Grateful!

We just got home from visiting Desirae's dad, Martell, in the ICU at Banner Good Samaritan Hospital. He had 2 tumors on his liver. Thankfully they were both benign. He has to stay in the ICU until tomorrow.
I am grateful that he is recovering well. I am grateful that he loves his daughter and wants to be her daddy. I am grateful for him in our lives. I am grateful that Desirae was comforted when she saw her daddy tonight didn't become more worried. I am grateful tonight.

Genealogy Blessings

The blessings of doing genealogy! WOW!!! Today was a milestone in Desirae's relationship with the dad she hasn't spoken to in over 2 years. Through contacting his family for genealogy work we were able to find her father also. Today we had the honor of meeting his new girl friend, Amber, and BABY GIRL, Mia! It was a blessing to break bread with Martell and his oldest daughter (my oldest daughter) and his baby! We did learn however that Martell has 2 tumors on his liver. He is going into the hospital on Tuesday to have them removed. Desirae is worried but very hopeful that her dad will be ok.

Mia is absolutely precious. I think her big sister was quite fascinated with her also!

National Bring Your Dog to Work Day???

HUH? Could there really be such a thing?

Apparently yes; today is actually National Bring Your Dog to Work Day! WOW! I never woulda thunk it! I didn't get that memo! I brought my daughter to work with me today. She is bored out of her gored, which isn't a difficult thing for a kid; but I really have enjoyed having her here today. We went to Taco Bell for lunch, and shared cinnamon twists! YUMMY! We spoke to her Grandma Lanette from Bakersfield and got more names for her family tree. We goofed off on the computer. We just hung out. (I did work a little too!) It was fun to have her here. Much better conversation than if I had brought Maggie Moo to work!

Desirae's Tree

I have got the genealogy bug!

It first started with the plans of Desirae doing baptisms for the dead for her 12th birthday; which to my astonishment is in September of this year!!! (Yes it is still shocking that my little girl is going into the Young Women's program this fall.) The goal is that she can do this sacred ordinance for her own ancestors. My thoughts of course went to my father's side of the family to allow my mom's side to be left for Angel. I didn't get very far with my dad's family since a lot of the work is already done. Then it occurred to us... Desirae's dad's side of the family needs their work done. She is their only decedent that can do this.
2 days ago, thanks to the so helpful internet, Desirae spoke to her grandfather (her dad's dad) for the very first time ever in her life. He is a Christian minister in Bakersfield CA. He was so happy to get such a surprising phone call. He told Desirae "This is a blessing! I have been praying for you!" He gave her a few names and a promise to keep in touch and help her put her family tree together.
We then found Desirae's aunt (her father's younger sister) on MySpace and she gave us her grandparents' names. A start to that branch!!!
With out the spirit, on Father's Day none the less, Desirae's tree would be still unthought of. Now we have started working on her family tree and have gotten a good start!

A unique movie experience

Last night for my mom's birthday we went to see the movie Emma Smith ~ My Story at the movie theatre. We thought it was a perfect time to go see it since it would only be playing at the 1 theatre in town until the end of this week.

I was humbled that on a Thursday night the movie was almost full. We were prepared to walk in and have the theatre to ourselves... we were wrong. During the movie I didn't hear any talking or cell phone ring tones. I didn't hear my kids arguing over popcorn. I heard the movie. I heard Emma's story of being married to our Prophet Joseph Smith. When the movie was over and the credits started the entire audience was still seated. We all sat for a time as we enjoyed the music that was playing to the credit roll. As people made there way to the exit they were all polite and quiet.

As I walked out of the theatre there was a poster that movie would be playing until the 26th of June. I was excited that they extended the show dates. As I entered the hall there was 2 lines by the doors to go into the theatre we just left. I wondered what movie was playing in the nearby theatres to cause a line... they were all waiting to see Emma. On a Thursday night people were LINED up to see this movie. I recommend it highly. It was a great account of her life.

Oh yeah and Happy Birthday MOM!!!!

Simple Pleasures

This morning I got up bright and early, put on my walking shoes and set out on a walk with the Dixie Chicks harmonizing through my Ipod. I had a goal of how far I was going to walk.

As I was walking I noticed a number of people headed to work. I thought "Wow! This is really early to go off to work!" It was 5:30! Then I realized I used to BE at work at 5:30! I was reminded of my busy life from just a few months past. I worked so much! I was at work at 5:30 and would get home about 12 hours later. I was constantly on the go. Time for a simple walk was a luxury at that time.

As I was walking along I noticed the pretty white flowers on the trees. I felt the nice weather. I took a nice deep breath of fresh air. It was such a beautiful morning. I turned my music up and charged forward to finish my walk.

When I got home everyone was still asleep (including Des which is a small miracle in itself) so I had time for myself. I got to sit and reflect and read my scriptures in peace.

I was then faced with a choice... BREAKFAST... do I have the oh so yummy left over piece of lemon pound cake that was full of yummy raspberries??? Or something a little more health? As I ate my rice chex with fresh blueberries I thought "Hmmm what a simple pleasure." I am so proud of my choice! :D

I will never look at a can of beans the same!

Shortly after we got home from church yesterday we heard Jonny crying and screaming. My first thought was "Which girl is messing with him?" But both girls were sitting in the same room as mom and I. He came hopping and crying so hard he couldn't explain what happened. I looked down and saw blood all over his little toes. I picked him up and took him to the bathroom sink but he wouldn't let me clean it up enough to see what was going on. He finally told us how that can of beans fell off the shelf and attacked his little toe. He said it stung and hurt really bad.

Desi was such a good big sister. She loved him and encouraged him to be a big brave boy. He hugged her and held on to her for dear life. Poor thing was in such a great amount of pain. He wouldn't let me leave his side. I told him I was going to have to run to Wal-greens and get him some bandaids and neosporin and motrin. He held on to me and wouldn't let me go.

He called his Papa Cesar and cried to him about how bad his toe felt. His Papa said a little prayer over the phone for Jonny to be comforted and healed. Jonny stopped crying.

Jonny told me that he would be ok. He also said "Mom, no stores on Sunday."

About an hour or so later he was ready to get his foot cleaned up. He sat on the edge of the tub and soaked his foot in warm water.





Me: "Oh baby, you should've probably had stitches but it is too late now. I am so sorry I should have taken you to the emergency room, it may even be broken."



Jonny: "Mom, Papa said a prayer and he said I would be healed and that my foot would be normal if I have faith. Mom, my toe is going to be ok!"



I am so proud of his faithfullness and his courage!