Happy All Hallow's Eve!

Where your eyes don't go a filthy scarecrow waves its broomstick arms

And does a parody of each unconscious thing you do

When you turn around to look it's gone behind you
On it's face it's wearing your confused expression
Where your eyes don't go.

- They Might Be Giants, Where Your Eyes Don't Go

Happy 3rd Birthday, Weston!

Weston actually turned 3 years old on the 23rd, but they were out of town, so we celebrated on Sunday night. They were worn out from traveling, their luggage hadn't even been unpacked, they had laundry to do before morning, Taylor had the largest set of infected tonsils I've ever encountered, and Weston was underwhelmed that I had got him what I thought was the perfect gift - but his Mother also bought him the same thing! So it's off to the WalMart to exchange for something else.

This Three Year Old Boy…Weston

What do I say about this three-year-old boy?
I could say that he has the most gorgeous hazel eyes
I could tell you about the pout that turns my heart inside out
I could tell you how we understand only about half of what he says
I could try to imitate the noises that he makes with his trucks, tractors, airplanes, and power tools
I could describe to you the joy I feel – when he throws his arms around my neck or grabs my legs and say’s “Hi Damma!”
I could tell you what a great helper he is
I could tell you how he finds joy and entertainment in the simplest of things
I could tell you about how much he loves to ride in the boat or on the 4-wheeler or on a tractor
I could tell you about his fascination with bees – until he got stung
I could tell you about what a TEASE he is
But the thing I want to tell you is that I LOVE this little man and LOVE having him in our family. He brings a smile to my face even when he’s being naughty
He makes my heart warm - knowing that he loves me too.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SWEET 3 YEAR OLD BOY!

Family, Fall, and Fishing!

OMG! Where does the time go? I just can't seem to keep on top of 'whatza happenin' in our family and lives!

First and foremost, I need to report that Gary recently went in for a PET scan which thankfully came back clear; another sigh of relief and his favorite expression....Again we are so thankful for the faith and prayers of friends and family that accomplishes much when our own test of faith seems to wane.

We've been going to watch the little girls in their soccer games - altho we have not been as faithful in getting there each week, it's always fun to see how hard they hustle up and down the field. The last game that we attended for Skyla, I noticed there was a little brunette on the opposing team, who just kept shoving and tugging at Sky, until she finally had enough, and started doing the same thing. Neither of the coaches seemed to notice - but I could tell there was a bit of a power struggle going on there. Kloyie runs until she is hyperventilating and overheating, even in the chill. Her face gets all rosy, and she looks off at the sideline, like 'when can I sit out a game?' Taylor is a tad more interested in visiting with her little friend Izzie than chasing the ball; but she comes around and hustles to help her team when they need her. Meanwhile, Weston and Laila are on the sidelines sharing snacks, fighting over the one small chair, and Weston is trying on the chair cover as a hat or using his favorite piece of cloth to whip at people, or wad up in a ball and throw in the air. I spend almost as much time at the playground with the 2 that are not playing this year, and taking pix of them learning new skills on the playground equipment. We have an 'electronic park' at the new Jr. High close to us, so I've taken Taylor and Weston over there - mainly because they have sand instead of wood chips - and Weston LOVES dirt! And baby Seth does what he does BEST - CUTE!!

After Taylor's soccer game on Saturday, Laila and I walked home. We were gonna try to visit the farmyard which has llamas, sheep, goats, turkeys, ducks, chickens, a couple of horses.....let's see, is that all? Anyway, all the animals had been moved clear to the back of the yard, so we crossed the street and stopped off at the ladies house who sells pumpkins. I couldn't resist getting this photo of her with all the fall color in the background.

By the time we reached the driveway, Curt was telling us to come into the garage to see the pigeon that was in there. Surprise - another bird experience! It was a beautiful pedigree pigeon that seemed perfectly fine to perch itself on the roof of the car for a couple of hours. Laila and Connor {who was waiting for us to get home from the game} tried feeding it some cracker crumbs - much to their dismay he was not interested and ended up making more of a mess on the roof of the car than the bird!

Matt and Curt have gone out fishing more this year. They have been up in the Uintahs, and down to a local nature park that allows fishing. They had Connor out there Saturday, while Laila and I were at the soccer game. Altho they didn't bring anything home, I did sit and watch them get nibbles. Connor said that the 'fish are really smart, Grandma. They come right up and nibble the stuff off the hook and them swim away.'

So that's pretty much what the last couple of weeks have been about - aside from what I've already posted about, and OH......I'm back working full-time. It's been kickin' my butt a little; and I'm learning that the drive into SLC can vary from about 28-30 minutes on a good day, and about an hour on others!!

Da,da,da,duh! Week in Review!

It's been one week - a week of saying good-bye to my brother, a week of welcoming Seth with a name and blessing, a week of wishing my oldest grand daughter Kloyie a Happy 10th birthday, and a week of feeling inspired by love and guided by knowledge, but on a learning curve for both! Starting back to work full-time has definitely made me appreciate the free time that I enjoyed during the week {but was actually bored with}.

Isn't it interesting that we always seem to be seeking that which we don't have - looking at the greener pastures and not realizing all the manure that makes them that beautiful color of green! I have desperately been wanting to get back to working - I need the positive re-enforcement of feeling productive.

Wednesday's Child is full of Woe - Kloyie, not a lot of time has passed in the 10 years you have been with us, yet you have endured many changes in your family unit. I have watched you evolve from a timid, quiet child, into an inquisitive, independent young girl, and now I am totally in awe of your demeanor as your anticipate the next stages of your growth. But if you want to see what the world was like on that day, check out this link.

Farewell...

{Military honors offered at Tom's graveside was so touching as the flag was lifted off his casket and solemnly folded with taps played in the distance. I received this note from my niece and I think her sweet expression of sympathy is so heartfelt, I just wanted to share it, as we all feel the same about Tom.}

Dear Sue,

I was down helping Quinn and Devry transition into their new home when Mom called me with the news of Uncle Tom's passing. I have felt so left out until I returned home and could sit down and read all the blogs. Everyone loved Tom so much and he touched all of our lives no matter where we lived. He is truly a man larger than life. Whenever I looked at him I saw my own dad and loved Tom even more for it. Uncle Tom represented my dad like Aunt Vena represented my mom and I loved both of them so much for that extra emotional support that they unconsciously delivered. It is a sacred spot where Uncle Tom's mortal remains now reside.

Give Leanne my love. My love goes out to you also as you are so much younger than your family and therefore have the extra emotional burden of watching them pass away. Hold firm Sue, all the rest of our family needs what you symbolize.

Love you,

Vicky

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. ~ From a headstone in Ireland

Thomas D. Fry
(January 11, 1929 - October 7, 2009)

You and me against the World
Sometimes it feels like..You and me against the World
When all the others turn their backs and walk away,
you can count on me to stay.

Remember when the Circus came to Town...
and you were frightened by the clown,
wasn't it nice to be around someone that you knew?
Someone who was big and strong and looking out for you and me
Against the World

Sometimes it feels like you and me against the World
and for all the times we cried,
I always felt that God was on our side

And when one of us is gone,
and one of us is left to carry on
Then remembering will have to do
Our Memories alone will get us through
Think about the days of me and you,
You and Me against the World

And when one of us is gone,
and one of us is left to carry on
Then remembering will have to do...
Our Memories alone will get us through

Think about the days of Me and You...
You and Me Against The World

Thinking of Leanne and her family today - the lyrics in this song by Helen Reddy have always stuck with me during sad times and made me feel like there is always someone there to lean on.

Heidi & Heather are 31'derful!!

A Poem About Twins
The heavens were excited, statistics were right.

"Gather round" the wisest of angels said, "Gods designed twins tonight."

It's quite a marvelous process as anybody knows...

Two separate souls beginning their lives, as his love just overflows.

Perhaps he'll make them just alike, or as different as can be.

But that's the way he wants it. He's planned it that way you see.

He must find a loving mom and a special dad...

For twins take special parents and the best just must be had.

So your joy is mighty special, I'm sure you know that's true.

God knew you'd be these parents and so, he's sent you two.

Top 10 Things I Love About Having Twins

These are some of the things that I love most about being a mom of twins.

1. Armfuls and Handfuls
Every child fills their parents' hearts and home with joy. That's what I really loved about having twins - the love and joy are compounded. Cradling twinfants in my arms was so incredibly, almost unbearably, sweet. Holding hands with two toddlers -- one on the right, and one on the left -- while crossing the street made me feel complete. Double hugs, double kisses... life just doesn't get any better than that!

2. Single-Mindedness
Parenting happens in stages. For people with a one-track mind, like me, it was much easier to manage two infants, two toddlers or two 'tweens, than to juggle the needs of a baby and a preschooler {altho, I had that as well!}.

3. Shared Accomplishments
It's always exciting to see your child meet a milestone. But when two accomplish their goals simultaneously, it's a wonderful experience for a family.

4. Private Jokes
It's such fun to hear them share jokes, call each other by nicknames and role-play their special scenarios. The always seem to have an 'inside joke' between them and they have a unique and sarcastic sense of humor that parrots off one another.

5. Alike, But Different
It's fascinating to be an observer of twins. With so many similarities, but such stark differences, it's interesting to see how they develop as individuals.

6. 2-For-1 Bonus
Short and sweet .... one pregnancy = two babies! Such a deal!

7. A Sense of Status
Okay, I admit it. I get a little thrill of pride in being a mom of twins. It's like being a part of an elite club. I love the reaction I got when I tell people I had twins. "Wow!" "I always wanted twins..." "I don't know how you did it..." It's almost like we enjoy an exclusive status in the parenting world, earning a slight nod of respect for pulling double duty.

8. Sharing
Twins share everything -- their birthday, their parents' attention, their identity, and many of their belongings. Although they may get frustrated with their situation, it's very gratifying to witness their "what's mine is yours" attitude in a moment of unselfish benevolence.

9. A Beautiful Bond
The twin bond is more enduring than any other relationship on earth, starting even before birth, and often outlasting many friendships and even marriages. Despite their squabbles, it's comforting to know that they will enjoy their unique relationship for all of their lives. As their mother, I feel really privileged to be a party to their special bond, and to have the opportunity share in it and nurture it.

10. Confidence in Companionship
I love the confidence that my daughters exhibit simply because they have always had each other to rely on. I love to watch them enter new, unfamiliar situations with total surety because they are together. I love seeing all the ways that being a twin shapes their personalities, both as an advantage and a disadvantage. They have never known loneliness because they've always had each other as a companion.

Happy Birthday to Heidi and Heather - You bring me such JOY!

Happy Birthday, Leanne!

Happy Birthday to my niece Leanne. She is my brother Tom's only child - and selflessly gives of herself to make sure that he is always taken care of. There isn't a doctor's appt., a holiday, or family function that she and her husband don't ensure that he is included in and attending. I so appreciate her love and devotion to him.

She has 2 wonderful kids and a dog who also make her life complete. Wishing you a wonderful day, and hoping that you are spoiled a bit for all the hours you devote to others.