It's a New Day, a New Year.....!

May all the dreams in your eyes, all the desires in your heart and all the hopes in your life blend together, to give you the most spectacular New Year ever. May all your dreams turn into reality and all your efforts into great achievements.

Happy New Year from one flashy Broad!

Christmas Eve

Well here we are in Hurricane...'twas the night before Christmas'. We had a lovely turkey dinner 'n fixings, with one of Aunt Marie's Razzleberry pies and a Lemon Chiffon pie for dessert. Shari & I have given assignments to Wood & Mike to assemble and insert batteries; Grandma-Great & Connor are rolling out cookie dough, and we (the girls) are putting the finishing touches on the infamous 'Christmas Breakfast' for tomorrow morning. I have never had a Christmas where I moved so slowly-almost as if I’m watching myself from afar. Just don’t have the energy this year, and am fighting a bacterial infection -- (I’m on the meds.)

What hasn’t been done, doesn’t get done! It is what it is! And in the long run, what does it really matter anyway, right? (I will close the door to spaces that I have neglected, hoping no poor soul will try and open them.)

We are watching Christmas Story on TV & playing 'Mexican Train' with Dominoes. We will head back to the condo soon, and regroup back here in the morning when Connor gets up.

I know that someday I will probably miss all this hustle-bustle (though I can’t imagine it now!), so I will try and remember what is really important as we gather together. And that is, that we are together, enjoying each other, and celebrating the gift of Christmas…

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, and to all a Goodnight

Oh DANG! I forgot I was gonna use this picture circa 1982 - The Shifflett kids are gonna hate me for this one, but it's a Mother's perogative. Matching PJ's compliments of Grandma Shifflett.

I've been in the BahHumbug-ish mood this year for Christmas. For those of you who received the 'letter', I'm sure you knew I was writing it 'tongue in cheek' . I thought I might try to whip out something via email (that hasn't happened!); the only decoration I have up is the tree that my two oldest grand-daughters, Kloyie & Skyla helped me with; and as far as cooking and baking -- FORGET ABOUT IT!

“When our children/grandchildren are sick -- When their little body aches and a fever rages and their head hurts, and they can’t explain what is wrong, they don’t want new toys or new clothes or a nicer house to live in. They only want to be held by someone who loves them. Ralph W. Emerson, an American philosopher reminds us that rings and jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts. The only real gift is the gift of yourself.

When I am hurting emotionally, I don't want a nicer car to drive or a new wardrobe. I too want to be held by someone who loves me. At Christmastime the best gifts I receive are tokens of love from those I care about and who care about me. So often the gift of time, of presence, is the best of all. It takes a clear vision of what matters to give our children presence, not just presents. We never outgrow the need for love expressed by presence.

No matter how old we are, the gift of time and attention is just as sweet as it was when we were children. Grown children need it from parents; parents need it from grown children. It is a never-ending cycle. We all need support and help from each other. We have the capacity to love and lift each one around us with our presence.

As the sacred music of the Christmas season surrounds us and the message of Christ's birth is uppermost in our minds, may we think upon the wondrous gift of God's presence. May we be willing to receive it, to open our hearts to it and really feel it. Jesus came to us so we could know the Peace of Heaven on Earth.”

Merry Christmas to all our family and friends. May your New Year be filled with Peace, Hope, and Love and a renewed awareness of your Presence in our lives.

WELCOME HOME!

We are proud to welcome Elder and Sister Campbell who have returned home from their Mission assignment in the California Riverside Mission! We are thrilled that they are healthy (for the most part), happy and are home to celebrate the Christmas Season with friends and family.

Love you both,
li'l sis

If you're not in the Spirit of the Holiday yet, this will get you there. After checking out this link, you're sure to be singing Christmas carols and then be thanking me for time 'well-spent'.

Check out this link and test your Christmas skills:

Funny, Funny Mother

This was always such a riot to read aloud at DiAnne's Christmas get-together, cuz no one works harder or starts earlier to prepare for Christmas than her! We would be in tears laughing at the scenario -- when I read it now, I just heave a big sigh of RELIEF knowing that I was never nor will I ever be like this MOTHER!

See Mother - See Mother laugh - Mother is HAPPY.
Mother is happy about Christmas.
Mother has many plans for Christmas. Mother is organized.
Mother smiles all the time - FUNNY, FUNNY Mother.

See Mother - See Mother smile - Mother is HAPPY.
The shopping is all done. See the children watch TV.
Watch children, watch.
See the children change their minds.
See them ask Santa for different toys!
Look, Mother is not smiling - FUNNY, FUNNY Mother.

See Mother, See Mother - See Mother sew.
Mother will make dresses - Mother will make robes -
Mother will make shirts. Look - Mother put the zipper in wrong!
See Mother sew the dress on the wrong side.
See Mother cut the skirt too short.
See Mother put the material away until January.
Look, Look. See Mother take a tranquilizer - FUNNY, FUNNY Mother.

See Mother, See Mother buy raisins and nuts.
See Mother buy candied pineapple and powdered sugar.
See Mother buy flour and dates, pecans and brown sugar, bananas and spices and vanilla.
Look, Look. Mother is mixing everything together.
See the children press out cookies.
See the flour on their elbows.
See the cookies burn. See the cake fall.
See the children pull taffy. See Mother pull her hair.
See Mother clean the kitchen with the garden hose - FUNNY, FUNNY Mother.

See Mother. See Mother wrap presents. See Mother look for the end of the scotch tape. See Mother bite her fingernails. See Mother go. See Mother go to the store 12 times in one hour!
Go Mother, go! See Mother go faster. Run Mother, run.
See Mother trim the tree. See Mother have a party. See Mother make popcorn.
See Mother scrub the rug. See Mother tear up the organized plan.
See Mother forget the gift for Uncle Harold. See Mother get the hives!
Go Mother, go! See the far-away look in Mother's eyes.
Mother is disorganized. Mother is disoriented - FUNNY, FUNNY Mother.

It is finally Christmas morning. See the Happy Family.
See Father smile. Father is happy. Smile Father, smile!
Father loves his new neckties. Look, Look. See the happy children.
The children will remember this Christmas.
See Mother. Mother is slumped in a chair. Mother is crying uncontrollably.
Mother does not look well. Mother has dark ugly circles under her blood-shot eyes.
Everyone helps Mother to bed. Mother sleeps quietly under heavy sedation.
See Mother smile - FUNNY, FUNNY Mother.

"A Maxine Christmas Story"

A good friend forwarded this to me and I knew Maxine and I had something in common --- but my hope was that I would grow up to be just like her! Maybe I'm closer than I think!

'Twas the night before Christmas, And all through the house...
Not a creature was stirring Since the cat ate the mouse.
My support hose were hung By the chimney with care.
(I hung them last Christmas And just left them there.)

My dog, Floyd, was nestled All snug in his bed,
After watching the cat rip The presents to shreds.
And I in my long johns And ratty night cap
Had just settled my butt For a long winter's nap.

When out on the lawn There arose such a clatter,
I swore at the window, "What the (blank) is the matter?"
I tore open the window, Not a second to tarry,
All ready to throw The noisemaker a berry.

A bright moon was lighting The new-fallen snow...
And I had a moon of my own Set to show.
Floyd was beside me, Paw pointing the way
Toward eight tiny reindeer Hitched up to a sleigh...

And a little old driver So cheery and quick,
I thought for a moment That I would be sick.
Like a bat out of...you know, His reindeer they came,
And I whistled and shouted And called them some names--

"Hey, Hornhead! Hey, Furface! Hey, Weiner and Turkey!
Yo, Klutzy and Mangy And Venison Jerky!
Stay off of my porch! Get away from my wall!
Now hit the road, hit the road, Hit the road, all!"

But as pedestrians before My old Buick, they fly
And head for high ground With great fear in their eyes,
So up to my rooftop The fleabags they flew,
With a sleigh full of toys And old Fruitcake-Breath too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
Holes in my new shingles Made by each tiny hoof.
As I reached for my slingshot And a marble as well,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas Tumbled and fell.

He had a huge sack of Cheap junk on his back
And I whispered to Floyd, "Be prepared to attack."
His eyes they were squinting, His toy bag was draggin',
And I felt for a moment Like I'd soon be gaggin'.

He was dressed all in red. With a bell on his hat.
And a belt of black leather To hold back the fat.
A billowing pipe He clenched tight in his smile,
And the smell was like something Had been dead for awhile.

He had a broad face And a little round belly
That shook when I nailed him With a handful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, Well, actually porky,
And I laughed when I tripped him (He looked pretty dorky).

He was like a beached whale Unable to budge.
And he tasted good, too, If the dog was a judge.
I spoke not a word But went straight to my work--
A noogie, a wedgie, A cry of "You jerk!"

Until laying a finger Aside of his nose,
With a loud cry of "Uncle!" Up the chimney he rose.
He sprang to the sleigh And dragged in the toys,
Then he cried to the reindeer, "Get me out of here, Boys!"

And I had to exclaim As a slushball I tossed,
"Happy Christmas to all, And to all a Get Lost!"
But then, as I turned, I saw 'neath the tree
Two gaily wrapped presents-- One for Floyd, one for me.

A big bag of jerky Turned Floyd mighty chipper,
While for me was a pair Of brand-new bunny slippers.
I looked out the window, And hovering there,
Old Santa was winking From his sleigh in midair...

"Merry Christmas, Maxine!" He cried, full of cheer.
"Same to you, Pal!" I answered, "I'll get you next year!"
MERRY CHRISTMAS

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family -- I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table, but do not show love to my family --I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family -- it profits me nothing.

If I trim the tree with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the church choir, but do not focus on Christ -- I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table lines.
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way.
Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return.
Love bears all thing, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.

May we keep the true meaning of Christmas foremost in our thoughts and hearts as we approach the holiday season.

Color Theory

Jenna always seems to have the newest links and great insights into herself and life, in general. For being such a youngster, she's got her act together pretty good. Anyway, she had this new link on her blog, so I thought I would try it. Like her, every time I do one of these, it generally comes up close to the same answer -- I could hardly force myself to think that any of the attributes fit me. But I'm not unhappy with the conclusion and the color. I've always liked blue! Although, if you ask me, I'll usually say my color is RED -- probably trying to compensate somehow. So. . . what color are you?

you are slateblue #6A5ACD

Your dominant hue is blue, making you a good friend who people love and trust. You're good in social situations and want to fit in. Just be careful not to compromise who you are to make them happy. Your saturation level is medium - You're not the most decisive go-getter, but you can get a job done when it's required of you. You probably don't think the world can change for you and don't want to spend too much effort trying to force it. Your outlook on life is brighter than most people's. You like the idea of influencing things for the better and find hope in situations where others might give up. You're not exactly a bouncy sunshine but things in your world generally look up.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

I'M FIVE! I'M FIVE YEARS OLD TODAY!

Taylor is Heather's little girl and the 4th grandchild on both sides of the family!
It’s 8:45am – the telephone rings
‘Gwamma, can you come over today?’
‘Taylor – I have some things I need to do;
What does your Momma say?’

‘Mom – can Gwamma come over today?’
‘I don’t care – what does she say?’
‘Gwamma, Mom says you can come to play –
Do you want to Gwamma? Will you come today?’

And so this is how each day begins
With a personal invitation from my 5 year-old friend!
Eyes that are more green than blue now
Pouty lips that are just so kissable!
Long, beautiful hair – always dressed in something pink

Wanting to know what my favorite color is, what I’ve had to eat,
Asking what movie we want to watch, what I’d like to do and what I think;
Who is this ‘Geez Louise’? she asks;
and why do I say ‘P.U.’ey when something stinks!

So many accomplishments and changes this past year –
A new baby brother - Weston, he’s one,
A new beagle puppy that’s a pain in the bum!
A new routine of preschool 3 days a week
A trip to the library – new books to seek.
Playing with Sydni, Laila, and J.J.
These are activities that fill up her days.

Today it is your birthday - A day that’s all your own,
So I’m going to give you a gift that’s special
Its value is unknown . . .
It's my pledge of love and trust
That as you grow you'll know
How many times a day we think of you
And how much we love you so.

Happy 5th Birthday, Taylor
I love you from Heaven and Back!
Grandma Shifflett

Happy Thanksgiving!

MY THANKSGIVING WISH

As we gather ‘round the Turkey
On this Thanksgiving Day,
May we be ever grateful for our blessings
And for friends and family.

May forgiveness be within our hearts
And tolerance for those around us.
Help us to do what’s right
So that we may other’s teach.
Look to ourselves for inner peace
And always to stranger’s reach.

For strangers are the friends
That we have not yet met.
And friends are those who know us best;
Whom judgement does not set.

Let this Thanksgiving Day
Be just the first of many --
When we can look from you to me,
With no regrets, no excuses,
And no sorrow for our yesterdays.

Nieces, Nieces

When I was in 3rd grade, I had an assignment from Mrs. Jost to write a poem. What I came up was a diatribe about nieces -- specifically Denice, Leanne (Tom's daughter), and Clydene (Whitey). Mary would occasionally tend these 3 little scamps and they inevitably would rummage through my bedroom and belongings. When I came home from school to find the mess (which I was usually encouraged to clean up if I didn't want them playing with it) I would mumble and groan!

Nieces – Nieces

Some forty years ago, when I was all of ten,
An assignment was given to me to write a poem.
I remember thinking to myself; I know nothing about prose –
But I made a wild stab at it, and this is how it goes.

Nieces, Nieces; I hate them to pieces!
They get into my room, and scatter all my stuff –
They ruin what is mine – and I become so gruff!
I yell at them and I stomp about
My Mom just tries to calm me.
She reminds me that they’re little and will be going home soon.
HOORAY! I say – Make them clean up my room!

Now I say . . . Nieces, Nieces; I LOVE them to pieces!
They’ve become my best friends.
We’ve complained to each other, we gossip, we share.
Without them, I never would’ve had the experience of growing up
With opportunities to baby-sit, catfight, and most of all ---
APPRECIATE!

When I moved in with Nadine's family, Janette & Cheryl became my friends, as well as my nieces. We shared secrets about boys, hi-jinx and mayhem! We ate, worked and slept together and all 5 of us girls shared ONE BATHROOM! It involved intense planning and shifts as to when a bath/shower was taken and who shared the mirror at the same time! But I look back on this experience and am so thankful for the opportunity to grow up and grow old with these girls.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, to my Wonderful Nieces.

October's becoming a fairly busy month -- it used to be just the '3 H's' - Heidi, Heather & Halloween. Between b-days, finishing up soccer games for Kloyie & Skyla (half of which were stormed out!), and a Halloween carnival for Kloyie's and Skyla's school, I believe we are just about ready to finish out the month with Halloween!

We were all over to Heather & Gary's yesterday to celebrate The Boy's b-day. They are great host's and it was fun to have everyone together. Good thing Heather, Heidi and their little girls helped him celebrate on the 23rd, because since then, he got an ear infection that required an antibiotic, which resulted in an allergic reaction and HIVES covering most his little body! LOOK AT THE WELTS ON THIS POOR BABY (think Will Smith on HITCH)-swollen eyes and ears, itchy red splotches and pretty much miserable - he did hang in there pretty good long enough to open his gifts, eat a scoop of ice cream & a slice of cake.

Fay's husband sat and drew caracatures of everyone. He's a Good Sport to do this for every family gathering! I have yet to have one done, as I'm trying to think of a good character for this funny face! But all of the kids were a RIOT.

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY, WESSIE!

Weston is Heather's 2nd child and the 6th grandchild on both sides of the family!(aka Pumpkin Head, Bobble-Noggin & The Boy)

One year old? What a SURPRISE!
See that look of shock in my eyes?
Growing up is quite hard work --
But something we must never shirk!

I've learned to roll, and then to crawl
I yell for Taylor -- I throw the ball.
I bark just like the doggies do
And stick my fingers in doggie poo!

My 'Grandma Sue' thinks that I am tops
I try to please her with all my PROPS -
There's Bah'Ba, who'zat, bye-bye and naughty
My next big step will be to 'go Potty'!

I'm pulling myself up to everything that stands
This is done with my teeth -- along with my hands!
I know that pinching and biting aren't nice
But the trouble I get from it gives Mom such a rise!

My Momma tells Taylor to be nice and to share
Cuz one day, I'll be bigger 'n tougher 'n meaner;
I may sit on her - I may punch her
I may even pull her hair!

We all know that I'm just as SWEET as can be
Look at that face - Who could doubt my intent?
I'm one, I'm fun, I'm not here to torment!
So just love me, and feed me, and make sure that I'm happy
And if you're lucky, I may lay down for my "POWER" nappy!

The Jesus Store

Funny Story - Heather, Taylor, Weston and I were out shopping on Friday for Kloyie's birthday at Deseret Book. Heather & I walked around the entire store looking at decorations, plaques, books, sampling SnickerDoodles(!) We wandered into the pictures and started picking out our favorite pix of the Savior. We decided we love the new versions that have him more animated - blue eyes, and especially the ones with children.

Anyway, Taylor pipes up with 'How come there's so many pictures of Jesus here?' Along with the 'insanity thing we inherit from our kids', I've picked up on my kid's qUICKwIT! Heather and I reply simultaneously, 'Cuz this is the Jesus Store'. We hear two ladies on the other side of the shelves laughing. . .Oh No! We've been caught in our sarcasm!

Taylor's last question: 'Why does Jesus need a store?' Good question, Taylor. I think even Jesus would laugh at that.

Kloyie's Eight!

Kloyie is my oldest grandchild and daughter to my 3rd son, Curtis.

Such a special day for a Special little girl
Turning eight years old has put you in a Whirl!
"My Dad's going to baptize me", you say
How wonderful that this is the Highlight of your day.

No thought of party, gifts, or cake,
Only that you're turning Eight
And knowing that you'll be baptized
Has put you into such a state.

"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.

Our little Kloyie - Eight Today!
And how the years are slipping away,
Always so many things to do
Never much time for just we two.
The length of you - All legs and arms!
those artful poses and subtle charms
A studied indifference upon your face
Changing as I watch you grow
Becoming someone new to know.

I have such things I want to say
To show you, if I can, the way
to see the world in golden shades
To never lose your chosen way.
To stay safe when others are at risk
To know how to love and who to kiss.

So Happy Birthday, Eight Today!
With all my Love, Grandma

Twice the Love - Double the Delight!

29 Years ago on October 6th, a Blessing X2 came into our lives! The vibrant colors of the Autumn leaves, the humbling serenity of a Conference weekend, the total AWE of 2 perfect baby girls, who have transformed into special women with an inner strength, beauty and talent -- and two of my Best Friends!

Heidi we nicknamed 'Kitten', because she laid so quiet & cuddly - just like a kitten when it curls up on your lap to sleep. Heather was 'Squeaky' - everytime her eyes opened, her mouth opened!(much like a baby bird who awaits it's Mother's return with something to eat). She was not awake without wanting attention. You'll notice Heidi gets "Top Billing" on this shared day as she came 2 minutes earlier than her sister..

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Heidi & Heather - I Love you so much!

'TIS NO OTHER . . .
Twin by Chance, Friend by Choice

Sister, Friend, but so much more
One would not be here without the other
So when you think you're all alone
Don't look to strangers . . . Seek out your sister.

Sharing everything since birth
Sleeping, eating, pooping, toys
The only thing I don't remember
Is that you might've shared the BOYS!

Alike, yet different . . .
With your individual style
Choosing friends who didn't fit the other
Always coming home to share with your sister.

Proud to call you both "my daughter"
Praying that you will remain happy, and close to each other.
'Tis no other more special. . . I've said it before
Sister, Friend, but so much more.

(Happy Birthday-October 6, 2005)

I love you both, all the way from Heaven and Back!

The Naughty Ladies of Cherry Hill . . .

The naughty ladies of Cherry Hill
Have hit the town like a bomb.
The back fence gossip ain't been this good
Since Margie ran off with Uncle Tom!
Our town was peaceful and quiet
Before they came on the scene
The ladies have started such a riot
Disturbin' the suburban routine.

You should see how they carry on
With their admirers galore
They must be giving them quite a thrill
The way the guys all flock to their door.
They throw those 'come-hither' glances
To ev'ry Tom, Glen & Wayne
When offered some liquid refreshment
These ladies, they never complain!

The naughty ladies of Cherry Hill
Have the town in a whirl;
The naughty ladies of Cherry Hill
Me o' my, oh what cute girls.

The thing they're trying to pin on them
Won't hold much long, I'm sure.
Beneath the powder and fancy lace
There beats little hearts sweet and pure.
They just need someone to change them
Then they'll be nice as can be.
"If you in the neighborhood, Stranger'
You're welcome to drop in and see."

The naughty ladies of Cherry Hill
So delightful to hold;
The naughty ladies of Cherry Hill
They're delectable - quite respectable
And they're only two weeks old!

(Written and sung by Vicky & Kris
for a Heidi's & Heather's baby shower)

Anniversaries, & Birthdays & more, OH MY!

The month of September was a BIG month of special birthdays & anniversaries. So HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Krissy, Vicky, Paige, Shaylee & Jessica.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to the DelHoyo's, the Rix's, the Campbells, the Pedersen's and the Banford's.