My Magical Place

Quite a number of years ago, I was at the beach and very pregnant with my last child. At one point in our vacation, Steve coaxed me out into the water with him, beyond the crashing water to the magic spot where the water undulates in pre-birth swells. Out in the calmness of the salty sea, I gently bobbed up and down while the temperature of the water and my body created the perfect balance of being cool enough to be refreshing without the initial shock of cold. We were far enough from land that the laughing noises of the crowded beach and violent crashing of the waves were muffled. I felt the sun shining warmly from above and heard the lonely screech of a gull flying over and at that moment I thought to myself, "I need to always remember this EXACT feeling." I made a conscience decision at that instant to memorize every thing about this magical moment: how my legs felt encased in the cold water yet warmed by my inner body temperature, the swirling action of the water rendering me weightless, the sun on my face, the quietness surrounding me, the smell of salt and fresh air and the touch of my lover's hand holding on to me protectively. A few weeks later, I called up this very memory as I prepared myself mentally to deliver my last child. Once again I was back at that "magical spot" in the ocean, with my worries and fears left on the beach. There have been many moments since that I have brought this memory to the forefront of my thoughts, as a means to calm or fortify myself for difficult things or to just simply cope with life. It works beautifully--no, MAGICALLY!

The Miracle Drug

This is my new best friend! When I started coming down with flu like symptoms, a co-worker told me to get started on this right away. I've been pounding it down and two days later I am already feeling a lot better.

Of course, staying home all day watching movies hasn't hurt either.

Meeting the Grandparents...

This morning (2 a.m.) Kelsey came into my room to check in with me. She was full of excitement and wanted to talk, so I brought myself to full awareness. She told me how she went to the BYU basketball game with Covey and his FAMILY, not just his immediate family, but cousins, aunts, uncles and GRANDPARENTS. She has met his grandparents before, but not in this context. What context is that, you ask? Well, the first thing grandpa Covey asked her when he came up to meet her was, "Are you the ONE?" She answered, "Yes, I am the one." He then took great delight in telling everyone all night long to "come meet my new granddaughter!" No, nothing official to report, but her courtship with Covey is moving along quite nicely, and at just the right speed. They have liked each other/dated for almost 5 years now, and he has never brought her to an extended family function. This is a huge step in their relationship. I am amazed at the maturity of their relationship and the discussions that they have, although really, they have grown up together and weathered a few "storms" that most people don't experience until after marriage. I was giving her some "Dr. Laura" advice the other day and she told me that she already knew that because they talked about it in her marriage class and she was already doing those things. AWESOME! I love seeing her so happy and hearing about how wonderful Covey treats her. He is a good one--definitely a keeper!

He's a hard habit to break....

I am having a hard time going to sleep at night, thinking "I still have to let the dog out..." I wake up at 6 a.m. thinking, "oh no, I forgot to let the dog out" and as I walk downstairs in the early morning hours, I watch out for "accidents" (that was happening more and more lately...) I look for him where ever I am during the day, because he is usually close by, sleeping. I wait to hear the jingle of his dog tags, but it is silent. I walk over to fill his food and water bowl, but there is a big blank, open spot on the floor where it used to sit. I still haven't moved his bed out of my room, or his kennel from beside the door. I haven't washed his blankets yet. I know he isn't just at the groomer's for the day. The house seems empty, less one presence. Every now and then, I still tear up. I talked with Steve on the phone, and he was emotional. We had 15 1/2 years of wonderful, sometimes frustrating, moments with a beautiful spirit that I hope to meet again. We love you Elfins!

RIP Elfins Black Magic

August 7, 1994-January 15, 2010

Keepin' it in the Family

If you know Kelsey at all, you will know of her great passion for Grandad's Yams. Another great passion that she is developing of late is cooking, and specifically cooking for her BYU roommates and friends---her family away from family. So here's to you, Grandad!

(They normally have his signed and framed picture in the "place of honor" on their bookshelf.)

Happy Mental Wellness Day!

Markelle's secret to happiness in life includes frequent "Mental Wellness Days" where she will allow herself the freedom to let loose and just BE.

I think she's on to something.

A Good Foundation

I have learned a lot of things over the years from having all daughters. The latest, and greatest, that I have learned is: what is the perfect B-R-A (that's how we say it in our family) to own? Ladies, I give you Body with Memory Fit by Victoria Secret, Demi style:

It comes in a wonderful array of colors and it is the most comfortable fitting bra and gives amazing support. LOVE IT. (I just bought three) This is pretty much the only bra that the girls of the family wear!