Every word, word by word.

During the last month of my mission our local Area Authority (which unfortuatley I don't remember his name), issued the challenge to memorize and pass off, The Family: A Proclamation to the World and I did. As part of my 2010 goals I decided to relearn it and now I can say I've done it!

When I think of the Proclamation I think back on the unique place, my mission and most specificlly the Visitor Center where I memorized a lot of things and particularly this one.

The Christus room at the Arizona Temple Visitor Center is breath taking and an must see if you are ever in Mesa. When I wasn't with a tour group I would spend the quite time walking the large lobby where the 11 foot replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen's Christus statue stands. I remember carring my mini copy of the Proclamation and strolling through the room memorizing line by line, word by word.

At one point my companion and I took our memorizing outside as we strolled on the sidewalk that circles the front lawn, which is quite large. Looking towards the visitor center through the oversized glass window you can view the Christus and at night it is light up beautifully in such a way that the impression and the spirit is one you'll never forget.

That experience was memorable but perhaps the best part is the meaning I've come to treasure in that document. Next is The Living Christ. This may take me a while since it's the first time I'm learning this one.

I'm passing along the challenge to you to learn or relearn either of them if you haven't already. Let me know if you decide to take the challenge.

www.lds.org/

--> Gospel Library

--> The Family: A Proclamation to the World

or The Living Christ

I thought this day would never come.

I borrowed this pic from Kristi's blog. It sums up the past few weeks for me as I've been getting ready for my social security disability hearing.

In May of 2008 I had sent in my third appeal in which you are allowed to request a hearing with a federal judge. At that point it had already been a year of applications and paperwork. The wait time to see a judge is right around 12 mos but Idaho is lumped in with Utah and is behind even more. I was told it could be a 15 mo wait. It actually took 21 mos to get a hearing, and so all together it's been 2 yrs 8mo and 11days, or 32 mos from begining to date. Ah, no wonder I'm exhausted.

Mom came and I was glad to have her there, although I know she's already missed a lot of work with Dad being in the hospital and now rehab. She's been a true friend and support. A person can go crazy second guessing themselves and "trying harder." It's hard to explain Chronic Fatigue and whatever unknown mystery virus I may or may not have.

My attorney presented my case well. He came recommended by a ward member and also because he is part of a state funded legal aid program, which means big savings in attorney fees should I be awarded.

We were fortunate to have the first appointment of the day, indicating that the judge would still be fresh, as opposed to the end of the day or right before lunch.

The meeting took place in a conference room in a local hotel. An expert occupational "witness" from Logan conferenced in to offer various job possibilities I could do, which came down to assembling surgical plastics and one other assembly job. I just imagined myself lying in bed in my pajama's assembling parts at 2 cents a piece. I haven't bought pajama's in a long time and the ones I have aren't very cute, so I didn't quite get in the moment of that vision.

Many of you have fasted and remembered me in your prayers. I appreciate your support. It will be several weeks before we hear back from the judge and honestly, as well as the hearing went I just don't think there are any guarantees, but life is full of surprises (Okay, this pic does'nt go with the tone of this blog, but I thought it was funny. )

I know Heavenly Father is aware and knows my needs. He has always provided for me. "Note to self: I'm going to be okay."

St George New Year's Getaway

Looking east towards Zions National Park

Grace and Sitani's cool finds.


Alisha's Gold

Grace and one great refreshing day!

Laura and Jace found a super cool rocking bench.

Seth breaks out his bike. Who knows when we'll see him again...

This is actually grandma holding on to Sitani as he throws rocks. It's pretty steep and wouldn't make for a fun flight.

Grand-Papa re-living may off road trips from the days when his little ones were the ones climbing on old "stuff" and tossing rocks.

Hum. What did I get myself into? And am I "having fun yet?"

Back at the hotel, Laura opens her Christmas present.

Grandkids get custom grandma-made pajama's. Ooo-la-la. Remember when we used to get pajama's for Christmas?

And Gospel Art books! Isn't it great to open presents?

Grandma and Grandpa keeping company; resting and cross-stiching.