Shifflett Family

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

2012-01-01T17:23:00.037-07:00

SURVIVED THE 'RAPTURE'...See you did too!
My two oldest grand-daughters moved away from us; We really miss having Kloyie and Skyla at our family get-togethers!

Taylor performed in a recital for an 'after-school' dance class she has been in this past year;

Laila and Seth got a new outdoor gym in their backyard and this is Laila's newest trick!

Seth could swing all day...

Enjoyed having most, but not all of us together for Father's Day... ;-(

Matt and Sloane
Seth, Taylor, Weston, Laila (what a pose!)

We celebrated Sloaney's 4th Birthday and handed off birthday gifts to Skyla who turned 9!

Seth celebrated his 2nd Birthday with "BungeBob";

HALLOWEEN 2011 - GHOULS GALORE!
I acquired Grandpa Fry's old EDISON record player (and it still plays!)

Laila's FIRST dance recital - she ROCKED!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LAILA!

2011-02-05T11:42:00.007-07:00

Our lovely Laila-Bug is 7 years old...it's hard to imagine this, as I remember driving frantically down from Boise to try and be there for her entrance into the world. We missed it by about an hour, and I was heartbroken! She was truly a most beautiful baby, with long dark hair, gorgeous eyes and the most perfectly sweet smelling head. For anyone that knows me - I love the smell of babies...except when they have poopy diapers!

We celebrated with a party the Sunday before, at Aunt Faye's, with all the family. But when I asked her what her birthday 'day' had been, she excitedly told me it was 'AWESOME'. I asked her what made it so great, and she told me she got to hand out treats to her classmates, and that they all had made individual cards for her. "It was the Greatest Birthday Ever!"

We so enjoy her effervescence, her total enthrallment with fairies and princesses, and her enthusiasm at learning new skills in school. She loves her Mom & Dad and Seth, being with her cousins, and copying anything that Taylor likes or does.

Happy Birthday Laila - We love you so much and are happy that you find so much enjoyment in your life.

EIGHT CRAZY NIGHTS....

2010-12-25T19:00:00.001-07:00

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...

2010-12-19T10:42:00.003-07:00

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

2010-12-13T06:42:00.007-07:00

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?

2010-12-12T09:12:00.002-07:00

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!

2010-12-07T06:47:00.005-07:00

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

2010-11-24T06:44:00.002-07:00

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!

2010-11-21T05:49:00.012-07:00

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

2010-11-07T11:14:00.005-07:00

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.....

2010-11-07T08:38:00.008-07:00

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

2010-10-30T18:21:00.001-06:00

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

2010-09-14T09:52:00.004-06:00

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

2010-09-13T20:00:00.001-06:00

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

Farewell, Sweet Lady!

2010-09-12T08:34:00.003-06:00

Explaining Death to a 3 year old....
Sloane: I wanna see Grnma-Great. (OK) What's she doin'? (She's sleeping) Why? (Remember, she was sick and then went to sleep) Is she a Fairy? (You mean an Angel?) Where's her wings? (They're tucked here behind her) Will we see them? (No. You can see them in the picture Aunt Heidi drew) Why? (Because) What's this? (The lid that closes the casket) What's a casket? (It's the bed GG is sleeping in) Is she gonna stay here all night? (Yes, but she doesn't mind because she has so many of her family with her). And many more observations by a very inquisitive little girl! I wish I had thought to have Bishop Simmons tell the simile of the hand and glove as the spirit and the body, but it's been so long since I've been in Primary or had to explain this to a small child, I'd forgotten it!

The morning of the funeral was ominous with dark thunderheads, a downpour of rain, and thunder and lightning! But the funeral director assured me that if it's raining when he's on his way to a morning service, it has usually cleared by the time you have to be to the cemetary...and so it did! The funeral was so nice, with so many beautiful thoughts and comments about Mom's generosity, and compassion for others. We were lucky enough to have a dear friend (thank you) tape the proceedings, so Fay's husband, (who had to leave to go out of town that morning) will be able to partake of the beautiful spirit of the meeting, and hear Fay's wonderful tribute to her Mother. Heather read a tribute I had written for Mom's 80th birthday, and then gave some of her own remarks, and Heidi worked very hard to get many photos copied off for display. The 3 sons and Woody, along with Connor and Uncle Glen, were pallbearers.

It was awesome having family and friends support during this time - thank you all, so much. We love you all, and feel that the passing of Mom has brought us together in love and unity.

2010-09-03T07:26:00.003-06:00

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

2010-08-29T07:22:00.003-06:00

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!

2010-07-07T06:39:00.003-06:00

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

2010-05-09T07:54:00.004-06:00

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!

2010-05-08T07:27:00.003-06:00

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!

2010-05-07T06:30:00.001-06:00

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!

2010-04-17T19:39:00.003-06:00

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......

2010-03-21T12:08:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday, Curt!

2010-02-22T06:43:00.004-07:00

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!

2010-02-20T07:24:00.007-07:00

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!

2010-02-14T09:19:00.006-07:00

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!

2010-02-03T10:00:00.002-07:00

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!

December 25th, 2010 * 364 days until Christmas ...

2009-12-26T18:23:00.004-07:00

Christmas Wishes from Someone too Lazy to Send Out Cards!

2009-12-23T06:05:00.000-07:00

This
Xmas,
I would
like to put
up a tree in my
heart, and instead
of hanging presents,
I would like to put the
names of all my friends.
Close friends and not so close
friends. The old friends, the new
friends. Those that I see every day
and the ones that I rarely see. The ones
that I always remember and the ones that
I sometimes forget. The ones that are always
there and the ones that seldom are. The friends of
difficult times and the ones of happy times. Friends
who, without meaning to, I have hurt, or without meaning
to have hurt me. Those that I know well and those I only know
by name. Those that owe me little and those that I owe so much.
My humble friends and my important friends. The names of all those
that have passed through my life no matter how fleetingly. A tree with
very deep roots and very long
and strong branches so that
their names may never be
plucked from my heart. So that new names from all over may join the existing ones. A tree with a very
pleasant shade so that our friendship may take a moment of rest from the battles of life. "May the
happy moments of Xmas brighten every day of the new year". These are my sincere wishes.

2009-12-19T14:35:00.008-07:00

December is such a busy month......sigh! I was able to see Connor get his Green Belt in Karate a week ago, and enjoyed seeing Skyla's Christmas program at school. They sang Christmas Songs from Around the World.

Congrats and Cheers to both of them! We are so proud of you.

Thanks to Heidi for helping Kloyie, Skyla and Laila decorate ornaments to put on Grandma's tree. I've decided to have them do something like this each year, and then just have a special tree with Grandchildren ornaments. They had paint, stickers, and rhinestones to decora te with.

2009-12-06T06:30:00.003-07:00

Little known facts about St. Nick and his origin.

Today is St. Nicholas Day. St. Nicholas lived in the fourth century, and he was the archbishop of Myra in Lycia (which is now Turkey). There are all kinds of stories about him, but one of the most famous is that there was a poor man who could not afford a dowry for his three daughters, which meant they would have to be abandoned to prostitution. St. Nicholas didn't want to humiliate the man by giving him charity in public, so he left purses of gold in the man's house at night — according to one version of the story, he dropped them down the chimney, and in another, one of the daughters had set out her stockings to dry and the gold was put in them.

And so St. Nicholas, the bringer of anonymous gifts, inspired Jolly Old St. Nick, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus.

St. Nicholas Day is celebrated in many European countries and in American cities with German influence like Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Cincinnati. On the evening of November 5th, children put out their shoes, and on this morning, they wake up to find those shoes filled with small gifts from St. Nick — chocolates and cookies, fruit, marbles or other small toys.

D - E - C - E - M - B - E - R

2009-12-05T06:47:00.004-07:00

D - Devotions
E - Everyday
C - Creates
E - Eternal
M - Meaning
B - By
E - Establishing a
R - Relationship (with Jesus Christ!)

Sometimes it feels like our days are full to the brim and that we have no time to squeeze in devotions. But, no matter what time we have to give (5 minutes, 20 minutes, an hour...), we need to do it. Sometimes our struggles in life look much bigger than they really are because our perspective is out of whack. We fail to remember that our God is BIGGER than any of our problems in this world. We feel defeated. So, we need to have the True perspective. Digging deep into God's Word will help us get just that - that God is BIG enough to take care of us and our measly problems!

TaYLoR Turns SeVeN!

2009-11-27T08:53:00.006-07:00

Peanut, Pouty, Pink, Princess, Perfection - these are all words to describe TaYLoR. So much like her Mom-with sass, sarcasm, teasing and wanting to look pretty. Dancing her way through life, admiring butterflies and dragonflies along the way, learning to read, to subtract and add, using the computer, enjoying crafts and art with her Mom and Aunt Heidi, bossing & wrestling her little brother, making and losing friends {as they move away}, excelling in baseball and soccer, and mostly growing from a cute little girl into a young girl with potential to win over and/or break hearts!

HaPpY BiRtHdAy, TaYlOr McKeNzIe!

Thanksgiving Hope for 2009

2009-11-22T09:20:00.013-07:00

The month of November is rapidly coming to a close - and what with all the posted 'thankfuls' on Facebook and blogs, I would be remiss if I didn't at least acknowledge the love and thanks in my heart for wonderful family, friends who always seem to be there to lift my spirits, and the ability to still be able to work when so many are out of work. As I drive past the Downtown Urban Center and Pioneer Park, and see those who are standing out in the cold without warm coats, sleeping on the cold ground with only a blanket over them, warming their hands by breathing into them, and wondering where their next meal will come from, I become more aware of the thankfulness that I have for a warm home, the choice to sleep in a bed {or out on the front room couch}, opening a fridge that has an array of good things to eat, being able to jump into a hot bath/shower and wash the previous day off, and knowing that there are many who love and appreciate the things that I try to do for them. I am thankful that we are able to enjoy freedoms that a lot of other countries do not have; the opportunity to participate in religion or spiritual partaking of choice; to voice our opinions {however menial or unimportant they may be to some}; and to be able to feel and tell others how much they are loved and appreciated.

So, as this month comes to a screaming end, and we approach the end of 2009, as well, I want to let all those who read this know, that I appreciate the comments and insights that you give to me. Each one of you adds to a level of my consciousness about what in life is truly important. Family is the BEGINNING and the EVERLASTING. There is no one who will come to your aid faster, or cover your back like family. It seems that at this time of year, as families are looking to join together, there seems to be feelings of hurt, or unresolved issues that makes one or another feel that they don't belong, or don't want to participate. I wrote a poem some 12 years ago that was inspired by just one of those situations, and again 2 years ago, when I posted it here.

As much as we try to keep PEACE within circles of friends and family, it seems that there is always room to tell them that we love them and appreciate them. Please take time to mend fences and tell people you love them and are sorry.

In keeping with the importance of family - BIRTHDAY wishes to all of the gazillion birthdays in my sister's family, especially Denice and Whitey! They are my nieces, but they are also my sisters. I love you both. Taylor turned 7 years old yesterday, but we are getting together tonight for a celebration with family at her house. Pictures to follow....

DAMMA

2009-11-01T08:57:00.005-07:00

After I posted my thoughts for Weston's birthday, a friend from way, way back, in the Land before Time, sent me a little ditty that he wrote in my honor:

Along the Wasatch, I swear its true

There lives a Grandma whose name is Sue

She writes words of comfort in her spare time

And shares them with family and friends online

She dotes on her grands and makes them feel needed

And shows off their pictures and projects completed

Many call her Mom - even more stand in awe

but one sums her up with the great word "Damma"!

Thanks G.....

Happy All Hallow's Eve!

2009-10-31T09:05:00.002-06:00

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!

2009-10-25T10:29:00.007-06:00

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!

2009-10-23T20:54:00.018-06:00

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!

2009-10-18T08:15:00.025-06:00

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...

2009-10-15T06:42:00.004-06:00

{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

2009-10-10T07:44:00.007-06:00

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!!

2009-10-06T07:11:00.020-06:00

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!

2009-10-06T00:47:00.003-06:00

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.

2009-09-30T08:37:00.001-06:00

The Autumnal Equinox 2009 fell on September 22nd. Autumnal Equinox is a day when of there’s equal day and night and is the first day of Fall.

This day is also called Mabon, Harvest Home, Winter Finding, or Second Harvest Festival. For Pagans, it is a day of thanksgiving to the Goddess for their bounteous harvest and reaping the fruits of their labor. It is the time of celebration, reflection, grace and balance. It is also believed to be a good time to gather our energies and turn our attentions inward.

So on this, the last day of September, allow yourself some rest, relaxation and a time for reflection.

Happy Birthday, Paiger!

2009-09-27T09:34:00.008-06:00

{Teri said it best!}

"When you wish upon a star"......"A very merry unbirthday to you, to you".......Hope you are having a wonderful celebration doing all those things you love. Surf's up!

Firsts and Firsts

2009-09-10T11:19:00.006-06:00

This event was sponsored by Pepperbelly's and Kaysville City-some of us attended the Cold Cones n' Cool Cars last evening. Saw some great looking classic cars, wonderful Era muscle cars, and FABULOUS Corvettes! But the main attraction was seeing Eryn in her 2nd event of 'meet 'n greets' in the crowd, and helping to judge the 3 favorite cars in the event. It was fun and entertaining to watch the little kids run up to the royalty and ask them if they were a 'Princess'-I believe they were thinking about the princess' they see at Disneyland; of being deluged by little sisters intervening on their brother's behalf to get the girls attentions so they could talk to them; and seeing the ease and grace of these young girls fulfilling their civic responsibility with in a fun-loving manner.

The only complaint I have, that after 3 hours, the Kaysville City Mayor didn't even introduce her Royalty as being there to help assist and meet the public. WTH?!

Tomorrow night she will be at the Davis Co. Gala helping with a silent auction. Maybe someone there will think to introduce them. Let's HOPE!

Birthday Wishes

2009-08-30T12:57:00.019-06:00

So many birthdays from the end
of August to the end of September.

Miles just celebrated his . . . oooh!
35th birthday?! I know this {HOW?}
because he and Matt were due at the
same time, but Matt decided to come
a month early. Miles is a hard-working,
quiet, gentle kinda guy who is dedicated
to his family and his faith.

Next in line, Vicky, who made me the
youngest aunt in our family. I love her
gracious demeanor; she always has a warm
hug and a genuine interest in everyone! She
is soft-spoken, articulate and very talented
and steps right in to help with – sewing,
painting, building, crafting, cooking, caring
for her grandchildren, and wanting to be
surrounded by the love of family.

Next, comes our joyful Krissy! Her laugh
is contagious, and she is so humble and
sweet, it’s hard to imagine that she ever
gets onery or sullen. Recently when she was
on the USNS Comfort with Jenna, I wrote to
Terry asking him for a favor and his reason
for not getting back to me was: “I am doing
as good as a man who has had his heart cut
out can! I will be very happy to have the love
of my life back.” Is that not the sweetest tribute to his wife and the curly haired
gal we all LOVE?

It’s only fitting that the next one with a
birthday, is the sweet, naïve, newly-married
Shaylee; have you seen the movie Confessions
of a Shopoholic – then you know her!
Beautiful, blonde, blue-eyed cutie pie.

Sandwiched in between all the gals in the family,there's a big, burly, gentle giant who goes by the name of Doug {in the yellow T-shirt}. I remember
him telling me a story once of having his Lindee at the playground, and a
group of kids came over and asked him if he was ‘Hulk Hogan’! He is an
avid fisherman, and gives great ‘bear hugs’!

Comes the next of our beauteous gals in the family-
Jessica. So many facets and faces of the girl…vivacious,
an eye for photography, and loves to party with her
friends and cousins.

Lastly, is one niece who came along right after I
was married. I got to practice my mother skills
a lot with her and later we worked together at
Morgan Jewelers. I am amazed at her tenacity
and her ability to work fast, thoroughly, and at
the same time, have fun and keep everyone on
their toes with her sense of humor and her
trivia skills!! She is an avid sports watcher, and
just about the champion at any game she plays–
be it board games, word games, or an athletic event. She makes time to give her
daughters the things they need, along with being a day-care provider, and spending
quality times with a wide variety of her friends.

Birthday Wisdom for all of you is:

May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly
where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities
that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that
you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle
into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.'

Happiest of birthdays to all of you…..FAMILIES are the BEST!

Congrats to Mz. Eryn and Happy Birthday, Jordy!

2009-08-16T08:36:00.007-06:00

Eryn is the Miss Kaysville first runner up! She wins a $500 scholarship to the school of her choice plus a half year scholarship to Weber State!!! She also won the Best Swimsuit award.....I'm so proud of her! Many thanks to all of the wonderful friends and family that were there to support her tonight! CONGRATULATIONS ERYN!!!! WE LOVE YOU!! {Posted on Facebook last night from Paige}

I am so proud of you and happy that you placed well, so that you can have some of your schooling paid for! YAY! I just know you were the most poised, most beautiful, most talented girl there - so Miss Kaysville probably bribed someone! J/K CONGRATULATIONS!

Teri sez you ROCKED! We knew you would.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Jordan - today is a special day for Jordan {another niece}. She is living in Las Vegas, so we miss being able to tell her this in person. Hope you have a great day, and know you're missed and loved!

{Eryn & Jordan in front with Eryn's BF, Chris}

Tonight, Tonight, won't be just any night.......

2009-08-15T07:28:00.006-06:00

GOOD LUCK, Eryn!

Although I can't be there tonight to cheer you on, I want you to know that I'm thinking about you and saying lil' prayers that you will perform well, feel comfortable and at ease, and just be your glowing, beautiful self!

I love you......

"Shout Outs" to all the wonderful local businesses that agreed to sponsor Eryn for the pageant. Please use them if you are in need of any of their services!!!

Simply Irresistible Dresses (Southtowne Mall), Luv2Dance Studios, Arby's (Kaysville), Haugen Auto Repair (Farmington), Egan Automotive Kaysville), Haacke Auto (Layton), Comflors, Moutainview Excavating (South Weber), Teri Cowan (Keller Williams Realty). You'll notice all the automotive places....{send a beautilful girl into a garage full of men and she can wrap them around her little finger!!!}

WOOHOO!! Thanks to all of them. We love our local merchants, and appreciate this sponsorship, as well as the great business they exhibit through the community. CHEERS for Eryn. We Love you, girlfriend.

Happy Birthday, Nettie!

2009-08-12T11:24:00.004-06:00

OMG!! Another one of us 'bites the dust'!!

Not really, but it's so fun to tease you. Hope you have a wonderful day - it must really seem different because you're not off trippin' as usual. But I'm glad you're not, so that we can actually see you and wish you a Happy Birthday in person!

Family & Friends - Jill Wolf

We all have a cherished garden we tend -
It is planted with love of family and friends.
The memories and dreams we treasure and share
Are like beautiful roses found blooming there.
The comfort and care on which we depend
Is given with love between family and friends.
The sunshine of laughter and rain of a tear
Only make our love grow with each passing year.
We may all be ourselves with no need to pretend
Because of the love of family and friends;
They notice the rainbows and weather the showers.
They overlook weeds and praise all our flowers.
The most valuable thing is the time that we spend
Tending this garden with family and friends.
When counting our blessings, we know from the start
That family and friends come first in our heart.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, to Janette - my niece, my sister, my friend.......with love

Ahhh, Ain't Motherhood Grand?

2009-08-11T09:39:00.006-06:00

{Heather Installment}
Don't get me wrong - but im thinking Weston's getting nuttin for Christmas... For those of you who'd like to donate a sandbox - the Pedersen's would be ever so grateful... If I have to clean up mud one more time my kids are for sale... I'll give you a great deal too... FREE!!! Now I must go.... do laundry if you know what I mean... if I have time I'll get on facebook but I wont make any promises

Bless This Child

2009-08-07T09:38:00.023-06:00

Special Delivery from Heaven above

Bundle of BLUE for us to LOVE

Teeny, tiny little toes

Small and round- cute baby nose

Tiny fingers, chubby arms

Curled in a ball

Or laying in our arms
We're taken with his 'Baby Charms'

Mouth, and cheeks
Chin, and eyes

Perfect ears to hear lullabies

Babies are Angels that fly to the earth,
their wings disappear at the time of their birth
one look in their eyes and we're never the same
They're part of us now and that part has a name
That part is your heart and a bond that won't sever
our Babies are Angels, we love them forever.

~Unknown~

Happy SISTERS {?} Day...who knew?

2009-08-04T08:09:00.005-06:00

My niece, Janette, put this cute SMILEBOX on her blog and her facebook page. I love this and love being included in the sentiment. Janette is a sweetheart and a 'softie'! Happy Sisters Day to her, and her sisters, her Mom and DiAnne {who are my sisters}, and my lovely daughters.

I'm sure we all feel akin to our family, our friends, and those who occasionally fill in for a spot left void in our lives for one reason or another. I can count so many female figures in my life, who have been there to offer just what I needed when I was feeling like no one was there. Thank you to all of them - I'm probably not exactly what you were all hoping for, but it's the best I got.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FAY!

2009-08-03T07:00:00.011-06:00

You've made a difference in my life. You're one of those special people who make others feel at ease - it's a pleasure knowing someone who gives herself unselfishly. Your spirit is always ready to comfort and encourage. So when I think of you I drop the "in-law" part, leaving me a sister cherished with love inside my heart.

Hope you have a wonderful birthday. Guess what?

You're getting frighteningly close to being OLD!

2009-08-02T07:54:00.005-06:00

Heidi's fridge went out on her, so she was here bright and early yesterday bringing items to put into our fridge {which incidentally was broke last week!} . Good thing that everything in the universe doesn't stop at once - until then we'll just keep moving our stuff from one house to the next. She and Laila had breakfast, and lil' Seth ate 2 or 3 times while they were here - he has a real fondness for the 'boob'! By 11am, Heather was calling to see if Taylor could come over and stay, while Heather had a softball tournament. So I took a couple of pix of the three of them while they were here, and sharing nicely.

2009-07-30T07:47:00.005-06:00

I kid you not....

New Wine for Seniors

California vintners in the Napa Valley area, which primarily produce Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio wines, have developed a new hybrid grape that acts as an anti-diuretic. It is expected to reduce the number of trips older people have to make to the bathroom during the night.

The new wine will be marketed as . . .

PINOT MORE

I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DANIELLE!

2009-07-26T08:45:00.004-06:00

GEESH! How old are you now? Old enough to do everything legal that you've been trying since an early age {J/K}....

Happy Birthday! Wishing you a wonderful day, and an awesome rest of 2009.

I REALLY DO LOVE LUCY!

2009-07-25T19:19:00.006-06:00

There was a day when this little job would appeal to me; as it is, all I envision is this LUCY episode!

It's That Time of Year....{a personal note from Eryn}

2009-07-20T18:58:00.008-06:00

I'm getting ready to compete in the Miss America Miss Kaysville/Fruit Heights pageant. It is a scholarship pageant that I can earn money towards college tuition bill at Weber State University. My platform is Special Needs Awareness, as my career goals include becoming a Special Needs Teacher. As a contestant, I need your help to raise money for Children's Miracle Network and the Miss America Scholarship Fund. Please help me reach my goal of $100.00 by clicking on the link below. Your donation will be considered a charitable donation for tax purposes and a receipt will be provided at the end of the year. Once you have completed a secure on-line donation, your donation will be included in my fund raising total on my personal page.

To help even further you can forward this message on to other friends and family to help me in my fund raising efforts. My personal page will track my results and provide a comparison to other contestants. This year the Miss America Organization has teamed up with Children's Miracle Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children's hospitals. This new partnership gives each contestant the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for two great organizations - Miss America Organization and Children's Miracle Network. If you have any questions, please email me at paigedeemdaycare@netzero.com

Thanks for your support, Eryn Campbell

Sunday Drive up Farmington Canyon

2009-07-19T17:25:00.007-06:00

3rd installment from Heather - I'm thinking I should either make her a co-author for this blog, or show her how to set one up of her own. She has such a funny sense of humor, and can tell a story so much better than me......

So while you got your sunday morning blahs.... We took a drive up farmington canyon all the way over to skyline and down Bountiful... granted we left at 11:30 and got home at 4 but here are a few pix of some ponds up there.... look closely cuz i'm thinking Jason is lurking in those trees.... call me crazy but when you watch Friday the 13th before you're 10 i'm pretty sure it haunts you the rest of your life... I'd tell you funny stories that happened on the way up, but really it was the way down that had my laughing... Weston kept telling Gary to stop bumping... He was getting pretty mad... my anxiety level went down after we hit pavement but that’s only because Gary drives like Glen when he's looking for deer... Anyone whose driven with him knows what i'm talking about!!!

Anyways didn’t know if you wanted to post this or not but the pix were kinda cool - oh and here are some of Seth.

Let the little Children come to me....

2009-07-17T07:20:00.008-06:00

Of course, most the activity from the past week, has been centered around grandkids - old and new! After spending Wednesday at the pool with Heather and her 2 kids, and Heidi's little gal Laila, we spent yesterday introducing a couple of the cousins to Seth.

Sloane got her arms around him, and just didn't want to let him go, and Kloyie cuddled with him until he fell asleep and then simply gazed upon his sweet little face. Kloyie is my oldest and Seth is the newest - the Alpha & Omega.

It's so fun to see the reaction that a newborn brings into the family. One of reverence, amazement, renewed love and appreciation, and joy. Their mere existance melts our heart - their scent transcends us to a place of softness and sweetness - they simply mold themselves in our arms, on our chest, or in the crook of our neck to make us feel fulfilled - their 'gassy smile', the way they pucker their lips and pop their eyes, the sweet little noises they make, their tiny little hands and feet....these are all things that make me soften and melt.

Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ~Elizabeth Stone

Happy Birthday, Mike!

2009-07-13T07:00:00.003-06:00

Today is Mike's birthday - I know, I know! I was freakin' out thinking about having a 35 year- old last week, but this one really BLOWS my SOCKS off! Hard to believe that he was once a scrawny little 4 pounder, as he is now the bigger guy in the family. He is dedicated, ambitious, artistic, and loving. We love and appreciate him so much.

Happy Birthday - hope you have a GREAT day, and an Awesome 38th year!

Baby Seth

2009-07-11T12:31:00.006-06:00

July 7th, 2009 - Seth is just over an hour old

July 9th, 2009 - Home from the hospital

July 11, 2009 - 4 days old

Happy Birthday, Matt!

2009-07-10T13:01:00.004-06:00

Today is Matt's .... dare I say it? ... 35th birthday! How do I have a child this old? I awoke this morning at my usual 2am, and instead of just getting up to pee, get a drink, and spray my nose, I laid in bed and remembered back to the morning just after 1am when he was born. Mother's do that, you know! I love him and am so thankful for the lessons of life that he has taught me. Sometimes, I think that alot of my patience skills were honed because of him, and not in spite of him. He is ever-thoughtful, compassionate, and loving.

Hope you have a great day, and the beginning of an AWESOME 35th year.

Celebrate Family!

2009-07-08T19:32:00.010-06:00

After receiving the GREAT news that Gary is in remission, they decided to celebrate some family time by heading up to a lake below Logan. This is Heather's side of the story:

So we went fishing on the 4th with the kids up to Mantua Saturday morning with our awesome new boat... granted it existed 8 years before me - but hey it works... Anyway, Gary's been trying to get me to go fishing for years... Of course I don’t want to cuz I never catch a thing... So I decide to go with him and the kids.... Get out on the water at 7:50am... Start fishing 8:06 and not off to a good start at that... those "Barbie" and "Spiderman" poles suck... (those of you who bought one know what I'm talking about...) 45 minutes later after re-baiting those blasted poles 700 times we gave up and used the "real" fishing poles.... a few minutes later Gary catches a fish (4in) on a bare hook... 2minutes later another... then I got one... and kept getting them every few minutes after that.... (8 of them) Dumb fish... bare hookin it the entire time... We caught 16 total... Me 8, Gary 5, Taylor 2 and Weston 1... The 2 1/2yr old caught the biggest 1.... Figures right? Now these fish weren't big by any means.... but Weston's was...!
Maybe I'll go again....

Gary's

One Of Heather's

Weston's BIG ONE!

Finally...Tay gets one!

He hates this - Can you tell?

Taylor sitting up front with Gary

Taylor with her Barbie Pole

Weston's Spiderman Pole

Note of Thanks from Heather & Gary

2009-07-08T19:27:00.004-06:00

Miracle #2 for 2009 - So I sit there on that uncomfortable couch, for probably the 100th time, watching the expressions of the nurses passing by Gary and I... praying that the one I just saw wasn’t because we are getting bad news again... Listening to the TV above me... Wondering why on earth do I have to hear about Michael Jackson all day?...
yet we sit there and wait like we always do after a PET scan with some shred of hope that things are gonna get better... although we have to wait for an hour for the blood tests to get back... and then there are those "looks" we keep getting as the same nurses pass by every 5 minutes.... do the math: 5 nurses, 1 hour every 5 minutes... you can use your fingers if you want to... (I'll be checking the comments for the correct answer...)

Finally our turn comes to sit in the conference room with "doc"... the first thing out of her mouth.... ""This is only gonna take a minute" these are the words I've been waiting for since February 6th... Gary and I both breathed that ever-so-needed sigh of relief!!! His scan came back clear... NO HOT SPOTS!...Remission never sounded so good...

So THANK YOU to all of you who thought of us... said a little prayer... took time to give Gary a blessing... donated or just plain supported us... you have no idea how much you all mean to my family... Or how much every little thing helped us out... Although we still have a long road ahead of us I'm so grateful I don’t have to utter the words bone marrow transplant!!!
Love you all and God bless

Heather and Gary Pedersen

The SWEETEST Word . . .

2009-07-08T19:00:00.002-06:00

A grandmother is a mother who has a second chance

A mother becomes a true grandmother the day she stops noticing the terrible things her children do because she is so enchanted with the wonderful things her grandchildren do. Lois Wyse

#1 Miracle for 2009 - Baby Seth arrived around 6:10 pm on July 7th {Happy Birthday, Robyn!}. He weighed in a a whopping 9 lbs. 2 0z. and is 21 inches long. They had to use the forceps on his noggin, so he had a couple of sore spots there, plus his 1st Black Eye! The kid is ALL BOY! Congratulations to Mom & Dad, and Big Sister Laila! I think we're all in love, and gonna keep him. Besides, he may have come out one way, but there's no pushing him back!

Happy Birthday, Robyn!

2009-07-07T07:48:00.003-06:00

It's Robyn's birthday - and I just wanted to tell her how much we love her and how sweet and special she is. She loves playing with kittens. Her first year on a competition soccer team....started out kind of rough, but she's definitely one of the STAR players on her team! In one game this year, with her team down 0-3, Robyn came out in the second half and scored three straight goals to end the game in a tie! She earned her first soccer trophy at the Wasatch Classic Tournament and is pretty proud of it! Excited to be going into fourth grade this year!

Here's a little story that Eryn wrote about picking out a name for her little sister. It's titled, "The Name Day".

Once upon a time, my Mom was going to have a baby and it was a girl. My Mom wanted to name it Lauren, but my Dad said 'No, not Lauren, Jennifer'. My Mom said 'No, not Jennifer.' And they could not find another name at all-so they waited for awhile for another name, and still could not think of one. Then one day, my Dad came up with a name and it was Robyn; and it's not going to be spelled Robin. It will be spelled Robyn like my name is supposed to be spelled Erin, but it is Eryn - with a 'y' not an 'i'. So Robyn can be spelled with a 'y', if mine is spelled with a 'y'...

So Happy Birthday ROBYN - Hope you have a great day.

Homestretch....!

2009-07-05T12:42:00.009-06:00

Heidi is slowly coming down the homestretch with Baby Seth...but that's not stopping her from being terribly uncomfortable, cantankerous, and just plain tired of packing this guy around for 9+months. She keeps asking how 40 weeks computes to 9, and not 10 months! I just want to say that nobody has room to complain unless they've packed not one - but TWO babies around in the 'head's up, feet down' position for that same amount of time....OK! so I cheated and had them a month early. And it looks by these comparative photos, that she is almost as big as me...so maybe I'll listen to her complaining for a few more days. {The FACE on the left has been has been masked to protect the innocent!} You'll notice I lost my BUTT when my stomach was out there 2 feet in front of me....

Hoping he'll make 'surprise' appearance soon. She is convinced that he is perfectly fine to stay in there until he's 8!!

Parades, Picnics, and Pyrotechnics!

2009-07-04T07:00:00.009-06:00

227 years ago...on July 4th, 1776
This great nation, the United States of America,
In a struggle for what was right and free,
Was proudly born...
May we celebrate that precious freedom
For which our forbears fought so bravely...
The freedom that is inherent
In the Stars and Stripes, our revered flag...
Celebrate Freedom
This Fourth of July!

America will never be destroyed from the outside.
If we falter and lose our freedoms,
it will be because we destroyed ourselves.
--Abraham Lincoln

Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies
there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it.
--Judge Learned Hand

Patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels.
--Mark Twain 

Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men
dread it.
--George Bernard Shaw

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of
America, and to the Republic for which it stands.
One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all.
--The Pledge of Allegiance


Just resurrected a recipe for homemade ice cream that
Heidi {in all her glorious pregnant splendor!} had been
craving. It is a really fresh tasting ice cream, so I
thought I would include it on this post.

6 Threes Ice Cream

3 cups milk
3 cups cream
3 cups sugar
Juice of 3 lemons {1 sml can frozen concentrate}
Juice of 3 oranges {1 sml can frozen concentrate}
3 bananas {mashed}

Combine milk, cream and sugar and stir until sugar is
dissolved. Put in ice cream freezer and freeze until
mushy.  Add fruit juices and the mashed bananas and
continue freezing until firm.  This can be made ahead
of time and packed in freezer container {but it's so
DELISH to eat as soon as it's thickened}!

Have a SAFE and Happy July 4th!

Happy Birthday, Alysa!

2009-07-02T10:48:00.014-06:00

I want to wish Alysa a very Happy Birthday - I am so appreciative of the love and patience she has with my Matt, and darling granddaughter, Sloane.

A Letter of Thanks
Sue Shifflett

Thank You, for loving my Son.
For accepting his faults, valuing his strengths,
and helping him want to make more of himself
for the three of you.

Thank You, for loving my Son.
For giving him insight; for helping him to realize dreams.
Thank You, for showing him the way,
when the path may be dark.
Thank You, for holding his hand,
when he may feel weak.
Thank You, for wrapping your arms around him,
and
kissing his troubles away.

Thank You, for loving my Son;
Thus inspiring him to love himself.
Thank You, for your encouragement,
even when you aren’t sure he’s right.

I love you for loving my Son.

Officers and Gentlemen

2009-06-30T20:00:00.005-06:00

On Memorial Day, we commemorate those Men in Uniform who gave their lives in service to their country . . .

What is it about a Man in Uniform that just makes our heart melt? There is an element of appeal for many women {even with police officers}-of authority and masculinity in the design and wear of men's uniforms. I remember everytime I saw my brothers, or other soldiers, there was just something there...so clean and fresh and sexy about them when they were in their uniforms. Besides my brothers, there was a certain guy my sister dated that was to die for! To me, he was a copy of Cary Grant and I think I swooned over him moreso than she...still do!

Some attribute the cache of men in uniform to have been significantly enhanced by the film Officer and a Gentleman starring Richard Gere. However, we have a significant cache of handsome Officers and Gentlemen in our own family! As I posted for Memorial Day weekend, I had photos of my 3 brothers, a couple of nephews and Wood. However, I soon found that I had neglected to put others up who are equally as dashing, and deserving of our gratitude to them for those freedoms that we enjoy. So, in keeping with the theme of 'Men in Uniform', I present my sister's husband, and 3 more nephews.

My niece who grew up with her Father in the Air Force {yes, she was one of them BRATS}, feels a little tainted because her husband looks great in his Scout uniform ('but I guess that doesn't count!'). Most definitely - don't believe for a minute that the Scouting uniform doesn't bring just as much honor as the other! Where do you think our fantasy begins of these men, if not as young boys in their scouting uniform?! Thanks for giving my old memory an excellent thought! Below is a photo of the Smith Eagles Nest {Parker, Jameson, Ashton, Cade}, and our most recent Eagle scout, Taylor with his parents {Tom & Teri} after he had received his Eagle. Almost as neat as this accomplishment, is the fact that a real bald eagle, Liberty, was brought to the ceremony - it was beautiful! It had flown into power lines and been injured and cannot fly anymore. So this fellow helps the eagle recuperate from its injury, and then uses him to take to demos throughout the State.

DANG! Ain't they handsome dogs?

CONGRATS
to Taylor on his accomplishment.

So Much in So Little Time. . .

2009-06-26T12:39:00.007-06:00

And this is ALL I have to say about THAT! For all the festivities and rollicking good time we have had for the past 2 weeks with family, please read Michele's and Cara's blogs. Each of them have about 4 entries a piece on what we have been up to, so be sure to look at each post newer than the first.

To Cade - wonderful job in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - one of my personal faves with great music!

To Ashton - so great to have you home from Brasil
To Jameson - so great to see your enthusiasm for your mission to Brasil

To Ben, Kwonna and family - it was wonderful to visit with you and see that cute new baby who is now a 1 year old!

BTW - to the lovely children of Elma and Wayne, thank you for a delightful time and the great tribute to Elma.

When God Created Fathers...

2009-06-20T10:40:00.005-06:00

When the good Lord was creating Fathers he started with a tall frame.

And a female angel nearby said, "What kind of Father is that? If you're going to make children so close to the ground, why have you put fathers up so high? He won't be able to shoot marbles without kneeling, tuck a child in bed without bending, or even kiss a child without a lot of stooping."

And God smiled and said, "Yes, but if I make him child size, who would children have to look up to?"

And when God made a Father's hands, they were large and sinewy.

And the angel shook her head sadly and said, "Do you know what you're doing? Large hands are clumsy. They can't manage diaper pins, small buttons, rubber bands on pony tails or even remove splinters caused by baseball bats."

And God smiled and said, "I know, but they're large enough to hold everything a small boy empties from his pockets at the end of a day...yet small enough to cup a child's face in his hands."

And then God moulded long, slim legs and broad shoulders.

And the angel nearly had a heart attack. "Boy, this is the end of the week, all right," she clucked. "Do you realize you just made a Father without a lap? How is he going to pull a child close to him without the kid falling between his legs?"

And God smiled and said, "A mother needs a lap. A father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled, balance a boy on a bicycle, and hold a sleepy head on the way home from the circus."

God was in the middle of creating two of the largest feet anyone had every seen when the angel could contain herself no longer.

"That's not fair. Do you honestly think those large boats are going to dig out of bed early in the morning when the baby cries? Or walk through a small birthday party without crushing at least three of the guests?"

And God smiled and said, "They'll work. You'll see. They'll support a small child who wants to ride a horse to Banbury Cross, or scare off mice at the summer cabin, or display shoes that will be a challenge to fill."

God worked throughout the night, giving the Father few words, but a firm authoritative voice; eyes that saw everything, but remained calm and tolerant.

Finally, almost as an afterthought, he added tears.

Then he turned to the angel and said, "Now, are you satisfied that he can love as much as a Mother?"

The angel said nothing more. - Erma Bombeck

Wishes for blessings to each and every Dad out there this Father’s Day for all you do to shape the lives of our children.

“Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be called DAD.

Happy Birthday, Nic!

2009-06-19T08:37:00.006-06:00

This is a guy who keeps a very low profile with the fam - he's celebrating his 24th birthday today. We wish you great things for the year 2009, and hope you have a GREAT day.

This picture was taken in Mexico just after Christmas 2008, when they went down on a humantarian trip with their church group. That's {l-r} Taylor, Jessica, Nic and friend Tyler.

Happy Birthday, Sloane!

2009-06-18T01:10:00.003-06:00

I did not forget to post for my youngest grand-daughter's birthday last Friday - I've just been waiting for photos from her parents! Blame it on them. I guess I'd have to say the HIT of the Gifts was a pink scooter from cousin Connor - she loved it {as evidenced by the look on her face}, and kept going back to it after every other gift opening. She was quite stylin' in her pink glasses, and her silver handbag hooked over the handles of the scooter! Her SpongeBob cake was done by Heather and Grandma, and she couldn't wait to blow the candles out. Matt would just get them lit, so we could sing Happy Birthday to her, and she'd blow them out...so Matt would light them again...about 4 times!

She is so smart, and can talk as well as a 3 year-old! She repeats everything you say but still says "Hold You" to request being picked up and "Move" to show you where she want to go, and "Hug You". Whenever she sees a tractor, she informs you that 'Daddy's at work - builds BIG tractors!" The funniest words to hear her say is Pretzel, Turt {Curt}, Wethton {Weston}, and trampoline. She is so much fun and we love her dearly!

Happy Birthday, Elma!

2009-06-14T08:14:00.006-06:00

Jenna states everything so succinctly and always has such beautiful photos on her blogs, and she hasn't disappointed with a tribute to our sweet Mother, sister, grandma - Elma. To some, 90 years seems like a long time. But in El's 90 years, she has many graces in her life to show. There are 90 years of wisdom, love, sweetness, gentleness, patience, knowledge, a zest for life, genuine interest in everyone and everything, meekness, faith, talents, service, compassion, and eternal youth beyond her years.

For many years, while Wayne was in the Air Force, they were in other parts of the country, so we weren't able to enjoy their presence at family gatherings as much as we would like. But since Wayne's retirement, we are always welcomed by a kiss on the cheek and a hug at their house. She has a heart bigger than the outdoors; and we are so thankful that she is in our family and our lives.

We all love you so much, and wish you a very happy 90th year! Please promise you will always be here with us...

Her Name Says it All....JOY{e}

2009-06-13T10:43:00.016-06:00

The last living sibling to my Mother {who died when I was two and a half}, passed away last night. We will certainly miss that twinkle in her beautiful blue eyes, and the smile on her face. She just beamed when family was around, and she was the verve at the Senior Center on Mexican Train night. For many years she has written an article in the local newspaper titled "The Other Side of 80", of which she shared a few in emails with us. Some of the wit was hers, some was a collection of things she received from other people. But honest to goodness, there was some pieces of them, that spoke to the heart and soul of issues!

Take for instance: "Seems to me there are too many people in too many cars in too much of a hurry going too many directions to get nowhere for nothing. The biggest need in auto safety is the recall of a few million defective drivers"; "I always said the world needs more warm hearts and fewer hot heads. Every time you give someone a piece of your mind you make your head a little emptier-so be sure you can get by with what you have left"; "A temper displayed in public is indecent exposure"; "Did you ever stop to think about the difference between a house and a home. A house is someplace you resided for some time before you moved to another house. A home is where you put down roots, raise you family, create memories along the way that live with you for the rest of your life."

'I have warned you before, I am not political, I don’t preach religion, and I write about old age, middle age and all the things that go with it. I write to amuse people, to get a laugh about the process of growing old. If you can’t laugh once in a while what is there to look forward to? What I enjoy most is making fun of old age. I am entitled because I live it, and I hope I can say that I enjoy it. It always pays to have a positive attitude. Being over 80 is sometimes more cheerful and hopeful than to be forty years old. They say that by the time most folks learn to behave themselves they’re too old to do anything else. The late Bill Jones said at the senior center, “By the time a man finds greener pastures, he’s too old to climb the fence.”

'Here are a few thoughts I would like to pass along. Maybe you will find one that you can relate to.
When you can think of yesterday without regret and tomorrow without fear, you are near real contentment.
How can a person ever know whether his faith was weak or strong unless it has been tried and tested?.. Faith gives us the courage to face the present with confidence, and the future with expectancy.
A real friend warms you by his presence, trusts you with his secrets, and remembers you in his prayers… False friends are those who roll out the carpet for you one day and pull it out from under you the next.
Friendship is a living thing that lasts only as long as it is nourished with kindness, sympathy, and understanding.'

Life is a gift - Read the title over again. When you get to be my age I am thankful every day for the gift of life. I have enjoyed my life up to now, and I intend on treating it as a gift and do all in my power to take care of myself in body and spirit. I don’t get to church so I have to do something that will let me through the pearly gates. That is why I do all the crocheting I do - donating it to charities, the homeless shelters, and other organizations that take care of the ones not as fortunate as I am. {I might add, there are many family and friends who have benefited from her crocheting skills who have the stocking caps and beautiful baby shawls that she has made} and I thank her for those.

God bless and I will be back next week. {This is the phrase that she usually ended her article with.} I would add, 'I am with God, we will see you soon'.

I wrote her daughter Wendy this morning and this is the jest of the note: Well, I guess prayer is answered {in part} even if it's hard for those of us left here. I didn't hear about this until after midnight last night when I was up reading emails and saw Clydene's blog entry. Then I laid in bed until 2-3 am thinking about Aunt Joye, and what a wonderful reunion she is having with your Dad, her parents and all of her brothers and sisters......there is no other word than HEAVENLY!! I would love to be there to see that....I guess the older I become, the more curious I am about my Mother and wanting to know more about her. I would love to look in her face and hear what she thought about my decisions and how they have affected my life; to get her reaction to the joy my children and grandchildren bring to me, and to feel her arms around me. Rejoice in knowing that she is healthy, happy, probably dancing!!

We Love you all for your patience, compassion and endurance through her illness, and know that we will be praying for faith and strength to get through this week. We will miss her, but OH! how I envy who she is with!

Happy Birthday, Jeff!

2009-06-13T07:36:00.006-06:00

This month is such a special one;
It’s birthday-time for you.
We’d really like to celebrate
Your happy day with you.
Zip-a-dee-ay and heigh-dee-ho,
Here’s something we can do.
We’ll sing a song that we all know,
Happy Birthday to you!

Jeff is one of the 'Good Guys' - he's always there in a pinch to lend a helping hand. When I asked family members to use a word to describe him, we came up with organizer, outdoorsman, patient, wry, sarcasm, care-giver, gregarious, legendary, stud muffin {it doesn't count when you describe yourself, Jeff!}, humorous, charitable, loving, dependable, hard-worker, likeable, accepting, entertaining; but most of all, I'd have to relate pride to him. As you can see from these pictures from the past year, he is brimming over with PRIDE in both - where he is surrounded by his family and embraced in his faith.

Check out this link to find out interesting statistic
about your birthdate.

Hope your day is awesome as you celebrate the one last year before the next BIG one!! HA! Ha!

Happy 7th Birthday, Skyla!

2009-06-11T16:24:00.002-06:00

When your birthday comes around,
we can hear the happy sound,
of laughter and singing too.

Just say where and tell us who,
celebrations can be found.
When your birthday comes around.

When your birthday comes around.
Balloons are blown up too,
It’s a special day for you,
when the streamers are unwound,

Life is the dance and we'll clap together and cheer.
When your birthday comes around.

Hope you have a wonderful day! We love you Sky!

Seth-Hebrew origin-Anointed

2009-06-08T15:51:00.005-06:00

I told Heidi she needed to get a photo of her baby bump before Seth is actually here and in our arms! If she had brown hair, she'd look just like the widget that I first put on my blog back in March. Same pose, same bump, only Heidi is much cuter; don't ya think? We are all getting so excited to see this little guy. She worked hard a week ago to get some new crib accessories sewn and placed. I finished a quilt to hang on the wall by the crib; all her baby clothes and blankets are washed and put into drawers; and now it's just the waiting game. Like Kacy mentioned babies are most likely to be born during a full moon - so if he wants to come a bit early, we're READY for the Baby HUNK! The next full moon is on July 7th and her due date is July 10th, so maybe he'll hang on til then.

Pregnancy Tickers

Full Moon and All Bets are Off!

2009-06-07T19:26:00.002-06:00

The Lunar Effect: Does a Full Moon Make Us Crazy?

By: Molly Mann (View Profile)

I, for one, suspend disbelief where the power of the moon is concerned. I kind of like to believe that some mythic force comes into play with the full moon, since it gives me an excuse to go a little crazy once a month. No, I don’t grow hair and fangs, but I do feel like the full moon gives me the freedom to just let it all hang out emotionally, like there’s a higher frequency in the air that my body and spirit start to feel. Yes, I know it’s not really true that the moon affects behavior or circumstances, but there’s something magical about heading out for the night, spotting a glowing orb hanging low in the sky, and feeling that anything can happen.

ENUF Already.....!

2009-06-07T12:07:00.004-06:00

When I say I'd like to live on a beach, I didn't necessarily mean THIS! Has anyone built the ARK that is supposed to pick us up?

Happy Graduation, Eryn!

2009-06-05T19:33:00.003-06:00

"Anyway" - Author unknown

People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered.

Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.

Do good anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous.

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.

Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable

Be frank and honest anyway.

People favor underdogs but will follow only top dogs.

Fight for some underdogs anyway.

People may need help, but may attack you if you help them.

Help people anyway.

What you spend your years building may be destroyed overnight.

Build away.

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.

Give the world the best you have anyway.

Congratulations, Eryn! I love you so much. We are so proud of you, and hope that your hopes and dreams for your future will be foremost in your heart and mind as you step on stage tonight and into the rest of your life tomorrow.
{This photo was taken last Sunday after her Seminary graduation.}

Dancing with God

2009-05-31T12:13:00.007-06:00

I received this email from a friend {who I'm sure thinks that all I send in emails are silly stories and dirty cartoons!} and thought to myself what a lovely analogy! I don't remember seeing or hearing this before, but it makes perfect sense to me. I hope that your day is filled with joy and that you rejoice in your relationship with your Savior and the influence that He has in your life.
Dancing With God

When I meditated on the word Guidance, I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other.

My eyes drew back to the word guidance. When I saw "G": I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i". "God, "u" and "i" dance." God, you, and I dance. As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead. My prayer for you today is that God's blessings and mercies are upon you on this day and everyday. May you abide in God, as God abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting God to lead and to guide you through each season of your life.

And I Hope You Dance Through 2009!

Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-25T08:34:00.017-06:00

A special thanks to my brothers, Wayne, Keith, and Tom-and to all those other Veterans out there for their service to our country and their unwavering commitment to ensuring the FREEDOM's that we enjoy as a Nation. I Love you guys! We have a wide array of Nat'l Guard, Coast Guard, Army, Air Force, Merchant Marine and Navy family members.

To all of you: Memorials are for that reason, to share the depth of feelings, by remembering those who fought, who lost their lives, and those carrying into the future the honor of their gift to us.

Full Circle

2009-05-24T11:50:00.003-06:00

[After spending the last few days with Tom, Leanne & Garth and their two lovely children, I have such an appreciation for family and the knowledge of a life after this. Watching Leanne attend to her Mother's every need and listening to the sweet words of love an encouragement that she whispered was heart-rending. We all shared stories, laughs about funny things Margie said or did, and tears. Leanne reminded me and others, that her Mother was the one who stepped in to take care of me when my Mother was ill and how much she and Tommy wanted to raise me after her death. Much later, I did spend some months with them when I was in Junior High. I love and appreciate the great love between Margie and Tom - they have been together 59 years - and Margie always said she felt blessed and was so thankful to be able to "spend her life with the love of her life"! They grew up together, made a life together, and grew old together - never regretting a piece of that life. We will miss her.]

I started this entry back in September of last year and couldn't remember why I didn't post it - but when I tried to post it today, I noticed that there were some comments on it...so it must be my 'oldtimers' kicking in. I posted and undid it for some reason. But with it being Memorial Day weekend, I thought it would be nice to re-enter it into the blog with the thoughts and love that we have for our family and friends whose physical attributes we do not see, but whose spirits we feel daily.

I really do wish that holidays were not messed with! Memorial Day should be on a set date - where people have the day off from work, and families can gather at the cemetaries to remember and tell stories of their loved ones. There seems to be no tradition to this particular day - other than people figuring it is a 4-day weekend to take off for their first trip of the season. I remember as a young child, the preparation to find and cut flowers to arrange into baskets to take to the gravesites. If we didn't have what we needed from our yards, we would pick up a bunch of peonies or iris, along with filler like bridal wreath, forsythia, lilacs, etc. from stops along the road. Memorial day was a wonderful day to visit with relatives you hadn't seen {sometimes, since the last year}, go to a family members home for a BBQ, and spend the day just getting re-acquainted with family. It was an excellent time to hear stories of those relatives who had died that we might not have known. It involved a game of having the kids do rubbings on the headstones to ensure that the information on them was correct and taken home to be put into the pages of the family history. I remember people actually dressed up to go to the cemetaries - it was their way of showing respect for those who were gone.

Prayer, Blessings, Gratitude, Appriciation

2009-05-12T07:03:00.007-06:00

A most thankful post-Mother's Day gift from Gary and Heather - Gary had a PET scan last week and after meeting with the doctor's yesterday it was determined that they consider him in remission!! He will only have to get blood drawn every 2 weeks for now and the scans done about every 3 months. This is such a relief, and we are so thankful that our Heavenly Father has shown His love and mercy to our family through this time. Thanks to all of you who have prayed, worried, and donated any time, monies, dinners and babysitting. Gary looks better and better each time we see him - his hair is growing back, he's putting on weight, and he is slowly gaining strength and stamina. He has started traveling on his route for work and is excited to be able to see all of his customers and thank them in person for their support. Heather is finally able to take a breath without wondering when the next shoe will drop, and Taylor and Wes are.....well, PERFECT! Thanks again to everyone. You don't appreciate friends and family quite as much until something like this happens, and you depend on the strength of the group to help you get through.

M.D. Recap

2009-05-10T18:22:00.004-06:00

My Mother's Day began with going up to hear DiAnne and Glen speak in their Sacrament Mtg. - I think it is cruel and unusual punishment to make a Mother speak on her holiday, and from the whisperings in the crowd sitting around me, alot {and I mean many!} Mother's dislike this day more than any other. They feel they are being summed up and compared to all the great ladies in History...they feel inadequate, overworked and underappreciated; but mostly sad. They are sad because of the way they feel, or because of guilt over the feelings they carry for not showing love and appreciation enough for their own Mother's. I swear to you this is not made up!

Luckily, DiAnne and Glen, along with a young woman in their ward, spoke about the memories they do have of the wonderful women in their lives. DiAnne presented a picture of Mother, and then told of the many attributes that she had - her talent for playing the piano by ear; her beautiful singing voice; her ability to create/mend/rebuild any piece of clothing she had at hand; her selflessness; her patience; the unbearable sorrow she went through when her oldest son was shot down during WWII, and not knowing whether he was dead or alive; the years she suffered in pain with cancer before she died; and the unwavering LOVE she had for her family. She spoke about how when Mother died, DiAnne was only 13 years old - a very tumultous and unsettling time for a teenager. She was to take over the chores Mother had done and help care for the little sister {me}. I can't imagine how hard it must have been. She did a beautiful job of describing this time, and then thanked all Mother's who have been an influence in her life. Then Glen got up and talked on the importance of women and spoke of the Mother's in his life that taught and guided him - from his Great grandmother to his own Mother and then DiAnne, the Mother of his children. I was really glad that I attended today, and would like them both to know what a GREAT job they did, and how much I appreciate their love and examples.

I got back home in time to gather up all my fixin's for the POTLUCK at the PARK, with my family. We met at the local city park, ate, visited, opened gifts, and played alot! The little kids never seem to want to take the time to eat - so I'm sure that by the time they were tucked away in their car seats to go home, they were tired and hungry. I've posted some pix of them and their various activites - Thanks to all of them for making me a very proud Mom. I love them, and am assured that even through trials that they see, they will always know they are loved and appreciated for WHO they are.

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-10T08:06:00.002-06:00

{These are photos of my lovely and beautiful Mother and myself. I never knew her, because she died from Cancer shortly after this third photo}.

Mother's Day for many is a glorious day when they think fondly of their Mother's and Grandmother's; where children anxiously await giving the gifts that they have made in school to their Mom's, and can't wait to see the joy on their Mom's face as they open up the package; where memories are exchanged of the sleepless nights and tiring days of tending to infants and small children; of pacing the floor when a child is sick, or is not home when they should be; of listening to every siren, and opening door, wondering if their teenager is OK; where horror stories are told of adventures that Mother's would rather not like to hear about, or are very glad they didn't know about until NOW! For some, it's a day of sadness where the loss of a child or Mother is remembered with heartache; where a Mother is remembered only in spite because they neglected or abused their child; where the potential for becoming a Mother is just out of reach because of one reason or another. Be mindful of all Mother's, for it is through them that kindness and patience become more perfected. It is because of them that generations of new babies are brought forth. It is a noble calling, and one that we should all be appreciative of.

"The best way to have Heaven in your home.............is to have someone from your home in Heaven."

However your Mother's Day is spent, try to be forgiving of faults, and celebrate it with LOVE!

Just in time for Mother's Day!

2009-05-09T21:32:00.001-06:00

25 REASONS I OWE MY MOTHER

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."

2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

4. My mother taught me LOGIC.
" Because I said so, that's why."

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

7. My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
"Stop acting like your father!"

15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
"You are going to get it when you get home!"

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."

19. My mother taught me ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"

20. My mother taught me HUMOR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."

25. And my favorite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!”

The Owl, the Bee and Me!

2009-05-08T19:07:00.006-06:00

You remember the experience with the owl - the wisdom thing - the spirit waiting at the gate of the Milky Way? Well here is a continuation, and now Heidi wants to check things out in her Wicca manual to see what the latest experience indicates. I was walking with DiAnne the other day, and picked up a dead bumble bee to take home to show Weston, since he is a HUGE fan of The Bee Movie. DiAnne was freaking out saying it would sting me; I said "It's DEAD!' I carried it for about a mile and a half in the palm of my hand and put it into a styrofoam cup to take home. However, being the absent-minded senior that I am, I forgot it. When I stopped by today to see if they still had it, DiAnne informed me it had 'come to life' and was moving around in the cup so she moved it out to the garage. How does something dead do that?! Anyway, short story - it was thrown away before I got there this morning, so Glen promised me he would save me the next one he finds. I told them it was 'no big deal, and I could find my own' but he was insistant. The thing is....I would've really like to have the resurrected one! The Owl, the Bee, and me. Is there something there? Maybe it's nature's way of telling me I need to get myself and my life in sync with the metaphysical {The branch of philosophy that examines the nature of reality, including the relationship between mind and matter, substance and attribute, fact and value}. Heavy preponderance for my Mother's Day weekend.

Giver of Wisdom

2009-05-03T23:48:00.001-06:00

A few years ago, there was a beautiful white owl that hung out below Bluff Road and looked like a GHOST as it flew through the sky. I was never lucky enough to have my camera with me when I noticed him. But imagine my surprise when I came home after a lovely afternoon of Communing with nature; you'll feel reborn {horoscope for me on Friday} and found this owl perched on our back porch for a few hours on Friday. Heidi was able to snap some shots of it, just before it took flight around sunset. We didn't dare open the door or make too much noise, or use the flash. And we had to take the pictures through the blinds. I believe she got a few good ones though. It was about 13 inches tall or so. So cool. Because she is superstitious and super-sensitive to the metaphysical, she looked up the symbolic meaning of an owl and got these:

The Owl is the bringer of wisdom. The all-seeing owl possesses supernatural qualities and is often associated with intuition, clairvoyance and clairaudience.

The Owl’s energy is at its peak in the very heart of darkness, when we are plunged into blindness and disorientation. He penetrates the darkness of the blackest night, seeing and hearing that which others cannot.

A magical creature of the forest enigmatic and powerful. If the owl is calling you, you are aware of the owl being present in your life, dreaming or waking. You are being called upon to open your eyes, ears and mind to the truth of a situation. To listen to the wisdom deep in your heart and soul. That still small voice is trying to reach you in some way - To assist you or help you in a current challenge you may be facing.

Tap into the power of the Owl by calling on your own intuition, listen to your own wisdom for there is something you need to see or hear. As the owl is so strongly associated with the night time, his wisdom may come to you while you slumber. So take the time to be aware of your dreams or make a special effort to remember and write down any important dreams you have.

The Owl is a messenger that can bring clarity and illumination.

(Don't let this one freak you out SUE {sioux}!)

Among the Northwestern Native American people, the belief is that the owl speaks out the names of individuals that will soon die. To the Sioux, a giant owl called Hin-Han protects the entrance to the Milky Way. The souls of the dead need to pass through it to encounter the spirit land. If an individual does not pass the inspection of Hin-Han, due to lack of the right tattoo, he or she will be thrown into a bottomless pit. The Southwestern Pima Indians viewed the owl as a symbol of the souls of the dead. A feather was given to dying individuals to help them into the next world.

The owl has not returned; I'm still trying to decipher what the meaning of it is? According to Heidi's explanation, am I supposed to be gaining more wisdom? Or am I to ready myself to meet the great Hin-Han that is to greet me at the entrance of the Milky Way. And do I need to get a tattoo? I've told my kids you can't get into Heaven with a tattoo! Whatever....I guess it indicates that I need to become wiser in some manner. I will research that and return and report. Luckily, this owl didn't leave one single feather or POOP. And he actually sat there for a few hours! Most remarks I received were that it was 'good Karma' and so cool. So I guess Vicky's and my question is: WHOO? WHOO? WHOO? is he here to inspire?

Happy Birthday, Craig!

2009-05-02T10:40:00.002-06:00

I wanted to wish my cute nephew a Happy Birthday - I tried to do a Wordle but it doesn't seem to want to cooperate with me, so I will just write down some of the attributes that those close to him gave to me: Dedicated, Patient, Stoic, Funny, Handsome, Reserved, Dog Lover, Hard Worker, Mischevious, Observant, Dry-Witted, Family Man, Outdoorsman, and 47!! You're getting up there! Hope you have an enjoyable, albeit WET birthday.

This Old Bird is 60!

2009-04-21T18:43:00.002-06:00

I was lucky enough to celebrate my {dare I say it?} 60th birthday with all my family. DiAnne & Glen {ever so cleverly} planned a "Surprise!" party for me. Wayne, El, and Doug; Nadine, Clydene with her daughter Kacy & Hadley, Janette, her daughter Ashley & Joey, Leanne & Garth, Teri & Tom, Jeff, Karen, Shaylee & Nick, Ryan & Kristen, Paige and her two little gals, Sara & Robyn, and all my own gang with their little hoodlums! It was quite a houseful! As always, there was a spread of delicious goodies to eat, and balloons galore, and banners reminding me that I am indeed over the hill. Funny, I don't remember getting to the top of that hill, altho the climb sometimes has been grueling!

I reminded DiAnne that she had thrown a 'Surprise' party for me when I turned 30; now this one 30 years later -- then I warned her that she better not think about one for the next 30! My sweet SIL was standing behind me, and gave me a squeeze asking, 'What's wrong with 90?' She is turning 90 in June - but you'd never know it! She is still the cute strawberry-blonde darling that married my oldest brother in 1943! If I could age like she has, maybe I wouldn't mind sticking around that long.

I thought I would try to compile a list of things that I've learned in 60 years --

1. "NO" is a complete sentence!
2. Knowledge is Power -- but Ignorance is Bliss!
3. The past is to learn from – not live in
4. My way is not the way -- it's just my way.
5. 'I dwell in possibilities'....
6. Gripe to the one you have a gripe with!
7. We are the choices we have made
8. The older we get, the more like ourselves we become.
9. One must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has been.
10. My lederhosen just don’t fit me all that well anymore!

-- but what I know the most and best is that of all the things in the World, family is the most important!

Thanks to everyone one of you that I am privileged enough to have in my life.

You know you're old when the candles for the cake cost more than the cake!

A few days of Sunshine...

2009-04-20T12:14:00.018-06:00

I got a reprieve from the fickle weather up North, and traveled to the Land of Sunshine with Paige and her girls last week. Eryn had a dance competition, and all of us needed to catch some gamma rays to boost our spirits. We drove through 3 areas of blizzard getting to the George, but by Friday, we were basking in and having fun in the sun! We spent time at the pool and hot tubs, did some hiking in the red rocks, saw the cute movie '17 Again', and enjoyed watching Eryn weave her magic on the floor for the competition...she moves so gracefully and is on que for every dance step. She took 1st in her Jazz number, 2nd in her Lyrical, and the group took 2nd in Show, which is the finale. Congratulations to Eryn, on many years of hard work - as she moving on to other goals in her life.

As a sidebar - Happy belated Birthday to Eryn. She turned 18 on the 11th and was wondering when I was gonna get her post up. So this is it! She is graduating from high school {Dear Ol' Davis High School...} and has been accepted at Weber Univ.

And while we were traveling home yesterday, we were thinking about her cousin Taylor who just turned 16! Beware the new driver on the road! Happy Birthday to you, Taylor.

Friends, and Strangers ...

2009-04-15T11:27:00.005-06:00

I received a cute email from a friend {obviously} that had this cute cartoon with it. I am so appreciative of good friends who keep me in their thoughts, know when to lift my spirit as I go through a rough patch, and encourage me to follow my heart and fulfill my dreams. They are sometimes my best cheer section, and I don't know what I' d do if I couldn't unload on them. I don't feel like I'm able to ever be as compassionate or intuitive to others, as they are to me - but I try to make a noble effort to remind myself to remain positive, and to make the best of what seems to be impossible situations! Love to my friends

P.S. Happy Birthday, Ms'mErika!

Easter 2009

2009-04-12T11:37:00.006-06:00

HAPPY EASTER from us to you!

ALL I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE...
I LEARNED FROM THE EASTER BUNNY

Don't put all of your eggs in one basket
Walk softly and carry a big carrot
Everyone needs a friend who is all ears
There's no such thing as too much candy
All work and no play can make you a basket case
A cute little tail attracts a lot of attention
Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day
Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits
Some body parts should be floppy
Keep your paws off other people's jellybeans
Good things come in small sugarcoated packages
The grass is always greener in someone else's basket
An Easter bonnet can tame even the wildest hare
To show your true colors you have to come out of your shell
The best things in life are still sweet and gooey

Here Comes Peter Cottontail.....a week early!

2009-04-07T14:57:00.008-06:00

There are many things I can count as blessings in my life - loving brothers and sisters who stepped in and always made sure I was taken care of { I credit them generously being the wind beneath my wings}; wonderful friends - the ones just re-entering my life, or the ones who have always been a part of my heart; children and grandchildren who are probably my greatest accomplishment in Life; a faith that endures through tough and sometimes unhappy times; and the desire to write down my thoughts from time to time - if not for the general public, at least to clear out the cobwebs in my brain cloud!

Life has been a roller coaster of events, emotions, frustrations, and elation! My brother has been in and out of the hospital for the past 2 weeks with some health concerns which always puts the rest of us on ALERT. He is back home in his LazyBoy Launcher, with candy on one side, his cigarettes on the other, some Honey Buns in the pantry, and his oxygen hose hooked up around his ears. Pray that he doesn't forget that he's hooked up to that when he decides to light up a cigarette!!

Gary had a PET/CT scan last week - it was determined that the two spots that they saw originially are STILL there, but because they are not growing, and they don't have a 1st scan to compare with, they took out 'Squidward' {the cathport} and he just has to have his blood drawn weekly, and will go in for another scan periodically. We still keep faith and pray that he is one of the lucky ones to be cured and that there will be no re-occurrance of this for him. Heather and his kids are excited to have him home on a daily basis, he has been back to work for the past 2 months, and Taylor can't wait for him to 'rassle with her'!

I had the family over on Sunday for an early Easter celebration, with an Easter Egg hunt for the grandkids. It was chaotic, but alot of fun to watch them run from one corner of the yard to the other looking for their colored eggs. Weston and Sloane even got down on their hands and knees and were digging through the long, matted down grass for something that might be hidden.

The weather here continues to put me in a FUNK! One day it is beautiful and warm, the next stormy and cold....Just get here already, SPRING! I really need to work on my flower beds, and get my regimen of walking again. I swear my little crab apple tree has almost opened it's buds up and then had a 2nd thought and recoiled!

I've rambled enough....this family is wishing Jenna and Krissy a wonderul adventure; we can't wait for Heather's new Surfer Girl to come and are so excited to see cute pix of Baby Asher. Our 8th grandchild will be here soon - and the excitement builds every time we think of his arrival and what blessings a sweet smelling, angel baby brings into our family.

2009-04-03T10:58:00.001-06:00

OK - I just read an article in the Standard about an event that is to take place at the Davis Convention Center here in Layton. I have included the article and the website referred to in the article and would like your feedback. When you bring up the vid, I caution you to look at a couple of the other vids as well, but make sure they are about the actual pole dancing, and not some other trashy exoctic dancing that anyone can bring up on the internet! The gal explains why they wear what they do {or do not!}, and tells a little about the workout.

http://www.standard.net/live/news/168306
http://www.misspoledanceutah.com/

Personally, I find nothing offensive about this event. It may be a bit suggestive, but no more than some of the beauty pageants, fashion shows , etc. or any other thing that is presented on TV/movies/music videos. If any of you have tried to pull yourself up from the floor in the last while, let alone hang upside down holding onto a pole only by your ankles or knees - you definitely have to appreciate that this is a true fitness demo. I sometimes can't even hold onto the railing to get up the stairs!!

Tell me if I'm too open-minded for my own good......

These are a few of the remarks that I received back from an unbiased {did I just admit that?} select group who shall remain anonymous. One gal admits that a couple of her daughters and even her 11 year-old grandson participate in this extraneous form of fitness. Another states that it is just too suggestive. What views do you have?
- This is funny, my girls, and a lot of their friends have taken or are taking this class in Ogden . It is not stripping, but a heck-of-a-workout. They had to show me before I would believe it! One even put a ‘pole’ up in their basement and the girls go over there and practice. My 11 year old grandson has been practicing with his mom and can do some of the ‘moves’ that she can’t do yet… they do end up with bruises on their legs & arms from it but as long as they are active, what the heck? Beats the treadmill at the gym, I guess.
- I have actually seen alot of shows on this lately. There are moms purchasing poles for there homes, cause it is such a hard workout. I personally would not want a stripper pole in my room. What kind of image would you be giving your children if they saw that? Just not right in my opinion. They offer these classes all over now and people swear you will never felt better after the workout. It's crazy to have this competition!!

- I totally agree with you and think it would be fun to see it. I do agree it's good that they have rules to keep it above board, but pole dancing is getting very popular and I'm sure it isn't easy. This is perfect fodder for people who like to stand out as being offended - as it gives them the public exposure they crave so other self-righteous, narrow-minded people can admire them for taking a stand. Afterall, everyone KNOWS these pious phonies have no problems in their families (yea, right). Too bad there isn't a Stepfordville that they could all move to.

- Well, they say kids age 12 and up are invited. It says no G strings, top should cover entire boobs and bottom covers entire butt. Sounds okay to me. Thanks for keeping me ABREAST of the latest.

- Whatever! Obviously the choreography won't be that great. Boring. At least these women know that in this economy they'll have something to fall back on as a night job. At $20 for admission, I can get that on my HBO at home with my package. I'll stick to yoga!

I guess what I'm saying here, is that this is a COMPETITION! And for those who don't want to attend or would be offended by it, I say "Stay Away". I won't be there, but then I wouldn't attend a weight lifting competition, or a WWF, or a Victoria Secret fashion show either!