Refueling

Even in the end of March in 40 degree weather,taking time to refuel is important.

Last week I woke up to this concept of refueling ourselves at this time. It has been amazing how pondering this concept has helped me as many things are different than we are used to. Can we adapt to change?

If you know me, you know I am a sunworshiper! Not taking away from Jesus and my faith but the joy of feeling the heat of the sun all the way into my bones is very  restorative. During college I would go up in the mountains in early April just to feel the radiant heat. Of course, now days all we hear is ,beware Skin cancer. And yes, I wear sunblock, sun glasses and visors.

 Just taking a book and a snack out on a blanket for a mid day break is very refueling to me!

We also refuel with our family. Those that we cant get close to right now,,ugh! I wish to send you my love and prayers 

Another way is through music, Take the time to stop and listen. 

Study something new. Here I am reviewing my French. which sad to say I may not need this summer.

Yoga. deep breathing, stop and stretch, stop and hug

hiking, biking, walking

Snuggling up with pets

Most of all, I am so happy that I  can spend time with family. The refueling with loved ones has been great.

Reviewing week 1 of Corona virus

We have been blessed. Here Valerie and I are after our extreme   makeover from Victoria. Just one of the many things we have done to help and serve each other as we stay contained. But, let me start at the very beginning of the first week of no church,  no school, no contact larger than 10, no shopping except food and meds, no Broadway, no sports, and many missionaries returning home early. It truely has been quite a week.

Sunday we went for a hike with Karina and family. Koki brings great joy to all the family. Here Nik is getting a ride in her with his skates.

Weare careful not to use the water fountain as we learn how to avoid contamination.

The great weather  lifts are spirits.

The grandkids help grandpa prune the fruit trees. We have cherry, apple and pear trees. 

Lucky for us that grandpa Jim can engineer his way into making triming safe for everyone. But the, the earth moved,, at least in Utah.We had an earthquake centered in Magna. I didnt feel a thing. At the time I  had finished my one personal spin class and was lifting weights.The Salt Lake Airport closed down and I had already planned a trip to visit Val and family in Canton Michigan. ( Val  and Jason had to cancel their trip to Chile). Jim and I had planned to go together but Jim was encouraged to stay put with his asthma and age being more fragile.  I prayed and prayed and finally as the day progressed I felt like I needed to follow through to help and serve the family in Michigan. I realize that many people didnt agree with this decision. I was scheduled for the 6am (got up at 3am) first flight out. second to check luggage and third throught the scanner. I had the whole 2 rows to myself and spent the first 1/2hour in flight cleaning my area!

Oh what joy! Val and I greeted each other as twins! SO happy to be here!

The kids showed off some of their latest tricks.

God sent a rainbow to remind us that He LOVES us.

 Victoria gave me and Val a spa treatment!

 They made slime.

 We all read books.

We had a bake off.

We took a cold bike ride ( on the warmest day) to return library books.. to the closed library!

I feel LOVED and RELAXED even with all the stress in the world. Many missionaries are coming home early. We  continue to pray for all those around the world .  We have faith and confidence in our Prophets words... "Take your vitamins, study in your homes, gather your loved ones around you and prepare to listen to more great words of wisdom."

What a difference a day makes

Sleep over at grandmas with many of the old toys their parents played with. 

These are the two youngest cousins of Karina and Derek. They love staying in their pjs all day, hot tub, pasta, and lots of books.

March 4 is the day that my son Erik died, 39 years ago.

I  honor and remember his short life and look forward to seeing him when I die.

Izaak, the youngest of the grandchildren, without fear, said he wanted to get up and bear his testimony ( which he had never done before ), it was such a great., sweet, experience for me to help him.

Then Wednesday March  11 was Karina's oldest child Andrews birthday. He turned 23. We celebrated by him coming over and helping us with computer issues. It was a great day

March 12 will always be remembered now that so much has happened with the closer of schools, churchs and travel the corona virus has taken over our lives.. But, I will always continue to remember that Valerie turned 42 that day.

So what difference does a day make? How does my life change each day? It is with prayer and faith that I continue to ask God what he would have me do to serve HIM and my family  and friends.