October is National Bullying Awareness Month

This is National Bullying Awareness month founded in 2005.  Go to Pacer.org/bullying to read all about it.  This weekend many rallies will be held throughout the nation to help prevent and dispell the ignorance of it. Disney will hold an event at the Mall of America on 10/28.  Be a part of the solution not the cause.

Most of us have been victims to bullying.  My sister got more than her share of it as a teen.  With unruly black hair and bold front teeth.  Dozens of times mean guys and even gals called her witch or worse.  With a deeply deflated heart she struggled to believe in herself.  I, the younger sister, hated them for it. 

Millions carry deep scars of hurt and humiliation.  Most abusers have nothing more to gain than to make themselves look and feel better.  Rise above what the others are doing and be a force for not only good, but great. 

Use positive words such as, friend, first-rate, 'I like how you', 'How do you do that?' and so forth.  Smile, wink, wave, pat, nod or high-five to show you care.  How hard is it to be kind?  Courage, my friend courage.

Just like the news woman in Wisconsin who received an email from a bully saying, "...what kind of an example are you being overweight and such?"  She responded with, '...you don't know me or what I am like.  Don't set your standard on me in that manner...'  She stood up and said, let's be a little more kind and take note of what we are saying. 

Some of the most beautiful women and men in the world are not even close, to the role model I want my children and grand children to look to.  Instead a friendly, kind person will make a better impact.  Try it and see how much better you feel.  Be braver than a bully.

Football Fans, Fun and Fights

Football season is in full swing. TV is full of the NFL's pre-game, post-game and problem games. Wewill never hear the end of some games.

  The Sports section of the newspaper is getting plumper than a players helmut with comments.  Teams, training for months are strutting their stuff.  Schools have set aside parking spots for tailgate parties.   We don't even want to mention fantasy football. 

Are we ready for this?   Years ago we had our college kids buy student season passes and slipped in under the radar to their sections.  It worked for awhile until we got tired of standing during the entire game, because that is what students do.  Stand, cheer, talk to friends etc. etc. 

Being there is so much more fun that watching it on TV, although you do get to see the replays and close-ups.  Best of luck to all the teams and players.

Here's to London and Our Lad's & Lasses

The lumber store down the street is celebrating.  Their digital marque sign with our red, white and blue waving in the background is cheering for our Olympian's all day and night.   Many althetes are mentioned encouraging passer's-by to show their support.   I had to take a picture. 

Thanks to the many sponsors, parents, trainers, coaches, fans and more who make it possible for these great people to want to achieve their best. Each entrant and countryman from around the world is part of this great event. From the South African with prosthetic limbs, to the injured German weight lifter, to the first Pakistani woman ever, to the runner with no country; we are all brothers and sisters.  Not only celebrate our successed but other countries of the world, too.   They do not have the privileges we do, but want it just as badly and try even harder. 

Thank you for doing you very best.  Thank you.  We love you!

Relay for Life - SuperStars

I attended Othello, Washington's (population 5k) Relay for Life last week.  My daughter was heading up the year of events and push to exceed last year's total of $75k.  What a great honor for a tiny community to beat and better that goal.

This bright yellow plaid clown, inflated thousands of amazing swords, hats, animal and laser balloons for the hundreds of children attending.  They were all Free.  Yearly he shares his talents for the Relay for Life.

The Bosom Buddies Team had the most amusing and entertaining food booth of all. 

Who will be crowned the kingly queen with the most money earned?  This fella from the Lep Re Con team is getting a donation from our lovely, but shy Emma.

A crowd of believers and supporting the festivities all night.  Thanks to all those who help the American Cancer Society to further the work every day. 

Fire Frenzy

The Western part of the United States is a tinder box, and I am in the middle of it.  Our state alone, has had over 400 fires this season.  The adjacent states are also burning up.  What would we do without the fire fighters from around the nation that have come to our rescue.  Homes, land, animals, forests and more have been destroyed.  It is heartbreaking to see the damage.  Some say the burned area looks like another planet.

My son-in-law is a volunteer fire fighter in his town, attending training monthly and answering the call whenever it comes to help his community.  What a great honor we send to you all who put your own lives on the line for others.

A great big THANK YOU goes out to all those involved in fighting the fires.  Your skill, man power and endurance has made a big difference.  It's a major miracle many homes, land and forests still stand. 

WE are grateful for your service and training to help keep us safe. 

Flags Flying Days

What a joy it was to see neighborhoods, with house after house flying the flag on Flag Day.  Now with less than one week to Independence Day, we will enjoy our beloved icon at every parade, event and be proud to say, "We Are Americans". 

Yes, there is alot of belly-aching about how bad the roads are, corrupt the politicians are, unfair the laws are and so on.  There is no other country in the world, with as much freedom and blessings as we have today. 

This will all change as we allow ourselves to stop believing in God.  When we quit defending His great gifts as the footings of this nation, he will withdraw His support.  Don't kid yourself, it isn't the powerful military, great cities, wealth and intelligence that put us where we are today.  It is God. 

We are one nation under God.  Once we stop acknowledging His power he will not continue to bless us then, we will no longer exist or have the strength to do succeed. 

A Memorial Minute

Oops!  Thought I posted this.  Better late than never.  Around the corner is Memorial Day where we honor our soldiers who served their country giving their lives for freedom and our deceased loved ones.  It's standing room only with nowhere to park on the celebrated day, so I went early.  The cemetery looked so tidy and groomed for its coming out event.  The roadways had been freshly paved, dead grasses cleared away and my winter's plastic flowers were still standing. 

 A big appreciated thanks goes out to the cities and maintenance crews that have worked so hard to get the grounds ready.  No amount of thanks is enough for the veterans that have attended to their comrades for numerous funerals as they lay to rest their own.  The American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars are vital links in performing Taps, Twenty-one gun salutes and Presenting the Flag are just a few of the beloved services they render.  No parade is complete without our faithful vets carrying the city, state and the U.S flags as they represent the sacrifices for our freedom.

Thank you to all those who make this Memorial Day a sacred and special one.

A Flirt With Festivals

The Lilac Festival ends on Sunday in Rochester, NY.  I love the festivals.  What a great service towns, associations and groups offer by throwing these celebrations through out the year.  They are often held over holiday weekends for those of us looking for a new experience.   Google the specific festival you have in mind and there are hundreds to choose from all over the country.  No doubt there will be some 'in your neck of the woods'. 

The bird festivals, food fests, Shakespeare, arts, music, harvest, native country, balloon and so many more kinds held that would boggle the mind.  It gives us places to go and things to see.  Sharing hands-on experiences and skills with other like minded folks.  We learn all about the why's and hows.  It is a good way to meet people and see the rich heritage available to us in this great country.  Thank you sponsors for bringing us these great opportunities and memories.  See you at the 'Festival'!

Blooming Beauty Brings Hope

Thank you to this blooming beauty of a tree for bringing a bright spot to the lives of many aged at the assisted living center we visit many folks on a monthly basis.  It brought joy and hope as the residents ate their meals (lower level large windows).  

It isn't easy to gradually lose your ability to care for yourself and home.  Some have been quite angry and depressed to have their freedom taken away.  This usually happens after a fall or event that warrants no longer living alone.  Charlie, ninety now is such a great sport.  Over the past few years has sold his home to cover expenses, seen his wife moved to another facility to help with her dementia and forced to rely on a walker to keep stable.  Once a successful engineer, he now spends his days basically doing nothing.    It has to be the hardest thing to lose your mobility and freedom, not to mention your health and spouse to old age. 

This promenant pink tree fairly glowed as he caught site of it out his apartment window (upper center) a few weeks ago.  What joy it brought to him and the many residents.  Thank you for giving them hope. 

The Widow's Way

My mom was a widow for over twenty years. It's a fact of life for most elderly women, to live without their mate for many moons. No one wants to be in their shoes, but some day we may tread the same path. The Bible commands us to take care of the widows and the fatherless. Three cheers to the eighty year old woman, sad to say new widow, who landed her husband's plane after he passed out leaving her at the helm. These old gals can and do many great and gracious things such as: Take care of each other, their families, their bank accounts and wave to all the parade floats every Fourth of July. At least my mom did. May our dear widows continue to find 'Joy in the Journey Their Way' while celebrating their 'Three Bags Full' Award.

Viva for Volunteers!!

Let'a all give three cheers for volunteers. Thanks Volunteers - It's National Volunteer Week April 15-21. Without YOU who would sit with all those children as they learn to read, navigate the computer, run the PTSA or plan parties? Room Mothers, take a bow, NOW!. Many charities would fail, because who would go around collecting donations or assist in the events that keep you running? Here's to state and government programs that would disappear without those of us who deliver meals, supply taxi service, friendship and such. Nursery helpers, gift shop workers, and interns that work for experience only in hospitals and care centers 24/7 sharing love and a little bit of home to the ill. Where would the homeless be without our contributions and the meals provided, even more helpless and hopeless? The list goes on with the great accomplishments made by you, selfless volunteers every single day year in and year out.

These 'super-heroes' take the initiative to serve their fellow man with love, kindness and respect.

Hurray, for Hobby Lobby

For many years now taking out a full page ad in numerous major newspapers to celebrate the true reason for the season, Hobby Lobby has been a leader in bravely showing gratitude to our Lord publicly for the gifts He has given each person on earth, namely eternal life through the birth and death of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 'Alive in Christ', 'True Meaning of Christmas' and 'God Gave Us Life' are just a few of the most recent. Check them all out at http://www.hobbylobby.com/holiday_messages/holiday_messages.cfm

Few other large companies have done anything this courageous or remotely close to celebrating God's great gift to humanity. Most cower in silence or blast us with unsavory stuff there's no need to bother looking at. Save your money guys. Next time you need any craft, creative juice making or decor item, take your business to Hobby Lobby. They have earned our business. Here's to you with our 'Three Bags Full' Award.

Scenes in Cement

From a distance this artwork is bright and beautiful. Up close it is truly amazing that some creative people used discarded cement pipes to paint such colorful and inviting pieces. Half dozen of these tunnels have a second chance to change the lives of children as they climb through and around while enjoying the talents of others. Thank You, Teaneck, New Jersey and anyone else for restoring a skeleton of the past for our kids future growth.

Undaunted

Every morning I pass a fellow cycling to work. He is truly dedicated because he has ridden his bike to work every day all winter long. On a very snowy morning, I had my camera handy in case I saw him with the bright yellow signature coat he wears. Sure enough, he was on the side of busy 4500 South dodging not only cars but ice and snow, too.

I pulled over to snap these pictures on the little street we both work on, which caused him to veer out into the road to get by me. Sorry, about that. The same morning there were a few other bicylists out as well. One lady with a pink bike, had to hop off hers, to push it through the deep snow that hadn't been cleared from the sidewalk. Because I was driving at the time, I couldn't photo her. Here's to the "Undaunted Cyclists" that don't give up no matter the weather. They continue to use the best form of transportation. Thank you, 'Three Bags Full' Winners.

Forget For Sale By Owner

Three Cheers for Robison & Company, the MLS, and Kent Sorenson, the real estate agent who recently sold our family home.  Being a previous real estate agent, I decided to do it myself with good signage, fancy color flyers with a photo of the house. It was even posted it on Craig's List and the KSL's want-ads.  But, after three months of non-stop calls from numerous agents, investors, potential rent-to-own parties, I tired out.  The decision was made to put it into the hands of a real estate friend.   This home was sold in ten days and is expected to close by month's end. 

Along the way I was impressed with various parties involved such as: the online "Docu-Sign", a professional inspection company, up-to-date status reports, email documentation of all paperwork and more.  The whole process was smooth and worry free.  Next time I will put the sale of my properties in the hands of professionals it is worth the cost.

Sewing Angels and RS Sisters Souper Service

A recent Sewing for Service on a 'Souper' Saturday event combined two religions, Catholic and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with many loving hearts in producing much needed supplies.  Bereavement dresses and blankets, pj's, hats, quilts and much more were made as neighbors joined together with fifteen sewing machines and hundreds of busy hands to help those in need.    The completed items were donated to the St. Martha's Baby Project in Ogden.  The idea came about when  Rebecca Nichols and the her neighbor Pat, of the Sewing Angels talked about a joint effort. 

Pat Bergeron, who coordinates the Sewing Angels group, meets every Monday morning after mass bringing supplies to work on various projects.   This group of sisters and friends saw a need and decided to make a difference in their retirement years to share their talents and time serving the community.   The group of 22 women and a few men have been together for nine years as they share their talents with nursing homes, the Christmas Box House and veteran centers to name a few. 

Rebecca invited her LDS ward's Young Women and Relief Society sisters to the joint event.   Rubbing shoulders as they worked together, these two groups also made new friends while sewing, singing and souping together. 

The Three Bags Full Award goes to these ambitious saints for doing the right thing.

Salute to St. Louis

A Three Bags Full Award goes to the City of St. Louis for being the first to officially welcome our troops home with their 'Welcome Home Heroes Parade'.  Friends, Tom Appelbaum and Craig Schneider decided to honor our military troops by asking the mayor to host a parade through downtown St. Louis.  What started as an idea grew to thousands as residents from all over attended the event.  Generous donations of $10,000 from Anheuser-Busch and $7,500 from the Mayflower moving company made it all possible. 

"Veterans have sacrificed so much for the safety and well-being of St. Louisans," Mayor Francis Slay said. "This is a chance to demonstrate our appreciation for them." 

 Army Maj. Rich Radford along with 600 veterans many having served numerous tours of duty, marched in the parade and were touched to see the support by so many in such cold weather.   Lining the streets were people waving flags, clapping and holding signs saying "Welcome Home" and "Thank You Military Men and Women."   Marching bands, politicians and even the famous Budweiser Clydesdales joined the troops walking the route.  

With 6,500 Americans killed to date, a 'Reading of The Fallen' at the Soldiers Memorial in the downtown area was presented until each person's name was read.  91,000 military continue to serve putting their lives on the line to keep the world a safer place.  Thank you for your examples.

Bible Videos

A big thank you goes out to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for generously giving to the world this wonderul new gift.  The recently made bible videos about Jesus and many of the events of his day are brief but touching as they depict those events.

Go to lds.org.  Select Bible Videos and view the many selections. 

If you are searching for a way to feel the Savior, it is here.  Do you want to come unto Jesus?  Find your answer or beginning as you enjoy these vignettes.  A spiritual feeling of reverence and peace will fill your soul as you watch them.   For more information go to lds.org. 

Openhearted Operation Walk USA

This week's Three Bags Full Award goes to the surgeons, doctors and staff at Salt Lake Regional Hospital working in conjuction with Operation Walk USA for performing nine surgeries for free to those most in need and unable to pay for them.   On that same day 23 other hospitals in 15 states performed 90 replacements. 

The doctors heading up the group were:  Dr. Aaron Hofman, Dr. Trevor McGee  and many more generous surgeons.  $25,000 plus is the price tag for these need operations and impossible for many people unable to carry insurance for whatever reason.  Not only here in the US but in numerous other countries dedicated medical people travel to operate and care for patients worldwide in a show of brotherly love and giving. 

Thank you medical specialists for giving of your time and talents. 

Thank You to Our Police Officers

The Ogden City Police Department, the Weber-Morgan Narcotics Strike Force and the City of Ogden have earned a Three Bags Full Award for the amazing support and challenges they endured these past ten days. Six officers serving a routine warrant at a residence were shot and critically wounded with one officer killed. Due to this unexpected turn of events, many came to their rescue and were also shot at as they tried to drag their brothers to safety. With such a large group of officers injured this community rallied around the families and department to show support for our public servants. A twenty-four hour time-off period was granted to the police department as other troopers stepped in from nearby cities and counties to fill their shoes. Thousands of flags set out by the Boy Scouts lined the streets from the funeral to the cemetery to honor Jared Francom, the fallen officer. In attendance were police brothers from throughout the state and country sharing the sad event. School children, residents, families and officials stood along the route as the fire truck carrying Officer Francom passed by. Thanks to you, our public safety people, for making our towns a safer place for all of us.