New Years Eve

I already did a look-back for the year 2011 and I am really looking forward to 2012, which starts for me in about 11-12 hours.  So right now I'm looking back on my 2011 Christmas celebration to round out the year.

The Night Before Christmas

Christmas was wonderful--the whole weekend!  Jewely and James surprised me by coming a day early!!!!!  I was expecting them late Saturday night and the others played along fantastically.  They kept asking me, "Do you know when Jamely's coming on Friday?"

"No, I don't know."

Zannah said, "Well, Nick and I don't want to be too late watching the movie." ("It's a Wonderful Life--our Christmas Eve tradition)

"Why don't you call them and see when they're coming?"

I was in shock when I saw Jewely's face peak around the couch Friday evening around 7:00.  I thought Zannah and Nick had walked in the door.  They were planning to come and 'hang out' for the evening. I always sit with my back to the kitchen/doors, so I never know who's coming and going.  I think I'm going to have to re-think my sitting spot!  I can't even remember what we did Friday night, I was still in shock!

On Christmas Eve day, the boys (James and Sandy) did their Christmas shopping (???)  Jewely and I watched "The Help" and prepared all the food for Christmas brunch and dinner.  She had made a French Silk pie before she came, so that was taken care of. (it was soooooo gooood!)
Christmas Eve night we all gathered and watched "It's a Wonderful Life."  We laughed, we cried, we quoted passages along with the movie.  It was a wonderful night--one of my favorite traditions.

Christmas Day began with Skyping with James' family in Pinetown, South Africa.  They are nine hours ahead of us, so their day was winding down at 9:30 a.m. Mountain Time.  Since it's summer in Africa, they said it was hot and they had gone swimming to cool off.  It was so nice to see/hear them.  The little kids, Logan and Morgan, are so darling.
Then we all went to church at 10:00 a.m. at my ward.  We took up 3/4 of the back pew.  s.m.i.l.e.
Then we came home and started to bake our Christmas brunch.  Jewely and I had cooked and pre-assembled everything the day before, so all we had to do was bake everything--egg casserole and French toast casserole, and Zannah brought some cinnamon buns to bake.

Zannah putting the icing on the cinnamon buns

Meanwhile, our missionary, Elder Tim Knight, called from Chicago--specifically, Cary, IL in the Crystal Lake area.  We all took turns talking to him.  I got the phone after I was done eating and ambled (hobbled) into my bedroom so I could hear him over the chatter coming from the dining area.  He's doing well, I'm glad to say.  He said the blessing on our meal before we ate, so he was part of our gathering.
After my turn on the phone, we went into the living room and opened our stockings, all the while taking turns to speak to Tim.  It was very hard to hang up, I'll tell ya'.

Nick talking to Tim while Zannah empties their stocking.

Sandy talking to Tim while the boys (men) chat

The kids got me a beautiful large picture from Hobby Lobby to hang over my piano.  Here's a picture of it:

My kids got me this for over the piano.  It's perfect!

They also got me a birdhouse and I received some gift cards, too.

Me and the birdhouse--and crutches, of course.

Even though the boys wanted to play with their new video games, I made them pause for awhile so we could have a spiritual program.  I researched and focused on Mary this year and shared from the Apocrypha and the Protevangelion--lost books of the Bible.  It's the only thing we have on Mary and her family, except in Luke Chapter 2.  It gave us insight as to what all the things were that she pondered in her heart, one of my favorite scripture verses.  Then we watched a short video made by our church on the birth of Christ.  "A Gift to the World."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yWcxw6YeF8&feature=relmfu
It was very spiritual.  Very much needed to bring us around to the reason why we celebrate.
Zannah and Nick had to leave about 4:00 to go to his grandma's for dinner, so the boys got to play and Jewely and I watched one of her (two) new Josh Groban DVDs (that I got for her).
We had a late dinner--Honey Baked Ham, macaroni and cheese, and a salad (that nobody ate).  Later we had pie--it was the most delicious French Silk pie I've ever tasted!!!  Good job, Jewely!  She loves to cook and bake.
Then...to end the day...we played Rock Band. I know, not very spiritual.

Monday we all had off.  The kids all slept in and then went out to a late breakfast at the Belgian Waffle House, then they all went shopping to spend their gift cards.  I stayed home and spent some quiet time.  I am still not very mobile, especially to go shopping.
About 3:00 ZanNick picked me up and we all met at The District in South Jordan to see the movie "Sherlock Holmes."  It was fantastic!  Then we came back here and had some more ham dinner and then Zannah went home to bed because she had to go to work early the next day. Nick joined the rest and went to Outback Steakhouse to sample some appetizers. James had never been to one, so he really wanted to go.  I stayed home again for some quiet time.
When they came back, they all ended up in the basement doing who knows what (haha).

Tuesday, Sandy was bummed because he couldn't flex his schedule to spend a little more time with Jamely.  I took this whole week off, so I was able to spend time with them.  Jewely and I watched the other Josh Groban DVD and we talked and talked. 
After work, Zannah and Nick came over and we all Skyped with the Tobelmann Family at Warren's house.  It was so great to see the (almost) whole family.  The kids are getting so big!!!  The twins were so cute.  Trudie and Trixie are the youngest of the Tobelmann cousins.  Jeff was hilarious to talk to.  He is the comedian of the family.  His comic timing is ingenious.  He had us all laughing.
ZanNick had to go to Nick's family for dinner and Jamely and I had a little something, too.  They didn't leave until about 7-7:30.  I missed them before they pulled out of the driveway.

*sigh*  another Christmas come and gone.  It was Wonderful!

Here are some pictures:

Nick wearing a hat I made him.  He gave Zannah a book.

Sandy got coal--again!

I made Jewely a Harry Potter scarf

James got an electric car scraper from ZanNick

Alex all decked out in an Eagles ensemble

Jamely

I got ZanNick a Santa

THE END

2011--Oh, What a Year!

So, 2010 was a horrendous year for me--finding out about husband's shenanigans; deciding to leave him (good riddance!).  I consider it the longest year of my life.  I didn't realize how much I would miss my friends and family in Pennsylvania.  I figured, there's only one way to go--UP-- right?  2011 can only be better.
And it was...until September 3rd.
So, let's see what has happened this year...

January, 2011--still living with Meyersons (bless them abundantly, Lord) * found a house * thankful for my job

February, 2011--bought my house February 10th * moved in February 19th * was greeted by the many good people of the Midvale East 2nd Ward

March, 2011--Zannah's wedding on March 11th, my birthday * got my divorce notice (YAY!)

Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas C. Trujillo
Sealed in the Salt Lake Temple March 11, 2011

April, 2011--Alex moved in with me to live in my basement apartment

This is a terrible picture of Alex, but the only one I have at the moment

May, 2011--started planning and planting my garden--total bliss! * called as Sunbeam teacher at church * joined the Old Glory Vintage Dance group (it's so much fun!)

My back garden in May

June, 2011--helped with the Tour de Cure bike ride sponsored by SelectHealth * fell in love with Brigham City * went to the Utah Arts Festival in SLC with Zannah and Nick (so fun!). There was a whole display of a Knit-a-thon (crochet, too) where everything was covered in knitted or crocheted yarn--trees, parking meters, bicycles--even a whole car!  We also saw a performance by Ballet West, which is why Zannah wanted to go.  We rode Trax and had a great time.

Tour de Cure riders getting ready to ride. Beautiful backdrop.

I didn't realize I got the temple in the background. It was several blocks down the road.
The Wild Bird Refuge was closed due to flooding.  Maybe next year!

The new Brigham City temple, under construction

They knitted everything--even a car!  That's me standing next to the car.

UTAH ARTS FESTIVAL

Zannah and Nick waiting for the ballet performance.  It was wonderful.



They knitted and crocheted trees...



...and even bicycles--poles--parking meters--everything! 
It was so fun to discover all the places and things
that had been knitted and crocheted

July, 2011--visited Jewely and James in Rexburg * visited the Campbells in Idaho Falls * stopped in at Brigham City again (why am I drawn to that place?) and saw the angel Moroni on top of the almost completed temple * went to a couple of rodeos with Bonnie (who knew I would love rodeos?)

July 4th rodeo in West Jordan. 
There were fireworks after.  That made my day complete.

Brigham City temple with Angel Moroni

August, 2011--had a Divorce Party--I mean, a "First Anniversary of My Flight to Freedom" party with my PA Pals * had visits from Theresa Sneed and Betsy Love from Arizona;  hosted a book signing for them at my house! What fun! I also went to a book signing/reception for them and rubbed shoulders with authors and editors and publishers (bliss!) * Carla and Ellen Campbell visited from Idaho (so great!); we went to This is the Place Park and to Joe's Crab Shack (YUM!); we attended Music and the Spoken Word on Sunday before they left to go home * Jewely visited for a day or two and we went to Hogle Zoo * (I can't believe I didn't take any pictures. I have to be better with bringing my camera)

September--da.da.daaahhh * while painting a tiny cut-out wall over my fireplace, the ladder I was standing on collapsed and I ended up in the ER. No break was seen on the X-rays, so it was assumed to be a bad sprain.

This was the little wall I was painting when the ladder collapsed.

This looks like a very bad sprain, doesn't it?

This is me, the day before surgery, standing and kneeling on my knee walker
in front of the little wall that Sandy painted in 15 minutes.

 October--finally got an MRI October 11th which disclosed a displaced fracture in the talus bone; surgery needed immediately; surgery on October 17th disclosed dislocated tendons and ligaments; out of work for 3 weeks * my mom flew in from Florida for a week (nice!)

November--follow-up doctor appointment November 1st; stitches out * back to work on November 7th * one-year anniversary at SelectHealth November 22nd (so grateful for my job and understanding boss)
December--started Physical Therapy December 7th; was told I am in the very beginning stages of recovery.  I may not walk without a boot until May.  I may not fully recover for 12 months.

So, I'm looking forward to spending Christmas with three out of four of my kids (and their spouses).  I can't wait to talk to my missionary on Christmas Day, so we will all technically be together that day, via technology.

The year 2011 was mostly wonderful, until Labor Day weekend.  I worked on gaining my freedom and learning who I am, forging a new identity in a new state, new city, new job.   I hope to be able to finish my book, take some creative writing classes and maybe some art classes.  I'm also thinking about taking voice lessons from my friend, Jane Kessler, if she'll teach me. 

So, I'll say again, there's only one way to go--UP--right?  Yes, I choose to believe that.

Merry Christmas 2011

Happy New Year Blessings

So, being New Years Day, I thought I would make a list of things I'm thankful for. I spent all of 2010 making and living resolutions. I think I've filled my quota for quite a few years. But there's still room for improvement, you might say.

And, so there is.

But first, the blessings:

• My Heavenly Father loves me and knows who I am. He knows my angst and my happiness. He has helped me through this last year. I can and will not ever deny that.   So many times I saw one set of footprints. So many times He was the only One I could rely on.

• The Atonement of our Savior took up the slack when I couldn’t go on. I knew I would have to rely on Him to fill the measure of what was needed. I hope I will always live my life worthy of His great sacrifice.
• I am thankful for the Meyersons. When Bonnie found out I wanted to move to Utah but I didn't know how I was going to do it, she didn't hesitate. She said right out, "You'll stay with us." What a blessing that has been! I have my own room and bath and a big closet. The Meyersons have given me so much and ask nothing in return. I needed a place to feel safe and they freely gave it to me.

Jodi and Bonnie

and Mike Meyerson        
 

• I'm near my kids--at least two of them, but I have seen Jewely three times since I've been here. Idaho might not seem so far away, but it's a LOOOOONG four-hour drive to Rexburg. It actually takes me five hours because I have to stop every hour or so to stretch my legs. But, I digress...     I have seen Sandy and Zannah, and now Nick, many, many times. Sometimes once a week, sometimes more. The Meyersons are gracious and invite them to dinners and they allow me to cook dinners and invite them over, usually on Sundays.

Soon-to-be son-in-law Nick and Zannah

                  Sandy/Alex holding Jodi's Daisy, and me

• My youngest child, Elder Tim Knight, is serving a mission.  I have been told that most of the blessings I am receiving are because of his missionary service.  It's so true.

Elder K. Timothy Knight
Illinois Chicago Mission
currently serving in the Michigan City, Indiana area
• I have had a chance to create some new traditions with my kids, like going to see the Christmas lights at Temple Square, going to see “The Forgotten Carols,” and getting tickets for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert, this year with David Archuleta and Michael York. I look forward to perpetrating them in the years to come. I hope we can get tickets again next year. They are distributed by lottery.

Me, after the MoTab Christmas Concert.  Looking on from the Conference Center.

Zannah and Nick enjoying the lights at Temple Square

Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert 2010 with David Archuleta and Michael York.

I hope we can get tickets again next year!  It was awesome!

• Though Facebook was the impetus that led to the dissolution of my marriage, I recognize that it is also had for good. Without Facebook I would not be able to keep in touch so intimately with all my friends that remained behind, my family and the friends I have here.  Email is also a miracle. I can, at any time, correspond with anyone anywhere. Add Skype and you have a trifecta of communication that wasn't available a decade ago.

• I found a good job. It's the same kind of work I did before, but in a different setting. God is good. Though I have a lot to learn, I am willing. It might not be in a place I would have chosen, but I know HE knows what is good for me. I have many benefits from working there, and the people are great. I hope to make some wonderful friends in the people that work there. I will try to decipher the new language and do the best job I can.

• I am healthy. For the first time in a long time...I feel better than ever.

• I am happy. Burdens were lifted that were on my shoulders for many years. I now have a chance to pursue my dreams. I can have dreams! I can do anything I want to do. I hope to serve God and listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost in all things. I acknowledge He is the source of my happiness. I feel loved and protected.

• Prayer is the communication I have with God. Reading the scriptures and receiving Priesthood blessings give me the answers to my prayers--His communication back at me. He has not forsaken me.

• I have a choice of three temples to attend within a 15-minute radius. Add 20 minutes and I've got 4. Add a half hour and there are more than a half dozen. I love Utah for that reason (among many).

Draper Temple

 

Jordan River Temple

 

 Oquirrh Mountain Temple, all three are about 15 minutes away

• I have so many friends!!!! I would not be where I am today without their constant care and companionship. This last year would have done me in, but my friends kept me going. They gave me hope. They buoyed me up.  My friends rallied around me and constantly called me to see how I was doing. They still do! They helped me leave and gave me a place to stay. I had many more offers than I took up. I really felt so loved.

My peeps at Clare Bridge of Dublin, minus Lynn Wirth.  They gave me a farewell party on August 10th, my last day.  I miss them...  and I saw Lynn later

         

My peeps at church gave me a farewell party before I left, too. August 10th, the same day.

 Skipback Cindies Reunion in July.  So many old friends I hadn't seen in quite awhile.

Gillis girls.  They are my family.  Megan calls me 'Aunt Susan,' which I love.  Beverly is my honorary big sister.  It was nice to have Erin there, too.

Patty, me, Lynn, Brenda-- *sigh*

 Donna IS my sister.  We decided that a long time ago.

 Joanie Fuller Harlan let me stay with her on my last day in Penna.  She's my very best friend from grade school!

I had lunch with LuAnn Stern before I left.  It was good to set eyes on her after 25 years of just corresponding.  We sang in a guitar trio in high school with Nancy Pollock Cole.  I guess she realized if she was ever going to see me it was now or never!  So good to see her!  We are eternal friends.

I stopped in Kentucky and stayed with the Ahrens family..another blessing along the way.

I stopped in Colorado Springs to see my friend, Shirlee Brule' and her family.  Good times!

•  My family!!!!!! My sister, Kathy, sent me an uplifting text every morning (still does!), which I read ravenously. My other brothers and sister also told me they were there for me, whatever I might need. I was so touched by their love. I’ve never seen my mom act so she-bear! Though I had to temper her anger and persuade her to NOT come to Pennsylvania to be with me, I was so grateful for the offer. Before I left, Andrew gave me a big hug and dropped a tear or two and said he wasn’t happy about losing another sister to a faraway place. Warren called and left a message on my voicemail and told me he loved me (which I have saved and won’t delete). John called to make sure I was OK and offer financial help, as did Chrissy. She sent me many texts to tell me how much she loves me (which I keep and will not delete). Beth called and offered the expertise of her bosses at the law firm. She wanted to make sure I was on the right path and that I was looking out for my own interests and wasn’t caving.

                                        
My sister, Kathy, sends me uplifting texts every morning.  I look forward to them.  One time it served as my alarm clock and I wasn't late for work!!!! Yikes!  Keep it up, Kath!


Chrissy, my baby sister, and me at my family farewell party


                  

Family get-together the day before I left

                             My little brother, John, and me                       

                        

       Jeff, holding Trudie, Mom and Andrew

 Don, my mother's wonderful husband

Andrew at a summer cook-out at Warren's

Chris and Warren after a water balloon fight

 Jeff waiting his turn at horseshoes

Lori and Beth, my precious sisters-in-law

I honestly didn’t realize so many people cared for me! I am blessed to have so many friends, and a big family who love me.

• A chance to start over.

I know I haven't even scratched the surface of my blessings.  I know there will be many more to come.

Please, Lord, lead me down the right path during this next phase, as I know Thou will. Thou was with me, leading and guiding me, and sometimes giving me a good kick in the head to get going. Thou told me to have courage. Thou persuaded me that I was making the right decisions. Thou let me know, under no uncertain terms, I was doing the right thing—getting a divorce and moving to Utah. For that, I am grateful. I look to Thee in all things. I love Thee, Lord. Please bless all those who had a hand in my life this past year. Please bless them abundantly!!!!