Mother's Day

Tyler called Saturday afternoon to set a time to call on Sunday. So we got to visit for a few minutes on Saturday. He then called on Sunday @ 5:30 p.m. He is in a foursome and they were all over at a member's home calling their families. We put the phone on speaker so Mutti, David, and I could all talk and listen and Tyler would not have to repeat himself. We could hear all the other Elder's in the background.

Tyler is doing really well and we were able to talk for an hour, which was really nice. Paterson is a poor area of New Jersey and they have gotten pretty familiar with the drug scene there. July will be his year mark which is coming up really fast.

I asked if he needed anything, although it sounds like they are not eating very well. He said that eat cereal and top ramen soup or sometimes nothing and call it a meal. He said they did not have funds to buy a lot of food but did say they had two bags of chicken in the freezer. He said he was the only one that knew how to cook it. He said he was going to wait for his birthday but could I get him the Doctrine & Covenants DVD because they wanted to use it in their teaching. So the next day I ran to the Distribution Center. It was $4.50 - I started laughing. He was saving that for his birthday? Anyway, I got it mailed off Monday along with some treats. I guess I need to be better about sending packages.

Mothers Day - Mutti

We were sitting at the table and Mutter told David that he was the best looking of all of us. So David immediately stuck his hand up and said "of course". Michael and I both immediately let him know that it wasn't true.

Mother's Day - Mutti

Michael and I got Mutti a card from Beauty & the Beast. She did not realize it was a musical card and scared her. I missed it on video but it was a funny moment.

Mother's Day - Mutti

My Mom (Mutti/Mutter - German),

I cooked dinner on Sunday - grilled steak (best ever cooked - perfection!), jicama salad (so yummy), deviled eggs, green salad with blue cheese, roasted red potatoes, and grilled french bread. I have to say it was a great meal.

Michael and I got my mom some new running shoes (Asics - only brand for running). She was not able to wear her old new ones (probably because they were Sauconny) and gave them to me.

On Mother's Day reflected on the things my mom has done for me:

It was because of my mom that I ran my first 10K at the age of 5.

I took gymnastics until 6th grade - there was no great place in our town so in 5th grade we had to go to Rock Hill, S.C. to train. We had to leave immediately after school and didn't get home until 10:00 p.m.

Ran track and cross country plus gymnastics until 10 years old - I got first place in the Atlanta Track Classic in the long jump at 8 years old - jumped 11'1".

Played tennis throughout high school - my mom got me started.

Swim Team - yes I swam too but was not able to continue because got out of school too late

Piano lessons - I hated it as a child but appreciate it now

Moved to Utah - this was because of my mom that we moved to Utah and one of the best decisions she ever made

Lived with my grandmother in Germany during my junior year of high school

Went to college/graduated and have gone on - this is all because of my mom. She suggested that I attend Weber State University for my bachelor's

BYU Jerusalem - spent four months in Israel and got to travel to Egypt and Jordan (Thanks Mutti)

St George Marathon - my mom had always wanted to do a marathon

And much more - Everything that I am I owe to my mother who attended every sporting or arts event she could, gave me multiple opportunities all while working two jobs to support her family and gave emotional support. The best thing she ever did - She followed the counsel of the Prophet Joseph Smith and taught me correct principles and let me govern myself. I knew from the time of my baptism that I was responsible for my own choices in life and my mother allowed me to make those choices while teaching and giving me opportunities.

So this Mother's Day I thank you Mutti for everything. I could not have achieved what I have in life without your sacrifice.

Jax

Jax was finally able to get his shots and had his first grooming. They cut him really short this first time, and he does not even look like the same dog. But nothing wrong or changed in his behavior - Wild and crazy jumping all over everyone because he was so excited. He is getting a lot better of sitting when told and getting his treat.

Christmas Cactus

A few years ago we received a Christmas Cactus for Professional Admin Day. Mine is stayed really full and green but has never bloomed since. Julie's blooms all the time and she is always rubbing it in. I finally took my plant home with me and got one bloom. I had to take a picture to show Julie.

Garden

Spring is finally here - we hope as there has not been much of one. I took Monday and Tuesday off from work, which was wonderful. I had a lazy morning and then went to the Rec Center with Mutti. We started a new overall wellness program where you focus on your mental, spiritual, and physical health. We are both trying to learn meditation but after @ 60 seconds we both go nuts. It is hard to sit still and quiet for 10 minutes. I haven't made it yet but keep trying. We also have started lifting weights as part of our program and I am cutting out sugar from my diet - gone all week without sugar.
After the gym we worked in the garden weeding and planting. We purchased some flower baskets, strawberries, herbs, and other flowers. I got some rosemary, thyme, basil, and cilantro. I already planted from seed the marigolds, peas, peppers (hopefully they come up)and something else - can't remember. Hopefully we can get more to grow this year.