BIRTH DAY

WEDNESDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER 2015

Last Sunday we ate at our son Ryan's home.  His wife, Sarah, surprised me with a birthday cake and presents.  This Saturday I join Grandpa and turn 69.  That means I begin my 70th year soon after.  This is not a joyful thought for me, so it was with some relief I enjoyed the attention and spoiling.  We all smiled when Sarah gave me their Ward cook book.  I will have to try cooking something from it just so I can say I used it.  They also gave me a gift card for the half price bookstore by the college in town.  The cake and cupcakes were made with crushed Oreo's...yes, it was delicious!  All the Grandchildren that were there sang happy birthday with their parents and I felt very loved.  Thank you, Bushman's and Hansen's for making it a rewarding day for Grandma Gene.  I can do this, I can endure well to the end...I think I can, I think I can.

We enjoyed Labor Day and just had a quiet time at home together.  Grandpa was thinking of going to Heathers to swim, but it was over 100 degrees out and we chose to stay cool and quiet...we even slept in since there was no school on Monday, so that meant no Seminary.  

The Stake Presidency called Sister Kim McCullough to teach the 11th and 12th grade classes, so we invited her to join us in our class on Tuesday AM!  We were kind of heart broken that we would not be teaching all the students.  However, we had renewed hope that now we can learn the 9th grade Students names! 

I drove to the bookstore on Labor Day and enjoyed searching for interesting items.  I returned back to our cave with four books and a DVD of Peru!  I have been enjoying reading every since.  Thank you, Sarah and Ryan for the discovery of that bookstore and your kindness.

So Tuesday morning we drove to Seminary in the rain.  It poured on our way home and we welcomed it.  The area cooled off for awhile until the humidity took over...got to love Oklahoma in the summer.

I walked the grounds when returning...trying to not think about how I miss swimming everyday.  Heather's dog trotted along with me.  I laughed as she had to be on the other side of the fence from me....the grass is always greener, right?  She always follows me home for a doggie treat and then disappears back down the road to the Hansen's.

As I pondered our quiet lives now I read this message below from facebook.  I love this quote and it made me thankful.  Thank you "Jesus Daily"!     

I'm so thankful to be on this earth and enjoy this quiet time of life...even if I will be getting up at 5 AM to teach all year.  The 12 students we now have are just a delight.  The subject matter is one I have studied since my own youth and yet both Grandpa and I find we have forgotten many of the teachings and are so grateful for the review.

Today I have my ultra sound for the surgery last week.  Dr. Hennebry took time to visit with me about my other two surgerys coming up.  He also told me that he heard from the records department that I had been calling trying to get things settled so the insurance would pay his bill.  That surprised me.  We had gotten papers saying our hospital bills have been handled by Humana, but because of code errors none of the doctor bills were paid.  He thanked me for thinking about his bill...and told me the records department was working on it.  My ultra sound looked good, so the surgerys are going well.  Maybe by Christmas all the paper work will be handled correctly too.
Honestly, I am so thankful this evening that I live in America and can get help when in pain.  Life is good in  warm ol' Oklahoma!
THURSDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2015
This Saturday is not only my Birth Day, but my twin sons will be turning 42.  I also have a granddaughter, Lauren, who was a gift on my birthday.  Lauren will be 15.  Our Daughter in law's father, Denton Cameron was also born on this day.
This is Todd and his family.  They

just announced he has taken a new job and they are moving to Austin, TX.  Happy Birthday Todd.  We love you!
Troy and his family live in Wisconson.  They are taking their children to Disney World for his birthday.  We hope you have the best time ever, Troy.  We love you!

Lauren is taller than her siblings now and such a pretty girl.  Happy Birthday, Lauren.  We love you!

I got the best Birth Day gifts ever!  Life is GREAT!  This is a picture of my three older boys in 1974.
Sweet Birth Day memories!  Grandpa Arthur  and I never realized how much love our hearts could hold until we had children and grandchildren.  Happy Birthday to me!

SATURDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER 2015
So since we teach Seminary, I decided to get donuts for my birthday...since the Seminary students like them so well...ha!  They tasted great, but felt like lead in the stomach...ha.

Last night my Hansen grandchildren stopped by with their parents.  Leif wanted to give me a bag of grapes for my birthday.  They were cotton candy grapes.  Thanks Leif these are really good!

"These plump, juicy, all-natural green grapes are one of our newest varieties, and they're one that everyone is excited about. Cotton Candy® grapes taste exactly like the pink spun-sugar treat you loved as a kid at the circus—and we mean exactly. Pop some in your mouth, close your eyes, and you're that kid again! And here's a bonus: these grapes aren't sticky and loaded with granulated sugar like the fluffy stuff you munched on back in the day. But they're just as sweet—and much juicier. This is fresh fruit you can snack on all you want. Everyone who's tried these one-of-a-kind grapes has had a jaw-dropping, totally amazed, reaction."   Grapery USA
I heard laughing this afternoon while I was out weeding our flower beds.  I went to investigate and found the Hansen grandchildren jumping on a trampoline their dad put together for them.  They were so cute and happy that I had to include this photo with this memorable day.  Birth Day gift for Grandma Gene...children giggling!

Before the BYU game against Boise State began, our grandson, Jake, brought some of our Seminary Students over to wish me a happy birthday.  I was in my pj's already so had to run and put a robe on!  This was the best present ever even if I wasn't very presentable!

SUNDAY 13, SEPTEMBER 2015
Breaking Sabbath Morning News:

Yay BYU!
In the wee hours of the morning we got my final Birth Day gift!  This is a lovely way to begin my 70th year of life!  Also got to attend 3 lovely hours of meetings today at the OKC 7th Ward.  I sure hope 70 is our lucky # !
We are off to sup with our daughter, Heather's family, so will sign off on this blog.
In our Sacrament meeting today, Brother Villareal, said he had a friend that told him the meaning of the word bible:
BASIC INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE LEAVING EARTH!
With this reminder to study The Word. I want to thank each of you for the lovely memories I have of turning 69 yesterday.  In this world of uncertainty Grandpa Arthur and I feel so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family.  May The Lord bless each of you.  May you feel loved and not get discouraged.  May blessings pour into your lives and sin run away from you.  You are always in our love and prayers.  Be kind to each other, and choose to be happy.
The Bible holds the key to the great plan of happiness...this plan  can be ours forever.
Always,
Grandma Gene & Grandpa Arthur
Arthur & Gene