Thoughts on a tree for next year.

It's been a while, but I had something happen yesterday, that I feel I need to share.
Even though I am working on the finishing touches for the tree for Festival of Trees this year, I have had in my mind that I need to find out what I want to do for next years tree, on the 10th anniversary of Hanna's death. I had also prayed about a little. Well, yesterday a friend and I went to Hancock fabrics because she needed to get some things for the Empress Theatre for costuming Scrooge and she doesn't have a car. When we walked in, who did I see but one of Hanna's former teachers at Hartvigsen, the special school for Granite District. She was there with some of the Special Needs kids for a class. I said Hi, and we talked for a minute, but she was right there at the pattern desk, so we kept talking a little more. Anyway, I decided to look through the pattern books and before I knew it, Boom, I was looking at a cute Fairy House that can be made, and I knew that's what I want to do for the tree. I had kind of been considering it, because another friend had made some beaded fairies to use sometime on a tree, but this drove it home! Then there were costumes for fairies that would be a wonderful addition to the tree. I felt Hanna's approval through the fact that her teacher was there! This was from Heavenly Father and I knew it!

My feelings

I was asked by my niece, Aileen, to write how certain things in our marriage have been crucibles that we have encountered and how we have dealt with them. This was for a class she is taking. This is my response.

"I can't do this without going into some detail, so I hope that is okay. If you need anything more, let me know. In short, this crucible lasted for almost 19 years, the life of Hanna, but we still use this experience to help others.

Our lives were forever changed when our daughter, Hanna, was born 10 weeks prematurely on Nov. 21, 1983. Little did we know what we would go through. We had hopes at first that all would be well with her and we kind of wore blinders for the first little while. She was the 6th of our children, and the first to have any problems surrounding her birth. She spent 7 weeks in the NBICU at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT and had several set-backs, but after getting a book on premature infants, we realized she didn't suffer some of the ill effects of prematurity.

As time went on, we ended up in the hospital several times for various health problems, including failure to thrive. We found she needed help at this point and got her started in early intervention because she wasn't progressing and was labeled as developmentally delayed. She continues to make some progress in some areas, but socially, she was not doing well. We had her diagnosed as Autistic when she was about 10yrs. old.

Her whole life was a trial for our entire family, because of her Autism and other health issues. We worked together, relied on our faith and just went day to day. She finally graduated from high school and was so proud and you could see it in her face.

Years before, one of her health problems was found in an ultrasound when she was 8 yrs old. She had surgery at the time to drain a syrenx in her spinal cord and then later she had to have her neck fused. In July, she had an MRI as a follow-up, and the Dr was concerned the syrenx had returned, so he wanted to get another MRI in October. ON Oct. 9, 2002, I took her in to Primary Children's Medical Center and because they had to put her under for the MRI, we had done as they requested, not letting her eat or drink for so many hours. Well, while she was under, she vomited and aspirated. They worked on her for 30 min. but because of her weak lungs and heart, she died. We were rocked when we were told of what happened.

My husband was out of town, at his parents in Santa Monica, CA and I had to call him and tell him what had happened. I wasn't able to speak, and so the doctor told him. He told me he would be home as quickly as he could. He was on the road in 20 minutes, and says he doesn't really remember much of the drive. We immediately gathered our children around us and other family members to pray together and support each other. Neighbors came to offer what ever assistance they could and our Ward of the Church rallied around us. We felt great comfort in knowing how loved she was in the community and among her friends from school and church. Since that time, we have gotten involved in various causes to help heal our hearts. We have done a tree in her honor for the Festival of Trees here in Salt Lake. We have participated in online groups to help others dealing with a child's loss, especially ones with congenital heart issues. One thing I found very helpful has been to just talk to others about Hanna and our experiences we had in her life. The hurt is still there, but we are strong in our conviction that we will see her again, and that her body is whole now, with none of the problems she endured in life. We have many "Hanna" moments between my husband and I and with our children. She is not forgotten. Our Grandchildren hear us speak of her, and know we miss her. Life goes on, but we are all changed for having her in our lives."

New Magna Library Grand Opening!

WOW! We finally opened the new Magna Library on May 21st, and it was amazing! I am so glad to finally be in the wonderful new building. I know we are all glad to finally be here! I am sure, Trish, our manager is relieved! It's been a long time coming! The amount of people who came through was staggering and it was a huge hit with everyone! All I can say, is Whew!

On Writing Poetry

This month of poetry has been,
a most remarkable thing.
I've found I have the skill
to express my thoughts at will.

I am more than you see outside
I have feelings deep inside
Our lives have a purpose, it is true.
We must help others see it too.

So make a difference to a friend in need
You'll be happy in the end indeed
You'll see our Savior and He will say,
"Well done, enter my house today!"

The Five Ws Poem

Vicki

came home early,

from work at the old Library,

at 2pm this afternoon,

because there really wasn't much else to do to get things ready for the movers on Monday!.

Clerihew Poem

I'm told my son Cory likes to play
Although he has to work all day
When he gets a chance
He puts on his basketball pants!

Lantern Poem

Light
Shining
Sure Brilliance
Fills up our souls
Christ

If you were Poem

If You Were

If you were a train
and I was a track
I'd guide you home to Father
and help you to get back.

Quinzain Poem

Royal wedding in London.
Why are we obsessed,
makes no sense?

My sweet Hanna

MY sweet Hanna

Our daughter, Hanna was born prematurely 27 years ago, but left this life 8 years ago.
She was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 8.
I am grateful for the years she was in our lives, because I learned many things..
I learned to be patient. I learned to be forgiving. I learned to be tolerant.
I learned to love unconditionally as she did.
She was a wonder, in that she never understood or cared why no one called her, when she said , “Call me!”
It didn’t matter to her, just that the person was in her life was all that mattered.
She loved babies, children, animals, and nature.
Her life was a gift to us, that we continue to marvel on.

Rebirth and Renewal

Rebirth and Renewal

I like to think of butterflies
They represent to me
a rebirth and renewal
of the earth every Spring

Our Savior is all loving
He came to earth, I know
To die for sins of everyone
And show us how to grow

The earth is so remarkable
it shows us how we should live
To have our sins forgiven
and return to God to live

Rictameter Poem

To be
And so we ask
The question of mankind.
To those without the truth
It's an unfathomable question.
Those who have the vigor of youth
Have so much piece of mind
No need to ask
To be

Rhyming Poetry

Go to Other Places

I love to read all kinds of books
They take me other places.
To worlds so strange, they have red brooks
and lots of different faces.

Some use the force to guide their lives
And guard those who are helpless.
These Jedi are the kind who thrive
on helping save a princess.

Then others have magicians small
who want to learn their lessons
And fight the evil wizards pall
as others have for eons.

So join me in imagining
These worlds of writers making
And read some books of fantasy
It always is breathtaking!

A Poem of Alliteration

Meandering Mormon maids
must marry men of might,
It matters most momentously
In the middle of the night.

Millennial marriages may be memorable
in the misty morning light,
When the mockingbirds make music
for the missionary's wife.

Now many mornings later
mid the melodies delight,
Mormon mommies make an entrance
on the Merry-Go-Round of life!

Holiday Poem

Easter
Cute dresses on girls and suits on boys, looking ever so dapper
The smells of Roast Leg of Lamb cooking and fresh flowers so lovely
Children laughing while Easter Egg hunting and tuneful choirs singing songs of redemption
Hard boiled eggs tasting so tangy and fresh when made into egg salad
Our spirits are touched with blessings unmeasured and love for our Savior fills our hearts
Easter

Nature Personified Poem

Here's another poem I've written. It's a nature personified poem.

Snow
Snow comes in quietly like a cat stalking a shadow
It covers the earth in a blanket of white
As it floats down from the mountainous clouds
Hiding everything in it's path.
Then leaves just as quietly as it slips down the drains and into the grass.

My thoughts on Moving the Library

On Closing the Magna Library

The Magna library will close today,
It seems our old building has had it's day.

It's time to move the books away,
To our new building, if that's okay.

So now we take the time to say,
Goodbye to things,our thoughts are gray.

It's sad to move, but it's underway,
We have a new building, Hip hip, hooray!

Another

What If


What if my life had been perfect ?
I might never have found my husband
What if we had only had two children?
I could only have two grandchildren
What if we had stayed in California?
I would not have the close family and friends I do now
Would I want anything different?

Some other poetry I've been writing this month...

Day 1 ~ Couplet

I guess I should begin right here,
to write a couplet true and dear.

I want my rhyme to make some sense,
so no one else will think I'm dense.

It's kind of fun when you begin,
and now i need to make an end!


Day 2 ~ Triplet

Now I know, the trick is so clear,
let's see what I can say right here,
it's fun to try and not to fear.

Hey, this is neat and fun to do,
I guess the words are sometimes true,
now on we go to three from two.


Day 3 ~ Acrostic Poem for April

April brings to mind so many things of God
Priesthood keys to bless so many lives
Real love on earth is sealed eternally
In temples here on earth
Love from our Father up above

Day 4 ~ Haiku

Autistic child
Disability of one
Lives turned upside down

Day 5 ~ Onomatopoeia Poem

Our cat makes a sound somewhat like a peep,

whenever she watches birds in a tree.

Don't ask me why,

she must want to fly.


Day 6 ~ "I Am" Poem

I am a mother in Zion and a singer
I wonder if I can get all my children back to Heavenly Father
I hear music all the time around me
I see me embracing my daughter in the eternities
I want to be reunited with all my lost loved ones
I am a mother in Zion and a singer


I pretend I know what I'm doing
I feel that by doing so, I will know what I'm doing
I touch the lives of all those I know
I worry that I'm not enough
I cry when one of my children is in pain
I am a mother in Zion and a singer


I understand why we need the Atonement
I say the Church is true
I dream that my courage will be rewarded
I try to teach others about the Gospel
I hope that others will know I love them
I am a mother in Zion and a singer


Day 7 ~ "If I Were" Poem

If I were a willing servant of the Lord,
I'd tell others of the Gospel and
I'd let them know the truth and,
I'd want them to be happy.
I'd be a faithful missionary

Day 8 ~ Cinquain Poem (Pattern 1)

Heaven
A place you go
where our dear Father lives
He lovingly waits for us there
Our home

Day 9 ~ Cinquain Poem (Pattern 2)

Babies
Cute, cuddly
Hold them tight
Our hearts held captive
Sweetness


Day 10 ~ Spring Senses Poem

Spring looks like a robin's red breast
Spring sounds like birds twittering in the trees
Spring feels like a warm sweet caress
Spring smells like a honey suckle breeze
Spring tastes like ripe strawberries on your breath

That's what Spring is to me!
(I had to add the last line to finish the rhyme :o)


Day 11 ~ Limerick

There once was a girl from the city
Who was really so very pretty
She went to audition
she used such good diction
And now she is known as Miss Kitty

I wrote 2, here's the second:

American Idol's where it's at
You have to be a talented Jack
The Jills have to sing high
The judges have to sigh
Or else you could end up with the Sack


Day 12 ~ Tanka Poem

I am the older
my twin sister is taller
she's a mother of seven
two boys and five girls so fair
I too have seven I love


Day 13 ~ Grammar Poem

My eternal companion
Creative and romantic
Steady and helpful to those around
Like the rock his name stands for
If only we stay the course, eternity's ours


Day 14 was Poem in your pocket Day.

We've been challenged each day
to find something to say
in the style suggested by Stephanie

Here's one that's just fun
and I won't have to run
If I rhyme it now with an epiphany

I will post this right here
and I want to make clear
that now I might not make it in infamy

For rhyming a word
that is sort of absurd
Can be baffling and a total mystery!

Poem

I wrote a poem today that I am still not sure is done, but I need to post it. Then I can print it out if needed...
My life

I once heard a quote that has come to mean much,
I have made it my daily motto.
"It is good to have an end to journey toward,
but it is the journey that matters in the end. "
I truly believe in this saying,
and I've learned I can help others see.
Our lives have a purpose and we make it so,
by being the best we can be.
If I don't think my life is worth living,
then that's what I'll find in the end.
It's ultimately what I believe,
that makes the difference for me.
So I will go on each day of my life,
Helping others to learn this great truth.
And that will create value and love for me,
Each day from the time of my youth.
So, enjoy your life each day that you live,
just by living your life with a goal,
to make a difference each day
to those who have lost their way
Then you can go home knowing your worth.

Vicki

New Library!

We are only weeks away from moving the Magna Library to our new building> I am so excited, but I also discovered that it has been the source of sleepness nights. I guess I have been a little anxious about this move, almost like starting a new job! Anyway, I realized that I hadn't prayed about my feelings until something someone said in a testimony last Sunday. Well, I have been praying since then, and it has helped! I am thankful for reminders that we need to pray about everything in our lives. I am grateful for all that I have, and I know who I need to thank for everything! I love the Lord!

Karey White: EVENTS

Karey White: EVENTS: "Book Signing at Murray Costco February 26, 2011, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 5201 South Intermountain Drive, Murray, UT"

RELIEF SOCIETY (Tribute song)

Deep thoughts

I got this quote today , and it really is deep and I want to save it for contemplation.

“…The Lord indicates a…serious problem with harboring an unforgiving heart: ‘Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.’ (D&C 64:9.) Is the Lord truly saying that refusing to forgive another is a greater sin than the offense committed against us? Yes. Truman Madsen suggests one reason for this: In refusing to forgive another, we, in effect, attempt to deny the blessings of the Atonement to that person: ‘You may have reached the point of desperation in your own life when you have prayed and yearned for forgiveness of your own guilt and sin. But then you turn and say, ‘But not him! Don’t you forgive him! I’m not going to, he doesn’t deserve it.’ You will then close the channel of love and compassion and revelation from the Lord. You seek to nullify His atonement for others. It is like triple plate steel against water.’

[Truman G. Madsen, “On Forgiveness,” address delivered at the annual LDS Social Services Seminar, 3 Aug. 1978, Logan, Utah]” Roderick J. Linton, Ensign, Apr. 1993, 15

Trying to win a book!

I want to win a book, so I'm posting this link! Go to it and see what you think!
http://donaldjcarey.com/2011/01/its-contest-time-two-for-one-special.html