Happiness is Homemade

I've made some small, but significant changes in my life in the past week that have really helped me to finally feel genuinely happy again. It's been a hard year so far, but things are getting better and I am growing. Grandma is doing significantly better, although she is not exactly back to where she was before the surgeries in February. She is doing most everything on her own again. I have concerns still, but not as many worries about her, which is nice. Things have settled somewhat, at least for the time being.

One change I've made is I'm making low-sodium meals for Grandma and me. I bought two cookbooks and I absolutely love them. I'm very excited to learn how to cook new foods and use spices/seasonings other than salt. I invite someone over to eat with us most every time I cook because there is always too much for the two of us to eat. There are always leftovers! So far I've made chicken fettuccine and pork roast with sweet potatoes. I also made home made BBQ sauce. So far so good. It feels good. I really enjoy inviting people over to share the meal because it is giving me a great opportunity to get to know new people as well as get to know people I already know, better. I've already seen the blessings of doing this, so I'm exited to keep going with it.

The other thing I've started is indexing through familysearch.org. Wow. I kind of wish I'd started sooner because I really like it. I do have lots of other family history things I need to work on, but it's a really easy and fairly quick way to do family history and know that I am making a difference.

Tonight my ward, along with two other wards, hiked to the G on the mountain in PG. It was a lot of fun. That is a big deal for me to say because I actually REALLY HATE that hike. But this time it wasn't so bad and I think it's because I was surrounded by my friends who were going as slow and breathing as hard as I was. This time I hiked to the top of the G. That's hard after a tiring hike, but I did it! It was a great way to begin the season of hiking.

Shirt says, "What happens at Grandma's stays at Grandma's"

At the bottom of the G with Heather

At the top of the G. I could see my house from there, but not the bottom.

Scripture that's been helping me this past little while:

D&C 122: 5-7
"Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he? Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee, for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."

Happy Thoughts

I am starting to scrapbook again.

I bought 2 low-sodium cookbooks so I can really start cooking good foods!

Grandma is getting stronger and stronger everyday, doing more things for herself, which makes her happy, too!

Also bought the book called The Mansion by Henry Van Dyke

Listening to Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief in my car.

My parents love me and know just what to say when I need it most. They are amazing.

Tomorrow is new day.

Just like Mom.... Almost

My current life, in a nutshell.

My uncle thought I was crazy taking pictures with a roast.

Finally beginning to use the apron that I bought last Dec.

This one SCREAMS Martha Stewart, doesn't it?

The other day as I drove my grandma to a doctor's appointment, my grandma asked me if I felt like I was a mom. I didn't hesitate to answer yes, I actually do. Her asking that made me realize how much of what I am doing really is just like a mom would do. This past month or so has required me to make many adjustments and personal sacrifices for my grandma's care. It's hard work, especially when I'm already worn out from my full-time job. I feel like things are beginning to settle as I have almost figured out all of my routine responsibilities I now have. I say almost only because it seems like everyday brings something new, and with my grandma's health only declining, I'm sure in the future there WILL be more I will have to do for her.

I want to give you an idea of what I do everyday. Granted, I can't possibly say everything that I do and it's most likely that all this may seem like not much to anyone else.

Wake up between 6 and 6:30 AM.
Wake up grandma around 6:40/ 7 AM to take medicine.
7:30 AM Wake grandma again. Ask what she wants to eat and make it. Put on either ted hose or ace wrap on her legs. Unplug phones and put them by her chair so she can reach them.
8 AM-4:30 PM Working with preschoolers. While I'm at work, I've arranged for someone to come at lunchtime to help grandma make lunch and remember to take her medicines. During the day, on different days, she has a shower aide come, physical therapists, and a home health nurse come to check on her and help her. They call me if they have questions or concerns. I'm kind of the coordinator and work very closely with the nurse to make sure grandma has all her needs met.
4:45/Evening Get mail. Make dinner and give her meds. Help grandma with whatever she might need.
Clean kitchen, bathrooms, do laundry (mine or hers), vacuum. Some nights I have YSA activities at 7 pm that I go to, so I don't have much time to do what I need to do, if I go.
About 10 PM Take off her ted hose, wash them (remember to hang dry them). Plug in phones.Turn off lights and TV if Grandma is going to sleep. She sleeps in the TV room chair now.

I take off a little bit of work whenever she needs to go to the doctor. I deposit her checks in the bank and get things we both need at the store. The good thing is that I'm gaining a lot of experience that will help me be an awesome cook and most importantly, an awesome mom! In fact, I made some A-MAZ-ING enchiladas on Friday for my grandma's 80th birthday. Tonight I made roast with onions, carrots, and potatoes.

Because I've had so little time for myself lately, I've started listening to audiobooks in my car. My car is MY TIME. I love it! I haven't had much of a social life, but I'm hoping to continue making tweeks to my routine to allow for that, too. I know I need a break, BADLY. Fortunately, this coming week is spring break. I'm not sure what I will do, but whatever it is, it will be what I need to get myself happy and fill my cup again. Today filled my cup quite a bit, which felt SO good. :)

New Style

I decided to try something new, so I got a perm. I love it!

He Is Risen

I know that my Redeemer lives
What comfort this sweet sentence gives

I know He lives. He gives me strength when I feel weak. He is with me when I feel alone. He understands me perfectly when I feel misunderstood. I know that He lives.