MOM"S PURSE

Mom's purse always held fascination and wonder.  One time Mom couldn't find it.  We searched the entire house.  She came to the conclusion that my friends must have taken it and I was forbidden to have anyone in the house on week-days.  On my way to my room to have a good cry, I passed the dresser in the hallway where Mom always put her purse.  There almost hidden by a sweater was a loaf of bread.  I turned, went to the kitchen and looked in the bread box.  You guessed it.  There was Mom's purse.  We had a good laugh, but I still couldn't have friends over during the week.


Once Dad asked Mom when she thought we could afford a newer car.  Mom opened her purse and in a brown envelope there was enough money for the car. 

Taking vacations always began by looking in the purse to see how much was there. 

Tithing was always in the purse.
Fast offerings were always in the purse.
New clothes for school were always in the purse.

Duane asked me to visit Mom and see if I could get her to put money in her account.  He was helping with her bills and noticed that she had not deposited her retirement checks for some time.  You must know that because I lived in Maryland and Duane was almost next door, I could get Mom to do things that he couldn't.  I asked Mom if she would like a hamburger for dinner.  She loved McDonald's hamburgers.  She said,  "Find my purse."  I went to hand it to her and she said, "There's an envelope in there.  Get some money and go get us a hamburger."

Well there were many envelopes in the purse and I asked her which one I should use.  I sat on the floor next to Mom, who was sitting on the couch.  I pulled envelpes out of her purse one after another after another.  As I opened each one there were fives, tens, twenties, and even hundred dollar bills.  We stacked them on the floor and counted.

"Want to buy a new car?" she asked. 

We didn't buy the car.  We put the money in the bank.  After that Duane had direct deposit set up and the purse sat on the dresser.

Yesterday, Bill said, "Do you have any change?" I opened my purse and gave him a $20. 

"How come you always have money in your purse?" he asked.  I just smiled and remembered.  Do you think you can inherit a purse?

Why didn't we do this years ago.

 A NEW LOOK FOR THE LAUNDRY ROOM

  

We have been "fixing up the laundry room.  For years it has been a hole in the wall with falling insulation and "stuff".  I was the one remaining "who'd want to buy this?" we had to change.

Bill is so handy.  He removed all the old insulation and sprayed in the new.  He build shelves from wood.  They are so sturdy you can put just about anything on them and they look pretty. (very important)

There was only one problem and we didn't discover it until we received notice the water man couldn't read the meter.  Bill had unconnected the signal wires to put up the dry wall and had forgotten to reconnect them.  The water guy came by and replaced the meter and checked everything out. 

We have one shelf left and then making the decision of what to do with the floor.  We are thinking carpet tiles.  What a difference.  I love it.  Laundry is no longer a dirty word.

Coincidence or Miracles

Some choose to believe that life is a happenstance.  Things just happen by luck or as the natural order of things.  I choose to believe that a loving Father in Heaven watches over us and is active in our daily lives.

Our home has a semi detached apartment.  It has been rented constantly since we first move in over 30 years ago.  Before our last renters moved they "spread-the-word" the apartment would be available.  One month passed, then two.  This was a very strange thing.   No longer than two week without renters had been the pattern. 

Bill and I felt no push to find a new renter though it would have been to our advantage for many reasons.  Then in March Sarah told us that Randy would no longer be stationed here and would have to return to New Mexico.  She asked if she could come home and stay with us.  Family was very inportant at this time because Maren's third heart surgery was looming before us.

Coincidence?   To add to the story, Randy received a temporary transfer to DC and will remain with his family.

There certainly are big miracle.  Maren is one of those.   Then there are the little things that happen everyday.  I believe in miracles.

Moments in Time--Digitalized

Bill was very secretive, yesterday.  He announced,"I'm going out."  "Where are you going?" I responded.  "D'no just yet.  Just out."  About an hour later he came back with a bag and handed it to me.  "What's this?  "I love you," he replied.  I opened the bag and there was a digital picture frame.  I gave him a hugh hug and a kiss.  "Thank you.  I love it and you."

Being 68 years old and quite cautious, it has taken me a day to figure out how to use the frame.  But, finally it all came together and I started downloading pictures from the internet and then uploading pictures from the computer to the memory card and VOILA!  Instant Family History.  I sat and watched a picture frame.  And cried. 

This morningThe Plan of Happiness was briefly digitalized.  A mortal moment.

We're NOT having Chicken Soup Tonight

It happened this way.  The missionaries came over for dinner last evening.  I put a chicken in the oven and it was perfection.  After dinner Bill left with the missionaries to visit some ward members.  I cleared the table and cleaned up the kitchen.  "We'll have chicken soup tomorrow and I won't have to spend time with dinner."  I put the boney remains of our feast in the large, shinny, copper bottomed cooking pot, filled it with water, set it on the stove, and turned the burner on.  I patted myself on the back for a job well done and retired to the computer to do a little farming.

About an hour later I left the computer and entered a smoke-filled familyroom.  "What's going on," I thought.  The kitchen was like "a foggy day in London Town". 

I turned the burner off and grabbed the oven mittens.  My "soup" was taken out the back door and set in the driveway.  I wondered what signals the smoke would send.  Running back in the house I opened every window, turned off the heat, turned on the fans and wondered why the smoke detectors hadn't sounded.  Bill just replaced the batteries about a week ago.

It took about an hour for the smoke to clear.  I had to go outside a couple of times because I was caughing so bad.  Bill finally came home and said, "It looks like you're cooking like Bill."  We laughed. 

Today I'm scrubbing the pot.  I'll be scrubbing the pot for at least a week.  Needless to say, "We're not having chicken soup for dinner."

Compulsory Behavior and Agency

I joined Face Book last week.  My intent was to keep in touch with family and friends on a more regular basis.  Welllllllllll, turns out there is this game, Farmville.  Need I say more!  I keep telling myself there is a choice.  You can play or not play.  I gather up the laundry and put it in the washing machine. AND return to Farmville.  I straighten the kitchen and return to Farmville, I make the bed and return to Farmville.  Oh, dear!  Happy or Sad, Good or Evil, Right or Wrong, there is always a choice.  AND then there's Farmville.

Moments in Dillingham History #1

Ok guys!  I know the answer, but do you?  Where was this picture taken and what was the special event?