Mother’s Day

For a lot of years Mother’s Day was not my favorite day, for a few reasons. But for the last few years my thinking has changed and it isn’t so bad. This Mother’s Day made me realize just how blessed I am to be a mother.This is why:

These were delivered to my house the Tuesday before from three of my favorite people

Then on Wednesday before Mother’s Day a visitor arrived:

I love this girl!!!

Then the actual day arrived and it was really a good day! I received very thoughtful gifts:

A very “sweet” candy bar poster from Kelsi

Beautiful hand made cards with heartfelt thoughts on each one from Michelle.  

And from this guy what do I get? A great big bear hug and a sweet testimony,

Steak, Cream Cheese Filled Strawberries, Funeral Potatoes, Grilled Corn on the Cob and Pasta Salad

No Mother’s Day would be complete without a delicious meal prepared by my great family!

The one thing that I always say I would like most on Mother’s Day is peace, love and harmony in my home. This year I truly got that. 

Something else that makes me thankful I am a mom is that I have the privilege of being a grandma to this beautiful, crazy, sweet little girl.

WEEKEND IN PHOENIX

Okay, it was really only about a day and a half, but we were traveling for the weekend!

My niece, Kristen, invited us all down to Phoenix to visit her a couple of weeks ago. I was the only one from my family that was able to go, so, I rode down (yes in a car) with my sister, Cindy, brother in law, Russ and luckily…my niece, Lessley. I say luckily because it would have been a pretty long total of 20 hours (or 500 hours, depending on who you talk to) in a car!

We left Salt Lake on Friday morning and after a couple of stops were on our “scenic route” way. The Scenic Route meaning we left the freeway and went on 2 lane roads through places like Panquich, Ut. Where the gas station had the nerve to put “soda” water in their soda fountains instead of just “plain” water! We also drove through Kanab, UT where they save money in their city budget by hiring “dummy” cops.

I guess it works, we slowed down, and even turned around to take this picture!

Cindy:There is a dummy in that cop car.

The rest of us: No way.

Cindy: Yes there is, turn around!

So we did, and she was right!

We made it to Phoenix, Anthem, Scottsdale….at about 7pm AZ time.

It was such a great weekend spending some time with Kristen and her cute family.

We played the WII

Well, Sierra played the wii and was very good!!!

Lessley got a short lesson on how to ride a rip-stick.

Judge for yourself how well she learned!

I think she improved!

We went to dinner on Saturday night to celebrate my mom’s 76th (yes I said 76) birthday.

We had to wait about an hour to get into eat. We were all able to keep ourselves entertained.

We finally got in and were able to eat and then sing Happy Birthday!

Love ya mom!!!

Before we left the next morning, Jared wanted us to meet his fiance’ Victoria. So we all went to breakfast to spend a little more time with the “fam” before we left.

Jared and Victoria are getting married next April! Congratulations!!!

It was so fun spending the weekend with family. Thanks Kristen and Matt for inviting us down!!!

See you November!

February & March Update

So I have been frequently reminded (from some that are very close to me) that I really need to update my blog, so luckily I took some pictures in Feb. & Mar.

In February I spent some time in Plain City with Danielle, Steve & Emma. I was there to help celebrate Little Miss E’s 1st birthday. Danielle made a very cute cake and it was fun to help her get the party ready. Unfortunately, Emma was really sick and didn’t really enjoy all of the festivities that were planned.

In March, Michelle came for a little visit to show us her new car (that we bought but hadn’t seen). It is always so fun to have her come home!

Also in March, Kelsi & I spent spring break with Danielle, Steve & Emma. While we were there Danielle had a book party, she has started selling Usborne books. In the first picture you will notice Cindy & Danielle at the computer. The funny thing about this picture is that Cindy is teaching Danielle how to do something on the computer and not the other way around! It was fun to have a relaxing week. Matt spent spring break in Moab, UT mountain biking, but on Saturday on their way home they were able to drop Matt off with me, so he was able to spend some quality time with the Little Miss, teaching her the ins and outs of the game boy!

Highlights

Now that we have been home a few days, and I am slowly getting back to normal. I want to just finish this adventure with some photo highlights.

Witnessing how people drive without traffic signs Understanding that geckos are my friends gecko=no bugs!

Seeing the need for why Geoff does what he does.

Seeing this. . .go to

this. . .and finally tothis.

Watching Kevin do his job!

Being a part of children receiving a gift of ice-cream, some for the first time.

Making new friends!

Feeling blessed for what I have and realizing people can be happy no matter their circumstance.

Being in the OR and taking this picture! Observing Geoff removing stitches and not even passing out!

Seeing first hand the love and concern Geoff has for the children he does surgery for.

Enjoying the beauty of Mag-aso Falls.

Kesh, Julie, Dr. Majong, Kevin,

Geoff, Sandra, Kring-Kring, Flor & Mitch 

Spending a life changing two weeks with these amazing people!

THE NURSES

I am almost finished with my Philippine Adventure, but I couldn’t  finish without a tribute to the nurses.

Kring-Kring, Mitch, & Julie--Taking a “Break”

A little background on Filipino nurses. There are quite a few nursing programs in the Philippines and they graduate a lot of nurses.

Nursing Students

The problem is that they don’t have a lot of jobs for them. So, they are basically required to volunteer for at least 1 year before they can get a job, and even then it isn’t guaranteed.

The one thing that caught my eye from the moment I met the nurses is that they are always smiling.

They never once complained about the long hours they spent working. Even when it was 2:00 am and they had to be back at the hospital at 8:00 am.

Julie & Mitch

They are an inspiration to me and a great example of  generosity, kindness and happiness.

Thanks for letting me spend 2 wonderful weeks with you. I know my attitude about a lot of things have changed because of “The Nurses”! 

Mitch, Kring-Kring, Julie, Flor

Day Care Visit

The first time Kevin came to Kabankalan, Ray took him out to a day care center. At the time it was located close to a river, and was prone to flooding. Ray had told Kevin they were hoping to build a new school that wouldn't flood. They were able to do that!

Today I visited the new school that they have been in almost a year. We were able to take them a double gas burner so they could prepare food for the children instead of cooking over coals. While we were there Ray had mentioned that they would really like to tile the floor. Well, one of the mother's said something to Paul about a tile floor and he donated a $100us right there! They were very excited. That should be a big help towards them getting their new floor!

Ice Cream--again!

As promised, ice cream was again delivered to the school on Tuesday!

It was so fun watching over 400 children enjoy a small cup/cone of ice cream and a cookie---before lunch!

We had enough for the 1st-4th grades.

When Paul found out that there wouldn't be enough for the 5th & 6th grade, he ordered more for the next day for them!

I think that little ice cream man made more money in 2 days than he usually makes in a 6 months!