My aha day

So I had a great week. Busy but so rewarding. I went to the farmers market in Paradise and sold a few things, I was asked to bring items into a new business call Violet Hill for consignment, they took all I had, plus my antique hats. It's a cute shop run by two twenty something girls. I also am selling stuff at Cox Honey, a shop in Tremonton, and hopefully at Beadles in Logan. It's a fun hobby, not getting rich, but enjoying keeping busy.
On Thursday I tool the red hat ladies to a cabin in Blacksmith Fork canyon for a picnic. We ate, laughed and had a fun afternoon. I took a few moments and walked down to the river. I waded in , then sat on the bank and watched black and white butterflies..they were about 2 inced wide. The flowers were gorgeous, the river was amazing to hear as it flowed over the rocks, the sky was blue and the sun warm. Then a green backed hummingbird came right by me and skimmed the water and dipped its bill into drink for several minutes I just sat fascinated and enjoyed it's beauty. It was the perfect moment...clean mountain air and all of the above. I could have stayed all day in that spot.
Thank you Father in Heaven for that wonderful, perfect moment of pure peace and bliss. It filled the oil in my lamp to overflowing. It was what I needed most in my life to rejuvenate.
I loved being with Shawna and Wendy on Friday and Saturday. It was healing to see Becky and Paul and know see for myself that they were ok. It is truly a miracle that my brother in law is alive and going to be ok-he has a long haul ahead, but he can do it. I have to say though, that being mooned by him wasn't anything I ever thought I'd experieicne in this life...I have the photos to prove it. Hope they get home soon.
Our lavender field 5K was fun, I was worried I'd be too slow or hot etc. but I had fun, saw lots of people, enjoyed the purple fields and the fresh air. We did it in 40 minutes, next year we will do it in better time and hope to run at least a mile of the race. I have to say it got into my blood-I
loved the feel of the racers running by and the finish line. Girls we did it-not a hard feat, but after Shawna's fall, I wasn't sure she could walk another mile...way to grit your teeth and cowboy up sis. Next year I'll be in better shape and have stronger knees.
A good week, a good Sunday today and now we start all over again. Hoping for some hammock time tonight with Al. Life is good and I'm grateful for my family, freedom, my faith in God and gratitude for his love. Love to all, Vic

July

Happy Freedom Day. I love this holiday-red, white and blue, waving flags, singing, cookouts and it's warm. I'm so thankful to be free and live in this land. This summer has been crazy busy, but so worthwhile. I've been walking each night getting in shape for a 5k walk in the lavendar fields in Mona, and to keep in shape. Since I had the heart stress test, I've been trying hard to eat healthy, walk and let things og-it's a long process, but will happen. I had a fantastic summer reunion with the Campbell Clan in Rupert, Idaho...close by our old dairy. I had fun trying to karaoke with my sisters, we made watch bands, talked, played and had fun being together. We missed all who couldn't come. It was the perfect family place. Thanks Becky and Paul for the work and fun, you rock!
Thanks Jen and boys for coming with me and for the talks, laughter and fun while you were all here. We cooked out, played Payday and cards, lounged, played in the water and shared memories. I love my family. In June, I also got promoted to director at the senior center-more hours and pay raise..I'm pumped! Al's here, but we don't get tons of time together awake, at least we are under the same roof.
I've got my Fancy That business going..selling head wraps, wire rings, It's and pillows. It's slow, but picking up a bit. I have to be busy and it;s fun to create. I love skypeing with the kids and I'm so glad for the technology that allows me see my families faces while we talk.
Sweet Victory--arm wrestling Jen and Clar and I beat them both-Clar called me a tough broad-not sure that was a compliment, but it was funny.
Glad to be alive...I got caught up in waves while on araft at Hyrum Dma and got way out of my comfort zone and I couldn't see Al, my anchor. I yelled until my throat hurt and prayed so hard that I wouldn't tip over. I was so scared...yes, I'm a non swimmer and I didn't have a life jacket on. Thanks to Surf for alerting the others I needed some help and to the life gaurd who came and otwed me in on a jet ski...I admit I was embarrassed, but too glad to get out of the water to care. I had nightmares for two nights.
I'm loving the flowers, heat, fresh morning air and want summer to slow down and stay for a long long time.
Grateful to the Lord for preserving my brother in law's life after his cycle accident...heal fast Paul. Thankful also to two soldiers in my family who just got sent overseas...I love and appreciate you both. Love to my siblings. More love and hugs to my kids and grandkids. Even more love thoughts to my honey. Happy Fourth, Vic

A little bit of everything

So, here it is May 2010 and I've been a slacker about writing on my blog. I have such a demanding schedule and social life....whatever. Actually, I do keep busy. I'm ready for spring and warmer weather, enough of this 50 degree stuff. I've loved some new experiences this spring: using a chain saw, teaching myself how to run the tiller, I'll pay for that one with a sore arm, watching dozens of hummingbirds in our apricot tree...up close, like within 6 inches of my face, enjoying the dozens of Holland tulips we got when we were there...they have mass produced and are gorgeous, having girl time with my neighbors, having my Al back home...it has been an adjustment and all I can say is it's a good thing he loves me, is patient and forgives easily...because I can get witchy. I admit I got very independent while he was on the road and I like things my way-I'm learning how to share my time, work and life again and it's been harder than I thought it would be. Some advice...don't let your man drive truck, unless you are with him. It's hard to adjust. Babe, it's good to have you home.
We lost Al's dad on March 1st and too late I realized I didn't express to him how I appreciated him. He was an amazing man, funny, caring, a tease, smart, humble and faithful. He tolerated alot this past few years and he kept his dignity and sense of humor...I'm sure he's having a joyous reunion with his family. Thanks dad for being part of my life. I've had three dad's...mine own, whom I miss more than words could tell, Al's dad and Gordon Luke, who filled a part of my heart when my dad died. Three great men, whom I admire and love.
I've been asked to join a literary club ,it could be an interesting experience, these are the elite ladies of the area....No, I'm not hoity toity. I do want to meet new people..I love meeting people and learning from them and I hope I teach others as well as learn. Tonight, I sang camp songs with Braden and Ryan and planted potatoes with Kolby...see, I have fun neighbors, we laugh alot and have some fun times.
I'm looking forward to summer reunions, laying in the hammock, growing my garden, writing, doing more humanitarian projects, and spending time with Al. I had a great time with my sisters this month...thanks. I'm loving my new crochet passion-headbands and wraps. I'm donating part of the money I make to the cancer foundation in honor of my mom who didn't survive and my daughter who did. I admire them both for their courage. I now have a daughter who is a nurse and I'm proud of her sticking out the tough years. Of course, I'm proud of all my family and I love them so much and miss them all...oh to have the dream of my heart and be close to all of them. I am happy they are having new and exciting experiences. My love, thoughts and prayers are with them at all times.
I have some amazing friends, who I have learned to trust and rely on...thanks Tina, Jodie and Shannon and families....you have pulled me through some tough times and buoyed my spirit more than you will ever know. I love you all.
I've learned alot this last year about being prepared for emergencies, storage, spiritual preparedness and trusting in the Lord. He has been by my side always, but I have noticed it more this past two years being on my own. I have learned to rely on him and gain strength, to turn my fears and tears over to him and to trust that he will take care of my family...for they were his first and always will be. I love the senses he gave me to enjoy the creations of this earth. I am so thankful for fresh air, blue skies, color, music, nature, the taste of food and the coolness of water as it soaks my throat. I am so blessed and I acknowledge God's hand in all that is good in my life. I love my family far and near, those who are here and those who have gone on. Thanks for being mine. Love to all, Vic

Exhilaration!!

Friday night fun...it's snowing, straight down, large flakes, kind of warm and I'm outside with my neighbors. We shoveled everyone out, then like a dummy, I threw a snowball and so it began. We had quite a wet fight, I got my face washed and even made a snow angel. I felt so alive and full of energy...even though it still snowed and had to be shoveled again that night, I had a blast. I think I need to invest in some snowpants and waterproof gloves.
I've been dejunking my home and it feels so good to get rid of stuff. I have more to go, then I want to do some painting.
My Al had two days at home and we had a neighbor party with good soup and mafia games, Pit and Signs. It was nice to hold his hand in church...and now he's off to Wisconsin and I'm back to cleaning and the usual week of work.
Hope all of you are well...January is almost over...yeah. Love, Vic

Long time/no post

So, it's been awhile since I blogged on here. I can't believe how fast 2009 flew by. I had a good year. The highlight was having all the family but Cody and Blake here at the same time. What a wild, wacky, wonderful time. I loved the truck trip to Tennesee with Al and being bounced around for a week. Actually, it was fun adn I got some great barn photos. I did alot of canning, freezing and drying this fall. It's nice to have the food come from our yard.
The trips to Colorado were super. Devin got baptized and I got to be a witch with 6 of the grandkids. We've seen some amazing sights this year as we've traveled. Going to New Jersey was a blast and we pulled off the surprise..yeah. Amanda didn't know I was coming. She graduated from nursing school adn they got their house in Pennsylvania. It was great to have Jen, Jess and Clarissa and families here for Thanksgiving. We've been able to spend some fun time with Tran's and I know it's going to be a killer to have them move to Belgium in Feb. I want to be there for our 40th anniversary in two years. It's been hard not to see Blake much, he's had a struggle the last few weeks, losing his job etc. Being a mom never gets easier, but it's the best job ever and the rewards are fabulous.
I've shared some fun times with my siblings this year also. They are the best.
I have to admit, I can put on a good front when I need to. Having Al gone all the time is hard. But he loves it and is working hard. I'm thankful for him and the love we share. I've been blessed to be surrounded by wonderful neighbors, good places to work and a super ward.
Keeping busy is a blessing and even though I've had two naps this week-both in the guest room with the sun steaming in, I do keep myself entertained with projects etc. I even got some writing on my latest story done. I'm taking my time on it-two years now.
Bring on 2010- I'm ready. I've got goals made and already dejunked stuff. And even though I'm not invincible, I feel good, I'm wearing a size 6 and I've got energy to get things done. Thanks to family and friends for love, laughs, memories and sharing. Vic