Happy 31st Birthday, Milo!

No...it's not Matt Hasselbeck! It's Milo Bushman! Although, he has had people think he is or at least looks like him. (Seattle Seahawks quarterback) It was 31 years ago I had my first baby. I was so glad it was a boy because I always wanted a boy first. (I wish my scanner was working to post his baby pictures! He was so cute!) He weighed 7 1bs. 1 oz. and had lots of blonde hair.

I wanted to name him Nicholas because he was born so close to Christmas. I always liked the name "Nick" but I lost out. Milo was named after his dad's oldest brother who had been killed in a farming accident. I figured I could live with the name but I wasn't fond of it. I called my new baby "baby" for weeks! I've always liked unique names though. His name grew on me and I can't picture him as "Nick" at all now. And Milo is becoming a more popular name now.

Milo went through some tough times with me at a young age. He was a momma's boy (still is) and was wise beyond his years. I've leaned on him, relied on him, cried on his shoulder, and do to this day. What would I do without you..........!

When things got tough for us when I was a single mom, he made the decision along with me that it would be best if he and his sisters lived with their dad. I knew it was but it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do! Those were 6 tough years but we all grew from them. And they got to know their dad when otherwise they wouldn't have very well before he died.

I'm so grateful for the man he has become. He's a wonderful son, a faithful husband, a loving father, a fun brother, etc. He's always makes me laugh and is so funny! He's faithful in his beliefs and has integrity that all men should have. I'm so proud of him!

So...Happy Birthday my dear, Milo! Thank you for being my son. You will always be my rock! I love you!

The Older I Get...

...the simpler my holiday preparations become...
...the closer I feel to old friends as I write my Christmas cards...
...the more I cherish the oldest ornaments...
...the more fondly I remember Christmases past...
...the longer I hold on to a holiday hug...
...the more I realize Christmas is a matter of the heart...
...the tighter my throat gets when I sing "Silent night"...
...the more I enjoy giving than receiving...
...the more I try to see Christmas through the eyes of a child...
...the longer I sit at night in the glow of the Christmas tree...
...the more wondrously beautiful the Christmas story is...
...the deeper my awe at God's infinite love...
the More I Love Christmas!

(I found this inside a Christmas card and I wanted to share it. It's so true!)

Better Late Than Never...BUT I REALLY AM THANKFUL!

Where does the time go? There never is enough days or hours in a day to get the many things done that I NEED to do...let alone WANT to do! Having a full-time job has become an inconvenience that I'm anxious to give up one day to spend the time to do more than just what I NEED to do! I feel I just get the surface of everything done and nothing is done the way I really would like it done! (I want to clean and organize my garage!!) I just get by...............

I missed posting for Thanksgiving. I don't think we even took pictures that day! Sad, I know! I had a full house; Hubby & myself, Mom & Dad, Brianne and family, Milo and family, Landon and family, LaVoy (my sister) and family which totaled 19 for dinner plus 2 babies. Shaila and her crew came over for dessert so the house was bulging at the seams! We missed Leisha, Richard, and Emma!

As we were starting to clean up dinner, the women all decided to be spontaneous and go see "Twilight". All of us had seen it but Mom so it gave the rest of us an excuse to see it again! Melanie opted out since she was hitting Black Friday and leaving Milo all day with the 4 kids. (We missed having you along, Mel...and thanks for doing so much while we were gone!) I enjoyed Twilight better the second time.

Anyway....I am very thankful for many things. Here's a few but certainly not all....that would be never ending...

• I'm thankful for knowing and having more than just faith that I have a Heavenly Father.
• I'm thankful for everything He has given me because EVERYTHING comes from Him.
• Family...my parents, siblings, Hubby, children (in-laws), and grandbabies that light up my life!
• Home...that is my refuge from the world.
• Friends...for special ones that I know were placed in my life for a reason. (And who will dress up as Witches with me!)
• Gospel...I treasure my testimony and am so thankful for the knowledge it gives me of who I am, where I've come from and where I am going.
• Health...I come from good stock! Life would be so hard without good health!
• To be a citizen of a nation founded on Christianity! Let's remember that!
• This time of year...I love the Savior and for His example of what I need to be!

The list could go on and on! I'm thankful for so many things!.......Everyday!

8 is Great! Happy Birthday, Kathryn!

I became Kathryn's GraMimi when she was 3. I can't believe it's been 5 years since she became a part of my family. She's become a dear grandaughter that I love and I'm honored to be able to be her grandma. Kathryn is a beautiful and special girl. This is what I love about Kathryn....

• She's ALWAYS smiling and happy.
• She has big, beautiful, bluer than blue eyes.
• And beautiful blonde hair with really blonde eyelashes.
• She loves everyone...(sometimes that's a little scary!)
• She loves animals...ALL animals.
• She loves to color and draw.
• She likes to write stories and draws pictures to go with the stories.
• She likes to be a girl but she can rough and tumble as well as the boys!
• She's a great clogger!
• She's a great big sister!
• She's very obedient.
• She's very creative.
• She's a great performer. She put a rock band together with the help of her brothers. She was the lead singer, of course.
• She has lots of friends.
• She loves school.
• She's about the sweetest girl I know.

Kathryn, you're such a sweet girl and there's always a such brightness around you. I'm so proud of you and so blessed to have you as a grandaughter. I love you very much! Happy Birthday!

Kathryn's Barbie Doll Birthday Cake

This was my first attempt at a Barbie Doll Cake. Kathryn wanted me to surprise her with a cake instead of her choosing what she wanted. I decided at the last minute yesterday to try doing a Barbie cake. It turned out okay and next time...if there is a next time...I'll know what will work better. (A better pan for one thing!) Even though I wasn't too thrilled with it, Kathryn was..........and that's all that matters!

Twilight...it's almost here!

Girls...get ready. November 21 (yup...it's a Friday!) is officially GIRLS NIGHT OUT! The movie is almost upon us! If you haven't read this book yet...what planet do you live on! And if you haven't read the whole Twilight Series...Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn...we need to talk! There still is hope for you!




A little history...My wonderful daughter Leisha is the biggest bookworm I know! She always has her nose in a book. She L.O.V.E., loves books. She respects books...........no dog ears, doesn't break in the spine, doesn't let it lie open face down...you get the drift, right? If you're lucky enough to have her lend you a book, she'll tell you to not do the above to her book! And she is serious! Anyway, I let my dear daughter down! A couple of years ago when she and Richard were home for Christmas she told me I needed to read this book that was really good about vampires. When she said "vampires" I let it fly right over my head. No interest! (Sorry, Leish...please forgive me!)


Then....my daughter's and dil, Melanie started talking about the 3rd book coming out and how they were going to buy it as soon as it was on the shelves. That was when I went to Hastings and bought "Twilight" ... I was hooked. I was an official "Twilighter" or whatever you want to call all of us silly women who are forever in love with Edward, or in some cases, Jake! (Read the books if you don't get it!)

I'm hoping the movie doesn't disappoint me! I know it probably won't be as good as the book because most movies made from a book aren't but the previews look pretty intriguing!

I've talked to the movie man here in Ephrata (Loyd) and he said there's a 90% chance that he'll be able to get the movie in Ephrata. If that's the case, we're going to reserve a couple of booths and have a pizza party prior to the movie. Let me explain...at the Lee Theatre in Ephrata they have 6 u-shaped booths that you can reserve and they serve Reel Time Pizza there at the theatre. I'll keep you posted if Ephrata is going to have the movie...if not, we'll move our night out to another location!

Who's coming with me?

Nathan Todd Bushman is "7" Today...

Nathan and his Scooby Doo cake he asked for!

My first grandchild turned 7 today! I say that with mixed emotions. Nathan gave me the blessing of becoming a "GraMimi" and there hasn't been anything more joyful than being a grandmother! Being a grandma is the best thing a woman can ever experience. For me, it's a chance to right some wrongs I did as a young mother. But that's a whole other post....this post is about Nathan.

Nathan blowing out his 7 candles! I love this picture!

Nathan was born around 2:15 a.m. on 7 November 2001. It was a long night of waiting for him to decide to make his appearance but when he did, what an overwhelming joy completely filled my soul.

Nathan and Poppy. Poppy bought him a new baseball and Gonzaga hat for his birthday!

Nathan is such a fun young boy. He's full of a lot of energy and is smart as a whip! He's in first grade and already has a lot of opinions and knows what he likes and dislikes. (He was an Obama supporter! Melanie said it was just because he liked saying his name!) He's his own person and is not a follower.

Nathan, Dad, and Mom

He's got a funny sense of humor and loves to be a joker. He always tells the truth. Melanie says he tells on himself when he's done something wrong. He's a great singer and loves music. The list could go on and on! Most of all he's a special young boy that has blessed my life more than he'll ever know!

Nathan and GraMimi

Nathan, I love you very much! Thank you for making me a grandma but most of all, thank you for letting me be YOUR grandma! Always & Forever!! oxoxo

GraMimi's Cute Spooks!

Left to right; Mason, Nathan, Jayni, Kathryn, Quinn, Malcolm, and Dane.

In front are our 3 grandson's that were all born within 6 weeks; Reed, Winston, and Grayson.

We had 10 of the 11 grandkids at our house on Halloween. We all went Trick or Treating in the neighborhood where Hubby and I live. It was crazy but a sweet blessing to have family so close that we can share and make such special memories.

Here's our Ladybug Emma that was the only grandbaby not with us this Halloween. Isn't she a cute Ladybug? She's back in Geneva, New York but she'll be with us for Halloween 2010!

Which Witch is Which?

Front row; left to right: Telsie, Elaine, Sharon, Pat, and Susan.

Back row; left to right: Melanie, Holli, Shaila, Brianne, Me, LaVoy, and Mom.

My 1st Annual Witch Party was quite the success! Of course, that's my opinion! I went into this very excited at first and then I got really nervous! After the invitations went out and I didn't hear from anyone for a few days I thought, "I wonder if they all think I'm really nuts?" But after a few days I started getting some responses and I went back to being excited! I put a lot of thought into who to invite. And I think I did really well! Next year I hope to have even more friends who would like to join in!

Witches Sharon, Mom, and Telsie!


Witches Matilda (LaVoy) and Mom.

The day started with me and LaVoy dressing up for work. I woke up at 4 a.m. to get myself together and met LaVoy at work around 6:45 a.m. We greeted Roger and Troy, our bosses, with "Phantom of the Opera" playing (although the music messed up each time I paused it to play it at the right spot!) LaVoy nearly gave one of our older clients a heart attack when she came out of the back office to greet them at the front desk! The poor woman shuddered! LaVoy was rather frightful!

My car full of witches! How fun is that! I love this picture!

I left work early to be ready for my guests to arrive around 1 p.m. It was such fun to answer the door and see them dressed up and what costumes they'd come up with! There was a lot of giggling and laughter as each one arrived. When all of us were there we got into our cars and left for lunch to Dana's. I was a little disappointed that they put us in the Banquet Room away from the crowd. But we had a nice time visiting, taking pictures, and enjoying our lunch.

My BFF, Elaine and me....if it wasn't for her being willing to dress up with me last year, this year probably wouldn't have happend!

Me and my beautiful witch daughters: Brianne, Shaila, me, Melanie, and Holli. We missed you, Leish!

Afterward, just me, Elaine, Brianne, and Shaila roamed the streets of Moses Lake. Shopped in a few stores and went to Dairy Queen for more calories! All in all....it was so much fun! I hope those witches that attended and some brave new ones will want to do it again next year! I'm already planning!

Witch Pat and me.

Witches Melanie, Susan, Sharon, and Pat.

Thank you fellow Witches! It was more fun than I had hoped for! I hope you all had as much fun as I did! Until next year..................................!

GraMimi's Pumpkins.......

Yesterday, Milo and Melanie decided to take their kids to a pumpkin patch. After tossing a couple back a forth they decided on "The Country Mercantile" by Pasco. I hurried and charged my camera batteries for only 10 minutes and we were out the door to follow Milo and family down to Pasco. We met up with The Perkes' and Luttmer's. It was a rather windy day! (Okay...it was really tornado weather!) I was only able to get a few photos before my camera died..........I didn't get any of Jayni (Sunshine), Tom, Brianne, or Melanie! And I didn't get any of us in the pumpkin patch! Sorry, family!

Nathan, Milo, Dane, and Kathryn in the straw maze.

Holli, Grayson, and Landon.

Our #9 pumpkin, Reed.

Cousins Reed & Grayson.

Our #10 pumpkin, Grayson.

Our #8 pumpkin, Mason.

Of course, I wouldn't forget my "main" pumpkin, Hubby! Wherever we go he wants the kids with us. He's such a blessing to our family and sacrifices so much to provide for all of us. He gives unselfishly and makes sure we're all taken care of. I can't begin to explain or express how much we all love him and appreciate him. He's the best! I love you, Hubby!

We ended the day at The Olive Garden with Never Ending Pasta Bowls! We had grit in our teeth, on our faces, and we had to pick straw out of our hair! But we had a wonderful Autumn Day with most of our wonderful kids and grandkids. Sorry family for not getting more pictures of all of you that were with us yesterday. Pop and I love you all!

Is it bad to have a "want" list?

Usually there aren't many things that I actually "want". But right now there are several things and I'm having a little guilt over it! Why can't I be content with what I have and not want for more? Is it just human nature? But are we not here to overcome those carnal desires? Something I need to work on, most definitely, if I have such a "want" list! So I'm sharing my "want" list and the reasons behind the "wants"! Here are my selfish desires.....in no particular order!


I love music! All kinds of music! I have a 3rd Generation Nano iPod that my sweet Hubby gave me for my birthday last year....and I'm addicted! I love it! I love having so much music on it. I'm up to over 700 songs...(I know that's nothing compared to Milo's thousands...and I mean THOUSANDS!) I want ALL my CD's on my iPod but it's not quite large enough. Plus, movies...great for when you're traveling! I need more memory...........I'm talking about my iPod, not my brain! Well that, too!!

We have a digital camera and it's only about 4 years old but in this technological world, that's ancient. It's so slow when I take a picture...it's so delayed that if the grandkids move...I've missed the moment. So, I need to update my camera but Lou and Melanie will have to help us out with what would be good for us. Hubby wants a Canon though. And now that I've caught the blogging bug....a new camera would be great!

I've wanted a Wii for a year now. It mainly started when I got a taste of "Guitar Hero" when I played with Milo's XBox. (For you that may not know...and you may be a little shocked...I have a dark side...I could be a rock star groupie! Shocking, I know!) I love rock music...you know the 70's and 80's good rock music! BUT, a Wii Fit would be great, too, although I think I could get my workout with "Guitar Hero"! Exercise...that's the reason, right?!! :)

I really enjoy cooking. Especially breads and cookies. When Brianne moved to England she let me "store" her KitchenAid and I used it ALL the time! Then she came home......!!! I'm glad she's home but I miss her KitchenAid. Now that the holidays are approaching, I am yearning for this wonderful machine! They're fabulous if you've never used one! Making bread/rolls and cookies are so easy with one of these! The Pioneer Woman was giving 3 away....I didn't win!





I gave Hubby a laptop for his birthday and the little I've been able to enjoy it...I've loved it! Our desktop computer is fairly old and so slow now. I also, like the mobility of a laptop. Another great piece of entertainment when traveling.

So there's my selfish desires! Usually I can't even think of things I want but there's no guesses this year! And if the truth be known.... I'd be fine without any of it! I have everything I need and that's a beautiful and healthy family! And the knowledge of where I've come from, why I'm here, and where I'm going! I am so blessed! Life is good and a precious gift!

How much "Witch" is too much "Witch"?

I redid my blog background and added Halloween music! I ordered witch shoes today...and stockings, too! Am I obsessed or just really enjoying my upcoming Witch Party? I'm always on the look for something new to add to my witch costume! I've always worried that there wasn't anything (other than my church beliefs) that I was really passionate about! But I think I have found something that I really am enjoying....and that I'm excited about.... and to think it started from just dressing up for Halloween last year! I've always loved Halloween. Maybe because it's around my birthday and the one birthday party I remember was a Halloween theme. My Mom loves Halloween and I guess she passed that passion onto me. It's such a fun holiday and I have so many fun memories of my childhood Halloween's. I even remember my Great-Grandma Young dressing up and wearing a mask to scare us kids! My Mom has always loved scaring us and her grandkids...and I think I'm carrying on that tradition! Isn't tradition wonderful?

It's gaining momentum....

My Witch Party is in the works! So far I have 7 "yes" RSVP's....and hopefully more will respond! I'm open to anyone wanting to join the party. The only thing I ask is that you HAVE TO BE A WITCH... WITH A HAT... AND there are no children (nursing babies are welcome!). You can get ready on your own and then come to the party or come and we'll get ready together for those who may want help with makeup, etc. Then off to lunch at Dana's! I think this is going to be so much fun! For those who want to join....just give me a call! I can't wait to see all of your creative witch costumes! Lots of pictures will be taken!

Melanie...Our 9/11 Birthday Girl!

It's Melanie's birthday today. She's my oldest son's wife and my very first child-in-law and she'll hate me for posting about her! (Paybacks are great, aren't they?) I think it would be hard being the first in-law into a family AND to a family of 3 sister-in-laws plus the mom-in-law! But Melanie has been an absolute blessing to our family.

Over the years we've formed a special relationship, I think. She's become my friend, my go-to-girl, a confidante, but most importantly she's become a daughter. Here's what makes Melanie who she is:

• She has a great laugh...you always know when she's in the vicinity!
  
• She has a giving heart and is always doing for someone else.
  
• She knows what I need before I even do and does it for me lots of times! I've come home from work to have my whole house completely vacuumed! (With 4 kids in tow!)
  
• She has a wonderful sense of humor.
  
• She can mimic people's voices, especially her children's to a tee!
  
• She's very talented even though she doesn't think so.
  
• She's a great cook and always has a great recipe.
  
• She loves the gospel and is sharing that with her children.
  
• She's a friend to many....
  
• And knows everyone! If you're ever anywhere with her...she'll run into someone she knows.
  
• She keeps my hair cut and up-to-date! (I'm glad I'm family!)
  
• She's patient with me in the above subject and knows about every other haircut I'll want something different!
  
• She has endless energy...(something she's passed onto her children!)
  
• She's a wonderful wife and mother.
  
• She gets things done quick!
  
• When she gets something in her mind...she does it!
  
• When I get something in MY mind....SHE does it! (Be careful what you tell her!)
  
• She's very expressive. I love listening to her stories, especially about the kids.
  
• She's passionate about the things she loves and enjoys.
  
• She's always got great ideas.
  
• She has great taste!
  
• She's an inspiration in many ways to me.
  
• She's given me 4 wonderful and beautiful grandchildren. And let's me spoil them most of the time!

Happy Birthday, Melanie! I love you, dearly! Thank you for being a special part of this family and accepting all our crazy ways!

My Beautiful Daughters.......

I have 3 beautiful daughters that have grown into even more beautiful women and mothers. I've looked through their blogs and my downloaded pictures to find pictures of each of them but it's late and that will have to be another post. (Note to self...Take more pictures of just the girls! And maybe one with me with them!...2nd note to self....get a new camera!) Anyway, they could not even begin to know how they're each wrapped around my heart, each in a different kind of wrapping that is unique to them. I miss the little girls they once were and I wish so many times I could just go back and make right all the wrongs I did as a young mother.

A few weeks ago I saw the movie "Mamma Mia". I went twice I liked it so well. There's a song by Abba that is also on the movie soundtrack called "Slipping Through My Fingers." It's the song I've attached to my blog. It brought such tears to my eyes when it was sung on the movie and the words made my heart ache for my little beautiful girls.

So, Brianne, Shaila, and Leisha...this song is for you! I love each of you! You are the absolute most beautiful daughters inside and out!

My 1st Annual Witch Party!!

Halloween of 2007, my friend and then co-worker Elaine agreed to dress up with me on Halloween. I've longed to dress up as a witch and she agreed to be a witch with me. We ordered our costumes on-line and we were so excited the day they arrived! We met at work at 6:30 a.m. to dress and do our make-up for the day. When we got all put together, we walked across the street to McDonald's to get a sausage biscuit for breakfast! It was so much fun seeing people's reaction as we walked down the street! As we got to McDonald's it was like there was a elephant in the room but no one was going to ackowledge it! Maybe they thought we were going to hold them up and ask for.... "all the sausage biscuits in a bag and don't call the police!" ....It was rather odd!

Once we got back to work the 4 men we work with still hadn't gotten to the office. We watched the parking lot and waited as each one arrived. When we saw who pulled into the parking lot, we went and sat in their dark office and waited for them to see us. It was great...the first one, Roger Chamberlain, was kind of startled and chuckled; Dan Harper just laughed; Troy Pugh jumped; but Roger Pugh was worth all the effort....he was on his cell phone when he flipped on the light. We were sitting on the couch and he shouted, "Oh my crap!" and jumped out of his skin! He had an absolute look of horror on his face! My day was complete!

After work, I went to Milo and Melanie's Trunk or Treat and then they went with me to my ward's Trunk or Treat. Nobody knew who I was for the longest time! It wasn't until I talked to Kathy Perrins that she recognized me. It was after that, I decided I was going to get a group of women together the next Halloween and have a Witch Party!

I know Halloween is still 7 weeks away but it takes time to get the costume ordered and accessorized! So...I've sent out 6 invitations so far and will send some more out when I decide to who. We'll all meet at my house at 1 p.m. and we'll put on our makeup and costumes. After that we're going to go to a late lunch at Dana's and roam around as witches! Won't that be great? I'm so excited about it! I hope this starts a long tradition of Witch Parties!!!

Are YOU brave enough?.....Stay tuned for the outcome and pictures of my party!!

Kenneth "Dane" Bushman

One more post and I'm done for the day! I couldn't let today go by without posting about Dane! It's his 5th birthday today but he has the vocabulary of a 10 year old! He started talking in full sentences when he wasn't very old. Correct me if I'm wrong, Melanie, but I think he wasn't even 2. He's a pistol and says the funniest things! He started pre-school yesterday and thinks that's pretty cool to be able to go to school and not "home" school anymore. He's Milo and Melanie's #2 son and my #5 grandchild. Happy Birthday, Dane! GraMimi and Poppy love you lots!

Shaila Lou Hardy

I meant to add Shaila's picture to my last post! This is Shaila. She's my 3rd child, 2nd daughter. Shaila was always my comforting child. If I was sad or upset, I'd just have to hold her and she'd make all my worries go away. She's given me 3 of my 11 grandbabies; Malcolm, 5; Quinn, 3; and Winston, 7 months. She's married to Matt who's very good to his mom-in-law. He's likes to tease me and I like to tease him back! They live in Pullman and I wish they were closer but at least they're close enough for us to see fairly regularly. I love you, Lou!

My Daughter Knows Her Mother!

Shaila said she'd help me with my blog but emphasized if she did it, I wouldn't learn. It's not that I don't want to learn...it's a time issue! I'm on a computer all day at work and by the time I get home the last thing I want to do is sit down at the computer!

She picked out a background that is so me! It's exactly what I would have chosen for myself! Thanks Lou, for knowing me so well!

Not Blog Savy!

Help! I'm new to this and I want to know it all now! I love reading everyone's blogs and keeping in touch with day to day life with friends and loved ones! I want to be a contributor but I need a class in blogging! I want a cute background....where do I get it? I want wonderful pictures....need a new camera! I want this to be my journal! However, I always think I'm going to start writing my journal so it's in my handwriting for future generations...........Right!!! After uhhmmm...years.......hasn't happened yet!

I also, wanted a cool blog title! All that I wanted were taken like..."There Was an Old Woman" and now I can't even remember what other ones I had thought of! So, that one is still out. I haven't settled yet so my blog title may be changing.

Anyway....I'm still figuring it all out! Any suggestions or help is appreciated!