Sunday, July 18, 2021

Gratitude Journal May

May 1 - scriptures 
May 2 - Jasper
May 3 - mark
May 4
May 5
May 6
May 7
May 8
May 9
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
May 15
May 16
May 17
May 18
May 19
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 23 - 
May 24
May 25
May 26
May 27
May 28 -  Jessica and Tate in Texas
May 29
May 30 
May 31

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Memorable Memorial Weekend with Jessica and Tate (add text and photos)

 For Jessica and Tate's birthday we flew them to Austin for Memorial Day weekend.  We are so happy they could take some time to visit us here.

They arrived late Thursday evening but it didn't seem that late - we were so excited to have them come.  Cayson and Ainsley were great little travelers!  That's such a relief. 

Friday morning Grandpa babysat Cayson and Ainsley while Betsy took Tate and Jessica Ziplining at Lake Travis adventures!  We had such a great time talking and zipping over the lake!  On the way back we, of course, stopped to get Diet Coke and Coke (Jessica).

At home we grilled b

Betsy goes to Baltimore

 For Sandy's Birthday, I flew to Baltimore for a long weekend.  I flew in late Friday night.  Unfortunately, we arrived 20 minutes late, and then they lost my luggage.  It took another 20 minutes to find my luggage.  YIKES!  Luckily, Sandy picked me up at the airport, and she didn't mind waiting for me.  She only lives 10 minutes from the airport - it was nice!  She lives right on a main street (called East) in a 3 room apartment above a second hand store.  Across the street is a local restaurant and bar, a home, a car repair shop.  The apartment is really cute.  There is a lot of room but she doesn't have much furniture.  Each room has a desk, but there are only a few chairs - no sofa or anywhere for guests to sit.  To get to her apartment, there is just a red door on the side of the wall the same color as the brick - you would pass it if you didn't know to look out for it.

We stayed up a few hours talking on Friday night. I slept until 12:00 PM (mainly because Sandy listens to a podcast of people talking all night which made it impossible for me to get to sleep until she left for a walk in the morning).

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Babysitting, Bumps and the Best Time

 So this past week has been one for the books.

I flew into SLC on Saturday to spend the week taking care of Cayson and Ainsley for Jessica and Tate.  It also happens to be the weekend of Mother's Day so I am excited to be here with my kids too.  Unfortunately, Marissa and Michael couldn't come down because they are singing on Mother's Day in church with the rest of the Rhoton family (to Susanne).  And Tate bought a trip to Moab for Jessica's Mother's day present.

Luckily, Devon and Sierra are available during the weekend so I spent Saturday and Sunday with them.  Saturday afternoon Sierra and I went shopping while Devon did some things around the apartment and took a nap.  We started off with getting smoothies

Monday, April 26, 2021

MRI appointment

I had my MRI for my neck - the doctor said their wasn't much change except for some stenosis in the upper neck (C3-C4, C4-C5 & C5-C6). 


Before my neck issues were only C5-C6.  


It is good news, but it doesn't explain the new intense pain in my hands and continued pain and lack of strength in my arms.  I hope we find some answers soon.

Trip to Cancun with Marissa and Michael

 Monday 

We are so excited to head off on our trip to Cancun.  The flight was fantastic, but as we flew into the island it started raining... what???  Luckily this was the only rain we saw the whole week.  We had a bit of a struggle trying to find the transportation, and then they didn't have our reservation, but luckily the hotel gave us free rides to hotel - it took a little finagling, and it really helped that Michael speaks excellent Spanish.  

The hotel is magnificent - so luxurious.  We got checked in, and signed up for all the excursions we want to do - We will snorkel and take a day trip to Tulum.  Our rooms assignments are perfect - Marissa and Michael are across the hall from us.  We are in 4149 and they are in 4148.

Our luggage was taken to the room - we have a beautiful view out to the ocean. 

After getting settled into our rooms, we walked over to the Steak House (pool side restaurant) for a delicious dinner.  We each ordered something different.  Since it is an all inclusive resort, we feel completely comfortable ordering whatever we want and as much as we want.  Haha.  Everything was great, but now we are all stuffed.  Following dinner we walked to the main lobby to watch the show for the evening.  I didn't think Mark would like it because it was a bunch of modern break dances, but it was so spectacular.  The performers are so athletic!!!  I was so impressed.

Tuesday

Tuesday morning we took a golf cart over to the Grand Palace for a tour and free breakfast. Breakfast at the Grand Palace was amazing: omelets, smoothies, and local fruit platters filled our appetites to satisfaction.  Michael found a drink he loves.  From there we went on membership tour that took over 3 hours (promised it would be 90 minutes - I hate these).  We were not interested, but in the end Mark and I bought two 1/2 price travel deals with the Moon Palace.  Even after we bought those tickets, we were approached by a lady to purchase the membership - she was very upset that we weren't interested.  It was so good to get out of there.

We had a buffet lunch back at the Moon Palace before going to relax and play at the pool.  The buffet has food from all around the world.  So many choices - so little room in the tummy.  This is definitely not going to be good for Betsy's waistline and hips.  

Betsy, Marissa and Michael did the Flow rider.  Marissa and Michael really got the knack of it.  Later that afternoon we played singles and doubles tennis together.  We were having such a good time on the court that we almost forgot our dinner reservation at the Japanese Tapenaki Restaurant.  What a great time!  The chef put on quite the show and we all enjoyed a delicious dinner with unending drinks.  Mark and Michael love this unique drink that is only served at a few restaurants - luckily this is one of them.  

After dinner we laughed and played through a round of 18 holes of mini-golf outdoors.  The weather is perfect. Such a good time.  Mark and I decided to go to the Mexican Dance show while Marissa and Michael headed to the Arcade.  The dance was fantastic - such colorful costumes and dramatic presentation of culture!  Mark and I went to the arcade after the dancing.  I crushed Mark at air hockey (3-0), but then he beat me at ping-pong.  Unfortunately, the sun was super strong today and Marissa didn't realize how much sun she got - she is burnt.  Betsy brought After sun gel that she gave to Marissa to ease her discomfort.

Wednesday

Although all I wanted to do was sleep in, we arranged to go snorkeling at 9:00 AM.  To make the morning go smoothly we ordered room service.  Marissa and Michael did too.  Theirs came 10 minutes before ours.  Unfortunately, they messed up our order so we only go a smoothie and some fruit.  Mark really needed more than this to settle his stomach with the motion of the boat.  I didn't have time to eat.  It was a perfect morning for a snorkel trip.  The sun was up, the waves were smooth and the fish were out.  Unfortunately, the 10 minute boat ride was more like a 20 minute boat ride and the captain drove super fast - aka - Mark started to feel motion sickness.  We had an incredible time seeing fish, coral, and even a sea turtle while snorkeling.  Unfortunately, Mark ended up getting sick (puked in the water) which then made me sick (I puked in the water - just a little).  YIKES!  Luckily, as soon as that happens, we both felt better.  The captain took us to two locations to snorkel.  It was fantastic!!!  The ride back to the hotel was shorter, and welcomed!!!  I was so happy to be back on dry land, so was Mark.

We saw this huge lizard and stalked it for a while.  SO funny!

Pool time and lunch time!  We all walked over to the pool - we got Mark a lounger out of the sun so he could lay down (he's still not feeling well).  Marissa, Michael and I laid out and then joined Mark to order some pool side food.  The best part about being by the pool is the continuous frozen (virgin) drinks.  I rotate between a strawberry daiquiri, Pina Colada and a new drink called a Miami Vice (mix between a strawberry daiquiri and Pina Colada).  Lunch by the pool was so fun - we each ordered something different and shared bites here and there.  The cheeseburger was the best.  

Mark is feeling so much better.  Thank goodness!  Mark and I adventured out to the beach with Marissa and Michael.  We decided on taking the sail boat out for a ride.  Wow!  This was a blast, but I will say, Mark made me a little uncomfortable with the angle of his turns - but it all worked out.  We only sailed a few runs with them to teach them how to operate the boat, then Mark and I jumped ship so they could sail by themselves for a while.  While they were out we went kayaking!  It was a great adventure!

In the afternoons it's super fun to get some handmade ice cream.  Michael, Marissa and I enjoyed different flavors - my favorite is the mint.  This was the perfect energy boost before some tennis.

The four of us headed over to the courts to have some shots and games with tennis.  Marissa has really improved and I'm so stiff.  Luckily we allowed enough time to enjoy a long session of tennis before going to the fancy Italian restaurant at the golf course.  We took the golf cart ride to the restaurant.  When we arrived the sign saying "Beware of Alligators" caught our eye.  The landscape is spectacular!  Lush, green, ponds, trails!  So amazing!  Dinner was super fancy... three course meal.  Great for Marissa and Michael, but I just can't eat that much!  The portion sizes were so random.  Marissa only received 5 ravioli, but I had a big plate of pasta (I didn't like my pasta) - Michael and I ordered the same item and we both didn't care for it.  He then ordered some tempting meat but it seemed undercooked to me.  I had a few bites, but then didn't feel comfortable having any more.  It wasn't my favorite restaurant, so far.

The rest of the night bedazzled us - we played games at the arcade, "anyone for a game of pool?"  Did I tell you Mark is a pool shark?  Yep, and I stink!  oops!  But I ruled the Air hockey again!  We enjoyed passing our time here before attending the outdoor Fire Dance show.  WOW!  Spectacular!  Amazing!

Thursday

Today I am so happy that we added another day to our trip.  After today we would be going home if we didn't, but thank goodness we did.  There is just so much more to see and do.  Today we had breakfast delivered to the room, and headed over to the EXPO center to catch our transportation to Tulum!  YES!  We are going on a days excursion to Tulum and then to Rio Secreto!  I'm so excited.

The drive down was long - luckily Mark did great!  Tulum is AWESOME!  It's right on the beach - so many 



Tulip festival

 Today we went to the Tulip Festival with Tate, Jessica, Cayson, Ainsley, Marissa, Michael and Sierra.  I've been looking forward to this for some time.  Jessica goes every year with Debbie or Alyssa and it looks so beautiful in the photos.  

Today was fantastic.  The park has probably 2 miles of pathways decorated with so thousands of pretty Tulips everywhere.  There is a duck pond, streams, bridges, and a sculpture museum of Jesus Christ right there.

Baby blessing

Thursday, April 1, 2021

Gratitude Journal - April

April 1 - holidays - celebrations
April 2 - my home
April 3 - my garden
April 4 - general conference 
April 5 - respect for all people 
April 6- Easter 
April 7 - our new outdoor environment 
April 8 - the truth 
April 9 - The Atonement
April 10 - Jesus Christ
April 11 - bishop and stake presidents talks 
April 12 - rain
April 13 - my vegetable garden
April 14 - my flower and tree garden
April 15 - time with Mark
April 16 - airplanes
April 17 - family
April 18 - The Sabbath Day
April 19 - baby blessings
April 20 - Beaches
April 21 - the sunshine
April 22 - the pool
April 23 - fruity alcohol free drinks
April 24 - time with Marissa and Michael
April 25 - freedom
April 26 - Mark's job
April 27 - roads
April 28 - new job
April 29 - new opportunities
April 30 - missionaries

 

Monday, March 15, 2021

Gratitude journal - March

January 20 - my daughter Jessica 
January 21 - my daughter-in-law Sierra
February 25 - my son Robert
March 1 - sunshine
March 2 - a wonderful home
March 3 - good jobs
March 4 - wonderful children and spouses 
March 5 - education
March 6 - our new back garden patio and wall
March 7 - my son-in-law Tate
March 8 - my sisters
March 9 - my dad and Alison 
March 10 - my son Devon 
March 11 - my talents
March 12 - my husband 
March 13 - temples and family history
March 14 - my daughter Marissa
March 15 - any ancestors 
March 16 - the scriptures, church, leaders, prophets and the saving gospel of Jesus Christ 
March 17 - good luck - blessings 
March 18 - my mom for giving me life and teaching me the gospel 
March 19 - celebrations of the little things
March 20 - new friends 
March 21 - our friends over time
March 22 - our sealing as a family
March 23 - technology that allows communication 
March 24 - ability to write, talk, see
March 25 - my five senses
March 26 - spring
March 27 - stars
March 28 - trees and flowers
March 29 - nature and the outdoors 
March 30 - Facebook and FaceTime 
March 31 - daily calls with Jessica and Cayson 

Monday, March 8, 2021

Self reliance kick off and follies

We kicked off the new self-reliance classes on February 28 with a Devotional at the Vista Ridge building. It was attended very well and we also had people on the zoom. We started two classes in Emotional Resilience and one class in Starting your own business and one Personal Finance class. After we got everything set up it turned out that there were complications with the in-person emotional resilience class so Gina Kearns switched to be the facilitator of the Zoom class and I became the facilitator of the in person class until we can have somebody else called. Luckily, Heather Larsen was called before our first meeting and she was able to facilitate that class. I’m so grateful that the Lord watches over each little thing and makes allowances and provisions.  

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Planning trips

Mark and I are so excited to plan some trips for this year. 

We plan to go to Peru with Michael and Marissa 

Temp job

I started a temp job at Meck, Noonan and Co.  as a receptionist/assistant for the accounting firm. I started on February 1, 2021 and will continue to work here until April 9.  They are all wonderful people to work with.  

So sick in the stomach

Ice ice baby

What a crazy and terrible week it was for most of the country as we experienced a polar vortex that reached all the way to the middle of Texas.  

Wednesday night I spent hours outside - We covered the plants as best we could to protect them from the cold and keep them insulated. 

Before the vortex hit, Thursday the city of Austin was hit with a snow storm that turned to ice and sleet.  It came just before the morning rush hour so it was so very dangerous to drive.  It took me 2 hours to get to work.  Yikes!!!  The weather never really cleared up so it was treacherous going home too!

Friday was crazy too but the weather warmed up before the drive home and by Saturday it was nice.  

Saturday was 2/13 - which means Valentine’s Day is on Sunday so Mark and I went to eat our Valentine’s dinner on Saturday.  It was chilly but at least the roads were clear.  While we were enjoying our Mexican dinner at Cafe’ Ole in Georgetown the news announced that the vortex would get down to 5 degrees.  Yikes!  The houses in Austin are not built to protect pipes at that temperature.  

So - after dinner Mark and I went to Lowe’s to purchase insulation for the attic to cover all the exposed pipes.  I sent the afternoon up on the attic running insulation over every pipe I could find!  

We also added insulation covers over the outside spigots and took off the hoses. 

Sunday there was ice covering the roads - everywhere!  Ice followed by more ice!  It just kept coming - and then it turned to snow on ice?  The sister missionaries called to see if they could come stay with us- absolutely!!! Drive safe.  Somehow- with the Lord’s help they made it to our house without any problems!  They stayed two nights and three days. 

We lost power for the most part of four days and we lost all running water for 36 hours!  

Luckily I was prepared with blankets, coats, gloves, candles and lanterns.  The cold didn’t get to us that much.  
Luckily I have a gas stove so we could still cook even without power!  
Luckily I thought (the Holy Ghost whispered) to collect snow and I and store it in the bathtubs so we could melt it for toilet water.  
Luckily I had listened to the prophet and had lots of saved drinking water and food available!  

We also were able to assist our neighbors and our neighbors were able to assist us.  It was a great time amid the chaos of being trapped in our house.  



Sunday, February 14, 2021

2021 Valentine’s Day

Mark and I celebrated Valentine’s Day on Saturday since It fell on Sunday this year.  

We went to a Mexican restaurant called Cafe Ole’.  We enjoyed sizzling fajitas, nachos and quezon and lemonade and Diet Coke.  

From there we went shopping for our new hot tub!!  I can’t wait.  We got in and tried them out.  I was surprised to find each is very different.  There were some that were better for Mark and some better for me.  In the end we decided on one with a lounge and perfect seats with jets for our calves and feet.  Oh that sounded wonderful to me. 

That was our celebration because We had other evening plans that were separated from each other.  Mark had work to finish and I had to sew.  

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Family lunch while in Provo

On Sunday Mark and I watched our Sacrament meeting via Zoom in our hotel room.  We both really enjoyed the speakers’ comments.  

From there we went over to Devon and Sierra’s to take the sacrament and engage in a Come Follow Me discussion.  I really appreciate the opportunity we had to share our feelings about the D&C lessons this week.  This we the discussion was on perspectives!  I pondered and shared how even though people attend the same event, class, or function they come away with different feelings and see it from their different perspectives.  Sierra shared how her situation changed after losing her job due to Covid-19 and what she is doing now to overcome that.  She had never been without a job for as long as she could remember so it was hard to not work.  It ate at her self worth too!  I completely understood because I too lost my job due to covid-19 and felt very much like she did.  

At 12:30 Mark and I drove over to Jessica and Tate’s to prepare lunch for everyone.  I’m so happy that Marissa and Michael are going to be there.  They are coming down so that Michael can say goodbye to his grandfather (so it’s sad in one way, but very good in another).  Anyway we are happy they came down.  Robert was also able to make it and brought Maya with him.  I really enjoyed getting to talk with her and get to know her better.  She is so sweet and funny.

We prepared penne pasta with smoked sausage, salad and rolls.  We also made brownies for dessert. 

Lunch was at 1:00.  As soon as Devon and Sierra arrived we said prayer; Everyone ate it up.  

It was so wonderful to have everyone together!!  We didn’t think this would happen so what a blessing!!! 















Special time with Robert

Special time with Devon and Sierra

Alex and Chris are expecting a baby

I am so excited that my niece is expecting a baby.  She is due in August/ September.  I got to have lunch with her while in Utah to talk about it.  She’s been a little sick but hoping to feel better soon.  

So happy for her and Chris.  

Mark and I visit for Ainsley’s birth

Ainsley Ruth Murphey born

What a special and wonderful day for our family.  Jessica and Tate went to the hospital earlier in the morning.  Jessica was being induced today!  Their baby would be born soon.  

Mark and I are so excited for both Jessica and Tate!!  What a wonderful day.  We waited with feverish anticipation for their texts and phone calls to keep us posted on their health and progress.  


Thanksgiving in Provo

Marissa and Michael’s wedding

Trip to Provo for baby shower

Quote for the Day

"Happiness is found along the way ...
... not at the end of the road.
- Cowabunga Bay (7/30/10)