Flashlights...

Have you ever been in the right place at the right time? I am not sure that I could say that I have felt that I have been in the right place at the right time…it seems as if I am always a day late for the right place or an hour short for the right time. Lately, my thoughts had turned to ‘being in the right place at the right time’. Literally, I am on the go from the moment that I wake up in the morning until the moment that I close my eyelids at night. So, being in the right place at the right time should come pretty easy, right? No, not at all. In fact, as of late, I have thought and thought about this very statement.

On Sunday, I was sitting in church and one of the speakers was talking about baptism. To be honest, I really was not listening—I heard her say baptism a few times. But, all of a sudden, a thought popped into my brain. Yep, it just popped in-right out of nowhere. It took me back to my baptismal day. It was dark and dreary—what a way to describe one of the most important days of your life. It had been raining all day and the power had been out. I remember it being really cold. We arrived at the church. It was really dark except for the many flashlights that were in the foyer. When we all moved from the foyer to the chapel-we had to carry the flashlights with us. If you know me, I do not like the dark and I would say this was a tad bit creepy.

I changed into my baptismal clothes in the dark—thank goodness for Mom’s. They are always there when we need them the most. Lots of flashlights surrounded the baptismal font. I remember her telling me that everything was going to be okay. I watched as the others in front of me were baptized. Then, it was my turn. As soon as I stepped one foot into the baptismal font, the lights came on.

Anyway, as I was pondering about my baptism, I had a strong feeling that I was in the right place at the right time. I was supposed to be baptized at that exact minute on that exact day. It was an awesome feeling. So, I can say that I have been in the right place at the right time! At least, I can say that I have been in the right place at the right time--one time!!

My grandma--my hero

I have been thinking a lot about heroes, lately. What is a hero? A hero is someone who is "distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength." So, I have been thinking of those people in my life that are exactly that 'distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength." There are many heroes in my life and I am so grateful for every single one of them.

As for today, I reflect on a very special hero. Nellie Marie Davis Averett. She is my grandma. She passed from this life exactly 3 years ago today. I can definitely say that she is my hero. Every time I was around my grandma, I felt her love. I miss her so much, but I know that she is in a far better place and sharing her amazing love to all. She had amazing strength. I loved her laugh. When you got grandma laughing--it was contagious. She loved sports. I don't remember to many times going to her home where she did not have sports on the television. She loved BYU and the Utah Jazz. She loved being around her family. Grandma smiled a lot--and I loved it. Grandma would be 96 this year. My grandma was deaf and had been since she was 18 months old.

The night that she passed from this life to the next was a sad but sweet moment. Mom, my sister-in-law, Jessica, and I were with Grandma when she took her last breath. It was so difficult, but the moments that lead up to that last breath was amazing.

Earlier in the week, Grandma had gone into a coma. She had fulfilled a great life and was ready to meet her sweetheart. We all felt that peaceful feeling that she would be leaving our presence soon. But, it was so difficult. On that Friday night, August 19th, Mom and I needed to run and errand. While we were out on our errand--I remember looking at my mom and noticed the tears in her eyes. She knew that her mom would be passing soon. We hurried back from our errand and went to my grandma's bedside. We did not leave her side--there is know way that we were going to leave her side. My mom kept praying that she would not pass that night since, it was Tanner's (my nephew) birthday. We called our family to let them know that it wouldn't be long. The wonderful people at Hospice were there helping us understand the events that were taking place and trying to prepare all of us.

My mom's sister and her family were also there. They have such strong feelings against the church. So, when the Hospice Chaplin (he happened to be LDS) asked if we would like grandma to have a blessing--we agreed and prayed hard that my aunt and her family would be okay with it. Their hearts were softened for a brief moment and they agreed. The next thing that happened was amazing. NOTE: remember my grandma is deaf. During the blessing, there were tears coming from the sides of her eyes. After the blessing, she mouthed "thank you." It was amazing!!! My grandma knew that we were there and what was happening. We knew that my grandma was hanging on for something. Personally, I feel that there were 3 things: my dad was on his way home from work and had not told her goodbye; Shad was trying to figure out if she should drive down the mountain to say his goodbye; and my mom was not yet ready for her to go.

My dad arrived and told her goodbye. Shad called and said that he would not make it in time and then, my mom--my dear sweet mom finally knew that it was time that her mom was to leave this earth. Shortly after midnight, my grandma took her last breath upon this earth. I am so grateful that I was there. At that moment, we witnessed the most amazing peacefulness, the most sweetness and the most tender feeling that I ever felt. I don't only believe that there is a life here after--I know without a shadow of a doubt that there is. I am so glad that I had that privilege and opportunity to be there for her last moments. I am glad that chose to be there. I love my grandma so much. She was an amazing person. She always would say, "Have Faith." She had amazing faith and I am so grateful that she was and is apart of my life.

Grandma, I love you!!!

why does it take over an hour to clean the bathroom...

Tonight while watching the Olympics, I decided to be a little bit more productive so, I decided to clean my bathroom. Who would think that it would take over an hour to clean my bathroom? This is how it went...

Turn on TV--Olympics are on...

Commercial

Run to bathroom, spray down shower

Olympics are back on television

Watch

Commercial

Run to bathroom, scrub shower

Olympics are back on television

Watch

Commercial

Run to bathroom spray down counter

Olympics back on

Watch

Commercial

Run to bathroom, wipe down counter & put cleaner in toilet

....so you are getting the drift...now, I look back and wonder why it took me over an hour to clean my bathroom. The Olympics have been so addicting. I just might go into withdrawals when it is all over. What will I do with all the time--definitely-not watching TV.

So for the Olympics...I am proud of Team USA. I screamed for Shawn Johnson--her beam routine was simply amazing and was definitely worth the Gold Medal. I think that she is one of my favorite gymnasts. She is such a darling girl.

I loved Shawn Johnson's comment, "I finished off the Olympic Games with, to me, the most perfect ending ever," Johnson said, beaming as she tugged at the ribbon around her neck. "To finally get the gold medal ... on my very last routine meant the world to me." What a great way to end your Olympic Experience in Beijing!! Way to go Shawn--you deserved it!!!

Then, an OUCH for Lolo Jones during the 100M Hurdles. She had taken the lead and seemed to be pulling away when she hooked her right foot on the ninth hurdle and broke her stride, falling from first to seventh. The late blunder opened the door for teammate Dawn Harper to win the U.S. track team's third gold medal of the games.

"I felt the gold around me," Jones said, "but if you can't finish the race, you don't deserve to be the champion.
"I usually hit a hurdle twice a year. It just sucks that it was on the most important race of my life."

While Harper did a victory lap carrying the American flag, Jones kneeled on the track, her face to the ground in stunned disbelief. Isn't that like life---we work so hard overcoming all the trials (hurdles) in our lives and then, we miss one--but if we finish like Jones did, we are on the right track. She kept running until she came across the finish line. Lolo Jones you set a great example tonight. Sorry for the mishap--hope to see you in 2012!!

As for the many events that are taking place at Olympics, I am so proud of TEAM USA--we are holding at 79 medals. How great is that?!

Ding Dong...no one is home!

So, today, was the typical Monday. Work. Home. Not much different out of the ordinary. But, I do want to share something comical. Work was passing by a tad bit slowly as I had wanted it. My SIL Jessica, and I were texting. Anyway, I commented to Vieve that I was going to change my "incoming text alert" to something different. I played around with my phone and decided on "ding dong". I did not think anything else about it. Jessica kept texting me and I thought it was a cool sound to break up the monotony of the day.

Tonight, I was folding laundry and had my cell phone in my pocket. I heard "ding dong". I thought--"hey cool, someone is coming to visit." I opened the door...no one was there. I turned to the TV and the thought came to me--"oh, maybe it was on the television." I went back to folding my laundry.

"Ding Dong!" I looked at the television--it was on the Olympics. So, I got up and went to the door. I opened the door. No one was there. Okay, my next thought was "who is ding dong ditching our home?" I closed the door. Then, quickly opened it again--no one was there. So, back to my laundry.

I put away my folded laundry and decided to go check my email on my computer. I took my cell phone out of my pocket and realized that I had a text message. As I was holding my phone, I hear another "DING DONG!!" Finally, I realize that it was my cell phone the whole entire time!! So, basically, "DING DONG NO ONE IS HOME!!" (at least in my brain). Yep, go ahead and laugh...I DID--HYSTERICALLY!!

peacefulness and sweetness all in one...

Today, I was sitting in Relief Society pondering on (not the things being taught) the past few days. Other than watching the Olympics, I have had the privilege and opportunity to take care of sweet little babies. It has been great. There is a sense of sweetness, a sense of peacefulness when babies are around. So let me share these thoughts...



On Friday evening, I had the opportunity of taking care of my sweet little niece. I woke up Friday morning with a prompting to call Michelle's 911--what is that? Well, it is the Provo Temple Prayer Roll. My little niece would be going to Primary Children's to have some YUCKY tests later on during the day. After the call to the temple prayer roll-a peacefulness came. It was great. I knew that the doctors at Primary Children's are the best of the best and I know that they would take care of little Brylie. Anyway, my SIL (Jessica) had to work early early Saturday morning and my brother is out of town--so, I got the privilege of taking care of her Friday night and Saturday. She really wasn't her perky self--she had to go through too much earlier that morning. (Jessica shares the details on her blog.) She went to sleep at 9:30 pm and did not wake up until 8:00 am. Then, she woke up, drank a bottle and I held her. She fell fast asleep until 10:45 am. So, not too difficult--she was just plain exhausted--too exhausted from everything that she went through. I know that she was completely worn out. But, the peacefulness that surrounded her was awesome. Thanks Jess for letting me take care of Brylie.



Then, today at church, I had the opportunity of watching my friend's, Carly, little boy while she taught Sunbeams. He is so sweet and and cuddly. He slept through Sunday School (something that a lot of people do) and during Relief Society-he played with a piece of paper. He was so cute. But, like I was explaining a little earlier--the sense of peacefulness and sweetness surrounding little babies is simply amazing and quite delightful. Thanks Carly for letting me take care of Xander during church.



I love the peacefulness and the sweetness that goes along with being around little ones. I think that is one of the greatest blessings.

Speed, strength and endurance

Speed, strength and endurance is the common three words that come to mind each time I watch the Olympics. All week long, I have enjoyed screaming, cheering, crying and watching Team USA. It has been great. Like I have said before, I love listening to the stories that the media shares about the athletes. I am sure that these athletes have good days and bad days--but the thing that they have in common with each other is that they do not give up. One of the events that we watched tonight was the Women's marathon. I was so impressed with Great Britain's Paula Radcliffe. She ran in the marathon, this evening, with a stress fracture in left thigh bone. She stopped one time for a few seconds and then, started running again. She finished the race--running and limping. What an amazing athlete!!

WOW!! Then, Dara Torres (41 year old swimmer) takes 2 silvers in only an hour!! She is amazing!!! I think that she had 4 minutes from the medal stand to the warm-up area. They asked her how she had changed her focus from the stand to the race--she said that she had 5 coaches in her ears talking to her and getting her focus in line.

I loved her comment when they were interviewing her. They asked her what she is going to tell her daughter (later in life when she can understand) and she replied, "I'll tell her you don't have to put an age limit on your dreams." I loved that. It is true!!

Then, of course, the greatest event tonight (at least in my eyes) was when Phelps grasped another Gold medal--totaling 8. It was great!! He is amazing!!! Speed, strength and endurance--yes, it spells Michael Phelps. What a great triumph!!! Mostly, I think that I was impressed that how this team really worked together. They were a team!!! When everyone was cheering

Phelps because he received his 8 Gold Medal, he turned to his teammates and told them that they made it possible for him to achieve this amazing goal. How great of a team player is that? A GREAT ONE!!

Then, you have to add how he treats his mom. I think that it is great. The way that he looks for her after each race. He is amazing. I do have to add that Moms are great. They are our own personal cheerleaders. AND what we have seen of Michael Phelps' mom--she DEFINITELY is his cheerleader.

GO TEAM USA!!!

Go Phelps!! Who is Phillips?

Tonight, my SIL, Jessica, and I watched the Olympics as we stamped and created cards. It was great. I would like to make a note that it is a lot more fun to watch the Olympics with others whom share the same excitement of the festivities. It was great!!! Screaming and cheering on Team USA was simply fabulous!!! We stamped, we laughed, we screamed, and we cheered. Time seem to fly by fast.

Later in the evening, my niece and nephews(Kaylie, Austin, and Tanner are sleeping at Grandma's) came into watch the Olympics with me. I am not sure what was more entertaining--watching Austin scream for Phelps or him explaining the events to Kaylie. This is how the conversation went:

"Go Phelps!! He is so cool!! He is the fastest guy in the world!" (My nephew, Austin is explaining to Kaylie)

"Who is Phillips?"

"It's Phelps, P-H-E-L-P-S and he is the fastest swimmer in the world!!"

"What is the green line?"

"The world record--see, Phelps is the fastest."

"I don't really like watching swimming."

"What? Look how cool he is?"

"I don't think that he is cool."

"What?"

"Nothing!"

"Go PHELPS!!"

"Ya, GO PHELPS!!!" (In walks Grandma--Kaylie turns to her) "Grandma, look at the green line--he is beating the world's record!! GO PHELPS!!! GO GO!!!"

How interesting is that sometimes--us girls--change our thought process and actions when it comes to dealing with boys!! Hilarious!!

As for the Olympics, Phelps received his two gold medals today!!! I do have to agree with Austin--he is cool!! If you watched Phelps at the end of the 200 fly, he immediately took off his goggles and water poured out of them. He told Kremer that as soon as he went into the water, his goggles filled with water and he swam the race with water in his eyes.

But, like Tim Gunn, Phelps made it work, winning the race and finishing in 1:52.03.

Phelps rubbed his eyes and said, "I can't see anything," as he climbed out of the pool.

It basically amounted to swatting a fly as Phelps came back an hour later to swim the lead leg in the 4x200 freestyle relay. You know what happened next.

For those of you living under a rock, here's where Phelps stands: 5-for-5 so far, now just three golds away from breaking Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals in a single Olympics !!

Once again...

GO TEAM USA!!!