EIGHT CRAZY NIGHTS....

The past week has been crazy, what with finishing [I mean starting....] Christmas shopping, having a few of the grandkids over to spend time with Grandma doing some baking and decorating, attending Christmas cantatas, and FAMILY gatherings (which are the BEST!). To begin this busy month, Kloyie and Skyla came over and decorated my Christmas tree - can I tell you what a treat it is to have someone else do that? If they don't do it, it probably wouldn't get done! Because I'm working this year, I wasn't able to get to any of the grandkids school programs; but then again, I wasn't told of any either! Maybe they just weren't involved in any...maybe the schools are being prejudiced by political agendas that would like to see all mention of CHRISTmas out of the school protocol. Taylor and Laila spent the night and I took them to see the Christmas lights at Layton City Park; then we decorated Christmas cookies for them to take home to their Mom. When my kids were little this was a huge endeavor for us to do at Christmas and Valentines Day - cutting out cookies, baking and decorating for the neighbors. The 3rd weekend, I had Weston come over to build and decorate a Christmas train engine. I mentioned that maybe we should get Uncle Curt involved on the engineering end of it - the results were AWESOME! As we were finishing up the engine, Matt, Alysa and Sloane showed up and it quickly went from the 'little engine that could' to the whole train, and a village. A large piece of cardboard was found and covered with foil - and then Mike and Connor showed up.....their contributions were of a more "natural" essence with trees, a bonfire, deer, and lotsa poop! Droppings by the outhouse and around the lone pine tree. I was thrilled to see that my adult man children were having as much (or MORE) fun than the little kids doing this. In fact, we've decided that next year it will be a family project - where we will put the finished masterpiece is unknown. I know Weston took this one home and it's sitting downstairs in Heather's family room on their ping-pong table. Merry Christmas, Santa - looks like you'll have hot chocolate and your choice of cookies, candy, and deer droppings! We all were invited into the Campbell home for their annual Christmas Family gathering. Such a spread of delicious food, warm feelings of love, interrupted only once by the crashing of a broken village piece upon the tile floor, and the Christmas program, carefully orchestrated by our 'in-house' producer, director, and most times STAR, Teri. This is a tradition that DiAnne started when her children were small; then when my kids and both of our grandkids started coming up thru the ranks, all were utilized in some way into the Nativity story. Interesting that little Seth was the Baby Jesus last year, and this year he is a toddler. How time flies! And Sloane's famous response to Santa ~ I WANT A DIAMOND! I train them young, don't I? Perfect advertising for Morgan Jewelers!

It is now a very quiet Sunday - outside is a blanket of new fallen snow! Guess I commented too soon about getting used to having a balmy Christmas with snow in the mountains and grass in the valley!

For Unto You...

What the Birth of Christ has done for our World, technology cannot change! Everything in perspective, people.....

Wishing you a very Merry CHRISTmas, and a stunning New Year!

The Reason for the Season

YOU CAN'T STEAL
MY CHRISTMAS


Christmas begins with CHRIST.

I don't know who THEY are --
Saying I can't greet the crowd
The way that I want to
Can't say CHRISTMAS out loud.

I walk into a business place
See things that I'd rather not see
But dare I not say CHRISTMAS
And ask for a "holiday" tree?

What happened to freedom of speech
And living in the land of the free?
How can they take my CHRISTMAS money
But can't say MERRY CHRISTMAS to me?

Men and women have given their lives
So we could still go free.
I wonder how they would feel
At saying "HOLIDAY" TREE?

Come on AMERICA let's wake up!
Don't let our freedom escape
If they get by with doing this,
What else will they take?

This is starting to get out of hand,
And I've begun to keep track --
Well I've just about had enough,
I'M TAKING CHRISTMAS BACK!
If we all stand united and take freedom back
'Twill be our best CHRISTMAS YET!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY ~ JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

Why Do We Kiss Under the Mistletoe?

Mistletoe was said to be the sacred plant of Frigga, the goddess of love. When her son, Balder, dreamed of his death, Frigga rushed about seeking promises that her son would not die. Unfortunately, Balder’s enemy, Loki, tipped an arrow with Mistletoe and gave it to Hoder, the blind god of winter who killed Balder with it. He was brought back to life by his mother when she shed tears that turned into Mistletoe berries, so Frigga kissed everyone who passed under the tree on which it grew. From that time on, anyone who stood under the mistletoe would receive only a kiss; no harm could come to him.

An Anglo-Saxon legend of Freya, goddess of love, said men must kiss any young girl who stood under a sprig of Mistletoe hung from the ceiling. Another custom required all the Mistletoe in the house to be burned on Twelfth Night, or the couples who kissed under it will never marry!

GEESH! I think we could all make up some kind of story as to a reason to Kiss Under the Mistletoe - let's just say it's FUN!

Eight is GREAT!

On Novemeber 21, 2010, Taylor turned EIGHT!
We had the priviledge of attending and sharing the experience of her baptism last Saturday.

As You Are Baptized

You have chosen to be baptized
To start your life anew,
Following in Christ*s footsteps
For you know the Gospel*s true,

When our lives are clean and spotless,
The Holy Ghost can guide;
A companion and a prompter
He*ll stay always at your side.

For your reflections of today,
I give a gift to you
Symbolic of these sacred vows,
and of the Gospel true.
So clean and white, this hanky-
Like you*ve become today;
When you vowed to follow Jesus
and your sins were washed away.

To follow in Christ*s footsteps
The commandments to obey,
To remember His atonement
and for repentance, pray.

Remember God is near you
His love for you is great
Stay near the Straight and Narrow Path
Where lasting blessing wait. By Kathy Carrico Himle

CONGRATULATIONs Taylor, on your decision to be baptized. We love you so much, and know that you will try hard to live as your Heavenly Father would want you to.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

May all of you have a wonderful THANKSGIVING; with the enjoyment of surrounding yourself with the love of family, the warmth of hearth and home, and enough of the bounties to be thankful for. Love to ALL family (or random strangers who happen along my path and give me encouragment and pieces of your wisdom).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TAYLOR!

Becoming your grandmother is wonderful. One moment you're just a mother. The next you are all-wise and prehistoric!

Taylor recently had an assignment for school whereby she was to ask Grandparents about what life was like when they were her age. As I sat down to do my part of the assignment, I realized how vastly different it was for me than for her.

I didn’t have a Mother…. and my Dad was almost as old as your Grandpa! Taylor, you have a loving Mom and Dad, who do everything within their abilities to make sure that you and your brother are taken care of and provided for.

I lived very close to the school, so all I had to do was venture across the street and through my friend’s yard, then through the playground before I would reach the door of my classroom. Your school is too far away to walk to, but not close enough for a bus, so you carpool with other kids from your neighborhood.

Our lunches were very much different than the lunches at school today. We always had a fresh cooked meal prepared by an Army of Cafeteria workers. I do remember that it was always good and we were expected to eat everything on our plate! NO fast-food choices for us!

We were always expected to dress nice. I think there was one day a week when we could wear pants; but all the other days, I was in a dress. It was that way until I graduated from High School. You, on the other hand, hardly ever wear a dress to school!

I loved going to school, and knowing that I would be learning some new concept each week. It started out with the Alphabet, then reading, then math, then a specific area of history, and learning about the proper way to write and speak. I loved all the friends that I made; I loved having a crush on a different boy every week. I remember having terrible sore throats often, and having to walk across Gentile Street to the old Tanner Clinic to get penicillin shots. Finally I had my tonsils out, just like you just did, and I didn’t have to do that any more! I remember walking to school in the fog, and wondering if I would get lost. I remember lying in a spearmint lined ditch that surrounded the tennis courts, and smelling so sweet and minty after recesses. As we got older, we would play touch football, Red Rover, Freeze Tag, Dodge Ball, baseball, basketball, and in 5th and 6th Grade, we took a record player out to the tennis courts on the side of the school, and learned how to dance. We also played our share of 'Kiss Tag'. (Don't ever admit to this to a grandchild that has the memory of an elephant!)

I hope that you will always enjoy your school years, and try to find something in each year that is a favorite. A favorite teacher, a favorite friend, a favorite book, a favorite lesson….

Today, you turn 8 years old. You have grown into such a wonderful, excitable, smart, funny girl.

Such a special day for a Special little girl
Turning eight years old has put you in a Whirl!
"Granma, I'm gonna be baptized", you say
How wonderful that this is the highlight of your day.

Choose the Right will be your motto
What would Jesus Do?
If you follow the baptismal covenants
and are quiet enough to hear the Spirit whisper
You'll know how to stay true.

Hope you have a wonderful day......I love you so much.

Afterthoughts on Afterlife

Three different circumstances stood out from our experience with Mom-in-law's passing in September. First was trying to explain to the little great's about her death, and what/where/how/why it all happens. Secondly, was the beautiful bouquet of roses that my family rendered in behalf of condolences. And thirdly, was the thoughtfulness of a sweet friend in taping the funeral proceedings, so that we would have it to listen to later. It was especially nice, since Fay's husband had an engagement that he had to be in Washington for that day, and was not able to hear the loving message that she gave at the funeral.

I asked Vicky later about the analogy that the Primary children are taught about the body and the spirit, and how they are two separate things. It had been so long since I was in the capacity of being in Primary, that I had forgotten it. I only wished that we had had Bishop Simmon's relate it at the funeral.

Vicky: I don't know where to specifically send you for an official rendition of the analogy. Basically it teaches like this ~ The hand represents the spirit of an eternal being. The glove represents the mortal body. At birth the spirit enters into the mortal body...hand into glove. The glove fits perfectly the hand as the body fits perfectly the spirit. Together the spirit and body constitute the soul as a glove and hand constitutes a warm and happy unit.

As the days, months, and years go by the glove becomes soiled, worn, and threadbare with use. It becomes old and maybe even a little outdated and clumsy. At the end of its usefulness it is removed from the hand and put away as Heavenly Father removes a worn-out and fatigued body from the spirit. The spirit (hand) is still the same and will go on to later receive a new glove just like the old glove used to be.

Hope that helps a little. Death is a hard transition for everyone no matter how old or how young. You are wonderful to be so sensitive to the matter and to young feelings. My well wishes go to the littlest great-grandchildren and to all.

Then I asked Leanne about the bouquet of roses, as it wasn't a bouquet of one color, but many colors and one rose bud that did not bloom. It too had significance:


The rose is called an artificial rose because they are 'hybrid'. So much so, that they are not supposed to open, thus referred to as a 'Forever Rose'. I thought that would be a good one to save and either dry it or dip it in that stuff that keeps them so they still look real. It brought to memory that they were all live roses that had been cut from their source of nourishment to make this lovely bouquet. But within a few days, they were wilting and eventually dying. The one that was bred to stay perpetually a 'bud' looked the same, and will be a reminder of everlasting life to me. Such a good reminder of our thoughts on life after death.

BUSY, BuSy, Busy.....

This is the time of year when everything becomes a fog! Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas....and if you work in retail, Christmas begins in JULY! At least that is when the orders are put in for the merch that will start arriving in September for the last 1/4 of the year!

I haven't had the where-with-all (nor the inspiration) to post much since September, but there has been so many things that have filled the days. We have enjoyed the most wonderful Indian Summer here and have celebrated Heidi and Heather's birthdays, Kloyie's and Weston's birthday, Halloween, and are now making plans for the Thanksgiving dinner. Everywhere I turn, there are posts about things to be thankful for. We were able to get the cuzzin's together for a lunch while Karen and Marlin were here, and a group of us went to see Teri's latest play 'The Coming Ice Age' ~ activities with family IS THE BEST!!

Autumn

Golden yellows, Coppery orange

Shades of crimson red

Colors swirling ‘round my feet as I walk

Wandering through the autumns that we’ve shared

Into a whirlwind of colors

And the dust of broken dreams. 

Introduction to Heaven

Dear God,

Let this serve as an introduction to Edith Lloyd Shifflett ~ a Woman of Honor who just recently passed from this mortal life, into the Kingdom of Heaven. I know she is welcomed with open arms by many loved ones who have gone on before her. I realize You know all there is to know, but these are just a few of the things we love her for.

Thoughts about Mom. . .

Mom was not a master cook, nor an immaculate housekeeper!

She was first and foremost a Daughter of her Heavenly Father, a Woman of Faith, a good Mother and Grandmother, a Friend and Proponent of Truth, and a Believer.

The things she chose to do to keep busy was gardening, canning, sewing, fellowshipping, and proclaiming her testimony and love of the Gospel – all of which she did and shared with others, hoping it would be beneficial to them.

She is the most unselfish woman I know – who never wanted anything more for herself, than she did for others. And she usually gave up her time, her talents, and good heartedness more than was required or expected. Neighbors, ward members, nieces and nephews love her; but mostly her children and grandchildren – who will miss her silly cackle, her calm, reassuring guidance, and her unwavering devotion and love for them.

May we remember all the good times – the teaching moments, working alongside her in the garden, the orchard, or the yard, and the odd meal combinations; like Spam pizza on English muffins, the unusual ‘ICE’ water, catsup on almost anything she ate, carob chocolate candy w/pumpkin seeds and raisins, her famous/infamous scrambled eggs which half the grandkids really liked, and half did not like at all!

As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she loved the Gospel and had many loving friends in the 20th Ward that watched over her. She was one of those who always gave more than she received and was a delight to be around with her great smile and unique sense of humor. She emulated the true love of Christ in her life and through her good works. She loved serving others and never said anything negative. She has been the perfect example in every way.

Now is the time to take to heart all the counsel she has given and put it to use in our lives. This is what she would want of us – to come together as a family in love and unity. We will miss you Mom, but are so thankful for everything you have accomplished and all you have given. Love you forever….

(I offered up the idea to the kids and grandkids that they could write a little note or put a photo in with Grandma before the casket was closed. Above is the thoughts that I came up with, and then each of us signed it. Connor had a love-note that he included, and Heidi and Heather both put in pictures of their families that they just recently gave to Mom for Mother's Day. She loved displaying photos of her family, and truly adored the newest ones that we all gave her. )

Grandma, We Love You

This is a copy of the tribute that I wrote for Mom's 80th birthday, and the one that Heather read so beautifully at her funeral.

If every person to whom you have shown
some act of compassion and service
Were to try to repay you in their own kind
I fear there would not be enough
days, or hours in our lifetime.


"Inasmuch as ye do it unto the least of these; Ye do it unto Me."

If every piece of cloth you've pieced
and every stitch of thread you've sewn
were laid side by side
&
end to end
They would stretch from here to Timbuktu,
and back again.

"I know thy works, and charity, and service and faith, and they patience, and thy works;
and the last to be more than the first."

For every unkind word
that is spoken against another
You offer up a compliment, and a calm reassurance
that the World is a better place,
because we are in it.

"Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only..."

If to you, a rose was sent
for every day that you have spent
Thinking of, worrying about, or fretting over each of us
in our daily routines;
The World would be a Garden of Roses,
and you would be the Master Gardener.

If we could all the have perfect Faith
that you carry in your heart;
then your Mission as our Mother would be taught.
That because we are all God's Children,
there is nothing more important or urgent ~
than for us to do those things that will
Help us return to HIM.

Some women are born to Greatness ~
Others strive for Greatness ~

Mom, you've always done the best you could with what you had; you've always cared for others when it would've been easier to think of yourself; you've always been there for all of us when it seemed the rest of the World didn't care. We love you.

"Charity suffereth long and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things...Well done, thou good and faithful Servant..."


You watched over us by Day
&
Prayed for us each Night

There is a lesson we learn early and harmlessly, or late and traumatically -- that there are things we can break that our parents can't fix. ~ Robert Brault

Such is the recent lesson Curt learned....
It's been a summer of boo-boos - 1st Curtis and his pulverized thumb [heretofore referred to as the 'BUM THUMB'], which he smashed in a 40lb press at work; then Laila fell off her scooter without any safety gear on, and got quite a bump on her head and leg. Taylor was next to take a spill on her bike with minor abrasions; next Weston took a header and skinned his nose and forehead; and finally Sloane took a flying leap into the sofa table and split her forehead open! We should have taken a pix of all of them lined up with their various injuries! Heidi told Laila if she takes another spill like the ones she has had, "she'll be able to count to POTATO"!

I keep waiting for something exciting or fun to define the summer of 2010, and it just ain't happening! No vacations, no parties, no FUN.....the SUMMER of the SHIFFLETT DISCONTENT, I think.

Kloyie & Skyla came and stayed with us for 3 weeks right after school ended - which entailed schedules being changed to accommodate activities for them. Thanks to Heidi and Heather, they were able to spend time playing with the cousins, doing crafts, swimming, hanging out. Kloyie got her first taste of putting a jig-saw puzzle [of more than 100 large pieces] together, and felt such a wave of accomplishment when it was done. I had got a puzzle with kittens in it, because she and Skyla both have cats and love them so much. Skyla turned 8 and was baptized at the end of June.

We spent July going to parades and watching firework displays. Seth started walking...just a few steps...then about 50% of the time...now almost always, unless he really wants to get somewhere fast - then he's back on his hands and knees! He is such a joyful baby and developing such a cute personality.

Now it's August, and the kids are all getting ramped up to begin another [or NEW] school year. Laila begins Kindergarten and is very excited for that. She and Connor will be going to the same Elementary; however, Connor probably won't see much of her, since the K-kids are in a wing almost all to themselves, with separate playground even! But it gives Laila reassurance knowing that her cousin will be there, if she needs a friendly face. Taylor got her haircut recently and looks so chic. When I asked Kloyie how the first few days of school were for her she exuberantly proclaimed....'School's AWESOME'!!

Sadly, Mom-in-law, who is 87 years old, has suffered a stroke. We are waiting and watching the life ebb from her frail body. It has been 10 days without food or water [other than some ice chips that she sucks on], and the family gathered last Monday to give her a 'Release' blessing. Being the self-reliant person she has always been, she had her funeral plans all paid for and outlined for us. So it's been easy to fill in the gaps with things we think she would like, or people that we know she would like to hear from both spiritually and musically. In her youth, she was an accomplished violinist who enjoyed playing with the school orchestra, and was Lead Violinist in a couple of operettas in college. She enjoyed dramas, and was always involved with directing and making costumes for the roadshows that her church put on. She was an accomplished seamstress, and did alterations for many people up until just a few years ago. She always put others needs before her own, and you could count on her to be in the yards, the gardens, and the fruit trees at her home and all of her friends and neighbors, if there was something to be done. She never shirked hard work, and taught us all by her example what it means to 'give of yourself'. We love you, Grandma, and will miss your wisdom.

It is now 9pm, September 4th; it's only taken me 2 months to write this silly blog entry, and Mom passed from this mortal existance at 2:40pm today. It is a bittersweet experience to know that you are doing something to facilitate the passing of another person, whom you love. But I know that she is happy, being able to hear, see, and visit with all the loved ones who have gone on before.

Mom

One week ago today, Grnma-Great went out to water her yard, and then go in to get ready for Church. Today we have Hospice checking in on her daily, and we are doing all we can to keep her comfortable as we wait for her to pass. She suffered a major stroke in the same area of her brain that she had one 10 years ago; and looking at scans, the doctors could see where she has had many minor strokes. We are all coming to terms that these are the last days of her life, and are remembering all the many acts of love and kindness she has shown...not just for family, but for anyone she came in contact with. We love you.

Grnma-G loves these little greats!!

Happy Birthday, Seth!

From God's Hands To Yours

“A Miracle”, it is said
of each baby girl and boy
Sown from seeds of Love
that parents can enjoy.
Babies are perfection.
Made in His own image,
this sweet little one
has only just left Father
for this earthly home.
So treat him like a treasure
for that is what he is.
Little tiny bits of Heaven
having traveled very far.
Nourish him gently.
Like plants, he will grow
Creating such loving memories,
Heavenly Father deems it so.
A child is His precious gift.
So innocent, loving and pure.
Sent from Heaven up above.
From God's Hands to yours.

Mother's Day 2010

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to ALL women - for we are Mother figures to those we come in contact with, even when we don't realize our influence. Blessings and Honor to all the wonderful women in my life.

If I had my child to raise over again
I'd finger paint more, and point the fingers less.
I'd do less correcting and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I would take care to know less, and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.
I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I'd build self esteem first, and the house later.
I'd teach less about the love of power,
And more about the power of love.


And a special blessing on the five who made my life as a Mother complete. I love you all.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DIANNE!

I didn't forget to post yesterday for DiAnne's birthday {which she shares with our brother}; I just don't know where to begin to tell her and everyone how wonderful I think she is! She is always the first one there in a crisis to offer up her help; she is always the one to think about family holidays, birthdays, funerals, weddings, and try to get a group, a floral arrangement, a gift, or a celebration together! She has untiring energy to participate and enjoy activities that her kids or grandkids are involved in. If there is a worthy cause, she is the first to sign up. She volunteers for and works hard in endeavors of the Church callings that she is called to. She does so many things for neighbors, friends, family and and her loving actions are well-noted by everyone. There is never a time when you call her, that she doesn't try to help. We all love her for the many attributes that she shares with us all - her tenacity, her stubborness, her ability to give and give, when others would be tired; her thoughfulness, her faith in things not seen, and most of all for her presence in our lives.

I wish I had copied the words from a card that I gave to her. It said everything that I felt. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Sis. I love you for all you've ever done or tried to do for me. And as long as tomorrow is Mother's Day, Happy that too!

Happy Birthday, Wayne!

A while back, I asked my niece to provide some info on her Dad [my brother] for a spotlight I was doing. When I read this, I thought it was so impressive, I wanted to share it here on his birthday. We all love you, Wayne ~ You truly are AWESOME!!

Dad was a bomber pilot in WWII. He was stationed in the Aleutian Islands southwest of Alaska from whence he sortied against the Japanese naval fleet and air forces. He was shot down on Sept 11, 1943, and managed to land with his crew in China where the Russian forces gained custody of them. They were taken into Russia and for the next year were shuttled around until repatriated by the diplomatic efforts of the USA. He and his crew, for many more months, were then routed home through Turkey and North Africa. It took many decades before the USA would publicly recognize and award medals to these Russian-detained MIAs. The secrecy was maintained as part of the agreement with the USSR in order to obtain their release.

Dad bellied in a P-51 Mustang at HAFB, when the landing gear failed to engage. It happened between wars, so to speak. WWII was over and the Korean Conflict had not fully ignited yet. He was flying with the Guard at the time.

In 1951, he reactivated with the newly formed US Air Force because of Korea. He was sent to New Mexico to train and then his unit was shipped to France in '52 to hold against the incursion of the USSR into Europe and to help build up the USA presence in western Europe after WWII.

During the war in Viet Nam he was assigned to fly C-130 aircraft based in the Philippines into the conflict areas of Nam. He has many great (?) stories of that year 1967 - 1968 of flying payrolls in, flying bodies out, landing in blinding gunfire, and taking off in the same.

He has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Force medal among many awards that he has. You have seen the medals showcased on his living room wall. His grandson, Miles, made that beautiful life story on DVD of Dad and he is a WWII buff of the highest order.

Hope that this helps a little bit and that maybe you have picked up more info from other sources, too. I love talking about my dad but every time I do I realize how very little I know about him. He is a great man and a great father. I am very lucky.

Love,

Vicky

2 Very Long Months...and probably NOT worth the wait!

It's just been so crazy here in LIFE the past 2 months. Nothing monumental ~ I just haven't had the band width for any creativity! I crave that natural flow of writing down my thoughts and feelings; but down deep, I feel like I just can't organize them enough to put them on paper. Even my horoscope says it all: Geniuses of all stripes look to their dreams for guidance and inspiration, and so should you. If there's some complex conundrum weighing on your mind, now is the time to plumb the depths of your subconscious for a simple answer. You may want to keep a pen and paper by your bedside to write down any midnight inspirations. That big brain of yours is never really inactive!

We had a lovely evening celebrating Laila's and Grandma-Great's birthdays at my sister-in-laws home on Jan. 31st. It was great having everyone get together and observe Grandma watch all the young children with all their exuberance for LIFE.

Connor had a birthday party with friends from school this year, and because of sickness within the family we didn't get together as a group. Gary and I both ended up with pneumonia! Curt's birthday was next - no fanfare there either. All the family trickled in during the day of Wood's birthday with another year's worth of wishes and a piece of the YUKKIEST birthday cake from COSTCO. The cake itself was about 2in thick, with about an inch and a half of frosting that could have been rolled off the cake like carpet! I swear, that must be the way they put it on! Nasty.....

Connor was big brother, John, in the school production of Peter Pan. What a kick that was! The PTA President and volunteers initiated it - with over 175 kids from Kindergarten-6th grade participating. They had a months worth of rehearsals twice a week, furnished their own costumes, and did such a FABULOUS job. They performed 2 nights, and both shows were so totally packed that people were standing, and sitting on tables and the floor. I think Connor enjoyed it enough, he may try to do it another time. He's also very busy with his Karate and progressing towards earning his blue belt.

A few of us got together at Olive Garden to celebrate with family for the "Quarterly Birthday Cuzzin' Dinner". Then Easter was upon us. My kids and Grandma-Great got together over at Heather's for an Easter Egg hunt and my birthday.
Heidi made the most marvelous coconut cake with whipped cream frosting ~ kinda made up for that one we all choked down for Wood's birthday!



Curt and I were able to take Grandma-Great to a session of General Conference. What a phenomenal sight to see all the Saints pouring in and out of the Conference Center; the dissidents on each corner and across the street, proclaiming their thoughts and exhibiting their Christ-like behavior, by deriding the members as they walk past them {Yeah! That's the way to 'win friends and influence people'}; and to counteract those people, a group of young adults singing hymns.

Whitey gave me a most awesome birthday gift - something every Mom/Grandma loves at any time. A blanket with all my favorite people to SNUGGLE with. Thanks to all who made the last 2 months memorable.

Day 6 and Counting......

Happy Birthday, Curt!

Today my youngest son is . . . well, another year older and wiser! He's at the age I remember . . . well, so many years ago! But at least I still remember them, and him!

Here he is with the JOYS in his life, his two daughters. He loves them with all his heart, as they do him. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Curt. Hope YOUR day and the year Twenty-Ten is inspiring, rewarding, and AWESOME!

THIS GUY IS EIGHT!

Love this boy - he finds such joy
In everything he sees and does
He makes us laugh, he makes us gasp
At funny remarks and questions he asks

He loves making paper airplanes with G'pa
He loves his G'ma's tuna sandwiches
He loves wrestling and rough-houseing
He loves his cousins and friends
He loves his Playstation 3
He loves being the center of attention
He loves getting his remarks in on any conversation
He loves excelling and progressing in Karate
He loves that he is John in the upcoming school play, 'Peter Pan'

He is growing up into such a man, being almost as tall as his Mom!
He's handsome and smart, with gold for his heart
And we love him with all of ours!

Happy 8th Birthday, Connor-Man! Hope your day is filled with FUN & good wishes from family &friends.

Valentines Day thoughts of LOVE ~ Celebrate!

It seems that nearly everything that can be said, has been said simply or eloquently, in a way that can seldom be improved. Please respond with one of your favorite quotes or a thought about love.

Passion makes the world go round. Love just makes it a safer place. ~ Ice T

Love doesn't make the world go 'round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile. ~ Franklin P. Jones

Songwriting, Poetry, Movies, Novels - they all have a one common denominator...LOVE!

I guarantee there’ll be tough times; I guarantee that at some point, one, or both of us is gonna wanna get out of this thing; But I also guarantee, that if I don’t ask you to be mine, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life... because I know in my heart, that you’re the only one for me. ~ Runaway Bride

I'd rather die tomorrow than live a hundred years without knowing you. ~ John Smith from Pocahontas

This kind of certainty comes, but once in a lifetime. ~ Bridges of Madison County

Someday, when I'm awfully low, I will feel a glow just thinking of you, and the way you look tonight. ~ My Best Friend's Wedding

When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with a person, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible. ~ When Harry Met Sally

You know that place between sleep and awake, the place where you can still remember dreaming? That's where I'll always love you, Peter Pan. That's where I'll be waiting. ~ Tinkerbell from Peter Pan

Truth is, I gave my heart away along time ago, my whole heart, and I never really got it back. ~ Sweet Home Alabama

Loss has been part of my journey, but it also taught me what was precious. ~ Message in a Bottle

I know you; I walked with you once upon a dream. ~ Sleeping Beauty

The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more; that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. ~ The Notebook

You are the only person that can make my heart beat faster and slower at the same time. ~ The Hot Chick

If I tell you I love you, can I keep you forever? ~ Casper

I am someone else when I'm with you, someone more like myself. ~ Original Sin

In these dreams I've loved you so, that by now I think I know what it's like to be loved by you. I will love being loved by you. ~ The King and I

Hearts will be practical only when they are made unbreakable. ~ The Wizard of Oz

I love you. You complete me. ~ Jerry McGuire

Follow this link to witness the ultimate LOVE from a Heavenly Father who heard and answered prayers.

Happy Birthday, Laila-Bug!

Our lovely Laila-Bug turns 5 years old today! She is growing up so fast - and thinks she's big enough and old enough to go to school like her cousins. But, she also loves staying at home and entertaining Seth. She will go to Kindergarten this fall, and excitedly showed me all the paperwork for the Pre-K registration that just came in the mail....addressed to her and the 'Parents of'.

Your smile bridges the years between us
I am young again ...
discovering the world through your eyes
You have the time to listen, And I have the time to spend.
Delighted to gaze at familiar loved features ...
made new in you again
Through you ...
I'll see the future
Through me ...
you'll know the past
In the present we'll love one another
As long as these moments last.

Hoping you have a wonderful birthday, and a year of many accomplishments. I love you to Heaven and back!