As we left off in yesterday's post, said woman waited and waited and waited for dear husband to rescue her.
And sweated. And sweated. And sweated. (Perhaps I should have used the word "glowed." It's much more lady-like.)
OK, the woman glowed. And glowed. And glowed.
It was a very hot August afternoon. Remember?
Husband finally rescued wife from parking lot. He was able to get the car started!
Perhaps it was low on gas?
He convinced wife to drive to local gas station and fill up with gas.
She did so.
The car broke down again as soon as she entered the gas station parking lot.
A helpful stranger and dear husband pushed the offending van out of the busy gas line traffic.
"I think we may need a new van," wife sadly said.
"I think you may be right," dear husband replied.
After replacing three transmissions, (Yes, you read that right--three transmissions!) the husband and wife just could not stomach paying one more cent--not one more penny--on fixing their van.
It was time to shop for a new car.
Which they did.
However, buying a new cell phone took a little longer.
So many things to consider!
Which company?
What kind of plan?
What kind of phone?
Finally, after three months of researching, the phone was purchased.
There it sat, barely touched, in woman's purse.
No one could get a hold of her on cell phone.
It was never on.
She was teased.
"Why do you have a cell phone if you never turn it on?"
"I'm usually home," woman replied. "And when I'm not home, I don't want to be on the phone."
Oh, the phone was used occasionally.
Long distance phone calls to dear daughters #1, #2, and #3.
Long distance phone calls to Mother.
Long distance phone calls to sisters.
Long distance phone calls to friends.
And then, woman, husband, and dear daughter #4 moved.
The rarely used cell phone was used even less.
Because, alas, it did not get good reception in new location.
The story continues in part III tomorrow.
Don't hold your breath!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Nudged into the 21st Century
Once upon a time, there was a woman who was not convinced that she needed a cell phone.
"Why should I own a cell phone? I'm ALWAYS home! And when I'm not home, I prefer to not be on the phone."
Yes, she was teased by others. But, she was happy with her cell phone free life.
Then one day, tragedy struck! Her trusty white van (may it rest in peace) broke down on a busy street in Stockton. It barely had enough momentum to pull into a parking lot. There it sat.
It was a hot August day. Said woman was on her way to UOP to pick up darling daughter #3 from her lovely job working as a custodian. Darling Daughter #3 owned a cell phone. She was very 21st century.
"Hmmm," thought the woman. "I need to call daughter and let her know I will be late. I need to call husband and ask him to rescue daughter and then rescue me."
She proceeded to look for a pay phone. She went to one place of business.
No pay phone.
She went to another place of business.
No pay phone.
She went to a third place of business.
Still no pay phone.
Mustering her courage, she approached the owner of the third business and asked if he knew where a pay phone was at--her car was broken down in his very parking lot and it was a very hot August afternoon.
Business owner took pity on her. He offered his business phone. She called husband. She explained her predicament. Because daughter #3 had a Utah phone number on her cell phone, she asked husband to call daughter because she did not want to add a long distance charge to nice business man's bill.
Then she went back to her hot van and waited to be rescued. She waited. And waited. And waited. Two things were realized during that very hot wait.
1. She needed a new car.
2. She needed to break down and buy a cell phone.
Tomorrow: Part II of this very fascinating story. I bet you can't wait!
"Why should I own a cell phone? I'm ALWAYS home! And when I'm not home, I prefer to not be on the phone."
Yes, she was teased by others. But, she was happy with her cell phone free life.
Then one day, tragedy struck! Her trusty white van (may it rest in peace) broke down on a busy street in Stockton. It barely had enough momentum to pull into a parking lot. There it sat.
It was a hot August day. Said woman was on her way to UOP to pick up darling daughter #3 from her lovely job working as a custodian. Darling Daughter #3 owned a cell phone. She was very 21st century.
"Hmmm," thought the woman. "I need to call daughter and let her know I will be late. I need to call husband and ask him to rescue daughter and then rescue me."
She proceeded to look for a pay phone. She went to one place of business.
No pay phone.
She went to another place of business.
No pay phone.
She went to a third place of business.
Still no pay phone.
Mustering her courage, she approached the owner of the third business and asked if he knew where a pay phone was at--her car was broken down in his very parking lot and it was a very hot August afternoon.
Business owner took pity on her. He offered his business phone. She called husband. She explained her predicament. Because daughter #3 had a Utah phone number on her cell phone, she asked husband to call daughter because she did not want to add a long distance charge to nice business man's bill.
Then she went back to her hot van and waited to be rescued. She waited. And waited. And waited. Two things were realized during that very hot wait.
1. She needed a new car.
2. She needed to break down and buy a cell phone.
Tomorrow: Part II of this very fascinating story. I bet you can't wait!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Ch Ch Ch Chia Pet!
You know Christmas is coming when you see the Chia Pet commercials on TV.
Did you know that this year, you can get a Chia Pet and show your patriotism at the same time?
You can get a George Washington Chia Head!
You can get an Abraham Lincoln Chia Head!
You can get the Statue of Liberty Chia Head!
And you can get an President Obama Chia Head which symbolizes according to the commercial "prosperity and hope."
Do you feel particularly prosperous and hopeful?
Who said that Christmas, patriotism, and Chia Pets didn't go together!
Did you know that this year, you can get a Chia Pet and show your patriotism at the same time?
You can get a George Washington Chia Head!
You can get an Abraham Lincoln Chia Head!
You can get the Statue of Liberty Chia Head!
And you can get an President Obama Chia Head which symbolizes according to the commercial "prosperity and hope."
Do you feel particularly prosperous and hopeful?
Who said that Christmas, patriotism, and Chia Pets didn't go together!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Ron-The Card Shark
Family Home Evening follows a predictable pattern in our home.
The person conducting ALWAYS says,
If we aren't smiling when they say that line, they repeat it until we are ALL smiling.
Aren't families great?
Then we have an:
The person conducting ALWAYS says,
Welcome to Family Home Evening. It's so NICE to see your bright and shining faces.
If we aren't smiling when they say that line, they repeat it until we are ALL smiling.
Aren't families great?
Then we have an:
Opening Song.
Opening Prayer.
Family business.
Opening Prayer.
Family business.
We always sing a special song for family business. I admit it. I made the song up. It's so catchy that you might want to try it in your home.
(Sung to Hallelujah Chorus.)
(Sung to Hallelujah Chorus.)
Family Business!
Family Business!
(sung slightly faster) Family Business, Family Business
(sung much slower) Family Buuuuisnessss!
Family Business!
(sung slightly faster) Family Business, Family Business
(sung much slower) Family Buuuuisnessss!
After a lengthy discussion on "family business" it's time to move onto the scripture. Following the scripture is the lesson. Usually a pretty short lesson. You would think we had a short attention span or something.
Then it's time to
Then it's time to
Sing the closing song.
Say the closing prayer.
Have the activity.
Eat a treat.
Say the closing prayer.
Have the activity.
Eat a treat.
For it wouldn't be family home evening without the treat!
Tonight, our family home evening went pretty much to pattern. Long family business. Short lesson.
Then, it was time to play Phase 10.
Let me tell you. We are COMPETITIVE in this family! Of course, it doesn't compare to my ruthless brother-in-law Dan and his game of Monopoly. I haven't played Dan in a game of Monopoly in over 21 years! That's how competitive he is.
Back to Phase 10. Ron deals the cards. He ALWAYS deals the cards. That is how Emily and I prefer it. I am not very good at shuffling. You can ask my daughters. They will agree with me.
I think, just between you and me, that Ron would make a great card shark! I think he keeps extra WILDS and SKIPS up his sleeve. It seems like he has a plethora of WILDS when I barely get any. Do I sound bitter? Perhaps. Just a little.
Tonight, during the first "phase" Ron SKIPPED me. He really did. I had not done ONE mean thing to him. I had not skipped him. I did not have a plethora of WILD cards. Yet he skipped me. You know what this means?
Yes, I threatened him with sleeping on the couch.
Five or six minutes and a couple of phases later, he SKIPPED Emily.
She was not pleased.
She threatened to take away the pillow and blanket he would be using on the couch.
Ron was scared. But did it stop him from skipping us? No, it did not!
Emily soon threatened him with sleeping outside. If we had a doghouse, he would be in it.
The game ended. Ron won. Not that Emily or I are bitter or anything.
He made up for his card shark ways with a delicious bowl of ice cream.
All is forgiven.
There is "beauty all around" once again because Phase 10 is over for a few more weeks and once again, there is "Love at Home."
Tonight, our family home evening went pretty much to pattern. Long family business. Short lesson.
Then, it was time to play Phase 10.
Let me tell you. We are COMPETITIVE in this family! Of course, it doesn't compare to my ruthless brother-in-law Dan and his game of Monopoly. I haven't played Dan in a game of Monopoly in over 21 years! That's how competitive he is.
Back to Phase 10. Ron deals the cards. He ALWAYS deals the cards. That is how Emily and I prefer it. I am not very good at shuffling. You can ask my daughters. They will agree with me.
I think, just between you and me, that Ron would make a great card shark! I think he keeps extra WILDS and SKIPS up his sleeve. It seems like he has a plethora of WILDS when I barely get any. Do I sound bitter? Perhaps. Just a little.
Tonight, during the first "phase" Ron SKIPPED me. He really did. I had not done ONE mean thing to him. I had not skipped him. I did not have a plethora of WILD cards. Yet he skipped me. You know what this means?
Yes, I threatened him with sleeping on the couch.
Five or six minutes and a couple of phases later, he SKIPPED Emily.
She was not pleased.
She threatened to take away the pillow and blanket he would be using on the couch.
Ron was scared. But did it stop him from skipping us? No, it did not!
Emily soon threatened him with sleeping outside. If we had a doghouse, he would be in it.
The game ended. Ron won. Not that Emily or I are bitter or anything.
He made up for his card shark ways with a delicious bowl of ice cream.
All is forgiven.
There is "beauty all around" once again because Phase 10 is over for a few more weeks and once again, there is "Love at Home."
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thanksgiving Makeover--2010 Edition
We had a lovely Thanksgiving. It wasn't what we planned on. It wasn't what we hoped for. But it ended up being a wonderful day.
We were hoping to drive to Utah. The plans were to drive part way on Tuesday and finish the drive on Wednesday. However, a major winter storm that dumped snow over the Sierra changed our plans. We were very sad and very disappointed.
After calling my sister and letting her know we weren't coming, Ron and I had the sad task of calling our Utah daughters--Christie, Heather, and Jennifer and sharing the sad news with them. They understood why we weren't coming but it didn't make it any easier.
Then I called up my Mom and spoke to Jack. "We're not going to Utah for Thanksgiving. May we spend Thanksgiving with you?"
(How's that for inviting yourself to a big event?)
"Of course!" he replied.
It's great having family.
Over 40 people showed up at the church for the annual Thanksgiving Breakfast. We enjoyed a delicious egg-bacon-hash brown breakfast casserole, sweet rolls, fruit cocktail, and orange juice. After breakfast many of the grandchildren put on a talent show. We had piano players. We had a trumpet player. We had poetry recitations. We had our annual play put on by the younger children--a play this year that featured two little girls stuck in an Alice in Wonderland scenario with fairies and other magical creatures that were trying to help them get back home.
But, one of the highlights of the talent show for ME was when my brother Daniel and Emily performed a talent together.
They twirled their hair.
Who says I don't have a talented daughter?
Or a brother who is a very good sport?
Before Thanksgiving dinner, we called the Utah family. Carol and I talked to our Utah sisters and then we talked to Christie and Tim, Heather and Dustin, Jennifer and Jacob. It was great! It was fun! It was almost like being in Utah.
Almost. But not quite.
But, even though we were apart from the Utah family, it was wonderful spending time with the California family. It was wonderful to laugh and talk and work together making a wonderful feast and then working together cleaning up the mess.
It was wonderful to visit and catch up. It was then wonderful to go home and sleep in my own bed, not worrying about how we were going to get home from Utah because another winter storm this weekend is supposed to dump even more snow.
Yes, our Thanksgiving was not what we hoped for. But, it ended up being very, very nice.
We were hoping to drive to Utah. The plans were to drive part way on Tuesday and finish the drive on Wednesday. However, a major winter storm that dumped snow over the Sierra changed our plans. We were very sad and very disappointed.
After calling my sister and letting her know we weren't coming, Ron and I had the sad task of calling our Utah daughters--Christie, Heather, and Jennifer and sharing the sad news with them. They understood why we weren't coming but it didn't make it any easier.
Then I called up my Mom and spoke to Jack. "We're not going to Utah for Thanksgiving. May we spend Thanksgiving with you?"
(How's that for inviting yourself to a big event?)
"Of course!" he replied.
It's great having family.
Over 40 people showed up at the church for the annual Thanksgiving Breakfast. We enjoyed a delicious egg-bacon-hash brown breakfast casserole, sweet rolls, fruit cocktail, and orange juice. After breakfast many of the grandchildren put on a talent show. We had piano players. We had a trumpet player. We had poetry recitations. We had our annual play put on by the younger children--a play this year that featured two little girls stuck in an Alice in Wonderland scenario with fairies and other magical creatures that were trying to help them get back home.
But, one of the highlights of the talent show for ME was when my brother Daniel and Emily performed a talent together.
They twirled their hair.
Who says I don't have a talented daughter?
Or a brother who is a very good sport?
Before Thanksgiving dinner, we called the Utah family. Carol and I talked to our Utah sisters and then we talked to Christie and Tim, Heather and Dustin, Jennifer and Jacob. It was great! It was fun! It was almost like being in Utah.
Almost. But not quite.
But, even though we were apart from the Utah family, it was wonderful spending time with the California family. It was wonderful to laugh and talk and work together making a wonderful feast and then working together cleaning up the mess.
It was wonderful to visit and catch up. It was then wonderful to go home and sleep in my own bed, not worrying about how we were going to get home from Utah because another winter storm this weekend is supposed to dump even more snow.
Yes, our Thanksgiving was not what we hoped for. But, it ended up being very, very nice.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
My Name is Loralee...and I'm a Christmas Music Addict
When we moved 3 1/2 months ago, we knew it would be the PERFECT opportunity to streamline our home. We got rid of furniture, appliances, books, DVD's, videos, kitchen "stuff" clothes, linens, and oodles and oodles of things stored in the garage. It was amazing how much we accumulated and how much we got rid of. It felt good.
But, there was one thing that was "hands-off." That was our CD collection--especially my collection of Christmas music. Every year I purchase at least one or two or sometimes (shifts eyes furtively) three Christmas CD's. Because I LOVE Christmas music soooo much! You may remember http://mamoomsmoments.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-dilemma.html for the serious dilemma I had LAST year!
But, if I HAD to pare down my collection, what would I keep?
In no particular order, here are my top 10 favorite Christmas CD's.
1. Bing Crosby's Merry Christmas. This is the Christmas album I grew up with! There is something about Bing's soothing vocals paired up with the sparkling voices of the Andrew Sisters that puts me in the Christmas Spirit. "Mele Kalikimaka" is the bonus touch.
2. Johnny Mathis For Christmas. Who could not love Johnny's vocals? "Do You Hear What I Hear?" is my favorite on this album.
3. For something a little more contemporary, but still in the old crooner style I like Harry Connick, Jr.'s first Christmas album When My Heart Finds Christmas. I love the energy of this album!
4. I own several Mo Tab Christmas CD's. But one of my favorites is Spirit of the Season with Sissel. "Spirit of the Season" from the Polar Express movie makes me smile EVERY single time!
5. The other Mo Tab Christmas CD I really like is Ring Christmas Bells with Brian Stokes Mitchell. "The Friendly Beasts" is worth downloading if you don't want the entire CD.
6. Donny Osmond's Christmas at Home is one of my favorites. I know what you are thinking--Donny Osmond? His rendition of "Mary Did you Know" and "Come to the Manger" are beautiful!
7. Nat King Cole's The Christmas Song is another vintage CD--but c'mon--it's Nat King Cole singing "The Christmas Song!"
8. Josh Groban's Noel may be this generations version of Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, and Bing Crosby wrapped up in one. There is not one bad song on this CD. Not one.
9. Hilary Weeks' Christmas Once Again brings the spirit into my home. Her song "Is There Room" helps put Christmas into perspective for me.
10. Celtic Woman A Christmas Celebration is probably the most listened to Christmas CD in my rotation. "Ding Dong Merrily on High" is worth listening to over and over again!
Honorable Mention: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. Their version of "Silent Night" accompanied at least two Joy School Christmas productions in my own family history.
So, do you have any CD's you would recommend that I add to my collection? I'm always looking for one or two or (shifts eyes furtively) three every year!
But, there was one thing that was "hands-off." That was our CD collection--especially my collection of Christmas music. Every year I purchase at least one or two or sometimes (shifts eyes furtively) three Christmas CD's. Because I LOVE Christmas music soooo much! You may remember http://mamoomsmoments.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-dilemma.html for the serious dilemma I had LAST year!
But, if I HAD to pare down my collection, what would I keep?
In no particular order, here are my top 10 favorite Christmas CD's.
1. Bing Crosby's Merry Christmas. This is the Christmas album I grew up with! There is something about Bing's soothing vocals paired up with the sparkling voices of the Andrew Sisters that puts me in the Christmas Spirit. "Mele Kalikimaka" is the bonus touch.
2. Johnny Mathis For Christmas. Who could not love Johnny's vocals? "Do You Hear What I Hear?" is my favorite on this album.
3. For something a little more contemporary, but still in the old crooner style I like Harry Connick, Jr.'s first Christmas album When My Heart Finds Christmas. I love the energy of this album!
4. I own several Mo Tab Christmas CD's. But one of my favorites is Spirit of the Season with Sissel. "Spirit of the Season" from the Polar Express movie makes me smile EVERY single time!
5. The other Mo Tab Christmas CD I really like is Ring Christmas Bells with Brian Stokes Mitchell. "The Friendly Beasts" is worth downloading if you don't want the entire CD.
6. Donny Osmond's Christmas at Home is one of my favorites. I know what you are thinking--Donny Osmond? His rendition of "Mary Did you Know" and "Come to the Manger" are beautiful!
7. Nat King Cole's The Christmas Song is another vintage CD--but c'mon--it's Nat King Cole singing "The Christmas Song!"
8. Josh Groban's Noel may be this generations version of Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, and Bing Crosby wrapped up in one. There is not one bad song on this CD. Not one.
9. Hilary Weeks' Christmas Once Again brings the spirit into my home. Her song "Is There Room" helps put Christmas into perspective for me.
10. Celtic Woman A Christmas Celebration is probably the most listened to Christmas CD in my rotation. "Ding Dong Merrily on High" is worth listening to over and over again!
Honorable Mention: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. Their version of "Silent Night" accompanied at least two Joy School Christmas productions in my own family history.
So, do you have any CD's you would recommend that I add to my collection? I'm always looking for one or two or (shifts eyes furtively) three every year!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Men Are That They Might Have Joy!
When Ron was told that his job was coming to an end about 1 1/2 years ago, we began attending the temple on a weekly basis. It was the highlight of our week because for a few hours we were able to forget the pressing problems that weighed so heavily upon us. "How would we meet our financial obligations? When would a new job open up?" We always felt great peace as we walked through the temple doors and were able to put our problems behind us. We also felt a tangible feeling of Heavenly Father's great love for us. No wonder we enjoyed going to the temple every week!
One particular temple session stands out from the rest. We had been attending the temple for a few months when one of the officiators said something that I will never forget. He was giving the prayer and he said, "We ask that those attending the temple will feel joy."
This was an emotion I had not felt in months! Peace, yes. Love from our Heavenly Father--yes. Joy? No. Soon after entering the Celestial Room, I sat in a comfortable arm chair and began praying once again. Praying for our family. Praying for Ron in his search for employment. Praying that I might have greater faith. Suddenly, I was filled with such an overwhelming feeling of joy--it was indescribable! I don't know if I have ever felt such great joy in my entire life. It surpassed even the feelings on my wedding day and the birth of my children. It was joy that was felt in ever fiber of my being and brought tears of gratitude to my eyes. As I soaked up those nearly forgotten feeling of joy, I thanked Heavenly Father that the prayer of a humble temple worker was answered. I felt like that particular prayer was given for me--that I could have joy even during the trials and tribulations of life. That feeling of joy stayed with me for the remainder of the day. How grateful I am for the reminder that in this life, we can have joy and experience peace, even when our lives seem to be falling apart.
One particular temple session stands out from the rest. We had been attending the temple for a few months when one of the officiators said something that I will never forget. He was giving the prayer and he said, "We ask that those attending the temple will feel joy."
This was an emotion I had not felt in months! Peace, yes. Love from our Heavenly Father--yes. Joy? No. Soon after entering the Celestial Room, I sat in a comfortable arm chair and began praying once again. Praying for our family. Praying for Ron in his search for employment. Praying that I might have greater faith. Suddenly, I was filled with such an overwhelming feeling of joy--it was indescribable! I don't know if I have ever felt such great joy in my entire life. It surpassed even the feelings on my wedding day and the birth of my children. It was joy that was felt in ever fiber of my being and brought tears of gratitude to my eyes. As I soaked up those nearly forgotten feeling of joy, I thanked Heavenly Father that the prayer of a humble temple worker was answered. I felt like that particular prayer was given for me--that I could have joy even during the trials and tribulations of life. That feeling of joy stayed with me for the remainder of the day. How grateful I am for the reminder that in this life, we can have joy and experience peace, even when our lives seem to be falling apart.
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