients

  • Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 1 cup (6 oz.) butterscotch-flavored chips
  • 1 cup (6 oz. pkg.) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
  • 1 cup chopped nuts

Instructions

  • HEAT oven 350°F. Spray 13 x 9-inch baking pan with no-stick cooking spray.
  • COMBINE graham cracker crumbs and butter; mix well. Press crumb mixture firmly into bottom of prepared pan. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumb mixture. Layer evenly with remaining ingredients; press down firmly with fork.
  • BAKE 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Loosen from sides of pan while still warm; cool on wire rack. Cut into bars or diamonds.
  • For perfectly cut cookie bars, line entire pan with foil, extending foil over edge of pan. Coat lightly with no-stick cooking spray. After bars have baked and cooled, lift up by edges of foil to remove from pan. Cut into individual bars.
*My tip: Melt butter in a medium glass bowl and add crumbs and mix with a fork until moistened, then press into sprayed glass casserole dish. The family and Elder's Quorum (after temple sealing) gobbled these up.