1. I have recovered from my gall bladder drama…that was a longer road and Graigg keeps insisting that I am STILL recovering. I’m not sure if that is the case but I’m not going to argue with the man if he is willing to send me to bed early!

2. We had an amazing and spiritual experience with the temple dedication and cornerstone ceremony with Pres. Monson and Elder Holland. I still can’t believe what happened and I can’t even really talk about it. I have kept them and pondered them…in my heart. I am just so thrilled to see my children’s’ testimonies be strengthened in a tremendously unique and personal way. It truly went beyond the handshakes, the touches and the hugs. It was the personal way in which there was special attention given. Feeling like we were “known” in ways that felt tremendously personal on a spiritual level.

3. We had a tragic accident with one of our dogs. He was hit by the mail carrier and dragged 30 feet down our drive way. There was some definite neglect and lack of responsibility being taken. However, a supervisor was contacted and has been involved. Poor Amigo lost his right hind leg but he is recovering and hopefully he is will return to his normal spunky self. I am see bits of that fun temperament coming back so things are looking up!

4. Graigg and CW took a “boys bonding” trip to Orlando. This is the 2nd year they’ve done this and these are such great experiences for them! Graigg and I decided that it was time for them to have these kinds of trips together so that they could develop a strong relationship and so that Graigg could give him guidance and help as Campbell grows and matures. Kind of like how Mallea and I have done and Jo and I do. I think that individual time with our children is so precious. We really only have them for such a short time. We need to maximize our ability to help nurture them and care for them. Soon they won’t need us to bring them lunch then they have forgotten or their music instrument or their PE clothes. They won’t be around after school or need a ride home and I will be sad when they don’t rely on my as much as they do now. As I try to help them become independent I still relish in the ability to “bail them out” or be there for them when they look for me. All too soon – They won’t look anymore.

5. I was given a truly frivolous and fun birthday gift. Graigg is flying me out to California with my little sis and we are spending 4 days at Disneyland! I know it may sound silly to have an adult Disney trip but I can’t imagine doing anything more clean and fun! Staying at the premier resort and eating good food, riding fun rides, and of course – SHOPPING!!!!!! I…CAN’T…WAIT!!! Oh to be a big kid and to be somewhere safe and enjoyable and just RELAX!! And, I get bonus points for my big sis coming up to meet us! It’s going to totes fun! lol

6. I have joined the Disney team and am going through the training of becoming a Disney Agent. SO TOTALLY EXCITED! I have networked for years with various friends online who have an affinity for Disney and I was presented with this tremendous opportunity to be trained to offer and book trips to various Disney destinations around the world including their adventures trips as well as their cruise lines. I am thrilled to be part of this 1st class service in vacation and family entertainment. This is going to change the way I do a few things and it is going to impact my “free” time (haha I had that?) just a bit but it is something I have always wanted to do and I just couldn’t pass up this golden opportunity!

7. I just had a birthday! Well, it was yesterday. lol I was truly touched at the messages that came my way. A good friend took me to lunch and then more good friends came over for an impromptu dinner with cake! It just seemed so perfect and I am truly grateful for good people in my life. I feel very blessed to have all those who have touched me in my life. I honestly feel rich with love and appreciation.

Well kids, I must dash. I have a million things to do and I still haven’t packed and I leave in the morning for my fun in the California sun “grown up” style. lol

I am so grateful for:
1. Blessings through trials.
2. Being able to see the positive in life
3. friends who are there when they don’t even try to be.
4. Payne’s desire for printing EVERYTHING stopped
5. being able to see my children exercise their testimony without even thinking about it.

Last Friday I was feeling rather icky. It had been going on for a couple of days but Friday was the worst. Saturday morning after still not feeling well, Graigg insisted I go into the ER. After some tests, we discovered that my gall bladder was being rather difficult and didn’t want to cooperate with me anymore. Time to break-up! After some additional tests and being admitted into the hospital I found out that I had multiple gall stones, my gall bladder was infected and enlarged and had fluid around it. All I can say is, “ew”. So, after being on antibiotics for 24 hours they took out the gall bladder Monday morning. That was TONS of fun! LOL They kept me in the hospital for another day and decided I was good to go on Tuesday. Tuesday I went home and was out…of…it! Seriously. It was pretty whacky. Turns out I was pretty dehydrated. The option was get me hydrated right quick or go into the ER. Yeah, no thanks! So, I loaded up on juices, gatorade, everything possible to get me to be able to flush out my system and start staying hydrated. It wasn’t until Thursday afternoon that I really started feeling better. Pain, dizziness, headaches, on top of trying to recover from surgery. It brought me to tears a number of times. I’mnotgonnalie. Today I am FINALLY feeling like I am on to recovery. I have been up for more than a couple of hours today! I have actually been able to read today AND UNDERSTAND IT for the first time today! The pain medication helps a lot but I hate taking it.

I have to say I have been tremendous touched by the support and help that I have received. People came by and checked on me, some brought me food, some helped with the kids, and some helped with getting me things that I need while Graigg was out of town. (Yes, the poor man had a business trip the day I got home from the hospital!) Even the flowers and the “small acts of kindness” meant more than probably those who gave even thought it would. This is the first major surgery I have ever had. Here are a few things that I learned.

1. In a pinch my family rocks at keeping the house going.
2. I am EXTREMELY sensitive to medication and it doesn’t take much to knock me out or make me loopy – loopy heather is quite the character.
3. I do NOT like coming out of anesthesia not at all…in the least. That freaked me out.
4. I do NOT like being in the hospital
5. Not being able to do much of anything is getting me depressed. Makes me sad to feel so useless.
6. I am truly blessed with the family, friends and others that are so willing to just pitch in and be here no questions asked.

So, I have an appointment Tuesday to give me the “all clear” to drive and then I can get back into things! I am truly blessed to be recovering and finally on the road to recovering! The doctor gave me 2-3 week for full recovery. I’m giving myself 2, because I’m just that awesome! lol

I LOVE this excerpt from Music and A Spoken Word. I truly have a testament of this and this week has only solidified it for me!!!!

I was so looking forward to helping and serving in the temple open house again. This time seems busy to some, but for me, I have enjoyed every single second of it. Every single request has felt as though I have been able to serve in ways that I would never have been able to be involved before. I am grateful for what I was able to do. I am truly sad that it is over at the end of the week. I am looking forward to the dedication and I am heartbroken that I can’t go back over with the kids again like we talked about.

stupidgallbladder!

All I know is these drugs ROCK! lol

And I will now end this very short post due to the fact that there is NO telling what I might say…er type. lol

I am SO grateful for:
1. a husband who insists on taking care of me even if I won’t take care of myself.
2. children who send me funny messages when they know I am feeling rather ill.
3. friends who bring me smiles, laughter, flowers, and good conversation.
4. modern medicine
5. pain medications that make loopy – SO FUN!

Ciao Bellas!

Yes, this is a totally gratuitous post about how much I love my mac and other Apple products. If I have to choose between Graigg’s PC and my iPad, I take the iPad every…single…time. And why not when I have a wireless keyboard and can work just as well from that as I can from my macbook?

Okay….I’ll stop…promise…for now anyway….

HAHAHAHA!

It was definitely a “huh?” moment when I found out I was working the “safety and security” route for the 6 hours I would be there. I have to say I was a little anxious when we broke off into groups and I was the ONLY woman that stood up and went with a group of perplexed men to the area for our brief training session. The first question that I was asked was “are you first aid”? HAHA! No…and honestly I don’t think you would WANT me to be first aid. (I almost fainted 3 times when I had to change my son’s bandage on his arm from the dog bite. yeah, I get it, I’m a loser.) We read a small training manual and then went to “dispatch” to get outfitted with our walkie talkies and our ear piece and our little “talk” cards. I wasn’t afraid of the walkie talkie since my kids have ones that look JUST LIKE these and they probably work just as well. haha. We were assigned our first post and off I went! We were paired up which was a pretty cool way of getting to know the others. We rotated to about 4 different stations. One in the stake center a couple outside the temple and one inside the temple. It was SO fun to see those that I knew at their various work stations and doing various duties! It was a whole different way to serve and help out with the open house. The most frequently asked question was “How did YOU get security?!?” Luck of the draw, I guess. LOL It was a very cool thing to do though. AND I loved that I got to go into rooms of the temple that no one else went into either for the tour or even if you are just going through as a member for a typical session. (The basement was cool! lol) It was an absolutely gorgeous day to be out and about the temple grounds! Not hot and not cold. The wind wasn’t even blowing too hard! Just an amazing day. Those who came to try and disrupt the day seemed like minor little buzzing outside an otherwise joyous occasion. Being able to see friends from my ward and even those I have known and have since moved from the area was a delight and a treat. Again, I saw on the faces of those who came through a look of spiritual respect and gratitude to be able to go inside and see this most sacred of buildings here on earth. I loved how those who volunteered did it with a smile on their face and just plane joy that radiated from them. It was impossible to not feel of the spirit and know that we were on The Lord’s errand to spread the joy and happiness that we feel through following the gospel on a daily basis.

My testimony was definitely strengthened through the service that I provided. You know, no matter how busy things get in my life, no matter how my days fill up with work, kids, activities, and other various commitments, I have to say that NOTHING compares to setting everything aside and just taking the time to be where you know you should be. There was a few of us talking about that today. Through my schedule and calendar and all the things that I have to do, nothing is more important to me than what I did today and being at the temple. Graigg and I have an appointment already to go after it is dedicated. I. Can’t. Wait. Here are a few pictures I snapped while looking official.

It may not be on the mountain’s height, or over the stormy sea;
It may not be at the battle’s front my Lord will have need of me;
But if by a still, small voice He calls to paths I do not know,
I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Yours,
I’ll go where You want me to go.

Refrain

I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord,
O’er mountain, or plain, or sea;
I’ll say what You want me to say, dear Lord,
I’ll be what You want me to be.

I am so grateful for:
1. The feelings I get when I am at the temple.
2. Serving and helping in ANY capacity.
3. Perfect weather days.
4. Good kids that clean when I am gone! (no joke!)
5. Security teams with a sense of humor.

My sweet husband was at both choir practices tonight and I was completely inspired by a beautiful talk given by one of the gentlemen today. Truly touched. Then, my allergies hit me full force this afternoon and so I am ready for bed. Don’t get me wrong! I am SO GLAD that we did not have the tornados and damage that some areas of the midwest did have! But, I can do without the pollen deciding to dance around in my nose. I’mjustsayin!

I am so grateful for:
1. my service in the gospel and in the church!
2. family lunch on Sunday
3. kids that love to hang out together.
4. comfy couches
5. foot massages given by Graigg

Moving on. This good woman and I were talking today and I mentioned that I had been acutely aware and concerned about the outward “knockings” that I would encounter or observe due to the desire and commitment in helping with the temple open house and subsequent assistance with other services.

My observation is that contention can easily arise, that stress and the busyness of the day can get in the way of doing what is right. And, that attitude can dissuade from the desire to do what needs to be done to make way for the cares of the world. She and I talked about how we noticed that there seemed to be more noise or just every day stress that seems to get in the way more than anything else. We also acknowledged that there seems to be a lot of criticism of the operations, the desire to only help or participate if it fits within the parameters set by the person and not necessarily giving over entirely to The Lord and trusting that all that is being asked and endured in the coming weeks and maybe even months is of Him and not simply “poor planning” or being able to help where we are perceived in the right way or with the right attention. So I have a few rhetorical questions, for myself as well as anyone who would consider themselves susceptible to being sidetracked from what is expected as a member of this church, in this place and at this time.

1. Are we considering that the organization is being set by those that we consider and support as “called of God”? And, are we careful to not criticize something that we do not have ALL information on, nor are we called ourselves to put in what we perceive to be the better way? After all, sometimes through the trial and challenges are testimonies built, faith is strengthened, and spiritual guidance is given.

2. When we are asked to assist or participate in any of these activities, whether it is with the open house or dedication; are we quick to determine what we are and are not willing to do? Does our service to The Lord have limits due to our own comforts or our own desires of credit or attention? True service is only given when we are able to honestly say that no matter what our own desires or timeline may be, we are willing and ready to give to what we are asked. No matter how inconvenient or no matter how small it may seem to us, are we still able to see that it is The Lord asking us to sacrifice? When we are quick to say “I’ll help or I’ll participate, but only when it doesn’t interfere with my schedule or my own agenda” are we aware that we are saying this to The Lord, and not necessarily to just a priesthood holder?

3. Are we quick to judge or be offended? Do we, ourselves, allow the little things to get in the way of our ability to feel and joy and happiness from this tremendous blessing that is now just minutes from our doorstep? Do we get bogged down in the daily stress and not look up and see that with a temple closer to us, more will be expected of us. This includes treating our fellow men and women with kindness and compassion. To withhold judgement and to serve and forgive as we would like to be forgiven.

Yes, we have been asked to do much in preparation and participation for this beautiful temple in our midst. But remember how long we have waited for this! When we receive great blessings they do not come without great challenges and obstacles to overcome first. Even if those obstacles are something as seemingly small as extra static or daily stresses that might get in the way of helping, going, and participating.

Let us all be more aware. I talked to my kids this evening. I told them that I knew that there would be temptation to have contention one with another. I told them that there would be temptations in the way of other activities that would either get in the way maybe by way of physical schedule or by way of spiritual readiness. My hope is that we all can be more aware of those things that come at us and that we will not allow those outside influences to interfere with our ability to feel the spirit, to enjoy the blessings, and to grow in our love of The Lord and have more compassion on our fellow man/woman. We can be happy and feel the joy and the peace of this wonderful temple that is just minutes from our homes.

I am so grateful for:
1. The Kansas City Temple
2. My husband and his jump to help in any way possible.
3. 12 minutes – doortodoor.
4. The Atonement
5. The gospel

I was struck by the faces of those who went through. It doesn’t matter what religion you are, you *know* when you feel the spirit. The sense of peace and spiritual respect were evident as people walked in, not really knowing what to expect. The smiles, the words of praise and gratitude to walk through this holy place were a constant stream as people exited. I felt incredibly blessed to be able to hear the kind and wonderful words from those who had taken the time to come and see what this sacred building means to us Latter-Day Saints. The Spirit was strong. I was strengthened and edified and my testimony grew tremendously from this opportunity to serve this night.

What a beautiful evening and the perfect break in the middle of the week! I can’t wait to go back! I can’t wait to take the kids. I can’t wait to help more! I can’t wait for the dedication! I can’t wait to go in!!!

I am truly blessed.

If you are in the area, you should go. The open house is this entire month. Click the link above!

The first of many trips. I am so grateful for the opportunity to help during this time of the open house!