Life is Fragile

I love my little sister very much. April is an "angel". She is always doing things for every else. She is impossible to keep down for long. I came in early to Minnesota as she was to have some "same day surgery" on Tuesday. Well, that ended up more exploratory surgery and she has received the news that she has endometrial cancer. I don't like the "C" word. I don't think anyone does. It threw us all into one of those moments where you feel like you are in slow motion and everything of the momment is imbedded into your mind. With it also came quickly the strength that comes from hope. April had received a blessing that told her all would be well. She is a fighter. I am here for only a few days, but already the sense of family is strengthening us all. Prayers, faith, hope and humor. We awoke this morning with determination. We had a list of errands and so we spent the morning together, April, my mother and I. Driving here and there. Laughing and crying together. These moments together are so few - so precious. We don't know what lies ahead for my sis, but I do know she is loved and watched over on both sides of the veil. I find deep comfort in knowing Daddy is ever so close. The days to come will reveal more. We pray for strength and treasure the time together...because we all know just how fragile this life is.

Fifth Grade Concert

Today I had the wonderful opportunity of attending the Fifth grade concert for my two nieces. Sometimes being an "out-of-state" auntie is very difficult for me. To be here and watch them perform today was awesome for me! I even made April take a picture - proof I was really in Minnesota with them. Aren't they the cutest girls! :)

Minnesota

Southwest flies to Minnesota now but It takes all day and you go by way of China. You think I'm kidding - don't you? I also needed Laurel's parking karma because when when we got to Minnesota there was no place to "park". The pilot had to keep circling (don't worry, we circled down over Iowa!) The weather was really bad and too many planes were trying to do the same thing we were - LAND! You know I'm desperate when I ask for a parachute. And I was serious. I had recently watched the NCIS episode...I didn't care what the results would be. I just was in a claustrophic, legs feel folded up under me for too long state of mind. The 17-year olds sitting by me thought it was a good idea too. That's actually what snapped me back to reality.

I've travelled to Minnesota for my father's memorial service. And speaking of reality... The house feels so empty and yet so full of my father. I finally figured it out last night. It is empty of his physical sense of being but his spirit is here. The only way I've ever been able to express this feeling is that it is like an umbrella. His protection, his love enveloping the house. I have tried to prepare for the reality of his passing. I decided there was no way and the closer I got to home, I told myself to just relax and feel and gave myself permission for whatever came.

With each moment, I'm just grateful for the gospel and for my father's example. I have found one common thread as we've all talked about dreams we've had of him. He is whole. My mother says he embraces her in her dreams with two arms. Oh, how happy he must be to feel whole. His body may have held him back in this life but his spirit has always soared. For so long his body was riddled with the effects of polio. He fought hard to do so much in this life. I am in constant awe of all that he has done. I am the luckiest and most blessed of daughters.

Serious Placemat Problem

So, Laurel was setting the table for Sunday dinner. She wanted placemats AND she wanted to use the placemats from when they were kids. Yes, each of the kids had their own placemat - you know it was one of those things that they got to pick out and it saved on quarrels and proclaimed their SPOT at the table. We do interesting things as parents to keep the peace, don't we?

Well, anyway, Laurel declared we had a "problem"...Brian doesn't have a placemat!!! Apparently, we have a new way that people are declared an official member of the Cindy Swenson Family. So...do I have to let Brian "pick" out his placemat? Oh, how I wish that this was my only problem for the day!!!!

So, often while I'm at the computer cute little Millie (my grandchild) has to be right next to me or being held. One day when she was being very persistent, I finally just brought her little bed and plopped it on the counter next to me. She happily slept - periodically looking up at me to make sure I was still there. She is a very cute little Chiweenie and has brought much joy to our lives. She definitely is Laurel's "child" however, is being spoiled by her "grandma" --ME! She loves to go on walks and in the car. I never thought I'd ever be one of those women with a dog in her purse...but the older I get the less I care what others think! Which probably means I'm getting healthier mentally as I grow older! So this post is in honor of my Silly Millie Girl who is basking in a spot of sun as I type.

My Children's Friends

One of the great blessings of being a mother is getting to know the friends of my children. My kids have some great friends. What a blessing in their lives...and mine!!!

So, having written previously about how much fun Valentine's Day is...

I came home from work to a package on my back door step. Really the package said to Vanessa and Cindy Swenson but I couldn't wait for Vanessa. Yes, I opened the box! But if you knew what I knew you would have torn into it too. See the package was from Vanessa's friend Gretchen. One of Gretchen's claim to fame in our family is that she is an awesome cook. I just knew that inside that box were some little heart cookies...that melt in your mouth when you eat them. They have just a little touch of jam. Oh, they are SO good. Yes, not only did I open the package without Vanessa but I also partook of the wondrous stash of sweets. The hand-made Valentine found it's home on my fridge. The homemade carmels were frozen solid. But did you know that if you suck on a frozen carmel after a while it thaws? I love that Gretchen girl! But it isn't just for her famous food. I love her for the great woman she is, and the wonderful friend to Vanessa and all of us that she has become.

I love Valentines Day

It's true. Those that know me well know that I really, really like the holiday. I often say - what is better than a day that encourages telling people we love them. We should have Valentine's Day more often than once a year!

So, it is probably no surprise when I mention that sending valentines is very important to me and I love to send valentines to the children in my life. I shop early and pick them out very carefully. I really love Mary Englebreit's valentines and always find them at The Quilted Bear store in Provo. I love thinking of how they will be so excited to get their very own MAIL. Okay, so now you know another weird part of me. Just add it to the list of many.

Anyway, this year I went to my mailbox the other day and was so happy to find a brown envelope with heart stickers on it. YES! I'd received some valentines. Of course they are on my fridge. That's where you put homemade valentines from the 'Vegas cousins!

I also was very happy to be invited to be a part of the valentine box exchange with the "Imaging Office" in our division at work. I love those college kids in that office. I loved writing their names on the Disney Cars Valentines and attaching them to a rice krispie treat. But even more so I loved opening each little valentine from them. So for just a moment the 50+ woman in me reverted to a little girl and I enjoyed every second!

So whether giving or getting Valentines - I love Valentine's Day and all the great people in my life that are my "valentines".