10.23.2009

Family, Fall, and Fishing!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10.18.2009

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

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

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

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

10.15.2009

Farewell...

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

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

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

10.10.2009

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10.06.2009

Heidi & Heather are 31'derful!!




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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Top 10 Things I Love About Having Twins

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Happy Birthday, Leanne!


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

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

9.30.2009

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.

9.27.2009

Happy Birthday, Paiger!

Paige

{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!

9.10.2009

Firsts and Firsts

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!

8.30.2009

Birthday Wishes

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!

8.16.2009

Congrats to Mz. Eryn and Happy Birthday, Jordy!

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}

8.15.2009

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

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.

8.12.2009

Happy Birthday, Nettie!


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


8.11.2009

Ahhh, Ain't Motherhood Grand?



{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

8.07.2009

Bless This Child

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~

8.04.2009

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

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.


8.03.2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FAY!

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!

8.02.2009


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.