At My "Witt's" End! :>

Wow! I didn't realize how long it has been since I blogged. I've been so frustrated with my arm and shoulder- I've had bursitis/tendonitis/muscle spasms since mid January! But I think it is finally on the way to healing- at least I've cut down on the prescription pain meds. I'm only using Advil during the day and a muscle relaxer at night. The hardest part has been sleeping- I can't sleep lying down! I've been sleeping semi-reclined in my reclining chair and I am really, really tired of being there! Also-I've been unable to do a lot of everyday things- like sweeping, vacuuming- lifting- can't raise my arm to even fix my hair!!! Then my mom was in the hospital and to top it all off, I came down with a really severe cold that was "borderline" pneumonia as the doctor says... aaaaahhhh! And this year isn't even half way over! (hee hee) Life can really throw hardballs at one-can't it?

But ya know what?- along with those hardballs come a lot of home-runs and victories! With all this "stuff" we've also had two grandkids get baptized. My kids (Donnie, Katie & Heather & their kids) came up during spring break and helped get some things done. They cleaned/cleared out a huge part of our garage! Thank you kids!!!! Jim has been so kind and patient! My mom is getting better every week and the sun is shining a lot more these days!

I must be growing up a little, because through all these struggles these past few months, I was reminded again yesterday, sitting at church, that I have somehow reached a point in my life where I have this steady, underlying sense of joy and gratitude with me at all times. I feel a constant, spiritual comfort that fills my heart and soul. When the "bad stuff" tries to come in and haunt me or taunt me- I am able to get myself back to a place of peace by reminding myself of all the beauty, bounty, and love that has blessed my life. I have learned to trust in the Lord, knowing that He knows my heart and thoughts and even my fears and pain-and yet He loves me- little old me- just as He loves all His children.

So, for now- I just wanted to put these thoughts into words- maybe someone will read them and feel a little uplifted- but if not- that's okay too- I'll have this moment to return to whenever I feel the need-yes?

Posted with love and gratitude!

My Mom

Today I am thinking about my mom-and what an incredible, complex, amazing woman she is. She is in my thoughts always, but more so today because she is in the hospital. She has been sick for a few weeks now and had multiple tests with more to come. I am worried-to put it bluntly!
I love her so much and have seen her come so far and overcome so much in her life!
I decided to write a little about her here, as a reminder and legacy not only for myself, but for my children and grandchildren and whoever else reads my blog- I am happy to share this with all of you!

First of all- she is 75 years old-will be 76 this summer. She is a tiny little thing-a little under 5' and a little under 100 lbs. First amazing fact: she had a twin that was stillborn a couple of months before she was born-even then she was a toughie and hung on to dear life! She is the youngest of three- her older sister passed away at the age of 47 due to diabetes complications in 1977 or 78... Aunt Delsa was a beautiful woman also. She also has an older brother living in Montpelier-Uncle George. Her mom-my amazing Gramma Clark-is still living (99 yrs old) in Montpelier also. I do not want to digress into a long life history so I will skip now to some most memorable moments with or about my mom.

Growing up in our home was kinda tough- mom was rather unpredictable- but I remember always wanting to make her happy. From a very young age I sensed that she had a lot of sadness in her and I wanted to take it away. She could be very angry or upset one moment and then suddenly make you feel like you were her best friend. There were times I felt safe, loved and protected by her.... times when it really mattered. She was hard on us at times, but she was fiercely protective and did all she could to teach us right from wrong-common sense-and respect and dignity for others. I am so grateful for her firm teachings-she was adament that we never, ever treat anyone bad or make fun of anyone no matter who they were and especially if they were "different" or disabled in any way.

I remember as a little girl thinking my mom was just so beautiful. I found some pictures of her (professional type) and I was sure she had been a movie star. I even told some of my friends that- hee hee. I always looked at her hands and thought they were so pretty. Her nails were always perfect and her hands were so dainty and ladylike. Yet she was a hard worker. She baked bread every week, cared for our garden, chickens, rabbits and orchard as well as our home. She could outhunt and outfish almost anyone-man or woman. We were quite poor, but we always had warm food. She made a lot of our clothes and liked to dress my sisters and me alike for special occasions. There wasn't anything she couldn't sew once she put her mind to it.

One of my favorite memories is her making me a fairy costume for Halloween when I was in first grade. We would have our Halloween parties at school after lunch. We always walked home for lunch and that day was soooooooo exciting for me. Running home-getting dressed up-walking back to school feeling like the most beautiful little fairy in the world! She even made a sparkly, star wand and a little crown...

I remember when I was 11 years old and was talking with some friends about our moms and their ages and "stuff"... well, I felt like my mom was really, really old (she was a whopping 33) because she was older than the other moms.... but then, I smugly thought to myself-she's prettier than all the other moms! And more fun! She could have so much fun just playing with us and it seemed like my friends' moms were always too "grown-up" to play. In fact, my mom (and dad) are still full of fun and play as you can see in the picture above!

When I made choices in my life that were not so great-sure mom got really mad and upset. We had some terrific blowouts... but when those choices got me into trouble or broke my heart (and hers I'm sure) she was there to help put the pieces back together with no lasting grudges or judgements.... just love, acceptance and comfort.

We were not active in the church as I was growing up... we kinda hit and miss at Primary and Sunday School. Occasionally mom taught a class or lead the music and then we'd all go for a while. She even did scouts for a few years. But she always tried to teach us that the church and choosing the gospel was the right way to go. And she rejoiced with us as we achieved and progressed in our spiritual lives. Now-at 75- she has come full circle and is fully active and as I blogged last fall, she and my dad have been sealed in the temple.

The relationship my mom has had with my children has been a source of much joy and happiness for all of us. My kids LOVE their Granny! I have always been very close to my own Gramma and to see my kids have that with my mom has been - well- "totally awesome!" Actually, the feelings are so deep it is hard to put into words.... but I thank Heavenly Father every day for the love my kids and my parents share.

My mom is not and has not been perfect- heaven knows neither am I- but I do believe she has always done the best she possibly could throughout her life's experiences and circumstances. She has endured trials and hardships hard to imagine for a lot of people- some because of her own choices, and some just because that's life- but ultimately her strong spirit has triumphed and brought her to this amazing place she is in right now- spiritually happy and right with herself and her Heavenly Father- emotionally happy and loved by her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, friends..... and so many others! She (and my dad) are such good examples to all of us that it is never too late and you are never too old to make choices and changes that bring you closer to Heavenly Father and to the gospel.
I love my mom!- 'nuff said!


My mom and her mom!



Daddy, mom & me








Posted with love and gratitude!

What One Man Can Do

Sometimes we are blessed to have someone come into our lives that changes us forever. At a time when I felt broken, lonely, empty and afraid- this wonderful man- Michael G. Scott- came into my life. He mended my broken heart, filled the emptiness in my soul, and taught me to face life with courage and joy! We were married Oct. 24, 1998 and just 4 short months later- he was in a fatal car crash (2/25/1999). Today, I post to honor him and share a few memories.

Mike and I had actually known each other for nearly 25 years-ironically, he was my college roommate's boyfriend!

We were both in ISU choir back then and enjoyed a wonderful friendship.... he was so fun- always making everyone laugh and making sure everyone was okay.

Anyway-fast forward to summer, (August 1998)-a friend of mine talked me into going to a singles' picnic on Scout Mountain. I usually avoided those activities like the plague and even surprised myself by agreeing to go. In fact, the whole week before I kept trying to think of a way to get out of it- I even tried to enlist my daughter, Heather, in making excuses for me. She refused- saying- "you should go, Mom- you never know, you might meet the man you're supposed to marry." Hah!

I was sure those singles activities were only for "losers"-- much to my surprise, I met many old and new friends upon arriving there... people just like me, looking for friendship and just something fun to do. I was really nervous and as I looked around, I saw Mike standing up under some trees.

It was as if he was bathed- surrounded- in a bright welcoming light.... without hesitation, I was completely impelled to walk up to him and when I said, "Hi, Mike- remember me?"- He instantly wrapped his arm around me and exclaimed- "Roxanne!- how the heck are you?" From that moment on, we spent nearly every waking moment together... his proposal was just as original and unique as only he could be..

I was working at Bannock Hospital and he called me to say he'd had an accident. Said he cut his finger with a saw and was coming to the emergency room and could I meet him there? Of course I was very alarmed! This man was generally a fix-it-myself guy- whether it was work, injuries, cleaning-you name it. So I'm out in the parking lot, pacing, worrying and his truck pulls in. I run out to meet him and when he gets out, his hand is wrapped in this odd looking shiny, yellow paper... I urge him to hurry, but he says wait a minute. He then gets down on his knee, unwraps his hand, and presents a diamond ring as he asks me to marry him! I shouldn't have been too surprised- he talked about marrying me from that very first night- but I was truly, unbelievably stunned! Somehow, I ended up down on my knees also- crying and laughing and saying over and over- yes! yes! yes! He then proceeded to tell me how he had met with each of my children earlier in the day and asked them one by one for permission to marry their mom. He had already won their hearts over, but that gesture meant the world to them and still does.

Of course, by the time I got back into my office, the hospital grapevine had already been alerted and for the rest of the day there was a steady stream of well wishers dropping by to see the ring and share my joy!

In the short time we had together we built a lifetime of memories- from Hawaii to the Coca Cola Factory/Museum in Atlanta, GA to Hurricane, UT. From climbing Red Hill and sitting up there talking for hours to soaking in our own hot tub-from camping with Donnie & Katie, a Disney trip with the kids-a furniture buying trip to SLC- going to the temple together and studying and preparing our Sunday School lessons together-dates with friends and with family- laughing and loving and sharing some of the sweetest-most wonderful moments to some of the deepest, amazing times anyone could ever wish for.... it seems we did it all.

So today- in your honor, Mike-(from this "yellow girl to her pink boy") I share my heart, my love and my gratitude for all you did and all you taught me and my children... and I thank my Father in Heaven for the gift of that sweet moment in time He gave us to share here in our earthly journey- knowing that it will be eternal someday and we will be together again.

Listen to the words of John Denver's song- "What One Man Can Do"- and you will know Mike.

Life as a Gramma - Sooooo Sweeeeet!

This past year has been really amazing! Babies, baptisms, my parents' being sealed in the temple... and well, Jim retiring on disability, Brooke struggling with a lot of health issues.... a new president of the country.... a new Prophet.... ((((whew!!)))) life just gets a little busy and a lot crazy now and then.

So what do you do when life gets crazy? Just get crazy with it- ha ha! For instance... look at me and Mailei- here we are just havin' a blast.

It was the day of Mikey's baptism and birthday party and things were starting to slow down when I noticed Mailei had a "green" smile from eating the cupcakes... so, I grabbed this toy thingy (some kind of shape maker for play dough) and stuck it under my glasses... then Mailei grabbed another one and stuck it under her glasses. We were so tickled with ourselves! I asked my son, Donnie to get my camera and take a picture of us. So he whispers something to Mailei before she sits on my lap and just before he snaps the picture she smashes one of the green cupcakes against my mouth (so we could match better!)

Then- we noticed Haedon also had a green mouth and tried to get his picture- but he was a little squirmy! We were all laughing so hard!

A little while later Mikey said to me-in a very serious tone of voice-"Gramma, you are possibly "more" crazy than my mom!" hee hee

Well- I can tell you all this- I am proud to be the CrAzY Gramma!

Sure makes life fun and interesting and builds lots and lots of fun memories!

So- to all my kids and grandkids - thanks for the memories and can't wait to build more! Posted with love and gratitude!

PaY It ForWarD!

This is my beautiful daughter-in-law Katie Lindsay! I love her to pieces and am so grateful she came into our lives!

I was the first to comment on Katie's blog so now it's my turn!

So please start commenting!!!!

{The Rules}

1. Be one of the first THREE bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me - something crafty or yummy, who knows?!

2. Winners must post this challenge on your blog, meaning that you will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift -anything!- for the first THREE bloggers who leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway!

3. The gift that you send to your 3 Friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It’s the Spirit and the Thought That Count!

4. When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate Linky Love! If you are not one of the Top Three Commenters on this post, you can still play along. Go ahead and start your own Pay It Forward chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same!

SO, REMEMBER...Pay it Forward- With Love and Have Fun-

Joy- Love- and all that's good!

Today is Valentine's Day! And I am lucky to have a husband that loves me and loves all our kids and family so much. He brings me joy- he is joy- he is a man of honor and integrity and although he has so many difficulties right now with his health, he still spreads love and sunshine everywhere he goes.

Oh- he has up days and down days, but his is a magnificent spirit always pushing onward and upward! Can't you just see the love and kindness in his eyes and heart in these photos?

He really loves his family- 'specially all our grandkids.

When I think of the word 'joy"- I think of all the wonderful blessings I have been given in my life... my husband, my amazing, awesome kids, my fabulous, delightful grandkids, my parents & siblings, all my extended family, all the good friends I have and have had... and most of all, as I pondered all these things, I realized how lucky and how blessed I am to be a person who is loved. I often think of all those whom I love- but it really hit me today- there are people who really love me... and what more can anyone ask than that? Heavenly Father has blessed us all and it is up to us to recognize and acknowledge His greatness and his generosity and all that He blesses us with. Always remembering that trials and struggles only lead to greater recognition and deeper gratitude for all the things that bring us joy- Happy Love Day to all of you-family, friends, acquaintances, far and near, old and new, you are all so dear to me; and thank you for being a part of my life-whether great or small- you all have touched me in some way and that has brought me to this place- who I am and all that I am. God Bless!

God Bless Our Country!

Today was a beautiful, joyous, momentous day! The sun was not shining here in Nampa- in fact it was rather overcast, cold and chilly! But my heart and my spirit were full of hope and joy. As I watched our 44th president be sworn into office I was so moved. What a country! What a moment for our country.... and I don't mean just because we have the first African American president- I mean because we live in a country where a leader is chosen by the people and every four years we are reminded of our democracy and our freedoms. We are truly blessed to live in this wonderful nation and truly blessed with freedoms and bounty that no other country has. Whether or not a person voted for President Obama- no matter what party, race, religion, or lifestyle each person chooses- no matter how young or old- we are Americans! And we are blessed! And yes- I am proud to be an American!
**** see Some of My Own Thoughts (Kurt Manwaring's Blog) for a really good take on this! ****