Our Missionary

We dropped Dave off at the MTC about 1:00. I was not prepared for what an awesome experience today would be. After brunch at one of our family's traditional places, we left a little early for Provo and spent a few minutes across the street from the MTC taking pictures, talking, and watching other missionaries. When we drove to the MTC, I saw masses of 19-year-old boys in suits and missionary name tags. I felt a joy I can't explain! What an incredible army of worthy young men! I was not prepared for what I felt. I had been warned that I'd feel like I had my heart torn out and stomped upon--but I didn't. I felt so much love for my son and joy in the gospel of Jesus Christ and the opportunity Dave has to be part of such a beautiful, powerful army of God.

     I'm going to miss Dave incredibly,(as you know!) but tonight I feel  JOY. I think Heavenly Father        has sustained me.

To watch him walk away (and not look back) pulling his suitcase, with an elder that met him at the curb pulling his other one, is a sight I will never forget.He was so ready to just be on his way.

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What an Incredible Day!!

Dave left for his mission today! I will post more about the day later--exhausted right now!!

I have a blog you can follow about his mission at http://www.elderdavemays.blogspot.com.

Mom

I haven't posted much lately--in fact, I haven't even checked my blog (or yours) much.
My dear, sweet mom passed away on the 23rd of July. I will post more about her later. Thank you, all of you, for the cards, flowers, and most importantly, hugs and concern. I have needed them and appreciate them. I miss my mom.

Beautiful

You may have already seen this video...but if not, it is WELL WORTH the few minutes it takes to watch it.

Mission Call!!!

This video isn't very good, but I promised to post it asap, so here it is! Dave had already read where he was going(so you don't get his and everyone else's initial reaction!)

and he then asked me to read the whole letter. He is SO excited!

He will go to the Provo MTC for 3 weeks and then to the Guatemala MTC for 6 weeks.

Not This Week!

I just got a call from a good friend of mine who works in the missionary department. She said they have had ALOT of missionary applications this past few weeks, so Dave's appplication is in the group to be considered on Thursday. So, we should hear on Wednesday, July 8th. She knew I was probably anxious and wanted to let me know I should relax for another week!

So keep sending us your "guesses"! Mine is now either an ISLAND or an INDIAN RESERVATION.

And THAT is subject to change!

So...what's your guess?

Ok--that mission call is getting nearer. I'm anxious. Dave is too busy to even think about it. He doesn't get anxious. He doesn't need to--I'm anxious enough for both of us! (I'm probably driving him crazy!)

So, what's your guess? Where do you think my son will spend the next 2 years of his life?

CHECK BACK HERE ON THE 1st. IF IT COMES, I'LL POST IT THAT NIGHT!

Papers In!

Dave's interview with the Stake President was last night. His papers go in TODAY!! We are thinking his call will probably come July 1st or 2nd. (Or the next week if things are busy at church headquarters.) I'll post here when it comes, so watch closely!!

Mission Update

Dave had his wisdom teeth out yesterday. He is doing quite well. All 4 were impacted. He got missionary haircut on Saturday so we could snap some good pictures to go with his papers.

Last night, he clicked on the "Submit" button!! His papers are now in the hands of the bishop. Bishop Webb said he would interview Dave one last time this week and then get the papers to President Hicken. Hopefully, Dave can get an interview with Pres. Hicken on Sunday (Dave's Birthday) and then his papers will go in to the Quorum of the Twelve! The call could come either the 24th or 25th or July 1st or 2nd, depending on the Stake President!!

MISSION SHOTS

Don't complain about the Rain!!

This spring has been rain, rain, snow, and more rain. EVERYONE is complaining...but not Dave and his friends! Turn off my playlist and watch this video to see what they do when it rains! You don't need water on a slip and slide when it rains! The plastic is about 200 feet long. They had been trying to figure out how to get enough water on the plastic to make a slip and slide, when one day it was pouring rain and Dave excitedly figured out that it was the best time for the slide--free, constantly pouring "water"!! (Just click in the middle of the video)

A Page From My Journal...

April 7, 1992 (Tuesday)

(written a few days later)

"...We left for the hospital about 5:40am.  It was still dark. There were lots of stars and it was such a peaceful morning.  The lights all around the city were so beautiful.  As we pulled into the parking lot of the hospital, the song "We Are as the Armies of Helaman" began to play.  I felt such a spiritual, wonderful feeling as I thought of the priesthood blessing I had been given that said I would "have children like the sons of Helaman."  It was as if that song were confirming that promised blessing.  As we left the car, we could hear birds chirping.  It was a beautiful morning to have a baby!...

...I mentioned to the anesthesiologist that we were going to video the birth so I didn't miss out on it (because of the C-Section)  He said, "I can give you a mirror. "  I was thrilled!  There was a mirror on the ceiling that he swung into place over my head...It was interesting to be able to watch...what excitement and pure joy I felt when I saw his little head!Then with a good pull, his little body was delivered!  There was my little son, my little Brock!

...I heard the nurse say, "What a cute face!"  I cried when I saw my little boy--finally here--finally mine! I can't even describe my emotions as I viewed my little boy coming into this world.  I couldn't help but cry as I watched them deliver his little body.  We are so thrilled to have another son!  It feels so good and so right. He is a cuddly baby and so beautiful.  I feel so much love for him.

There is not enough space to record my feelings--or the words to do so--at the birth of my son.  I feel so much love towards , and from, him.  I just want to hold him all the time and feel his softness.  I feel a goodness in him.  As I look into his face, I wonder who he will be--How I thank and praise my Father in Heaven for this blessing! I didn't know my heart could hold so much love.

HAPPY, HAPPY 17TH BIRTHDAY !!

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Brock says you don't get heaven points for 

putting a tablecloth on when you feed the missionaries.

 

What do you think?

Cupcakes!

We had a baby shower last night for a good friend who adopted a beautiful little baby boy. She loves cupcakes, so we decided to honor her by serving cupcakes.  

We had alot of fun making these little creations! 

For the last week, my table has been filled with gum paste flowers, bees, chicks, etc.

Of course, Brock was the only one to comment:  

"Geez, Mom. I can't believe you are serving 

the birds and the bees at a baby shower!"

Amazing Grace

Just a little something--of incredible beauty--to bring you peace today!

(Sorry, this video is no longer available on the website that was offering the code to lay the video, but you can still see it on YouTube.  Look up Il Divo-Amazing Grace.  It's worth it!)

THIS bus is IT....!

I've been thinking about motherhood lately.

I LOVE being a mother.

Just look at them. How could you not LOVE being their mother?

Just recently, I've heard several women say they feel like bad mothers. In fact, just the other day, I stood before my own mirror and looking at myself, said, "You are NOT a good mother!"

Well, let's just chalk all of that up to frustration that neither we nor our children are perfect. (Although there ARE days that I think my kids are bordering on pretty darn near perfect.  On those days, I might even think I'm not a bad mother!)

Maybe we need to learn to be patient with ourselves,

laugh at ourselves a little,

and forgive our kids for being normal, progressing beings.

I want to share a couple of wonderful things for you to take a look at.  The first is the blog of a great young mother named Heather.  Check out the right hand side of her blog and see one of the incredible things she does with her children--Monthly Themes!! (Wish I would have thought of this when my kids were young!)

http://themodernhive.blogspot.com/

The second thing is a one-minute video.  I have watched it several times.  The last line says it all. So, when you feel you can't wait for the next stage in life, remember...THIS bus ride is IT.

http://www.theyearsareshort.com

Another video--but it's good!

I saw this the other day and it really put ALOT of things into perspective...now when I get impatient, Dave reminds me, "Be patient, Mom--remember, it has to go all the way to space first!"

http://www.barefootmeg.multiply.com/video/item/56
(If this link doesn't work--click on the title of this post!)

For the Mothers

This video really touched me--because I can't even tell you how many times I've asked my family if I am "invisible" to them. This is a tribute to all of you who feel "invisible" at times--to help you remember: It's worth it! (Don't forget to turn off the playlist on the left before watching.)

Just Gotta Brag a Bit....!

Is it ok if I brag just a bit? Check out this slide show and see what Brock has just finished building! He is taking a furniture and design class at school. He designed and built this BEAUTIFUL chest of drawers! It is huge--and the details on it are exquisite! He has such a talent for the finishing work. He sands and sands and really turns out beautiful things. I AM SOO PROUD OF HIM! (Love that kid!)

A Call For Good Cooks!!

As my family can attest--I am not a skilled menu planner (could be--just not). However, since I am now on this quest to get my family prepared for the future (whatever it holds) I am trying to plan out 3 months worth of meals that can be prepared using food that has been stored. (Well, it still has to be purchased...THEN stored.)

So, here's where you come in. Email me your favorite recipes that can be made using food that can be stored! (Recipes using canned meats, spagetti sauce, chili, tuna, etc) Lunch, dinner or breakfast--I don't care!

I will then make all the recipes available to anyone who also wants to get a good 3-month store of everyday food! LDS Provident Living suggests that we all start with this kind of 3 month storage and then work on our rice, beans, wheat, etc.

Email me at bmayz AT msn DOT com. Or you can just leave recipes in the comments section! THANKS

New Year CHALLENGE

This year I am setting the goal to get our food storage and emergency preparedness in place. After several years of financial downturn, we have depleted most of our stores. I am CHALLENGING everyone who reads this to do the same in some form--large or small.

I've started to do alot of research--(of course, that makes me feel like I'm actually doing something.) So when I find something that I think will be of use to you, I'll post it here. There are several food storage/preparedness links listed to the left. Check them out! This one is excellent: (just click on it)

http://www.simplylivingsmart.com/

Register, sign in, and then go back to "First Steps" and find this in the right hand side bar:

FIRST STEPS

Start Step-by-Step
Starter Lessons
Food Storage Lessons
Preparedness Lessons
Online Videos by Topic
Emergency Preparedness
Food Storage
Food Calculators
Lists, Handbooks & Handouts
Helpful Articles
Gardening
Small Space Gardening
Preparedness Topics
Food Storage Topics
Shopping Cart

Click on FOOD CALCULATORS (after you are registered, you can even click on the above list to get there!) Click on the "Food Storage Spreadsheet" and the "Food Storage Calculator" in blue that you will see on the page. You can put the numbers in your family into the food calculator and it will tell you what you need! (Don't forget to look at the tabs on the bottom for more specifics!) It even calculates teenage boys as 1.4 people so you have a better idea of what you need!

YOU CAN CLICK ON ANY OF THE TOPICS IN THE LIST ABOVE AND IT WILL TAKE YOU TO ARTICLES ON THE SUBJECT!

"Tender Mercies"

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I love Christmas and the many "tender mercies" that always seem to come with it. I've been thinking about some of those things today.

1. My niece and her husband get to bring their sweet, little baby home from Primary Childrens' Hospital today. Happy and healthy, because someone was skilled enough to make him whole.

2. While driving down a slick, mountain, canyon road on Saturday, my two nephews hit a patch of ice and rolled their vehicle--landing down the ravine upside down. They walked away, uninjured.

3. I've thought about the looks on my boys' faces on Christmas morning when they opened something they really wanted, but didn't know they would get. What a tender mercy to have appreciative children.

4. And then there was the afternoon I was so tired from shopping since early that morning. Homer asked me what I'd like for lunch. I told him I didn't have time for lunch. Just then my wonderful neighbor, Roseanne, knocked at my door with a loaf of WARM bread, fresh from the oven. Is there anything more wonderful than warm bread? I sat down and ate a piece of that wonderful bread with melting butter and thought how blessed we are to live among such good people.

5. My favorite tender mercy of the season is knowing that there are NO calories in Christmas caramel or chocolate.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

(Turn off my playlist before viewing this video)

"For God so loved the world,

that He gave His Only Begotten Son..."

( Click on the title to see the original website and to see video full screen. You can also read the story as to why the video was made. The website has given permission to download and share this video.)

Christmas Miracles

Last week, I got a call from my brother that my beautiful niece and her wonderful husband had just had their first little baby--2 weeks early, healthy and happy. About an hour later, he called back to tell me that there had been complications--little Krew's esophagus was not attached to his stomach and they were life-flighting him to Primary Children's Hospital. Prayers began in earnest throughout our family. Little Krew was given a priesthood blessing and after further testing, the doctors found that he had air in his stomach--which was a good sign. They opted to have the Life Flight medical personnel drive an ambulance 1 1/2 hours to pick him up and then another 1 1/2 hours to drive him back to Primary's.

What a great blessing Primary Children's Hospital and medical personnel are! Surgery revealed that Krew's trachea was attached to his stomach instead of his esophagus being attached. What a miracle that someone knows how to fix that!

Let me tell you two stories that have really touched me. My niece had just had this little baby and now strangers would take him from her and drive him to a hospital 80 miles away. She would have to be seperated from her baby because she could not yet be released from the hospital. The Life-Flight nurse told her not to worry--she would call them when they got through the canyon, then again when they got half way there, and then again when they got to the hospital. She said they would also call the grandparents, if they wanted her to.
What a sweet, sweet, compassionate service rendered to tender, young parents!

And here's another-- service given by unknown teenage kids. On the day of the surgery, a group of teens walked up to my niece and her husband in the hospital and put a big jar of money in her lap and said Merry Christmas! What an awesome gift! Ash said she cried, and was very thankful to them.

Christmas is a time of miracles. The miracle of the birth of the baby Jesus. And the miracles of service offered by so many in rememberance of Him.

Thanks and Giving

I love this season of "Thanks" and "Giving". I love Christmas music the day after Halloween. When else do we get to hear songs about the Savior on public radio stations?

I love planning a dinner with my family. I love even thinking about having my mom and dad, my neices and nephews, their wonderful spouses and children, my brothers and my sister, and my own husband and children all gathered just to eat a meal together. I love the in-laws and the out-laws and the big people and the little people. What a wonderful thing FAMILY is.

So, here's a little website I found to share with you (after all, what else can you "give" to people on a blog??) On this website, you can find a recipe for almost any treat you have ever dreamed of making for Thanksgiving or Christmas! Just click! http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/

For you busy moms of little children--here's a few Christmas stories your children can listen to while you load the dishwasher! (or whatever you do!)

http://www.northpole.com/Overview/StoryList.html#Workshop

The picture on this post came from stock.xchng . A free stock photo site.