Easter?

Myrna wrote: Are any of you planning to come here for Easter? Just asking. (I know you out of state folks are, most likely, staying out of state.) At any rate, we would enjoy hearing from you as to what your plans are. If you are all eating at home, that is great. Great is whatever you do, just please let me know in advance. 

By the way, did you all get an Easter package and a St. Patrick's Day package?

Thanks, M

AnnMarie wrote: Alyssa can't go to Nephi because she is so busy getting ready for finals.  We will stay here so we may eat with her.  You are always welcome to join us when you aren't busy hosting a dinner there. 

Myrna wrote: That's what I thought. Is Braden joining you?

By the way, don't feel sorry for us. Julie and family said they would be here so we will not be alone. I remember, when Dad got older, he was always wishing that one of us or all of us would visit. He did have Laurel and Cydney there and they did spend gobs of time with him but he always wanted us to visit. I know, from my own experience, that the older the children in the family get, the harder it gets to visit anyone because they are all so busy. We are not feeling sorry about that. We are happy that we have raised you well and that you have made your families priorities in your lives. We are thrilled to be able to watch them achieve and we know that now your homes are becoming "Grandma and Grandpa's." We are great with the plan. We are both well and happy and are not "Sad Sacks" sitting around mourning and waiting to be included. Each day. my energy level is increasing. I will soon not tell any of you that I am 72 because it will not matter. I can outwork many women half my age and I can walk really, really fast. I enjoy that. Dad will live to be 110 and will be in good health every day. He is still able to, and enjoys, helping with the bees. So my question to all of you was only for a head count. If I plan on feeding eight and 20 show up, it will not be good. So enjoy your lives and invite us to your happy events and programs. We are well and happy.

Arbree wrote: We would love to come up but unfortunately david is on call like he is for almost every holiday. We love you and the family and will see everyone real soon.

Kimberly wrote: We will spend some time with David, Bree and family. We will be visiting that area for Easter.

And then it's winter

Part of the piece is this introduction. I did not write it. It came that way.

I first started reading this piece and was reading fast until I reached the third sentence. I stopped and started over, reading more slowly and thinking about every word. It is very thought provoking and makes you stop and think. Read slowly.

And Then It Is Winter

You know. . . time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. Yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all.  I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams.

But, here it is. . .the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise. How did I get here so fast?  Where did the years go and where did my youth go?  I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like.

But, here it is. My friends are retired and getting gray. They move slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me but I see the great change. These people are not like the ones whom I remember, who were young and vibrant, but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be!  Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day. And taking a nap is not a treat anymore--it's mandatory! 'Cause if I don't of my own free will, I just fall asleep where I sit.

And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!  But, at least I know that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last, that when it's over on this earth, it's over.  A new adventure will begin!

Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done. Things I should have done, but didn't, and, indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done.  It's all in a lifetime.

So, if you're not in your winter yet, let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think.  So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don't put things off too long!  Life goes by quickly.  Do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not.  You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life. So live for today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to hear and remember and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past.

"Life" is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after.  Make it a fantastic one.
Live it well.
Enjoy today.
Do something fun.
Be happy.
Have a great day.

Remember that It is health that is real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver.

Life is too short to let even one day 
be frenzied or frazzled or frittered away.
Life is too short not to take time to do 
the things that will hold the most meaning for you.
So let yourself float like a leaf on a stream, 
relax with your memories, and let yourself dream.
Throw out your list that's impossibly long, 
and dance a few steps to a favorite song.
Turn off the news and go find someone real 
who'll listen and talk and affirm what you feel.
Life is too short and flies by if you let it, 
so choose what you want every day--and go get it.

Today is the oldest you've ever been, yet the youngest you'll ever be. So, enjoy this day while it lasts.

~Your kids are becoming you, but your grandchildren are perfect.
~Going out is good. Coming home is better.
~You forget names. But it's OK because other people forgot they even knew you.
~You realize you're never going to be really good at anything and especially golf.
~The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don't care to do them anymore.
~You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than in bed. It's called "pre-sleep."
~You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch.
~You tend to use more four-letter words. "What?" "When?" ???
~Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it's not safe to wear it anywhere.
~You notice everything they sell in stores is "sleeveless."
~What used to be freckles are now liver spots.
~Everybody whispers.
~You have three sizes of clothes in your closet--two of which you will never wear.
~But Old is good in some things: Old Songs, Old movies, and best of all, OLD FRIENDS.

It's Not What You Gather, But What You Scatter That Tells What Kind Of Life You Have Lived.


Myrna wrote: I was just feeling this way myself. I am now 72 and I really am in the winter of my life. 

Marti Wright wrote: You're only six years older than me.  We're STILL spring chickens!  I know what you mean though, there are days when I feel like I am 100!


Myrna wrote: I wouldn't feel so old but another classmate died recently. We had a class of approximately 350 and we are down nearly 50. A couple died during Viet Nam and several in accidents and of cancer and the like. However, most of the rest have died in the last couple of years.


Marti wrote: I had only gone to my 25th h.s reunion, and the 30th.  We have had classmates pass.  Our class was the largest that Astoria had ever seen back then.  We had around 250, give or take.  Not sure how many are left, but if any the one's that still are, if they are like they were in h.s.; they outlive us all!!   LOL.  They still acted like they were in h.s.....too much drama for me to handle then and now.

How is Lenoard doing?

Hugs to you both!


Myrna wrote: LHT had shoulder surgery three weeks ago. It was a success. Prior to that, he had his eyelids reduced so that he could keep wearing his contacts. Now he need catarac surgery and then he will be a new man. I have controlled the type 2 diabetes. I now weigh 120 pounds. Woo Hoo. :) It's too bad that I am all gray to go with it. I should have done the weight loss while I was young. Oh, well. Spilled milk and all that, right?

How are you?


Marti wrote: Am glad to hear the LHT's surgery was a success!!  I have the beginnings of a cataract in my right eye. Also have "dry eye" where it is red and itches, so have drops.  Its the pitts getting older.  You still feel like that 18 yr old kid inside, but your body just won't let you do what you want to do anymore.  Great news about the weight loss.  I haven't really been trying to loose weight but have. Am only 10 pounds heavier than I was in 1971, which is 140.  My mom was a diabetic, but was on pills only, no shots.  Dr said, it usually skips a generation.........so am thinking Kimberly may qualify, not sure, and sure hope it doesn't.  Had to get dentures and since I don't wear them to bed, I now have wrinkle lines all around my mouth.  Makes me feel ugly and old.  Just wish I had taken better care of my teeth when I was a kid.  I color my hair........its vain, I know.  But I have the very ugly dirty grey, if I don't.  My mom used to go have get a "blue rinse" so her ugly grey didn't look so ugly anymore.

Update on Helen's Health

Hello everyone,

This is Nanci, Helen's daughter.  I am writing per my mother's request.  

Helen fell and broker her patella 16 days ago.  There have been complications and as of 4:00 AM this morning, she has been admitted to IHC hospital, on State Street and 5300 South.   Helen was admitted with Cellulitis and a blood clot in behind her knee.  There is concern she has compartment syndrome and they are trying to rule that out this evening with an MRI.

As we all know, Helen is a very private person.  She was hoping to make a quick recovery and be back to her normal activities without causing anyone concern.   We believe she will be fine but the recovery is going to take longer than we would ideally like.

Helen is in the Tower room 821. 

Please pray for her and don't hesitate to contact me for any updates... 805-304-3733 or Nancidone@yahoo.com.

Have a great evening.

Nanci Trauntvein Done

Eyes

Myrna wrote: Pretty soon, LHT will be all new--from his head to his toes. He will get both of his eyes operated on sometime at the end of April. He has cataracts on both eyes and both are quite bad. It is no wonder that he has been complaining about his vision. The surgeon will meet with us soon and will set a date for the surgery.


Eva wrote: I am totally shocked.  Most Drs. spot cataracts right off the bat. My Dr. from Moran Eye Center found both of mine many years go when they were really small.  He watched them for five years and they never changed until my horrible back surgery and they either gave me too much oxygen or too much medication so that when I  checked out of the care center, I could not see to read a thing.  After a week or so, Claire took me up to Moran for an appointment.  Between the two things, my retinas were so swollen I could not even read the charts except the hugest numbers.   He gave me drops to shrink the swelling.  After two months, I could finally read again.  Richard just had his second one removed Monday and the first one two weeks ago.  His were caused from all of the chemo.  His eyes are doing well.  Oh, my the challenges we all face. God bless you. Love,  Eva  

Myrna wrote: Tim does go to the Moran Eye Center in Salt Lake City. They did spot his years ago but, for whatever reason, they have grown really quickly this past two years. Now it is time. 

Article

Dr. Jim Shank, Juab School District Superintendent wrote:
Hi Myrna,
Thank you so much for a well written and thoughtful article. I very much appreciate it.
Thanks,
Jim

Myrna wrote: I am glad you liked it. Thanks for all you have done, and are still doing, for our district. I appreciate it.

We Can Sorrow

Myrna wrote: We do have a right to sorrow. I was wrong and you need to know that. If God can sorrow and weep, so can we.

 Moses 7:

27 And Enoch beheld angels descending out of heaven, bearing testimony of the Father and Son; and the Holy Ghost fell on many, and they were caught up by the powers of heaven into Zion.

 28 And it came to pass that the God of heaven looked upon the residue of the people, and he wept; and Enoch bore record of it, saying: How is it that the heavens weep, and shed forth their tears as the rain upon the mountains?

29 And Enoch said unto the Lord: How is it that thou canst weep, seeing thou art holy, and from all eternity to all eternity?

 30 And were it possible that man could number the particles of the earth, yea, millions of earths like this, it would not be a beginning to the number of thy creations; and thy curtains are stretched out still; and yet thou art there, and thy bosom is there; and also thou art just; thou art merciful and kind forever;

31 And thou hast taken Zion to thine own bosom, from all thy creations, from all eternity to all eternity; and naught but peace, justice, and truth is the habitation of thy throne; and mercy shall go before thy face and have no end; how is it thou canst weep?

The answer, as you well know because you know and love the scriptures, was that God could weep because of his children.

We can be filled with joy at the potential of each child and can be happy at the promise that comes to all of a glorious resurrection because of Christ. We can joy in the promise of eternal life and eternal families. We can love and love and then love some more. Love is the answer to every question.


Shawn wrote: Thank you. I was aware of that. I also remembered when Jesus was among the Nephites and after blessing the children he wept because of his knowledge of a future state of unbelief. I love you. Shawn

Myrna wrote: I was thinking that sorrow was anti- and happiness was pro-Heavenly Father. I know that He does expect us to be happy but not all curcumstances can be greeted with joy. Some situations are full of sorrow. We are loved by Father in Heaven. We all, each of us, have great potential. We are ever evolving as individuals. The person I am today is not the person I was yesterday. Hopefully, each day, we are each better than we were the day before. We can all change for the better. I have faith that that is true. Nevertheless, If God can weep, we should be able to weep. Sometimes we just learn to know sorrow. I apologize.

Tissues

I have been floating around this past week. I went to my endocrinologist and had my six-month check-up. I no longer need any meds except for my thyroid medication. She cut that in half, almost. I do not need to worry about my cholesterol because the good is great and the bad is also at a great level and the total is 130 (it can go down a bit more), my A1C was low normal (a good thing) at 5.0, my blood pressure was 113/70. My glucose average is 85. I am no longer diabetic. I told the Dr. however, that that only meant I would keep doing what I was doing because, if I did anything else, it might get bad again. She agreed. I now know, however, that some people (me) can reverse diabetes with exercise and diet. On her scale I weighed 120. We think that 115 might be where I should stay. I am beginning to worry about how to stop losing weight. Every week I drop a pound or two. I love walking. I am just so much happier, most of the time. It will be nice to get my thyroid level adjusted down. When it is too high, it makes me anxious and nervous. (She said crabby, but I don't believe that.) :)

I think that I am going to have to take tissues, my own box, to sacrament meeting with me from now on out. I am talking the ENTIRE box. I have turned into a real crier. I have no idea what has happened to me. I didn't cry in my middle-age. I did when I was young, so I suppose, I am just back to "phase childhood." Maybe the sages are right to call old age, the second-childhood.

We have had a somewhat busy week. Thursday, we went to Hurricane and watched Donovin earn his arrow of light award. I love scouting. It is such a great thing for young men. David and Bree fixed quite a wonderful meal for us. David smoked a pork loin over applewood and Bree, in consideration for me and my sugarless meals, made a great sugar-free cake that she served with strawberries. There was also a really great fresh-fruit salad and other good things.

We are making some schedule changes at the temple. The afternoon shift (that starts at 10 a.m.) will start one hour later in the day, at 11 a.m. but we will pick up one more endowment session. That will mean that we have more opportunity to serve, rather than less. It is so wonderful to work with my childhood/teenaged friend Gerri Page. (She was Geraldine Shield back then.) She was one of my bridesmaids and is now one of the assistant matrons. We get to work closely together and it is like old-times.

Today, Sunday, we got to go to AnnMarie and Brandon's ward. Kyle ordained Matthew to the Aaronic Priesthood to the office of Deacon. Matthew got to pass the sacrament for the first time and got to serve our row. Kyle blessed the sacrament. That was quite special. Then Brandon was released as a counselor in the bishopric and was sustained as the new stake executive secretary. We got to be there for his being set-apart for that calling. Randy and Tammi were also there though none of us knew what was happening to Brandon until we got there. I don't know why, in particular, but my heart was so touched. One of the sisters from the ward sang, in an outstanding fashion, one of my favorite hymns. Sitting on the row with the Howards was like sitting with the Mormon Tab, they are all such gifted singers, and Matthew was so very somber and serious about his new calling. Then the speaker talked about the Savior and I may as well have just kept my hanky in my hand. We also got to sing happy birthday to Matthew and to Braden. By the way, Braden also sings very, very well. Shawn, Kimberly and Sorina came over after church and we got to spend some time with them also.

Speaking of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Jim's sister is going to be singing at April Conference. I am certain that you will recognize her.  She looks like our little Christene.

Mary's birthday is tomorrow and she wants to come here for her birthday dinner and have Grandpa fix his fried chicken. That is her favorite meal. So we will be celebrating her birthday with cake and ice cream at our house. I was feeling sad that I am getting so old and Mary is so happy that she is getting older.

When I went to the temple on Friday, one of my good friends came up to me. She said she had prayed and asked who needed her help. Heavenly Father told her that I did. So she put my name on the prayer roll, gave me a big hug, and asked if I wanted to talk. I did, though we only had a few minutes. I told her what I was feeling sad. I have been so happy in being alive, in feeling good, and in being part of a big and loving family.  Then the idea hit me that I am getting old enough that LHT or I may not live forever after all (who knows how long) as I had supposed when I was a kid. Life for us is likely winding down. I had that brought home to me when I heard that still another classmate had passed on. We have lost so many and all my age, for goodness sake. My friend told me that Heavenly Father wants me to be happy. She is right. It is only Satan who wants us to be worried and unhappy. He likes us to be miserable. I resolved, with her help, to count my blessings and to leave the tomorrows to Heavenly Father. I want you to know that the thing that helped most of all, however, was that Heavenly Father wanted to answer my prayer. He wanted me to be content. He sent my friend to tell me that. How grateful I am for the knowledge that He cares about silly little old me. He cares about you, also.

I love you. Gramps loves you. Your parents and siblings love you. Other family members love you. Your good friends love you. Heavenly Father loves you. 

1. For the beauty of the earth,

For the beauty of the skies,

For the love which from our birth

Over and around us lies,

[Chorus]

Lord of all, to thee we raise

This our hymn of grateful praise.

2. For the beauty of each hour

Of the day and of the night,

Hill and vale, and tree and flow’r,

Sun and moon, and stars of light,

3. For the joy of human love,

Brother, sister, parent, child,

Friends on earth, and friends above,

For all gentle thoughts and mild,

Text: Folliott S. Pierpoint, 1835-1917

Dumb Bunny Grammy‏

Myrna wrote: OK, did we say Wednesday or Thursday?

Braden wrote: I thought that we said Wednesday, but now you/we know about that concert thing that Kyle will be doing. What will be easier for you all to do? I have class from 1-2 and 3-4 on Wednesdays and then I have classes 1-2, 2:30-4, and 5-6:30 on Thursdays. Just let me know what works best with your schedules and trying to see Kyle and everything.


Myrna wrote: Do you want to go to the concert with us? We could do the meal and the concert, if you wanted to go. Honestly, do you feel neglected? I feel neglected and I am not in your shoes. I think we have had our share of postponements. You will be going home and I will still not have spent the time I wanted to spend with you. I am getting old and who knows how many years worth of chances I will have? I think, if I work it right, I may just request being translated. How good do I have to be? :)

Braden: I think that I just want to go to The Brick Oven tomorrow. Is that okay? I think we should go to the exhibit first. 

OK, the concert is from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. We will call you when we leave there and meet you for supper. We can still see the exhibit afterward, right?

Matthew's Ordination‏

Monday, AnnMarie wrote: This is late notice, but if you are available and would like to attend Matthew's ordination will be Sunday before church, probably at 12:15.  I know that is a terrible time for most of you.  If you cannot make it at noon, we are still having a big dinner after church to celebrate March birthdays (including Braden).  My ward is from 1-4 p.m. If you live close and want to drop by for the ordination and then come back for dinner, that would be good, too.  Brandon's parents will be here, so we will eat as soon after church as possible so they may get on the road to St. George.

 

I am including the rest of you who cannot attend so you know you are thought of and loved.

Thanks,

AnnMarie

Myrna wrote: What potluck can we bring?

AnnMarie wrote: I'm not sure.  I haven't decided on the menu. 

Fun for St. Pat's Day‏

Melanie wrote: I am going to use some of these on Sunday!

Myrna wrote: St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect opportunity to add a bit of Irish humor to your family's dinner table. Here are some silly, but funny St. Patrick’s Day jokes for kids and fun facts to share with your own wee ones to tickle their Blarney Stones and keep them laughing all week long.

Top 10 St. Patrick’s Day Jokes for Kids:

1. Q: Why do frogs like St. Patrick’s Day? A: Because they’re always wearing green.

2. Q: Why would you never iron a four-leaf clover? A: Because you shouldn’t press your luck.

3. Q: Why can’t you borrow money from a leprechaun? A: Because he’s always short.

4. Q: When is an Irish potato not an Irish potato? A: When he’s a French fry.

5. Q: What do you call a fake stone in Ireland? A: A sham rock.

6. Q: What would you get if you crossed Christmas with St. Patrick’s Day? A: St. O’Claus.

7. Q: Why did St. Patrick drive all the snakes out of Ireland? A: Because he couldn’t afford airfare.

8. Q: What is left out on the lawn all summer and is Irish? A: Paddy O’Furniture.

9. Q: What do you call a diseased Irish criminal? A: leper con.

10. Q: Why did the leprechaun cross the road? A: He wanted to reach the pot of gold faster.

Top 10 Fun Facts about St. Patrick’s Day:

1. St. Patrick's Day began as a religious holiday to honor St. Patrick, who brought Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century.

2. There are four towns in the U.S. named after a shamrock, the emblem of Ireland. They are Mount Gay-Shamrock, West Virginia; Shamrock, Texas; Shamrock Lakes, Indiana, and Shamrock, Oklahoma.

3. Nine cities are named after Dublin, the capital of Ireland. The most populous are in California and Ohio.

4. The actual color of St. Patrick is blue. Green became associated with St. Patrick's Day during the 19th century. Green, in Irish legends, was worn by fairies and immortals, and also by people to encourage their crops to grow.

5. The very first St. Patrick's Day parade was not in Ireland. It was in Boston in 1737.

6. Nine of the people who signed our Declaration Of Independence were of Irish origin, and nineteen Presidents of the United States proudly claim Irish heritage - including our first President, George Washington.

7. The Irish flag is green, white and orange. The green symbolizes the people of the south, and orange, the people of the north. White represents the peace that brings them together as a nation.

8. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the highest number of leaves found on a clover is 14.

9. One estimate suggests that there are about 10,000 regular three-leaf clovers for every lucky four-leaf clover.

10. Legend says that each leaf of the clover means something: the first is for hope, the second for faith, the third for love and the fourth for luck.

What exactly is a Blarney Stone?

The Blarney is a block of bluestone built into the battlements of Blarney Castle, Blarney, about five miles from Cork, Ireland. According to legend, kissing the stone endows the kisser with the gift of gab. The stone was set into a tower of the castle in 1446. Today, the castle is a popular tourist site in Ireland, attracting visitors from all over the world to kiss the stone and tour the castle and its gardens. The word blarney has come to mean clever or flattering talk.