Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Thankful Season Day #29

Yesterday, we had a 'NORMAL' day. Mr. Clark worked a 10 hour day.  What was great was---

sh-sh-sh (this is a selfish comment) I had 2 1/2 hours yesterday of 'me' time.  Mr. Clark is so LOVED but this was a good feeling. I put on Christmas Music and sighed and HUGE s-i-g-h...

A little 'normal' feeling. We both cling to this routine. We appreciate being able to WORK. We have seen things change in an instant. FOR A LIL' NORMAL WE ARE THANKFUL!!!!!!!!!! 

Tearful Story

Remember I shared that our communtiy where we lived for 25 yrs was mourning a loss. Check out her four girls surprise HERE: Get a box of Kleenex's!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Thankful Season Day #28

Thankful for
FAITH.
Faith is knowing the sun will shine,
Lighting each new day.
Faith is know a seed will grow when planted.  
Faith is knowing God will hear my prayers each time I pray.
Faith is knowing ...
We'll be with our loved ones in Heaven again.
It will be a HAPPY DAY!

For this
I am
THANKFUL

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Thankful Season Day #27

Mr. Clark and I were talking about never taking for granted our Thanksgiving Traditions of being with Family again.
We missed yet another year of Tradition.
We are so THANKFUL
for those TRADITIONS of the past.
Cherished Memories
In our hearts,
TRADITION IS SO IMPORTANT!
THANKSGIVING IS ABOUT THE LOVE OF FAMILY and CELEBRATING our RICH ABUNDANCE OF BLESSINGS.
For ALL our families and extended families
YOU ARE LOVED!
For BLESSINGS SOMETIMES  UNRECOGNIZED
ENJOY with MUCH LOVE!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Thankful Season Day #26

100 %  for the Savior
In one of our church leadership training meetings we received a tab "100%" to connect to our key chain.

So my first reaction was. I LOVE IT!

Then I started thinking am I  "100%"


Am I 100%  in my prayers?

Am I 100% Keeping the Commandments?

Am I 100 % Tithe Payer?

Am I 100% in the Service of Others?

Am I 100% reading the Scriptures?

Am I 100% a disciple of Christ?

Most of my percentages did not equal 100%. Yes, I was beating myself up pretty good.
My conversation with Mr. Clark was, "I am coming up short"
His comment to me was, "that is where Grace and the Atonement comes in"
He makes up the difference.
Oh, I knew this, just needed reminding, and yes it is comforting.
 But I believe I can't just do what I want and Christ will cover my back in all things.
I need to  do my best.
If not, to me that sounds like a spoiled child that is enabled to continue bad behavior knowing  someone will always cover for him.
It teaches a child to be selfish, to learn to takes things for granted.
 Children that love their parents strive to be like them.  

I love the 13th Article of Faith
a principle of the  "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" 

It helps me make a huge effort to strive to be like Christ.
   

We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul -- We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to endure all things. It there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.



I can try, continually TRY and make my best EFFORT
 to shoot for 100% for the Savior
this is when I can be content to let him make up the difference.
 I'm THANKFUL for the Grace and Atonement he offers me personally. 

Friday, November 25, 2011

Thankful Season Day #25

Humbly Thankful
for the
GIFT OF LIFE

Reflections on the past 3-4 years take us in a direction that make us realize that we are taking each day as a GIFT.
In a time when technology is so advanced when is comes to keeping a human alive.
We know and are appreciative of the fact that life could not continue with out this advanced technology.



Thankful Season Gratitude Challenge

     :
Let's not talk about counting our blessings-- let's do it! Write a list of 100 things you are Thankful for. It sounds like it is too many. Try this:

 Write 10 physical abilities you are Grateful for:


10- Ability to walk, and walk fast! My ultimate fav. thing to do.
9-   I have strength. I've seen how loosing muscle affects you.
8-   Exercise:  *When* I do it I love it!
7-   I  love used to like to participate in  sports (although I do 'not' like competition)  I loved watching my boys play Football * among my FAV.
6-   I participated in 'a' 5K and FINISHED!
5-   I am very good at water skiing
4-   I love, love to swim
3-   I love to hike in the mountains
2-    I can push my physical limitations... when I work out. So why don't I do it more often??? ... I really need become more diligent to shed some necessary #'s
1-   I can do what I put my mind to. I think we all have more physical abilities than we realize.  I would love to get the *ambition/motivation  to put my own abilities to the test! 

Write 10 material possessions you are grateful for:

I am NOT a material girl, or high maintenance. Nails and pedicures (not for me) I am a simple person (a plain Jane)
BUT:
10- I love our  truck (although I dislike putting gas in it!)
09- I love our  small boat
08- Blessed to have a small but beautiful home.
07- My material dream: One of those retired old couple that have a huge motor home and trail a little suv behind and travel the world! On Our bucket list includes following the coast of Maine etc.
06-  The generator! (keeps us continue with the comforts of life when the power is out)
05-  I love, love Chrystal and anything that reminds me of my Grandmothers kitchen treasures  
04- I love flowers on the table for each month! (Not that it  happens every month but that is one material thing I enjoy)
03-  I love to shop but I am NOT a big spender.
02- I love dresses
01- I love  decorative pictures/ decorations 

 Write 10 deceased people you are grateful for:

10- My cousin Julie. I think that she is my guardian angel. She died young. Talking to other cousins they feel the same way.
09- My Grandpa Pike: He reminds me of a great prophet. Such an inspiring and spiritual person
08- My Grandma Pike: I can still remember watching her put up her hair with little metal clamps. She had a ceramic shop in her basement and I LOVED being around her. She loved quilting and she was an great candy maker. She was a talented lady. I miss her.
07- My Grandma Baker: She was a true lady with incredible talents. I wish I could have picked up tatting from her. She tried and tried to teach me.
06- My Grandpa Baker: I never knew him but I like to think that he was there to greet me when I had my near death experience. I feel he has always been my protector, looking out for me from heaven.
05- Relatives I discovered while living in Kansas, buried near where I live. I love to take a drive where they lived and imagine what their life must have been like.
04- My friend : She is my lifetime (I hope to be like her someday) Angel.
03- Kaye , wonderful lady. Wonderful memories. A great example to me. She made me feel like I was her own child. A second Mom
02- My Mother in Law DeAnn, who served us as family in so many ways. Her example of a wonderful mother and grandmother.  She was an example of Christ like service and love and she  is sorely MISSED
02- My own Mother.  She was an AMAZING, AMAZING women. I don't know how she accomplished the things she did in her life time. She was an AMAZING disciple of Christ. She was about servicing and loving others non-stop. She is my HERO
01- My Daddy, a true Christian who dedicated his entire life to serving in the church. He was an amazing gardener. Financial wiz! I absolutely KNEW he loved me.
PRIORITY #1 - Jesus Christ, who died for me personally, who lived a perfect example of love and selfless service to us all.  Who suffered in the Garden of Gethsemne for each one of our sins, he hung and died on the cross for us, YET ON THE THIRD DAY, HE WAS RISEN, SO HE LIVES!!!!!!!!!!!

Write 10 living people who you are grateful for

10-  WOW, I can not limit it to 10. The numbers are too vast.So I will go with my- My Blogging, and face book family. You all keep my uplifted.

09- My friend Dawn, I have learned as much from her as any other incluence I could have. I was blessed to see her in action. I have known her lifes challenges. SHE INSPIRES ME. If I am someday alone without a companion. I will remember her example. A quiet serving SAINT, A person of INTEGRITY, OF SERVICE, HARD, HARD WORKER, OF FAITH, OF SACRIFICE, OF A TRUE DISCIPLE OF CHRIST.

 08-Aunt Jeanne and My Uncle Jim, They have kept in touch with me and look out for our family since the passing of my parents.
07- Aunt Lou, We bonded when she took care of my mother during her battle with cancer. I will always treasure her service to our family at this time. All my Aunts are AMAZING people. They are such a treasure to me.
 
06- Clark's Aunts and Uncles. They also took us in as their own, I had a incredible life around them. They are GREAT, GREAT People and I am so fortunate to have been a part of their lives. They lives of service to Clark and I is insurmountable. Wow, Uncle Bob, Aunt Lorraine and Uncle Dan and Aunt Sherron are our HERO'S, along with second parents.

05- All of my dear, dear friends. Among them, My dear friend Nita, has been my HERO. She has never left my side! We are as close now being zillion miles away, as we were when we were close by each other. She inspires me in everything.  She is a PERFECT example of a GIVING, CARING, PERSON. There is no one I know that is more charitable. I am SO, So fortunate that she calls me her friend.

04- The miracle of being blessed with GREAT PEOPLE that Mr. Clark works for/with. ALL OF THEM! They are truely GOD SEND. We know where we'd be without them. They are appreciated beyond measure.

03 - A prophet living on Earth today. Thomas S. Monson. I know that I am fortunate to have this knowledge. I think of the people back in time in the scriptures etc. that didn't recognize a living prophet or Christ on the Earth. How blessed I am to have always been able to follow a prophet all my life who is a spoke person for God and Jesus Christ

02- Nieces and Nephews that I LOVE AND ADORE!

02- Cousins that have become my Best Friends

02- My Sisters in Law- Kathy, Teresa, Pam, Connie and Lola. So lucky to have had a life with them in it. I am BLESSED to have FOREVER SISTERS!

02- My Brothers.They are my amazing advocates and I am so BLESSED

02-Clark's Dad, Grumpa Mac. Although we battle NON-STOP, I know he loves me too! He has been our only living parent and he is continually there for us. He is a giving, serving person also.

02- Our kids, I feel bad that they will have to take care of me when I am old! I love that they fight over who gets to keep me! I am so blessed to have been their mother. They all have had moments when they have made me incredibly PROUD!

02- Our Grandchildren. Oh they are PRECIOUS. How did we ever, EVER get so blessed to have such angel spirits to be a part of our lives.
01- My Husband. I could go on for HOURS, DAY'S YEARS! He has some great, great attributes and I have been forever GRATEFUL that I have spent my life with him. He has taught me through his example to love everyone. The MOST, most special quality that he possesses is the ability to forgive and forget. His health is his Gethsemane and he is VALIANT in his battle. He has such a  HIGH ENDURANCE in his system. He is the BEST listener, among so many things, but most of all, He makes me feel like there is not a person in the world he could love more, ALWAYS and for this I AM GRATEFUL



Write 10 things about nature you are grateful for:

This is EASY!
10 - The color GREEN (not my favorite color but my FAVORITE color of Nature)
09-  All the Seasons
08- The Mountains
07 - Trees, especially Pine and Aspens Quakies
06- Lakes, Streams
05- Animals
04- Oceans, Oceans, Oceans
03- Meadow
02- Birds
01- This amazing UNIVERSE

Write 10 things today you are grateful for:

10- Mornings and sunrises (nights are nightmares anymore)
09- A Job that I love
08- Warmth on cold Days
07- Cold for hot flashes!
06- Transportation
05- Wonderful people in our lives
04- Friday's
03- Garbage Day! I get empowered to clean out the fridge!
02- Phones calls
01- Baking

Write 10 places on earth you are grateful for:

10- From Coast to Coast (the OCEAN BLUE)
09- UTAH ( it's is where our Family is )
08- Louisiana ( I loved, loved the diversity of plants animals and birds and  the People and the CULTURE)
TWO years living there, we had the time of our lives
07- Kansas, I love, love the rolling hills and GREEN pastures, I love being in the Bible Belt of the U.S.A and seeing other religious beliefs and Devotion to God. It has strenghtened my own.
06- Having been in Most of the United States
05- America History/Church History Sites ( I love going back in time)
04- New England , Alaska 
03- Holland, England, Den Mark, Paris, Australia -
02- Washington State, I really want to live there some day
01- The whole beautiful world

Write 20 modern inventions you are grateful for:

10- Air Conditioning
09- Gas Fireplace
08- Toilets/Toilet Paper and Sanitary stuff
07- Heat/Electricity
06- computers
05- Airplanes
04- Cars
03- Modern Technology
02- Modern Medicine
01- Cell Phones

Write 10 foods you are grateful for:

10- Fruits and Vegetables
09- Marshmallows
08- Prime Rib
07- All Sea Food
06- Ice Cream
05- Mexican/Green Chili Relano
04- Chinese/Egg foo Young ( only at Beijing)
03- Italian
02- Cookies
01-  What is there not to love???


Write 10 things about the gospel you are grateful for:

10- Scriptures
09- Temples
08- Unanswered/ Answered Prayers
07- Personal and Modern Revelation (knowledge that God is mindful of each one of us personally TODAY and I am his child)
06- Knowledge that I lived in Heaven before I came to earth and that I chose the great plan of happiness
05- Eternal Salvation: Knowledge that I return to Heaven and can be with my loved ones again
04- Prophets- Old and Present Day
03- The Holy Ghost
02- Jesus Christ/ The Atonement
01- God the Eternal Father

When we make a list like this, we discover that  a list of 100 doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of all the things God has given us.

FOR All the ABUNDANCE OF BLESSINGS,  I AM GRATEFUL

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Thankful Season Day # 23


This picture shows a true glimpse of our lil' Maddie Cake! Her dimple melts your heart and her mischievous, Witty nature keeps us all smiling!
So Thankful for her in our lives!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Thankful Season Day # 21

You can tell from this Picture that this boy loves his new Mamma!

He is our newest and oldest Grandson
For him we are THANKFUL

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Thankful Season Day #20

So Thankful for our oldest Grand Daughter who is a lil' mother, she is a caretaker. She has the kindest heart. She is very smart. She is the light of our world!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Thankful Season Day #19

Thankful Lil' Daxton is a part of our family!
Isn't he getting big?
Oh I could just kiss his cheeks off!
Notice the Blizzard in the background! Brrrrrrrr

Friday, November 18, 2011

Thankful Season Day #18

Thankful it's FRIDAY, it's been a L-O-N-G
week!
Mr. Clark said he's thankful today that he got word today that his proceedure ( lung scope) is
CANCELLED.
They are going to give it more time!
They are thinking the cough is from the excess fluid Mr. C is carrying due to the dialysis.
We can handle that.

This is GREAT news!!!

For this we are
THANKFUL!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Thankful Season Day #17

Mr. Clark had a GOOD day today.
First time in 2 weeks.
FOR THIS WE ARE THANKFUL!

UPDATE:
Infection in port site CONQUERED!
Then...
Peritonitis sets in. (infection inside his belly)
 Day 4 of more antibiotics and the test results show HIGH white blood count.
BOOooooo
and  yet again our house
 seems like it is a 24 hr med. center! 
11 more days of antibiotics and daytime dialysis along with every night routine.
Fionia (the dialysis machine) is booted out the door and Fionia II steps in (she has new software)to give us some peace and quiet at night!
Pneumonia- CONQUERED!
Cough-- still persistent but today seems to be a little better - Monday is his bronchial scope (at Wesley hospital, not happy about it)
 :(
11/18 - update of the update: surgery is CANCELLED.
If things haven't improved in 2 weeks, we will reschedule. SHEW...

HIS EYES?
He will get his 4th injection on Nov. 23, They are improving some.
That wraps up another update on this L-O-N-G ordeal.
One thing is for sure,
WE ARE GOING TO BE EVEN MORE THANKFUL WHEN MR. CLARK GETS BACK TO HEALTH!
He really, really needs a NEW kidney!!!!!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Thankful Season Day #16

Today,

For TEARS.
It means we love and care so much about people close to us.
Prayers  and  
Silence for now.
It's been a heartbreaking  week for yet another Dear Friend.




Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Thankful Season Day #15

So THANKFUL today for People that go above and beyond the call of duty!
Thankful for the FED EX Driver
and MR. GARY (Mr. Clark's Boss)
who came to the RESCUE
today.
Mr. Clark was having a low, low, low blood sugar after he shot up too much insullin. 
Mr. Clark didn't call anyone because he thought he could come out of it on his own.
 After 3 glucose tablets and 2 candy bars, he just continued to drop.
Yes, I told him he's in BIG TROUBLE! I have a job that I can leave at the drop of a hat.
Ms. Fex Ex knocked on our door only to find Mr. C with issues...
She secretly called who she new could help out.
Mr. Clark told her NOT to call 911
It pays to live in a wonderful community!
Mr. Gary who is one of  the most caring/ compassionate people we know!
KUDO'S!
You are and will always be our HERO!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Thankful Season Day # 14

Thankful today for the knowledge that we can be together with our loved ones once again after we die.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Friday, November 11, 2011

Thankful Season Day #11

For all the Men and Women who have served our country. We are THANKFUL!
THANK YOU DADDY,
I
LOVE
YOU

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Thankful Season day #10


It's the LITTLE things that matter most!
FOR THIS WE ARE THANKFUL!


Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Update on Mr. Job!!!!!!!!!

I think JoB should be Mr. Clark's new name! He has the attitude of Job anyway. He just takes what comes with great faith. Thank goodness that from Jobs experience we understand it could be much, much  worse.

The day at the PuLmOnArY SpEcIaLiSt went well.  A little more explanation on what he's experiencing and a shout out to "Just keep being patient". The greatest challenge is that his health is so compromised with his kidney issues.  We are hopeful and we should know after this week.
 Yes, We are giving it JuSt 1 mOrE WeEk...
Then if things haven't drastically improved we "GeT" (not sure that's a good thing) to go in for another TeSt... They are thinking the cough is just imflamatory effects from the pneumonia. If not... They will test for others things lung related.  Not really worried though. The Doctor said she is pretty sure the test will show nothing significant. Yes, Knock on wood ...

On top of the fun we've had the last 2 1/2 months- he now has a dReAdEd InFeCtIon in his stomach at his dialysis site.
We both had just a bit of a melt down moment.

and possibly the INFLUENZA??? and sugar HIGH's...
my heart is going to tear apart and Mr. C (I mean Mr.J) is wearing down :(

Just thinking how much better it felt to only have the lasting effects the ChRoNiC CoUgh/SlEePLeSs NiGhTs due to the pneumonia.

Can we just go back to thinking those were our only troubles?????

We ArE SmIlLiNg tHoUgH BeCaUsE:

1- He has conquered THRUSH from  the  3 rounds of antibiotics. knock on wood again!

2- His eyesight is ImPrOvInG.

3- After 2 I.V iron shots in 3 days, and up-ing his epo (the $$expensive shot) to twice a week.  He feels like RuNniNg up the basement stairs instead of pulling himself up with the stair rail and me behind him threatening to GOOSE him. ; ) ok spoke too soon-that was short lived. He needs a shot everyday. :(

4- He  (had) a little more StReNgTh. It lasted two days. A little taste of getting back to health. Even his grip has been a struggle. He has not even been able to open a bottle of water. Now if I can just get him to the YMCA to build some muscles back. Nurse Barb gave him a pep talk today when I suggested physical therapy.  Oh I love having a team of support!


5- His appetite is coming back. I never thought we'd have such a hard time over dosing on MEAT. What, Another plus?  I no longer have to worry about me being 'F'atter(oopsie I dropped the f-bomb)  than he is. He is gaining again! No laughing matter... That one terrified me.  Not enough to cut out the ice cream though.


6-He's been able to work 2 part days in a row, now were are back to no days :( 

We can still have hope and faith and prayers that things are on the mend!

For this we are THANKFUL!

Thankful Season Day #9

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Thankful Season Day #8

  It's still raining! So today I am THANKFUL for the sound of our SUMP PUMP WORKING NON-STOP.   It means our basement isn't flooding! Anybody that has stayed in our house knows how annoying that sound is. But after a drout this summer, It's a GOOD SOUND!

Monday, November 7, 2011

Thankful Season Day #7

Thankful to be with my Man for 31 years!
11 more reasons we are celebrating!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Thankful Season Day #6

THANKFUL FOR
TIME!!!
An extra hour in the day is
L-O-V-E-L-Y!
and....
I will be thankful not to drive to work in the
DARK!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Thankful Season Day #5

So Thankful for Jesus Christ. Here is One of my favorite messages on The Atonement  

Friday, November 4, 2011

Thankful Season Day #4

Ability to *PRAY for others pain, illnesses and heart aches. It has been a hard day for our son, (and also for all of those who are associated with this tragic incident)    ksl news here:
He just started a new job and was the engineer on the second engine of this train.  He witnessed a man jump in front of a train to his death.  Prayers sent to all train engineers who can not stop in time for people that for what ever reason are in a trains path.  Lots of Hugs today sent your way. TEARS

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Thankful Season Day #3

THANKFUL TO BE EMPLOYED
Thankful for  jobs We enjoy.
It's so awesome to go to work at a low stress job.
(I appreciate even more thanks to my 'LA- Albertsons' experience!)
We know where we'd be without it.

Mr. Clark had this dream the other night that we lived on the street...
Literally
and he was warning me that I couldn't sleep in the middle of the road!
We got a good laugh,
Soooooo
Very, Very Thankful to be employed.
It's something we appreciate and don't take for granted.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Thankful Season Day # 1

We didn't realize how burdened we were feeling about our yard getting winterized until things were taking care of.
Our first reaction after the sprinkling system was winterized---  SIGH... "Oh Wow, do your shoulders feel lighter?" - "Yes, indeed"

              With Mr. Clark still experiencing no strength. Our "Miracle Man" (co-worker)  hooked up an air compressor for us. I towed it home, and Mr. Clark directed me on how to get the sprinkling system lines free of water. I have to say, I have a little more confidence in things I knew nothing about. It is taken care of. So for this WE ARE THANKFUL!