02 October 2013
Looking for Maleen
If you are her or Tyler - please email me or call me or something!!!!!! eagelvalleyde@hotmail.com
09 February 2013
One of the best years of my life...
The age given to me by my awesome cousin is 23.
The year is 1999 and I'm a return missionary from Germany, Leipzig Mission. I have worked really hard to pay cash for college at BYU. In fact, I worked under the table at two jobs and put all my wages in my dresser drawer. If my brothers had known, I probably wouldn't have a degree!
I moved to Provo, UT in May and couldn't move into my apartment for a week because I had no idea how it worked. I hadn't read any of the materials (shhh, we were all dumb at one point right?). I ended up calling my cousins Alohi Clah and family. They took care of me for an entire week before I could move in. I also was dehydrated like the first 12 weeks I was in town. I was not used to needing THAT much water. I met Patti Jo and Omel C. the first week and they were my BFFs.
I had an apartment at Miller Apartments and LOVED sharing a parking lot with my childhood friend Emily Jorgensen and her hubby Eric Jorgensen. I also adored my roommates Maly Willis, Daravanh Rattana Bills, Susy Samad Ferreira, Lorena Aguilar-Booth and a few others. They were the most awesomest roomies ever! But in a close 2nd place, the boys who lived across the hall – Brent Christensen and Travis Hobbs were awesome. I’d have breakfast with Brent nearly every morning and get my “update”. They also were kind enough to let me work out with them. I had never done that before. Hehe.
Kami Anderson helped me graduate because she was so stinkin’ smart (still are girl!).
It was a GOOD year. One of my favorites honestly. So sweet of you to mention it Becca Neilson Robinson.
And there you have it. Emily also reminded me that I dragged her bum out of bed at the forsaken hour of 5:45 to go to Water Aerobics (which I LOVED btw) and we had some fun times. Good stuff that year. :) The next wasn't soooo bad, until June. That's when I met Will. :(
The year is 1999 and I'm a return missionary from Germany, Leipzig Mission. I have worked really hard to pay cash for college at BYU. In fact, I worked under the table at two jobs and put all my wages in my dresser drawer. If my brothers had known, I probably wouldn't have a degree!
I moved to Provo, UT in May and couldn't move into my apartment for a week because I had no idea how it worked. I hadn't read any of the materials (shhh, we were all dumb at one point right?). I ended up calling my cousins Alohi Clah and family. They took care of me for an entire week before I could move in. I also was dehydrated like the first 12 weeks I was in town. I was not used to needing THAT much water. I met Patti Jo and Omel C. the first week and they were my BFFs.
I had an apartment at Miller Apartments and LOVED sharing a parking lot with my childhood friend Emily Jorgensen and her hubby Eric Jorgensen. I also adored my roommates Maly Willis, Daravanh Rattana Bills, Susy Samad Ferreira, Lorena Aguilar-Booth and a few others. They were the most awesomest roomies ever! But in a close 2nd place, the boys who lived across the hall – Brent Christensen and Travis Hobbs were awesome. I’d have breakfast with Brent nearly every morning and get my “update”. They also were kind enough to let me work out with them. I had never done that before. Hehe.
Kami Anderson helped me graduate because she was so stinkin’ smart (still are girl!).
It was a GOOD year. One of my favorites honestly. So sweet of you to mention it Becca Neilson Robinson.
And there you have it. Emily also reminded me that I dragged her bum out of bed at the forsaken hour of 5:45 to go to Water Aerobics (which I LOVED btw) and we had some fun times. Good stuff that year. :) The next wasn't soooo bad, until June. That's when I met Will. :(
02 January 2013
Hello Anyone who reads this blog People:
It's only been 6 months, hehe...so much has changed!
I'm going to do this and then send them out as New Year's Cards (because I'm so late with christmas cards, and maybe I'll even make them Birthday cards - that I can push off till March).
Sharon's 2012 A-Z
A - A new job. Started August 1st and couldn't be more grateful
B- Became a foster parent through DHS and got my first kid mid-August
C- California. Took mom and dad on a Thanksgiving weekend San Fransisco road trip and had a blast!
D- Dedicated friends and family helped me build shelves in my garage (thanks Bakers! and Mom & Dad)
E- Extended family. Love and appreciate them.
F- Family History - I dove right in and love it.
G- Glen, my new boss is the BEST.
H-House Paint - well, paid to have my house painted. Thanks Whitakers!
I- Inspiring new curriculum for Sunday School Grateful for the opportunity
J-Saw John Williams with Mark Smith and it has started a flurry of "cultural" activities
K-Kids - its been a great learning curve to learn how to deal with girls 12-18 in the system
L - Loved celebrating my 37th birthday with a pj party. So many of my friends in the same place.
M- Messiah as a Christmas gift and went with Mark S. So wonderful.
N- New niece and two new nephews and the announcement of 1 more nephew.
O- Opportunities to learn, grow and become better. Buh bye 2012 - Hello 2013!
P-Pentatonix - saw them in Concert with Shannon
Q- Quit delivering Pizzas at Abby's Legendary's Pizza which is a whole blog post on its own
R-Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc. My new company
S-Still teaching Sunday School - I feel like I've been teaching them for like 3-4 years now.
T- Time our for Women - I got to go with
U- Uninvited wedding guest (family rep, lol) - to my cousin's wedding in HAWAII. Totally worth it.
V-Visited Karen and Andrew in Phoenix and doing it again in January!
W- Welcomed 4 foster kids this year and maybe I'll be able to create stability for just one in 2013
X-Excitement for the new year.
Y-YOOP! is a memory. I loved working for and on behalf of the neediest youth in our county.
Z- Zero debt paid off since I quit Abby's. Just shows that you accomplish what you focus on.
It's only been 6 months, hehe...so much has changed!
I'm going to do this and then send them out as New Year's Cards (because I'm so late with christmas cards, and maybe I'll even make them Birthday cards - that I can push off till March).
Sharon's 2012 A-Z
A - A new job. Started August 1st and couldn't be more grateful
B- Became a foster parent through DHS and got my first kid mid-August
C- California. Took mom and dad on a Thanksgiving weekend San Fransisco road trip and had a blast!
D- Dedicated friends and family helped me build shelves in my garage (thanks Bakers! and Mom & Dad)
E- Extended family. Love and appreciate them.
F- Family History - I dove right in and love it.
G- Glen, my new boss is the BEST.
H-House Paint - well, paid to have my house painted. Thanks Whitakers!
I- Inspiring new curriculum for Sunday School Grateful for the opportunity
J-Saw John Williams with Mark Smith and it has started a flurry of "cultural" activities
K-Kids - its been a great learning curve to learn how to deal with girls 12-18 in the system
L - Loved celebrating my 37th birthday with a pj party. So many of my friends in the same place.
M- Messiah as a Christmas gift and went with Mark S. So wonderful.
N- New niece and two new nephews and the announcement of 1 more nephew.
O- Opportunities to learn, grow and become better. Buh bye 2012 - Hello 2013!
P-Pentatonix - saw them in Concert with Shannon
Q- Quit delivering Pizzas at Abby's Legendary's Pizza which is a whole blog post on its own
R-Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc. My new company
S-Still teaching Sunday School - I feel like I've been teaching them for like 3-4 years now.
T- Time our for Women - I got to go with
U- Uninvited wedding guest (family rep, lol) - to my cousin's wedding in HAWAII. Totally worth it.
V-Visited Karen and Andrew in Phoenix and doing it again in January!
W- Welcomed 4 foster kids this year and maybe I'll be able to create stability for just one in 2013
X-Excitement for the new year.
Y-YOOP! is a memory. I loved working for and on behalf of the neediest youth in our county.
Z- Zero debt paid off since I quit Abby's. Just shows that you accomplish what you focus on.
01 June 2012
First Strawberries of the Season
Please don't expect a picture - it's midnight and I've been up since 6 am...working the ENTIRE time except for the 20 min break I took to go the Farmer's Market and bought my first flat of strawberries. And believe it or not, tonight when I got home at 11:15 I washed, dried, cut the top off of and flash froze and then bagged (cut and washed all, bagged 1/2)! I am tired but so happy that all winter long I can have green smoothies. I also watched Engine 2's Diet today while auditing. Amazing stuff and I cannot wait to get the recipes.
It's day 3 of my plant based take over and well - its getting harder. I was REALLY hungry when I got to the pizza joint and smelling good pizza wasn't helping. I ate some carrots dipped in honey mustard. :) Quite proud of myself.
I'm grateful that I got all of my Amity girl files audited and all of their finances taken care of. Whoo whoo!~
I am grateful that I have a Hometeacher who came and tilled the space for my raspberry starts and the front so I can plant my pink flowers - I LOVE those flowers. They are the same ones that the Springs helped me plant about 7 years ago now. I will also get my square foot garden in on Saturday or BUST!
Concerns: My back hurts but I am so grateful for my many, many blessings.
It's day 3 of my plant based take over and well - its getting harder. I was REALLY hungry when I got to the pizza joint and smelling good pizza wasn't helping. I ate some carrots dipped in honey mustard. :) Quite proud of myself.
I'm grateful that I got all of my Amity girl files audited and all of their finances taken care of. Whoo whoo!~
I am grateful that I have a Hometeacher who came and tilled the space for my raspberry starts and the front so I can plant my pink flowers - I LOVE those flowers. They are the same ones that the Springs helped me plant about 7 years ago now. I will also get my square foot garden in on Saturday or BUST!
Concerns: My back hurts but I am so grateful for my many, many blessings.
21 May 2012
Back to life, back to reality
Sunday, May 19
I had a great day. I went to church and listened intently while playing word search. hehehe
I taught my 8 youth in Sunday School. This was quite a bit different than last week when I had only 2 and one of which wasn't there yesterday. We talked about repentance...I forget sometimes that these kids haven't had these lessons like 9 bazillion times and its all new to them. We also had two non-member youths. That was way cool.
I came home and read some of the book Shannon loaned me called "The Culture of Poverty" etc. It's so informative!
I called home and asked if it was ok if I came up and of course so I headed out.
We played games and talked and watched Ninja master thingy. Totally awesome show. Ikaia said, Aunty Sharon, why do you always talk to the old people (grandma, grandpa and his Dad) instead of me. You don't love me. I said looky here son, that's not how you show love and it has nothing to do with love.
It was fun and we played Ninja fruit slicer party game and then ate and then played loaded questions. We laughed and laughed and laughed because
I had a great day. I went to church and listened intently while playing word search. hehehe
I taught my 8 youth in Sunday School. This was quite a bit different than last week when I had only 2 and one of which wasn't there yesterday. We talked about repentance...I forget sometimes that these kids haven't had these lessons like 9 bazillion times and its all new to them. We also had two non-member youths. That was way cool.
I came home and read some of the book Shannon loaned me called "The Culture of Poverty" etc. It's so informative!
I called home and asked if it was ok if I came up and of course so I headed out.
We played games and talked and watched Ninja master thingy. Totally awesome show. Ikaia said, Aunty Sharon, why do you always talk to the old people (grandma, grandpa and his Dad) instead of me. You don't love me. I said looky here son, that's not how you show love and it has nothing to do with love.
It was fun and we played Ninja fruit slicer party game and then ate and then played loaded questions. We laughed and laughed and laughed because
20 May 2012
I've been Naughty, but it's been NICE!
Ah, ok. So, I haven't blogged once since being in Hawaii. So the best way to remedy this is to do a VERY brief synopsis of each day.
Tuesday: Fly in, no problems, not first class but oh well. I've never flown first class anyhow. I arrive and let my cousin Jacob and Auntie Emily know and then believe I'm heading on the bus to pick up my Westfalia Van. Jacob says, oh, you don't have any luggage. I'm like, yes, I do and he says, you can't ride TheBus then because they don't allow luggage. WHAT?????? So then I'm like freaking out. My whole plan is up in smoke. Ends up Uncle Larry comes and gets me and drives me to Kailua to pick up the van. The van is way less attractive then I thought but hey, it's ok. Worst thing is - the van's gas tank is EMPTY. Like, lower than E. Seriously? Who runs a car/van rental business and doesn't put gas?
I make it to Hauula with great directions from the gas attendant. As soon as I arrive, Uncle Larry calls and says he's been waiting for me to pass to show me how to get here. I'm like, maybe you should've waited somewhere on the road I was driving on. Somehow I got on the old road, lol.
Keahi and Abraham come and I get to meet her! She's just as fab as my cousin, Abraham. We go to bed late, very, very late.
WEDNESDAY:
I go to the back house and offer to take grandma to the Sr Center. I move the van from it's parking spot to the driveway and go inside. By the time I come out, the van won't start. Seriously? What the heck. So we roll it just a bit and Aunty Emily ends up doing all of the errands because I'm waiting for Uncle Larry. Btw, I was blocking her in! Annoying.
I head to town with Uncle Larry and Aunt Peggy and we pick up Naomi before heading to the swap meet. Rule #1: Don't go spending all your money at swap meet the first day on the Island.
Rule #2: Always go to swap meet!
We get home and its been a wonderfully fun day and I try and start the van and it won't start. I call and they (Oahucampingvans.net people) say they will come out in the morning.
THURSDAY:
I didn't realize that meant noon!!!!! I was so angry and upset that I just wanted to switch vans and not even talk to him but I managed to say I get a day and a half credit as well as $60 in gas!
I'll start uploading pictures soon. Gonna post this or I never will. I began typing this way back when I was still in HI! Good intentions, huh...didn't work this time. Try again latah.
Tuesday: Fly in, no problems, not first class but oh well. I've never flown first class anyhow. I arrive and let my cousin Jacob and Auntie Emily know and then believe I'm heading on the bus to pick up my Westfalia Van. Jacob says, oh, you don't have any luggage. I'm like, yes, I do and he says, you can't ride TheBus then because they don't allow luggage. WHAT?????? So then I'm like freaking out. My whole plan is up in smoke. Ends up Uncle Larry comes and gets me and drives me to Kailua to pick up the van. The van is way less attractive then I thought but hey, it's ok. Worst thing is - the van's gas tank is EMPTY. Like, lower than E. Seriously? Who runs a car/van rental business and doesn't put gas?
I make it to Hauula with great directions from the gas attendant. As soon as I arrive, Uncle Larry calls and says he's been waiting for me to pass to show me how to get here. I'm like, maybe you should've waited somewhere on the road I was driving on. Somehow I got on the old road, lol.
Keahi and Abraham come and I get to meet her! She's just as fab as my cousin, Abraham. We go to bed late, very, very late.
WEDNESDAY:
I go to the back house and offer to take grandma to the Sr Center. I move the van from it's parking spot to the driveway and go inside. By the time I come out, the van won't start. Seriously? What the heck. So we roll it just a bit and Aunty Emily ends up doing all of the errands because I'm waiting for Uncle Larry. Btw, I was blocking her in! Annoying.
I head to town with Uncle Larry and Aunt Peggy and we pick up Naomi before heading to the swap meet. Rule #1: Don't go spending all your money at swap meet the first day on the Island.
Rule #2: Always go to swap meet!
We get home and its been a wonderfully fun day and I try and start the van and it won't start. I call and they (Oahucampingvans.net people) say they will come out in the morning.
THURSDAY:
I didn't realize that meant noon!!!!! I was so angry and upset that I just wanted to switch vans and not even talk to him but I managed to say I get a day and a half credit as well as $60 in gas!
I'll start uploading pictures soon. Gonna post this or I never will. I began typing this way back when I was still in HI! Good intentions, huh...didn't work this time. Try again latah.
01 May 2012
I'm on a jet plane...or between them actually
I missed yesterday...but that's ok, since I basically stayed up all night talking to my dad before he dropped me off at the airport, I'd say I'[m[ still on the same day except technically I'm not. Hmmmm...
1. I am officially on my first vacation in 2.5 years and dang, it feels good. I'm not going to lie, I have been looking forward to this for a LONG time!
2. I stayed up talking to my dad last night for a long time.
3. I chatted with Kenji and David via their video games system and it was fun and funny, like always.
4. I made the flight to Denver and the flight to HI is wide open so I should arrive today. :)
5. My roommate paid her rent on time and in full, whoo whoo! Now I don't have to worry so much about food/money.
Ah...Jacob called me last night and he's hooking me up with electricity from the house and they have wireless so I should be JUST fine for 10 days. :)
All that razzing I did to Rob and Shannon for renting the VW vanagon, shame on me! Here I am following their lead and doing teh same thing.
Aloha and Mahalo - Sharon
1. I am officially on my first vacation in 2.5 years and dang, it feels good. I'm not going to lie, I have been looking forward to this for a LONG time!
2. I stayed up talking to my dad last night for a long time.
3. I chatted with Kenji and David via their video games system and it was fun and funny, like always.
4. I made the flight to Denver and the flight to HI is wide open so I should arrive today. :)
5. My roommate paid her rent on time and in full, whoo whoo! Now I don't have to worry so much about food/money.
Ah...Jacob called me last night and he's hooking me up with electricity from the house and they have wireless so I should be JUST fine for 10 days. :)
All that razzing I did to Rob and Shannon for renting the VW vanagon, shame on me! Here I am following their lead and doing teh same thing.
Aloha and Mahalo - Sharon
27 April 2012
Vacationitis overload
Whew...got through today.
1. Hosted greeters and it was fabulous
2. Found a couple of dudes to teach Fin Lit!!!
3. Made $45 in tips tonight
4. Ate a salad for dinner
5. Watched some cool TED videos today
Concern: even though I was full after my salad, I ate my whole mini pizza. Didn't stop when I was full.
1. Hosted greeters and it was fabulous
2. Found a couple of dudes to teach Fin Lit!!!
3. Made $45 in tips tonight
4. Ate a salad for dinner
5. Watched some cool TED videos today
Concern: even though I was full after my salad, I ate my whole mini pizza. Didn't stop when I was full.
26 April 2012
Vacay Prep...
The preparations are one by one being check off and its turning into 111% vacation-itis! Everything I do or say or touch becomes sometime ABOUT my impending vacation. I cannot wait! I made Abe and Keahi's pic my desktop photo.
The best things about today:
1. I made decent (great!) tips tonight and was able to tip out the cook and counter girl left standing when I got off. The bar tender and the manager already had made good money.
2. I got my first pedicure in like 6 mos. Needless to say, my feet were disgusting but she did an amazing job and even when I tipped her, it was still pretty cheap considering the grossness of my feeties.
3. Chance's new mom txt me to say that he is doing well and is "tolerating her" but he really likes Rich, her hubby. I told her to gain some weight so he thinks he's sitting next to cuddling with me and she'll be fine ;)
4. I cleaned my desk off. If you have ever known me in a working place - no wait, that would be a lie - if you have ever known me EVER in any capacity, you'd know that I have a difficult time with clutter. I'm messy, what can I say? We are hosting a chamber networking event tomorrow and I managed to clean off my desk. WHOO WHOO.
5. My bestie Jody M. Hall, met me at the nail salon and although she could only stay until 12:30, we were able to visit for 30 minutes! What a babe. Her toes were cute too, but not as cute as mine! hehehehe...
Negative/Issues: Although I prayed for menstruation to occur before my trip to Hawaii, I didn't say I wanted the cramps too. But, I will not be dealing with old Aunt Flo on vacation. Give me another woot woot. :)
xoxo,
Sharon
The best things about today:
1. I made decent (great!) tips tonight and was able to tip out the cook and counter girl left standing when I got off. The bar tender and the manager already had made good money.
2. I got my first pedicure in like 6 mos. Needless to say, my feet were disgusting but she did an amazing job and even when I tipped her, it was still pretty cheap considering the grossness of my feeties.
3. Chance's new mom txt me to say that he is doing well and is "tolerating her" but he really likes Rich, her hubby. I told her to gain some weight so he thinks he's sitting next to cuddling with me and she'll be fine ;)
4. I cleaned my desk off. If you have ever known me in a working place - no wait, that would be a lie - if you have ever known me EVER in any capacity, you'd know that I have a difficult time with clutter. I'm messy, what can I say? We are hosting a chamber networking event tomorrow and I managed to clean off my desk. WHOO WHOO.
5. My bestie Jody M. Hall, met me at the nail salon and although she could only stay until 12:30, we were able to visit for 30 minutes! What a babe. Her toes were cute too, but not as cute as mine! hehehehe...
Negative/Issues: Although I prayed for menstruation to occur before my trip to Hawaii, I didn't say I wanted the cramps too. But, I will not be dealing with old Aunt Flo on vacation. Give me another woot woot. :)
xoxo,
Sharon
25 April 2012
Zumba WED
Good day!
1. I finally paid the reservation deposit for the VW vanagon in HI.
2. I had a blast at Zumba tonight.
3. Did I mention I ate alligator yesterday!?! I loved it. TY Sharon, Ron and Nate. And then today for the most amazing caramel popcorn ever - Nate - thank you for straight teeth so your mom would make it and be willing to share it with me.
4. Shannon and Mandy gave me the Roca for my family across the Pond and bedding for foster kiddos! Bed to arrive this weekend.
5. Matt D. told me that his brother and sis in law are going to be baptized! I cried with joy. Oh, the blessings of the gospel moving throughout the families of the faithful. :)
6. I was getting grumpy about having to prepare my lesson for this Sunday when i realized I could do it on my phone!!! Anywhere anytime!!! I am so grateful for the righteous application of technology.
A concern: My mouth still hurts.
1. I finally paid the reservation deposit for the VW vanagon in HI.
2. I had a blast at Zumba tonight.
3. Did I mention I ate alligator yesterday!?! I loved it. TY Sharon, Ron and Nate. And then today for the most amazing caramel popcorn ever - Nate - thank you for straight teeth so your mom would make it and be willing to share it with me.
4. Shannon and Mandy gave me the Roca for my family across the Pond and bedding for foster kiddos! Bed to arrive this weekend.
5. Matt D. told me that his brother and sis in law are going to be baptized! I cried with joy. Oh, the blessings of the gospel moving throughout the families of the faithful. :)
6. I was getting grumpy about having to prepare my lesson for this Sunday when i realized I could do it on my phone!!! Anywhere anytime!!! I am so grateful for the righteous application of technology.
A concern: My mouth still hurts.
23 April 2012
April 22-24
Hello Blogger Following, lol..of 1.
I have been thinking about the importance of journaling and so here is my pledge: to write at least 5 happy thoughts from each day and if necessary to get it off my chest, one struggle.
Today it was GORGEOUS! I mowed the lawn and basically had a good day. I went to a homeless Love In Action meeting today and learned about tons of resources for our kiddos.
Let's see...a quick recap of the weekend (or you could just look at FB). I have been working at Abby's since July 2011. I'm tired of working there and just pure tired, but what good does that to? I closed on Thursday, short shift on Friday then on Sat I went to Foundations training for Foster Care Certification and then to Abby's for 7 hours. Abby seems to be taking over my life. Ugh...anyway.
Sunday church where I was called to be the youth Sunday School teacher - again. :) I am excited, there were 5 kids in there when I stuck my head in at the end of the hour. I felt the need to save them from Brother Noreen, lol!
I skipped out of church just a little bit ealry (posterity, hopefully you still respect me), to go to Newberg and pick up Mark, Kerri's husband (Kerri and I work together) and then we drove to the Couv to pick up Mark's mom to then drive back down to PDX Hollywood Theater to watch Amadeus. It was spectacular! And Edmond Stone, host of The Score on All Classical 89.9 was dressed up as Amadeus. It was amazing to watch that movie on the big screen. We had watched it as kids not knowing anything about it being moninated for 11 Grammy's and both lead actors bein nominated for Best Actor. I mean, geesh, how does that happen?
Mark was a trooper and ran all over downtown PDX for us. Trader Joe's for goodies and then after the movie, we headed to VooDoo Donuts. Just for the record: Really long line for a normal tasting donut in the WORST part of PDX. Meth users every where.
This is how the convo went:
"Is it always this busy?"
"Yes, except for between 3-5 AM."
"You are open 24 hrs?"
Head nod...
Is this a safe thing?
"No. There are stabbings almost every night and drug dealers on the corner and users will come in and steal the tip jars and it's just not safe"
And I'm like: And you still work here? GET OUT before you get stabbed! Those doughnuts are not THAT tasty. We decided if it had been dark, we probably wouldn't have stopped by.
Then we dropped off Mark's mom who lives just up by Legacy Salmon Creek and then went to my families place. I finally was able to drop off clothes for Alex that I've easily had for like 3 months. Oh that's right, he's 3 months old now, Hope they FIT!
Got Abraham's (cousin who is getting married in like 9 days!) wedding announcement. I also say dad's cool books...he has 3 that he's wanting to sell. They are rare and very old. So...I'm going to help him.
Then I came home. It was overall, a GREAT weekend and Monday. Just one week and I'll be in HI! :)
Bring it on...
05 July 2011
Check, check
Apparently I'm not cool enough to keep blogging. But I have to blog about this weekend. It was a-maz-ing!
16 January 2011
Mission Journal, Vol 3, Dec 10, 1996-Mar 30, 1997
10 December 1996
I'm not supposed to write in here yet but I love it, and only have 3 more pages in the other volume. Na ja. We taught Family Schurig and Frau Gessinger today.
12 December 1996
Endlich, ein neues Tagebuich! Ich freue mich so sehr! Finally, a new journal. I'm so happy. [End Translation].
I just wanted to say that I hope that I can be positive and excited about missionary work and just do it! I have a new motto- it's called: "The best way to get anythning done, is to do it. (You can substitute learn, love, study, help etc.) Also, the verb! [I don't understand what I meant here but I'm sure it'll come back to me? lol]
I'm excited to be serving in Zwichau with Sister Chadwick. I can't believe I've only got 3 more weeks with her. Christmas iks almost here and I've got nothing but a card from Aunt and Uncle Mark Parker and $10 from Jim. I did hear from Jim, Carrie Gunnn, Rachel Carey-Fuson and Aunt Lizzetta and Uncle Mark twice and Kim Tarbutton. It was really nice to get post [mail]. I lvoe this new journal and hope it doesn't take me longer than 6 months to get through it!
We had Austausch with Sister Sedletzek. We met her at the Hospital and visited Sister Mitlander. We had a great talk about WWII. They were young girls as it happened. They could feel the pressure before the Wall went up. They decided to stay.
They bore their testimonies! I love them to death. Sln
You've got to see these: a Sister Roseann Chadwick was my companion at the time. I had never laughed so hard or often, been so joyous or been so humbled by anyone in my life. She was just letting me know, with Aufrichtem Herzen, a heart in the right place, her feelings on the matter. This was my life with her and for too short of a time. I loved her right back!
Sln
02 January 2011
The Priesthood
As I sat in the back row of a ward I was in for over a year, 6 years ago, I heard my nephew being blessed by a friend of my brother's family.
While it was tragic and sad that his father, my brother wasn't performing the blessing, it was also hopeful and happy. I listened intently as a really good friend of my bother blessed him instead. He blessed Kona with the strength to be an example to his family, to be worthy to hold the Priesthood and then to serve a mission and marry in the temple.
During the blessing I was holding his older brother and I whisphered (shhhh, no juding that I waS talking during the prayer!) that I had those same hopes and prayers for him, Aukai. I told him that his baby brother was getting a blessing from Heavenly Father and that I knew what a great example he would be, how he would grow strong in the gospel and hold the Priesthood and serve a mission for the Lord and then marry a bride in the temple.
After the blessing came the sacrament. Aukai wanted to color and I told him that when the Deacons sat down and were finished helping the Savior with his work, he could. I then decided that wasn't enough - I should explain that when the Savior was about to die, he fed his apostles the Sacrament and now, we take the Sacrament on Sunday's to remember Jesus and we do this with the help of the those who hold the Priesthood. I then talked to him about how in just a few years he would be able to help the Savior too by receiving the Priesthood and passing His sacrament. He said he wanted to help the Savior and that during the Sacrament we could think about Jesus and Heavenly Father. I was so thrilled to be able to share that moment with him. I think he "got" it. I know I did. I don't think it's ever too early to talk about the mantel of the Priesthood that men will bear and how important it is for them to use it wisely for His purposes because we NEED them!!! To make and keep our covenants.
Love the little men in your lives and train them up to be great daddies and husbands. Every woman needs a GREAT man. (And vise versa!)
While it was tragic and sad that his father, my brother wasn't performing the blessing, it was also hopeful and happy. I listened intently as a really good friend of my bother blessed him instead. He blessed Kona with the strength to be an example to his family, to be worthy to hold the Priesthood and then to serve a mission and marry in the temple.
During the blessing I was holding his older brother and I whisphered (shhhh, no juding that I waS talking during the prayer!) that I had those same hopes and prayers for him, Aukai. I told him that his baby brother was getting a blessing from Heavenly Father and that I knew what a great example he would be, how he would grow strong in the gospel and hold the Priesthood and serve a mission for the Lord and then marry a bride in the temple.
After the blessing came the sacrament. Aukai wanted to color and I told him that when the Deacons sat down and were finished helping the Savior with his work, he could. I then decided that wasn't enough - I should explain that when the Savior was about to die, he fed his apostles the Sacrament and now, we take the Sacrament on Sunday's to remember Jesus and we do this with the help of the those who hold the Priesthood. I then talked to him about how in just a few years he would be able to help the Savior too by receiving the Priesthood and passing His sacrament. He said he wanted to help the Savior and that during the Sacrament we could think about Jesus and Heavenly Father. I was so thrilled to be able to share that moment with him. I think he "got" it. I know I did. I don't think it's ever too early to talk about the mantel of the Priesthood that men will bear and how important it is for them to use it wisely for His purposes because we NEED them!!! To make and keep our covenants.
Love the little men in your lives and train them up to be great daddies and husbands. Every woman needs a GREAT man. (And vise versa!)
16 November 2010
Blessed Be the All-American Girl
I lived the All-American girl dream today.
I woke up in the land of the free. I had food available to me. It tasted onolicious! I selected which clothes to wear today and had my choice of pairs of shoes. I left in my safe, red, taller, smaller SUV and drove to my job. The ones that pays me way more than $1 a day or an hour. I met with a friend, went to the Dr and got tested for a disease that there is treatment for (I don't have the disease, but there is treatment none-the-less). I visited a high school, a college, my colleague, my girl, my dog.
I got in my functioning car and drove home where the lights burned brightly. I greeted my dog and decided we should take a walk. The weather was so fantastic that I didn't need to put on a jacket even. I slipped on a different pair of shoes and heaqded out. Dog on the leash. I have an adorable dog, little, white, cute lap dog.
We headed out down the side walk, my ankle swollen, knee with throbs and I just looked ahead of me and felt something special - here I was, just me, my dog, in my small American town. I passed the little library that is one room with computers, a bus stop and the ability to have books delivered, the local bank with a branch in our small town...i passed the little coffee shop that is so adorable and cute and serves great fruit shakes in the summer and warm milk in the winter. I passed the local Fire House, with it's statue of a dalmation and fire fighter and flag waving so brightly. I passed the only gas station in town to the town offices. I saw some pictures in the window and wondering what was on display, I walked to see them. They were showing the difference the new sidewalks were making in the improvement of our little down town area. I was so grateful for those who who meet, raise money, write grants, hire folks, inveset in down town businesses. I felt like writing to each and everyone of them or writing into the Amity Grapevine, yes, the little local gossipy newsletter placed in everyone's water bill, to say thank you.
The downtown looks great with wineries now lining the road, fresh paint on every building, new side walks, a new little grocery store with so much class. I'm just grateful to be able to have the life I live. It's such a HUGE blessing to wake up in America, every single day. Living the dream.
Hugs,
I woke up in the land of the free. I had food available to me. It tasted onolicious! I selected which clothes to wear today and had my choice of pairs of shoes. I left in my safe, red, taller, smaller SUV and drove to my job. The ones that pays me way more than $1 a day or an hour. I met with a friend, went to the Dr and got tested for a disease that there is treatment for (I don't have the disease, but there is treatment none-the-less). I visited a high school, a college, my colleague, my girl, my dog.
I got in my functioning car and drove home where the lights burned brightly. I greeted my dog and decided we should take a walk. The weather was so fantastic that I didn't need to put on a jacket even. I slipped on a different pair of shoes and heaqded out. Dog on the leash. I have an adorable dog, little, white, cute lap dog.
We headed out down the side walk, my ankle swollen, knee with throbs and I just looked ahead of me and felt something special - here I was, just me, my dog, in my small American town. I passed the little library that is one room with computers, a bus stop and the ability to have books delivered, the local bank with a branch in our small town...i passed the little coffee shop that is so adorable and cute and serves great fruit shakes in the summer and warm milk in the winter. I passed the local Fire House, with it's statue of a dalmation and fire fighter and flag waving so brightly. I passed the only gas station in town to the town offices. I saw some pictures in the window and wondering what was on display, I walked to see them. They were showing the difference the new sidewalks were making in the improvement of our little down town area. I was so grateful for those who who meet, raise money, write grants, hire folks, inveset in down town businesses. I felt like writing to each and everyone of them or writing into the Amity Grapevine, yes, the little local gossipy newsletter placed in everyone's water bill, to say thank you.
The downtown looks great with wineries now lining the road, fresh paint on every building, new side walks, a new little grocery store with so much class. I'm just grateful to be able to have the life I live. It's such a HUGE blessing to wake up in America, every single day. Living the dream.
Hugs,
09 July 2010
Even more updates...
It's been asked that I provide more info on the "motherhood" thing. Sarah [her name has been changed to protect the innocent, remember, she isn't mine!] is a 15 year old whose father passed away when she was 9 and her mom is bipolar and simply put - could not care for her daughter. She is an only child with a half brother and sister who she doesn't really have contact with.
She has been in 4 homes in a year and two months of that was with her grandparents in a residental senior center. She hardly qualifies and they were looking for a home for her. They heard through the infamous LDS grapevine that I was thinking about adoption and contacted me. Obviously she is not brothers ages 8-12 but she needs stability and a mentor. She doesn't need a mom - she has one of those. What she needs is someone to explain to her what social norms are and how to be treated like a tea cup instead of a styrofoam cup that you crinkle up and through away or nibble on before you toss into the can. She talks to her mom a lot - I'm going to limit way more once school starts and she needs social interaction. Living out here and going to school in MAC doesn't help. Not that she has that many friends anyway.
Our dog is adorable. 
And finally smells good too. I still need to get an electric toothbrush and some chicken toothpaste (I hear) to make him smell even BETTER.
Day camp starts tomorrow. I want to quickly write about how I felt when Sarah Palin was selected and nominated as the Vice President of the United States on the Republican ticket.
I knew the annoucement was coming and I was up early watching the news. I was watching some morning show (maybe even FOX news but I cannot confirm or deny that as I am not sure I had cable at the time). I cried. I was sooooo happy that a woman, strong and a Governor, could be Pro-life, pro choice in that she believed in life, strong and educated. Strong mother, strong and grass roots...she, to me, represented me way more than the two female senators from WA ever had, would or could. I didn't believe in aboration, gay rights or more regulation. I don't need the government to tell me how or when to cut down a tree, put up a fence or retaining wall or how much I "owe" them. I think my return on investment would be better if I kept my money. I feel this strongly about local and state government as well. I also don't think it's fair to borrow without the ability to pay it back.
ANyway, I have NO idea why I felt the need to say hwo I felt when I first realized that other American women were conservative. Because I have felt like a freak for a LONG time. I consider myself thoughtful, smart and flexible. Why then shouldn't I feel normal?
Have a good night!
26 June 2010
It's been awhile
And there is so much to be said.
I am now the proud owner of a dog as of 5:00 pm today and I've been the "mother" of a teenager since 3:00 pm 1 week ago.
The entire week was spent at camp and my ankles are both swollen and I look like a blob (one ankle has a pass as it's still broken and I stepped in a hole getting in my car to come home tonight - thank goodness for strong walking casts!). I'm so tired that I can't sleep and I am so excited about life it's dumb.
I am forever grateful and humbled by caring folks who give so much of their time to the BSA. They are quality folks who make working for such an amazing organization even a happier place to be employed. Thanks to Holly, Sandy, Melinda, Dave, Brad, Celeste, Donovan, Elizabeth, Jonathan, Debby and all the rest for helping ensure day camp was a success. Every year is another miracle.
My heart totally goes out to Holly who lost her grandma on Thursday and her family didn't even tell her until Friday so as to lessen the stress on her because of camp and so she didn't tell her boys until today which actually stressed her out. Also, she's feeling a little guilt because she wasn't there when she passed. She got a blessing and hopefully felt the love of her Savior and her Heavenly Father. She isn't a member - yet. We were asked to pray for an opportunity to share the gospel last Sunday and I thought of her multiple time this week. Their little family would make such great members and the ward could use them. He needs all of us but still...
I got to explain that in the church we have a thing called Priesthood blessings and that two men could give her a blessing of comfort if she felt so inclined and she readily agreed. Brother Christensen and O'Brien came in (thank goodness for worthy Priesthood holders!) and explained a little more and gave her the sweetest blessing. I felt the Spirit and I hope she did as well.
She made it through the night - which was a very stressful one cleaning up camp and getting out the way of Adv. Cove moving in.
Ah, the blessings of being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints never end. I am so grateful that I know who I am and where I came from and where I am going when I die. I'm grateful for eternal families and for ordinances that seal us to one another.
I love the Savior and I think the saving grace in becoming a foster parent has been listening to the BOM together for at least 30 min a day on our way to or from camp. Lots of time there isn't reception on the radio and so we just switch to BOM on CD. It has spurred lots of good discussion and I feel good about us getting into the habit.
Hugs and love to you all...
Sharon
I am now the proud owner of a dog as of 5:00 pm today and I've been the "mother" of a teenager since 3:00 pm 1 week ago.
The entire week was spent at camp and my ankles are both swollen and I look like a blob (one ankle has a pass as it's still broken and I stepped in a hole getting in my car to come home tonight - thank goodness for strong walking casts!). I'm so tired that I can't sleep and I am so excited about life it's dumb.
I am forever grateful and humbled by caring folks who give so much of their time to the BSA. They are quality folks who make working for such an amazing organization even a happier place to be employed. Thanks to Holly, Sandy, Melinda, Dave, Brad, Celeste, Donovan, Elizabeth, Jonathan, Debby and all the rest for helping ensure day camp was a success. Every year is another miracle.
My heart totally goes out to Holly who lost her grandma on Thursday and her family didn't even tell her until Friday so as to lessen the stress on her because of camp and so she didn't tell her boys until today which actually stressed her out. Also, she's feeling a little guilt because she wasn't there when she passed. She got a blessing and hopefully felt the love of her Savior and her Heavenly Father. She isn't a member - yet. We were asked to pray for an opportunity to share the gospel last Sunday and I thought of her multiple time this week. Their little family would make such great members and the ward could use them. He needs all of us but still...
I got to explain that in the church we have a thing called Priesthood blessings and that two men could give her a blessing of comfort if she felt so inclined and she readily agreed. Brother Christensen and O'Brien came in (thank goodness for worthy Priesthood holders!) and explained a little more and gave her the sweetest blessing. I felt the Spirit and I hope she did as well.
She made it through the night - which was a very stressful one cleaning up camp and getting out the way of Adv. Cove moving in.
Ah, the blessings of being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints never end. I am so grateful that I know who I am and where I came from and where I am going when I die. I'm grateful for eternal families and for ordinances that seal us to one another.
I love the Savior and I think the saving grace in becoming a foster parent has been listening to the BOM together for at least 30 min a day on our way to or from camp. Lots of time there isn't reception on the radio and so we just switch to BOM on CD. It has spurred lots of good discussion and I feel good about us getting into the habit.
Hugs and love to you all...
Sharon
25 April 2010
Lois Wilson and the Hallmark Movie
Hey y'll,
I just want to say thank you to Lois Wilson and Bill W for their love for each other. Millions of lives have been changed due to AA and Al Anon and all the other programs that are an outgrowth of addictions.
Even the LDS Recover Addiction Program are adapted steps from the AA and Alanon Programs. I love that program.
For all those who have ever struggled with addiction or have lived with someone with an addiction, apply the steps in the program and you will finally have peace.
And soon, pictures of the kitchen. Although today I hit another glitch. After I installed the hardware and went to hang the cupboard doors, I realized that shimming them made the cupboard doors NOT fit correctly. I misdrilled one, maybe two doors so I'll be swapping them out and hopefully I'll be able to hang them all soon. Ughhh................
Have a great night.
I just want to say thank you to Lois Wilson and Bill W for their love for each other. Millions of lives have been changed due to AA and Al Anon and all the other programs that are an outgrowth of addictions.
Even the LDS Recover Addiction Program are adapted steps from the AA and Alanon Programs. I love that program.
For all those who have ever struggled with addiction or have lived with someone with an addiction, apply the steps in the program and you will finally have peace.
And soon, pictures of the kitchen. Although today I hit another glitch. After I installed the hardware and went to hang the cupboard doors, I realized that shimming them made the cupboard doors NOT fit correctly. I misdrilled one, maybe two doors so I'll be swapping them out and hopefully I'll be able to hang them all soon. Ughhh................
Have a great night.
06 March 2010
Just some musings from today...
I was just sitting here thinking. Dangerous, I know, I know, but my mind wandered all on its own. I wonder if I was packing or digging like I should be, would my mind be wandering?
Whatever. It did. So I was thinking about just the world and I went from Haiti to Jon who served a mission in Haiti to how he taught me how connect the restoration of the fullness of the gospel to my testimony to Jim who taught me how to share a Book of Mormon with a friend.
I am so grateful for these guys who helped me learn the gospel and also influenced me tremendoursly in going on a mission.
Jon, could be John, don't even remember his last name necessarily. He was in my stake, lived across the sound in Gig Harbor. I knew his sister a little bit. I didn't know him at all and didn't really care to actually. I was a freshman at the community college and there were about 4 kids who worked in our office who had graduated from a small, relgious private school in Tacoma that I had never heard of. One day one of the guys began drawing comparisons of the catholic and protestant religions on the white board and asked me where I thought ours fit in and I knew it didn't fit into either but I just wasn't sure how to explain it to him so I just said, protestant. John was sitting there and he said, Sharon, no it isn't. The gospel of jesus Christ was restored to the Prophet Joseph Smith and drew a new line and included ordinances and ongoing revelation. I was definitely humbled and embarassed but so grateful that he didn't just sit there and LET me screw that one up. He never let me live it down but I didn't care. Now I knew HOW to say it. ANd boy has it come in handy for the rest of my life.
I believe that a lack of knowledge about other relgions and how they came to be was a contributing factor to my lack of finess way back when and still can be today. Obviously now I'm much more aware due to the fact that I work with churches of all kinds, all over the places. I lvoe working with churches and explaining to them the God and Country Award, the ownership that they have over their units and how to make sure they have the influence of God in their scouting programs.
My brother has been calling me for weeks now and I just haven't been able to connect with him until yesterday. We talked for about 45 minutes and he told me that he was working on getting his life in order including meeting with the High Council. He said he walks with a little zip in his step and that he is happier than he's been in a long time. I am so happy for his decision. It came all on his own and he's pretty excited about whatever the outcome. He said, it doesn't matter what they tell me, I know what I should be doing and I will do it. He LOVES his stake president and his home teacher. As assigned he is a member of the high council. I just gotta say kudos to the stake in MI for making this happen when they couldn't get it to work on the West coast with my ex. When you go through this, a stake level HT is ALWAYS assigned and this one actually visits my brother.
I am grateful that we served our missions at the same time and that we have that shared experience. We wrote every single week without missing even one week for 56 weeks! I got home a year before he did so I slowed down a bit and I'm sure that hurt his feelings - but I was too busy (yucky, that tastes crappy coming out of my mouth!) at college wishing I was dating. Bluchhh...I wish I had remained faithful in my writing.
Maybe I'll try and escape to MI at the end of the month for the weekend and be there for him. I know he would love it. It would show him that I cared enough to come.
Hmmm...maybe.
ALmost done packing up the kitchen. Just gottan hit the bottoms and then make some decisions about demo! yeah!
Whatever. It did. So I was thinking about just the world and I went from Haiti to Jon who served a mission in Haiti to how he taught me how connect the restoration of the fullness of the gospel to my testimony to Jim who taught me how to share a Book of Mormon with a friend.
I am so grateful for these guys who helped me learn the gospel and also influenced me tremendoursly in going on a mission.
Jon, could be John, don't even remember his last name necessarily. He was in my stake, lived across the sound in Gig Harbor. I knew his sister a little bit. I didn't know him at all and didn't really care to actually. I was a freshman at the community college and there were about 4 kids who worked in our office who had graduated from a small, relgious private school in Tacoma that I had never heard of. One day one of the guys began drawing comparisons of the catholic and protestant religions on the white board and asked me where I thought ours fit in and I knew it didn't fit into either but I just wasn't sure how to explain it to him so I just said, protestant. John was sitting there and he said, Sharon, no it isn't. The gospel of jesus Christ was restored to the Prophet Joseph Smith and drew a new line and included ordinances and ongoing revelation. I was definitely humbled and embarassed but so grateful that he didn't just sit there and LET me screw that one up. He never let me live it down but I didn't care. Now I knew HOW to say it. ANd boy has it come in handy for the rest of my life.
I believe that a lack of knowledge about other relgions and how they came to be was a contributing factor to my lack of finess way back when and still can be today. Obviously now I'm much more aware due to the fact that I work with churches of all kinds, all over the places. I lvoe working with churches and explaining to them the God and Country Award, the ownership that they have over their units and how to make sure they have the influence of God in their scouting programs.
My brother has been calling me for weeks now and I just haven't been able to connect with him until yesterday. We talked for about 45 minutes and he told me that he was working on getting his life in order including meeting with the High Council. He said he walks with a little zip in his step and that he is happier than he's been in a long time. I am so happy for his decision. It came all on his own and he's pretty excited about whatever the outcome. He said, it doesn't matter what they tell me, I know what I should be doing and I will do it. He LOVES his stake president and his home teacher. As assigned he is a member of the high council. I just gotta say kudos to the stake in MI for making this happen when they couldn't get it to work on the West coast with my ex. When you go through this, a stake level HT is ALWAYS assigned and this one actually visits my brother.
I am grateful that we served our missions at the same time and that we have that shared experience. We wrote every single week without missing even one week for 56 weeks! I got home a year before he did so I slowed down a bit and I'm sure that hurt his feelings - but I was too busy (yucky, that tastes crappy coming out of my mouth!) at college wishing I was dating. Bluchhh...I wish I had remained faithful in my writing.
Maybe I'll try and escape to MI at the end of the month for the weekend and be there for him. I know he would love it. It would show him that I cared enough to come.
Hmmm...maybe.
ALmost done packing up the kitchen. Just gottan hit the bottoms and then make some decisions about demo! yeah!
13 February 2010
KItchen what?
I'm taking a poll - who has been through a remodel before? While I can honestly answer yes to that - it was so long ago (like 30 years, lol) that I don't think it should count.
My parents remodeled the kitchen and I remember it taking a long time but my mom probably remembers it wayyyyy differently.
Ikea required me to "draw it myself"? What the freak - don't they know me? That I like to get everything for nothing and that I don't have any skills? No, they didn't get that memo but they were patient with me. I have to say that after a day of "edubacation" on how to remodel, I'm sure it'll happen now. I'm just not sure of when. Probably one of my biggest annoyances is that I've accepted the loan and it's been funded so I'm paying interested on stuff I don't have installed yet and that bugs the living bejeebers out of me!~
I am so annoyed at the process of just "getting a new kitchen". But hey, if it was easy, everyone would be doing it - oh, wait, they are all doing it! I went into the cabinet factory outlet and every single piece I needed/wanted was already sold and backed up in the warehouse because they were selling so quickly. That fact that they are having a sale didn't really help either.
(I just realized I'm going in reverse chronological order so we'll just keep on going!)
This AM I started out home depot where the nice lady Kim took almost 2 hrs with me but I didn't feel at all confident about what she was telling me. I did however, pick out a dishwasher, a microwave, a sink and flooring. None of which she helped me with. This was really all about personal preference.
Anyway. I'm beat and now it's off to learn something about the Abrahamic Covenent for my lesson tomorrow. Oh, and somehow I've got to fit in some cardio. Did I mention its 21:30?
Hugs,
Sharon
My parents remodeled the kitchen and I remember it taking a long time but my mom probably remembers it wayyyyy differently.
Ikea required me to "draw it myself"? What the freak - don't they know me? That I like to get everything for nothing and that I don't have any skills? No, they didn't get that memo but they were patient with me. I have to say that after a day of "edubacation" on how to remodel, I'm sure it'll happen now. I'm just not sure of when. Probably one of my biggest annoyances is that I've accepted the loan and it's been funded so I'm paying interested on stuff I don't have installed yet and that bugs the living bejeebers out of me!~
I am so annoyed at the process of just "getting a new kitchen". But hey, if it was easy, everyone would be doing it - oh, wait, they are all doing it! I went into the cabinet factory outlet and every single piece I needed/wanted was already sold and backed up in the warehouse because they were selling so quickly. That fact that they are having a sale didn't really help either.
(I just realized I'm going in reverse chronological order so we'll just keep on going!)
This AM I started out home depot where the nice lady Kim took almost 2 hrs with me but I didn't feel at all confident about what she was telling me. I did however, pick out a dishwasher, a microwave, a sink and flooring. None of which she helped me with. This was really all about personal preference.
Anyway. I'm beat and now it's off to learn something about the Abrahamic Covenent for my lesson tomorrow. Oh, and somehow I've got to fit in some cardio. Did I mention its 21:30?
Hugs,
Sharon
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