Is this what getting older feels like?

May 15, 2010

So, I'm sitting in the doctor's office waiting for someone who would prefer to go unmentioned gets his colonoscopy and this moment gives way to some mindless thinking that is highly overdue. (WOW! That was totally a run-on sentence that would have gotten me a less than stellar grade in English. Anyway...)
As I flip through the magazine, my "cheaters" well placed on the tip of my nose, I glance up to see that all the other people in the waiting room are OLD. I mean, like really OLD. LIKE 50!!! Good thing I'm not nearly as old as this geriatric crowd that I'm spending the afternoon with. Then it dawns on me that I'm almost 50 and I'm married to someone who is 54! YIKES! (Like I said when I married Robert, I don't mind being a grandma... it's sleeping with a grandpa that bugs me bad.)
I pop a couple Ibuprofen for the lingering aches in my shoulders and I notice the cute lady next to me doing crossword puzzles. You know... they are good for your mental status. I guessed that the term "perky" relating to her physical status probably stopped a couple of decades ago, but I thought to myself, those 24 year old swim suits models have nothing on her. She was wearing orthopedic shoes and hat a snazzy little cane that kept her steady when she was walking. When she smiled, she smiled with DEPTH. Her life was good... you could tell by the wrinkles in her skin.
The couple across the waiting room held hands. They were at least 112, but still holding hands. I could tell that there was some worry in their faces, but they were there for each other. Together. Holding hands.

I start thinking about my own life and how lucky I am to have what I have and know what I know. And WHO I know. I'm grateful to be married to such a good man who loves me and treats me well. I have wonderful children and step-children who bless my life. This is such a pivitol year. I had a feeling it was going to be a new beginning for all of us. That feeling is proving to be true.

Jake is doing great now. His grades are improving and he's staying on task. He received his Eagle Scout and has re-committed to graduating from Seminary. His Seminary teacher told him that there are two places you can't serve a mission if you don't graduate from Seminary. True or not, that comment has motivated Jake to "be sure" he can go wherever he is supposed to serve. He's planning on leaving around his birthday at the end of October or early November. His biggest concern now is saving money over the summer for his mission.

Kayci is a Gold Medal Winner in the Special Olympics!

Yeah Sis!

Kayci has been on a bowling league for Special Olympics and they had a State Tournament last Saturday. My little "Super Striker" gets either a strike or a spare almost every time she bowls! She came out of there with 3 golds and a bronze. (and no, they DON'T use the gutter guards!)

Note to self... don't take Kayci bowling unless you plan to lose!

Jake's Senior Pictures!

Best Cruise EVER Slideshow!

WARNING: Some content may not be suitable for all ages. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting and other bodily functions we don't want to discuss...

Best Cruise Ever!

Jan 24-31, 2010
We just got back from a Western Carribean Cruise with some great friends. Marc and Karla Peterson, Don and Debbie Valgardsen, Dee and Lisa Oakesen, Brent and Jan Beckstead, and Blane and Sherrie Cozzens all went. It was Lisa's 5oth birthday so we were able to have a great excuse for a cruise!
We went on Liberty of the Seas, a Royal Carribean ship to Costa Maya, Belize and Cozumel. We were at sea for 3 of the days and saw everything, did everything and had a wonderful time.

We saw way too much of some of the people on the beach...

In Costa Maya we got massages on the beach and got to lay in the sun in comfort! (Blane and Robert need to get a room! or go on last week's cruise!)

We went cave tubing in Belize and rented jeeps in Cozumel. We rock climbed and rode the flow rider.

The shows were amazing... truly first class, and the ship was awesome.

We had a wonderful time and are already planning our next year's trip!

I loved spending time with all of these guys... what great friends!

Innocence

December 25, 2009

It's early Christmas morning and my family is still asleep. The Christmas tree lights are on now and I've opened the blinds. The snow is still glistening the trees and I watch all of the neighbors lights turning on. I smile as I think of the wonderful Christmas memories being created in each of their homes as I prepare to create some new memories of my own.

Last night we kept track of Santa on the internet. Kayci is still all about Santa and where he's at. She had her laptop pulled up with the "Santa Tracker" all night during dinner and our Christmas "program". Innocence is a wonderful thing.

This time of year is truly my favorite. I have always loved the lights and wonderment of Christmas. Mom always had lights and candles and our finest dishes. I loved the memories she helped create as a child. Dad always was there to tease us about Santa and to see if we were "naughty or nice". I remember the nights lasting forever as I tried to sleep. It's funny how it all goes full circle... now I'm up before my kids! My favorite part of the season, as they were when I was young, are the lights.

The "Lights of Christmas" hold a special place in my heart, one that I think was a gift as a child.