I love Easter!

We just returned from the Mesa Temple Easter Pageant. We have lived here for almost 7 years and this is the first time I have gone. The night was beautiful and the presentation was equally as beautiful. The music and dancing was awesome and the story told is one of my favorites. Everyone portrayed their parts perfectly and I really felt the Spirit whisper to my heart that the things they were talking about were true. I am so grateful for my Savior and His Atonement and that we have the true plan of happiness. His resurrection is indeed a miracle and I love Easter and all it represents. We have been discussing the upcoming General Conference and saying that the principles we have been taught in the past will again be discussed and we will be reminded what we need to be doing. With all of the turmoil in the world, I am so greatful that we have a prophet on this earth to guide us and tell us of the things we need to be doing. We are indeed blessed and no matter what comes our way, we can be led by the hand and given answers to our prayers. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ knows each of us individually and cares about us and loves us no matter who we are or what we have done. That is such a comfort to me. The gospel of Jesus Christ is true!

So Much for Being Organized and Detail-Oriented

I purposely set out last night on my blog to tell everyone how much I love my husband and what a good man he is...and that is the only thing I didn't write! After 32 years together I have grown to appreciate and love him more than I ever thought possible. Here are the reasons why:

1. He said when we were first married that we may always be poor as to the things of the world, but he would always make me laugh. He has definitely fulfilled that promise! He has such a great sense of humor and is always saying something that brings on a smile, a groan, or a full on laugh-out-loud reaction!

2. He is always very thoughtful and caring. He still remembers people's birthdays (and if they live nearby he supplements that wish with ice cream) and keeps in touch with people that have touched our lives years and years ago.

3. He does little things for me that mean a lot...like making the bed in the morning when I have to go to work...or sometimes even when I don't. He brings me candy (dark chocolate to be exact) for no reason. He calls me from work at least once a day to see how I am doing and volunteers to help me with my church calling when I need help. He often helps with the dishes and doesn't expect a meal on the table every night; sometimes coming home from work early and taking me out to eat so I don't have to cook.

4. He is neat and clean and I very seldom have to clean up after him. I don't even have to turn his shirts and socks right-side-out when I do the laundry! Thanks Barbara! His mother taught him well!

5. Most of all he is a good man, with strong ethics, honest to a fault, and honors his Priesthood and all of the covenants he has made. He takes his responsibilities seriously and works hard to do what is right. He is a wonderful companion and my true soulmate. This all sounds mushy but it is all true. I love you honey! Happy Anniversary!

Anniversaries and Excitement!

Here it is...Wednesday night...9:30pm...and our 32nd Wedding Anniversary! I am sitting on the computer and fixing my blog background...how sad is that! We decided to go out and celebrate on Friday night when we had more time and didn't have to work the next morning. It has been a really different week so far. A little surreal and yet very sobering. Yesterday I went to Dana Park (an upscale shopping mall) with Carolyn, Christie and Peggy and we spent the day shopping, wandering through the stores and eating lunch at CPK. None of us bought much since most of the things we looked at were way out of our price range. It was fun to just get out and get away from the everyday work and chores at home. Today I worked all day and Travis took me to dinner tonight at a little Mexican resturant. Then we came home and settled in for the night.

Yesterday, we found out that Dane, Marlene's husband, just lost his job. I was just sick and my heart went up into my throat, as I worried, as only a mother can. My prayers are with them as they try and figure out their next move. I truly hope they are one of the lucky ones and can weather this recession storm. I am so angry that this recession was allowed to happen in the first place, because it was totally avoidable...but don't get me started.

I am so grateful that we have jobs and are working at this point. I have started to do the Hallmark cards at Walgreen's now. At first I thought I would not like the job, but I actually enjoy it. I think I am good at it because it takes someone very organized and detail oriented. That would be me!

We are going to Hawaii again in May and I have been trying to lose weight, which apparently isn't supposed to happen. I have lost 10 pounds and have arrived at my regular stay-right-there plateau! This is my weight and I am sticking to it!

I am getting excited for Easter and looking forward to having the family together again. I sure wish Marlene didn't live so far away. Susannah will be home from college for the summer and I am really looking forward to having her home again. James has decided to stay in Utah and find a job there. I sure hope he can find something! I am afraid Susannah is going to have to be mighty creative this summer. There isn't much available here in Maricopa!

Background

Tried the background thing again and I still can't get it to work! I follow all of the directions I can find and it is still way too small! Another hour shot! You'd think I would learn to leave well enough alone! I guess I will try again tomorrow! I AM going to figure this out!