Some Time to Reflect

What happened to my drive for doing genealogy?  Did I do too much all at once and burned out?  I am finding it hard to get motivated to start again.  I think it is mostly due to the nice weather we are having and all the work that needs to be done outside.  There is a lot of inside work that also needs to be done, but that isn't as enjoyable as the outside work.

I've been trying to get the front flower bed weeded (or wedded, as Jari used to say).  It is full of grass and it hasn't been trimmed since last year so the grass around it and the grass inside was over a foot tall and all in seed.  I've worked on it for two days now.  I work until my hands start aching.  It is almost done and I'll probably finish it today.  There is so much grass it has already filled a large black garbage bag.  Once I get the job finished my hands won't ache as much at night.  I'm also filling a bag of weeds each day from the never ending supply we have in back.

But yesterday morning I spent three hours outside on the flowerbed.  I felt so tired the rest of the day and was moving slowly with everything I did.  I was really ready for bed last night.  I keep the front door open at night to let in the cooler air.  About a quarter after four this morning I heard a man's voice.  I thought Larry was talking on the phone with someone.  Then I heard another voice and saw a flashlight through the slats in the living room windows.  I wondered who was prowling around the house so I went to the door to find out what was happening.  There were two police officers coming to the door as I opened it.  They said they drove by and saw the door open.  I said I leave it open for the air.  Then they asked if I had heard any shots fired.  I didn't hear anything until they came.  I was sleeping very soundly.  Apparently the neighbors two houses down and the ones behind reported hearing gunshots fired around three.  They wondered if I had heard anything since the door was open.  I apologized for not being able to help and they left.  I also could not go back to sleep.

So...I thought about the kind of neighborhood we have lived in these last 23 years.  There have been shootings, drugs, a meth lab, pedophiles, break-ins, vandalism, etc.  We have been relatively free from anything negative.  Someone broke into the house when we were gone on vacation one year and did a little damage and stole some minor things.  We are pretty sure it was the kid across the street and some of his friends.  But for the most part, that is all.  We have been very blessed and protected considering the kind of area and what has happened here.  I have no doubt the Lord has watched over this family.  I am so grateful for that.  It has been a request in every prayer and one that has been answered.  The Lord hears and answers prayers.  No doubt about it.

Redirecting My Focus

I've decided that blogging isn't all that easy to do.  I have been fairly busy through the month of April and first week of May and didn't take time to write.  I've done no work on family history or genealogy.  I did get to visit with Jayna a couple of days this week and had fun with her.  The first day she transfered her digital files to my laptop.  The second day we went to the antique mall on Overland.  Fun.

Now I just want to blog about something special  I notice that has happened during the week.  I'm more apt to write something.  So, for this week the most special thing was spending time with Jayna.

For those who don't know her, she is my younger cousin.  Jayna is one of those individuals that draw people to her.  She is so fun and loving.  She is VERY talented and has a master's degree in art from BYU.  I would love to see her house someday and see all the neat stuff she has done.  And she is always doing things for people.

Jayna has met with some difficult challenges in her life.  She was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis a few years ago and was given up to five years to live.  Then about a year and a half ago she was told she had stage four breast cancer and given the same time frame for living.  She has had radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other medication which has helped stop the advancement of the fibrosis and right now she has no active cancer cells.  That can change quickly, but it enabled us to have a good time together.

Along with the medical challenges, Jayna has challenges with her family.  None of her children remained active in the church.  And each has brought to the table additional challenges for Jayna.  At one time she had four of her adult children (along with spouses and children) living with her (and Steve).  I don't know how she managed to stay sane.  She was able to do it because of her loving nature and I know the Lord has blessed her for giving so much of herself. 

It helps me recognize how greatly I am blessed with the wonderful kids I have and I love them so very much.  Our problems are so minor in comparison.  Currently all my children are active in the church.  I have the most amazing, wonderful grandchildren.  Even though I seldom see them, I am crazy about them.  They are SO precious to me.  Love you all!