Sunday, January 29, 2012

New Changes...A New Path

So much has happened since my last post. Let me try to catch up a bit...

First of all, my back is better and after much physical therapy and exercise, I feel stronger than I have in a long time. My back is still not 100%, but I am back at work and boy, have things changed!

I got to Portland last Thursday evening so that I could be on call the following Friday. It was hard to go back knowing that the flying is not great out of that base and, true to form, I didn't fly on Friday, however...it was a VERY eventful day! It started out fairly typical. I got up showered and as I was putting my make up on, I received a phone call from SkyWest telling me to check my email in the next hour for a possible transfer to Minneapolis. I had put my transfer in back in December. Minneapolis (MSP) has more options for me and I will not be on Reserve (on call) but instead will be able to hold a line (where I have more control over my schedule and ultimately the ability to make more money!!)

Needless to say, I was anxious as I checked my email. I tried to focus on improving my face, but was so distracted. Then, there it was! I opened the email, saw the "granted transfer" and quickly accepted it. Then the phone call followed. Normally, transfers are granted at the end/beginning of the month. The actual transfer does not become effective until the first of the following month. In this case, that would be March 1st. But, since we are very short of people in MSP, I was asked to move immediately! "What does immediately mean?" I asked. I was told that I would have 4 moving days then would need to report to my new domicile.

So now, Brad and I are planning to fly to MSP Tuesday morning, check things out, see my new crashpad and return home that evening. I will then turn around and fly back on Thursday and be ready to FLY on Friday!! Big changes...Huge!! Thankfully, I have some friends there who have opened their apartment up to me and will show me the ropes in my new base...God bless them!

I have become a voracious reader. I have always read, but lately I can't get enough! I have to recommend two incredibly inspirational books that, in my opinion, are "must reads". The first is called: "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom. It is a true account of a family who hid Jews during the occupation of Holland during WWII. Without giving too much away, they are discovered and are sent to Nazi Concentration camps. The amazing accounts of the faith of two sisters is completely moving and overwhelming. I couldn't read this book fast enough and was actually sad when I finished it. It changed me...

The second book is: "Left To Tell:Discovering God Amongst The Rwandan Holocaust" by Immaculee Ilibagiza. Again, a similar story (true story) of incredible faith and strength. In this book, she survived the Rwandan genocide as her family is butchered. And I was sad to finish this book too. Both of these books changed me. These women showed me how incredibly blessed I am and they made me wonder if my faith would be strong enough to sustain me through such atrocities, terror, fear and even torture. Is my relationship with God strong enough? Do I know Him as intimately as I should? Both are beautifully and poignantly written. I urge you all to get these books, then please, let me know what you think of them. I promise, you will be inspired!

As my life has taken a big turn, once again, I am renewed, energized and anxious to move forward. No, I did not receive my transfer to Salt Lake City, but that's OK because new experiences and opportunities await me in MSP. I'm anxious to meet new people, see new places and make more money!! God will take care of me and walk beside me. I have faith that He has led me to where I am today and look forward to the challenges and adventures ahead.

My children and *Littles* are doing great. My girls have their challenges, but face them head on and are growing into extremely strong women and amazing mothers. Ty is clean and sober, he smiles, he laughs, he talks rationally, he has a great job, is a full time college student, is active in AA/NA and once again, loves his life. He shines!! He is reconnecting to the Lord and he is healing. Everyday is a gift for him and he recognizes that. He calls me just to talk! I feel so much joy around him; something I haven't felt around him for about 7 years. I am even thankful to him for taking me on this treacherous journey with him. Don't get me wrong, I NEVER want to ever go through the darkness and hell that we have experienced during his drug abuse years again, but I am a better person for having survived it. Mistakes were made. I didn't always handle things with dignity and grace, and I even broke down many, many times. But I am stronger, a bit wiser, less judgmental and more compassionate to these precious children of God who are lost in the depths of hell. I ache for their families and especially their mothers. Tyler is not out of the woods yet, but he knows this and takes it one day at a time. He has surrounded himself with good people with similar goals and values. He has changed his thinking and, most importantly, he is growing and he is on the right path...he's becoming whole again!

I am a blessed woman. I am thankful for the challenges that have come my way. They are not fun, or easy or even seemingly bearable at times, but the emergence of survival and strength is the greatest reward. Most importantly, I am thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who has never left me OR my sweet son. He has held us both up and has sent His love and protection at times when we both have, many times, felt unworthy. But He is God. He never bailed on us even when we may have bailed on Him.

Life is amazing. I found a quote on Pinterest that touched my heart to the core:
"Successful women build a strong foundation with the bricks that have been thrown at them."

I only hope and pray that I can pay honor to that saying. I have been broken many times, but am healing.
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Tuesday, January 10, 2012

The Joy Dare

A couple of months ago, my hubs and I were visiting our Bishop and his family. He and his wife have 6 children ranging in age from 19-7 and they are ALL wonderful, amazing young human beings. As we were seated in their Family Room surrounded by the sweet members of this family (these kids are ridiculously crazy ove Brad), I noticed large sheets of paper taped around the room. Upon closer look, I noticed that these huge sheets were lists of everything that this sweet family was thankful for.

What really touched me was that NOTHING was off limits! These lists contained everything from, The Savior, The Gospel and Individual family member names to Bras, Satellite Dishes, Diet Coke and Tampons!! We giggled, but I was touched that these young people took the time to write down ALL that they were grateful for. My hubs and I even made the list!

I've thought about this. The spirit in their home was peaceful, loving and kind. Now, I know that the family dynamic is often intense and that there are definite moments of discord, but in this home, that evening, it was the best place we could be.

This morning, as I was perusing some of my favorite blogs, I ran across a beautiful posting similar to the "List Making" in our friends home. It was here and the title is "Taking the Joy Dare".

I realized, as I read that post, that my heart was in need of healing. Nothing serious, just with all of the life changes in such a short amount of time, I realized that I am always in need of drawing closer to the Lord and maybe by becoming cognizant of my "gifts", just maybe my heart can begin to heal.

So I downloaded this app on my iPhone and on my iPad.

I commit to you all that I will report in on this humble, meager little blog, of my progress of appreciating and acknowledging my gifts. I'm even going to link up with Ann Voskamp at " A Holy Experience"

Here's my Start:
  1. My Heavenly Father and Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
  2. My sweet family.
  3. An amazing, loving husband.
  4. A healthy, fulfilling marriage.
  5. A warm and comfortable home.
  6. My microwave (mine broke and I've lived one week without one...ugh)
  7. My husband's job.
  8. My job.
  9. Great parents.
  10. A very comfortable and warm bed.
  11. My iPad and iPhone.
  12. Fabulous shoes.
  13. My 2 dogs.
  14. Holiday celebrations.
  15. Skilled doctors.
  16. Skilled Physical Therapists.
  17. Clocks.
  18. Cameras.
  19. Photographs.
  20. My beautiful town & community.
  21. Great friends.
  22. My BFF.
  23. Shining Sun.
  24. Hugs & Kisses.
  25. Hot running water.
  26. Indoor heat.
  27. The most precious grandchildren a woman could ever ask for!!
  28. My beautiful mother who is the rock of our family .
  29. Tender Mercies of the Lord.
  30. Challenges and trials that shape me into a better person.
That was much easier than I expected...I hope to travel on this journey with Joy. Feel free to join me. I challenge all my readers to take "The Joy Dare"...after all, what have you got to lose?
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Monday, January 9, 2012

Newest Obsession

As my life has taken a new course of direction over the past 6 months or so, I have had a lot of what you might call "down time". While it's true that I have tried to maximize this time to my advantage, I have added a few things that maybe aren't as productive as others. On the upside, I have read 7 substantial (400 pages or more) books, I finished a Christmas Stocking, Tatted some lovely lace and doilies as well as some other long-ago-neglected projects. But...

I have a new obsession. It's something that I HAVE to do everyday! I wake up early, I read my scriptures, check Facebook, read my current book and then...I check it...I have to because I'm totally obsessed with this new site. Do I have your attention??

It's called "Pinterest".

It's a sort of "Virtual Hoarding" site where you create Boards and "pin" pictures of things that you find interesting, entertaining, beautiful, creative, lovely, fabulous and more, more, more. I currently have 30 boards...T.H.I.R.T.Y. !!

They range anywhere from "Quotes" to "Fashion" to "Delectable Desserts" to Chocolate" to "Photography"....and lots more.

It's amazingly entertaining and inspiring in many ways. I have found fabulous recipes, amazingly creative gift ideas, stunning photography, and fabulous decor. It has inspired me to explore my own creativity. It's SO much fun and I have actually learned a lot about my friends and family members who are on the site.

If you want an invite, send me your email address and I'll be happy to oblige...but beware...it's addicting!

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Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Eventually...REALLY?!?

E.VEN.TU.AL.LY

I have learned to HATE this word! The very definition fills me with consternation and makes me uneasy. Here it is...are you ready for it?

"In the end, especially after a long delay, dispute or series of problems."

There you have it...

I have been anxiously, and not so patiently, awaiting a transfer to Salt Lake City with my job. I am tired of commuting to Portland, I hate where I live when I'm not at home and I sit in a disgusting crashpad waiting and waiting to fly. It's frustrating, exhausting and downright lonely most of the time. Everyone I talk to (within the company) assures me that "EVENTUALLY" I will be granted my transfer...I highly doubt that they really understand the definition of this hideous word with regards to the circumstances of my life! And in all fairness, it's not their problem or responsibility.

So, how do I deal with the "meantime"? That's really where I have to live. It's where my reality exists and where I have to find joy.

I guess "Eventually" is a fine word. I'm sure that in some cases it serves people and situations very well. For me? I have learned to hate that word...sorry, maybe I will one day learn to like it again...Eventually!!

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Monday, January 2, 2012

My Beautiful Children

Just wanted to post a picture of my kids. This was taken in September at my dad's funeral...Love these amazing people...I'm SO blessed!!
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