The rest of spring break

We had a great time last week, visiting Santa Fe and Phoenix.  It was great to get away for a few days and do things we've never done!  I was fascinated by their outdoor plants that we can only grow indoors here (or not at all).  The different varieties of cactus, yucca (bluck - never liked it, still don't) and agave were awesome!  My favorites were the Organ Pipe Cactus and the giant blue Agave.

Barrel Cactus

Mesquite tree

These were at least 15 feet tall

Pretty Cool Stuff!

We went to the Phoenix Zoo with Jeanne and her grandkids, so fun!
Brooklyn, McKinley and Zoe rode the camels!  

I can relate to this.  Sometimes all I want to do is bury
my head and go to sleep too!

We also went to the Musical Instrument Museum, which was fascinating to me!  They had the history of music from most countries, and all regions of the world.  I was most interested in African music because I am listening to "Roots" by Alex Haley right now.  Music and drumming were an integral part of their lives.  I had to check out the Gambia.  But I also loved the European countries!  That's where I served my mission (Germany) and we were there last summer.  Hearing those Swiss Alp Horns ... aahhh.  Makes me want to go back!


















As far as how I'm doing, I feel better than I have in a long time.  I still itch all over and I get tired quickly, but most side effects aren't bothering me right now.  I'm back to work and feel good doing my normal things.  How am I emotionally?  I'll tell you after May 2nd!  That's when my next CT scan is.  I can only assume that things are stable and the drugs are working right now.  That's what it feels like anyway.

Mat has been debating about moving back to a junior high so he doesn't have so darn much to do.  There are a couple of junior highs in Jordan that have choir jobs open, but they aren't full time music. I asked him to put together a monthly schedule of the things he does so we could go through it and make sure he's only doing what he has to do.  I say "we" because he wants to do everything, including all the optional stuff (because some of those activities help the kids musically).  For the last several years, we've talked about cutting out the unnecessary, optional activities--but sometimes they show up again the next year.  😉  The other night we went through this list and talked about every single event, concert, festival, and narrowed down the list to only the most important things.  I told him if anyone has a problem with him simplifying his life, just give them my phone number!  I'll tell anyone who thinks their activity/event is more important than him being with home with family WHAT I THINK!

I had my support group today and loved the discussion we had!  One thing we talked about is legacy, the legacy we will leave behind, and how to work on getting things done.  I wanted to talk to the other ladies about how they view legacy, what it means to them.  I thought about this early on, as I mourned thinking about my posterity that I may not get to meet in this life.  This is why I'm digitizing books, writing my history, typing journals, scanning pre-digital photos, etc.  What if I live another 40 years?  I'll be very grateful to have the first half of my life done already!

I also got my monthly magical massage today.  Thanks to Diane who is the best out there, it always does me a world of good!  I wish I could do it more often.  Poor McKinley called me from school this morning, stomach flu.  She stayed home the rest of the day, coloring and watching PBS Kids.  She got a little nervous this afternoon because she forgot where I told her I would be.  I had 5 voicemails from her when I got out of the massage.  Her last message was just 7 seconds long.  In a very tearful voice, she said "Please come home."  I reminded her again when I got home that she can always go talk to a trusted adult if she's scared or nervous about something.  We have a some neighbors here that are "trusted adults," I hope she will remember to seek out help when she needs it.

I told her about an experience we had when she was very young.  We were at a hotel in southern California headed up to our room.  Maddie had McKinley when the elevator doors opened.  We all got on, but McKinley didn't make it before the doors closed.  We were panicked to get back to her, and I knew she was having a complete panic attack too!  We rushed back down to get her, she was crying and so upset!  She doesn't remember that happening, but sometimes I wonder if her anxiety about where we are doesn't stem from that incident.  It was so scary.

Thanks, as always, for all your love and concern!  We are so blessed, even when things are going relatively well!  It's a huge blessing for me to know that I have a few dozen people I can call at any time if I/we need help with something.  💗