Joy of My Life-♥

My two eldest sons- with their sweet pregnant wives...precious!

Putting Pain Into Words

I'm quite blessed with a good children and a wonderful husband. I have genuine friends and a joyful life. Summer times are lazy with sleeping in and my children home with me. You'd imagine that my life was SO perfect. But, deep down inside my mind though...I have a open wound. It's so very painful that I'm scared to share it with anyone. Whom can I trust with this burden?

A few months ago, I found out that "someone close to me"- was suffering from emotional pain with their family. I was on the phone for hours with them-day and night. When they asked me to help, I drove to this person's home to protect them. We have known each other our whole lives and know every secret there is to tell. I didn't know that this person had endured too much, for so long. Some things cannot be changed without the hand of the Lord and a step in the right direction. I stayed for a week with my friend-in a new location. I kept watch at night for our safety, missed my daughter's 15th b-day, and really held a vigil till things would improve. The pressure was on for life to return to normal...from both families. We finally 'broke camp' and went our own ways.

I'm home now-without any contact from this family. It is one of the hardest tests of my life to handle. My prayers are for this friend's happiness and safety. There are no daily phonecalls to reassure me of improvement. I rely on others to pass on a few words here and there. In order to preserve a little peace, I walked away.

I'm inflicted with the thoughts of maybe I've also offended this friend.

I am NO angel and have given free advice that sometimes sounded harsh. I would never want a whole family unit to fall apart and I would never tell someone to turn their back and run. There are moments that I'd advise 'setting the right example', 'stop pretending that all is well' and stand up for yourself!!! Counseling is the best sometimes for letting words freely flow.

They say that TIME heals all wounds. I'm literally testing that theory each moment of the day. I have my daughter to lean on. She holds my hand and comforts me when I cry. I'm not good with being patient-my own family knows this too well. I'm grateful for the gift of forgiveness...and hope that someone will let me have my friendship back one day. Till then, I'll let YOU know that I'm counting the seconds. Dang-this is hard! :(

August Happenings...

My little brain must be on overload...since I have NOTHING posted for last month {August} Hmmm...what made headlines? Oh yeah! 1. The kids are back in school (yes!) 2. We did a trial run with Netflix and loved catching up on TV shows. 3. Yep-satellite was canceled...so we could pay some gas and food. 4. My hubby is now adjusted to working the night-shift at the SLC temple. 5. My Seventeen yr. old got a job at I-HOP {Thanks to his YM leader} **And THAT about sums it up here at our house. If I think of more...too bad:)JK Good nite!

New Flower Business

I've started my own flower business this year:
"Hello Dolly"

I did this bouquet yesterday for a neighbors new baby boy

This arrangement  I made for my Alaskan relative

This one I made for Relief Society-(so it's not on a dresser anymore:)

Maybe I can help this cute couple soon with their summer plans! More news soon...

Another day- Another Dollar

Sorry about the last post's wording...I made the mistake of loading the pictures first, then trying to add words. It just would not cooperate with my set-up, so I hit the numbers and added some thoughts. I wanted to add words to each picture-but it would high light the photo and then delete it when I tried to add words. Crazy!

So, with this post...I'm writing first. I'm showing you some flowers I've done at work and some of the cute things I dust all day:) We've been moving hutches and shelves

for weeks. So, this week we start on more Christmas trees! I've been able to do more flowers, because the fall arrangement I made, sold the first week I put it out! So, my boss said, "Make another one!". So I did a tropical center-piece with Calla Lillie's and poppies in silk. I spend lots of time doing inventory and making lists of new flowers we need to add too. Here's another arrangement that I helped with:) Guess how much this big piece is? (Over  five-hundred dollars!) *I know-Expensive!!!!

Swiffer Picker-Upper

Okay-It's Friday Night and I'm super tired from work this week. I started out feeling so proud of myself for learning cash register-pretty close to comfortable now. But, I'm not working on anything special-like I did at my own desk at the "other store". Today I did A LOT of dusting and wondering around watching the customers pick out their items to purchase (We even had a sale going on). I did learn how to take a percentage off each sale item. WAHOO! The most exciting part was seeing my friend, Ange, and gift wrapping a present for my own son (she was pretty tricky!). I did see my friend, Jennie, but she had all her kids with her, so we didn't get to visit. I've been so happy to see familiar faces from around town:) My sister even dropped by to pick up her medicine-"Hey Sis'-just picking up some antibiotic for my STREP throat". ...Oh-thanks for the visit! What are the "percentages" that I'm getting sick too now?! Yikes...

My New Job Location

Well Folks,

I've been working at Comfort Homes for three days now, and it's totally a blast:) I'm quickly learning how to use their computer/cash register...and it's not so scary now! My new friends have been VERY patient with me as I try and remember the steps. Practice makes perfect-right?! Maybe by next month, I won't need assistance and reminding.

When I'm not helping customers at the desk, I'm dusting the furniture and learning the names of all the vendors. We have a box for almost everything to go home in too. I've heard that a good employee must not covet the home decor and other items sold-which of course means, "Don't spend all your money in one place!". I have noticed the other workers though, have certain special items that are saved for buying later:) So, I quietly memorize the names and awesome pieces that catch my eye too. I actually was brave enough to snap some pictures. I like all the wall clocks in the displays. Can't decide which one is my favorite yet...

I'm adding a Christmas tree that I helped decorate. Pretty fun stuff:) My supervisor has asked me if I've been able to decorate yet...I said that I've helped-but I'm slowly elbowing my way into the showroom. I ran the store cash register BY MYSELF yesterday! I only had help one time-when I forgot to enter the tender given ($20 bill) I had to figure the change out myself and correct the entry after the customer left:) I had help asking how to cancel the sale and start over. But, I didn't hyper- ventilate...I just kept my cool:) This is my counter and register-can you see the jewelry display right in front of my desk? I've been really good and have not bought anything yet:)

The local television station dropped by to make a commercial yesterday too. The camera man and the interviewer were both parents of two of my favorite preschoolers:) We laughed and caught up on my "new job". Then I introduced them to the other designer and let them start the commercial taping-while I helped the customers. I managed to sneak in a few shots of these local celebrities:) Today is Friday and we're having a sale of items that discounted up to 75% off...I should be pretty busy all day. Then, I'm going to a funeral viewing afterwards. I made a couple sprays and a wreath for the family. I also wired eleven bootineers for the casket barrers and one corsage for the mother:( Sad story I'll add later.

So Long... Good Friends-♥

Tomorrow is my last day at work for the craft store...It's gonna be hard to say good bye to so many great friends. I hope they connect with my email and facebook:) Then I'll know how life is over on the south end of town! My round the clock- going to both jobs- has not been easy. In fact, I'm super tired~ Good Night!

New Jobs

Yahoo-Today is FRIDAY! I'm so happy to make it the end of this week:) Lot's has been going on, and I'm tired. It's time to slow down a bit.

My hubby and I went to the temple last week, and it was so wonderful to slow down and not feel burdened by the day to day chores. We felt more at peace and not so panicked about our main source of income-his job loss, as an electrician. I was offered a new job at another store, with great pay. I'm back at the bottom of the job ladder-till I finish getting trained, but at least I'll have more hours.

This past Wednesday, we went to the temple again. One of my friends from work, was going through for the first time. So, I was happy to be a part of this amazing transformation. Something I hope and dream for my own married son and his wife. Once again, we were feeling at peace and ready for life's challenges. When we climbed into our car, we noticed that there were four phone-calls missed. It was someone asking my husband to take a temporary job this week out of town. We both smiled and knew our prayers were being answered. Life is treating us pretty fair right now:)

I trained at my new job yesterday and it was so fun. It's a small town gift shop-but one of the best places for high quality decor. Once I memorize the company names for vendor boxes-I'll be doing better. I practiced using the cash register and opening up the store. Very fun so far!

Here's some of the final projects I've been doing for Roberts. The fall colors are coming out this week and we've been using more browns and oranges. I set up a wedding display in golds and antique browns. I added rhinestone gems to grab your eye in the dark colors.

Then I made a plant cage into a bird cage:) I love the weathered green wire.

My last project was in red and whites. I wired together a flower wreath for a hurricane candle. The flowers are red zinnias, roses and white orchids with flecks of red on them-(cool!) This makes me think of my Aunt Sherry. She made candle decorations for my wedding in pink & white. They're not hard to do-and can also be created with styro-foam or oasis with fresh flowers.

Life is so GOOD!!!

Well, My Dear Friends,

I did mention that I was about to start a new job, and that I said "goodbye" to my fellow co-workers. Today though, I went in to begin- "my last two weeks", and my boss told me she'd rather I stay. (Let's just say, she matched the other business' offer). So, I've got some more negotiations to work out. While doing that, here's my latest work: Did I mention I LOVE going to work? If your wondering which occupation to start...I'd say floral design!

News for the Week

What's been going on here in our house? Well, I'm about to change jobs again...more news and pictures soon.

We've been at a missionary farewell this Sunday, for our neighbor. The luncheon was just beautiful! We are really excited for this new Elder, because we've known him since he was little and growing up in our old ward.

*So, today we're noticing time is really marching very FAST now. "Our Elder" will be home right after Christmas:)

More news later!!

Here's a quote I found on the internet tonight:

You are or have been a Latter-day Saint Missionary if:

You've ever worn a name tag without your first name on it.

You've ever said to someone, "This is my companion."

You dropped out of college, stayed unemployed for two years, lost your favorite girl, and called it the best time of your life.

You think that Elder doesn't necessarily mean older.

You easily recognize three common human ailments: blind minds, hard hearts, and stiff necks.

You lived with a roommate for a whole month--or more--who you never called by their first name.

The investigator asking you probing personal questions isn't a police detective.

You put ketchup on nearly everything you cook.

You enjoy telling people why they are here and where they are going.

Your greatest hero in the scriptures was a man named Ammon.

About every eight weeks or so you get a new roommate who you don't get to choose.

Your most coveted present all year was a new tie.

You're 20 years old and it's been months since you went to bed after 11:00 p.m.

You introduce yourself to people every day without telling them your first name.

You get one half day per week all to yourself and you spend most of that time doing your laundry.

Creative Energy

Fun times at work continue! My boss brought me a picture from a magazine and there were three- four nesting flower pots. They were stacked on top of each other and had greenery flowing out around each planter. She asked if I could create something similar...and I said "Sure!". This is the final piece...My boss said, "Looks better than the picture":) Cool- She's easy to please!!

I also made a brown neutral-colored rose arrangement. This has light wispy fern hanging from the rim. Wonder what I should create for Independence Day?

Whistle While You Work-♥

Today was my day to demo at work. I was given a plain wooden frame to decorate with and anything I wanted in the store. So, I grabbed the lime green acrylic paint and some scrap-booking paper, and some embellishments. I painted the whole frame green and then started cutting around the scrolls and flowers on the paper. Then I glued the scrap-paper down and covered the paper with Modge-Podge. I took the cardboard insert off the back and covered that with pink polka dot paper and left it off till the wood was dry. Then, I added gems and glitter dots to the flowers-purple and pink. I found some extra big gerber daisies to hot glue to the top corner too. I think the whole project turned out pretty cute! Chabs really like the colors:)

I also had two customs orders for weddings. One was the head pieces for two little flower girls. One little girl is wearing blue and the other pink. They picked out the flowers themselves and I wired them into a head-band. I think the mom spent ten dollars in supplies and the labor only cost seven bucks. What a great dress up item for later on:) I plan to glue little tiny crocodile clips to the insides of the bands-to help hold them on their cute little heads.

My last project was a bridal bouquet that...
had green and pink gerber daisies in it-with a little white freesia and meadow grass for a filler. I looped bear grass and cradled the bouquet inside the greenery. The handle of stems was wrapped in a lime green satin ribbin-three inches wide. The brides final color is a baby-blue...so I put just a touch of thin ribbon near the big bow in front. The color scheme and grass loops gives this a tropical theme. I could always be inspired to create from my heart- with the idea of a Hawaiian celebration!! Can you imagine the hoola-girls with their grass skirts? Aloha-♥

* And that's my day... in a nut-shell! Yay-for demo days...and the awesome customers.