Our First Christmas in Staunton, Virginia

This is snow in Virginia...it shows an old hotel when it was snowing in the past. We are expecting between 1 and 15 inches of snow tonight and tomorrow...how about that for weather reporting!! haha. It is so beautiful here...but I will be hibernating for sure if we get anywhere near 15 inches. No one will see me for 2 months or more. I will be invisible to the outside!

It was snowing on our way home from our Christmas dinner and day with Shawna, Pat the girls and Mom and Wayne. It was a very fine snow...and other than what it can do to the roads and sidewalks it was soooo beautiful. It was just gleaming. Reminded me of the Christmas song talking about the stars. I love this time of year. I just wish a genius would figure out how to keep the roads, sidewalks and other things free of snow. It wouldn't be dangerous that way! Have a very Merry Christmas. A special thanks to Pat and Shawna and of course, Grace, Martha, Clara and Olivia. Also so many thanks to Mom and Wayne. Christmas was lonely without Cherie's family here. Thanks for them as well. We do love you all! We missed being with the rest of Jeff's family, too. All is well, All is well.

Views I see in Virginia

This is the Haunted Assylum. I was going to say this is where we live...but I guess I won't. Anyway...it is in Staunton and I visit very often...NOT!!!

The Hills of the Shenandoah Valley. Isn't it beautiful!

Foggy Morning over Shenandoah Valley.
Hey, Alice, this is the Statler Brothers home about 3 miles outside of Staunton, VA. Couldn't find a picture of the church they bought...so sorry. They do have a gift shop here in town tho on North Augusta Ave. Maybe it is in a church???

OH MY GOODNESS!!! Remember I said this area reminds me of England? This is Anne Hathaway's house. She was the wife of William Shakespeare(not the actress~) It has the original thatched roof and all! This reminds me so much of my mission!!!!

I love the countryside her in this area. Some people have said they don't have mountains here. They are hills. I say...I don't want to climb them either way because they are up there! It is beautiful. Staunton is situated in the Shenandoah Valley in between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny MOUNTAINS and the Appalachian MOUNTAINS.

I am going outside right now and try and get some pics of the house with my cell phone. Hopefully I can have them on her tomorrow? We shall see.

Christmas is right around the corner. Hope everyone has a beautiful, delightful and HAPPY Christmas season.

OUR NEW CITY, STAUNTON VIRGINIA

This is the house directly across the street from us...118 Prospect Street. You can see the steepness of the street in this picture. I love all of the historic homes here. Jeff and I are in awe of the opportunity to be near so many homes we love!

This is the downtown area of Staunton. They have wonderful little shops (and bigger ones, too) downtown. They had a beautification project here not long ago. We are the beneficiaries of that project.

This blue house sits on the corner of just one of the many hilly streets. When you turn onto the street next to this house you can see the incline. It doesn't stop there...it continues up and up and up.
The trolley runs each night from 6-10 pm. It is free and takes you nearly anywhere you need to go downtown.
One of the many breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley. We live in a Beautiful area.
This is a postcard of the main city of Staunton. It looks much like this today. Beautiful colors and also wonderfully historic and beautiful buildings.

This picture is one of two I have added to show Mary Baldwin College. We live just about 10 steps from the campus. You can see the campus by noticing the buildings in white. In the first picture below we live to the top left of the picture. Our home can't be seen for all the trees. But we are very near...do you see me waving???

This is the second picture of Mary Baldwin College. Our home is located to the far right, the top part of the middle. The College is always very well kept. ALL PARTS...they even come to the back where we are...it is VERY nice.

We love our new home! It is a quaint little apt in an older home. The home was built about 1875 by historian and lawyer Joseph A. Waddell. It has been separated into 4 apartments for some time now. It is in the heart of the city and on a very picturesque street and might I add hilly street! I have been trying to download a picture but it won't download!!! We are within a few blocks of Staunton's beautiful library. What can I say...rolling hills...even in the city...I will roll right down them if I am not careful. It reminds me of England. I am in awe just as I was so many years ago when I lived there.

I will add some more pictures later. Hope you enjoy. I will try and get a picture of our house soon.

STAUNTON VIRGINIA...

So much to say and so little effort put into it. I want everyone to know we are alive...I am not sure how well...ha. We feel like life's punching bags. Still kicking tho. We are in Staunton, VA. It is just a beautiful city. We have been here since the 1st of November and I still haven't driven here. I have only ridden with others...mostly Jeff. I will get myself around here one of these days. I am a chicken to get lost. I know...me? A chicken? Times have changed. I remember a time, not so long ago, I wasn't afraid of much at all...

Jeff had his first day of night shift last night-this morning. I couldn't sleep without him...Penelope and I had a good night taking little "cat naps". Watched Eclipse...borrowed it from my sister-in-law who borrowed it from her friend. It was just as great as I remembered. Maybe one day I will be able to own a copy...ha...we shall see. I love the movies where they have all the extras on them. I like listening to the director and cast members and seeing all the out takes. AHHHHHH!!! One day I had a few bucks to purchase a dumb movie..haha

I am putting some pictures of our area...we are within 3 or 4 blocks of these areas...right downtown...well, maybe 6 blocks for one of them. BEAUTIFUL!

This house is directly across the street from us...see how the road is so sloped? MAN IS IT HILLY HERE!!! My left leg is becoming shorter than my right one! haha.

I will put more pictures in my next blog. ENJOY.

Well, we made it!!! It has taken forever to get the internet up and running...finally we have. Will post something soon. It is soooooo beautiful here! Although, the last three days there has been a skunk smell off and on...we live in the middle of the city?? Oh well...reminds me of where I grew up! :)...we had all kinds of animal smells there...

The sun is shining the grass is green

The skunk smell is on its way

There's never been such a day

In Staunton Virginia USA!!!!

Loading up...

We are loading up the truck and moving to...Staunton, Virginia. We are in the middle of packing. I never knew there could be sooooo many things in a 1050-1100 sq ft apartment!!! We have half of the apartment packed and the rest is food and clothes. We will be taking the food in the car...and the clothes will be in bags except for those we need to take with us in the car. We have help coming tomorrow evening to pack a truck...hopefully, the truck will arrive before the people. We are SOOOOOOOOO grateful for everyone for helping us...for volunteering to help or for thinking of us at this time. Cherie feels like she is dead weight...you all REALLY help being here to help Jeff. We will miss Indiana, family and good friends. We will still keep up with the blog, hopefully better than we have been...:)

We are so excited to have a new beginning in Staunton. We will be near Jeff's hometown and more of his family. He has a job!!!!! and we have a home. We are all ready to go...AS SOON AS WE FINISH THIS PACKING!!!!!! :)

'Our Doodle Boy' - continued

Cherie wrote briefly about what happened to our Marmalade on Wednesday of this week. As she said, we are devastated. I know lots of people love their pets and I'm not taking anything away from them. Nor am I trying to "one-up" anyone, but we LOVE/LOVED our babies. They were our babies in EVERY sense of the word. Marmalade had his own personality and was so wonderful in our lives. There is no way to completely write in words what this has done to our family. Penelope Ann, our baby girl, is also missing her brother. They have been together their entire lives and now she is alone. We are beyond saddened for her. She has clung to us since her brother has gone and for that we are glad. Our lives lately have been so difficult in so many areas. Things are getting more and more difficult, too. I can't begin to describe the pain that we are feeling. Our home feels emptier - someone is missing. He was our doodle boy as we described. Cherie called him that - that was her name for him. He would respond to her calling him at any time of the day or night. He loved his mama. She loved him and she is lost without her boy. I don't know what to do for us. It is so overwhelming. Many don't understand the love we have for our kitties. Without human children, they have given us so much love and affection over the years and we have reciprocated in turn. Our doodle was 11 years old and I wanted more years with him. We had no idea he was sick. We feel so horrible about that, too. We feel that we let him down as his caretakers. Life has thrown us a real curve-ball here and we're not handling it well. Tears and sleepless nights have been our lives these last few days. I love and miss him so, so, so, so, very much. Our boy was outgoing and curious. He loved looking outside and watching the birds or chipmunks. He would run through the house and meow as if to let us know that he was on patrol. Every time we opened a window, he was there to look out and smell the fresh air. He loved that. He was playful and loving. When I was working, he would play with me each and every morning as I got dressed. He loved my socks and we would play-fight every day. He would get himself so worked up that he would eventually jump down, but he always came back for more. He helped his mama make the bed and fold laundry, too. I mention that lovingly, because he really just played with her while she was trying to work, but it was like he was trying to help her. I love him. I miss him. My heart is breaking. Cherie's heart is breaking. We are so lost without our Marmie. I named him because I had always thought that Marmalade sounded like such and English name and it fit him perfectly with his orange coloring. He was so handsome and aside from that, he was the only other boy in the home besides me. I used to say that we boys had to stick together because our girls were so high maintenance. We love our girls, I used to say. He would roll over and let me rub his belly. I miss his soft white fur on his belly and his throat. He loved to have his throat rubbed, too. He was so loving and sweet. He wanted to be in our family when we found him outside 11 years ago. We gladly opened the door to him and his sissy. I came home the other evening and looked up at the windows. We kept the blinds up a bit because he always loved getting up there and looking out. No one was there. My heart gave way and I broke down again. When he first came to live with us, we lived in our apartment in Auburn and one evening we were driving down our street and there was this little orange head peeking out to watch for us. He continued to do that for the rest of his life. I miss my boy so much. I know I'm repeating myself but I can't stress it enough. We would love to hear from anyone and everyone. We need support and love right now. I know I'm begging, but we just do. You can't begin to understand the pain we are going through unless you've been through it yourself. I will forever love him and wait to see him again someday. My little orange boy...our doodle boy. Love from papi and mama.

'OUR DOODLE BOY'

Our boy kitty, Marmalade, passed away yesterday, September 22, 2010 at about 2:30pm. He died just 2 days after his Grandpa Frey's 4 year death anniversary. He was acting ill and we took him to the vet hospital. He had cancer...we were with him until he was gone. He loved the fall...he was able to see some of the leaves fall from the trees...he will be greatly missed by his mama and papi.... We are devastated...

No Heart Attack!!!

Whew!!!! Mom had chest pains yesterday and went by EMS to the ER. We went through almost the same thing about a year ago. She went to the ER...the Cardiologist came and all was ok for her to go home... She had to go to the Cardiologist the next week and have all kinds of stress tests and blood tests and such. Her heart was fine. I didn't think it would change in a year, however, she was complaining of the pain in her back and going into the chest...she pointed everywhere...it is like asking a little child where it hurts when they can't explain...AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The ER sent her home after numerous testings and 4 hours or so. I have to get her Prilosec...they think it something to do with acid .

She is feeling fine today...was after she came home yesterday from the ER...and she doesn't remember ANY of it! ANY OF IT!!!!!!!!! Good for her! We are happy.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Mom is ok. She fell at 3am Wednesday morning in the bathroom. She must have lost her balance while using the bathroom and fell backwards into the bathtub/shower. She may have had help with a little softer landing because the shower liner and curtain were closed and she had those to break her fall...it tore the rod and all off the sides of the wall. Oh well...I wasn't able to sleep and had just shut off the light in the bedroom and heard the rod and curtains hit the floor. I don't know if I can take much more of this. She is a tough lady! She hit her head and had a pretty good red spot on it, however, between the two of us she got herself turned and was able to get up on her knees and up and out. I poked and prodded like I was a doctor and she got upset with me...ugh...I gave her some Tylenol and she went back to bed and slept like a baby???? I was a wreck!!!! I checked on her every hour for 4 hours and she was sleeping and breathing fine...I just wanted to make sure she didn't have a concussion. I was exhausted. She woke up and I asked how she was...she said fine. She didn't have any bruises...the redness was out of the back of her head and she was walking fine??? SO GLAD...but what gives??? She didn't remember ANY of it!!! :) Good for her!!! She hasn't seemed to have ANY complications from it at all...now I don't know about anyone else...but I will say my prayers were answered. Heavenly Father is watching over this family!!! She needs it really badly...and I can't be by her every second of the day. I was awake and was able to get to her right away...and she didn't remember it later and she is ok!!! AHHHHHH!!!

I love my Heavenly Father!!!!

Falls, causing breakage of hips or something else, are the leading cause of injury and alot of deaths in the elderly. It is what finally took dad from us... I am struggling with mom,however, I do hope she can live a good life as long as she is here. I hate to see the struggles she has...and she is NOT good with pain...of course, who is in her situation.

SHE IS DOING WELL...well, as well as can be expected with her issues. YAHOO!!!!

It's Official...

Well, it's official. I am no longer on the records of the LDS Church. It's strange. I have to admit that having been a member of this organization for my whole life makes it seem surreal to no longer be affiliated with it. Though this was by my own choosing, it's still a bit odd. The letter I received today was short and to the point. I think pretty much everyone that I know is aware of this by now, so I won't be-labor the issue, but I wanted to also make it "official" by letting those who read our blog know that it's now complete...done...finito!

Things in our lives are still beyond challenging, however. No job interviews or offers of any kind and things with Cherie's mom continue to deteriorate. The summer is hotter than ever and very miserable to me. I'm not a hot weather and humidity fan - never have been nor will I be. The only good part is that Fall is coming - hopefully sooner than later. I can look forward to that. Having a pool here is nice but unless you use it, it doesn't do much good. ha. Cherie and I both have swimming pool phobias, which keep us from utilizing it. Sad, but true. Well, that's about it for an update. We're still here and hope to hear or see anyone soon. We do enjoy company or chatting. Feel free to stop by anytime or call us whenever. We're up late, so we'll keep the light on. Doesn't the Super 8 motel chain use that line? ha. Oh well, it's a good one. Enjoy the heat everyone, it doesn't look to be going away any time soon. Stay cool!

Murphy's Law in Action

Ok, so we maybe will change our name...Will it make a difference??? Today...the battery on the phone is dead...we have looked all over before for battery's to fit this particular phone. They don't make them anymore. We need a new phone... The Saturn finally has killed off a tire...flat...while Jeff was driving...so he is out there in the heat...ugh...humidity...ugh again...changing a flat...gets the spare donut out of the trunk...goes to put it on and it is flat...

Ok, now...Jeff isn't working...we have no income...no phone...no car to drive...AHHHHHHH!!!!!

Well, at least we have a place to live this month...we have the rent paid and the electric paid.

Thanks to all of our friends and family!

Murphy's Law isn't any fun.

Hope everyone out there is having a great day!!!

We made it through ours.

Remembrances

I thought I'd write again since I've pretty much "confessed" all of my changes lately. I want to say that I appreciate the love from everyone. I'm sure that most who are LDS do not agree with me - that was expected, but I'm glad I'm still loved. That's all I ask. The other day I was watching television, or should I say, channel surfing and found an old favorite was on..."Steel Magnolias". This has to be one of my favorite movies EVER. I know it's a chick-flick, but I don't care. Growing up in the South and knowing how people can be, this movie makes me a bit homesick. We are headed back to Virginia this week for a family reunion - my mom's side. We have been really blessed that some of our family has decided that is was important that we be there so they are helping us with travel expenses. Being out of work for the last 5 months has definitely kept us within a short distance of home. It will be nice to have a change of scenery. I will miss our kitties, though. I love them so much and they are such a huge part of our lives. Timi is going to check in on them periodically so they will get some attention while we're gone. She's a wonderful niece. We are lucky to have her in our lives.

So, back to "Steel Magnolias". Unfortunately with everything going on in my life, I have to say that my emotions have been pretty close to the surface. For those who know the movie, the ending is pretty sad. I lost it! I was like a baby who was starving. I just couldn't stop crying. Then, the part where Shirley McLaine's character, who is a grouch by the way, gets shoved towards a crying Sally Field and Olympia Dukakis says..."hit Ouiser! Knock her lights our M'lyn. Half of Chickepen Parrish would give their eye teeth to take a shot at her!" I know the spellings are off, but you get the idea. It was hilarious - althought not to the Ouiser character. At that point, everyone starts laughing and Dolly Parton says something to the effect of, '...laughter through tears, that's my favorite emotion!'. I concur. This movie has it all - funny one-liners and tearful moments. I have to say that I have added a few of those quirky one liners to my own vocabulary over the years. Here are a few for your own consideration...

1. I'm not crazy, I've just been in a bad mood for 40 years! (you can substitute any number to fit).

2. You are a boil on the butt of humanity!

3. You are a pig from Hell!

4. You got a reindeer up your butt?!

5. Pink is my signature color! (again you can substitute your own favorite color here)

6. If you don't have anything good to say about anyone, come sit by me! (I have heard that this comes from Dorothy Parker, but it's a good one!)

7. That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger! (This one has become my own personal mantra!)

8. That looks like 2 pigs in a blanket fighting!

9. I'd rather have 3 minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.

10. I don't worry because I know you're worrying enough for the rest of us!

There are many more and probably some I also use that didn't come to me while writing, but you get the idea. This movie came out while I was still at BYU and living in Provo, Utah. Cindy and I would go to the dollar movie and watch this and "The Little Mermaid" many times over. They became our "soothers", if you will. So, there are a lot of fond things associated with this movie for me. Besides having a great cast, it just hit home. Literally.

With things being in such upheaval in our lives lately, I wanted to share something a bit more personal and less religion oriented. This is who I am. I am finding myself again after many years. Watching this movie reminded me a bit of who I used to be and who I can still become. I'm not sure why all the changes now? Maybe it's a mid-life crisis? I think I've been having one of those for the last five years then! ha. Whatever the reason I'm glad to be going home this coming week and soaking up some of that good 'ol Southern culture again. I miss it sometimes more than I think. I guess we all need to get back in touch with our inner child sometimes and figure out just what we want out of this old life. I've done a lot of things and been a lot of places since I left home for the first time 27 years ago. WOW! Has it been that long? It has. I've met and be-friended some of the best people. When I moved to Indiana in 1993, I felt I had come home again. I'm so glad for the friends and family here. So, one last quote from "Steel Magnolias". As they are at the home after the funeral Annelle has decided that her new baby will be named "Shelby" after Julia Roberts' character who has just passed away. Truvy asks her what she'll name the baby if it's a boy and Annelle says..."Shelby, I guess." Sally Field looks wistful and smiles and says...'that's as it should be. Life goes on.' And so it does...

"Things...they are a-changin'!"

I thought I'd write again since several people have begun contacting me in regards to my decision to leave The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In my previous post I hope everyone understood that this is just me, not Cherie, who is doing this. Cherie is steadfast in her faith in the Church and is still a believing member. I love her dearly and she loves me. We are lucky that way. Through everything - job loss, financial strains, church resignation and many other stresses, our love has sustained us. For this I am lucky and grateful.

Fortunately, the responses I have had to my post have been kind and caring. I appreciate that. I'm sure there are many questions and that there will be many who disagree with me. That's OK. For the last several days things have been emotional for me. I am above all else a people-pleaser. Knowing that I have made friends and family sad, upset, shocked or any combination of those things, has been hard. I want to reiterate that I am still "Jeff". I have not begun doing anything differently in my life. Other than not believing in Joseph Smith or the Book of Mormon, I am essentially myself - same sense of humor, same issues, same hang-ups and same self-deprecating person that I have always been.

Last night I had an epiphany of sorts. In talking to Cherie about these feelings of sadness for causing such shock-waves, it occurred to me that I was forgetting one important person - me. So, I decided right then and there that I was going to be happy and content with my decision. I was all along anyway, because I wouldn't have requested it had I not been sure. However, I was once again forgetting my own feelings. The truth is, I am happy with this decision and know it is right for me. I still love and care about those who are members of the Church.

Religion is such a personal and internal thing. Changing one's long-held beliefs is not an easy decision, nor one that many people chose to make. I get that. Just because we believe differently about things doesn't mean we can't still have a great relationships. True, some things will change. When someone gets married in the temple I will wait outside. That's fine. When I go to church with Cherie (sometimes) I will not participate. That's fine. I will not be sitting there making ugly faces at things that are being said or taught. I will be thoughtfully listening. I will not take the sacrament. That's fine. I realize that there are more "serious" LDS things that I am "losing" but you see, to me, I'm not losing them.

So, I won't belabor this issue much more, but just wanted to clarify a few things from my earlier post. I have learned a lot, and as shocking and unplanned to me in the beginning as this has been, I began to understand things in a new way.

One last thing for those to chew on...I am also seriously contemplating taking back my birth surname, which is Mullins. So, get ready, Jeff is moving and shaking again! As they say...'things, they are a-changin'!"

Losing my religion

I've been going through a lot recently - the loss of job, trying to find work and also questioning my faith. I have belonged to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints all of my life. My mother converted when she was just a teenager and raised our family in this religion. My father is not a member of this church, but my step-father was. Consequently, I was raised in the Mormon faith. This past week I requested that my name be removed from the records of this church. This is tantamount to excommunicating oneself. I have a lot of friends and family who are LDS and know that this will come as a shock to most. It has taken me 2 years to reach this point, but I am finally there. While I know that most will question my reasons and find fault with them, I do not. I am happy and at peace with the decision. It was not an easy one to reach because leaving the Mormon church also means changing your life. I just want to clarify a few things. First, this is not a knee-jerk reaction to being "let go" from my job with the church. If anything, being "let go" was a result of this - inadvertently. Secondly, I have not committed any grievous sin that would require excommunication in the standard sense. I am still me. Lastly, no one offended me or upset me to force me into this cause. This is a choice I have made solely on my own with a lot of pondering and study.

Last night the Elder's Quorum President came to our home and talked with me for an hour or so. I know he meant well, but this is not a phase nor is it something that I have taken lightly. Religion, or faith is a very powerful thing and something that is very personal and dear to most people. It has been to me as well. I do not wish to begin living a different lifestyle or anything of that nature, but I do not agree with the basic foundation of the LDS Church from its inception. While I know I am going against years of teachings and training, I feel free for the first time in my life from the constraints of Mormonism. Many will disagree with that comment because they will say they already feel free while in it. We will have to agree to disagree on that one. I also am keenly aware that I have been a very visible figure in the church in the area which I live. I have served in leadership positions and have been very vocal over the years about my beliefs. This may seem very hypocritical of me, but I wish to clear up one thing...while I was in those positions, I spoke the truth as I knew it at that time. I was not in any way trying to mislead or misrepresent myself to anyone. I hope that those who read this or pass it along to those who know me will still consider me a friend. I have no desire to persuade anyone else to do as I have done. This is for me. Cherie does not have the same belief as me and will continue in the faith and I respect and support her in that. I do not hate the LDS Church, but do feel that people in powerful positions propagate falsehoods. That's all I will say in that matter.

I guess I ask that no one hate me or feel sorry for me. As I was talking last night, the thought came to me from the musical "Evita" and I changed it to fit my situation. So, please...'don't cry me for me...'

Jeff

Dash away, dash away, dash away all...

Warning: This comment contains subject of a depressing and sour nature. Read with caution.

So, here I am (this is Jeff by the way). Yesterday, April 12th was the 3rd month that I have been out of work. Time goes really quickly when you're doing nothing. It's been a rough ride so far but Cherie and I have managed as well as can be expected - thanks to friends and some family. It's not fun nor easy being out of work. I used to think that when people were on long sick leaves or out of work that it must be nice to not have to work. I was wrong. It's depressing, boring, sad and just plain frustrating. At first it was nice to have a few days off but after that it has been nothing but worry. Worry about money, food, electricity, etc. The list could go on. We've been down to very little food and have had challenges with other things as well. We haven't been out to eat or done anything fun that requires money for months now. We were never really that much into going out but the option was there, now it isn't. That's hard. I will occasionally go to a drive-thru and get a soda but my mind will inevitably go to the fact that even this teenager waiting on me has a job and I don't. Being over-qualified for some jobs is also an oxymoron. I mean if you're qualified, you're qualified, right? Having a degree helps but it's no guarantee of anything unless you happen to be a nurse or doctor. There are jobs by the dozens for those people. I would even venture to say that being a nurse is more advantageous then being a doctor at this point. Life just sucks right now. Sorry to all of you PMA-er's out there - that's "positive mental attitude-ers" for those not sure what those initials stood for. It's hard to keep a "positive attitude" when you don't even hear from anyone. I apply on-line constantly, I email and even call those that will allow it and yet nothing. NOTHING! No one responds at all. I mean it's like I have the plague or I'm giving out the wrong email address or phone number. I'm tired of this impersonal way of doing business. It does save on gas and having to run here and there but it also allows the companies to just ignore you, too. We're ignored so much anymore. I warned you that this was going to be depressing. I wasn't kidding. I am so frustrated and tired of being without employment that I'm even willing to consider jobs that start me at what I was making 10 or more years ago!!!!! Can you believe that? It's like I never worked at all. On a positive note, I will say that I am glad to be out of church employment. I hated that job. I did it for ten years but now it's like I was never even there. Honestly, for being the "church" it really sucks how they treat you. I would warn anyone to have anything to do with LDS church employment or LDS Social Services for that matter, but don't get me started on that either. I will have to paste another warning label for that topic! I went to BYU, worked on campus most of the time and should have known better about working for the "church", but it was a better paying job then the one I had before, so I took it with the hopes of moving up. That lated approximately three years and then that whole idea went down the drain. What is wrong with me? Why do these things keep happening to me? I know I sound like I'm having a pity-party and maybe I am, but what do I keep on doing wrong? Please don't say it has anything to do with the Lord testing me and refining me because I will scratch your eyes out. Believe me, I have been refined more than most people I know and I'm sick of it. I realize I have made a lot of mistakes in my life, but I have tried to be a good person and yet everywhere I turn for the last 10 to 20 years it has been nothing but heartache and loss. I am sick of being happy for everyone else. When is it my turn? When do I get to have my rewards or my share of good luck or fortune or whatever you want to call it? HUH? WHEN? OH well. I'm venting and I'm sure most of you don't care. Everyone I know keeps on telling me a good job will come my way. I appreciate the support - I really do, but I just think, how do you know this? So, I'm a nice guy - big deal. Haven't you all heard the saying...'nice guys finish last'? Thats me - last place all the time. Well, this is the end of the rant. I'm tired and tired of it, too. Thanks for listening or being brave enough to read this. It could have been much worse actually but I'm sparing the most sordid thoughts and details. Unfortunately Cherie has to put up with those.

Movies!

Oops, I forgot...I was going to write about a couple movies I have seen. Jeff and I received movie tickets for Christmas...we still have some left. We have seen The Blindside. Have you seen it?? RENT IT!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh it was SOOOOOOOOO good. I loved it. The acting was great and to think it was true. It is based on the true story of the life of a football player from Old Miss who is playing pro for the Ravens. Anywho...it was great. I loved it. And of course, I cried...not a lot...which is great for me.

We also saw...Brothers... Jeff thought the acting was superb in this movie, however, he said he didn't really love the movie. It was so well done. I hate hate...I hate war...I just felt so bad for the father/husband in this movie. He was captured by the Taliban and forced to put up with horrible horrible things. He was forced to do horrible things. Yea Rah, he was rescued...well, those things don't go away just because you are rescued!!! I HATE WAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was horrible and so well done. I didn't like the story...because it could have been true...things like that happen...however, it was so well done...I would recommend it to those adults out there...it was NOT a kid friendly movie!

Of course, I have seen Twilight: New Moon...I have actually watched it about 8 or so times. I know, I know...I am old and acting like a teenager. I LOVE THE STORYLINE!!!!!!!!!! I am hooked. I have seen Twilight at least 15 times...I will, I am sure see New Moon that many times and I have read the books 6 times... and I plan on reading them more and more. I LOVE THIS SET OF BOOKS AND MOVIES. The movies, I believe follow the books pretty well. Of course, as in any book becoming a movie, all of it can't be put in the movie. I do think they have done a fine job of getting the main ideas and feelings into the movies. I have heard some say the New Moon movie was so depressing...and to that I say...HAVE YOU READ THE BOOK????? It is depressing, it is sad, it is scary...The movie portrayed the people pretty much the way the books did...New Moon had a completely different feel to it than Twilight did. I LOVE THEM....I guess I already said that. Go see it...own it and love it!!! It is awesome!!!! I did feel like the acting and directing was better in New Moon than in Twilight. These movies have made a TON of money!!!

There are a few other movies we want to see...we have missed them at the movie theatres...sometimes they need to be seen the first time at the theatre...we wanted to see Sherlock Holmes...we missed it...I guess we will see it when it comes on the free movies on cable...

I would also love to see Something about the Morgans? It is a goofy movie and I love to laugh. I haven't talked to anyone who has seen it and haven't read anything about it except the movie critic in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette gave it a one and 1/2 stars...but I don't always listen to their scores...I don't watch a movie to critique it, necessarily...and this one sounds like a load of fun...I could just eat some popcorn and laugh.

Another one I wanted to see at the movies was Inglorious Bastards. It got all kinds of GREAT reviews and nominations for awards. I have a hard time sometimes with the Nazi jazz...but I really wanted to see this one on the big screen...maybe we will see it on cable...we wait for them to come on free!!!

Oh there are so many out there...I guess I need to stop for now. I do want to see Twilight: Eclipse coming in June. I don't want to wait until it is too late for me to see it on the big screen. We will save some of our movie coupons for that one!!!!! Jeff is so good to me about the Twilight things. He sees it helps me cope with life to lose myself in these movies and books. I love him for it!!!

Well, share the movies you have seen or want to see with us. We are always wanting to know how the regular joes we know and love feel about movies and books out there.

Have a great one!

Cherie and Jeff

Stressed? Me???

Hello everyone!! Don't fall over! I have actually gotten on here and am going to write something. I know I don't write on here much, however, you don't want to know everything, believe me...hahahaha.

Well, Jeff is not working...yet. He is applying to anything and everything. He has thought a few times he would have a job...but no calls back!!! It is soooo frustrating.

We are hanging in there. Stress is nothing new to us now. We have had so many wonderful people come forward for us. Heavenly Father is REALLY blessing us. I know it may be horrible to say this...but I AM surprised. I oftentimes don't feel worthwhile...to have these blessings. I am grateful tho!

My mom is doing the same as anyone does who has moderate to severe Alzheimer's. She is sad...I am so sorry she has to go through this. It is frustrating. Sometimes I just have to smile at the things she does. It beats crying about it all the time. I just can't believe some of the things the mind can come up with...it is just weird.

Timi came over and fixed our computer enough we can use it. She is a sweetie!!! I hate not having a computer to work on...ancestry.com...is my life saver...it is where I go to get away...just in the room on the computer. I can still hear everything but feel like I can get away enough to not have all the stress of life right next to me. Mom is like a little child most of the time...she follows me around...I feel like I have a siamese twin....:) Oh well, I will be the one to miss her the most when she is gone... I am a weirdo! :)

I miss hearing from friends. Since we have been taking care of mom and dad it seems we never get to go anywhere or see anyone. I want all to know, who are reading this, you are NOT forgotten. We miss seeing you and hearing from you. Life has gotten away from us...I am not sure where it went...I feel like the kitty above...stressed so stressed!

Hugs to all...have a great life...we will be back in it one day.

Unemployed...

Jeff and I are looking for work. We are willing to do just about anything. If you know of any job opening please let us know. Thanks for your help.
Oh yes...thank you so much to Nathan for helping us with a security system. I had a dream mom went wandering and we couldn't find her. Nate is such a sweetie. He may have saved a life...he certainly saved my sanity. THANKS!!!!!!!!!!

Cherie and Jeff
PS. No unemployment benefits. We are having fun with our budget. It is funny how tight it can get when you really put your mind to it. If you hear squeaking coming from our area, now you know....:)

EVERYTHING IS COMING UP ROSES!!!!!!

Ok!!!!! Here we go again. Another uphill ride on the rollercoaster. Wish us luck...although, when you think about an amusement park, what is your favorite ride? THE ROLLERCOASTER!!!! Notice how you can't see anything after the very top of the coaster? Well, we all know there is something. It is scary not knowing, however, it is so much fun going down after you get to the top. I am ready...We knew it would be coming... HERE WE GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
More later...
Hugs to everyone...we miss you. We never see anyone anymore!!!

The Beginning of a New Year...2010

2010
It sounds like a movie from when I was a kid. I can honestly say I have NO IDEA where in the world 2009 went...actually...where has the last 10 years gone. Seems like just yesterday we kept hearing how everything was going to crash when the ball dropped to begin the year 2000. Now I have TONS of gray hair and it is 2010. I refuse to grow up to be the age I am. I will not be what I pictured everyone as being when they are 50...soon to be 51. Do I have to be? NO!!!!
I will be me...the dorky, fun-loving...furry old grover...oops...went into the Sesame Street mode there for a minute...so sorry. Anywho, I refuse to be old. I refuse to have my situation at this time make me old, as well. Things are not always great in life and once in awhile life really kicks your behind. A person has to, at those times, decide internally they will NOT be the person they see themselves becoming because of situations in life. I am young, can be fun, have a happy heart and mind. Goofy mind, too, but that is another story. TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!!!!! I keep telling myself that...my dad lived to be 78...my mom is 76...so I would think I have more than 20 years to live. Considering all the technology we are receiving and improving upon it could be many many more years than that!
So this is my resolution...or mind set...if you will...I refuse to let circumstances take over my mind...I will plug along until the right time comes along and boy will I blow all of you away with what I am still am, and what I become!!!! Smile awhile world. Cherie Murphy isn't dead yet!!!
And after today...no gray hair...see what I mean about technology!!!
Ain't it great?