On Recognition

I won't say I'm not happy about it. It would sound like a lie. It would be a lie. I am very happy about it. To have someone value what you have done and are doing is a great thing. But, I also have to say that I didn't do what I do because I thought some day I would be recognized in some wonderful way for it. I did it because I love doing it!
Natalie Portman said "Awards are so unnecessary, because I think we get so much out of our work just by doing it. The work is a reward in itself." I agree with her.

Friday, Oct 22 I received a beautiful medal as one of 12 "Influential Women in Scouting" for the Utah National Parks Council. It was the first time they had made this kind of recognition, and are planning to continue recognizing women who have made a difference in their sphere of influence in Scouting. I was kind of embarrassed, but very happy. Most of my children and their spouses were able to attend. I was also surprised and happy that my bishop, George Richardson, a member of the Stake Presidency, Mike Barclay, and member of the high counsel, Steve Johnson had come to support me and Arla Otten, who also is in our stake and was recognized.

The other item concerns an article published in the Scouting Magazine that is sent to all registered adults in Scouting. In August or July, I responded to a question about discipline in meetings, and mentioned that I had been a den leader for 25 years. I got a phone call from the magazine. The editor of "What I Have Learned" section talked to me, and said "You know it is unusual for someone to be a den leader for 25 years!" He asked if I would be willing to be interviewed and spotlighted in a future Scouting Magazine. We exchanged email questions and answers. They sent a photographer from Park City to take pictures, and last Saturday I got an advance copy of the magazine - and the article was there. Monday, it came in the mail to everyone. www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/1011/d-wivl.html

I was glad they chose the picture of me and the kids. There were some nice ones taken of just me, but - well, it's all about the kids.

That being said, sometimes working with kids is hard. No doubt about it. Some days they don't come. Some days they are hyper and can't stay focused. Some days they are moody and uncooperative. Some days they are so eager to learn and love everything you do. I can't tell you why it is different because there are as many reasons as there are kids. But I do know that the boy or girl that is having trouble, needs Scouting the most. They may be the hardest to work with, but they are worth the effort. I wouldn't have it any other way. It keeps me stretching and trying to find ways to involve and motivate them. It makes me try harder. It makes me be more organized. It makes me a better leader, and a better, more patient person.

Autumn Musings

IT'S FALL. Finally, the air as turned chilly and the leaves are turning color. The lawn is about through growing, and I got my sweaters out. Fall has it's own joys and beauties, but for me it means getting ready for the holidays and birthday seasons to come.
We had our Fall Family Birthday party on Saturday. It was fun to have everyone (except Anne and her family) together - watching the grandkids play and siblings sharing news and stories and getting to know each other better as adults.
Thoughts now turn to Thanksgiving and gratitude, Christmas and giving, our anniversary and our family. I am so blessed. Everything I could have dreamed of for my life has come to pass - and more. True and lasting love and affection, support and comfort from my good husband. Seven children who continually amaze me and impress me with what they are doing, learning, becoming. They are so wonderful. I won't pretend that there weren't days that I wondered if they would survive their youth - but they all have - and with flying colors. I love to watch the way those with children are raising them - with love and encouragement and joy at every milestone. I love that they, all but the youngest ones, know me and like to talk to me on the phone or come visit. Lily spent a week with us while Mary was recuperating from appendix surgery and Aaron was sick. She knows and loves us and is comfortable here with us. As these young ones get older they, too, can spend time at "Camp Grandma" . I love being a Grams.
As the air gets colder and the days turn gray and brown, my heart gets warmer, and glows with the light of love.

On Loosing Weight
I am overweight. Technically, I am obese. I lost all my "baby fat" after child #4, then gained continually after the next three, then added another 60 pounds. I know how to loose weight. I have been successful before. I have many reasons to loose weight - I am predisposed for diabetes, for instance. My knees are not going to take having me carrying the equivalent of 4 fully loaded backpacks around with me for much longer. My problem is, I really like food. I like the tastes, the textures, the smells. And, I have a hard time with self control when it comes to food.
However. Four and a half weeks ago something happened. Bob had a dream. Now, he often has dreams and "feelings" about things, and I have learned to listen. In his dream, we were asked to serve a mission, but we couldn't go because I couldn't get around. I was too heavy. I really want to go on a mission someday. So does Bob. We actually got a call from SLC when Rebekah was still in high school asking US how close we were to being able to serve. Some doctors, when they retire, want to do ANYTHING but medicine, but so far, Bob is anxious to serve medically, and there are so many opportunities to do just that.
So. I started the next day. I found a cool free website that makes recording what I eat and my activities fun, with graphs and charts and lots of ways to set a goal and track it. It is at www.fitday.com and I began the adventure. My first goal is to loose 50 pounds by Dec. 31. That's 2.75 pounds a week, or a little less than 1/2 lb. a day. Bob said that was okay. I am taking Meridia (expensive, but effective) as an appetite suppressant.
I am trying to be consistent in a water aerobics class at Snow College, but have had to miss several times because of being out of town, etc. It is really good to be able to exercise without my knees hurting.
In 4 1/2 weeks, I have lost 14 pounds. That is close to 3 pounds a week. Some days I eat more calories than I should, but not by much. Some days, like today, I get almost no exercise at all. But I am not going to quit this time. It is too important, and it is time.
No one will be able to tell for some time. Fourteen pounds is such a small percentage of my total body weight that it is nearly impossible to see. BUT, Bob handed me his briefcase that he loaded to 14 pounds and handed it to me. It was HEAVY. That is what I am NOT carrying right now.
I am going to do this. I am going to disappear before your very eyes. I am going to get healthy enough to hike with Bob, play with my grandchildren, serve a mission, and maybe avoid some of the consequences I am facing right now. I can do this.