Memorial Day 2009

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

[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

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

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

{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!

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!

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

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!

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!

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...

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 ...

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

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!

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.

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!

The Power of Prayer

For those of you who have noticed the Praying for Stellan button on the right sidebar, I thought I would explain to you why I have it here. This is a baby who at 20 weeks gestation was diagnosed with a heart problem, and his parents were told he would never survive. When he was born, they couldn't find a problem with him and it wasn't until just recently that he began having an irregular heart rate and was put into the hospital. His story is a long and tedious test of faith but if you would like to read more about him you can go here.

With all the problems in the World right now, the economy, the war on Terrorism, the unemployment rate, etc. it's interesting to me, that this story can get more than 200,000 hits in a day!! If you want some inspiration, and would like to feel the power of faith and prayer in a person's life from all around the world, you need to read this story. I know there are so many more like this one out there. I know that we have all had occasion to witness the power of prayer in our own lives.

One week after Spring.....

It takes your food seven seconds to get from your mouth to your stomach.

One human hair can support 3 kg (6.6 lb).

The average man's penis is three times the length of his thumb.

Human thighbones are stronger than concrete.

A woman's heart beats faster than a man's.

There are about one trillion bacteria on each of your feet.

Women blink twice as often as men.

The average person's skin weighs twice as much as the brain.

Your body uses 300 muscles to balance itself when you are standing still.

If saliva cannot dissolve something, you cannot taste it.

Women reading this will be finished now.

Men are still busy checking their thumbs!

Now isn't this the kind of trivia you'd rather read about than hearing about what it was like when I had to walk to school through snow up to my knees; and how I didn't have anything better to do with my time, than ride my bike, or play 'kick the can', or hula hoop, or collect bottles to trade at the Cold Storage for penny candy? I knew it would be.

Let me just tell you how my day started off tho: See this shiny array of stuff laying on my bathroom floor? This is my makeup mirror that I have used for about 20 years. It's small, I know - but now you understand why I look the way I do when you see me. Not that I've used it this way.....backtracking.....Mirror used for 20 years, dropped close to 100 times on tile, cement, etc. with never a crack. In fact, I was just sitting on the loo a week ago and dropped it and thought to myself what a great beauty partner it had been to me all these years. Today, it dropped from my trembling fingers and shattered into many, many pieces. Now if I were super, superstitious, I would say it was an omen for my day. But as I ran from the room to throw salt over my shoulder, I came to the conclusion that maybe it is and indication of a 'new beginning' for me. Should I buy one of those new-fangled light-up magnifying mirrors that show every line in my face, or just be happy to get another compact? These are the questions haunting my thoughts right now.

Just so you know, one of these punks had the audacity to mention my age, the other one who is much closer to me in age, was alot more cautious - Love all the memories and the mention!

Welcome Home, Elder Ryan!

Elder Ryan returned home from the Ohio Columbus mission on March 18, 2009. He was welcomed by an unassuming crowd of parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and a BUD - you really couldn't have picked us out of anyone else there, cuz Ryan didn't want fanfare, alot of signage, or cheering when he rode down that escalator. However, after waiting about 20 minutes, and seeing the pilot and flight attendants come down, we began to wonder 'where is that guy?' We were making suppositions about whether he was up in the restroom changing into board shorts and a T-shirt; whether a group of them might be planning a theatrical number like the Rockettes; whether he had stowed away in some guys snowboard bag; and Glen even asked him {by them time he did get down} whether they had made them clean up the plane. He looked tired, but when we asked him how early he had gotten up his reply was 'we didn't go to bed until 2AM and were up and headed for the airport at 4AM! No wonder the dark circles under the eyes!

And tho we were told he didn't want attention there were a few signs.....

We attended his ward meeting today, where we heard a little about experiences on his mission as he spoke on the importance of Priesthood blessings. As referenced in his last letter home back to the 'norm'.......

IM GLAD TO HEAR THAT THERE IS SOME FUN PLANS AHEAD FOR ME.
I WAS GOING TO TELL YOU THAT I WANTED TO GO FOUR-WHEELING
AND GOLFING ASAP - BUT YOU'RE ALREADY ON IT!

THE COURSES AROUND HERE ARE GREENING UP AND LOOK GOOD!
MAKE SURE YOU PUT MY DRIVER BACK IN MY BAG, DAD!!!  MY
TALK IS JUST ABOUT FINISHED. ALL I'LL HAVE TO DO
IS TYPE IT UP WHEN I GET HOME!

WELCOME HOME, LIL CAMPBELL!

ST. Paddy's Inspiration

Put some green in your life when you want:

• a new state of balance
• feel a need for change or growth
• freedom to pursue new ideas
• protection from fears and anxieties connected with the demands of others

Although I anxiously await the first signs of a 'Spring Green', the only thing peeking out right now is weeds - why is that? I was thinking of ignoring St. Patrick's Day completely. I don't have a drop of green Irish blood in me; I HATE corned beef and cabbage; I have never drank green beer or tasted green bread; I don't believe in good luck; and green has never been a color I could wear! But in tribute to all the hard-working Irish American people who helped build our great country, I will surrender and at least wish you all a Happy St. Paddy's day!

An Irish Prayer
May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

Baby HUNK

Some already know - others do not. The progeny of Thomas Loyal & Hattie Ina just keeps growing and growing. And although it gives me pleasure in announcing this, I want to assure you all that it's NOT me! With everything else that's been going on, Heidi and Grant are expecting their 2nd child. I was privvy enough to get to go to an appointment yesterday with her to witness for the 1st time an actual ultrasound. I have maintained that every ultrasound picture I see is the same one that every other person sees - they look no different than the next one! However, this was a 4D ultrasound where we could actually see features and were able to tell that baby Seth has Grant's nose and upper lip. He also has a dimple in his chin. He sleeps like his Dad, with one arm up over his face and one under his head.

These are just a few of the pix taken yesterday and as Heidi said: "He's 1 lb. even, and about 22-23 weeks along. The first two are 4D shots and the last one is
the money shot!" {if you were betting on it}


CONGRATULATIONS to our newest family of 4!

Happy Birthday, Grant!

This guy is soooo loved by the two gals in his life! Laila loves making donut runs with him, helping him work on projects, and watching him fly his airplanes. He is such a good husband to Heidi, and a loving Daddy to Laila. He is our 'mild-mannered superhero' type of guy. Never says much unless he feels it's something very important - just sits by and listens. We are so thankful that he chose to make himself part of the family by marrying the lovely and talented Heidi. Hope your day is special and that you feel the LOVE!

Happy Birthday to.....

The Woodster
The Woodman
The Woody
Wood....................

Same....yet Different

Whitey and I check out a number of blogs, and sometimes I feel as tho I am eavesdropping on personal conversations, but there was a link from one of them this morning that sent me to this blog.

Because this young man just recently discovered that he had the same cancer as our son-in-law, it came as a personal sorrow for me as I read their story. I feel so very blessed and lucky that our own experience with this same diagnosis has a more brilliantly colored rainbow at the other end.

Please include in your prayers - Emily ...... a young mother who lives in Texas. She has a little boy, Grant, and is pregnant with a daughter, Aubrey. On 2/18, her husband noticed a few symptoms and went to the hospital and just 10 days later he passed away from Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She really needs our prayers.

Friends

Friendship is a Sheltering Tree...Don't you just love those words? How true they are. Life without friends would be very lonely. I didn't get a birthday shout out for my friend on the 26th, but I want her to know how much I appreciate her friendship through the years. In the early days, we would console, encourage, and share life's dreams with each other. Now we cry over lifes disappointments, compare our ailments, and give one another suggestions on the best vitamin supplements.

Friends bring out the best in us ---

We shared the anticipation of our first school day,

Our first boyfriend,

Our first date,

Our first kiss.

With a friend . . .

We became bold and adventuresome

when we might otherwise be timid and shy.

With a friend . . .

We remember all the things that no longer are.

Like . . .

With a friend . . .

We trade our favorite thing for their favorite thing.

With a friend . . .

We are Invincible!

Love ya, Pauly......

The Sixth Challenge

The Sixth Challenge

I just recently hooked up with a gal that I worked with at Morgan's and she had this cute idea on her blog. So, before any of the other relatives do it first, I thought I'd beat you all to the punch and then you can share.

Here are the rules:
1. Go to the photo folder in your computer
2. Go to the 6th folder of photos.
3. Go to the sixth picture.
4. Put the picture on your blog and description of it.
5. Invite six friends to join the challenge.

This photo could not be more fitting for what I hold dear....it was taken in October 2008 at Heidi's house. She hosted Weston's 2nd Birthday party and it included every one of the grandkids + Heather in the picture. What makes it particularly poignant, is that Heather's husband had just begun chemo treatments for Burkitt's Lymphoma, and was in the hospital. Heather had been there with him on a daily basis for weeks, and was not able to even think about doing a party for her little boys birthday celebration. So Heidi, jumped in and offered to have the party, do the cake, and even had little bags of party favors for all the kids!

I am so thankful for family, and for the opportunity it affords us to help one another, and show appreciation for what we hold dear to our hearts. These little kids all have so much fun with one another, and enjoy the times they are together. They run, jump, scream, and expend every inch of enthusiasm in their little bodies. NOISY? Yes! But how boring life would be without them!

As to my inviting 6 people to do this; surprise me and let me see who does it first!