The Real Reason

As I get ready to dash and make my sweet potatoes for the ward Christmas party, I remember a fun picture from the annual church celebration 6 years ago - the real reason for all the hooplah!

Day 84 ~ Happy Easter!

Happy Easter (although a little bit late) to family and friends!  I have a firm belief and testimony that our Savior has risen and that He lives!  I know that because of His resurrection, all of us can conquer death and live again with Him in Heaven.

My picture for today:

http://lds.org/pages/mormon-messages-gallery?lang=eng

And again

Yes it is that time of the year again. Every year at this time I add a new post to this blog. Two years ago I was writing about the mall in Baton Rouge, last year about the hillbilly Christmas. They were both written on December 29th. So this year's posting is a day late. This is especially fitting. I seem unable to do much of anything on time. I do have an excuse for not writing though - I was working yesterday and came home still exhausted from work the day Before! Today was my recovery day which means essentially nothing got done - no dishes, no laundry, no home cooked meal. So yes, late has become the story of my life. I am still looking forward to our annual trip home. I am always exhausted this time of year, but this year is different. I am mentally and physicalLy drained. No this is not my usual funny, warm and fuzzy blog entry. I am not feeling especially warm, fuzzy or the least bit comical. I have become the epitome of the Grinch and Scrooge all balled up in one! Well that was a little bit funny. Maybe there is hope for me yet! I have no clue where this is all going- I am actually anxious to see what my point to all of this is.

Overall, life is good. The holidays were nice, Mike has a new job, I will working part time, Greg will be home in about 7 months, Mark will be serving a mission soon, the kids are healthy, Lindz is graduating this May. The Lord has blessed us all tremendously! I am very conscious of his tender mercies each and every day. I have come to a realization of just how much He knows and loves me. But despite all of this, somewhere, somehow, I have lost just a little bit of me. Would the real Gracie please appear? Is she the mom trying to keep up with the housework and homework assignments and schedules? Maybe she is there at the hospital trying to take care of the sick and the weary, becoming weary herself in the process. Sometimes the only thing that gets me through the day at work is the wonderful mission statement of our hospital-that through exceptional healthcare, we reveal the healing presence of God. I think of myself as being the Savior's hands, giving service to those in need. but in giving service to my patients, I feel that I am neglecting to serve those closest and dearest to me. I am drained. I am spent. And feel insignificant somehow - the consummate wallflower.

I have one day to get my house clean, clothes washed, and start packing and I don't really know where to begin. But it will get done, just wish I had not spent today in total veg mode. So my hope is that the new year brings some calm. I have some ideas and strategies for better time management and destressing (that don't include Xanax), some plans for finding the old "me". Now I know some friends will read this and think I've lost my mind. Really, it's all good; I am blessed and know where to turn. Writing is wonderful therapy and helps me focus my thoughts. The Good Lord will direct my path - He always does.

2010 thus far. . .

So 2010 began noisily as it should have. We welcomed in the New Year with friends and spent all of New Years day packing for our trip home to Louisiana. Mark's girlfriend, Melissa, came over to help him pack and say "bye."

We left that night and drove through the night arriving in Livington early the next morning. Mark's best friend Tre' was our traveling buddy once again.



The week passed rather quickly but we enjoyed our time with Michael's parents. Mike and his dad took the kids on a boat ride on the Amite River despite the unusually cold temperature. It definitely felt a little more like Missouri while we were there.

We also spent a day in New Orleans, walking through the French Quarter, eating poboys and muffalatas at Cafe Maspero's and later beignets at Cafe du Monde. It's becoming an annual tradition. Mike's mom fed us wonderfully well too. We savored every bite of seafood gumbo, pot roast, spaghetti, barbecued chicken, not to mention 2 huge red velvet cakes, homemade chocolate pies and rolls. Plus there was some dirty rice, boiled shrimp, a king cake and I've likely forgotten what else contributed to the nearly 5 pounds I gained.

After we arrived home I began looking for another job. I could tell it was time for me to leave the nursing home behind. Plus I needed full time hours and Mike and I were both beginning to become stressed. Fortunately things turned out as I knew they would. I had faith that Heavenly Father had something in mind. Just home this is what it was ~ I start a new job tomorrow at DePaul Hospital. I will be working on a cardiac telemetry unit: taking care of patients following MIs, cardiac surgeries and procedures; a stepdown from the ICU. I am excited about the new challenges ahead and yes, somewhat nervous too! I am anxious to learn much more.

Other events from January include Thomas turning 10,

the pinewood derby at Cub Scouts

and the Saints making it to the Superbowl! February is already halfway gone ~ Todd turned 13 last week

and well, the Saints actually WON the Superbowl!!! We had a bunch of friends over to watch the game and help celebrate this long awaited victory. We in complete N'Awlins fashion had tons of food. I even found a local bakery that had black and gold king cake and Saints cookies. Sweet! This was special to any fan New Orleans born and raised as we are. But it was a bittersweet time as Greg who is undoubtedly one of their biggest fans was not here to savor this moment in history. In fact he didn't even get to watch the game as he was busy doing what he set out to do: teaching others about our Church and the Saviour. But I crafted a "stick Greg" as he will forever be known that watched the game with us and "paced" back and forth during the tense moments.

It's taken me forever to get this post situated the way I wanted. It's snowing again tonight. Time for bed now. Traffic will likely be horrible as I venture to my first day of orientation. Wish me luck!

Still Catchin' Up

Not an original title, but oh well! I was just reading through my last blog entry and decided it needs to be updated - and will try to be more upbeat.

Let's see, Greg is still preparing for his mission and is making progress. Mark has set aside plans for another war documentary so my house is spared! Lindsay still has not asked to retake the driving test - and I'm not pushing so the vehicles and nerves are still intact! Todd is playing hockey with the BIG KIDS! He is the youngest on the team and has scored a goal and has no fear of those somewhat larger than him hockey players. Thomas had an awesome progress report (all A's and B's) and we are still waiting on that psychologist's appointment. And by far the biggest news of the last month is that Garrett has FINALLY mastered the art of using the potty all the time. Mike had a job interview AND his present job has been extended until the end of the year. I finished preceptorship in Labor and Delivery and absolutely LOVED it! Yes, I most definitely want to practice OB nursing one day. I have begun the job application process, but it is definitely slow and I'm satisfied to wait and see what comes my way. I have only 11 more days until my pinning ceremony - the end is so clearly in sight now, just a couple of tests to go! Hmmm . . . what else? Life is good and we are definitely blessed.

April also gave us the opportunity to celebrate Easter and remember and give gratitude for the Lord's atoning sacrifice. The bunny came and left way too much chocolate - but I haven't gained any weight back and in fact am ready to start back on that lovely road of weight loss. The trees and flowers are blooming, grass has to be cut already. Spring has finally arrived with warmer temperatures and also reminded us of the new life we are promised. That promise of life and better things to come has taken on even more special meaning these last few weeks. I have had the opportunity to reflect on memories of someone dear who has left this life way to soon. I have to have faith in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father has wonderful things planned for Henri - but I know also that so many will be impacted by this tremendous loss. I am especially saddened because I had not seen him for so many years, but hopeful that I will see him again!

So, it was a little more upbeat, but sad as well...... and full of Hope and Promises!