Today we are roasting a pig in our backyard. We are hosting our district missionaries and their investigators. Serving in our area is an Elder from Samoa, Elder Fafai.
Between him and John, who served in New Zealand, they are going to put on a show. A few years ago John cooked different meats in the ground. In Samoa, they do it on top of the ground.
Christian awoke early to drive to Grantsville to pick up the pig. They were just going to lay it in the back of the Durango with out anything covering it or even on anything. OH, SICK! Anyway. It arrived at our home and we are excited to begin.
First the ground needed to be leveled. Next the rocks were laid as well as a fire built over them to heat them up. When the rocks were very HOT they were spread out and some were put into the pig some under the pig and the corrugated steel was laid over it and more rocks on top. Boy it really smells good.
This pig was good. I think Christian wishes he hadn't seen the head, the feet and the insides before he ate it. We had a great time with everyone. I hope to get pictures posted soon. Check back soon.
So much fun to have the district here. It has been a while since we have had a district or a zone over. Well, we haven't done that in UT only KS. Many times over the years, many missionaries we have learned from, many fun times.
We have 4 companionship's as well as a few investigators. Good times!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Day 151
Our first day in clinic since Nicole has been home. She tried hard not to need to much. She and I were up at 6 just so I could do her wound care, make her breakfast and get her ready for the day. Then, John and I started seeing patients. It was only a half day of patients because of the pig roast but it felt like an extra 3 hours. I hope tomorrow is better.
Nicole and I were supposed to go to PT today but I canceled. Nicole is still not feeling well and who wants to go out when they don't feel good. Not me. Nor do I want to make someone do that.
Sweet McKenzie from next door came by and brought Nicole a card and something she made for her. She is so sweet. When I opened the door McKenzie beamed at me. What a smile. A few months ago she left a sweet note on the door step for me to take to the hospital.
No hospital bed for us. It wasn't approved. I guess we will muddle through like we have been. It sure would have cut down Nicole coughing all night and make it easier for her to rest. I will be grateful for the insurance covering what they do. Every little bit will help us.
When I did Nicole's wound care I was so grateful for the progress she has made. Her open areas are closing well thanks to the Cold Laser. Nicole's left upper arm that has been so troublesome over the past 3 months only has a small spot the size of a nickle left to close. Totally cool.
I also think Nicole has came an amazing distance. She is so grateful for all that is being done for her. Each little thing someone does for her is appreciated. She still thinks in the realm of how can she make someones life better. What a gift that is.
Nicole and I were supposed to go to PT today but I canceled. Nicole is still not feeling well and who wants to go out when they don't feel good. Not me. Nor do I want to make someone do that.
Sweet McKenzie from next door came by and brought Nicole a card and something she made for her. She is so sweet. When I opened the door McKenzie beamed at me. What a smile. A few months ago she left a sweet note on the door step for me to take to the hospital.
No hospital bed for us. It wasn't approved. I guess we will muddle through like we have been. It sure would have cut down Nicole coughing all night and make it easier for her to rest. I will be grateful for the insurance covering what they do. Every little bit will help us.
When I did Nicole's wound care I was so grateful for the progress she has made. Her open areas are closing well thanks to the Cold Laser. Nicole's left upper arm that has been so troublesome over the past 3 months only has a small spot the size of a nickle left to close. Totally cool.
I also think Nicole has came an amazing distance. She is so grateful for all that is being done for her. Each little thing someone does for her is appreciated. She still thinks in the realm of how can she make someones life better. What a gift that is.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Christmas Tree
Each year when we get out our Christmas tree and decorations I always tell John I want new decorations. I want them to match and maybe even match my decor. Each year I do not get new ones.
Today when we got everything out and setting up the tree I said to John' "I love our tree. Even though I wish we had new decorations I love ours."
With each piece I gently unwrapped I remembered a memory from that piece. Maybe it was where we picked that piece up or maybe it was the Christmas we first had that peice.
For example:
The mice: I painted each one of them the first year we were married
The Teapot: We choose that piece on a trip to Germany. It came from a little glass factory that hand blows each piece.
The hand carved Santa: My sister and I each received one when we were glued together by accident in a little Christmas shop in Branson.
The seashells: We each choose one from our trip to Florida
The nutcrackers: We choose them the year Liz lived with us. (Her dad hand made us a beautiful nutcracker that year.)
The skiers: We choose these the year the kids learned to ski.
The Texas Star: Was given to us from friends when we moved from Texas to Kansas.
So many memories. How could I give them up? As I am putting each one on the tree I am telling Nicole and John where each one came from, why we obtained it or who gave it to us. When we are finished I turn off the lights, sit back and remember the many wonderful times I have decorating our tree, the many wonderful memories from each ornament and the friends and family who have contributed to the memories we have hanging on our tree.
Thank you for the memorable times.
Today when we got everything out and setting up the tree I said to John' "I love our tree. Even though I wish we had new decorations I love ours."
With each piece I gently unwrapped I remembered a memory from that piece. Maybe it was where we picked that piece up or maybe it was the Christmas we first had that peice.
For example:
The mice: I painted each one of them the first year we were married
The Teapot: We choose that piece on a trip to Germany. It came from a little glass factory that hand blows each piece.
The hand carved Santa: My sister and I each received one when we were glued together by accident in a little Christmas shop in Branson.
The seashells: We each choose one from our trip to Florida
The nutcrackers: We choose them the year Liz lived with us. (Her dad hand made us a beautiful nutcracker that year.)
The skiers: We choose these the year the kids learned to ski.
The Texas Star: Was given to us from friends when we moved from Texas to Kansas.
So many memories. How could I give them up? As I am putting each one on the tree I am telling Nicole and John where each one came from, why we obtained it or who gave it to us. When we are finished I turn off the lights, sit back and remember the many wonderful times I have decorating our tree, the many wonderful memories from each ornament and the friends and family who have contributed to the memories we have hanging on our tree.
Thank you for the memorable times.
Day 150
Today, Nicole went to church. We were only going to attempt to go to Sacrament meeting but when that was over she wanted to stay for Sunday School. After Sunday School was over she wanted to stay for Relief Society. WOW!!! Big day for her. I was amazed that she lasted through the block.
Many people made her feel so welcome. I was glad for her. Nicole said she felt like she was in the right place. I hope each week we will be able to continue attending the entire block. I guess we will see. By the time church was over she and I both were pooped. But, no rest for the weary. Nicole had a nap while John and I started to get out our Christmas decorations and tree.
As we are setting things up Nicole woke up to supervise. She did a great job. Lisa stopped by for a visit. We were so glad to see her. It has been a while and it was great to catch up with her. Nicole and her have a special bond. So cute to see them together. Lisa gives great advise, love and care. All things Nicole needs.
Cookies were also delivered to our home this evening. Still warm I might add. Thanks a bunch. They hit the spot as we were finishing up the last touches on our Christmas tree. Cookies and Christmas just go together.
Nicole is not feeling well tonight. She even went to bed early. I hope we didn't take her out to church too early and she caught something. Or maybe it was from last night.
Side note: One of the talks today at church hit me hard. He told a story about praying everyday to like this one person. To have no room in him to not like him. I will pray also for that very thing. I want to have no room to not like people. To be more tolerant. We never know what others are like behind closed doors. Their life may seem perfect to us but in reality they are struggling just like the rest of us. And, I want to be the kind of friend that can see the struggle and find a solution. Or at least can make their day better by smiling, saying hello, taking a meal or praying for them.
Many people made her feel so welcome. I was glad for her. Nicole said she felt like she was in the right place. I hope each week we will be able to continue attending the entire block. I guess we will see. By the time church was over she and I both were pooped. But, no rest for the weary. Nicole had a nap while John and I started to get out our Christmas decorations and tree.
As we are setting things up Nicole woke up to supervise. She did a great job. Lisa stopped by for a visit. We were so glad to see her. It has been a while and it was great to catch up with her. Nicole and her have a special bond. So cute to see them together. Lisa gives great advise, love and care. All things Nicole needs.
Cookies were also delivered to our home this evening. Still warm I might add. Thanks a bunch. They hit the spot as we were finishing up the last touches on our Christmas tree. Cookies and Christmas just go together.
Nicole is not feeling well tonight. She even went to bed early. I hope we didn't take her out to church too early and she caught something. Or maybe it was from last night.
Side note: One of the talks today at church hit me hard. He told a story about praying everyday to like this one person. To have no room in him to not like him. I will pray also for that very thing. I want to have no room to not like people. To be more tolerant. We never know what others are like behind closed doors. Their life may seem perfect to us but in reality they are struggling just like the rest of us. And, I want to be the kind of friend that can see the struggle and find a solution. Or at least can make their day better by smiling, saying hello, taking a meal or praying for them.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Day 149
BYU vs. UTAH Me...a BYU fan....Christian...a UTES fan. The big BYU-Utes game is today. I wish I had tickets but on the other hand I am glad I can listen to the game in the comfort of my own home, warm with a blanket and hot cocoa. Tight game. It even went into overtime. Final score...26-23 BYU on top. Man I was happy about that GAME. Sorry Christian.
Today, John and the kids helped me celebrate my birthday. A week late but so much better when we are all together. We went to RODIZIO'S for dinner. Ever been there? It is Brazilian food. First there is a salad bar with different types of foods made like in Brazil. Next, there are cute gaucho guys that bring cooked meat to your table on skewers and cute the meat off right on your plate. So good. For the birthday girl (that's me) that brought out Flan. YUMMO!! I shared but I wish I had 2 pieces.
Thanks for all the birthday wishes from everyone during this last week. And Christian gave me a BYU football jersey. He knows the way to my heart.
Nicole is getting along better each day. I know she has a few set backs but over all I would say things are on the up hill drive.
Today, John and the kids helped me celebrate my birthday. A week late but so much better when we are all together. We went to RODIZIO'S for dinner. Ever been there? It is Brazilian food. First there is a salad bar with different types of foods made like in Brazil. Next, there are cute gaucho guys that bring cooked meat to your table on skewers and cute the meat off right on your plate. So good. For the birthday girl (that's me) that brought out Flan. YUMMO!! I shared but I wish I had 2 pieces.
Thanks for all the birthday wishes from everyone during this last week. And Christian gave me a BYU football jersey. He knows the way to my heart.
Nicole is getting along better each day. I know she has a few set backs but over all I would say things are on the up hill drive.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Days 147 and 148
The past 2 days have been a whirlwind of activity. As I am sure you too have been busy seeing family, baking, traveling, EATING. Thanksgiving day we spent with John's family. I wasn't sure how Nicole would fair so we took separate cars. Nicole actually lasted longer than I expected. It was so good for Nicole to get out and see her cousins. The loved seeing her.
At night after dinner and dessert Santa visits. He leaves popcorn balls for everyone. This year he actually came in to see Nicole. She loved it. What a fun day we spent there. After Santa Nicole and I came home and just chilled. And went to bed early. Good for both of us.
Friday was another story. Our family hosted Thanksgiving at our home in Lehi for my family. There was a lot more to do and prepare for. Turkey to cook, stuffing to make, Christian made sweet potato casserole. It was divine. All the Pinder family traditional foods were there.
We all had a lot of fun and almost everyone stayed about 3 hours after just talking.
This day was a harder day for Nicole. She didn't feel very well to begin with and she was worn out from the day before. Although she was happy to see everyone. Some people hadn't been able to see Nicole before as they live out of town.
We are grateful at this time and always for the blessing we have been given. For the love we share and the good friends we have. We hope all of you have a blessed holiday season. Thank you for the love you have shown us, the prayers sent heavenward on our behalf and the friendships we share. God bless you all.
At night after dinner and dessert Santa visits. He leaves popcorn balls for everyone. This year he actually came in to see Nicole. She loved it. What a fun day we spent there. After Santa Nicole and I came home and just chilled. And went to bed early. Good for both of us.
Friday was another story. Our family hosted Thanksgiving at our home in Lehi for my family. There was a lot more to do and prepare for. Turkey to cook, stuffing to make, Christian made sweet potato casserole. It was divine. All the Pinder family traditional foods were there.
We all had a lot of fun and almost everyone stayed about 3 hours after just talking.
This day was a harder day for Nicole. She didn't feel very well to begin with and she was worn out from the day before. Although she was happy to see everyone. Some people hadn't been able to see Nicole before as they live out of town.
We are grateful at this time and always for the blessing we have been given. For the love we share and the good friends we have. We hope all of you have a blessed holiday season. Thank you for the love you have shown us, the prayers sent heavenward on our behalf and the friendships we share. God bless you all.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Day 146
Tonight, I am seeing John. I am so happy for both of us. I don't know which is harder, being in Kansas away from all the stuff going on here or being here in the thick of things.
The last day to finalize things for Thanksgiving. I hope everyone is able to get all the things done they want. Whether hosting or attending, there is always so much to accomplish. I read this on our cousins blog and thought it was so great I copied it. Thanks, Cheri!
Did you know that Abraham Lincoln was the President that started it all??
In 1863 he set aside the last Thursday in November as a National Day of Thanksgiving.
Abraham Lincoln had this to say about giving thanks...
“We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in number, wealth, and power as no other Nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God who made us.
“It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended power, to confess our … sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.” (John Wesley Hill, Abraham Lincoln, Man of God, 4th ed., New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, p. 391.)
AMAZING!!
From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
The last day to finalize things for Thanksgiving. I hope everyone is able to get all the things done they want. Whether hosting or attending, there is always so much to accomplish. I read this on our cousins blog and thought it was so great I copied it. Thanks, Cheri!
Did you know that Abraham Lincoln was the President that started it all??
In 1863 he set aside the last Thursday in November as a National Day of Thanksgiving.
Abraham Lincoln had this to say about giving thanks...
“We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in number, wealth, and power as no other Nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God who made us.
“It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended power, to confess our … sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.” (John Wesley Hill, Abraham Lincoln, Man of God, 4th ed., New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, p. 391.)
AMAZING!!
From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
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