Finally

Well, I finally have a moment to post. Actually, it's probably that I have finally taken the time, not that I've been too busy, though it does feel that way. So much has been happening it's hard to believe it is already April. I'll skip the little stuff and move on to the big change. On March 14th my whole department at the hospital was laid off. Most of us could see it coming, but they promised it wouldn't ever happen, so it was still kind of a shock. They really didn't have much choice. For those of you who don't know, I'm a medical transcriptionist and have been working at our local hospital for just over 13 years. The whole corporation, which includes hospitals and clinics in Alaska, Washington and Oregon, decided to go with voice recognition. Frankly, most of us saw the writing on the wall and in late April they announced they would be outsourcing the editing. So, March 14th was our last day. They have been kind and generous to us and we feel pretty good about the whole thing.

One of the best things that came from this experience is a wonderful talk I had with one of my kids about faith. He was so angry about all of it, but I explained that if we have faith that all will be well and that our Heavenly Father will take care of us, he will. I explained to him that it didn't mean things wouldn't be difficult, that we might have to make some major lifestyle changes, but that change isn't always bad. It can open doors that ultimately are better for us. We really talked at length about it and it was a great moment. We really do have faith that all will be well and that we will be guided towards the answers that ultimately will take us to where our Heavenly Father wants us to be. Most important to me is that it's an opportunity for spiritual growth, because ultimately, that it most important. It really doesn't matter if we lose everything, it's just stuff. It's not that we think that will happen, we don't, but even if it did, as long as we have faith and we are doing what the Lord wants, I'm okay with that. Ultimately, the company that took over has asked me to come work for them, which I am trying out. I'm not sure it's what I want to do, but I told them I would try it out for a month or two, so we'll see. The job has caused some nerve damage in my ears and a few other aches and pains, so I may make a major change, maybe take some classes and try something different. We'll just have to see. I do have a testimony that if we follow the guidance of the Spirit all will be well. I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and His great Plan of Happiness. I know that if I earnestly pray and ask my Heavenly Father to guide me, he will. The place where I want to be is where He wants me to be, doing what He wants me to be doing. It's that simple!

Shortly after this conversation, this same child had some major change in his life, which I think, because of our conversation, he was more able to deal with, and understand that change isn't a bad thing. He isn't a child that likes change, or deals with change easily, but it has ended up being a blessing in his life and an opportunity for growth. It's been good and he agrees. We are so proud of him. We are proud of all of our boys and how they deal with life's challenges.

Now, on a lighter side. We have a new puppy, Penny. She makes us smile all the time. Here is the first picture I took of her.

Yes, that's the picture. She moved so fast that picture after picture looked just like this, or maybe this one.

Finally I got one of her, but it wasn't easy.

Of course, she turned her head so I didn't get her face. I think she weighed about 1.3 pounds here. We are so used to having big dogs, a Golden Retriever , Rotty', that this is sooo new. But we are loving her. She is a Yorkie, but a full-sized Yorky, not a tea-cup or toy. She will never be big though, probably about 9 lbs. She doesn't shed, Yahoo!, so no one will be allergic to her. Here is another picture of her. Everyone says she looks like a bear cub.

Is she not the cutest! I think she looks like an Ewok, sounds like one too sometimes when she is trying to talk. No one passes her on the street without stopping and giving her attention, which she loves. Now she wonders why some don't.

She is so good. She has really grown, she now weighs a little over 3 lbs. Here is a picture of her on the beach for the first time. We are really having fun with her and she makes us smile all the time. She is such a kick!

She still moves fast, so not great pictures. I'll have to get a video of her and post that. I also have to post another one that Bill would be embarrassed about, but oh well. I was in the kitchen making dinner or something and he called me out one day to look at what he was doing. This is the guy that was shaking his head about getting a small dog. (I had given him multiple opportunities to get a golden again, or a lab and he wouldn't go look, so this is what I decided on)

We have a picture of David with Milan on his 4-wheeler, so this makes the picture even more funny to me. Look closely, see the green bag... Does this look like a man who minds having a small dog?

All of the boys have basically said it is official, we are getting old. But I have to tell you, she won't shed (no allergies), she is small enough to take anywhere without a hassle, she will be a breeze in the camper and traveling. We just love her to pieces. I think Milan and Eden will too!

Oh, and here is a picture of her brother, who we just saw yesterday. His name is Guinness. Not a great picture, but the best we could do. He is a little bigger than Penny, but is adorable. He chases his tail like a cat and has a great personality.

Glenda????