GraMimi's Brag Spot

Words of Advice

2012-01-02T13:57:00.000-08:00

I thought this was great advice for the New Year. Happy New Year!

Marion Meets Nancy

2011-04-22T09:41:00.000-07:00

I was born in Brigham City, Utah. My parents built and home in Honeyville, Utah and we moved into that home when I was a year old. Honeyville at the time had a population of around 500 people, most of those being relatives from the Abraham Hunsaker line. Abraham had 5 wives. His posterity is huge.

But there was a family in Honeyville that we weren't related to...the Rodney and Peggy Nelson family. Our Mom's were best friends. Nelson's had many girls and so did we and we were all around the same ages. We were always at their house, playing in their basement, roaming around their dairy and farm and making lots of memories. Our families even took a trip to Yellowstone together when both of our mothers were pregnant with one of our younger sisters. Two of my Nelson friends were Nancy and Peggy Sue. Nancy a year older and Peggy Sue a year younger so I played with both of them. We moved away from Honeyville in 1966. I missed my friends. They were like family. They were friends that I had as far back as my memory went. It was an actual loss to me as a child when we moved away.


Primary Nursery Class of 1959. Me...front row, third child from left. Nancy...back row second child from left. My Mom is the beautiful woman standing in the back left. (Picture courtesy of Nancy's Facebook)

Move forward 45 years...

We finally reconnected on Facebook a couple of years ago. We communicated through our blogs and Facebook. We finally spoke on the phone the Sunday before we were to meet on Monday, April 11, 2011, to finalize where and when. It was great to hear her voice. Her voice reminded me of her mother's voice. We decided to meet at Temple Square in Salt Lake City in front of the Reflection Pool.

Monday came and I have to admit I was nervous.... What if we didn't click? What would we talk about? I don't like being out of my comfort zone. Did she really want to meet? What would we have in common? She's so talented. I'm so not. She's very practical. I'm so not. Would we recognize each other?... And the thoughts went on and on!

I was waiting just for a few moments when I saw her coming from the Joseph Smith Building. I recognized her immediately. It was great to see her! She suggested we go to the top of the JSB where there was a sitting room. This was our view where we sat for about an hour and talked...and kept talking...

We then went into the restaurant for lunch. The waiter had to come back a few times to get our order as we just kept on talking....

At "The Gardens" restaurant. I'm not liking this picture of me but have to document!

We had a wonderful lunch and talked and talked. We went back out to the sitting area overlooking Temple Square and continued talking. Before we knew it almost 4 hours had passed...too fast! We didn't ever lack for conversation. It wasn't the conversation I expected. I thought we would "timeline" our lives but instead we talked about where we were at in our lives and the journey that brought us there. Looking back on decisions and how we sometimes view some of them as mistakes but know they made us who we are. We told each other personal confidences that some closest to us probably don't even know. Nancy is warm, fun, insightful, understanding, beautiful, talented, spiritual, and an absolute delight to be with.

I found a quote that sums up our conversation:

"But oh...the blessing it is to have a friend to whom one can speak fearlessly on any subject; with whom one's deepest as well as one's most foolish thoughts come out simply and safely. Oh, the comfort - the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person - having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together; certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then with the breath of kindness blow the rest away." ~Dinah Craik, A Life for a Life, 1859.

Nancy, thank you. You are my new/old friend....forever.

What Are Words

2011-03-03T11:05:00.000-08:00

What Are Words lyrics

All I can say is....Beautiful! The song, yes...but even more beautiful is this young man. His name is Chris Medina. If you haven't heard his story, you've been missing out. It will....

...bring you to tears.
...help you to not take another day or loved one for granted.
...make you step back and take a good look at yourself.
...evaluate your own I.N.T.E.G.R.I.T.Y.
...think about what you say because you can never take those words back...EVER...they live on forever.

You can read his story here.

Attitude of Gratitude

2011-02-25T09:27:00.000-08:00

Life is full of challenges. Over this last week, some of my children have come to me with struggles that they are enduring. I don't use the word enduring lightly. These have been struggles that have been on going or that have been a road block for some time. And they have handled them with patience and dignity.

(How time flies by! I miss these kids!)

As a mother, you want to fix it...make it better. For me, I wish more than anything I could take their burden and make it my own so I could suffer for them and relieve them of the pain and difficulty they are feeling. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? I don't think it's a coincidence that as parents we feel that way. I know for me, that is how I have been able to better understand and try to comprehend The Atonement. We love our children so much that we are willing to do ANYTHING for them. Much like the Savior felt and feels for us when we are suffering through life's trials. He understands...He knows how we feel because He has already suffered that for us. Now it is up to us to turn it over to Him after all we can do.

Through these conversations with my kids lately, there has been one word that has come up in all of our conversations....

gratitude

It is what has helped me throughout my adult life...a sense of calm will come over me as I look around and see....

family
home
truths
friends
freedom
health

And then the things easily taken for granted....

smelling a newborn grandbaby
hearing the grandkids laugh and yell as they enjoy playing with their cousins
seeing a tear run down their sweet cheeks and being able to wipe it away
hugging them until they break free
making them waffles
watching them sing at Primary programs
making popcorn and having a movie night
hiding when they come and scaring them when they find me
talking to all 5 of my grown kids in one day
getting a text everyday from at least one of my kids
reading a recipe to one of them
having a husband that has taken all of this craziness on
having a husband that loves HIS family
having a husband that would do anything for me and our family

The list gets endless...but it works...for me! It gets me over any pity party that tries to invite me! Sometimes that party gets really tempting and I do stay longer than I should but my Mother always taught me to never wear out your welcome!

Now...let's get on our "Attitude of Gratitude"!
Love you all!

"The Best Is Yet To Be"

2011-01-04T18:07:00.000-08:00

This is kind of a continued post from Sunday. I had ran across the video I posted "Look Not Behind Thee" Sunday as I was waiting for church to start. Our ward time changed to 1 o'clock so I had some spare time. I posted it in a hurry and updated my blog since it was still the Christmas theme.

Our lesson in Relief Society happened to be on the very subject. (Thanks, Susan!) And she referenced the video and the Ensign article from January 2010, "The Best Is Yet To Be" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. I L.O.V.E. Elder Holland. His talks are always so.....RIGHT ON! I cannot even put into words how I feel when I hear him speak.

2010 was a hard year for our family. We had 3 pregnancies that all terminated prematurely. One stillborn, one ectopic, and one that miscarried but not for a few weeks after finding no heartbeat. We had severe water damage in our kitchen that resulted in our kitchen being useless for a month....but work going on in it from July-November. We've been helping one of our children deal with the pain of going through a divorce that is beyond hard!

Believe me, I'm not complaining. I know others have dealt and are dealing with far more tragic things than we are or have been dealing with. I know our trials are for our growth and to strengthen us. And I do ask myself, "What am I supposed to be learning from this?"

One thing I have learned....that I have to work at being happy. I've always looked at myself as someone that has come by happiness pretty easily....until this year. Maybe it's circumstances...(but I've been through worse!)...or maybe it's age! (I don't like the latter!) But it has become an effort and I don't like that! In fact, everything has seemed to be an effort! I've lacked that "zeal for life" that came pretty easy for me. It seems I've only done what I've absolutely HAD to do! I've neglected so many things this last year because I've had no desire to make the effort! But whatever the reason, this article by Elder Holland has helped and is helping me.

So, my New Year's resolution........to leave the past where it belongs and know the BEST is yet to be!

LDS.org - Ensign Article - The Best Is Yet to Be

Please.....Happy New Year!

2011-01-02T10:03:00.000-08:00

This video is a great message. May we all look forward with hope and determination to change the things we desire to change within ourselves. May we all keep the past where it belongs...in the past. I'm grateful for the Atonement that provides a means for that very purpose.

One day....

2010-11-10T21:17:00.000-08:00

.....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?

2010-09-19T18:16:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-09-13T16:41:00.000-07:00

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:

When discouraged look up and live...move forward.
If you try to top someone on sorrows, you won't have many friends.
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!)

Happy Birthday, Melanie!

2010-09-11T10:26:00.000-07:00

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!

Rain, Rain...Go AWAY!

2010-09-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

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! So you might be asking yourself, "What is going on in the Wyman's kitchen?" Well, let's go back to mid-July..... The 3rd week in July I had driven with Mom and Dad to Utah to the Lyman and LaVoy Chlarson reunion. When I came back home, I was in the kitchen and when I walked in front of the stove, the rug was wet. As I looked around I saw that there was water on top of the stove top! What? Hubby and I searched to see where it might have come from but we were clueless. (My PI hat was not on at the time!) We wiped it up and scratched our heads! We thought of all sorts of scenarios! Then decided, if something was going on, it would raise it's ugly head again! A couple of days later I came home from work and I was talking to Milo on the phone. As I walked across the rug in front of the stove, it was wet again and a small puddle of water was on the stove top. He said, "Mom, I think you need to pull out your stove." I did and the drywall behind the stove had water damage!! Ugh! This is where my PI training came in handy! Yes, I was a PI in a previous life! You may not have known that about me! I have the nose for investigating...really, I do! Must be the challenge in it because I do love a challenge! I've always wanted to be part of a stakeout! So, as I put on my Sherlock Holmes hat, or Colombo rain coat (whichever you want to envision!) and although not discovering it on the first go around, when Hubby got home we checked out our sprinkler system. WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT A DRIP LINE COULD SHOOT A 12 FOOT GUSHER AGAINST THE HOUSE AND IN THROUGH THE FAN VENT? And who would know it was happening when your sprinkler system waters in the wee hours of the morning? We called in a restoration company and it's gone from bad to worse! Mold...yucky mold! And from a 2 day job, to a "just over a week" job, and now we really don't know how long it's going to take to: Pull out wet insulation and replace it Replace drywall Replace sub floor Replace tile Replace counter tops In the meantime, we have no kitchen or washer and dryer! Our microwave is still functioning so it's frozen dinners for probably way too long!! On a positive note...I get new tile and new counter tops. On even a more positive note...I love my life. I love my family. I have a sweet and supportive Hubby. I have the best of the best children who have given us the sweetest, cutest, funniest, etc., grandkids. I have my Mom and Dad who are close by, healthy, and still a daily part of my life who I still rely on for counsel and comfort. I'm blessed to know that the trials I endure are for my growth. And I know I am a daughter of a loving Father in Heaven. We have been going through some challenges this year, but it's all the above that help me and get me through. There is ALWAYS a rainbow!

A Thought for Your Piece of Chocolate?

2010-09-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

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....

2010-09-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-09-01T17:22:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-08-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

(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!

2010-05-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-05-24T12:54:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-04-24T08:20:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-03-20T21:14:00.001-07:00

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

2010-03-13T10:00:00.001-08:00

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

2010-01-29T08:41:00.000-08:00

(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....

2010-01-01T09:10:00.000-08:00

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.............

Wise Men Still Seek Him...

2009-12-24T12:49:00.000-08:00

I've been rather absent with my blog lately. I have a new calling in Relief Society, Christmas, too many birthdays to count, and a lot of other excuses. But I'd feel really ungrateful if I didn't take a moment and acknowledge this special time of year.

I'm so grateful to know the true meaning of Christmas. For a Savior that was willing to come to this mortal life and sacrifice so much so we can have eternal life and live with our Father in Heaven again. I'm grateful for my faith...for knowing to the very core that we are children of a loving Heavenly Father who knows each one of us individually and by name.

I'm grateful that I don't wonder what this life is all about....that I know why I am here and what I am to do while I am here to gain eternal life. I'm grateful to know that I can have my family with me forever.

And all of this because of that sacred night over 2000 years ago....
May we all stop this busy time of year and remember. May we be a little more kind...a little more giving...and a lot more forgiving.

Merry Christmas to all of you!

What are you THANKFUL for?

2009-11-18T17:30:00.000-08:00

Recently, I found a childhood friend on Facebook. Her name is Nancy, and even though we haven't yet talked face to face, or even on the phone for that matter, we have connected on many levels. I love her blog because she inspires me and always gives me something to think about. She recently posted the following message on her blog, "In the Spirit of Thanksgiving". I wanted to share it, too.

May we all really take some quiet time to really think about what we are truly thankful for. I'm going to start a list. I think if we would take the time to think about things throughout the day that we are thankful for and write them down, it would lift our spirits, make us happier, and help us to appreciate all of our blessings! Enjoy the message!

(Thanks, Nancy! You are an added blessing on my "Thankful List".)

Amen!

2009-11-07T10:40:00.000-08:00

This talk given by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland is amazing. I cannot think of another talk given by a General Authority that touched me to the core like this one has. I listen to it often and enjoy it everytime! It has 2 parts so please listen to both. Think, ponder, and pray!

Witch-ever way you look at it...it has come and gone!

2009-11-02T18:07:00.000-08:00

The witches have come and gone...the decorations are being put away...the hat and broom are being stored for another year...and I have "witch" let down! Kind of like after Christmas when everything is unwrapped, eaten, and everyone's gone home, I get a little bit down knowing it's all over! I'm finding out the same "let down" now with my Witch Party! But it was fun!

It's a work in progress. Last year was the first year and we met at my house and then went to a restaurant for lunch. This year I decided to have everyone bring their favorite Halloween concoction and eat, mingle, and visit. They both have been fun in different ways. Next year...who knows? Like I said...a work in progress!

Here's the Witches that attended:
Back row left to right: Me, LaVoy (sister), Debbie Price, Pat Butterfield, Tamara Hogsett, Venice Hammond (all 4 from my Ward), Cynthia Hardy (Shaila's mother-in-law),
Front row left to right: Melanie (daughter-in-law), Kathryn (granddaughter), Jayni (granddaughter),Shaila (daughter), and Brianne (daughter).

Unfortunately, I'm not a photographer and I was more worried about everything else and not photographs. Luckily, I have daughters and my daughter-in-law that took pictures so I'll have to post them when they get them to me.

This is a group of us around the table eating. I made a pumpkin stew and my sister, LaVoy, brought Mexican Corn Chowder with Shaila's rolls. I served red blood, rat poison, etc., (sparkling cider) in plastic martini glasses with a gummie eyeball for the olive. Someone brought mozzarella sticks that looked like fingers. We had spinach dip with a hand coming out of it and lots of good Halloween concoctions.

(Witches Venice and Pat)

(Witch LaVoy)

(Witches Tamara and Debbie)

(One of the many concoctions!)

(Witch Shaila Lou)

(Witch Brianne)

(Primping Witches)

(The Wicked Witch responsible!)

Thanks to all of you brave Witches that came and made my crazy passion come to life! I love you all for being so brave and sharing yourself and your friendship with me and all who attended.

Thank you to my daughters, Shaila, Brianne, and Leisha, granddaughters, Kathryn and Jayni, and daughter-in-law, Melanie, for letting me bounce ideas off you and for contributing to the fun! I plan on this being a warped family tradition! (Please keep the legacy going after I'm gone!)

Until next year............(or more photos!)

Shaila...You Are My Sunshine!

2009-11-01T08:20:00.000-08:00

My daughter, Shaila, who is my 2nd daughter...3rd child, was born October 30, 1981. Shaila got her name from her older brother, Milo. When I was pregnant with her, Milo, who was 3 at the time, and I were laying in bed one morning and I asked him, "What is Mommy having, a boy or a girl?" He said, "A girl." So I said, "What should we name her?" and he said, "Shaila". And that's the way it was! Grandpa Chlarson nicknamed her "Lou" and we call her "Lou" a good share of the time.

Shaila was an absolute joy when she was born. She was a happy and content baby. She had an older brother and sister who were both very busy and Shaila was content to sit in her swing and let me get a lot done. Although I was very overwhelmed having 3 children, 3 and under (that was the first time I was late for church!), she forced me to get organized! I learned very quickly I had to stay on top of things everyday to survive mentally!

I went through a little bit of post-partum depression, on top of adjusting to more of everything with a third baby, when she was born. But all I would have to do is pick her up, hold her tight, look into her sweet face and a strong source of comfort would fill me up! I called her my little "comforter" and "my sunshine" through that short-lived time.

(Sorry...no pictures of "Little Lou" but I wanted to get the post up and I couldn't get my scanner to cooperate!)

To this day, Shaila has continued to be a source of joy, comfort, sweetness, and strength to me. Her one shortcoming is that she holds herself to a high standard and then beats herself up when she doesn't live up to it. Something that I think is fairly common among many women.

Here is a little about Shaila....

~She is beautiful, inside and out!
~She has 3 darling little Stripling Warriors...Malcolm, Quinn, and Winston.
~She is developing a talent for photography and does great work.
~She brings joy wherever she goes.
~She loves to sing and wishes she could make it a career.
~She enjoys cooking but especially baking breads/rolls.
~She's talking 15 credits at BBCC, is a full-time Mom, teaches nursery,
and cleans a pre-school.
~She loves a clean house.
~She loves and lives the gospel.
~She has a soft spot for her Grandpa Chlarson and would cry for him when she would
feel sad as a little girl.
~Even as a little girl she would say she was going to name a boy "Quinn" after her
Grandpa Chlarson and did.
~She works at leading her boys through her example.
~She is thoughtful of others.
~She works at trying to improve herself physically, mentally, and spiritually.
~She concerns herself with others well-being.
~She has integrity.
~She loves her husband and is thoughtful of him.
~She can do anything she sets her mind to.
~She's a great homemaker.
~As a little girl all she wanted to be was "A Mommy and to cook pancakes."
~If she could, she'd take care of all her little brothers and worries about their
well-being.
~She's a cheerleader for her husband and his ambitions to get into medical school.
~She sees the big picture and is patient knowing her time will come.
~She makes many sacrifices for the big picture.
~She's a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend.

Here's her darling boys...she took this picture and I love it!

I love you, Lou! I'm sorry you were sick on your birthday but it was wonderful to share the day with you. Thank you for blessing my life the second you were born and blessing it each day since. You always will be my sunshine.

Puttin' On The Witch!

2009-10-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

Just 11 days until Halloween! But more importantly, 11 days until my Witch Party! For those who may be new to my blog or to me, I LOVE Halloween. Maybe because my birthday is close to Halloween and at times my birthdays had a Halloween theme. But it's probably due to my Mom.

I think she passed her love for Halloween to me. She loved scaring us kids as we were growing up and then scared our kids, too! She's now onto the great grandkids. In fact, some of the grandkids call her "Grammie Boo"! She likes hiding around a corner or in a dark room to scare the living daylights out of anyone who she can! I remember when I was 9, I was washing dishes at the kitchen sink which had a window to look out. It was dark, I looked up and some scary man was standing in the window facing me! After I screamed and ran around the house in a panic state, my loving mother walks into the house in my Dad's coat, hat and a nylon stocking pulled down over her face! I remember her laughing so hard because she scared me so bad! Now don't think she was awful for scaring us...it's really a fond memory. We still scare each other to this day.

Then, two years ago I talked my coworker, who is also one of my dearest friends, into
dressing up with me for Halloween which was a work day. We met at work really early and got into our costumes/makeup before our bosses arrived. I'll never forget the absolute joy I received from scaring Roger to death!

This was Elaine and I Halloween 2007. It was the first time I'd dressed up for years!

It was so much fun I decided that day I was going to have a Witch Party the next year. This next picture is all the witches that attended my party in 2008. We met at my house and then went to lunch at a restaurant in town. It was so much fun seeing the different costumes that the women came up with!

So, I'm ready for my next Witch Party. It's on Halloween (duh!)and if any of you are brave enough....I dare you to come join us!

Happy Halloween!

Nauvoo the Beautiful...and beautiful it was!

2009-09-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

This is a long overdue post! Last July, my parents, my sister, LaVoy, and her husband, Alan, and Hubby and I went to Nauvoo. Dad had been voicing the desire to go for a couple of years. So last January, we made the plans, bought our airline tickets, and reserved a house near Nauvoo. For connecting flights to work out we had to take a red eye flight from Seattle. We were all really tired as you can see!

Mom and Dad on the second leg of our flight.

For those who may not know that read my blog, Nauvoo, Ill. is a city that Joseph Smith and the early members of our church established from swamp land to have a peaceful place to dwell and worship as they believed. They had been severely persecuted with many being massacred and driven out of Missouri by mobs. The city grew to be over 35,000 in population. Nauvoo in Hebrew means, "the beautiful location". They dwelt there for quite a few years before persecution began again and the assassination of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. They were there another couple of years before the leaders of the church continued with Joseph Smith's plan to move the Saints west where they could live and worship in peace. The "Trail of Hope" is a street that leads to the Mississippi River where they crossed after leaving everything they owned and had built up behind. Back then they called it "The Street of Tears"

Mom, Dad, Alan, LaVoy, and Hubby waiting in line for the "Trail of Hope".

Me and my sweet hubby.

Mom standing at the end of "The Trail of Hope" where the Saints crossed the Mississippi River.

All of us at the end of "The Trail of Hope".

I love this picture of Joseph and Hyrum Smith looking at the Nauvoo Temple on their way to Carthage Jail to face false charges and where they would end up being martyred. Joseph knew what his fate was and felt that he would never see Nauvoo again. They wouldn't live to see the temple completed. The temple was finally completed right before the Saints fled Nauvoo and then the mobs destroyed it. The church restored the temple and it was dedicated in 2002. We were able to attend a temple session while we were there. It is beautiful inside and was built as close as they could to the original temple.

This is Carthage Jail where Joseph and Hyrum Smith were martyred. Joseph was shot and fell from the 2nd story window, landing right by the well. A mob of about 200 men stormed the jail and opened fire in the room where they were being held. The picture below shows the door with a bullet hole in it. That was the shot that struck Hyrum Smith in the face, killing him.

This was probably my favorite place we visited. As we drove into the parking lot I got emotional immediately. There is a strong spirit that exists here. It remained with me through our entire visit. I'm grateful for that experience.

Mom and Dad at Carthage Jail with the statue of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.

Joseph and Hyrum Smith's graves. When Joseph was first buried it was unknown where his grave was because the family feared the mobs would destroy it. Many years later the family had him moved to a permanent resting place.

The above picture was taken after we had taken a wagon tour through Old Nauvoo. At the end of the tour, Hubby asked the two teamsters if he could sit up in their seat. They looked a little hesitant but then let him while I took pictures. The teamster sitting next to Hubby gave him his hat and whip for the picture. They're actually missionaries who've been called with their wives to serve in Nauvoo. The missionary that was off the wagon, holding the horses said to Hubby, "Brother, you must be living right. We just don't let anyone sit up there." Hubby quickly replied, "Yup, and I'm not even LDS!" This sparked their curiosity as the one looked at me. I said, "I've been trying for 17 years!" Then he said to Hubby, "What's up with that? Don't you want your wonderful wife for eternity?" Hubby quickly replied again, "I haven't decided I want her that long yet!" I got a big laugh out of that! I hope one day he'll decide he wants me for that long!

We're descendants of Brigham Young. Our grandmother, Suzanna Young Little was Brigham Young's sister. The above and below pictures are of Brigham Young's home in Nauvoo. It was one of the few homes not destroyed by the mobs.

There's a place in Old Nauvoo called "Lands and Records" that you can enter the names of ancestors who you believe may have lived in Nauvoo and it will give you the plot number of their land. The land where Mom is standing is the plot of land that our grandmother, Mary Jane Lytle lived. The home was destroyed but we have a journal entry of this grandmother that tells of when she was 12 and living in Nauvoo. Joseph and Hyrum Smith knocked on their door asking for a drink of water. They were on their way to Carthage Jail at this time. She tells of how she'd never forget how she felt looking upon the face of the prophet. She then tells how she felt when she saw their bodies being brought home from Carthage dead. What a precious gift she gave us of that journal entry. We had many of our ancestors who lived in Nauvoo and went through so much persecution for their beliefs. How grateful I am to them for the faith they had and the determination they had to give their posterity the gift of the gospel. They suffered much but their faith never wavered.

There's so many more pictures and so much more I could post about our wonderful trip to Nauvoo but this post is already long. I'm so thankful that we were able to go to Nauvoo and experience the spirit of those who lived there, who went through so much persecution, and left everything they owned to move west to worship the Lord in peace. I hope one day I'll meet them face to face and embrace them in love and gratitude for what they gave and sacrificed on my behalf. I love them all!

A Tender Moment in Time....

2009-09-16T16:49:00.000-07:00

This last Monday, I drove to Kennewick to work for the day at an office of a new Investment Broker that started with the company, Waypoint Wealth Management, that I work for. As I drove into the Tri-Cities, there was construction going on and the main bridge over the Columbia River was closed. I turned around and headed toward the only other way I knew across the river. As I was getting close to the office, the broker called me to tell me his son had missed the school bus and had to hurry home, thus, giving me a few minutes to kill.

The office is in the same vicinity as the Columbia River Temple, so I kept driving and ended up in the parking lot of the Temple. Beings as it was Monday, the Temple was closed so there was no one around. As I looked up at the Temple, I got an immediate, overwhelming warm feeling that came over me. Then, the words came to my mind as tears welled up in my eyes, "This is where you will make your way back home."
It was such a tender moment that words can't describe.

At that moment I was so grateful for the knowledge and gift I have of the gospel and our Heavenly Father's plan for us to be united eternally with our families. Without the ordinances of the Temple, that would not be possible. This is where life's eternal questions are answered.

I'm grateful for that tender moment and wanted to share it with you.

There's a great article for those of you who may want to know more about our Temples. Go to:

http://www.lds.org/temples/purpose/why/0,11581,1953-1,00.html

Here's Looking At You, Leisha!

2009-09-04T13:06:00.001-07:00

My baby turned 23!! How did that happen?

Leisha was born September 1, 1986, on Labor Day, in American Fork, Utah. Pretty fitting, huh? She was born at 10:48 a.m. and weighed in at a whopping 8 lbs. 13 oz.
The above picture was taken at the hospital on Sept. 3. Hospital pictures never do the baby justice. She was so much cuter than the picture....here's proof.

(This is Leisha @ 2 1/2 months. She weighed over 13 lbs.)

(This was her 1 year old picture.)

Leisha was and is my only blonde/blue eyed daughter. Milo is the only other one of my kids that is blonde/blue eyed. She was my happiest and most content baby. She always smiled at everyone and when she would smile her eyes sparkled. I loved her little heart shaped mouth. More than once when I would be out with her, people would say she looked like the Gerber baby.

Here's more pictures as she's growing up.

(Her hair was naturally curly and still is.)

Leisha is an actress at heart. She loves being on stage and is quite the comedian. She was in most of the plays throughout high school and many of them she had the leading part. If you want to see the real Leisha....go watch her in a play.

(This is one of the pictures I have of her in a play. Most of them that I took are too dark! I'm not a photographer!)

(Graduation picture/2005)

(Leisha and her husband, Richard.)

(Mother and Daughter, December 2005.)

(Leisha and Emma on Emma's blessing day.)

And this last picture proves that Leisha definitely takes after her Mom!.....

Leisha I love you because....

....you always look for the good in everyone.
....you have always lived up to the standards you were taught and believe in.
....you are a wonderful example to everyone around you.
....you have a kind and caring nature.
....you always look out for the underdog.
....you are beautiful.
....you have many talents and more that you don't even realize yet.
....you are genuine.
....you've given us a beautiful grandaughter.
....you are a sweet mother.
....you are forgiving.
....you encourage those around you to be their very best.
....you are funny.
....you are compassionate.
....you make me proud.
....you are an absolute blessing in my life.
....you are a wonderful daughter.
....I love you more than you let yourself believe.
....and on and on!

Leisha, you are a wonderful, gifted, sweet young woman. I'm so proud of the person you've become and are becoming. You bless the lives of those around you with your kindness and understanding. I'm proud to be your Mom!

Happy Birthday! (A few days late!)

July and It's Not Over Yet.......

2009-07-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy month already! There are so many pictures that I stole my sister, Cara's idea and did a slide show. Here's our happenings...

Over 4th of July a few of our family members camped at Ensign Ranch. There were Hubby and I, Milo's family, Brianne's family, and LaVoy's family. On Saturday Mom, Dad, and Hubby's mom, Bette came up for the day. We had such a fun time with lots of fun memories.

This last weekend I took Cara's son, Taylor back home to Stockton, CA. I took Shaila and Nathan with me for company. It's a 14 hour drive so I was grateful for company and a second driver! We listened to Michael Jackson all the way down and all the way back! It was great! Thanks Lou, for going with me and mourning Michael Jackson with me!

We arrived to Cara's Thursday night (July 9). Friday Cara worked until noon then we had lunch at In n' Out (yum!) and then sunbathed at the pool the rest of the afternoon. Nice and relaxing! The boys swam until their fins were limp!

Saturday, Colby had a basketball game first thing in the morning. Then lunch at, guess where???? Right! In n' Out...we're fans! Then back to the pool. It got cloudy and rained on us but we still enjoyed it! That night Cara and Ryan took us to dinner at BJ's and it was very good. We had brewed root beer which was as good as homemade!

Sunday we got up and left Cara's by 4:30 am and arrived home about 6:30 pm. Nathan was such a good traveling companion. He never whined, cried, complained or asked for anything! And he's only 7! I hope I get to take you again, Nathan! Thanks Lou, for leaving your family to go with me.

Cara is my baby sister who is 19 years younger than me. Even though she's that much younger than me and we weren't raised together she still feels like all my other sisters who I was raised with. I admire her in so many ways! She's to the point, funny, witty, and has OCD to the max which I have a bit of but she has a LOT of! She's such a good mom and has 2 boys that are such good boys. They're so well behaved and fun to be around.

Thanks Cara for showing us such a good time! Next time I'll have more time to go and do...like hit San Fran and the malls!

Well, that's half of July and lots more to come...Chlarson reunion this Saturday with my parents and siblings. Then off to Nauvoo next week! I'm looking so forward to that trip! I'm so blessed with such a wonderful family to be able to do so many things with! Love you all!

My Happiest 17 Years

2009-06-19T23:15:00.000-07:00

(Oh, how we've changed! This was in Seattle in April 2009.)

It's hard to believe that Hubby and I have been married 17 years today! It seems like just a couple of years ago that we met, he begged, and I gave in! Ha! Ha! That's pretty close to being the truth! Here's our story:

I had been through some hard times and I had moved back to Ephrata in April of 1990. I got a job working at Safeway as a checker. I had worked there for about a month when one of the shift managers came up to me and told me that an employee that worked in produce wanted to ask me out. I asked who it was and when he told me I had no idea who this guy was. Come to find out he was a 19 year old "kid" that had come home for the summer from college. I laughed and accused him of being in on some type of bet to see if this 32 year old mother of 5 would actually fall for it! A couple of days later I get beeped to answer the intercom at my checkstand. It was the "kid" and he asked if I would go "hot tubbing" with him that night!

What!!?? Hot tubbing? For me that meant he had something on his mind that he better forget and really fast! (He was very embarrassed when I told him that's what I thought awhile later!) I turned him down and he avoided me as he left the store that night! That was that and nothing more happened for awhile until...

...one day I went in the back of the store for something and happened to walk through produce. He happened to be working out on the floor and as I passed he said, "So, when are you going to go out with me?" Again...I laughed (which offended him) and said that I wasn't! I asked him what his mother would think of him going out with a 32 year old mother of 5 and he said she had nothing to do with it! (That's a whole other post! No, that would probably be a book!)

I went home and told Mom about this guy in produce that was wanting a date. What does Mom do? She and my little sister come into the store a couple of days later to "check" him out! She must have liked what she saw because she said, "If I were you, I'd go out with him." I was shocked! I figured she'd have a problem with this scenario! So with my Mom's blessing I accepted a date and that was mainly just to get this guy over it! We'd go out...he'd see all my baggage...and run for the hills!

In fact, one of his friends was trying to convince me to go out with him, too! He said, "Just go out with him. It's not like you're going to get married or anything!" Ha!

Well, we went out to a movie and much to my surprise there was chemistry AND he wasn't the usual 19 year old young man!! I was very impressed on how mature he was and how driven he was to what he wanted for himself and the goals he had for himself. However...I knew I wasn't going to go out with him again. There was no point! There was no chance that this relationship could go anywhere with such an age difference, etc. If he asked me out again, the answer would be a definite "no"!

He did ask me out again! And I did tell him "no"! But, he insisted and my dear mother said, "Just go out with him one more time!" I said to her that I would but only for the purpose of laying everything out on the table. That would be enough to scare anyone away! And that's what I did. I told him about what I had gone through that last few years, about my kids, my relationships, my heartaches, etc.....and he just looked me in the eye and said, "It doesn't matter. I love you!" That wasn't in the plan!! But I stood firm and told him I couldn't date him.

We went back to my Mom's and he was rather mopey because I'd told him it wasn't going to work for me/us. Mom kept giving me "the look" like "You're breaking this guys heart!"...and I couldn't resist those sad, dark brown eyes. (And the mullet was the kicker!) So much for standing firm!

(This was just after we started dating in 1990.)

(Gotta love the Ray Bans and Hypo Color shirt! And oh my...the hair!)

We dated for 2 years and got married June 19, 1992 on my parents 39th wedding anniversary. Hubby helped me finish raising 5 wonderful kids while putting himself through law school and has been such a wonderful, supportive, giving, patient, kind, caring, thoughtful, etc., etc., etc., husband and step-father. He's loved all of us and continues to extend that love out to the grand kids. In fact, in our spare time all he usually wishes to do is spend time with our family. For his birthday a few weeks ago all he wanted to do was to go to the water park with all the kids and grand kids.

(Our quaint little wedding day, June 19, 1992.)

(Hubby's Gonzaga Law School graduation, 1996. Why we didn't pose...who knows?)

(This is Hubby now...the way he likes to spend his time! L to R..Quinn, Malcolm, and Nathan with their Poppy.)

Hubby, I love you dearly. You have been such a blessing in my life. Your love and support have been endless. Your selflessness is endless. I hope and pray I have made you at least half as happy as you have made me! Here's to another 17....and many more!

17 Reasons Why I Love Hubby...

You still give me butterflies.

You work hard to provide for us.

You have more integrity than any man I know.

You're spontaneous.
You like to travel.

You love our family.

You see things that need to be done around the house and do them.

You take out the garbage at least 100 times a day!

You have a fun sense of humor around those you're comfortable with.

You play with the grand kids and wind them up!

You think of all of us before you think of yourself.

You support me in ANYTHING and EVERYTHING.

You make me feel secure.

You do a wild robot dance!

You're very intelligent and VERY cute!

You make me HAPPY!

You let me fly!

(You have 1 year to help me come up with #18! J/K...it won't be hard!) I love you!

(Oh no!! Here goes the robot dance!)

P.S. Happy 56th Anniversary, Mom and Dad! You're a shining example to us all! (Please see Cara's post that honors our parents @ http://ryancara.blogspot.com/)

Families Are Forever!

2009-05-11T18:34:00.000-07:00

This picture does not do what you see justice! My wonderful daughter-in-law, Melanie, gave me this for Mother's Day. It's an 18" x 24" poster of my 4 generations. She went to all the work of finding all the pictures she could of my ancestors; where they were born and birthday, where they were married and their wedding date, where they died and their death date! She also did one for Mom and Dad. They already have their's framed and it looks beautiful! I can't wait to get it framed!

When I opened it, I teared up because it touched me so much! It was so wonderful to see me, my parents, and all my grandparents. What a treasure!

Melanie, thank you so much! You are always so thoughtful of EVERYONE! You are such an example to me of giving of yourself and looking for opportunities to serve those who need a little extra help and love. I am so blessed to have you in my life!

I'm so thankful for eternal families; that we can have them with us forever if we but do what we know is right. I'm so thankful for those truths that the gospel gives me. My family is my joy!

Witchy Women

2009-04-28T16:30:00.000-07:00

I don't know what you're thinking because I'm NOT obsessed with witches or Halloween! But, I just realized that it's only 6 months until Halloween!

You have 6 months to get your witch costume thought out and put together! I already have my hat "witch" I found last year and I'll be making a cape to match! Oh, how exciting!

So, you that came to my witch party last year, I hope you'll want to come again this year. I'm already having ideas run through my head for this years party. For you that weren't invited I wasn't sure who would be interested, so don't take offense. For any of you that would like to join our witch party, you'll have to let me know so I can be sure to invite you.

I'm already excited! Are you?

What happend to April?

2009-04-27T20:58:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's the last week in April! Where did this month go? I've been busy and not kept up on my blog so this will be a long one! So humor me and act like you're enjoying this! Here we go...........

Mason turns 3!

Mason is Brianne and Tom's son. His birthday was April 26, which fell on a Sunday! So, Saturday Poppy and I drove to Kennewick and we met Brianne's family at a park to celebrate Mason's birthday. We grilled hot dogs and had a wonderful little picnic.

Jayni and Mason played and had a good time sliding and climbing. The bad thing was that the wind was really blowing and it made it a little cold but when the sun would come out from behind the clouds it wasn't too bad. As you can kind of see in this picture, Mason is almost as big as Jayni. It's hard to believe he's 3! We're guessing he's going to pass up his Dad in height and carry on the basketball tradition!

Mason called me last week and told me he wanted a Thomas the Train birthday cake! It was rather challenging for this GraMimi but it turned out okay.

Mason and one of his presents...

Mason and GraMimi! I don't always get a picture of me and the grand kids when they have a birthday but I'm trying to do a better job at it! And as you can see....THE WIND WAS BLOWING! It's really not a new hairdo!

Happy Birthday, Mason Wyman Perkes! Poppy and I love you sooooo much!

Shellie's Baby Shower

Shellie is my brother's daughter and she's expecting a baby next month! I hope your bag is packed, Shellie because next month is Friday! I, with the help of wonderful daughter's and daughter's-in-law we threw her a baby shower on April 11th. So here's some pictures from it...

This is Shellie and her belly! She's been called "Shellie Belly" most of her life so it's very fitting, don't you think?

Right to left; Grammie Chlarson (Mom), Shellie's friends, Lynn and Kaylee(I hope that's right!), and Annelise holding her new baby, Ty. Annelise is Shellie's sister and my other niece for those of you who may not know.

She received some cute presents!

Congratulations, Shellie! Good luck with the birth of your new baby girl that you're naming after your Aunt Mimi! I love you lots!

Beauty and the Beast

(Thanks for the pictures, Shaila!)

Our Stake put on the production of Beauty and the Beast a couple of weeks ago. Milo and my nephew, Kyle Noyes, both tried out for the part of Gaston. Kyle got the part and Milo played the Bookseller and then was in several other scenes with the towns people. They both did a great job and it was so much fun watching them perform. We have a very talented Stake and the play was spectacular. Last year the Stake put on "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat" and it was unbelievable! I hope the Stake is able to put on many more wonderful productions. Anyway....

Here's the cousins in character right before the Friday performance. (They did five!!) Milo can't do just a normal smile! Always the ham! (I think this play created a couple of monsters! I wouldn't be surprised to find out they've both moved to Hollywood!)

The Bookseller (a.k.a. Milo) and Belle. Belle was played by Jessica Kincaid who is the Primary President of my Ward. She did an exceptional job and this was the first play she's ever done!

Milo in another scene. You gotta love the Hefner jacket!

Gaston (a.k.a. Kyle) doing his thing! It wasn't a big stretch for Kyle to play Gaston! It came pretty natural for him! (Ha, ha, Kyle!)

I had to add this picture of Lumiere and Babette. They were played by David O'Neill and Amy Jorgensen. Lumiere was my favorite character. David did such a great job! Amy did, too! They were very cute together.

I'm anxious to see what the Stake comes up with for next year...I'll keep you posted!

Well, I see you survived the long post. I just don't know if I did! Being on the computer after I come home from being on the computer all day at work is the last thing I want to do! Now off to watch "Dancing with the Stars"!

If I post...will it go?

2009-04-23T16:30:00.000-07:00

Something like, "If we build it, they will come!" If I talk about this on my blog, maybe I'll be more determined to succeed at dieting and watching the weight "go" away because you all will be watching? Right? AND supporting me in the cause! Here's the story:

Doesn't it get old? "Monday I'm going to start dieting!" or "before the summer I'm going to get skinny!" I get so tired of thinking about it but when I go and try on clothes...that's the kicker!

LaVoy and I have been trying to do "The Biggest Loser" between the two of us. She's been more determined than I have since she has had a wedding that now has come and gone. I would get determined then that would fade and I never just totally plunged ahead. Sorry, LaVoy!

Then Mike's mom, Bette, started attending a diet therapy group. They use the above book, "The Complete Beck Diet for Life". We visited her almost 3 weeks ago and one night we visited quite awhile about this book and I have to admit, I was intrigued but that same old thought would come to me..."If I start it, I'll just give up on it so why start it!" But the more she talked about it the more intrigued I became.

By the time we left she had given me a book and some of the supplies you need to get started and asked me if I would be her diet buddy since this is one of the things it requires you to have. At first, I was doing it mostly for her because I wanted to support her and help her with achieving weight loss. A week went by and I hadn't really done anything but thumb through the book and watch what I ate here and there.

Then...last Friday I woke up determined that I was going to read the pages she'd told me to read. I got up and read for 2 hours and got excited! Without going into a lot of detail I finally have found something that I know can change the way I think about food if I apply the skills and do what the book says to do.

I have really liked what I have read, so far. It's one of those things that you find that you want to tell everyone about and have them as excited as you are....like a Kathy purse and I know some of you can relate to that! So...if any of you want to bite the bullet, I'm suggesting this book for you!

Stay tuned.......

Sweet-n-Simple Creations by Brianne

2009-04-03T07:30:00.000-07:00

My daughter, Brianne is amazing! She's talented beyond what she even begins to believe. She was blessed with the ability to create and explore. She can figure anything out! Especially with a computer. (Note: View the above video on my blog. It's inspiring!) She's decided to have a little business where she'll design and create invitations, handouts, wedding announcements, blog layouts, etc. I've put her business sidebar on my blog that you can click on and go to her website. It's still a work-in-progress but she has started and that's what is important. The baby shower invitation on her website is one she just designed for me and I was so tickled with it. It turned out darling. I know Brianne has just begun to develop this talent and I know she'll amaze herself of what she's just beginning to do. So...there's a proud mother's two bits!

Create

2009-03-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

The above YouTube video is by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf from a talk he gave to the women of the Church. It was shown in Relief Society yesterday during our lesson and I wanted to share it because it has such a good message! As women we are really hard on ourselves! It's a beautiful talk and I love how they took excerpts from the talk that have a wonderful message and put it together as a powerful video. It helps you to realize we are all blessed with wonderful gifts and if we would explore within us, we are capable of wonderful things.

The Wedding Weekend

2009-03-09T17:54:00.000-07:00

My nephew, Aaron Key got married February 28th in the Rexburg Temple. I mentioned I wanted to get a picture of the Rexburg Temple at night and failed to do so! (Thanks for the picture, LaVoy!) This Temple is so beautiful at night! It sits up on the hill of Rexburg and glows for the world to see! Your eyes are so drawn to it that I can't imagine anyone not noticing it while driving on the freeway. You see it glow and it makes you glow from within! And inside it's just as beautiful!

Mom, Melanie, and myself caravaned with LaVoy and Alan early (4:30 am) on Friday morning of the 27th. We should have known the trip would be successful when we all four showed up in black and hot pink! We are family, that's for sure! We drove the Boise way so we could drop Melanie off at her roommates home from college years in Pocatello. We got to Pocatello around 3:30 pm, dropped Mel off and onto Rexburg to our hotel.

My sister, Barbie (showing her true self in this photo!) drove up from Utah and met us at the hotel about 1/2 an hour after we got there. There's never a dull moment when Barbie is around! We changed and headed back to Idaho Falls to the dinner for the bride and groom's wedding party and family. We had a yummy Italian dinner and lots of laughs.

The newly wedded couple, Aaron and Cassandra Key. Cassandra's full name now is: Cassandra Dawn Key! We all had a good laugh over that one! Sorry, Cassandra but it is funny!

We may look happy but I think it was 12 degrees out the morning of the wedding! It was cold! This is all of Aaron's family that was either at the ceremony or waiting at the Temple. I was so glad we drove down to be there for him. It was a beautiful ceremony and the sealer who performed the ceremony was a man Mom knew from her high school student body days who is also the Temple President. They reconnected after 50 some years and it was fun to see them get reacquainted. He admitted to being in love with her all those years ago but her heart already belonged to my Dad. I was glad she asked if he was at the Temple that day and I don't think it was just a coincidence that he had been assigned to perform Aaron's ceremony. It was truly special.

We had a fun time at the reception. Mom got cozy with one of the groomsmen. This is Brad who was a missionary with Aaron in Mexico and now is engaged to my niece Kylie's best friend, Holly Nelson! He is one of the funniest guys I have ever met and kept us all in stitches and made the reception very enjoyable! Thanks, Brad for hitting on my Mom!

This is my Mom, LaVoy, me and Barbie at dinner. We had so much fun that weekend that we've decided we need to have a mother/daughter get-away yearly! We wouldn't sleep much but it would sure be fun! I'm so thankful for sisters who are my best friends and a beautiful mother that we're all a chip of her old block! (I'm not really calling you old, Mom! It's just a figure of speech!) I'm so very blessed with a wonderful family! Thanks for a great weekend! And best wishes to you, Aaron and Cassandra!

Think Spring!

2009-02-25T17:30:00.000-08:00

Doesn't this background just shout "It's Spring!!!"? I'm so ready for it! I'm also ready for our trip to Rexburg for my nephew, Aaron's wedding. I'm taking Mom and Melanie and we're going to caravan with LaVoy and Alan starting at 4:30 a.m. tomorrow returning on Sunday! Melanie will be dropped off in Pocatello to visit a friend. This will defintely be a post for the future! Stay tuned...

A Wonderful Friday the 13th!

2009-02-13T16:40:00.000-08:00

This morning I was able to take a dear friend of mine to the Columbia River Temple. My friend is Maxine Carlson from Ephrata. She is a beautiful, classy, and a sweet, sweet woman. Here is a picture of Maxine and I outside the doors of the Temple after we'd finished a session today. (Thanks for taking the picture, Brianne....she met us at the Temple and went through the session with us.) Let me tell you a little about Maxine....

Maxine is in her 80's. I've known Maxine for years...well, I knew who she was when I was growing up, lets say that! Her son, Doug is my age and we dated a little bit (a day or two!) in high school! I was going to "save" him or so I thought! Bad decision! Anyway, the Carlson's were a family that wasn't active in the church. There were 3 older girls born to Maxine and then quite a few years later she had 5 boys really close together so it's like she raised two families. She and her husband were both raised in Idaho Falls and Maxine's family was active, I believe, while she was growing up. She got married, had kids and all of her kids have been baptised but they were never active. She'd send the boys to Primary once in awhile but that was about all the church they had.

Many, many years went by and we moved back to Ephrata and into the same ward as Maxine. I then was assigned to be her visiting teacher and I was thrilled. I called her that first month to set up a time to go visit her, told her who I was and she was tickled, too, that I had been assigned to her. We instantly had a connection and enjoyed each others company. I always looked forward to my next visit. We always had great talks and lots to talk about!

During the time I was her visiting teacher, her husband died. I was glad and grateful that I was her visiting teacher at that time. Our visits continued and she had stressed to me on many occasions that she always had a desire to go to church. After her husband died, she stressed that desire even more but she was afraid she'd get asked to pray! I promised her that no one would ask her to pray...............was that all that was keeping her from church? The talks and visits continued...........

.....then we moved to Moses Lake. I told her even though I wouldn't be her visiting teacher anymore I'd still keep in touch. I did here and there but not on a regular basis like I should have! The next thing I knew......she was going back to church......and then the next thing I knew.....she was going to the Temple for the first time!! I was ecstatic! Maxine asked someone in the ward to call me and tell me she would be going through the Temple and wanted me to be there. I had a conflict and couldn't be there! Come to find out I was told the wrong date! I felt sooooo bad that I had missed it! But so happy for her!

A few weeks after, I got a call at work from her daughter, Linda. She called to ask if I could come over to her Mom's. Maxine's 58 year old (about that) daughter, Brenda who had Downs Syndrome had died and they needed some help. When I got there they were both really upset and they needed help with arrangements. I was so thrilled that they had thought to call me. It meant the world to me! I stayed until we had the funeral planned and phone calls made for who they wanted to take part in the service. I was honored to help!

Maxine has since been sealed for time and all eternity to her parents, her husband, Brenda and her oldest daughter who passed away a few years ago have both been sealed to Maxine and Vaughn. I am so proud of Maxine and the courage it has taken for her to be where she is now!

Thank you, Maxine, for being a dear friend and letting me be a part of your life! It's truly an honor and a blessing. May the Temple trips continue......

When I got home from the Temple these were sitting on my counter! Being the private detective I am I'm almost certain they're from Holli, my dear D-i-l! Thank you, Holli!

So you see, Friday the 13th isn't at all what it's cracked up to be!

25 Random Things....

2009-02-12T17:30:00.000-08:00

Shaila tagged me on her blog and 2 others tagged me on Facebook to publish "25 Random Things" about myself. I'm not sure I want anyone to know that many things about me but I'll give it a try...

1. I am the 3rd child of 7 children...5 sisters; Annise, Barbie, LaVoy, Jana Lee and Cara Lynn. And 1 brother; Travis who although he was the only boy in our family and he is just 15 months older than me, he was the best brother! I have so many wonderful memories of him.

2. I was born in Brigham City, Utah and Mom and Dad built a house in Honeyville when I was 1. We lived there until I was 8 when we moved to Ephrata, WA. Utah is and always will be home to me.

3. I have 5 children, 11 grandbabies, a wonderful husband, Michael and 1 dog. My family is everything to me! I love being a grandma and I love spending one on one time with each of them.

4. I was a super shy child and I am still a shy adult but I've learned that I have to step out of my comfort zone if I want to form relationships outside of my family. I hide my shyness fairly well.

5. I love playing the piano and wish I was an accomplished pianist. I took just a few piano lessons when I was in the 4th grade in Honeyville. We moved shortly after I started and then taught myself after that. I used the church hymn book and the Primary song book to learn from. I knew the tunes and would find the right note by ear and that's how I learned notes. I miss having a piano!! It's a stress reliever for me.

6. I am an avid recipe reader! They are my favorite books! My favorites are family, hometown, fundraiser cookbooks. The tried and true recipes! Give me a cookbook...I'm happy!

7. I love to cook, sew, make things, etc., and work with my hands...but having a job prohibits me from doing the projects I'd love to do. By the time I get home my get up and go has got up and went!

(Only 7!! I'm not even half way yet!)

8. I can do a lot of things but I don't feel I do just one thing really well! I would like to feel like I've mastered at least one thing! I guess that's my own fault! But I've always felt I could do almost anything given the opportunity.

9. I like to challenge myself...see above! Once I can see I can do it I kind of lose interest! Thus...I never "master" anything!

(Isn't this reflective!)

10. I like to write...something I don't do hardly ever! I used to write poems and I wrote one children's story that I always wanted to try and publish. When I'm asked to speak in church I enjoy writing my talk. I like to express my feelings on paper and I express them much better by writing them down. I verbally don't express myself as well.

11. I used to be really skinny! Honestly...I would get teased even in high school! I could eat anything I wanted for YEARS! My brother would say, "Marion, if you stood sideways and stuck out your tongue you'd look like a zipper!" At 38 things changed! Oh, my!

12. The 3rd time's the charm! Something I'm not proud of....I've been married 3 times and wish I was as wise then as I am now. It took me some major trials and some hard years to get where I am today!

12. I have a wonderful Hubby. We've been married for almost 17 years! He's also almost 14 years younger than I am but it doesn't feel that way. He was worth the wait! (I had to wait for him to grow up, after all!)

13. I've met John Denver! And I'm proud of it! He literally ran into me after I attended his concert at Lake Tahoe back in '79. I didn't wash my hand for weeks!

14. I like salty over sweet. I'll chose a bag of chips over a dessert until I eat the chips, then I need something sweet! Give me a big bag of hot buttered theatre popcorn with lots of salt and extra butter I'm in seventh heaven! Did I mention I used to be skinny?

15. I love music! I love classic rock music! I love all different kinds of music! I love my iPod!

16. I love to travel. I've been on vacations to Maui & England (twice) as far as "overseas" and hope to visit more "oversea" destinations. I was able to visit the early church history sites while back in New York at Leisha's. This year we're going to Nauvoo and I'm so excited to visit there. I'd love to just take a church history vacation.

17. My wish is to go to Rome, Italy when the Temple is dedicated there. What an awesome blessing to have an LDS Temple in Rome!

18. I love to shop! Not necessarily buy, but I love to browse and look at things. Especially things for my house. I'm slowly getting my house decorated. It's so expensive!

19. Another desire is to have color on my walls. I just can't decide on what colors I want!

20. I work with my sister, LaVoy! It's been an absolute blessing to see and talk to her everyday! I love you, Tillie! Now get to work!!

21. I love Hubby's family! His brother's and Hubby are wonderful men. I'm grateful for the good relationship I have with my mother-in-law and I have great sister-in-laws and we have lots of fun when we're together!

22. I'm indecisive! (See #19!) I'd rather have someone else make the decisions!

23. I love the Gospel! I'm proud to be a Latter-day Saint! I can't imagine not having the knowledge that it has given me! I'm grateful to have the faith that it takes to believe as I do and know for certain that it is Christ's restored church.

24. I love the Book of Mormon. It's from reading it that #23 means so much to me. If you haven't read it I give you the challenge to read it, ponder it and pray about it. It will change your life! Don't take someone else's word for it that it is true or not true. Find out for yourself!

AND FINALLY...

25. It's from personal trials that #23 and #24 mean so much to me! Unfortunately, for a few years I lived contrary to those beliefs. I'm so very grateful that I only found misery in those few years because now I know who I am and how I want to live my life. I now have true peace, happiness and joy and I know it's the gospel that helps to bring me there!

I DID IT! Now I tag anyone that hasn't done their list of "25 Random Things" that reads this! I'll be looking to find out more about you!

Winston Clark Hardy...Our #11 is "1"!

2009-02-12T17:00:00.000-08:00

Winston turned 1 on February 2. He is such a delightful baby! He always has a smile on his face and is sweet as can be. I was able to take the day off work and drive to Pullman to share his first birthday with him. I'm so glad I did. We had a fun day!

Shaila had taken off his clothes so he could dig into his birthday cake! Thus, just a onesie...and he wasn't feeling good on his birthday. Poor little guy didn't even want to enjoy his birthday cake!

Quinnie and Malcolm couldn't wait to eat the cake! Shaila is amazing! When she wants to do something she goes for it! She found this birthday cake idea and had never worked with fondant! But she found a recipe and ran with it! Isn't it adorable? The pigs and chicks were made out of fondant, too, and were so detailed and cute! You did a great job, Lou!

Melanie had sent me to Pullman with a darling John Deere toy tractor that had a cute face on it but it was too wide for the cake. So....

...we made a trip to the John Deere dealership in Moscow and found a tractor small enough for the cake. And while we were there...

...the boys each had to try out a tractor. Here's Malcolm wishing it was really running!

...Quinnie ready to race Malcolm and be the little daredevil that he is!

...and the birthday boy, Winston, thinking he's as big as his brothers!

Of course, our trip to Pullman isn't complete without hitting the famous "Cougar Country" or "Cougar Chunky" according to Quinnie. That's what we all call it now!

Cute boys! Quinnie always has to do some type of a pose! What a kid!

Happy 1st Birthday, Winston Clark Hardy! You're the youngest member of our family tree but I'm sure not the last! Poppy and GraMimi love you and we're thankful for the blessing and joy you have added to our family tree! May we be able to share many more birthdays with you!

"29" is Fine!

2009-02-06T15:56:00.000-08:00

February 1st has come and gone and I hope Brianne will forgive me for being slow with this post! It's been a busy week with me in Pullman and working in Spokane the first part of the week and sick the last part! Wah, wah, wah! Right? Anyway, it was Brianne's birthday Feb. 1st. It's also her husband, Tom's birthday the same day! They're the same age, too!

Here are the birthday kids...They drove up on their birthday ONLY because I kidnapped Jayni when we visited them Saturday so they had no choice but to come and let us celebrate their birthday's.

Saturday Tom was coaching his basketball team so we were at least able to hang out with Brianne, Jayni and Mason. Brianne chose to have dinner at The Olive Garden. No candles to blow out but at least Mason liked pretending!

Sunday they really got to blow out their candles. Brianne L.O.V.E. loves chocolate so we bought her the big chocolate cake from Costco since I didn't have time to bake one. Tom doesn't care for cake so Brianne bought him a pie. (Honestly, we usually do bake!)

We had to get Jayni in on the party at dinner Saturday! She insisted on doing bunny ears to herself! Silly girl!

A more normal look for Brianne and Mason! Brianne, you've always been a beautiful girl and you've grown into an even more beautiful woman! Here's a few things about Brianne....

She's very independent! Has been since birth....no kidding! When she was just a few days old I discovered she'd rather be left alone in her bed to go to sleep than let me hold her and rock her to sleep! I was so sad!
She's is so smart at everything! Learning has always come easy to her. She can figure anything out...computers, electronics, crafts....anything! She likes the challenge!
She's a perfectionist when she takes on a project! It has to be perfect! And it's always done beautifully!
She doesn't recognize how gifted she is...or how beautiful she is.
She loves to sleep...and can sleep anytime and anywhere! She has always been my sleeper and if she doesn't get enough sleep........well.......she's not as happy as she usually is!!
She's very loyal to her mother and that has meant so much to me over the years!
She's can be so clumsy but it's so funny!
She let's us laugh at her in the above situation and doesn't get mad!
She has "Good Humor"! (Family, joke!) Right, Pop?
She loves rock music....and could probably be a groupie if she had of been raised differently! (Wonder where she gets that from?)
She has given us two beautiful grandbabies...Jayni and Mason! You are my sunshines!
She has a wonderful husband who brings lots of life to our family!
She's a wonderful Mom!

And let's not forget Tom....

He is ALWAYS happy!
He ALWAYS is smiling!
He gives great hugs!
He loves everyone and is good to everyone!
He L.O.V.E. loves basketball....well...any sport for that matter!
He honors his priesthood!
He's patient!
He loves to play games and have fun!
He doesn't have a shy bone in his body!
He brings a lot of joy to our family!
He's a great Daddy!

Happy Birthday Brianne and Tom! We love you!

Forever Families...

2009-01-27T17:39:00.000-08:00

Granny & Grandpa Chlarson
(Lyman & LaVoy)

It's been an emotional week. Last week my cousin, Jill Chlarson Reid's grandaughter, Emily Hammond, passed away. She was 4 1/2 years old and born with a chromosome disorder. Then Sunday, my cousin, Eddie Chlarson, who was just a year older than me died suddenly. Today was Emily's funeral in Quincy. Her dad is from Quincy and married my cousin's daughter! It's a small world!

It was so good to see some of my Chlarson cousins. Aunt Ruth was there, Jill, Camille, Julie, and Ted. (Aunt Ruth was married to my dad's brother, Uncle Varsel. Yes, Varsel Chlarson! Try saying that a few times!!) I hadn't seen those cousins for years! It was so good to see them all! We could have talked for days! Camille and I vowed to keep in touch! (Why didn't I take pictures? Ugh!)

Why do we let so many years go by and not see extended family? Yes, we live in Washington and most of my relatives live in Utah. There's a Lyman and LaVoy Chlarson reunion every two years in Honeyville. Why haven't I made the effort to go?

Two years ago we went to Utah for General Conference while Leisha and Richard were living in Provo. I called Aunt Joyce (Dad's sister) and we took her to dinner. I hadn't seen her for years, either. The next day before we went to Conference we met my cousin Bruce at Aunt Joyce's home. Bruce and I are the same age and was my favorite Chlarson cousin. It was wonderful to see him!

Families are the center of our Heavenly Father's plan. Our church declares in "The Proclamation to the World" that ...."The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally."

I'm thankful for having that knowledge and knowing that it is true. I'm thankful for all of my family....Every one of them! Yes, my kids and grandkids are the joy and center of my world but my extended family will always be close to my heart even though time and distance keeps us apart. I love every one of you!

I vow to make more of an effort! To take the time for the important things in this life....Family. After all, the things of this world are not forever, but our family is!

The Very First GraMimi Night....

2009-01-23T06:52:00.000-08:00

Nathan off to his first "GraMimi Night"..........................................

After reading Shaila's and Melanie's comments on my previous post I dug through the photo box (yes, box...not album!) and found Nathan's first GraMimi Night pictures. This would have been in early spring of 2003...almost 6 years ago!

Baths are usually one of the activities...(after all, Nathan said last week something about Reed someday being a gross little boy like him and Dane!)

And here he is in the "Hollywood" mode.........he loved these sunglasses as you can......

....see! Awsome shades, Nathan! You were too cute! Still are but you're sure not a baby anymore!And of course...eating is ALWAYS a part of GraMimi Night! First, breakfast at GraMimi's and...

....lunch at Burger King! How in the world did I think he was big enough for Burger King at 15 months!! I guess I was anxious to do it all!

We lived in Ephrata back then and there was a swing set in the backyard. Nathan to this day talks about that swing set! He loved playing on it! (He was so little!)

Well, there's proof that there was actually a first GraMimi Night! May there be many more to add to our book of memories!

First GraMimi Night of 2009!

2009-01-22T18:45:00.000-08:00

When Nathan was born (my first grandbaby) I couldn't wait until he was old enough to start the tradition of a "GraMimi Night". I think he was 15 months old when I took him for the first time overnight. I look back now and can't believe he was that young! (If my scanner worked I would post pictures of that 1st GraMimi Night.)

With it being MLK Day on Monday, I told Melanie if it looked like we'd be home I'd take Nathan Sunday night. So...Milo, Melanie and fam, along with Landon, Holli and Grayson got together for dinner Sunday. (Melanie's posting about the excitement of that night! Stay tuned...) After all the excitement, Nathan ended up staying with us. His first activity was.....

The grandkids love bathing in my jacuzzi bathtub. I only put a little bit of bubbles in the water but when they turn on the jets it makes LOTS of bubbles as you can see. Then Poppy wanted to give him a bubble beard....

We woke up Monday morning and made pancakes, played some Yahtzee on my iPod Touch...

...got dressed for the day and then Poppy and Nathan.....

...went for a jog. I thought they'd be back in about 5 minutes but a half hour later they came huffing and puffing home. You can see how cold it was that morning. Nathan said he tried to get Poppy to "jump a fence and cut through a field" but he had to go the "long way"! What a trooper he was!

Around lunch time we picked up Dane. After our excitement on Sunday I thought Milo could use some rest. Melanie took Reed and Kathryn to the Tri-Cities and Poppy and I took Nathan and Dane to the new McDonald's. IT WAS CRAZY BUSY! With it's new remodel I thought it would be much larger than it is but we didn't have too long of a wait before a table cleared. I guess that's why it's called "fast food"! I tried to take some pictures but it was just too crazy! Just to let you know...it may be a "new" McDonald's but it's still.....McDonald's!! (ick!)

After lunch Poppy dropped us off at the movies and Nathan, Dane and I watched "Hotel for Dogs." I do have to say that I wasn't very excited to go sit through a kid movie but it was actually quite cute...and rather emotional in a couple of parts...sniff, sniff!! We ate lots of popcorn, Milk Duds (you have to put them IN the popcorn!), gummie Lifesavers, and Sour Patch Kids! After all....it was a "GraMimi Night" and that's when just about anything goes!!....within reason! Poppy got a picture of us after the movies!

...Does GraMimi look a little worn out?...or was it the popcorn w/Milk Duds!!

It was a really fun time! I'm finally feeling like I'm over my sickness and I felt really good over the weekend and had my energy back! Yey!!! I'm grateful I have Milo's kids (and now Grayson, too!) close so we can share special times like these! I'm so richly blessed!

Thank you, Nathan, for a fun GraMimi Night! Whose turn next?................................................

I turned "1", too...GraMimi!

2009-01-18T03:40:00.000-08:00

Emma Jay Adams is our #8 grandchild and as you can see in the picture...she wanted to make sure I knew she was 1 and was rather offended that I haven't posted about her yet. She turned 1 on October 13th. She is actually the oldest out of the 4 grandbabies that were born all within weeks of one another AND the only girl! She'll have 3 boy cousins her age to deal with her entire life!These pictures were taken by her Auntie Lou (Shaila) while Emma was staying with me when her Mommy and Daddy flew off to France for a week. They left December 31 and I had the blessing of having her for 5 of those days then she went to share the remaining days with Grandma Adams. It was great having here around without her parents and having the opportunity to really bond with her. She lives in Geneva, New York right now while her Daddy completes his masters degree at Cornell University. When he's done in May 2010, they'll move back to Ephrata to work at the family business, Willow Drive Nursery. It will be wonderful having them back home and close to share precious moments with.

They live just minutes from the Sacred Grove (above left). When Emma was born, Mom and I had the blessing of being able to fly back to New York for her birth and while we were there we were able to visit the Church history sites that are so close to where they live. Thus....that's the reason Leisha and Richard named her, Emma. The above right picture of Emma is on the Smith farm right next to the Sacred Grove. I hope to go back before they move home and visit these sacred sites again. It was such a wonderful and spiritual experience.

(Notice each side of Emma's face is a different expression! Cover up one side and then the other. The left side has a peaceful expression and the right side has a pouty expression! It's such a unique and cute picture!)

Emma, GraMimi loves you so much! You are such a precious baby girl and I miss you everyday! Thank you for letting me take care of you those few and fast days! You are another blessing and joy added to our family tree!

Grayson Michael Luttmer...Our #10 turned "1"!

2009-01-16T17:20:00.000-08:00

Grayson has such a big and cute smile!

Grayson turned 1 on January 10th. He was born a little over 2 weeks after his cousin, Reed. Landon and Holli had his birthday party for him last Saturday and it was a full house!

Reed, Nathan, Grayson, Kathryn and Dane

His Bushman cousins were able to be there! I like how Nathan is trying to get the two one year olds to cooperate for the picture! They were too busy with Curious George!

Holli asked me a couple of months ago if I'd make Grayson a Curious George cake. I've only worked with brown Wilton paste a couple of times and now I know that it doesn't just darken one shade darker but about 10 shades! Well, maybe not that many but it really darkens a lot! (Note to all of you cake decorators!)

Holli wanted a little cake for Grayson to dig into so I made this little monkey cake. I baked the cake in my Pampered Chef 4 cup batter bowl. It worked pretty good. The ears were those little 100 calorie Hostess cupcakes cut in half and frosted. Again....it's way dark!!

Grayson beginning to eat his 1st birthday cake! I don't know why I didn't get a picture of him after he really got into the cake!

He was very willing to share his cake with everyone!

We had a fun time sharing his 1st birthday with him! We actually bought a new camera the same day, thus...I have pictures! (Again, Reed gets shafted! Sorry, Reed!) Grayson is such a good combination of Landon and Holli! He looks like both of them. At times I really see a lot of Landon in him and then other times I really see a lot of Holli. He's such a sweet boy! He was taking a few steps on his birthday so I guess you can say he was officially walking on his first birthday. Again, we've been blessed with another sweet, beautiful boy adding a lot of joy to our family tree!

And we're not done yet...I haven't posted about Emma who turned 1 in October....and Winston will be turning 1 in February.........stay tuned.........................................................................................

Reed William Bushman...Our #9 turned "1"!

2009-01-16T13:30:00.000-08:00

I'm so so so far behind in what's been going on in our family! The holidays were so busy and poor Reed...he was born December 23 and his first birthday was shoved in the mix of it all! Will he ever have a "normal" birthday? Melanie and I have talked about how we need to have everything done before his birthday so the focus can be on him. I usually do the grandkids birthday cakes and I felt bad that I didn't have the time to do his. I think we need to re-do his birthday in June!!

His Granny Deanne was given the outfit in this photo, I believe, from a co-worker to give to Reed. Melanie then took an old fashioned picture of him and I don't think I've ever seen a cuter picture! He's such a cute little boy! And he has such a happy disposition, too! When he smiles his whole face lights up! He's been an absolute joy added to our family tree!

This picture was taken right after he was born. He had lots of dark hair and now he's blonde. He's changed so much! I think out of all the grandkids he's changed the most from when he was born. He came about 8 days early so when he was born before Christmas we were very surprised but what a wonderful Christmas gift!

Thanks Milo and Melanie for adding another cute boy to our family tree!

Time......there's never enough!

2009-01-06T17:34:00.000-08:00

I've really enjoyed having a blog, BUT....I never seem to have the time to spend on it that I would like. I have thoughts while I'm at work or when I'm in the middle of something at home (and there's been a LOT of "in the middle of somethings lately"...more on that later!) that I'd like to make a post about and then when I have time to post...the moment is gone along with the thought.

My biggest thought lately has been to take more time for the things that are important that I've neglected this past year. The things that keep me grounded...scripture reading, praying, going to the Temple, and serving others! I do them...but not as regularly as I have and I need to be more consistent....that's my goal for this year...to work on those things. I know why I am here on this earth and I'm grateful for that knowledge. I'm grateful for those tools that we've been given to keep us on track and closer to our Father in Heaven. And I've learned through experience that life is "easier" (but not always easy) and I am so much happier when I'm doing the things I know I should do.

Now that I've written it down for all to see...I'll be more committed to making it happen.

Happy 31st Birthday, Milo!

2008-12-20T13:30:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-12-04T17:20:00.000-08:00

...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!

2008-12-04T17:19:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-14T16:02:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-12T10:13:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-11-06T22:00:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-03T19:23:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-11-03T18:06:00.000-08:00

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.......

2008-10-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-10-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

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"?

2008-09-23T17:00:00.000-07:00

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....

2008-09-16T17:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-11T09:50:00.001-07:00

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.......

2008-09-10T20:41:00.000-07:00

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!!

2008-09-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-03T19:58:00.001-07:00

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

2008-09-03T19:49:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-03T19:45:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-03T12:41:00.000-07:00

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!