Can you say TOO MUCH?

Our cruise to Tahiti was over so quickly. It look a year to get here, then in a flash, we're already home. We had a great time. What a beautiful place to visit. It was more than we expected. We spent hours in the ocean - clear turquiose water, white or black sand, and the prettiest fish I've ever seen through a snorkle. We always have a great time the Marc and Mimi and this time was no exception. Gene and Marc have a way of making everything perfect. We sat at a table for 4, in a corner, by a window so we could watch the ocean and the sun go down. Each island was an adventure. We either had our own private beach, or a car to drive so we could enjoy the entire island. If there is such a thing as a too much, we ate, laughed, swam, drank (diet Coke), laughed, slept too much, and spent too much time in the sun. I'm still peeling. And I have 6 months to lose too much weight before our next trip. Do they wear moo-moos in Europe? Marc speaks French which was great for our trip. We were able to find the Temple in Papeete and meet a brother, sister, and missionary companion of a sister in our home ward. (On the cruise was a group of 30 BYU Entrepreneurs - can you say 'pompous?' But I won't go into that. What I will say is that if you're LDS, don't try to impress people by who you want to be. Just be who you are. If you're pompous, get over it!!)

We're anxious to have 5 of 8 children and 9 of 10 grandchildren here for Easter. We've been looking for a swingset that will fit in our backyard. Too much pressure. I think I'll stick to sewing and grocery shopping and let Gene take care of the entertainment.

As always, our prayers are with our family. Expecially the Hendricks family as they prepare for Steve to leave for Iraq. Can you say "Who? What? Why? When? YIKES!?" This isn't a farewell we're looking forward to. Even though it means we get to have Jodie and their children here for a few months, I can honestly tell you that I would much rather Steve be home. He'll be missed too much. I alone have cried too many tears and they just keep coming. I guess the well never dries up.

Stick a fork in her -

she's done! After 5 years with the same company, I resigned today. A little bitter sweet as I love the sales reps I'm surrounded by all day. They have made me laugh and made me tougher than I ever thought I'd be, and taught me how to laugh at myself. I have to admit that I enjoyed the jokes at my expense (you know, legs so white they thought I was wearing long white socks with my tennis shoes, glass eye, hair that refuses to be messed up even in the strongest wind). I even got a nice email from the Warehouse Manager this evening. Sort of choked me up. I have grown more and learned more in the last 5 years than ever before. And I have learned that I really like me. That in turn allows me to like others very eassily. God works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform. He has never failed me and I know that my leaving at this time is right. I'll go back to temping, which I loved. Becky has already put in her order for Easter dresses for Kailee and Tylie.

With the news from Jodie this afternoon that Steve is being deployed to Iraq, my new freedom will allow me to take a more active supporting role for her and her children. I have felt so strongly lately that I need to perform more service for others - this isn't the answer I was looking for. I don't worry about Steve's safety, but I know how he feels when he's away from his family and I know how much his family loves him and depends on him. It will be rough on all of them, but prayers, emails, satellite communication will ease the loneliness. Having been brought up and taught in a very partriotic home, I have always honored this country and those who serve her. I'm grateful for Steve's acceptance of an assignment that was neither sought after nor refused.

Now on a lighter side, I feel like going to Target and getting a bright yellow purse to go with my purple Hawaiian print dress!!!

President Hinckley

I imagine Jesus himslef came to President Hinckley, took him by the hand, and invited him to come home with him. I know his wife was waiting for him and they are so happy to be together again. Can you imagine how Joseph Smith felt - getting to meet Gordon Hinckley? Oh my, what a conversation they're having. I wonder who's doing most of the talking? Pres. Hinckly had a great sense of humor - I wonder about Joseph.

I'm sad for me and the rest of the world. He was so special to us all. He never scolded or made me feel uncomfortable by his words. He just loved and encouraged. We had Ward Conference yesterday and I had the opportunity to sustain Pres. Hinckley as my prophet, seer, and revelator for the last time. In April I will teach "We Thank Thee, O God, For a Prophet" to my Primary children. That will not be easy with the memories of my beloved prophet still so fresh in my mind.

I know that our next prophet will be called of God and with that mantle placed on him, he will become as special to me as Pres. HInckley - but I think he waill always be my favorite. I know his council to us would be to go forward with faith, always living our life as the Savior would have us live, sustaining our leaders, loving and serving all mankind.

What a week and I'm venting!

This has been a wild week. Tim, the owner's son and my favortie Russian, was fired last Thursday for leaving their church (what church, it's a cult). They actually are so proud that they made up a rumor that he was taking drugs (crack). He offered to take a drug test but they declined. Tim and his wife and two little girls have lived with his parents since they got married. On Sunday the 13th his father ordered him to get ready for church. Tim said he wasn't going. His father continued to yet at him to force him to go but Tim stood his ground. That week there were several meetings and phone calls with closed doors. Andre (the father) came in Thursday, they called Mark, the sales manager, in the office and told him what was going down, then made him get Tim and that was the end of Tim's job. Then the Hozen's had the sales manager and warehouse manager tell their employees that Tim was fired because of drugs. None of the non-Russian sales people believe it and I'm not sure who does. Tim and his family came over Thursday night to talk. He told me that I was going to hear rumors that were not true. I told him I already had. Onya (his wife) was so angry. But when they left she told me that Tim's father had made her miserable for 6 years and Tim finally saw the peoson he really was.

Dad and I spent some time with them on Saturday. They are like newlyweds. They are really pretty clueless about things as the only thing they know is what they're taught at home (no public education) and church. Carolyn and I took Annie (our new name for her) out last night for her first ever In-n-Out burger and fries. She was scared to eat it - when she finally took a bite she loved it. And her favorite soda is Dr. Pepper. She had her hari cut and frosted and Tim shaved his beard off. Katie (5) and Rachel (almost 2) don't wear the handkerchiefs on their heads anymore either. So they have a new start in life with people who love them. I've invited them over for Easter so you can meet them. I know the little girls will love playing with their new 'cousins.'

I have been filled with the Spirit this week and have felt so in tune. I know that a power greater than I has been in charge and has given me courage to do what I should (I had a conversation with Dave about this whole thing - he 'rope and doped me' but I got it off my chest). I knew when I got this job that it was an answer to my prayers. I didn't know why, except that I have had some good opportunities to share the Gospel and place a few Books of Mormon. I honestly feel that my purpose was to be there for Tim and his family. I also feel that it's time for me to go. I'll be looking for employment soon I'm sure as Andre would like me to be gone! They do not appreciate the fact that I have "taken Tim's side," as they put it. I actually got a box and put it next to my desk today because I knew that they'd let me go. But I'm still on the clock and will report Monday.

Enough venting. I'm so proud of Lisa, the 'Sun Devil." I can hardly wait for Nicole to bring forth Mylie Makanalani. I love Jodie's Valentine metal decor. I love Becky's photoshop talents. And of course, I'm proud of all my boys, and crazy about my grandchildren.

Have a great weekend. Love you all. Dad and Mom