One day....

.....I MAY GET AROUND TO GETTING RID OF MY HALLOWEEN BLOG AND ACTUALLY WRITE A NEW POST!  I owe Landon a birthday post from October 15th!  Happy Birthday, Landon!  Actually, I owe Dane a birthday post from September 3!  Happy Birthday, Dane!  Since we're on the subject....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY....

1.  Dane...Sept. 3
2.  Melanie...Sept. 11
3.  Dad...Sept. 20
4.  Barbie...Oct. 4
5.  Shellie...Oct. 5
6.  Colby...Oct. 8
7.  Kristen...Oct. 10
8.  Emma...Oct. 13
9.  Landon...Oct. 15
10.  Mom...Oct. 16
11.  Me...Oct. 25
12.  Shaila & Peggy...Oct. 30

And we still have November and December to go!  

"Witch" hat shall I wear?

Halloween is fast approaching and I'm far behind my usual Witch Party planning.  I have my hat....but no dress, yet!  And the party.......dine in or dine out???

Here's where you come in!  I want your ideas of what you think a fun Witch Party would be for this year.  I'd love some fun ideas.  My thinker is full of cobwebs!

Happy Witching!

Sunshine in the Forecast!

As I was getting ready for church yesterday morning, I was listening to the Mormon Channel on my iPhone.  I do that most mornings and I have really enjoyed the positive and uplifting start it gives to my day.  I, also, enjoy the "food for thought" it gives me.  Some days those thoughts lead me down interesting trails of thoughts.  I'm sure you know what I mean.

The program "Conversations" was on.  The interview was with a BYU professor of Church History and author, Susan Easton Black.  She had some wonderful words of wisdom.  Here's three that really stood out:

1. When discouraged look up and live...move forward.
2. If you try to top someone on sorrows, you won't have many friends.
3. Small people talk about people.  Medium people talk about events.  Large people talk about ideas.

She then told of a time when she was a student at BYU.  She and her roommate were both from the LA area and thought Provo was such a small town.  They decided to go to Salt Lake for some "excitement" and kept being pulled towards Temple Square.   President David O. McKay was the prophet at the time and they heard that he lived at Hotel Utah which is now the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.  They wanted to find out which room he lived in and "pay him a visit".  They found out quickly that no one was about to tell them which room he lived in so they decided to go room to room, floor by floor.  After many doors they had not found him but saw a cleaning woman come out of one of the suites.  They asked her which room President McKay lived in and she pointed to a door down the hallway.  They came up with a story that they were taking orders for Girl Scout cookies to tell him if he answered!  (I thought it was interesting that they thought it was okay to lie to the prophet!  Ha!)  As they approached the door, her roommate chickened out and started running the opposite way.  Susan knocked on the door and President McKay opened the door.

She was awestruck.  She knew the minute she looked into his eyes that he was the Prophet of God.  She fessed up and told him what she and her roommate were doing and just wanted to meet him.  He invited them into his suite and they sat in his study.  After a few minutes of conversation, she asked him for just one piece of counsel.  He looked at her and said, "Be happy." 

She realized those two words packed a big statement.  The true way to real happiness is by being obedient and living the gospel.  She has since had a life with many big trials.  One of which her husband left her and their 3 boys when they were all 3 and under.  But she found a way to go to college and get her Doctorate degree.  She did her best to "be happy" under hard trials.  I thought it was an amazing story and I didn't do it justice but I had to share it.

We make the choice to be happy.  President Hinckley said, "You can be smart and happy or stupid and miserable."  I've learned that being happy requires a conscientious effort.  I have to remind myself of it daily.  Some days it's easier than others.  But I hope I'm on my way to more sunny days! 

Lots of hugs!

(Thanks, Nancy, for reminding me of President Hinckley's quote!)

8090c2e1-a4bc-48f1-a0c1-d460db53abb5

1.03.01

Happy Birthday, Melanie!

It's Melanie's birthday today.  It's hard to forget her birthday since it's now a famous date....9/11.  Melanie is married to my oldest son, Milo.  They have 4 cute, funny, sweet, and wonderful children...Kathryn 9, Nathan 8, Dane 7, and Reed 2.  Dane just had his birthday (pics coming) and the other 3 are all having birthdays very shortly. 

Melanie is an absolute blessing in our family.  She is a "go to girl".  If you need an answer to something or need to know how to do something, Mel's your girl.  If she doesn't know, she finds out.  And I think I've mentioned this about her before....you have to be careful or she'll do it for you!

Her laugh is infectious!  She is funny, smart, witty, talented, giving, and always is there if she thinks you're having a bad day or need an extra hand.  She is everything you would want a daughter-in-law to be........She is my friend!  I love you, Mel! 

8090c2e1-a4bc-48f1-a0c1-d460db53abb5

1.03.01

Rain, Rain...Go AWAY!

Look!  No fridge!

And no sink!

Found the fridge in the dining room!  Might be convenient!

Found the sink in the garage...Not so convenient!

Definitely not convenient!

And guess where I found the stove?  Not good at all!

A Thought for Your Piece of Chocolate?

I'm on a new kick!....Surprising, I know! I was given a "Dove" chocolate piece in a thank you card recently. I knew from previous indulgences that there is a "food for thought" inside the wrapper. Of course, after you unwrap the chocolate to get to the thought you MUST eat the chocolate to get the full effect of the thought!

I can't remember what the wrapper said at that time. However, as I was trying to rack my brain to come up with a little something to boost one of my visiting teaching sister's spirits, I decided to buy her a bag of Dove Chocolates remembering the cute thoughts inside the wrappers. AND...chocolate ALWAYS makes us feel better...right? I added in the card that she could have one chocolate to receive a positive or fun thought per day. So, I bought TWO bags! If it's good enough for her, it's good enough for me!

Yes, I indulged today. This is what my wrapper said:

"Be the silver lining in another's cloud."

Another one from a previous day:

"You can't lead a positive life with a negative attitude."

No explanation needed...both statements can stand on their own!

Now...SPLURGE!! Go buy a bag of Dove Chocolates! Savor the smoothness of the chocolate as it melts in your mouth. But even more importantly, savor the thought inside your wrapper and may it help put a smile on your face!

Leisha, cont....

Here are some pictures taken on Leisha's birthday. For some reason my memory card wouldn't read in my computer last night. What would a birthday be without documenting the cake?

Leisha beat us back from dinner and added the "24" on the cake. She kind of got a bum deal this year with a boxed cake and frosting due to me not being home all this last week! Maybe next year.........a princess castle cake?


Emma helped put on the candles...


FIRE!! Call the fire department!


Look at all the smoke! I love Emma's expression....


I'm glad we were at least able to enjoy her birthday with her. It's been a few years since we've been together on her special day! Happy Birthday, Leisha...Again!

She's One of a Kind!

It's Leisha's 24th birthday today....which is hard....she is my baby! It's hard to believe she could be that old!

Leisha is one of a kind. She has never walked to anyone's beat but her own. She makes all of us in the family smile with her dry humor and quick wit! She definitely has the "Chlarson" gene in the humor department!

The picture of her proves my point! It was taken last Christmas when she was pregnant with her 2nd baby girl, Nora. In this picture she decided to model some of her Christmas presents (Pajamas, purse, boots, etc. Notice she's holding a Pampered Chef Hamburger Chopper! The baby doll equipment in the background she got from Santa! Just kidding...that was Emma's!)

Oh, how we love you, Leisha! You have been a great caboose to this family! Have a very Happy Birthday and know that you will always be my "Little Leisha"!

Worth Reading...

My friend, Nancy, has a blog which she posts a "Thursday Thought" every week. Every week she gives me something to ponder. This last weeks thought came from a quote she read from a book whose author is a son of Mom's high school friend. He passed away about 5 years ago and now his family is living off the proceed's of this book. He fought the promptings of writing the book for a couple of years, but then did. Now he's still able to take care of his family from the other side.

Please take a minute to read Nancy's post and then I recommend reading the book. It gives you so much to think about. Here's the link to Nancy's blog:

http://nanmckenchanted.blogspot.com/search/label/hurdles

(Thanks, Nancy! I hope you don't mind me sharing!)

Keep Smilin', Mimi!

(Chelan State Park 2006)

Today is the first day of the Quinn/Anne Chlarson Family Reunion AND I'M NOT THERE! I haven't missed one in 17 years! (Is that right? I'll need to check the t-shirts!)

This year it's at the Idaho side of Bear Lake. It's the first year we haven't had it in Washington State, camping in tents, cooking in dutch ovens...and I was really looking forward to the new adventure of sharing a house with my family and getting out of Dodge!

The reason I'm missing it is because when you're a mother, your kids come first. Shaila and her little family will be moving to Pamona, CA next week. Her husband, Matt, got accepted to medical school on June 7, bought a car, packed, and left the same day. Shaila is here in Moses Lake, packing and trying to get everything ready to move them to California. Thus, Hubby and I will be driving the moving truck. It's an adventure, right?

It's been a melancholy day. I called my Mom this morning and fought back tears so she wouldn't know how sad I was! All I can think about is my parents and sisters all together, laughing, teasing, cooking, and playing. But....I've been very blessed to have been able to spend all the previous years attending, unlike most of my siblings.

And that's what I have to focus on...not the negatives about what I can't do, or what I don't have, or what I'm missing out on. I'm grateful I have the relationships with my family that makes it a joy to be around them and miss them when I'm not. To have two loving parents that have stood together through deep trials. A Dad who worked himself to the bone providing for his family and showing us the value of hard work. A mother who taught her daughters homemaking skills and how to endure your trials and know there's a new day ahead. Sisters who are my VERY best friends. A brother who always looked after his little sister, and growing up was the best example I had. I always thought of him and what he would do when faced with temptations because I always knew that he would choose the right. For children who have persevered through the trials they've endured because of my choices. They're my life and joy. Grandchildren who bring me more happiness than I ever thought imaginable! An incredible husband who loves me and supports me....always! And the health to enjoy it all!

I'm so blessed!

So, one year missed...lots more to come! Have fun family! I'm looking forward to pictures! Take lots!

Happy 39th Birthday, Hubby!

What do you say about a man who has impacted your life more than you ever possibly could have imagined? A man who came upon a young woman who had been beaten down by life's circumstances, took her by the hand (along with 5 kids!) and made her fairy tale a reality? Words cannot express the love, admiration, and gratitude I have for my sweet husband, Michael. He is a wonderful husband, partner, father, and grandfather to me and our family. I could go on and list all the things I love about him but even those words wouldn't express it adequately.

The following are a few pictures that just begin to scratch the surface showing how he makes me and our family so happy!







You're perfect! And I love you! Happy Birthday!

Beautiful Girls!

I had to steal this picture off of Leisha's blog because it's so dang cute! Are they not a trio of beautiful girls? They'll be back here June 5th and I'll get to steal that baby and smother her with GraMimi kisses! And I can't wait to play house, school, etc., with Emma! She's a character through and through. Just had to brag and share!

Under Construction!

I am working on a new post! But it's long....and I've had a hard time working on it since I'm in front of a computer all day, everyday at work! But coming soon to a computer near you so check back! Love you all!

#13 is here!

Nora Ivy Adams
7 lbs. 9 oz.
20 1/4 in.
3/20/2010
8:46 pm EST





SHE CAME EARLY! I don't fly to New York until Wednesday but that will be right about when Leisha will really need me. I wish I had of been there for the birth but I'm just grateful it all went so well and Leisha had such a great delivery. Check out their blog for details!

GraMimi's coming Nora! Can't wait to smother you with kisses!

Henley Chisholm Luttmer

Our 12th grandchild and our 4th granddaughter, Henley Chisholm Luttmer, was born yesterday, March 12th @ 1:29 pm. She weighed 2 lbs. and was 10 inches long. She was so perfect, that she has been able to return to her Heavenly Father without having to endure the trials and heartaches of this mortal life. I'm so grateful for eternal families and the knowledge we have that Landon and Holli will have the opportunity to one day raise her. She's become an added blessing to our family and my heart has once again, become a little bit bigger to love another sweet grandchild. May I live worthy for the promised blessings of eternal families. I love you, Henley.

Wenatchee Half Marathon 2010

(Please scroll down to bottom of blog to begin music so you get the entire effect of this post!)

Take a BIG breath, Marion! LaVoy and I registered to run/walk this year's Wenatchee Half Marathon, April 17th! Did I really say that? Me? Someone who has never liked to run her ENTIRE life? Yup! I said it and I'm preparing mentally and physically for it! This is how it started...

There has always been a really far down, deep desire for me to be a runner. I see people every morning/evening out on the streets running; my sister-in-law, Amber, does triathalons; my brother-in-law is running the Boston Marathon this year; my friend, Nancy, does marathons.

When I reconnected with Nancy and found out she became a runner a little later in life, it gave me the incentive to do it, too. I'm just beginning...really...BEGINNING!! Nancy sent me a website that's "Couch to 5K" and Shaila sent me an app for my iPhone that's the same, "Couch to 5K". So, I've begun....

To give me the goal + incentive, I took one of Nancy's pictures off her blog, found another woman running, and copy/pasted my head on her so I was running with Nancy! (LaVoy and I are experts at copying/pasting heads!) Isn't that a great goal? Me actually running in a marathon! And what a fun way to imagine it having Nancy run along side of me coaching me along!

Okay..now it's out there! I said it...I wrote it down for all to see! Enjoy laughing at the picture! I think it's rather hilarious myself!! Happy running!

P.S. Please keep me in your prayers!!

She's my childhood friend, Nancy. She's from Honeyville....

Okay...so I've reconnected with a childhood friend. I found her on Facebook last fall and we've enjoyed renewing our friendship through Facebook and our blogs. Our mother's were best friends when we lived in Honeyville, Utah. In fact, their family felt more like relatives than friends. We were together a lot because of our mothers. We even took a trip to Yellowstone together as families and both of our mother's were pregnant at the time!

I realized I must talk about her quite frequently. I had received a bag of candied walnuts from her in the mail for Christmas. My daughters, Shaila and Leisha were visiting at the house and asked about the walnuts. I said, "They're from Nancy"....and started into the explanation of who she is. Then Shaila took over the conversation saying, ".....she's my childhood friend from Honeyville. We recently reconnected on Facebook. She's Travis' age and we used to tease him about her............." and yes, she was being sarcastic!! Then she said, "Mom! We know who Nancy is!"

I think I stood there with my mouth hanging opened for a moment before we all started laughing! It made me feel like one of those old ladies that always repeats herself! Please tell me I'm not heading down THAT highway yet! But there's no question in my mind now that my children definitely know who Nancy is!

No further explanations needed.............