Happy Day!!!!

Well, I am finally finish  all my major summer projects today.  I started out the summer by sanding and staining the  boards on the front of our house.  My next project was to stain all the window frames on the outside of the house.   I was wondering how to accomplish this feat, as I have some pretty high windows and I am scared of heights, but Rod came to my rescue by hoisting me up in the bucket of the tractor. ( That is also a  great solution for washing your  outside windows that are high up.)  Then I decided that my front step, boardwalk, and deck all needed staining.  I stained them only a couple of years ago but they looked horrible. I have learned a valuable lesson,  in that I used a stain that was on sale and it did not last very long.  The stain that I used blistered in some spots and has completely come off where people have walked,  in other spots.  So I was down on my hands and knees scraping and cussing, scraping and cussing until I could get off as much as I could.  This time I used a high grade stain that  has a five year warranty.  I have been trying to stain  in between rainstorms, my days off  and after work until this project is  finally finished,  except that now I see that the picnic table need staining, but that will be for another day.  ( I must say it looks 100% better!!!)

I think someone should tell the power company that if they want to replace power poles that they should do it after nine o'clock in the morning.  I was in the shower before eight this morning and had just finished shampooing my hair and was ready to put on the conditioner when the power went off.  I had to get out of the shower soaking wet and have Rod hook up the generator so that I could finish having my shower, blow dry my hair and turn on a curling iron so that I could do my hair so that I could go to work.  I did survive and was able to arrive to work on time, but I was not very happy.  The rest of the day went alright so I am cheerful tonight.

I have been trying to get up an hour earlier each morning.  I just realized this morning that I have been missing out on the beautiful colors of the sun rise by sleeping in. 

I found this poem that I wanted to share.

"Father Where Shall I Work Today" by Meade MacGuire.

"Father, where shall I work today?"
And my love flowed warm and free.
Then he pointed out a tiny spot
And said, "Tend that for me."
I answered quickly, "Oh no, not that!
Why, no one would ever see,
No matter how well my work was done.
Not that little place for me."
And the word he spoke, it was not stern...
"Art thou working for them or for me?
"Nazareth was a little place, and so was Galilee."

As I was visiting teaching about 4 months ago, the lesson was on scripture study.  As we were visiting with one  of our sisters, she told us about  a 1000 day challenge  that one stake issued to their stake.  The challenge was  to  study the scriptures every day for 1000 days.  I went home and thought about the  challenge and thought to myself that I would like to undertake the challenge in my own life.  Some days have been harder than others to find time  but  the benefits have definitely paid off.  I feel closer to the spirit and have come to learn more about our Saviour Jesus Christ and all that He has done for me.

I was at the Cardston Public Library and I found a book "Always Remember Him" by Brett D. Benson.  Brett D. Benson is a seminary instructor and a principal for the seminaries and institutes of religion program of 'The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.   This book is about Jesus Christ  - The Way, The Truth, and The Eternal Life of Man.  I totally recommend this book as it brings the life of Jesus Christ and his ministry to light.  I have been following along in this book as I have been reading the New Testament and I am understanding more of the teachings of Jesus.  Awesome Book!!!!

August 21, 2010 - Henderson Lake

I drove down to Lethbridge where I met up with Rob, Crystal,  and Samantha at Henderson Lake playground.   Jolayne brought over Alexis so that they could have some family pictures done.  Samantha and Alexis had a great time playing on the playground  but they did take a moment for pictures with the enticement of maybe  throwing some rocks in the water .   When we got to the water's edge there was no little rocks to throw into the water but they stayed and co-operated with the pictures anyhow. After Alexis  went home, Crystal and I went for a walk around the lake  with our camera's while Rob stayed with Samantha at the playground.  It was a beautiful evening and  it was a fun time taking pictures.   It really helped  me to  have a person give me hints on how to take a picture, what to look for, and how and where  to stand to obtain the picture that I wanted.  Crystal and I both discovered that we like to take pictures of trees.

These are some of my favorite pictures that I took when Crystal and I went for a walk around Henderson Lake in Lethbridge.  Crystal gave me some great hints  on how to achieve different effects in my  pictures.  I really appreciate her and all her kindness.  It was a beautiful evening to spend outdoors with people I love.

August 14, 2010 Rod's Horse Training

Rocky's first attempt with a bridle.