Gone too soon

I attended the funeral of Becky Brinton Jorganson yesterday. I had known her since early school days and she was in the ward I grew up in. I had lost contact with the family until her sister, Chris Hughes, moved into my current ward. Becky lived with Chris for a while. I was able to be her visiting teacher for a few months and enjoyed my visits with her. While living with Mike and Chris, she had a bout with cancer. She went through the surgery and chemo and came through it all with a positive attitude. Then she had another bout - surgery, chemo, radiation, still positive and upbeat. Then it hit her lungs - while on chemo. I can't imagine her ordeal - the pain, being sick, then finally knowing that her life would soon be over. But she stayed so strong and positive. She managed to attend the temple once a week as well as make any one who talked to her think that they were the only person that mattered. She left behind 2 sons, a pregnant daughter and her grandchildren - and her parents, 4 sisters and a brother. Her brother, Bobby, talked about salvation at the funeral. He made the comment that God knows when it's our time. He knew it was Becky's - Bobby said he couldn't think of a greater blessing than to have his sister waiting to greet him when he returns home.

I can't imagine burying my parents, nor my sisters, and never my children or grandchildren. I have to go first. But at my funeral, Bryan and Carolyn have to talk - and be funny. Kelly can give the spiritual talk and Jodie and Becky can plan the party after the funeral. And I mean party - cotton candy, popcorn, and sodas for everyone. And if it can be arranged, the In-n-Out truck!!!!!!! I'll have a double double with grilled onions.

I'm loving it

My girls have told me that Gene and I need to post on our blog. So here is a quick update: I love road trips (actually, I like any kind of trip). I flew to Colorado to drive back to California with Jodie and my Hendricks grandies. The trip was long but not hard. Most of the driving was done at night and Jodie drive the majority of the time. The only bad part of the trip was when we lost Mason's favorite blanket and the ice chest (full of food and Diet Coke). We made it to Kingman, Arizona and had to stop to sleep. The motel was beautiful. Taylor loved the palm trees. When we pulled into the driveway at home we were greeted by Becky and her children. What a treat. It was so cute to see the cousins together. Taylor and Dallin have always loved each other - so they're really cute together. It was good to be home - I missed my hubby (Can't imagine how Jo feels).

My Primary children sang on Sunday (The Atonement by Clive Romney - the most beautiful Primary song about the Atonement. If you want a copy, let me know and I'll send it to you). Preston, Taylor, Dallin and Kailee were on the stand, too. I loved it.

Gus flew in the following Friday evening and we had Easter dinner Saturday. It was wonderful to have the family together - except we missed Bryan, Lisa and Bryson.

Now, I find myself still unemployed and loving it. I have many sewing projects going on (I should say I have TOO MANY going on but I love to sew and enjoy every moment at the machine). I'm still working on Mylie's quilt, a challenging pattern has me confused most of the time. I have a quilt to make for our bed. I have purchased several pieces of fabric for little grandie's dresses. I've had several baby showers and have made crib sheets and coordinating blankets for gifts. My friend Stephanie is expecting two grandies (one is a girl, the other we don't know yet), so I'll have a couple other baby gifts to make. - need a special, unique baby gift? Give me a call. I'm getting really fast, and loving it. I keep up with the laundry and Gene barely gets his dress shirt off when it gets washed, ironed and hung back in his closet. And I'm loving it. I get to bake cookies, bread, make soup, etc. to share with neighbors and friends and I love that, too. The Temple is always a treat (and with the price of gas, once a month is all I do anymore), expecially when I get to go with Mimi. We usually have to stop at Wal Mart for something, then have lunch. Her son-in-law recently got home from Iraq, so we have that to talk about, as well as our husbands (Gene and Marc are SO much alike), children, grandies, trips, and our weight. We keep threatening to start water arobics, but we have to have Becky teach up. We don't think we'll ever look as good as she does, but it's worth a try, right? Anyways, I love my Mimi fixes.

We've been on an old, epic movie kick lately - The Greatest Story Ever Told, Midway, El Cid, just to name a few. Gene is the movie buff. I just like to be entertained. We're getting anxious for our August trip. Gene is busy with work and his church calling. I'm just busy staying busy!

Today is Gene and Jodie's birthday. For Gene, it's another day closer to retirement and for Jo, it's the wonderful 30th.

That brings me up to date since my last post. No babies expected right now. No excitinbg news to share, just the news that my family is fine and I'm loving it!!!

Greater love hath no man than this . . .

"Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for a friend." My nights have become sleepless. I'm unable to dismiss the thoughts that race through my mind so I can get the rest I used to need. Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (a Mormon) puts a different lens on matters of the world. As I contemplate Steve's departure, I cannot deny that my testimony has been heightened. Scriptures and songs come to mind and quite often, I weep. Tears of love? Tears of truth? Tears of fear? Yes, tears of all description. I love Steve as I love my own sons. There is no variance between him, and Bryan, Kelly and Gus. My prayers for the safety of our soldiers have become more meaningful - more personal. The unspeakable is possible with Steve's deployment. I think of the song, "Consider the lillies of the field." If God is aware of the lillies of the field, how much more so is he aware of Steve at this time; and his wife and children. I think of the scripture, "Be still and know that I am God." This is harder to practice in times of trial but so vital. I think of the song, "I Know tht My Redeemer Lives - He lives to hear my souls complaint. He lives to comfort me when faint. He lives to calm my troubled heart. He lives all blessings to impart." There are so many more that come to my mind, and I am comforted. Scriptures and music have become more meaningful of late. And strength is drawn from them. A fortified testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? Absolutely. I know that they live. They know every son and daughter. They know the righteous desires of our heart and they do bless us. I know beyond any doubt that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true and I am grateful for this knowledge, as I rely on it heavily each day.

To those who have given Jodie support, I thank you deeply and sincerely. Her brothers and sisters have expressed their love and care, and I declare my love and thankfulness to them. To my dear friends who have uttered words of encouragement "mom to mom," I express my love to them. I am blessed beyond words. To my sister, Carolyn, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me." And to my dear Steve, Vaya con dios. I love you!!

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.