Aunt Janet

Thanksgiving pics taken from Amanda's blog

2010-12-13T18:25:00.001-08:00

Check out the following random picture of Thanksgiving Weekend

Caden first snow holiday and night out at USU in the wind and cold

Cici and Kelly start of the holiday Cici had worked out with Raelyn that morning and wiped all them in shape (well, so she thought until the next morning when she felt the workout)

Karly takes Caden for his firt ride

Turkey effects

SALES Jill already had her plan shcduled and ready before we even read the paper she is so prepared

Basketball is the best

Playing together doesn't get better than cousins

Checkout the tables

Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FUN TIMES WITH FAMILY CHECK OUT THOSE PRE TURKEY DINNER SNACKS THIS IS THANSGIVING AT IT'S BEST WAY TO GO WES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here's hoping I can copy some of her photos just incase any looks at this besides myself....

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-13T18:22:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2010

Thia year has seen such growth in our family in our testimony's as well as our size and blessings. We all have had tests in our lives, and each person and family has faced them with valor and used their faith to handle the problems.
As we met together this Thanksgiving we had some real challenges. The first of the week the weatherman announced that a blizzard was on the way for Tuesday and warned every one to get off the roads and stay home. Jake and Amanda were going to travel then but I was calling saying not to come, Raelyn and the girls we getting their hair cut and Val Jay was even concerned about them getting back into Newton the wind was so strong. There wasn't that much snow, but what there was came down in a horizontal fashion totally blocking vision. Amanada finally gave in and didn't travel. However, the storm was so exhausted by time it left Logan Brigham City area, is fizzled out by SLC. They probably could have made it later in the evening, but there for a while I was really concerned. Thank goodness Melissa, Rob and Raelyn had all called her to say DON'T drive. They arrived Wed and we started the arranging of food, and went to the Utah State Basketball game against U OF U of which we WON and totally enjoyed cheering at. Jim, Ireland, Aaron and CiCi all arrived that evening so we really started to celebrate then.
Then there is the meal. What can I say.....we have that down to a science. Melissa starts us off with the best of the best horsedivours (no it doesn't come up on spellcheck so you have to guess what that word was) with tons of veggies, dips and Mischa made stuffed mushrooms that were to die for......Then there is the dinner: Mom does turkey, Kelly -ham, Munch -mashed potatoes-gravy, Aaron -crackers,beans and sauerkraut, Raelyn had yams, cider, rolls, I had cider, gravy and cherry pie, cranberry salad and Ireland does 3 pies.....now tell me who had a better dinner than that. Thanks everyone for setting up the tables, chairs, china and glassware. It was beautiful as well as tasty.
After dinner, we just "jelled" and enjoyed each other. We played games, Raelyn brought her jewelery making beads and we totally scored a whole new wardrobe of jewelry for our necks, wrists and ears. Thanks Raelyn for being so talented. It was so fun to watch the girls design and Amanda came up with a new necklace pattern which we all had to copy it was so awesome. Can I say there was plenty of basketball and football for the guys.
Philadelphia was a hit with the cards flying everywhere. Now, I am teased for my "buying" of the cards, but when you are a winner usually how can that be so bad. Those kids of mine will never forget how fast I can snatch up those cards. It was great. Jill was hitting the stores for the shopping of a lifetime by eleven o'clock that night. What a woman...and she made it all night with her family. How they do that is beyond me..
Aaron and Cici stayed the whole weekend, Cici taking care of Caden along with Karly and McKenna so his mom and I could goof of and play around. It was so awesome....Chelsea came home from school and joined us as well (this is when I realized that it won't be long before she will be "sharing her time with another family and I am not sure I am ready for that. Not sure how Raelyn feels about it, but that is one of the reminders of how fast time has gone by.)
I want to tell my kids and grandchildren how much these moments mean to to me. It is the joy of my life to see how you children have grown and the fantastic people and parents you are. All of you are working long hours, serving in the gospel, sharing your time and talents with others and serving me daily. You have all embodied everything I could ever want for you to become. Please know this Thanksgiving has given me another chance to "see" my blessing, feel them, and to have a witness of being a blessed mother.

McKenna brings out the spirit of blessings

2010-10-24T20:41:00.001-07:00

Today I went to the Primary Program at Trevor, Karly and Rylee's as well as Keaton and Mckenna's ward. Both programs were fantastic and the children did great. Of course, my grandchildren were the very best and looked the cutest and sang their hearts out. But there was one that was outstanding in her Grandmas eyes, and that was Mckenna. McKenna was asked to talk on miracles and she chose to relate this story, Now this will be my words, but the idea of her talk.... I have seen miracles happen in my life............it was my Grandma Alder. She was given a blessing that she would regain her eye sight. It took over 8 surgerys but the blessing was answered. It wasn't immediate, but with time, it was fulfilled."
What a beautiful testimony of what happened in my life. Her heart was so pure and her testimony was totaly correct. It is so fantastic that my life could possibly turn out to be a witness of the love our Father in Heaven has for each of us and his knowledge of us and our needs. Thanks McKenna for reminding of how blessed I am.

Christmas Party and Testimony

2008-12-21T17:32:00.000-08:00

I am never sure who reads this blog, but I want to share my thanks and testimony with whoever might read this. I am so thankful for the great friends that I share this life with and awesome family as well as the experiences I have with my children. I have had a wonderful Christmas so far with a caroling group made up of some of my grandchildren and their other grandma and grandpa, a gift from the ward of a lovely basket, cards from all over the country written by friends and family that I love; and to each of you my "thanks for making a wonderful Christmas Holiday." I wrote this note to by children, but the testimony part is for all. Following is my note:
Christmas & my Testimony
First, let me say thank you Jim and Ireland for hosting our Christmas party/get together. For all the weather problems and challenges each family faced to get there, the spirit of family was alive and for those who did not make it, you were missed tremendously. NOW I JUST HAD A BRAIN WAVE: There is always a hole in the circle of our family when a member is missing or unable to attend, kind of like the "Spudnut" circle. Interesting that we could use that as an illustration.............OK, back to the party:The pizza and salads were great and our last bottle of cider was still a little frozen, but what a way to say goodbye to an old year.The gift exchange was very nice as each child received something just for them. Thanks parents for doing such a great job. Jacob, I will mail your gift first thing in the morning from Christian.
MY Gift. What can a mother say when she now is wrapped, warmed and protected by 2 coats. I can now be the sporty, on the hill styling grandma and the classy old missionary style woman at the girly activities with my friends and the ward. I love you all very much and each time I put them on, I will remember that each of you have your arms around me hugging me tight. Thank you so very much.
My Gift to you: As I sat out your gifts it didn't appear to be much of an offering; however, I realized that those jars of jams and syrup are witnesses of miracles and blessings. They are a gift made with arms that work, body that moves, eyes that can see, and a heart full of love and a desire to serve you and my Heavenly Father. It is a testimony to each of you and myself of how blessed I have been and the miracles that have been performed in my life. I can never take for granted the ability to walk, lift an arm, read a book, or hug my grandchildren. SO, please remember how blessed we are as a family with each bite.
MY Testimony. I had hoped when we all were at temple square that I could take a minute to bear my testimony as I will be released the first of February and we won't be together before that time. With some missing, I didn't do it but I would like to take a minute to do it now.I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. That he has put together a marvelous plan for each of us to succeed. I have been blessed to teach a group of individuals that each month demonstrate to me how blessed we and I have been in this life. We all face challenges of heath, wealth or lack of it, work schedules, hard individuals to work with, abilities to learn, or even motivation to do more or better. But, when I see the challenges of life that some of my students have faced to just be there in class each day, I say a large prayer in my heart to Heavenly Father that none of us face those challenges. We are a blessed family who has survived trails or challenges, but with each one, a larger blessing has replaced the pain or obstacle. Our Father in Heaven knows each one of us. He knows our hearts. He knows what our wishes and secret fears are and yet, he daily provides us with comfort and Peace. If we do what is right kids, and make good choices, we need not fear. I am learning that more and more each day. That if I do what I am asked to do, his spirit will be there day and night. Life is going to be hard in the future. The things we have thought that we were owed or needed, are not going to be available. We may be eating different, wearing clothing with patches, or even walking to and from somewhere (I will hate that part personally), but because of the lives each of you have chosen to live, you will NOT FEAR. As a mom, it is beautiful to see you each live the gospel and to teach your children to love their Father in Heaven and to let each of my grandchildren know that he loves them too. Joseph Smith sacrificed so much of his and his family's lives to bring us the gospel. He is truly a prophet of our Father in Heaven. The gospel is true, its guidelines are simple if we just choose to live by them. We will have no fear and never have to look over our shoulder or doubt our choices. I love each one of you and so appreciate all (and I mean all) you do for me. I know I sometimes whine and show fear, but you are the people I have to share them with, and I can't always be strong but together as a family we are. You are the circles of my life. You balance me, care for me, and serve me and I am so grateful. I love each of you and want each of you to know that my love is true, it is tested and strong for each of you and for my Savior. I bear this testimony to you and close in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

To anyone out there, I wish you all a Very Merry Christ mas, and a wonderful New Year.

Blessings realized this holiday

2008-12-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

I was looking for something in the dresser by my bed and found the story of "You are Special" by Max Lucado. It is an easy reader and so whatever, I'm retired, I can take 10 minutes to read this, so I DID. Page 27 caught my attention and drew me in. It read:
Punchinello (Janet) laughed, "Me, special? Why?
I can't walk fast. I can't jump, My paint is peeling, Why do I matter to you?"
Eli looked at Punchinello (Janet), put his hands on those small wooden (steal) shoulders, and spoke very slowly. "Because you're mine. That's why you matter to me." Punchinello (Janet) had never had anyone look at him (her) like this-----much less her maker. She didn't know what to say!"
Well, after an awesome weekend and day of giving thanks, this is what my heart felt like. I don't know just what to say. My heart is full, and my life and family are so blessed. Who ever thinks at age 18 when they marry that life will pass so quickly, and that you will go from a family of 2 to a family of 34 (Jessica and Preston make 36) in a time that seems like a twinkling of an eye. When you have your first child you will wonder how you can ever ever love another child as much, but you do. Six kids later you think you can never love a child that isn't yours as much as you do your own, but you find out when you get a special addition added to the mix, that "yes" you can love additions to your family without giving birth.
Each year that passes, I watch as the children grow, and each year they teach me so much. I always thought that the parent was the "knowledgeable" leader, but not in my family. As they mature, they have become the teachers and the leaders.
Thank you Heavenly Father for blessing my life so much. Thank you for loving me and entrusting me with such beautiful spirits. Thank you for the additional blessings of each grandchild and for the joy, love and the peace they bring to me and their families. Each day I am reminded how much you love me by the acts of kindness shown to me through great friends, family members and the children. I am reminded that even with my paint chipping, and not being able to jump or run, you still love me for me.........What else can we say but "Thank you oh great one" for your love!

ThanksandGiving

2008-12-03T16:40:00.000-08:00

I got that title from my niece on her blog and thought that is was a beautiful way to remember the day. (Thanks Mique).
Anyway, what an awesome day or group of days. Let it be said up front that the only thing missing or that could have made the weekend better was if Marci and family could have joined us. Otherwise, it was just to good to be true. The food was fantastic, but the company we kept was the best. Each family helped in the fixing of the meal. Melissa did horses'd'overs (check the spelling of that one) and the ham, Kelly outdid her self with the spinach salad and jello salads, Raelyn had the mashed potatoes, there is a story here. She cooked them and was using my Bosh mixer to mash them. She didn't get the lid screwed on tight and turned on the mixer. The potatoes flew everywhere. We were having flying potatoes, not the usual mashed. She had plenty, so we just cleaned up the mess and kept going. She had the sauerkraut and yams as well, Amanda did rolls (good job Amanda), Jill purchased the ham for Melissa to cook, Ireland did great pies, I had the turkey, broccoli salad, gravy, dressing and 1 cherry pie. Holly molly for a great dinner. All the family pitched in and set up the tables, took the furniture outside to make room, got out my moms china and glasses and away we went. We snacked on the awesome treats that Mel brought while we got everything ready. Aaron worked as the photographer and took some great pics. Trevor used his unique way of whistling to call us all to dinner. You have to see and hear this one to believe it by the way. It is really a combination of fingers like movements with screaming at his top notch scream. Anyway, he got us together.

After a beautiful meal, we enjoyed a great visit, watch Dirty Jobs on and off, worked on the family calender, and played cards.

Nothing is better than visiting with those you love. Aaron and Zach stayed over that night, Jill was hitting the sales with her family at 3 on Black Friday morning and Munch and Jake headed home so he could do his stores Black Friday sales about 10 PM. They didn't get home until after 1 AM due to traffic accidents. I am so honored that each family took time to come and share this special day with me. More in another blog on being thankful, but I wanted to share te family dinner photos will you all. Friday's activities are the next addition to blogging.

SHOOTING ON FRIDAY:
Val Jay mentioned that on Friday we could come out and do some shooting on the ranch. No questions on whether my family would enjoy that. Eleven AM the Alders were at the Rigbys. It was the most beautiful weather. Cold but not bad enough that a heavy sweatshirt or jacket and some gloves were all you needed. Val Jay had 4 boxes of clay pigeons and lots of shells and Rob had bunches of shells as well. I have decided that my children own arsenals. Holly cow. Jim and I worked with the 22's and Rob and ValJay took the older kids on the other side of the trucks and did the shotguns and rifles. What great shots. I know, they take after their grandma. I loved shooting and this was me in heaven. All my kids, outdoors, and checking out our aim at the targets. Kelly is a born shot, Zach is awesome, Wes is really learning how to kick some butt, and of course, Rob is great because his mom taught him how to shoot. (HEHEHEHE). ValJay and the girls took their turns too. Ear plugs were needed most of the morning. Val Jay also had his 4 wheelers there so the kids took rides all over the mountain area. The view from the top is one to remember. What a lucky family we are. Aaron again took Pics of the kids and family shooting. Here you go:

Live'n and Leave'n Halloween Traditions

2008-11-12T18:41:00.000-08:00

The Party Begins!

Well, after 28-29 years of the most fantastic experience a family can have, I am closing my doors to Halloween Spudnuts. Now, before you panic, that doesn't mean I won't make some for friends, relatives and neighbors upon request when I feel like it, or that I can't help the family members next Halloween if they choose to carry on the tradition. It means that the tradition needs to move to the next generation. Each of us in the family has wonderful memories and it has united us as a group. There is no way that one human could do all that by themself. It has been through the efforts of the children that this has been such a success.

The neighbor called our local paper and they came over to take pictures and wrote an awesome piece for the front page of this years Halloween paper. What an honor. I tried to round up all the grandkids, but the only ones free were Raelyns younger three and thank goodness I had them. Keaton loves to roll out the dough, and "bang it and put it frozen on the trays" and he was excited to come help. McKenna and Breanna are getting really proficient in doing the sugaring as they were taught by their sister Rachel all these years. Rachel started being the master sugarer when she was only 3 years old. Like I said, it took everyones help no matter how old and their abilities.

While talking to the paper, I realized that I had "specialists" in the field. Rob and ValJay were the experts for cooking with helpers moving up on their tails of Kelly, Amanda and Jake. Raelyn has always been the Kitchen supervisor and director. She organizes the pots/pans, plates, and washes dishes until she has the kitchen spit-spot. Chelsea has always been daycare provider and child specialist. We always asked her to "monitor and supervise the kids and make sure they didn't step or crawl into the trays of spudnuts laying on the floor by the fire place. This year, she and her boyfriend took the little ones downstairs and played with them. What a relief knowing they were taken good care of and none came up missing when the hundreds of people left. She would also take them out tricker treating as the parents were all busy cooking. Then we have Jim, supervisor of entertainment. This year was so awesome as it came full circle in his tenure as a specialist. Jana Harrison was about 4 or 5 years old and they came to the home in Providence. Jim was dumping the dummy (his name was Aldernator) off the roof with a fork stabbed in the chest and catsup on the front, and Jana was so freighten she peed her pants right there on the porch. This year she came again (their family has never missed a year) and brought her daughter Mikaha. Jim scared her and she cried so hard. We took a picture to show the new generation and then Jim took off his burlap covering and spoke to her until she calmed down and they gave each other hi-5's. We have always had outside help from friends and sometimes strangers. Last year, the crowd showed up before the kids got here and a couple of families jumped in and manned the cookers until the help got here. This year we were blessed with the help from Dillian Moffatt and Jakes sister Jessica and her husband Cameron, and of course the Bayles family. Yes, that is about 15 people moving doughnuts in and out of warming ovens, cooking, sugaring, washing up some of the pans as well as greeting hundreds of tricker treaters. It is great to see people that followed us from Providence each year. Sometimes, this is the only time we cross paths. Many of the Newton families want to have this tradition over there and have offered to help Raelyn and ValJay pull it off. Rob and Kelly have even considered taking it on back at the old home front. Jake and Amanda had a great idea to take it to Price and use it for a caroling party with families and serve hot doughnuts with hot chocolate when the people returned. They have a great carport that would work PERFECT for this. SO, the tradition moves on. It was only to be done this year because the family donated money, fire extingusers, burners, pots, and the Bently family gave us some oil to help out. I truly have been blessed that I had a mother that started this tradition 50 years ago. It has been a great blessing in our lives. It has cemented us together in memories and work. If you are one of the great friends who has helped us over the years or one of the family that will carry on this great tradition, I will always be grateful and blessed that you have. Each time you make them, it will be honoring me and my mother Rachel. I am a blessed lady.

I would like to give some facts about what this year was about:

Total made: 2800 +

Served 350 to DI. Another first, Rob figured out how to "Move" the spudnut while they were raising with the warming ovens and hauling the dutch ovens and cookers as well in his work trailer. Worked great, and we had a ball. The management was able to "serve" their workers.

Served about 500 + to various business, friends, and neighbors on Wed and Thursday

Gave over 100 away frozen to various people

Served 1800 that night

Used 250 pounds of four

Used 243 eggs

Used 100 lbs sugar

Used 6 containers of crisco

16 gallons oil

5 large boxes of potato flakes

and other miscellaneous ingredients...............

I made 27 batches which make about 110 each batch

The PERFECT WAY TO END WITH A PERFECT SPUDNUT!

What an awesome experience and what great rewards.

Rich or Poor

2008-10-25T14:46:00.000-07:00

This last two weeks as the stock market has taken the "dive" and we watch the world change and panic, we can look at life in several ways. I have talked lots lately with family and friends about being poor (money wise speaking) now as my 401K has turned into a very limited amount. I read this story or thought today and it gave me a jump start to change my thinking:
Rich Or Poor - How Rich Are You?It All Depends on the way You Look At Things

One day a rich father took his son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose to show him how poor people can be. They spent a day and a night on the farm of a very poor family. When they got back from their trip the father asked his son, "How was the trip?""Very good Dad!""Did you see how poor people can be?"the father asked."Yeah!""And what did you learn?"The son answered, "I saw that we have a dog at home, and they have four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of the garden, they have a creek that has no end.We have imported lamps in the garden, they have the stars.Our patio reaches to the front yard, they have a whole horizon."When the little boy was finishing, his father was speechless.His son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are!

How rich are YOU? How much do you have in your account. I have decided that I have many accounts in this life. I have an account of money, an account of stuff (material things), an account of family, and an account of friends and a spiritual account, and a personal "me" account. I get to choose how much I have in each account. I also get to decide what I take out of each account.

I can deposit in my spiritual account by attendance at church, my personal prayer and study and temple attendance. I can feel the spirit if I put myself in places where it can be. I can loose that feeling and spirit even more quickly when I fail to continue to make deposits. Life will deduct from it each day with little things like stuff we see on tv, movies, or radio, the friends we associate or even the places we work and the people we work with. Where is my account and where is yours?

My personal account is all about me. This is not a selfish me, but a me that is accountable for the care I give my physical body, the things I eat, the things I do each day. It is the anger that I may have towards the "things" that happen to me or by me. It can be the good feelings for doing something for someone else that no one knows of. It can be the call or card from a family member just saying hello, an invite to go to lunch from a friend, the joy of watching the sunrise or set, my yard and my view from it as the seasons change. Each minute of my life and the way I am making a positive or negative difference in my account balance here on this earth?

My family account is the one I feel is the most important one for me to make the best deposits. It is the account that I never want to run into a negative balance. It is the account that is the working account. It is my every day deposit and draw from account. It is busy, and full of action. I must work hard to keep it with a positive balance. On days that I have not been able to add to that account however, many times my family has made deposits for me. They have given me physical, financial, moral, spiritual and emotional deposits. How awesome is that. I hope that I am making deposits in their accounts as well. They are my worldly and eternal accounting and reward.

My friends are an account that I have also been blessed to have an abundance of. My account runs over in that field. Along with family, my friends have always added to my account. I have been blessed with friends whose values and standards have lifted me up and added to my account. They too make big deposits into my life. This is also my eternal account. I hope and pray that I am leaving deposits of good deeds, and spiritually lifting them in their lives and making a positive deposit as well. They brighten my day, they will always be eternal deposits.

So, as I look at these accounts, which account takes on the least in value. The accounts of money and material things. Oh yes, I have been so blessed in this field as well, but what value are them in the long run. They make life better, sometimes easier, and some things are musts to have, but will they be an eternal want or need.

I am so glad to have read that little story and realized that I need to "visit the farm of the poor family more often" so that I can be reminded of how much I have and I realize the importance of those blessings.

Count Your Many Blessings

2008-10-12T12:03:00.000-07:00

I went to church this morning at the Glendora 1st ward here in California. Scott called the old neighbor and friend to find out what time the church was. I just happened to be showered and so I jumped at the chance of going with Jolin. I did not find her until after church had started but met her after. Great meeting. Fantastic talks. I loved the opening song. Count your many blessings. Interesting enough, Scott and Teresa and I had been talking the night before about how blessed my life is. Here is my question for today: How many people do you know that are Aunt's who are invited to stay for a week almost with a niece and nephew, and then go to dinner at a beautiful Italian restaurant in Santa Monica by the pier. NOW I HAVE TO CONFESS RIGHT HERE THAT "I" yes me chickened out of going on the ferris wheel. That was the whole purpose of going down there was so I could ride the ferris wheel with Joel whose party we were celebrating. It was the Santa Ana winds were blowing and I have always hated the chairs swinging while they go around. Too much motion for me. However, now that I have confessed, I will continue the story.

I was privileged to meet with my nieces, nephews and their children for a wonderful evening. Joel was in an accident (and some day I will relate the strong person he is and his teaching me about taking responsibility for ones decisions) a couple of years ago. It resulted in the loose of his leg, and a severely cut and broken arm requiring a metal plate. He was found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol and was sentenced to jail time as well as community service. He offers his services to teach youth and others about the wrong decision to drink and drive and takes total responsibility for his consequences. We were celebrating his completion of his time served. What started as just a little dinner turned into a celebration of blessings.

I am so honored that I can be a part of a family (Alder side by the way) that allows me to be loved and to love. I was joined by a niece Syndea and her husband Randy and their daughter Mique and her husband Josh, Scott and Teressa and their son Jason and his wife and Cindy Alder, Joel and myself. Back to the question, how many people do you know that have extended "X" family by legal laws, who love them and include them in their lives. Well here is the answer, ME. I am the lucky, honored and loved person. All these children whose lives have touched mine for 40+ years have given me a glimpse into the eternities. It is people we love, the people who we share time with and who support us that will be there for all eternity. It will be a privilege for me to greet each of these beautiful people any time on this earth that I can or on the other side of this life. I am by far the most lucky, blessed lady in the world and that means for all eternity. Yes, I have counted my blessings this day, and they are many.

Uplifted Spirit

2008-10-05T20:28:00.000-07:00

Wow what a wonderful conference weekend. OK, I know that I get preachy sometimes, however, I believe I am not the only blogger out there that thought Brother Dieter Uchtdorf's talk on Hope was absolutely one for the history books. I listened to it 3 times this weekend.
One of the hardest struggles I have is to keep HOPE alive in my life. I took notes on the 3rd time around and here are some thoughts that hit home with me:
1. Hope is one leg of a 3 legged stool, the other two being faith and charity
2. Discouragement and lack of hope leaves the heart sick, it kills ambition, drains all that is vibrant and hopeful, advances sickness, pollutes the soul and deadens the heart. Despair feels as if it leads forever downward.
3. Hope is like a ray of sunlight, It pierces the darkness,
4. Hope sustains us daily and leads to good works
5. Hope sustains us through despair
6. Sometimes we have to hope when all around us presents doubt.

His story about his mom leaving the children on the train while fleeing the Czech republic during the war and having the train gone when she returned ripped my heart from my chest. Karly and I were driving when we heard that story, and she had to run into a home and missed the rest of the story and that was the first thing she asked when she entered the car, Did she find them. His words were so sure and so reassuring that no matter how hard life may seem, we must keep HOPING and keep moving. His theme was: Move forward and put hope into action.

What a moving thought for all of us. Each person feels despair, discouragement, pain, and grief and how often do we want to give up. It is the hope of a new tomorrow that keeps us going.
Last week Syndea gave me the book the Last Lecture by Randy Pausch to read. I had heard his lecture on Oprah so I was familiar with the story. It has the same message of never giving up or giving in, but to live life the best you can and the most you can each and every day. There is no tomorrow, there's only today now has a new meaning when I sing those words.
Other thoughts that were terrific and hit home were:
One of the brothers talked about angels and how each of us is given the assignment to be an angel on this earth, to give hope and lighten the burdens of others. Others talked about our example of living and actions and how others learn from what we do more than what we say (that was William Oswald's on the jumping the rope story), and then there was Russell M Nielsen talk of Patterns of a shopper. How many of us make many of our choices using one of his examples of
study and find the best choice,
or bargain choice,
or splurger choice and jump in,
or steal what we need.
I thought about this analogy and how it applies to many of us as we make choices for all we do in life. I have made decisions in life using each of these choices (luckly the steal one has been very rare, but it has happened)

Needless to say, awesome weekend, so lucky to have a living prophet and leaders that inspire me to hang in there, to do my best, and to look forward with hope.

Deep thought (Again)

2008-09-26T15:50:00.004-07:00

I have been deep thinking again.
I have a new friend named Cindy. She is having a rough time with life right now. Short on the obstacles she has that I know of are a clot over one of the main arteries by her heart, pancreatitis and unable to eat anything but liquids that are prescription food substitues and water or a pop, and no children, parents dead, no husband and so ill......Now, how much better does my life feel. Much.
Anyway, back to the story of my deep thinking, when I visit with Raelyn and Marci, both their families are so busy, growing and involved in many activities, and they are stuggling to accomplish all that they are required to do. Life keeps giving hurdles for them to jump just to keep their day going. Each of the children have good and bad days, as do their husbands, and then they have a bad day as well. Money doesn't go as far, school activities, church, family prayer, home evening, cooking, cleaning, being a friend, relative, lover, and on and on. You throw all that together in a world like ours and you will find stress. I mean, STRESS. It makes days long, and sometimes I remember living like that as well.
At the middle of the stressful day, I can remember wondering will this day ever be over. Will I ever see those kids raised, will they ever ever leave home, will they grow up and be on their own and leave me alone and not need me to do EVERYTHING for them, and I not have to be responsible for their decisions or mistakes. Well, just so you know the answer to that was YES. They did grow up, they did leave home, and I am no longer responsible for their actions or decisions.
I was walking the other day and was listening to the Abba CD. It hit me like a bat on the head when I heard the song "Slipping through my fingers".
Here are the words:
Slipping Through My Fingers
Schoolbag in hand, she leaves home in the early morning
Waving goodbye with an absent-minded smile
I watch her go with a surge of that well-known sadness
And I have to sit down for a while
The feeling that I'm losing her forever
And without really entering her world
I'm glad whenever I can share her laughter
That funny little girl
Slipping through my fingers all the time I try to capture every minute
The feeling in it
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Do I really see whats in her mind
Each time I think I'm close to knowing
She keeps on growing
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Sleep in our eyes, her and me at the breakfast table
Barely awake, I let precious time go by
Then when shes gone there's that odd melancholy feeling
And a sense of guilt I cant deny
What happened to the wonderful adventures
The places I had planned for us to go(slipping through my fingers all the time)
Well, some of that we did but most we didn't
And why I just don't know
Slipping through my fingers all the time
I try to capture every minute
The feeling in it
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Do I really see whats in her mind
Each time I think I'm close to knowing
She keeps on growing
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Sometimes I wish that I could freeze the picture
And save it from the funny tricks of time
Slipping through my fingers...Slipping through my fingers all the time.

Well, what can I say. This is such a reminder I want to say to all of you: Time does slip by, life runs past us so quickly we can't see that it is Speeding past us faster than we think. I think what I want to be is a COP for all of you and to remind you that life is slipping past each and every day, and to take advantage of all moments in life. Don't put off doing, saying and enjoying the "little" time and things life has to offer. We don't get to do our days over. We do get new days but never overs. Words expressed both good and bad can not be taken back, promises made and not fulfilled on time can not be done for the person the promise was made too, a touch or smile needs to be given when needed or thought off. Don't let time and your loved ones slip through your fingers.
All of us have so much, and Cindy has so little. She has been an example to me of enduring to the end, and has reminded me of all I have, and that I need to make sure that I appreciate and show each day those I care about that I do care, and that I don't let life and love slip through my fingers. SO, freeze the picture of each day and don't let the funny tricks of time take life away. Love ya all.

The Value of Friendship

2008-09-21T20:09:00.000-07:00

The Home of the Week!

Getting ready for our ride on the beach at sunset!

Eternal Friends (all with white/grey hair too)

Elaine resting (like totally out cold!)

Sunrise on the deck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ellen Enjoys the Deck

Mondays Events: NOTHING! PJ's all day!

It is with great pleasure I announce to all of you that I have awesome friends. I have been so blessed in my life to have been given friends who I knew in the pre-existance. Time will pass without talking to them, and when we meet, we pick right up and begin our conversations as if time hasn't passed. I turely believe them to be my sisters.

Check out that picture. Often we go somewhere and someone will ask if we are sisters. On this trip we went to a Antique Store. The owner watched us for a few minutes and then asked the usual queston, "are you sisters?" I love that thought. If there were ever friends that I want to emulate, it is these two plus Aunt Annie. Love has no bounds and these people bring out the best in me and give me all the love and support a person could ask for.

Events of this week: Ellen called asked if we could go to Ray's home in Bear Lake? What a question. I was packed and out of there in no time at all. We made it on Sunday evening about 7 PM, just in time to see the full moon come up over the mountain. It was clear, the lake was smooth, and the air was clean and warm. What a beautiful evening to be there. The three of us just watched as the moon made it's way overhead. Monday was a day of PJ's. Yes, PJ's. We stayed in our lounge pants all day. I did go for a long walk on the beach first thing in the morning while Ellen slept and Elaine read, and I was covered with sand and mud and had to put the clothes in the washer, so I "had" to put on the PJ's, the other two were just relaxed. We got hungry later that afternoon and actually went to the drive inn in our sweatshirts and pj bottoms. The young man who waited on us actually made a comment about our attire, but we were sure enjoying the afternoon and watched the younger people dressed just like us so we felt right at home. Tuesday, we drove over to Star Valley and had lunch with Maxine McDonough. We took one of the back roads back and stopped to pick some of the most beautiful chokecherries for Ellen. She got about 3 gallons of juice from them she states. Totally enjoyed the afternoon. We took the kobato out that evening and went for a long ride on the beach exploring and watching the fall moon make it way up over the mountains. The air is crisp and fall is certainly on it way. Wednesday we went back to Paris Idaho, bought Lottery tickets (didn't win by the way) and visited an antique store. Ellen found a book with information about her ancestors and I found a pair of leather boots for Chelsea for the rondavu next year. On the way back, Elaine just took a road up the mountains and we did a little exploring. Just like us to just take off without a map and no particular destination. Totally awesome afternoon. Thursday, packed up and headed home. I sent a card to Ray and Shelley that stated the summary of our trip: Thank you for Eternal Memories. That says it all.

Sunday ride

2008-09-14T13:06:00.002-07:00

Do you know what is good for the soul? It's a ride in the back of the truck with some of the family on a beautiful Sunday afternoon up Providence Canyon. I know, kind of funky thought but the memories it brings and the reminder of the awesome valley we live in can't be done any other way. We showed up at Rob's house and loaded into his truck. I started getting into the back to ride with the kids and Rob and Jim had a fit. After demanding using the excuse that I wasn't getting younger and wanted to do this while I could, Rob got a ginormous bean bag and made me ride on it. I had a softer ride than the people that rode up front. It took up more space than the people but it was soft as a baby's bottom over the bumps. (He is quite the gentleman).

We had Jim, Ireland, Kelly, Rob, Trevor, Karly, Gavin, Riley and my self. We were joined later by some of the Eric Fuhriman family.

I look at Katie and Brad's blog and Amanda and Jakes and am so amazed at the things they can do with it, but you will get some of the pics I took (I think it amazing I can add just them) and a little narrative. There is no music, no side pics, or even centered, just added. However, take and look at them in the spirit they were entered.

Thoughts that spring forth is the memory of Sunday afternoon taking Rob, Marci, Brooks for sure and some other friends up the canyon shooting years ago. We set up our targets at the mouth of the canyon that day (they call it the gravel pit area) and were getting the guns ready. Isn't interesting that I don't remember ever having my older boys take gun safety classes. Hope they taught them in scouts because I don't remember them being card carrin' members of the safety classes. Oh well, back to the story, we were getting ready to shoot, one of the boys had a scope and was siting it in. I asked Rob if I could take a shot and the boys kind of snickered when Rob said, hey Don't laugh at my mom, she's good. Loved that boy. I hit the target (I had eye sight then and didn't shake like a leave in the breeze as well as shoulders that weren't metal), hit the bottle, and blew off the end of the gun and handed it to the boys. OK, I was lucky, but it cemented a proud moment with my child.

Years ago before the divorce, Larry happened to mention the Grandpa Alder was going to town to finish the paperwork on selling a portion of land he had in Prov canyon. I never did now how much, where or any of that info, but as I drove up, I wished that we still had it in the family for a place away from the world. I know they grazed cattle up there for many years and that he owned grazing permits for the area. Lots of history that could be found out through grandma's history books some day.

We are such a lucky people. With all the world suffering from storms, wars, droughts, earthquakes, and other natural conditions, we sit here in Happy Valley never realizing the struggles of others. This week my goal is to be more aware of others needs, not big material things, but the smile and a hello, the open a door, the thank you kind of things to see if I can lighten the life of another. I challenge anyone who happens to read this to do the same.

Ok, Amanda isn't answering so I can't figure out how to change these images correctly so you are going to have to turn your head to see them a little. I will learn how to do this better another time, but have to finish for now as I am heading up to Bear Lake with great friend Elaine and Ellen for a couple of days.

Harvest time

2008-09-01T19:25:00.000-07:00

I know the summer has gone quickly as I look out the window and realize that in Logan tonight, there is a chance of freezing. It is the first of September, and possible frost. That bites! Where did the summer go? Raelyn and Val Jay are returning from their annual fall weekend away with the girls and they had a marvelous time all dressed in their western/pioneer gear, and Amanda is starting her new job as a teacher of P.E. and dance, and I am looking at finding jobs for Rob to do before the weather turns snowy, and the Rigbys will be working day and night now to get the rest of the hay and grain in before winter are all signs that the summer is over.
The times in our lives when we are busy, we don't notice how fast time is flying. Actually, I remember wondering some days when all the kids were small, if time even passed as each day seemed so long.
Well, I have gone through the spring, summer and fall of my life I think. The seasons are
CHANGING FAST IN LIFE as well as in each year of living. I am not certain that I did all the things that we should do in the proper times, but darn, there were some great years and some great learning experiences.
This weekend we are having a cousins get together. At first I struggled with the idea, but then it was announced that it would be my immediate cousins. Now you are talking. When you look at the Zollinger family and you invite all the uncles, aunts, and "cousins", we are talking a zillion people at least. That family multiplied faster and better than a bunch of rabbits. However, just hanging with my immediate family will be wonderful. I am making Moms doughnuts, spudnuts is the correct name, and Ron has some apple cider he froze from last year to serve and we are having a diner party, visit.
It was my Uncle Sam Dallas Zollingers funeral this weekend and meeting with the few relatives that were there was a delight. It reinforced to me the importance of family and confirmed my previous teaching to others that having and being close to family is the most important work we will do on this earth. That is especially important when you add the element of including gospel teachings with it. Now Uncle Sam only had two daughters, Patsy and Annette. Annette married later in life as I remember, but there was a large posterity there to say farewell to the earthly remains of an awesome Grandpa and father. As Steve and I visited with others we realized that when Uncle Chet, Aunt Mary and Aunt Margaret pass away, we cousins will be the "older" generation. How in the heck did that happen. We talked about the frail health of the three, and that we probably will be meeting at the cemetery three times this next year. Again a reminder that time is flying faster and faster.
Let this note be a reminder to all that you have one day when you wake up in the morning that you are guaranteed in life, make the most of it and enjoy each moment!

trevor aldber WAS HERE (he wanted to type along with Grandma so go for it Trevor)

Entry 2 for this Sunday

2008-08-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

Man, I am loving this blog. I hope that the few of you who read it don't get too bored, but this is better than talking to myself. This weeks thought comes again from the Difference Maker by John Maxwell. It made me think and wonder if I had known the things he was saying and actually tried to apply them to myself, how would my life may have been different.
Remember the question from last week: When was the last time you did something for the first time. Made Raelyn, Marci and myself reflect how we get "stuck" in life and forget to try new adventures. Raelyn had the bestest "first" last week and that was taking her 16 year old daughter for her drivers license. Wow, am I old enough to have a granddaughter that age let alone a daughter old enough to have a daughter that age. Well anyway, it gave us all something to think about as we live life. We need to look at firsts more often and not be afraid of change or adventure/risk.
This week the section that struck me was Problems and how they change our lives. It defined problem as:
P= predictors: helping to mold our future
R= reminders: showing us that we cannot succeed alone
O= Opportunities: pulling us out of the ruts and prompting us to think creatively
B= Blessings: opening doors we would otherwise not go through
L= Lessons: Providing instruction with each new challenge
E= Everywhere: telling us that no one is excluded from difficulties
M= Messages warning us about potential disaster
S= Solvable: Reminding us that every problem has a solution

He said that problems are temporary tests of your resolve and ability. A problem is something you can do something about. If you can't do something about it, then it's not a problem, it's a predicament. That is something you can do nothing about that must be coped with and endured.
People who face their problems understand that the first step in solving a problem is to begin.
There is a time in the life of every problem when it is big enough to see, yet small enough to solve it. The trick is to find the right timing and then to be patient when implementing the solution. He also states that problems that surround us are not as crucial as the people around us. As you think about solutions, consider the people of your acquaintance who might be able to help you. He states: I have yet to meet a person focused on yesterday who had a better tomorrow. The key is to focus on what you are learning, not on what you are losing.
Positive thinking is how you think about a problem Enthusiasm is how you feel about a problem. The two together determine what you do about a problem . That is the short version and summary, but what he asks you to do next is to list the top ten things you've done in your life about which you are most proud. Do not take into account what others might say this is your list. So not rank them, just list. OK, DO IT~!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now he states: He is willing to bet that your successes came after you experienced:
1. a problem or challenge
2 self doubt
3. Commitment to persevere
We generally remember the problem and the commitment, but we forget that we also experienced a season of self doubt. We forget that we had to change our thinking before we could change the problem. And that takes the difference maker-= YOUR ATTITUDE. When facing problems, remember to always start with yourself.
OK, now time for me to think. Well, I looked at my list and thought about what changes and problems I have had in the past, and never once did I accomplish them by myself. There was always someone with me, prompting, encouraging, leading, or just listening to me and my concerns. There of course was always my Heavenly Father but he also always has given me a guardian angel to watch over me and to be there to do the earthly listening or helping. How about all of you who read this long note, who has been there as you faced a problem or had to work around a predicaments. (Loved that part that allowed there to be times when you could not change to make better, but had to re-adjust your thinking or behaving).
Well, so much for tonight's lecture on "thought". I am off to bottle chokecherry syrup that is cooked and ready to bottle.

This the Season

2008-08-17T17:33:00.000-07:00

No, it isn't Christmas, it is getting to be fall and the season of Chokecherry picking. I have not been able to particpate in this activity for probably 6 years. My great neighbors Leann and Dillon brought me 7 bottles several years ago when I had my shoulder replaced, and I have been rashening them out and being very and I mean very careful on their use. However, this season I felt like giving it a shot and so Val Jay said he would look and low and behold, chokecherries. Rachel, McKenna and Breanna have been my assistants. Yesterday, Karly even gave it a shot. She thought it was absolutely no fun at all and then Rachel came with the four wheeler and things looked better. Rachel turned out to be the best scout in the world and as the girls put it, we hit the "mother load". So, now when you have pancakes or rolly pollys at my house, chokecherry syrup can be on the menu.

This picking time gave me time for reflection of past experiences. After mom died, Dad would call me about Aug 25, just before the kids went to school and say, "Well sis, it time to go chokecherry picken". Round up the kids and bring a blanket, let's go. I did take an opportunity on Thursday to head up to Kellers Cabin in Paradise by myself and look for "our' bushes. Funny how little things like this can warm your heart and make you feel loved and part of an era. We would put Jim and Raelyn on the blankets, in the shade, dad would take the river side of the tree and I would take the easy picken side. Maybe that is part of my love for the taste of the syrup is the warmth of a good memory.

The picture of dad with the straight face is more like a mug shot, it was taken at Joe's wedding and we cut him out of the photo and made this one. My dad I knew and loved was the dad with the horse. I have come to find out that mom and dad both loved riding and caring for horses. Guess that is where Amanda got her genes from and her love.

Another great week

2008-08-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

At the end of the day, the end of the week, what have you accomplished is the question I ask myself. Has it been a good week and have I done the best I could. I instantly realized that I am judging myself and my success as I have for so many years. However, I now use a totally different approach at this judgement. For years I felt as a failure in almost all areas. I always analyzed and responded to all the unsuccessful events and brooded, stewed, replayed, focused, and relived over and over what I DIDN'T do. Well, I have a tip for anyone that happens to read this note that life is totally worth living. As Sherry Dew says, Life was Meant to be Hard. It is meant to be a challenge, a test of endurance, and mostly a chance to learn from our mistakes. We get to choose daily whether we face life with a positive attitude or look at life as a burden and hard. We can pick a "theme" to live by. Lori Anderson taught me my now favority scripture: And it Came to Pass. No where in the scriptures does it ever say that problems or pain or trials came to stay. Using that theme, I am now looking at my week (well most of the time anyway) as what positive things have happened and how many beautiful people or things have I seen in my life.
Now learning and incorperating this in my life should mean that I never do negitive or bad things again right, but old habbits are hard to break, easy ways are easy to follow, and procrastion is the route of all evil. Oh I am still guilty of using all of the above ways to get through life, just not as often.
Isn't it interesting how fast we are tempted to take the short cut in life? But what I have learned is by taking the short cut, we miss the ride on the route we should have taken and we often can never get to go back that way again. I read the other day a sentence that made me really think: When was the last time you did something for the first time!? OK, when was the last time for me? How about you? I am still thinking and realizing that life is often a repeat of the same old thing unless we reach out for something that is a change. Now in that same book it said: The only person who likes changes is a baby! Credit for that statement goes to Mark Twain. Now he was way before my time, but the statement is still true. I think of the times I have tried to make changes in my life and how difficult they were and what emotions were created by that one movement. I have always struggled with self esteem. I have never seen myself as special or good at doing anything really well. I am being taught by my children and others I love, that my life has been good, and although I didn't know it, I was "changing" others lives. I guess what I am thinking right now is that although change in ourselves is hard, helping others to make changes in theirs is not a job or a deed, but a bonus for being here on earth and part of others lives and if we do whatever we can to be honest, true and living the way we should, we are teaching, and helping others to make changes.
Had I not been ready or willing to make a change at some times in my life and take suggestions to "try" this, my life would have been so different and so lonely. It was because if others "setting the example" and helping me on the way to change that I was successful. My hope is that I will continue to be there to help others make changes in their lives and to try something new for the first time more often.

Add one more thank you!

2008-08-03T21:15:00.003-07:00

Ok, now I think there is something going on. Amanda just called and asked if I had looked at Lisa and Greg's blog. I had not. so after we hung up I logged on and WOW, another beautiful entry from a wonderful niece/sister. Funny how it is hard to define just what we are, but love has no bounds so I chose sister. It is hard for me to even begin to think of all the memories I have because I was blessed to have Reed as a brother in law and Joy as my "sister". My life is so rich and I only wish and hope that Joy knows how much I have enjoyed her family and how honored I am to be with them. Life isn't always the way we hope it will be.
I met with my Uncle and Aunt Chet and Mary Zollinger this week to ask about my mom. I learned so much about the real "her". Not the person we say as children, but the woman who had won contests for sales of beauty products for the Charm company, who won a trip to the world fair because of her cooking, who managed a dance hall and was admired again for her friendly personality and her rare beauty of making anywhere she was a home. I learned too of the sadness in her life. I learned that her father really did not like her or appreciate her for the person she was. How she spent her life in such a lonely place not knowing how special she was and how she made the world better for just being her.
It made me aware of how selfish I was when I was young, oh yeah, she died when I was 24 and just learning about being a mom, but I did not honor her as a mother the way I should have, and did not realize the sacrifices she and dad made so that we could be a family. I did not realize how lonely she must have been, always wanting the approval of her father, and never receiving it. It has made me aware today of the need for us to express our love always to the people we care for, and to be able to "report" daily to our Heavenly Father of the blessings we have and the people who bless our lives.
I guess that is why the emails from Lisa and Syndea mean so much to me. What beautiful thoughts and feelings they have expressed. That whole family Aaron, Mike, Jon, Scott, Heidi are all part of my life in such a special way. I know for a fact that their lives have changed mine in so many ways and they have brought joy and laughter to me and mine. They too have been there for every special event in my life and I use them as an example of how to live my life.
Here is a special note to Joy: You will be so proud of your family Joy. They are what every mother would like a family to turn out like. They exemplify the love that you so wanted to share with them and could not. I now understand so much better about your life and how you must have felt after visiting with my Aunt. I want you to know that I will treasure these beautiful people as long as I am here on this earth and you will be remembered for all eternity for the sacrifices you made for them.
Thanks again girls, you made my day!

Senior Citizen

2008-08-03T18:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I am officially a senior citizen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Oh for the excitement. I told the kids that this was going to be my special birthday and I really wanted a party and to celebrate. In this life you have ages that are so important. One is the first birthday, 8 we get baptized, 12 if you are male you get the Priesthood, or go into MIA, 16 you can date or drive or both, 18 you can vote, leave school and not ask for permission from you parents or be called an adult, 21 drink or whatever legally, 50 is over the hill and then there is 62. Welcome to senior citizen world, Now you get the discounts at movies, meals at a lesser price, some parking lots have senior parking, senior discounts as Kohls, Ross Dress for less, Shopko etc. How great is that.
When I was so ill, I turned 60. At that time I secretly really didn't want to make it to 61. The struggle was to hard. However, I set a goal that Christmas to make it to 62 so that I could say I can retire, and get my Social Security. It was to me a long term goal. I know that to some of you that was only a year and a half, but at that time it seemed to be an eternity. Well, I made it in both areas now. I did retire a little before the deadline, I did get Social Security thanks to Larry's death a little early, and now I am legally a senior citizen.
Did you ever think that after that great moment, there is only one step left in life as far as birthday's and that is to get the "dash". What is the dash. That is the "-" between born and died. That is the next great event as far as age goes. 1946-?....................So when I hit that next step, please have a birthday cake, or cookies to celebrate that I made the next big step.
Thanks to all who made this special day so special for me. I am so blessed to have such great people in my life. A special thanks to my awesome niece/sister Syndea for her beautiful notes on her blog. I think that would be great for anyone to hear in their life, but is was very special for me. Thanks to Munch and Jake for updating my blog spot. Ain't it nice. No more hick ville for me. I am big time blogger site now. A special thanks to Raelyn and ValJay for including me on the Rigby family Bear Lake outing. That is one special family the Rigby's and Helen and Jay are great examples of relationship building for everyone. They have a very special family and I am honored they welcomed me to their party.

Amanda's suggestion for fun redone

2008-08-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

I didn't get her attachment done correctly last week so I have reissued it.
Please do enter some of your choice memories. I look forward to seeing what you write. By the way, check Syndea's blog, what a complement to me from her. I am in awe of her thoughts still.

I've had several friends post this tag on their blogs so I thought... I want IN! Here are the rules:
1. Add a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.It should be funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. I've done this on a couple of my friends blogs and it is fun to see every one's memories! Please, take the time to comment and write a memory of us!

Sunday July 27

2008-07-27T17:44:00.001-07:00

Do any of you remember the song "Through the Years", Through the years when everything went wrong, together we were strong, I've never had a doubt we'd work things out, through the years? Well, as I listened to that song I realized how true those words are with family and good friends. There have been times, years in fact, when knowing if we would be together was a scary time for me. Fear can make life so difficult to see the good, and fear can make it tough to look forward to a future. Funny how simple songs or thoughts can bring up some of the strong emotions of life.
I Believe is a song that I sang when I was probably 12 years old in North Logan Choir. Now it has been years since that thought has even come to mind, but hearing that song today reminded me how much I do believe. I believe in family, GOD, and that all men have a good human side, it sometimes is masked by "here again is that word FEAR. I believe that there is a reason for us being here at this time of the earth. That point was brought to mind when I think of the pioneers and what they went through. How hard would that have been for me to have as a challenge. There is no way that my body with the tests of endurance it has had to date would have ever been able to make the first camp on the trek west. The cold, the hardships, the physical work of taking care of the family and home, there is no way. So my test I think was to make it though loneliness, fear of losing my children for all eternity as well as here on earth, being self sufficient, finding a testimony from a family that was not active, and enduring the physical challenges given me and to want to continue on and fight for a new day sometimes, to allowing others to help me.
It has been hard this summer to be able to say, I can't mow the lawn, I need help. I have the time, but the body will not do the work. Now that seems like a small thing to do, but it has been a real struggle to allow Rob and Kelly to help me. Allowing people to serve us in tough times is harder than it seems. It also gives you a insite why others struggle to allow you to see that they need help or that times arehard and why others are uncomfortable when we offer to help and makes me aware of how important it is to listen to the spirit. The spirit will tell us about those who need our call, a lunch, a load of laundry done, a garbage can taken in or just a note in the mail. It is so often that I will think of someone out of the blue, and think I am too busy right that minute, I will do it later, and later never comes. Hope I get my act together to make sure I follow up when the prompting moves me.
SO, moral of this week, is remember those around us and those who bless our lives. That Through the Years, they are the hands of our Father in Heaven helping us get through life, giving us the touch" of heaven in a hard worldly life.

Sunday July 27

2008-07-27T17:44:00.000-07:00

I've had several friends post this tag on their blogs so I thought... I want IN!Here are the rules:

1. Add a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.It should be funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. I've done this on a couple of my friends blogs and it is fun to see every one's memories! Please, take the time to comment and write a memory of us!

July 15 through 20th Week in review

2008-07-20T20:12:00.000-07:00

My first impression to write here is how much I love my family. Got the pics back from Ryan Thompson the photographer and looked at the physical proof of my blessings and was overwhelmed. What a family. We are quite a group. I love the structured family pose, but there is one with the kids sitting in a tree, hanging out on the branches and we look complete. It was hard to choose the ones I wanted, but I took Marci's advise and printed up all the pics at Sam's club and looked at them one at a time. I marked which ones that needed to be adjusted or moved up or down and I will have Ryan touch up a couple that the water sprays were in the background.
I am taking advantage of a few free hours each day now to work on cleaning up stuff that has accumulated for 13 years. Drawers like my tool drawer that you could hardly open or shut, the toy room with legos in the blocks and play dishes in the legos and upstairs and down stairs and everywhere. I bought a couple of bins to put the items in to organize it a little.
It was my teaching week so that takes most of my time to study and review. Previous note lets you knkow how awesome this experience is.
On Friday afternoon, I met Maxine McDoungh and we went to the movie Mama Mia. The stage play was much better, but I love the music of Abba and so there were parts that I was wanting to get up and dance with it and the views of the Greek Island was unbeliveable. I keep busy moving water trying to keep the grass at the house and at ValJays rental home green. I started the garage cleaning. Man, I threw away so many cans of partial paint and some that were never used that I tried and didn't like the color and was thinking they would be good to use later. GONE. hat will be my goal this week to finsih cleaning that area and getting rid of stuff and sending the rest to the DI.
I miss having Jacob or one of the kids around. Having no one to talk to and spending the day and night home alone makes days long. However, I am thinking that is is what life is and I better get used to it.
Amanda and I visited on Friday about her camp experience and she had a marvelous time. The Lord stepped in several times and witnessed to her that he listens to prayers and knew of her hard work to make this camp a real success. At one point the rain was falling when they were to go down to the lake. The leaders prayed for help in this matter. Low and behold, the rain was falling on the camp, but cleared and was beautiful for the group to go down and have some watter fun. As they were loading the canoes and clearing up the area, the clouds came back over the lake and it began to rain again. She had a marvelous time and we talked about how awesome her leaders were for her as she was growing up and the example that Luann Pierson had been in her life and the lessons she had learned from her and her example.
Marci is busy keeping up with swimming lessons, heat, rain, and the kids going in every direction possible.
Raelyn is so busy with the girls going to camp, Youth camp, swimming lessons, dentist appointments, and going to a conference with ValJay in Park City for a couple of days, that I get a head ache thinking of how fast she had to run. We should be able to meet for lunch this week.
Shane and the kids and I went hit some golf balls at the range on Saturday. Christin sure is good. Shane was really patient with him and concentrated on his swing and follow through. I think next time we go, I am going to try seeing if my shoulder will let me hit a few.
Rob is starting to feel better. boy am I glad. He has been so sick and weak from his mono and strep infection. He is doing better Sharla says and his heart still is not working as well as it should, but he is moving and able to do a little more.
Jims business is doing good and he loves it he says.
Aaron and Jill have been busy sending kids to camp and on the trek. I got some shirts for the boys to wear. Can't wait to hear how they did and what they thought of the experience. They are leaving for California for 10 days in a week or so I think. That is wonderful that they can spend time with his family and enjoy the area that he was born in.
Well, that is all the family news I have for this week. Life is good and goes on.

Weeks end!

2008-07-18T18:40:00.003-07:00

I am the luckiest person in the world to have been called to serve a mission and still be able to live in my home and the best of all, to teach something that I have a background in and can offer some advise or encouragement. Teaching the participants in the workshop at the Deseret Industries has been such a blessing. Don't get me wrong, it is hard and a challenge. This week was really hard and the spirit really had to work to be there. I had two active members, one was quite withdrawn and hiding from people, and the other was top notch. I had one gentleman from India who is 66 years old I think, a native American that was angry at the whole world and knew that everyone was out to get her and make life misserable, a wild and free woman who was rebellous all her life and due to bad choices had lost both legs when she was jumping onto a moving train to hitch a ride and is still rebelling against some structure, another lady who resists any help and knows how things work and what is best and how everything should be done and is smart but not so smart, and then another lady who I had worked with from my job who has made some really really stupid choices in her life but has now served her time for mistakes in California and is currenty completing drug court and all the issues that come from that choice. Now, asking for someone to offer prayer left myself, the youngest sister, and the problem lady who is working on drug charges but trying to learn about God. The others said no. I am tired tonight both mental, physically as well as spiritually drained. That being said, my heart is running over from having felt the power of our Father in Heaven in that class as the message was delivered and the attitudes softened. Janea the placement advisor, said that she was amazed at the change in some of the participants. Vivian, my native American, actually spoke, and participated the last two days, and even let me "hug" her when I gave her a completion certificate. JaNea said that she has been very out spoken when some touches her when they brush against her in the hall, or touch her arm to speak to her. AND she let me hug her and she returned the hug. Rattan attended all the classes and was awesome during his interview, and Kathy stayed after and expressed her story of poor choices and how she was trying to change her life. No, I don't teach the gospel or share the Joseph Smith story, but I only pray that the spirit of the Lords work will be there to touch the lives of the members so that they know he cares.
Well, that's all for tonight. More on the life of this lucky lady another evening.

Weeks end!

2008-07-18T18:40:00.001-07:00

2008-07-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

It's Sunday evening and the shadows are just starting to fall on the valley. I was turning my water off and looking at this marvelous place I call home and wondering how in the world I have been so blessed as to live here in Cache Valley. What a beautiful place this is. The sky is blue in the center with red hues around the edges and the air actually has a crispness that makes me think that summer is at it's peak right now. In driving to Newton the other night, I noticed that the grain is tall and the heads are getting developed and ripening. Oh how fast time is going. It will be time for second crop hay in a couple of weeks and then school will start before we know it.
Actually, being able to raise my awesome family in such a great place as this was a blessing too. I had the privilege of going to Providence Canyon with Rob and Kelley and their family as well as Jacob. We were able to make it up to the falls and actually Rob was adventureous and we hiked to two of them and tried for the third but couldn't get to it. It was a beautiful ride, the trees were green and the grass was thick and green as well. The heat from the summer sun hadn't made it into the canyon yet so it had the appearance of late spring. The kids played in the water, hiked and threw a ton of rocks into the bottom of the falls. Rob had his guns with him and we set up targets and practiced some shooting. It was so fun to hold a gun again and I actually hit the target. New shoulder and all was no problem. I will have to practice more to get the vision right and figure which eye to look at the target with, but I was really pleased to see I still can shoot.
If I ever figure out how to attach my pics to this blog, you will see some of this little adventure.
That last statement just made me think; little adventure! Actually, the total time was 3 hours, the cost was some gas maybe $20 (that's talking $4 a gallon and Robs killer big truck), some brownies made by Jacob and myself and a half a box of shells. So total cost was maybe $30 but the memory is priceless. As Marci and Ken were visiting, it was a learning experience of what is a memory. Marci and I talked about the fact that Ken and the kids mowed my lawn with the old mower that we have had for over 20 years. It was the original mower that Marci and the kids used when we lived in Providence. Oh, it's had a different motor put on it, but other than that, the old hummer is the same. I laughed to see Jacob and Spencer pushing in the heat of the day and having to move the bags of grass to the garbage can to be dispensed of later. They had sweat on their foreheads and the look of contentment of doing a hard job that helped grandma! A memory. In Arizona, there is no grass at their home right now, so mowing the lawn is nothing they get to experience, and definately not with the "oldie goldie" like Grandma has. Another memory is Spencer going with Uncle Val Jay to move sprinkler pipe and having to wear McKenna's old jeans that barely fit, walk in the mud and actually lift the pipe onto the truck and into another field. Memory! Jacob riding his bike to the postoffice to get the mail. Won't happen in Arizona. Another memory.
So, the meaning of this long thought is that it isn't the amount of money we spend, or the places we go, or the length of time we take on an adventure, it is finding the joy, or logging the memory of the event and realizing that we had the opportunity to "taste" the adventure in life.

That last statement just made me think; little adventure! Actually, the total time was 3 hours, the cost was some gas maybe $20 (that's talking $4 a gallon and Robs killer big truck), some brownies made by Jacob and myself and a half a box of shells. So total cost was maybe $30 but the memory is priceless. As Marci and Ken were visiting, it was a learning experience of what is a memory. Marci and I talked about the fact that Ken and the kids mowed my lawn with the old mower that we have had for over 20 years. It was the original mower that Marci and the kids used when we lived in Providence. Oh, it's had a different motor put on it, but other than that, the old hummer is the same. I laughed to see Jacob and Spencer pushing in the heat of the day and having to move the bags of grass to the garbage can to be dispensed of later. They had sweat on their foreheads and the look of contentment of doing a hard job that helped grandma! A memory. In Arizona, there is no grass at their home right now, so mowing the lawn is nothing they get to experience, and definately not with the "oldie goldie" like Grandma has. Another memory is Spencer going with Uncle Val Jay to move sprinkler pipe and having to wear McKenna's old jeans that barely fit, walk in the mud and actually lift the pipe onto the truck and into another field. Memory! Jacob riding his bike to the postoffice to get the mail. Won't happen in Arizona. Another memory.

So, the meaning of this long thought is that it isn't the amount of money we spend, or the places we go, or the length of time we take on an adventure, it is finding the joy, or logging the memory of the event and realizing that we had the opportunity to "taste" the adventure in life.

There you have it for a Sunday evening and hitting buttons that I am not sure what to do with, but hey, two pics with my blog so it must be a great day and now I hope my "memory" will remember how I did it for later this week.

Family weekend

2008-07-05T16:58:00.000-07:00

Well, it is Saturday evening and the families are off doing their things with others, and I was just so dang hot I decided to check out Jake's first blog posting and try to cool off before I mop the floor. It is awesome to see what is able to be done on a blog site and Amanda and Jake are awesome computer nuts and do a great job.
This spring I asked the kids to set aside this weekend that we could do family activities and be together. I have looked at life from various points and have come to realize that the only real thing we have in this life that is earthly material is our families. Oh friends are awesome and I believe that we will be friends for all eternity, but when life gets hard, and means/money/things are hard to come by, family will always come first. However, we need to know our family. Who are our brothers and sisters, how have they changed, how have their lives and the situations that life has blessed them with changed them and made a difference. The only way we learn about what is happening in the lives of others is by spending time and talking.
Having Jacob and Kennedy with me for the last couple of months and spending time with Marci and Ken, has opened my eyes to the need of others and of knowings each other better. I want my grandchildren to know their cousins, to have memories that they talk about when they are 62 and 60. Dick and I met with three of my cousins from the Folkman side a couple of weeks ago and although we had spend limited time together, we still recalled the events with laughter, and joy. We shared good times, memories of each others parents and their accomplishments and memories of my mom and dad that Dick and I had no idea about.
Marci received some pictures from Uncle Steven and downloaded them for me to see. There were memories that brought tears, the sight of my mom and dad in an embrace had never been viewed by me before, dad in his uniform, mom in hers, pics of the old barn that in memory was a stately barn showed that is was old and tattered and many more to numerous to name. However, it caused me to realize even more that my mission in life is to make sure that my family knows each other, children and adults as well, and that memories are built that will sustain us in good and bad times. I believe that bad times are coming, and that knowing we are loved but someone my be the only thing we will have to cling to.
Well, I better scrub the floor today. But if Jake and Amanda will teach me, I am going to figure out this blogging thing and use it to talk to myself as well as to you all and to get to know you and yours. Signing off for today with a hope for a great tomorrow!

Easter Sunday 2008

2008-04-24T16:26:00.000-07:00

It was a fantastic day, the sky was clear and the groud had dried up some. Believe me that was just short of a miracle. We have had the longest winter weather I can remember in a long time. There was plenty of snow and the cold didn't seem to be as terribly low as I remember from the past, but I thought the snow and winter feel would never end. However, to be really honest, Easter did come really early this year and the end of March is not really spring in Logan Utah.
We were able to have all the family over except Aaron and Jill and Amanda and Jake. The Grandkids were awesome in putting together the eggs. Kenton was the offical egg stuffer with McKenna as his assistant. They did a great job. Grandma was there with her eggs died and colored and ready to go. I even had Gavin inspect them to make sure I was being honest this year (hehehehehe).
I am not the cook of the past as I very rarely fix a meal for me, but I must say dinner was spendid. ValJay will be the roll maker forever in the family and as usual his were awesome, we had honey roasted ham, turkey breast that was moist as could be injected with butter and salt, aspargus that was perfect, funeral potatoes, fruit salad, pickles and other condiments, and for deseret we had strawberry shortcake with tons of whipped cream. YUM YUM!
The kids all had their eggs and Jim had put together the rolling area. He had hiked up above the house to Milt Andersons hill and it was dry enough for us to climb and roll. Rob had his truck and so we loaded in and some of the brave adults walked and off we went. Ok, this is where I have to be honest in that I did cheat a little. I did use a real egg, and over the year I put a little elmers glue in it until it was filled. I died it with my orginal eggs and it looked like it had cracked a little in the cooking. I snuck it into one of the kids baskets and guess what, it came in as the best egg although it didn't win the $5.00 in silver dollars that the winner got. We came back to the house and with the remaining eggs we had an egg toss throwing onto the tramp and after it got too wild, we had to call it a tie with all the kids as winners. Jim mixed up the plastic eggs and put them on the lawn for each of the kids to draw 6. They had different amounts of money in each egg from a silver dollar, a gold dollar, two .50 cent pieces and some with just .50 cents. I enjoyed myself so much. I love spring and love the thought that my Savior died and was resurrected for me and that there is forgiveness and togetherness for us all.
I love my family and my grandchildren. It is truely a blessing to be the mother of such fantastic children. There were a couple of tough times this weekend, but the bigger picture was that we were together, and that we shared time and memories with each other.
A special memory for Rob and I is that we were both toothless. I had lost my cap on the front tooth and Rob was waiting for his gum to heal to have a false tooth and pin put in so we had a picture taken of Mother and Son from the back woods look. Real tree huggers

Time passing

2008-02-28T20:03:00.000-08:00

I wonder how I ever thought that days were long and that time wouldn't pass. Now that I am "middle aged" I find that time is a precious moment and if we don't watch carefully, it slips through our fingers so quickly.
This last week I had the opportunity to take care of my precious 6 grand kids; Trevor, Riley, Spencer, Jacob, Karly and Kennedy. Now it wasn't planned that way, that is what luck does for you. Sad news arrived on Monday that Ken's Grandpa Thompson had passed away unexpectedly. I had promised Rob and Kelly that I would watch their children while they attended a seminar on leadership in St. Louis. Well, that is double the children, double the fun. I am so thrilled that the kids got to spend three days together so that they became friends more than cousins.
It was amazing how well they got along. It was hard for this old grandma to keep up, and to bend and lift, but with a full heart, you can do anything. We did have a couple of challenges however and had to work as a team. When the Arizona kids came, we made a deal for the 7 of us to work as a team while Ken and Marci were over to Brigham City helping with the arrangements. Little did I know that those words would be the linking of a real team effort. On Thursday, Karly, Spencer, Jacob and Trevor dressed in their snow clothes and off they went for sleigh rides up by the cemetery area. Kennedy and Riley and I were making doughnuts while the older kids played. I was rolling and cutting out the last of the batch when I heard Trevor and Karly calling that she needed my help. The door opened and Trevor was helping her into the house with a face full of dirt, blood and no skin on her face. Trevor was so frightened but helped her all the way down. Karly said she was going down the hill and hit the road with her face when she ran out of snow.
I gave her a wash rag to begin lifting out the dirt while I cleaned up the rest of the dough and put it away. The little girls had been playing on the cabinet and were worried about Karly so I was careful not to act panicked.
Karly was so brave. Very little crying, and Trevor just stood by her asking"will my sister die"?
We cleaned up Karly as best I could, but knew she needed to have some deep cleaning of the area in and around her nose. I called Raelyn as she was having lunch in Logan with some friends. She came over to clean the wound. Karly was wonderful to keep the ice bag on her face to take the swelling down. Jacob and Spencer had gathered up the equipment and returned the two sleighs to the neighbors and came running in to make sure all was well. They cared for the little girls while Trevor and I worked on Karly. It was a total team effort
About 4 Karly asked if she could go to the Drs as it really hurt. I took her to Dr Stevens in Providence and LeAnn next door watched the 3 older kids and I took the two younger with me. Again, the kids were awesome and the Dr was fantastic. He sent us for Xrays in the morning and gave her a perscription for infection and re cleaned the cuts. The swelling had gone down quite a bit so he was able to do more cleaning than Raelyn and I.
I was so glad that she was protected and blessed and after the Xrays there was nothing broken. It is one week later, and you wonder if she was hurt. We talked about how her father was in the sleigh riding accident when he was nine, and how badly he hurt his face and how she was just like her dad in being brave and blessed.

Week of reflection

2008-02-04T18:15:00.000-08:00

With the passing of our beloved prophet Gordon B Hinckley, it has been a time of reflection. What would be said about me if I left this world tomorrow. What would I be remembered for? What talents, characteristics, values, educational and spiritual beliefs would my children have for good or bad in their lives because of my actions and beliefs. President Hinckleys daughter said that she wondered how she would ever teach her children to believe in her beliefs, and how to instill in them the values she had. She said she went to a talk given one evening by her father and as he spoke she realized that it was by what she did, how she acted, and the example that she demonistrated that she would teach her children. It isn't the preaching, the lessons we pay for the children to take, or the house we live in, or the money we make, it is our actions that speak louder than our words.

That very idea was reinforced to me this weekend and I was reminded that I didn't do the best in my example some of the times. I relected on Saturday evening as I watch the funeral and proceedings again, that life is about example. What an awesome example our prophet has been to the world, what standards he has set for each of us as we live each day. I realized how much I valued his love of the youth and how much better my children are for the lessons he taught by his life. I thought about the times as a family we would laugh as he brought humor into the gospel and how important that was to us. I remember his "B's. How simple yet how powerful. I thought about the tree planting 30 years before, and how such a small example of planting a seed turned into a reminder of strength and beauty for each of us to see when we watch the conferene talks from the beautiful pulpit. I guess I thought about the fact that small things can bring beautiful rewards with time even when we don't know we are planting seeds.

I was made aware this weekend of my short comings, my faults, my lack of parenting as I thought about what difference I have made in the world and in my family. I came to this conclusion (as of tonight anyway), that if we do the best we can each day, that is what our Father in Heaven wants. He didn't expect us to be perfect each day, he expected us to make some errors in judgement, to loose our tempers sometimes, or to say and do emotional things, but he wants us to learn from our mistakes, to grow in wisdom, to look forward not back, and to find joy in life each day. Some days I think I did great, other days not so great. Do I know more now, yes, but at the time I was making some choices, and raising the family, I did the best I could with the knowledge and skills I had. I can not go back and do overs, but I can be a better grandma and maybe even a better mother if I use what knowledge I have gained from the mistakes of the past. I know that my commitment has been strengthened this weekend by listening to the life of our prophet and his example of loving and caring. I hope to do better in my daily living and to make the gospel a stronger part of my life.

WOW How does a person work?

2008-02-04T17:31:00.001-08:00

It has been a month now since I retired. I have been so busy having fun I am not sure how I ever found time to work. I have enjoyed so much the opportunity to "Hang Out" at the kids homes and not be fearful about taking time off.
I returned home from the Rigby's on Saturday evening January 26th. Jake and Amanda had come up from Price and hit Beaver mountain for the day.
Chelsea had gone to Denver for the weekend with the FFA group from school and was returning that evening around 7 PM. Craig and Kathy Rigby said they would pick her up if she needed a ride so that I could join Amanda and Jake for dinner. They wanted to go to dinner at their favorite Mexican place calledCosta Vita. I fixed the kids a little dinner and met them at the restruant. Great food. They invited me to go back with them to Price and Amanda would bring me home the next week. It only took a minute to decide. Didn't unpack just reloaded and off I went for the week. I love this life of not having to worry about time off.
The have so much more snow in Price than we do. When I left on Friday evening, the fire hydrant in their yard was covered. We have snow, but the have SNOW. It was great to visit. Jake had a birthday on Tuesday and turned 26 again for the 3rd time and Amanda had his family and some friends over. Ate pizza and watched a movie. I think Jake was surprised. We did our best, but he came home for lunch and saw that I had cleaned up his work area.
They have done so much work on the house. Should have taken some pics of the progress. It was awesome. The colors they have chosen are awesome. Jakes work is fantasitc on the crown molding, sheetrock and floor. Good job kids.
Amanda brought me home on Friday after we found Chaco. Yes, mom lost the dog. Talk about scared to death. The neighbors were on 4-wheelers and drove around looking for her too. I called Jake at work and he came home to search, but no dog. She disappeared for about 3 hours, but must have gotten tired, cold, hungry, who knows, but she came home. Man, I think I would rather loose one of their kids. At least the kids will be able to talk and tell me where they got lost at so I will know where to search next time I lost them. Glad she was home. Dumb thing was I had her shocker neck band on her, but she bailed out the door before I turned it on and she was off. It will be interesting if I get to "care" for Chaco ever again. I am sure they will think twice before trusting the grandma to tend. It was a great day for a walk however.
We are so blessed to have this area to live in. The sky cleared and the sun came out with all the new snow over the red mountains and dessert area, it was fantastic.
Amanda went shopping on Saturday and found a couple of things to brighten her home with; a new bedspread, and a wall hanging. Don't know what Jake throught yet, but hope he liked them both. She made it home Saturday evening and was in good health. She almost had a wreck with hitting a deer. I was worried about the snow, but that wasn't as much of a problem as missing trucks and deer. I was certainly glad she made it home unharmed.

WOW How does a person work?

2008-02-04T17:31:00.000-08:00

after retirement

2008-01-22T19:13:00.000-08:00

Hi there from Newton! Well, retirement is wonderful. I have now been off from employment since Dec 28, 2007. At this date, I have not had a day off and absolutely no boredom. In fact, how did I find time to work is the question. I have had the privilege of spending time with Marci and Ken and family, started serving or training for serving a mission, visited with friends Elaine Allred and Ellen at Ellen's son cabin (that is another entry) for several days, attending the funeral of an awesome uncle (Clint Zollinger) and now I am at the Rigby Ranch staying with Raelyn and ValJay's children while they are on a cruise. Life is great. I will admit that I miss my friends from work, but not using any annual leave to do these fun filled days has been great.
Here is a written account of my happenings. Pics may be coming when I am home with my camera, but Amanda challenged me to write a new blog.

OK, time at Bear Lake with Ellen and Elaine
Ellen mentioned that her son had purchased a cabin in Bear Lake and would we like to go and spend a few days. I'm right on that as there is nothing better for the soul that chillin' with two awesome friends like Ellen and Elaine. As well as lifting ones spirits, you never know what Elaine might do for excitement and an eternity of entertainment. So off we go on Sunday evening with the car loaded down, snow on the roads, and three grey haired women with no fear into the wilds of just over the Idaho border. Now, I am packed to stay at a cabin. This is not a cabin. We pull in and there is a beautiful, totally awesome, fantastic, marvelous, on the beach with pine trees surrounding it home. Double garage, 3 1/2 baths, 4 bedrooms big enough for a couple of beds in each, oak every things, a porch looking at the lake that is 16 X 40, a winding stair case that a bride would love to walk down any day, and views from the 3 stories of windows off the balcony. It also had a tv room with a big screen. Talk about luxury. We were in heaven. Ray Olsen and his family had purchased it and were kind enough to let his mom and friends borrow and stay there for 5 days. It was very relaxing to just sit, read, watch tv or movies, or give foot rubs and visit. We even started a puzzle and I hate puzzles. The deer slept under the porch and we had a pet squirrel that loved us as well as a wild cat that we charmed. It was fantastic to watch the weather change and the winds blow the snow over the frozen lake, and then the next day to have it melt with the warmth of the sun. However, it did turn cold and got 6 below the night before we left. We were sure glad to the gas heating. \
We marveled at how our pioneer fathers ever made it through weather like that. Sleeping on the snow at night, walking for hours every day with little to eat and nothing to keep them warm. They were certainly blessed to have survived and a stronger person that I am to have endured that.
Elaine's most daring adventure was to wear her pj's when we went to the store to get some items and a paper. The store clerk was a fun young man and after bribing him with just a little information, he was willing to remind her that his store had a dress code. We got a big kick watching her face. I have a pic on my phone (forgot to take the camera) so not sure I can down load it, but am going to try as a picture is worth a thousand words.
Hyrum came up on Thursday to pick us

2007-12-30T16:51:00.000-08:00

It is Sunday evening, and I thought I had better test out my skills before I loose them all. Amanda and Jake have left so I am working at this by myself. Kind of scary, but at the same time, what an awesome experience. May have to use this as a journal entry.

This weekend was awesome. It was like being at my furneral only I got a chance to tell people thanks. I truely loved every minute. The friends at work did such a beautiful job in making it totally a winter wonderland. I am sitting by my two dozen white roses and they are lovely. I appreciate all those who came, and the support I received.

On Saturday, we baptized Karly (Robs daughter) at the Tabernacle in Logan. It was a special as Robert has such a beautiful spirit and his gave her a wonderful blessing after. When she popped out the water at the baptism, she says, "Oh, that was cold". It was sweat. She was the first baptized that day and the water was cold. She is the last of my three 8 year old grandchildren to get baptized this year. First was McKenna, then Spencer, and then we added Karly. Next will be Mischa pictured here with Karly.

Karly and Mischa

Karly, Spencer, McKenna Karly and Mischa

Rob and Karly looked totaly awesome and excited to have this great opportunity. Of course this mom was so proud of her son and excited for her granddaughter to be worthy and have a desire to be a part of the only true church.

How about the old folks at a party later that

night sharing a white elephant gift exchange and

a basketball game at USU. It was great fun and

we enjoyed the opportunity of being just adults

and playing like kids.

Best part of the evening is Uncle Rob got a new pair of teeth so now he doesn't have to look like he was from the back woods. It was a great party with lots of laughs. It is wonderful to be friends as well as family.

Needless to say, this has been a wonderful and eventful weekend with blessings galore. It is easy to see when we look at our blessings that we are truly loved by our Father in Heaven.

Retirement

2007-12-29T21:13:00.000-08:00

Hi family and friends... guess what, I don't have to work on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday and even Friday. Oh yeah, I have Saturday and Sunday off too. HEHEHEHEHE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How about you folks........

Check this out. Amanda is helping to set this up so we are even including pics of the awesome retirement party.....Here goes:

Here is the old group from Job Service days. Have any of us changed? Some are grey haired that is for sure.

Hy, Elaine, Karen, ME, Debbie, Roserio, Martee, Ted

How's that for awesome. I don't have a group picture of the new group, but I do have this next one showing the room full of awesome friends and family that came together to say good bye as well as the decorations and food. Check this out.

Well, here is just a small idea of how wonderful the day turned out. All seven kids and grandchildren that could come were there. Doesn't get any better than that. The kids gave me a great new computer with big memory, super size monitor, and great helpers to teach the old dog new tricks. Watch for more as I need to practice. Have a good evening and signing off for tonight.