Happy New Year!

It's been a wonderful year here at Happy Acres... It has not been without challenges, but those just add flavor to an already full banquet of life.

We started this year with me recovering from shoulder surgery. I am happy to say my shoulder feels better than ever. The water heater, which rolled over and died at the beginning of this year got replaced, we lived without a dishwasher for most of this year, but that was recently replaced as well. Hallelujah - just in time for the huge load of dishes from Thanksgiving! lol

Kev recovered fully from pneumonia. Jackie graduated from High School a full year early! Smart, talented, and driven, that's our girl! We had a MARVELOUS vacation to Oregon as Jackie's graduation gift. What a blast we had spending time with Kevin's brother Steve, and his wife Debbie. LOVE those two SO much!

We had the BEST veggie-garden we've ever had, and a bumper crop of tomatoes. 

I learned to preserve things that I never had tried before. Learning new skills was fun! I had a little health scare during the summer and fall, but am getting better every day. I'm learning to live with it as I improve each day. 

Kevin and I have enjoyed our time together as our kids have grown up and become more independent. We've "run away" together to visit our dear Price-family after they moved to Idaho. Then we "ran away" for a weekend at the Anniversary Inn in Logan, UT. More and more, we're rediscovering how much we love spending time together!

Kevin is discovering a love of carpentry and building shelves all over "Happy Acres". He's having such a good time!  I am discovering new talents and interests as I watch and learn from friends and family who know SO much more than I do! Guess we're never too old to learn new things!

Both our girls are moving on with life. Amanda and Chris are in college and working hard to get through. 

Jackie has been working at a local department store and loves it.She's almost saved enough money to buy her first car. Next year she hopes to start college, too.

In the end, we learned a lot, struggled some, and been blessed beyond measure. We are incredibly grateful for family and friends who enrich our lives and bless our days. We give thanks for a loving Heavenly Father who watches over us and helps us through it all. 

God bless each of us with love, joy, and happiness in the coming New Year! Here's looking forward to good and happy things for all of us!  Happy New Year y'all!

Merry Christmas!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." *Isaiah 9:6

"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." *Luke 2:19

Christmas

So often this time of year, we hear the question, "What does Christmas mean to you?". Some people HATE Christmas. Although that completely baffles me, I understand that they have their reasons. Sometimes it's because they see the season as being too commercial. Perhaps they have unhappy memories. Maybe all they can see is what appears to them to be people going a little bit nuts and driving themselves crazy - rushing here and there trying to do ten million things at once and killing themselves trying to do EVERYTHING before Christmas.

I see all those things as well. In fact, I am sad to say; in the past - on occasion, I have even been one of those crazy people. Those were the times when I temporarily lost sight of what Christmas really means to me, and what's truly important about this "most wonderful time of year". Over the last few years I have made a concentrated effort to really focus on why Christmas is so special to me and why I love it so much.

This year, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has launched an advertising campaign entitled "He is the Gift". It emphasizes the first gift of Christmas - the gift our loving Heavenly Father gave us - His Son. The video that accompanies this campaign is truly inspirational.

Elder Jeffery R. Holland said: "Remember that the first Christmas began with a little family – without toys, trees, or tinsel. With a baby – that's how Christmas began” For me, that's what all the decorations and trappings of Christmas remind me of - the gift of my Savior, Jesus Christ. The things we do that bring joy and love to our families and those around us remind me of the joy and love that were expressed on that first Christmas. All these good things - these happy things help me remember that because He was born and fulfilled His divine mission, I get to have those I love with me eternally. That is a gift beyond price, one I for which I will forever be grateful. And all because of that first and most precious gift given so freely and lovingly on that first Christmas so long ago.

May we all share THE gift as we enjoy this wonderful season by holding those we love closer to our hearts, by reaching out to those who might need a loving hand, and being just a little more kind and patient. Merry Christmas with love,

Netty

Post-Thanksgiving...

...and still giving thanks..

The last couple of years I took the "30-days of Thanks" challenge and for each day of the entire month of November found something for which I was grateful.  This year, I decided not to. Not because I'm less grateful, but because I wanted to do something different. I've given being grateful a lot of thought.  Kevin and I have taken time to notice just how blessed we've been over the last year.  Quite frankly, I am a bit overwhelmed with gratitude.

I am grateful for Amanda being willing to come over and help me get the house ready. She always brings such a joyful spirit when she comes over. I love getting to be her Mom and friend. I love the fun, silly relationship she has with her Daddy, and how much his opinion matters to her.

Jackie lends a flavor to our family that is uniquely her own. How grateful I am for this child of mine who allows me to view life through her eyes. I get such a singular perspective from Jackie that I could find no where else. I still say she's going to grow old and become the crazy cat-lady...

I am grateful to finally have a son.  The depth with which he loves my daughter truly endears him to me all the more. Chris is a good man in so many ways!  The fact that he can reach the top our 7 + foot Christmas tree is icing on the cake. lol

Kevin is truly one of the greatest blessings in my life. I don't know what I did to deserve him, but whatever it is...I am glad I did. He's my best friend, confident, and the love of my life.  He "sees" me...that's a gift that is rare and very precious!

I am grateful to have a warm and welcoming home. The kids always told their friends that if they came over more than twice, they were family.  This year we "adopted" Kevin's friend from work, Fraz. Fraz spent all of Thanksgiving day with us and got his first taste of an all-American Thanksgiving celebration.  I am also grateful for traditions that last through the years...like gathering to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

I love getting my house all dressed up for the Holidays. I love the light and cheer these decorations bring to our home. I love the traditions that go along with them, and all the happy memories each one holds.

Finally, I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the gift for which I am truly most grateful. The knowledge I have that He took upon Him my sins and suffering gives me peace and hope. I am grateful for that knowledge and that hope which provide such a strong foundation for my life. Heavenly Father has truly opened the windows of Heaven and poured out blessings upon me and my family beyond our capacity to hold. In added measure, He has opened our hearts and lives and filled them with wonderful family and friends who bless our lives everyday.  Truly, I have much for which to be thankful!

Taj-Mahal...

Kevin and I didn't really get a chance to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary. We were too caught up in helping Amanda and Chris get a start on their own "Happily-Ever-After".  So, last Christmas, Amanda and Chris gave us a gift certificate for the Anniversary Inn. It took us almost a year, but we finally put it to good use this past weekend.

For those of you who are not familiar with the Anniversary Inn, let me explain. It is a hotel or bed and breakfast with "themed" rooms. They range from themes like a 50's diner to European Nights or an Egyptian Pyramid. They have several different locations. Check out their Home Page here: www.anniversaryinn.com We chose to go to the one in Logan, Utah because we've never been to Logan before. Our room's theme was the "Taj-Mahal".

We got to Logan in the morning, and went right to the Logan Temple.  It was a beautiful day.  The Temple is unique and interesting because it's so different from other LDS Temples. 

After we finished at the Temple, we checked into our room at the Anniversary Inn. From the outside, it really didn't look like much...
(I took this photo in the evening)

This is definitely a time when looks can be deceiving. lol

This is the bedroom

This is the view from the bedroom down to the door of our suite

This is the bathtub...you could almost swim laps in this thing...good thing I like water-sports...lol

This is a picture of the original Taj-Mahal that our room was modeled after. 

Once we got checked in and explored our room, we were ready to go out and have fun!

We started our by having lunch at the Center Street Grill. They have great sandwiches...it was a fun place! Check it out, here:  www.centerstreetgrillut.com

After lunch, we drove around and explored Logan for awhile.  It's a college town - home of the Utah State University Aggies www.utahstateaggies.com Fan loyalty was evident all over town with many "Aggie-related" businesses. College-towns are fun and dynamic!

We ended up going to see the new "Mocking-Jay" (Hunger Games) movie. No spoilers here...it was good, though!

Since we were still full from lunch, we went back to enjoy more of our gorgeous hotel-room.  We sat and talked for a couple of hours. That's one of the things I like most about being married to Kevin. We never lack for topics of conversation.  He's wonderful that way - and communication with him is easy. The complimentary Martinelli's was a nice touch, too!

We finally got hungry enough for dinner and went to the Sizzler. The staff was awesome. We had some Visa-gift-cards that proved challenging to process, (it took two cashiers and a manager) but they were persistent and got the cards to go through.  During the time it took to run our cards, we were asked where we were from. We told them and explained that we were celebrating a belated 25th anniversary.  Kev and I didn't give it another thought. However as we were finishing our meal, our server said, "You two don't go anywhere".  Next thing we knew she brought this out! 

This was not a dessert that was on the menu.  They made it special just for us.  She said that the staff got together and wanted to wish us a Happy Anniversary. Needless to say, the tip got doubled. lol

The next morning, this showed up at our door...

Fresh orange juice, hot chocolate, fruit-yogurt-granola parfait, and hot ham and cheese croissants...YUM!!!

The room had a notebook for guests to write about their experiences at the Anniversary Inn.  The entries ranged from couples on their wedding-night to couples celebrating 50 years. The things that were written were great!  The one that got to both of us went something like this:  "The room was OOO-LA-LA!!!  My wife is OOO-LA-LA!  In fact my wife has so much OOO-LA-LA that if you stacked it end to end, it would circle the globe!!"  Now there's a worthy tribute!!!

I wish I could explain how very much we enjoyed our time together this weekend. It was awesome!!! I can only say we'll be doing it again - sooner rather than later!!!  The "Anniversary Inn" has now become a favorite.  We'll definitely be booking suites in other locations in the future.

Thank you, Amanda and Chris!!!  This was a gift that will keep giving and giving as we cherish our memories of this wonderful weekend.

21

21...two little numbers that have taken on a new significance today...  Taken separately, you get 1 and 2... 1 and 2... small numbers in the life of a child.

The 1 seemed to pass SO quickly...barely a blink of the eye and she was on her way to 2. Over night those two little numbers combined into 12. 12!?!?!?!?!? No longer such a child and more a young lady...

But 21??? 21!!! When on earth did that magic number happen??? It went WAAYYY to fast in some ways, but at exactly the right pace in others. 

My first baby celebrates her 21st Birthday, today. When she first came to us, she seemed like such a miracle! Every moment since has just added to that feeling. How grateful I am to a loving Heavenly Father for the gift of our beautiful 21 year-old daughter, Amanda. 

Happy Birthday, Sweet-Mandy!  We love you!

Smart???

This week began with a technology break-down....BLEH!

It started with my lap-top. Man, was it infected!!! WOW! It was so bad our virus software didn't even catch it. 

Thank goodness for PC Laptops! They're currently my heroes!

They got rid of the virus, then re-installed everything. I had a moment of panic when I couldn't find my documents or pictures. All I had to do was call my heroes and a very kind and patient man walked me through the process of finding and restoring my personal information, docs, and photos...all over the phone.  *sigh* I was a happy camper! ...and so is my laptop!

Then there was the issue with our phones. Our contract was up with our previous carrier, and a new opportunity arose through Kevin's work, which allowed us to get new service and save a lot of money each month. So, off we went - with a new provider and brand-spankin'-shiny-new phones; which we got yesterday. 

Holy-jumpin'-cows!!!  What a pain in the neck that was - getting everything set up. FINALLY, it's done. 

I have a healthy computer and a new phone - both of which are actually working as they should! It's a relief to have things back to (dare I say) "normal".

I hate when my tools are smarter than I am! 

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!

...well, ok - for me, anyways!  

Every six months, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints holds a General Conference. It is an opportunity for the members of the Church to hear messages of inspiration, guidance, and counsel from Heavenly Father's living Prophet, Apostles, and Church Leadership. 

For me, it is a chance to recharge-spiritually. I absolutely LOVE General Conference weekends. As members, we gather - either in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City,

in meeting houses around the world, or, where available; we watch on TV at home. I have actually done all three. Each gives its own unique "flavor" to the meetings. 

I love the beautiful spirit that floods my home when we gather as a family to listen to a prophet's voice and hear what guidance Heavenly Father has to give us for the next six months. I always come away with a renewed sense of purpose and hope.

If you get the chance, tune in and tune-up your spirit. You won't be sorry! You can watch or listen here:

LDS General Conference

Have a great weekend! I know I will!

Daughter of God

Today we attended the rededication of the Ogden, Utah Temple. One of the speakers (Bonnie L. Oscarson) talked about serving in a Temple in Sweden. She spoke of an older sister who had Alzheimer's. This sister could no longer live on her own, so she'd been moved to an assisted living facility near the Temple, She had forgotten many things about her life, but one thing she never forgot was the way to the Temple. She came and served there faithfully. One day as Sister Oscarson was helping this sweet sister in the Temple, she had a strong feeling from the Spirit. She knew that Heavenly Father knew this dear sister, saw her service and loved her for it. It was real and just that personal. 

Of course, my thoughts flew to our own dear Mom - Doris Webster, who also has Alzheimer's.

 

Mom also can no longer live on her own. She too, lives in an assisted living facility. Mom isn't a member of the Church, and doesn't attend the Temple. Mostly, she stays in the home where she lives and interacts with her housemates and the staff. But that doesn't mean that she doesn't serve. 

Here's what I mean. Mom's always been a nice woman. She has a sweet nature and personality. When we visit her and talk to the staff, that's what everyone says. "Oh, Doris is a sweetie! She's such a nice lady!"

Mom has even found a best friend. If you come to the house looking for Mom, you'll also find Ella. Mom and Ella love spending time together. They're always smiling and having fun with each other. I know Mom brightens Ella's day as much as Ella does hers.

As I thought of these things, I realized something true and lovely. Heavenly Father knows our beloved Mom. He sees her sweet nature and the lives she touches by being kind. He sees the friendship she and Ella have developed and He loves them for it.

Mom may not remember as much anymore - but Heavenly Father remembers her, and He loves her because she is His beloved daughter.

Just some thoughts after a lovely Sunday here in Utah.

Old??? Not me!!!

The other night as I was getting dinner on the table, Kevin looked around and realized that Jackie was gone for the evening and it would be just us. He said, "Are we going to be that little old couple who make dinner together every evening and sit down to eat just the two of them?" I answered, "Honey, we already ARE!!"  ...except for the OLD part, of course. Oh, and we'll live with the crazy cat that does weird stuff to keep us entertained.

Beautiful Heartbreak - Hilary Weeks - Every Step

I had a conversation with a friend today. She was asking me about health-issues. She expressed sympathy and even sorrow that I had to endure what I've been going through. I think my response surprised her. It surprised me at how very deeply & sincerely I meant it. I told her that I was ok. That I knew that this was something I had to go through. I believe that Heavenly Father allows us to experience hardship so that we can learn lessons in life that we might not learn any other way and also, to grow and develop in ways we might not be able to otherwise. It's an opportunity for us to become who we're supposed to become. My friend said "Wow, Annette...you have so much more faith than I do." I don't know about having more faith than my friend...she's pretty darned amazing. This is what I do know...

I know what I want most, and that is to return and live with my Heavenly Father again. Given that desire, I am willing to do whatever He deems necessary for me to get there. I know that He knows the best way for me to get back to Him. I know that He has a plan for me and my life. My task then, is to follow that plan, be obedient, and go home when my time on earth is finished. Hopefully I will be blessed to hear Him say: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant - enter into the rest of the Lord".

Honestly, any price I had to pay to hear that welcome home, and "see that view" would be worth it. Sometimes it IS a beautiful heart-ache - it's not easy, but it's always worth it!

Square with the Lord...

Years ago, a dear friend of ours was publicly accused of wrong doing. His face and name were splashed across the local papers and trumpeted from the nightly news. Those of us who knew and loved this good, good man knew - absolutely  - that the accusations were false.

One evening, when Kevin and I were out on a double-date with our friend and his lovely wife, we asked him how he was holding up under the scrutiny. His answer impacted us so deeply, it truly changed our lives. His chief worry was for his wife and children and how this situation would affect them. Then he said:  "When I look in the mirror, I know that the man I am looking at is 'square with the Lord', and that is what matters."

Wow!!!  "Square with the Lord"... What a great way to live. Kevin and I decided that was a great example to follow. We needed to live so that we were "square with the Lord", and everything else would fall into place and be ok.

Fast forward almost 20 years...

Today I was talking with another dear, dear friend. I told him this story and how it changed our way of thinking. Our conversation today got me thinking about what it means to be "square with the Lord". Does that mean that you do what Heavenly Father says all the time and never make mistakes? Heaven forbid that it would mean we have to be perfect!!! This is the gospel according to Netty, so I don't necessarily have chapter and verse on it, but here's what I think, and how we've chosen to live "square with the Lord". Being "square with the Lord" simply means that you are doing your best to follow His way. Doing your best...with the knowledge, state of mind, experience, and capabilities you have at any given moment. Sometimes that means you do better than others. I am grateful our loving Father doesn't expect us to be perfect, or I would definitely fall miserably short.

To me, the good thing about living "square with the Lord" is that He perfectly understands how difficult that can be for us. The Book of Mormon prophet, Ether wrote:  "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." *Ether 12:27 

Heavenly Father gets our imperfections or weaknesses. He loves and understands us perfectly. He has also provided a way for us to overcome those weaknesses. 

In addition to knowing our weaknesses, He has lovingly given us promises of help along the way to aide us in overcoming those imperfections. In the Doctrine and Covenants He promises:  "...for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you to bear you up." D&C 84:88 

What an amazing concept...angels round about us. Talk about a humbling thought.

I have had a little experience with that concept. In my life, I have been the recipient of angelic assistance. I have seen Heavenly Father send angels to bless my life - angels from both sides of the veil. He is very good at using angels with the faces of friends and neighbors to bring us blessings and help us through the hard times. And at times in the quiet watches of the night when I have been the most troubled, He has allowed me to feel the presence of angels from His side of the veil for comfort, peace, and healing.

"Square with the Lord" is a great way to live our lives. Best of all, He doesn't expect us to do it alone. He will be with us and send help when we need it. Somehow that makes it seem doable and worth it.

Lovin' Summer....

...and waving it goodbye as we roll into September!

Somehow it doesn't seem like it should be September, yet. We are still watching our garden produce yummy veggies. It's our most successful garden yet! Only took us seven years to figure it out, but we finally did! Whoo hoo!!! Yesterday we harvested enough tomatoes for me to preserve some sauce for the winter. When it's cold and snowy outside, that tomato sauce will provide the base of many delicious soups and pasta dishes. I love that!!!

It's been a challenging Summer. It doesn't look as if those challenges are going away any time soon. 

Friday we met with my doctor to "officially" review my biopsy results. The good news is there's definitely no cancer. The bad news is that the tumors are sarcoidial tumors which result in a disease called, funnily enough, "sarcoidosis". Thankfully, it is treatable. Unfortunately, the treatment isn't wonderful. It involves steroid treatment for up to a year, in conjunction with some other meds that just plain make you sick. Since all the meds involved can cause some icky side-effects, there are lots of continuing tests and monitoring in my future. Lest you think I'm heading for a pity-party...don't worry. I have no plans for that kind of a party. I am actually looking at things from a brighter side and counting all the tender mercies that are coming my way. I am working towards being able to function as normally as possible given the shortness of breath & other symptoms of this condition...usually it involves spurts of activity punctuated with breathing-breaks and rest-periods. But at least I'm getting things done, right??  

In the meantime, I plan on milking these last precious days of summer for all the light and joy they can bring, before we dive head-long into Fall. (My favorite season, by the way!). I have canning to do, flowers still to nurture, and the sanctuary of my garden to enjoy...

 ...before we break-out the spice of Autumn and the jack-o-lanterns.