Children are a blessing. They are so cute when they're little. And even though you want the clock to stop, you try to look into their faces imagining the beautiful adults they'll be someday. And oh, the prayers!
Carianne was always anxiously engaged in good things. The typical interests were there. Playing, pleasing, sisterhood, collecting friends, being goofy. By high school, she had a fun collection of friends. Boys started popping up more and more and she fit right in. Not many week-ends went by that she didn't have a group to be with.
I remember trying to help her realize how important it was to choose her boy friends carefully. It was like she might be standing in front of a tall display of candy. The best pieces were on the top - the big chocolate covered cashew, caramel filled clusters. The Bit-o-Honeys and little tootsie rolls were at the bottom for a dime a dozen. She was deserving and could reach those chocolate beauties at the top, with a little stretch. Or she could take the easy way and settle for the ones below. If these boys were candy, where would they be placed on the big candy display? And which ones would she really rather have? (There were a couple that I could imagine not having to reach for at all :))
Rusty appeared while she was at ASU. He happened to be in her singles ward. There was a lot of "candy selecting" going on in those days. That's just what happens when you're a young adult. It was a delight to see them come together. He and Carianne make a perfect pair. I'll always be SO thankful Rusty was on that top shelf! Funny, that's where he found her, too!
You're the best, Rusty!
Happy Birthmonth!
Mom Clawson
Monday, June 27, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
the facial
For my birthday, I was given 2 certificates for a facial at a place here in Chandler. These certificates were donated for a charity auction, but no one bid, so Randy purchased them. I had always wondered what a facial would be like. Some of my "uppity" friends had raved about them. But I am a simple girl. Besides, I half knew that if I tried one facial, there would be no turning back. I would only want more. They had an expiration date on them, and I found myself making an appointment, even though I had no idea what I was in for.
The phone call scared me a little. The receptionist was Spanish and I could hardly understand her thick accent. I suddenly got an image in my mind of the health clinic I took our kids to when we first moved to Chandler. We were new in town and I didn't know where to go, to get updated shots for school. To be fast, we headed to what I will call "the scary place". (I quickly gathered the kids up and left!) . . . So, the appointment was made for 10:30 on Thurstay. I was so worried, I rehearsed in my mind what I would say before I committed to do anything. What if the place was dirty? What if they only did Lazar treatments? What if powerful chemicals were used by people with shaky hands? I actually pictured myself walking out of there, too.
When I got there, I was pleasantly surprised. Clean. New. Decorative fountains in the waiting area. And, of course, the mood music. (That's not really the ocean, is it?) So, I signed in and picked up a brochure of treatments. After visiting with the receptionist, (not Spanish) I chose the least chemically abrasive one. (I still owed them $!) The receptionist turned into the facial girl, and shortly, I was called back.
She led me to a small darkish room with a white sheeted bed and pillow, next to a corner table covered with lots of bottles and jars. I laid down and she proceeded to wrap my hair in a towel. (Great. So much for the hair do!) I noticed the mood music volume went up and the lights dimmed. Then, after positioning a big bright light over my face, she went over the form I had filled out. We talked about different ailments their services could help with. She even had a solution for arthritis that by dipping your feet in water with sea salt, it could vacuum out toxins. . . I have sea salt in my kitchen cupboard and imagined giving myself the little treatment for free - until she told me you are hooked up to some kind of machine. (I'll put that treatment on the end of my bucket list for now.) Then she talked about the differences in facials they offered. That was helpful. Already, I'm putting the pieces together for maybe a next time.
As she talked, she was very gentle and it did feel great. . . until she got to the part about snake serum. "Wha?" (my eyes popped open!) "Oh no. I probably wouldn't be interested! Thanks, anyway", I said, trying to look relaxed, since I know she'd gone to a lot of trouble with the mood music thing, and the lighting. It was hard to keep my eyes closed after that. She kept rubbing, though, and explained that it really worked. She brushed on a mask and, like a mother, putting her baby down for a nap, walked softly to the door, saying she'd be back in 10 minutes.
No, I wasn't ready for a nap. Thanks to the thought of her serum remedy, I probably wouldn't be tired for days! I tried to listen for the ending of the ocean piece playing.(Did you know that guy can play forever without a break?) When she finally came back, she was surprised to find me awake. (Whatever!) She sat back down and adjusted the bright light once again. More fragrant creams and rubbing made my eyes close. Then she said, "Now, look up." She had a Q tip and was patting it under my eyes and along the outside of my lips. Everything felt so good. It smelled great, too.
After 45 minutes, the facial was over. I sat up slowly and grabbed my purse. I thanked her for her time and explanations of things. I smiled brightly as she opened the door. Then, before I floated out, she said, "I did put put some of the snake serum around your eyes and lips" . . . I almost collapsed! (Lucky for both of us I was on my way out!) I wished her a good day, trying NOT to lick my lips, and stopped to admire myself in every mirror to the door. My hair was going to be fine and I did have a glowing face. I even thought about never wearing make up again. I walked out to the car, stopping to admire my reflection in the hot window. Yep, still glowing! I jumped in the drivers seat and took another close up look in the rear view mirror. Beautiful. And suddenly my eyes crossed, my nose scrunched up and I heard this sound coming from my mouth . . ."ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!"
The phone call scared me a little. The receptionist was Spanish and I could hardly understand her thick accent. I suddenly got an image in my mind of the health clinic I took our kids to when we first moved to Chandler. We were new in town and I didn't know where to go, to get updated shots for school. To be fast, we headed to what I will call "the scary place". (I quickly gathered the kids up and left!) . . . So, the appointment was made for 10:30 on Thurstay. I was so worried, I rehearsed in my mind what I would say before I committed to do anything. What if the place was dirty? What if they only did Lazar treatments? What if powerful chemicals were used by people with shaky hands? I actually pictured myself walking out of there, too.
When I got there, I was pleasantly surprised. Clean. New. Decorative fountains in the waiting area. And, of course, the mood music. (That's not really the ocean, is it?) So, I signed in and picked up a brochure of treatments. After visiting with the receptionist, (not Spanish) I chose the least chemically abrasive one. (I still owed them $!) The receptionist turned into the facial girl, and shortly, I was called back.
She led me to a small darkish room with a white sheeted bed and pillow, next to a corner table covered with lots of bottles and jars. I laid down and she proceeded to wrap my hair in a towel. (Great. So much for the hair do!) I noticed the mood music volume went up and the lights dimmed. Then, after positioning a big bright light over my face, she went over the form I had filled out. We talked about different ailments their services could help with. She even had a solution for arthritis that by dipping your feet in water with sea salt, it could vacuum out toxins. . . I have sea salt in my kitchen cupboard and imagined giving myself the little treatment for free - until she told me you are hooked up to some kind of machine. (I'll put that treatment on the end of my bucket list for now.) Then she talked about the differences in facials they offered. That was helpful. Already, I'm putting the pieces together for maybe a next time.
As she talked, she was very gentle and it did feel great. . . until she got to the part about snake serum. "Wha?" (my eyes popped open!) "Oh no. I probably wouldn't be interested! Thanks, anyway", I said, trying to look relaxed, since I know she'd gone to a lot of trouble with the mood music thing, and the lighting. It was hard to keep my eyes closed after that. She kept rubbing, though, and explained that it really worked. She brushed on a mask and, like a mother, putting her baby down for a nap, walked softly to the door, saying she'd be back in 10 minutes.
No, I wasn't ready for a nap. Thanks to the thought of her serum remedy, I probably wouldn't be tired for days! I tried to listen for the ending of the ocean piece playing.(Did you know that guy can play forever without a break?) When she finally came back, she was surprised to find me awake. (Whatever!) She sat back down and adjusted the bright light once again. More fragrant creams and rubbing made my eyes close. Then she said, "Now, look up." She had a Q tip and was patting it under my eyes and along the outside of my lips. Everything felt so good. It smelled great, too.
After 45 minutes, the facial was over. I sat up slowly and grabbed my purse. I thanked her for her time and explanations of things. I smiled brightly as she opened the door. Then, before I floated out, she said, "I did put put some of the snake serum around your eyes and lips" . . . I almost collapsed! (Lucky for both of us I was on my way out!) I wished her a good day, trying NOT to lick my lips, and stopped to admire myself in every mirror to the door. My hair was going to be fine and I did have a glowing face. I even thought about never wearing make up again. I walked out to the car, stopping to admire my reflection in the hot window. Yep, still glowing! I jumped in the drivers seat and took another close up look in the rear view mirror. Beautiful. And suddenly my eyes crossed, my nose scrunched up and I heard this sound coming from my mouth . . ."ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!"
"Go Get Your Bucket"
When Julianne was preschool age, we lived on Juniper Street in Mesa. She had many little friends across the neighborhood. Life was simple and sweet. Down the street, about 6 houses, lived a mom (Melinda Whisenant) who ran a preschool. Her background was elementary education and she had boys herself that were Julianne's age. We were excited when Julianne reached age 4, since we had heard great things about the preschool.
I still remember some of the little clothes she wore: A bright colored tiered skirt, with a top to match, Sears Tough Skin jeans with the little girly applique on the pockets (perfect for little skinny legged girls and boys - and they never wore out), pink keds/like shoes from Marshall's (Daddy's store) . .
Melinda made big buckets out of old plastic 2/3 gallon ice cream containers for each of the kids to carry projects back and forth. The bucket was bigger than she was, and "JULIANNE" was spelled out in big 3" letters across the front.
One morning, she got up and, as usual, was ready to go too early. She loved preschool and being ready early was no surprise. I was busy with Carianne and getting Randy off, I'm sure. All morning, she was right there by me saying, "Is it time yet?" every few minutes. The answer was always, "Not yet". Finally, I must have felt her eagerness more, and instead of saying, "Not yet", I said, "Go get your bucket", thinking it would pacify her and take her mind off the wait.
I don't know how many minutes went by, but I suddenly realized she was not right there and I hadn't heard her little voice for too long. I missed it. I began looking everywhere. Bedrooms, bathrooms, backyard. She had disappeared. I was frantic. Where could she be? I gathered up Carianne and we rushed up the street to Melinda's. I softly patted the back door, the "kid's entry door". I didn't want to knock too loud, because it was still early and and I didn't want to disturb their family's early morning routine. The door opened slowly and there stood an unready Melinda. When she saw me, she stepped back and we both looked at a little girl, sitting quietly and patiently, all by herself in her special spot. She had a bucket that read "JULIANNE" on the floor in front of her. I'll never forget the look on her face. Pure contentment.
She was not scared and she honestly was ready for school to start. When I said "Get your bucket", to her earlier, to her that meant, "OK, it's time". I had never let her walk by herself without me watching, but that morning, she took control. It scared me to imagine her walking down the street all by herself. But she knew exactly where she was going. She had no idea how early she was and probably would have sat there patiently for hours. She was just ready, and knew her special place.
I guess those traits were signs of her personality as she grew, too. She hasn't been afraid to trust. She has liked knowing where she belongs. She loves people and her family. That's where she fits in the most. She is in control. She is grown now and has children of her own. . . surprisingly with the same sweet traits.
I still have the bucket. We filled it with crayons from then until now. It's a treasured piece of family history.
I Love You, Julianne!
Happy Birthday!
Mom
I still remember some of the little clothes she wore: A bright colored tiered skirt, with a top to match, Sears Tough Skin jeans with the little girly applique on the pockets (perfect for little skinny legged girls and boys - and they never wore out), pink keds/like shoes from Marshall's (Daddy's store) . .
Melinda made big buckets out of old plastic 2/3 gallon ice cream containers for each of the kids to carry projects back and forth. The bucket was bigger than she was, and "JULIANNE" was spelled out in big 3" letters across the front.
One morning, she got up and, as usual, was ready to go too early. She loved preschool and being ready early was no surprise. I was busy with Carianne and getting Randy off, I'm sure. All morning, she was right there by me saying, "Is it time yet?" every few minutes. The answer was always, "Not yet". Finally, I must have felt her eagerness more, and instead of saying, "Not yet", I said, "Go get your bucket", thinking it would pacify her and take her mind off the wait.
I don't know how many minutes went by, but I suddenly realized she was not right there and I hadn't heard her little voice for too long. I missed it. I began looking everywhere. Bedrooms, bathrooms, backyard. She had disappeared. I was frantic. Where could she be? I gathered up Carianne and we rushed up the street to Melinda's. I softly patted the back door, the "kid's entry door". I didn't want to knock too loud, because it was still early and and I didn't want to disturb their family's early morning routine. The door opened slowly and there stood an unready Melinda. When she saw me, she stepped back and we both looked at a little girl, sitting quietly and patiently, all by herself in her special spot. She had a bucket that read "JULIANNE" on the floor in front of her. I'll never forget the look on her face. Pure contentment.
She was not scared and she honestly was ready for school to start. When I said "Get your bucket", to her earlier, to her that meant, "OK, it's time". I had never let her walk by herself without me watching, but that morning, she took control. It scared me to imagine her walking down the street all by herself. But she knew exactly where she was going. She had no idea how early she was and probably would have sat there patiently for hours. She was just ready, and knew her special place.
I guess those traits were signs of her personality as she grew, too. She hasn't been afraid to trust. She has liked knowing where she belongs. She loves people and her family. That's where she fits in the most. She is in control. She is grown now and has children of her own. . . surprisingly with the same sweet traits.
I still have the bucket. We filled it with crayons from then until now. It's a treasured piece of family history.
I Love You, Julianne!
Happy Birthday!
Mom
Monday, June 20, 2011
Packing
This is a season of much packing in the lives of my loved ones and friends.
Julianne and Brenden will take a leap of faith from their comfortable Lincoln, NE (after 7 years there) for a home in Kearney. Leaving loads of friends and memories behind. They have been packing for weeks and this weekend, June 25, will be their "trek" to a new beginning in Kearney. When they moved to Lincoln, Grandma and Grandpa Buehner followed them out in Grandpa's horse trailer, packed to the brim. It was just the two of them then, now there are 4. Ward members will rally around them to send them off with sadness and new ward members will be there waiting to greet them with anxiousness.
This is also the same week end that Jeff and Vita will be moving from their comfortable apartment in Tempe. They were married over a year ago and this was their first home. (Don't you always remember your first home?) They also leave behind many memories and wonderful friendships. The ward put them in perfect callings to serve children that needed them the most. That made the moving decision harder to make - those children. But they felt the time was right, so Mesa will be their new home. They also have been packing for weeks for their new beginning there. They already have friends that live close by. That will make the transition easier. . . And thank goodness for Grandpa Buehner's trailer.
Last week was a hard week for Mike and Eloise. The fires in Sierra Vista made the evacuation from their home mandatory. Packing up only precious photos, computers, documents, etc. in a matter of minutes, they hurried off to stay with family close by. Now they can only wait and pray for hopeful news about their home being saved. I shutter to think of the frantic packing that must have taken place there. And I pray for their safety as well as their sweet home.
I visit teach a girl, younger than Carianne. She has a loving husband and three beautiful children. Their oldest, Cloe is 10 and she has a disease that will eventually take her young life. When I imagine the many surgeries and hospitals across the country that have cared for her, it overwhelms me. Their home is filled with a special bed and lots of hook ups for IVs. This last week was the second time since March that their home has flooded. Being renters, they were put in a hotel for a week until the problem could be repaired. Twice. Each time the special equipment took them hours to pack and unpack. They are frantically trying to find another home in the ward as they pack at the same time.
I am filled with emotion as I think of each of the packing that must be taking place in all these beautiful homes. Some packing done slowly and some in a hurry. But either way, each done thoughtfully, with sweet reflection, and hope for a bright future. Hope - the key word. "There is hope smiling brightly before us . . ." It's not just hope, it's smiling brightly. Because we know we have a Father in Heaven who won't leave us if we walk by faith. So I imagine your boxes filled to the brims with valuables, and unwavering faith placed at the very top. "Lead Thou my feet. I do not ask to see the distant scene. One step enough for me."
Julianne and Brenden will take a leap of faith from their comfortable Lincoln, NE (after 7 years there) for a home in Kearney. Leaving loads of friends and memories behind. They have been packing for weeks and this weekend, June 25, will be their "trek" to a new beginning in Kearney. When they moved to Lincoln, Grandma and Grandpa Buehner followed them out in Grandpa's horse trailer, packed to the brim. It was just the two of them then, now there are 4. Ward members will rally around them to send them off with sadness and new ward members will be there waiting to greet them with anxiousness.
This is also the same week end that Jeff and Vita will be moving from their comfortable apartment in Tempe. They were married over a year ago and this was their first home. (Don't you always remember your first home?) They also leave behind many memories and wonderful friendships. The ward put them in perfect callings to serve children that needed them the most. That made the moving decision harder to make - those children. But they felt the time was right, so Mesa will be their new home. They also have been packing for weeks for their new beginning there. They already have friends that live close by. That will make the transition easier. . . And thank goodness for Grandpa Buehner's trailer.
Last week was a hard week for Mike and Eloise. The fires in Sierra Vista made the evacuation from their home mandatory. Packing up only precious photos, computers, documents, etc. in a matter of minutes, they hurried off to stay with family close by. Now they can only wait and pray for hopeful news about their home being saved. I shutter to think of the frantic packing that must have taken place there. And I pray for their safety as well as their sweet home.
I visit teach a girl, younger than Carianne. She has a loving husband and three beautiful children. Their oldest, Cloe is 10 and she has a disease that will eventually take her young life. When I imagine the many surgeries and hospitals across the country that have cared for her, it overwhelms me. Their home is filled with a special bed and lots of hook ups for IVs. This last week was the second time since March that their home has flooded. Being renters, they were put in a hotel for a week until the problem could be repaired. Twice. Each time the special equipment took them hours to pack and unpack. They are frantically trying to find another home in the ward as they pack at the same time.
I am filled with emotion as I think of each of the packing that must be taking place in all these beautiful homes. Some packing done slowly and some in a hurry. But either way, each done thoughtfully, with sweet reflection, and hope for a bright future. Hope - the key word. "There is hope smiling brightly before us . . ." It's not just hope, it's smiling brightly. Because we know we have a Father in Heaven who won't leave us if we walk by faith. So I imagine your boxes filled to the brims with valuables, and unwavering faith placed at the very top. "Lead Thou my feet. I do not ask to see the distant scene. One step enough for me."
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Who is She?
Jeff is a good guy. He quietly goes around with a big heart, thinking of others and making them smile. But he is a humble guy, too. In fact, he almost didn't get his Eagle scout award because he didn't want to stand in front of a crowd of people. He is a behind the scenes guy that makes things happen, instead of making sure you know he made it happen.
A couple of years ago, his life was routine. School, work, church assignments, friends, still living at home. We watched him come and go. He seemed content and happy, so we just patted him on the back and made sure we had enough chips and ice cream. One Sunday dinner, however, we gathered without him as he was involved in "break the fast" at his ward. The conversation became silent as someone said, "Well, you might like to know that Jeff has a girl friend". . . We all put our forks down in anticipation of hearing the next tidbits of good news.
Yes, he had been spotted at a party of mutual friends. Her name was Vita and "they seemed like good match." It wasn't long after that, that we ran into his Bishop's wife at a funeral. She went on and on about how cute Vita and Jeff were together and was so surprised to learn we hadn't even met her yet. I guess they'd been an item for a while. Now we were really curious. Who was this Vita girl? Eventually, Vita became a household name. But we still hadn't seen her. By summer, there was a lot of texting going on. Was she a dream? Then one day, in the middle of a hot afternoon, the front door opened and in walked Jeff. Behind him was a beautiful girl that he introduced as Vita. She held out her hand to shake mine, a gesture that seemed natural for her from her mission days. I already knew Jeff was smitten, which made me more excited to finally meet her. Now life could go on. They were married the next March.
It's been fun having her in the family. And everyone was right. They do make a perfect pair! Vita has many wonderful qualities, but one of the best things about her is, she knows Jeff. She can make him talk - no more surprises. That's why marriage is good. If you find the right one, they will bring out potential in you, you never would have known. I'm so glad Vita found Jeff. I know he knew she would bring out the best in him.
Happy Birthmonth, Vita!
A couple of years ago, his life was routine. School, work, church assignments, friends, still living at home. We watched him come and go. He seemed content and happy, so we just patted him on the back and made sure we had enough chips and ice cream. One Sunday dinner, however, we gathered without him as he was involved in "break the fast" at his ward. The conversation became silent as someone said, "Well, you might like to know that Jeff has a girl friend". . . We all put our forks down in anticipation of hearing the next tidbits of good news.
Yes, he had been spotted at a party of mutual friends. Her name was Vita and "they seemed like good match." It wasn't long after that, that we ran into his Bishop's wife at a funeral. She went on and on about how cute Vita and Jeff were together and was so surprised to learn we hadn't even met her yet. I guess they'd been an item for a while. Now we were really curious. Who was this Vita girl? Eventually, Vita became a household name. But we still hadn't seen her. By summer, there was a lot of texting going on. Was she a dream? Then one day, in the middle of a hot afternoon, the front door opened and in walked Jeff. Behind him was a beautiful girl that he introduced as Vita. She held out her hand to shake mine, a gesture that seemed natural for her from her mission days. I already knew Jeff was smitten, which made me more excited to finally meet her. Now life could go on. They were married the next March.
It's been fun having her in the family. And everyone was right. They do make a perfect pair! Vita has many wonderful qualities, but one of the best things about her is, she knows Jeff. She can make him talk - no more surprises. That's why marriage is good. If you find the right one, they will bring out potential in you, you never would have known. I'm so glad Vita found Jeff. I know he knew she would bring out the best in him.
Happy Birthmonth, Vita!
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