2009-Year of Change

I am not exactly the best at this blogging thing but I love reading everyone else's. This year has been a year of changes. Doug lost his job in February,I started a second job in March, Mike found a job in September. Grandpa Teran died in October, Alex and Rachel totaled their car in December, and Doug received a call to serve as an ordinance worker in the Draper Temple. Sometimes you wonder when the hole will stop getting bigger and the light will appear again. Despite the struggles, our table has never been empty, we are warm and surrounded by many good friends and family. We have been lifted and supported and when it is all done for this year, I can truly say, we have been blessed and it has been a good year. Hope 2010 brings you joy and happiness.
"There is a tendency to think of change as the enemy. Many of us are suspect of change and will often fight and resist it before we have even discovered what the actual effects will be. When change is thought through carefully, it can produce the most rewarding and profound experiences in life." Marvin J. Ashton

Many good memories

I know that we aren't supposed to love our "stuff" but the memories asociated with some stuff make it hard to part with. Foolish, you say. Yes, and true, but I can't help feel sadness as I watched the truck loaded up and taken away. It was a sentimental moment. This was dad's truck. We purchased it from mom with the agreement that we would tow her fifth wheel trailer. Several trips with mom to St. George and up camping. Then we have our own memories of our camper and time spent with family in our beautiful mountains. Then there are many times we moved people or materials for projects and others borrowed it. Despite the problems, we had with the truck, it took us many places and rescued us and brought us many good times. It will be missed. Okay, this sounds like someone died!

Spring Break

One advantage to unemployment is no time obligations so over Spring Break Doug and I went with the Kinikini's to visit Grandpa and Grandma Teran. It was nice to get away from the daily struggles and enjoy a little break. Grandpa and Grandma are such wonderful people and we enjoyed time to visit. We even had the opportunity to celebrate Doug's birthday with them.We also went to the temple, played in the sand, and went swimming. The desert was beautiful. Kelsie, Kaden and Kenna rode with us from Filmore to St. George. That was fun, well at least, most of the time. Despite the problems we have in our lives, it is always nice to know that we have each other. We also enjoyed some time with other family members who were there.Our session at the temple was great. I have forgotten the beauty of that temple. As we walked out, there was a painting of all the U.S.A. presidents with Pres. Wilford Woodruff. It made me realize how blessed I am to have a testimony of the Saviour and this church but even more so to be worthy to enter His temple. All in all it was a nice break.

Changes

I just started reading President Monsen's talk "Finding Joy in the Journey." I need a little joy, the past few weeks haven't been the brightest. I always thought that Doug and I could be the financially stable part of our family and help out our struggling children but this isn't the path we are on right now. It is a path that some of you have traveled before. One thing that he states is "I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do, instead, find joy in the journey-now." "Now" is the key word for me. I have had many wonderful opportunities and blessings in my lifetime. I am trying to focus on what I have and not what I don't have. I intend to find joy even though the journey is taking me down a path I do not want to travel.

Sunday evening

Sunday night with family should be just a peaceful time but just look at these activities. I do not claim any responsibility in any of this!


Everyone got into the act and raced around on the scooters. I have to admit, they are fun!!!
While the rest of us enjoyed a nice dinner and conversation, Lily and Kenna had some fun of their own! We have small brains around here-we just can seem to remember that these two little girls are full of trouble and should not be left alone-ever!!!In case you can't tell from the picture, this was all the books and other items that were on the bottom bookshelves in the basement family room. I am just glad that they couldn't reach the top ones. They are so darn cute!Family game night is one of our favorite Sunday activities.Although it can get a bit crazy,I do love Sunday Evening!!

America

America, what a country we live in. Despite all the problems and the struggles that people are going through and the imperfections in our government and economy. I am proud of this country. Yesterday was an amazing experience. We are so blessed to be able to move from one president to another without a bullet shot, riots in the street or ethnic genocide occurring. I was raised during the 60's. I remember the assassination of Dr. King, President Kennedy, and his brother Robert. I was part of student government with the first African American student body president at the University of Utah. He was amazing and did a great job. I was saddened by the narrow mindedness of people who told me I was going to hell because I was serving in the same student council as "him." I watched the tears on the faces of many people yesterday as Pres. Obama spoke. The dream is alive. You can be anything you want if you work hard enough! I love America!