Carry On...

Today I went to Church because I didn't have to work last night. I am so glad I was there. Brother (as in 18 year old) and President McConkie (as in mission president) spoke and it was awesome. Simply awesome. President McConkie spoke of lessons learned from his Dad (as in Elder Bruce R McConkie).

President McConkie spoke of going to his Dad with spiritual questions and expecting answers (well hello, his dad was an APOSTLE!!!) and he said that usually, his Dad would say, "I don't know. And you may quote me." That would be the clue that his father expected his child to search, ponder, and pray. he was teaching his children to get their own inspired answers, to study the scriptures and ponder answers. When they did, and returned with answers of their own, most often Elder McConkie would then engage his child in deep spiritual discussions.

I thought back to my youth and asking spiritual questions of my Dad (as in preacher)...he often would say something like, "It doesn't matter what I think or anyone else thinks...seach the word and find book, chapter and verse. You have to know for yourself. You have to seek knowledge and understanding." I too had the blessing of a father who taught me to search, ponder and pray. We have different creeds but our beliefs are actually quite a bit similar than he realizes and I am so thankful that like Nephi, I was born of goodly parents!

President McConkie also spoke of his father's death and the last moments they spent together. He said that his father had received a blessing and knew the time was drawing near for him to leave this earth for another mission. He expected to be counseled, to hear final words an apostle would have for his son...and he received them. Not paragraphs to fill his journal...not even sentences. Just two words...Carry On.

He said a lot in those two words. He said, You've been taught correct principles, you've seen the Gospel in action. You know what it's all about and you know how to return home. You are engaged in living the plan. I have no worries that you will be able to continue choosing the right without me here to guide you. I am leaving you now, so, Carry on!

what an awesome blessing...to have children who know the plan and live the plan...children who only need to hear the words... Carry On! That's hard sometimes. Life comes at you and makes you want to quit. But we must not. Take a deep breath, shift your burdens if you must, set your sight and then...just...

Carry On

House Hunting....where is my house?????

Ok so the hunt is on.... we need to buy a house..the time is right and we have FINALLY decided to look in Lexington....I want a pool and big family room with an extra bonus/guest suite for when family is visiting...Pete wants a big fenced yard and would prefer an acre at least...we both want AFFORDABLE...

We love our realtor, Kelley Watson and she has been busy finding and showing us homes...


So this is in Whiteford off Hwy 1 in lexington...

Nice corner lot, mature trees, 4 bedrooms plus a bonus with a seperate a/c...and for ME...

A POOL!!!!!

but Pete doesn't like the neighborhood (too big, houses too close together...)

So this house has been totally renovated..gorgeous touches but a teeny tiny interior with itty bitty rooms where the attic once was...

but it has a gorgeous pool!!!!But I finally agreed, it is too small and in a neighborhood I'm not comfortable with the kids roaming on their bikes...(but I LOVE that pool and hot tub!!!)

So this is off Wise Ferry in Lexington...close to the Church, school, shopping and in a GREAT quiet neighborhood with a huge pond...very safe and great for the kids (and Pete's boss lives across the street). I love that it is brick and LOVE the fenced backyard and Peter loves the wired detached garage and shop...5 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2600 sq ft on over 1/2 acre
Ithas a large greatroom with gorgeous old hardwoods and a NICE back screened porch...but even the formal dining room doesn't make up for this awful galley kitchen...
but the crowning jewels are the 2 rooms upstairs..identical and HUGE!!!! and one has a wet bar...both have 2 closets each...nice!!
Perfect for when our grown up kids visit!!! but Pete worries about the 18 year old a/c...

Now, if we want to live off busy Clemson Road in Northeast Columbia, we could afford this...

"Immaculate two-story, 2300 square foot all brick home featuring Anderson windows and doors, Corian countertops in kitchen, large pantry, open and inviting Great Room with a beautiful marble surround wood-burning fireplace. French doors lead to the Patio and into the unbelievably large backyard with 6ft privacy fence. This home features smooth ceilings throughout, heavy moldings, hardwood floors downstairs, carpeting upstairs, ceramic tile in the full baths, three bedrooms have walk-in closets, 2-1/2 bathrooms, updated appliances in the Kitchen with an island and eat-in area, Formal Dining Room with wainscotting and the crown jewel of the home is a 25' x 15' Home Theater Room, professionally wired for sound, projection and a 7' wide movie screen! (The room has many possibilities; 4th bedroom, large home office, home gym, children's play room ,mother-in-law suite, etc.) The home also features a 32' x 6' freshly painted front porch and well groomed professional landscaping. It has an attached two-plus-car garage (excellent for storing motorcyles, kids toys, or lawn equipment). Located in award winning Richland School District 2, this home is in an all brick subdivision with sidewalks throughout and nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. "

Not sure about the schools...long way from my girlfriends....total uprooting the kids....still....it's nice...

hmmmm......we shall see....we are also looking out near Carolina Springs/White Knoll area...

WHERE IS MY HOUSE?????

Blogger Blahs...a change in work habits? maybe...

I have been a Blogger Bum lately...I love reading family and friends' blogs but have been too busy lately to keep up...or even post!! My family likes to tell me I am either working or on vacation and in the Spring and Summer, that is pretty true! So, I have been working 4-6 days straight, packing, off to the beach, unpacking (or not), and working again...and taking online classes for my BSN all at the same time...exhausting!

One major problem is that I work nights and try as I might, I cannot seem to get good sleep during the day...my family freezes while I swelter...or it is too light or loud or usually, there is just so much to do...or somewhere I'd rather be...and so I go without sleep.

This is creating major havoc with my health. Seriously. My lupus is giving me grave concern for the first time in YEARS...and I want to cry about that. SO WHAT TO DO?????

Obviously, I have no self-discipline (the diet dropout woes might clue you in to that) and my family is so accustomed to me sleeping a couple of hours and being back up and going that they sort of expect that (although can I just have a time out here and say Peter has been an absolute ANGEL about disappearing with the twins so I can sleep???)...so, after much prayer and thought and talk, Pete and I have made a decision...

I put in for a transfer to day shift.

Good things: A NORMAL SLEEP/WAKE SCHEDULE for the first time in 7 years!
Sleeping with my sweetheart EVERY night (woo hoo!!!)
More professional development/more opportunity for learning/advancement
Major improvement in health

Bad things: Kids go back to traditional school
twins need afterschool care twice a week (anyone interested????)
LESS MONEY!!!! (no more $3/hr night diff= @$450 less/month plus childcare)
Scheduled weekends (day shift is assigned 2 Fri/Sat weekends a month..UGH!)

I am already doubting this decision! But, it is the right thing to do for now. And, it means we are looking for a less expensive house now...:( glad we made this decision BEFORE we bought a house!!!

I'll try to do better with keeping you posted...I have missed so much on here...Peter's birthday, our June beach trip, my ANNIVERSARY PEARLS, the house hunting...and lots more...I'll try to catch up!!

a few pics from Idaho/Utah

Our last day was Sunday and we fed the kids!!! This is the lounge at Andrew's apartment complex...Navou House..it's LITERALLY a 1/2 step from his door and he uses it as an extension of his townhouse apartment...it was great for a huge southern dinner!

Andrew and his wacky friend Kort pretended to have a concert for us...Kort plays by ear and Andrew just plays around...they were hilarious...

Andrew loves to make funny faces..we loved getting to know Kort and seeing Jenny again!

We could not believe how dry it was and how THIRSTY we always seemed to be...Andrew decided to drink "straight from the tap"

Marietta and I took Brittany, Holly, Jenny, Patti, Andrew and Kort to applebees...such fun...

It went by too fast! I can't believe these are the only pics I took the whole time!

No Pictures from Idaho/Utah...no Blackberry either...

So most everyone knows I recently went to Utah/Idaho with my good friend and visiting teacher, Marietta Pinson. We drove to Atlanta, parked at the Marriott and took their shuttle to the airport...which is when I realized I had left my blackberry in my truck!! grrrrr.... (that's what happens when you work 6 12 hour night shifts in one week and then leave immediately for a trip!!)

So...I had no way to snap pictures and update my Facebook, no way to call my dear friends, the Brooksbys :(((( and no way to contact MB's friend Ash...

BUT...we had a great time!! Temple Square was awesome as was seeing my precious LaNelle and Steven! (they will join us at the beach in 3 weeks!!!!) We ate lunch at the Lion House and supper at the Garden restaurant on top of the Joseph Smith Memorial building and the roof was retracted and it was just GORGEOUS!!! We even got to sit in on the Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearsing (where I do what I always do and looked for a glimpse of an old roommate...I have no idea that Wendy even is in the choir but she should be!!) and they were awesome as usual! It was so much fun. David (Steven's brother) made it home from his mission with honor and I caught a glimpse of him and he seemed healthy and handsome and we wish him joy. His mama is so glad to have him back home with her!!

Of course there was a little drama and all who know me will not be surprised that operating on almost no sleep, I allowed my mouth to take me on a quick trip to the low road...that's when travelling with your VT and very righteous daughter proves to be a blessing...they sweetly and quickly hauled me back up to higher ground...THANKS Marietta and Patti!!

Idaho was actually very pretty in May...and it was so good to see my crazy but so much fun son! Andrew continues to be surrounded by friends and we went nowhere without meeting tons of people who know and love him. He played an awesome game of baseball and his team, THUNDER came from behind (14-3) and won (15-14). He had a great hit and did some awesome base running...I forgot how much fun it is to watch him steal bases. He is the ward mission leader and taught a great lesson in Missionary Prep where it is obvious he is well-liked. Then, Marietta, her daughter Brit and Patti and I served a HUGE southern meal to about 14 kids...they will not soon forget it and it was tons of fun!! Fried pork chops, chicken, green beans, baked mac n cheese, creamed potatoes, butter beans, squash casserole, yeast rolls, banana pudding, dirt cake and punch...yeah...we were hurting! We should have invited more because we had leftovers but Andrew's awesome friend, Kort, assured me he would do his best to consume all of the mac and cheese! I wish I could have stayed longer!

When I find my camera cord, I will add the few pics I took...for now it's good to be home!!!

Patti...I owe you Girl!!!

patti is 19..and has been for almost 2 weeks now...we went to the beach to celebrate but it was cold and windy...and I've been marathon working every since then so we can go to Utah/Idaho on Wednesday..so no BIRTHDAY POST...I keep wanting to wait until I am home and awake and not doing school with the twins so I can post pics and a tribute but since it will be a few weeks before that happens...I COULDN'T wait any longer to simply say...

19 years and 13 days ago, after 28 short minutes of labor and one minute of pushing(1st contraction to delivery..for real!) Pete and I were blessed with this incredible, laughing, happy-go-lucky, service minded, sweet tempered, and a little wacky daughter..she was over 8 pounds and bald and blue-eyed and I was SO HAPPY she was a girl!!!!!

and 19 years and 13 days later, I am still in awe of this fabulous daughter! She got the hand-me-downs, the leftover toys, the Lupus weary Mama, the short end of every stick..and yet, she is joyful..never holds a grudge...and loves her family...and we love her!

I love you Patti-cake!!

Red and yellow, black and white...

LaNelle asked me a question last night. She asked it knowing the answer and I gave the answer without a second's hesitation. "Mama, would you love a child of mine that was bi-racial?" The answer??? you all better know it was "ABSOLUTELY, what a silly question!"

But, I've thought about that...we live in the South and I was brought up in a very prejudicial atmosphere in a very racist area of the country. One difference. I have a mother who does not see color. Or, to be honest, she sees it..it just doesn't make a difference to her. So, it never has to me.

Many in my circle of family and friends are LDS..mormons...we KNOW the plan and we KNOW we all have ONE eternal father and we are all his spirit children and that our bodies are just a covering of what lies beneath. Bodies should be cared for and treated respectfully for the magnificent creation and gift they are, but their shape, color and size are not important...at all. period. done. Not in our Father's eyes nor should they be in ours.

I grew up in Sunday School singing,
Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world, red and yellow, black and white; they are precious in his sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.

But, I hear some saying, the CULTURAL differences. Sorry. There is a much bigger cultural span between my sweet husband (damyankee that he is) and myself (grits and proud of it) or southern born and bred LaNelle and westerner Steven. Differences? of course! a problem? no.

I'm stealing this poem from Kim's friend's blog...

Two Different Kinds of Love
Once there were two women who never knew each other.
One you do not remember,
the other you call Mother.
Two different lives shaped to make you one.
One became your guiding star,
the other became your sun.
The first one gave you life,
and the second taught you to live it.
The first gave you a need for love.
The second was there to give it.
One gave you a nationality.
The other gave you a name.
One gave you a talent.
The other gave you aim.
One gave you emotions.
The other calmed your fears.
One saw your first sweet smile.
The other dried your tears.
One sought for you a home that she could not provide.
The other prayed for a child and her hope was not denied.
And now you ask me, through your tears,the age-old question unanswered through the years.
Heredity or environment, which are you a product of?
Neither, my darling. Neither.
Just two different kinds of Love.
~Author Unknown

Will it hurt me if friends and family feel differently? honestly? a lttle but it also bothers me when people don't understand that Heather is as much my daughter as LaNelle, Patti and Sarah Beth! Do I hold it against them or love them less? No. It makes me sad but I understand we are all on different places on this journey of life and they are way ahead of me on others.

LaNelle's next question was harder. "What about our family and friends?" It won't matter to most, of that I am sure. and the rest will get there eventually. and we'll just love them until they do just like they love us with our imperfections.

But I've been wondering...family, friends...what say you???

p.s. she and Steven have not decided to start the adoption proccess but if and/or when they do, I doubt the race will matter at all to them...that's just the way it should be!!