You've heard the phrase "Life is Fragile, handle with Prayer," but does that phrase really have any meaning to anyone when everyone is so busy with LIFE?....
I think when death touches one in one way or another, that is the time when you stop and think, Yes, life is very fragile......
In the last three weeks, my life has been touched by three deaths. These deaths were friends, two were members of our ward and one was a neighbor where we use to live..
The first was a sister in our ward, she lived just down the street from us, she was my visiting teacher when I first moved into my new home. About two and a half years ago, when she returned home from a morning visit to a friend, she found her husband sitting at the computer, he had just past away. The next year was hard for her to adjust to him being gone. She then decided she wanted to go on a Mission for the church. When she went for her physical she found she had some medical problems. The next year and half she fought one medical problem after another until it was her time to go. She was around my age.
The following week a sweet sister in our ward lost her battle with a deadly disease, which she has been fighting for several years. She was a very positive sister and so full of life. She was very pretty with a very pretty smile. She had beautiful dark hair and had lost of friends. She was only 47 years old. The doctors had told her, her days were numbered and so her and her family had made plans and arrangements for when that time would come. Her favorite color was launder, and so she had special ties for the men in her life to wear and special blouses for her daughters to wear for her "Celebration of Life." Her husband and a couple of close friends made her casket out of beautiful wood. She was buried on their family plot. Her funeral was over flowing with all her friends and family.
Then last Sunday our neighbor from our old neighborhood past away from a heart attack. He had had some heart problems but they thought it was solved and so this attack and death was such a shock to his dear wife. He was 67 years old. We went to his funeral last Wednesday. He was of a different faith and so the services were so different from the services of these dear sisters. There was only 24 family members and 8 neighbor friends in attendance.
The LDS ward made arrangements for a luncheon for this family, as the family members were from out of state. I felt so sorry for my friend, her beliefs tell her at death they do part. Her heart is broken and she feels so lost. Where was the solace, where was the peace??
Life is fragile handle with prayer...
When my father past away, my parents had been married for 65 years. Mama depended on Daddy for everything. He was her life. She waited on him and took good care of him. He in turn did the same for her. She never drove a car so Daddy took her everywhere. He also paid all the bills, and so when he died she was lost. She had no desire to go on.
My brother and I became her caregivers, I took her shopping, paid her bills, help in the house, we helped with the yard etc. Soon it became necessary to fix her meals and spend the night. It was at this time that I started to read to her.. She was just spending time wanting to pass on and be with Daddy. She would comment about this often and wanted to know why she couldn't die... I would tell her it just wasn't her time.
Then one night when I was reading to her I came across this paragraph in the book "The story of the Latter-day Saints" by James B. Allen and Glen M. Leonard, and it reads, "Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever." I read this to Mama and then I said, "here is your answer Mama, the Lord knows when it's your time." I wrote this paragraph on a card and gave it to her and told her when she started to question her life time again, to hold this card for her time is known only to the Lord, and she just needed to be mindful of each day...
I believe this gave her peace for I don't remember her asking to die anymore...
Life is precious and it's up to us to make the most of it. Let us remember what is truly important, for we only have this time to take care of those things that are lasting and eternal.
First and foremost is our family and love ones. Let us not waste a moment to let those that we love know how important they are to us and how much we love them, by the things we do and the things we say.
Our beliefs and the way we live our lives tell who we are. Our religion and how we serve our God. By reading the Scriptures, keeping our Convents and keeping the Lords Commandments. By saying our Prayers, attending the Temple, attending church on Sunday and keeping the Sabbath Day holy.
We only have one life and we are living it now, our days are numbered and only the Lord knows those days, may we do the very best with the days that we have...
Yes, lets hope we all remember this phrase and keep it close to our hearts.
Life is Fragile, Handle with Prayer
Friday, September 30, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
A Camping We Will Go
Here it is almost midnight the night before we leave for the High Sierras in California.
Every year we go to these mountains for our family reunion, we do the camping and do all the outdoor things.
My husband and his family started this tradition when he was just a young boy. There were six kids in his family and they went to these mountains with some special friends and their children. They had a larger family and so this time they spent was a special time for all.
As the years went by these mountain trips became a special vacation, but as the years also went by children grew and moved and things changed, but the tradition was kept with my husbands family.
The first time I had the experience of this kind of vacation, (as my family never went camping) was the first year we had moved back home after my husband had been discharged from the Navy.
Marta our young daughter had just turned 1 years old and as this was a new experience for me and as I was 5 months pregnant with our son Mark, Marta stayed home with my mom and dad for the week that we were gone.
That was 56 years ago and things were a lot primitive then, than they are now. Yes, we had a old fashion outhouse. Slept in a tent, still do, cooked over a camp stove, still do and did our dishes in a wash pan with water heated on an open fire, and the road going down to camp was an old dirt bumpy narrow road. The camp ground was FREE and once you were there, you stayed there until it was time to go home. There was no stores around, so you had to bring all your food and supplies for your week with you.
Now days things are different. Roads are paved, stores are near by, there are camp tables and campfire rings, they even have trash cans, and bear safe boxes....and oh yes, the outhouses are now modernize, and yes, we now have to PAY for campsites........
But family traditions are still there.
Now my husband and his brother are the seniors and our children and their children are taking their places and time marches on.
Tomorrow morning at 6 am we will leave for a week with our family. We will sing, eat, play card and games, do some hiking and fishing, maybe some reading, lots of sharing and end the week with a fireside with stories, testimonies, laugh and tears and lots of hugs.
"I love the mountains, I love the rolling hills, I love the daffodils, I love the firesides."
I love this time of the year and I love the years and the memories I have with the many trips we took with our children and the experiences we had as we rode along in our family car or our VW bus and to the mountain we would go.
I only wish all my children could be with us, but I'm grateful for the ones that can make it.... But the ones that can't be with us, I know they can close their eyes and let their hearts and minds take them back to years ago, when they were the young ones and they can feel the good times and the sweet smells that we all shared.....
When I'm in my tent tomorrow night and I can see the stars high in the sky, I'll say to my self, "I love the mountains, I love the rolling hills, I love the daffodils, I love the firesides, when all the lights are low." Night, Night and I'll sleep tight..
Every year we go to these mountains for our family reunion, we do the camping and do all the outdoor things.
My husband and his family started this tradition when he was just a young boy. There were six kids in his family and they went to these mountains with some special friends and their children. They had a larger family and so this time they spent was a special time for all.
As the years went by these mountain trips became a special vacation, but as the years also went by children grew and moved and things changed, but the tradition was kept with my husbands family.
The first time I had the experience of this kind of vacation, (as my family never went camping) was the first year we had moved back home after my husband had been discharged from the Navy.
Marta our young daughter had just turned 1 years old and as this was a new experience for me and as I was 5 months pregnant with our son Mark, Marta stayed home with my mom and dad for the week that we were gone.
That was 56 years ago and things were a lot primitive then, than they are now. Yes, we had a old fashion outhouse. Slept in a tent, still do, cooked over a camp stove, still do and did our dishes in a wash pan with water heated on an open fire, and the road going down to camp was an old dirt bumpy narrow road. The camp ground was FREE and once you were there, you stayed there until it was time to go home. There was no stores around, so you had to bring all your food and supplies for your week with you.
Now days things are different. Roads are paved, stores are near by, there are camp tables and campfire rings, they even have trash cans, and bear safe boxes....and oh yes, the outhouses are now modernize, and yes, we now have to PAY for campsites........
But family traditions are still there.
Now my husband and his brother are the seniors and our children and their children are taking their places and time marches on.
Tomorrow morning at 6 am we will leave for a week with our family. We will sing, eat, play card and games, do some hiking and fishing, maybe some reading, lots of sharing and end the week with a fireside with stories, testimonies, laugh and tears and lots of hugs.
"I love the mountains, I love the rolling hills, I love the daffodils, I love the firesides."
I love this time of the year and I love the years and the memories I have with the many trips we took with our children and the experiences we had as we rode along in our family car or our VW bus and to the mountain we would go.
I only wish all my children could be with us, but I'm grateful for the ones that can make it.... But the ones that can't be with us, I know they can close their eyes and let their hearts and minds take them back to years ago, when they were the young ones and they can feel the good times and the sweet smells that we all shared.....
When I'm in my tent tomorrow night and I can see the stars high in the sky, I'll say to my self, "I love the mountains, I love the rolling hills, I love the daffodils, I love the firesides, when all the lights are low." Night, Night and I'll sleep tight..
Thursday, August 4, 2011
My Daddy's Birthday
Tuesday was my Daddy's birthday. He would have been 96 years old.
All my life I had been told that he was born on his mother's birthday which was August 2nd. I always remember celebrating this special day with both my dad and my Grandma. She would come to our home and my mother would fix a special meal and we would always have ice cream and cake, we would sing Happy Birthday to both of them and then they would open presents and cards.
But when my dad past away in 2000 and I was helping my mother with the arrangements, we found his birth certificate and it said he was actually born on August 1, 1915.
Now this was such a surprise to me, to say the least. I asked my mom about this, just what does this mean??? I always thought Daddy was born on Nannie's birthday. She said that was what she too believed...
Strange things happen over the years.. I suppose because Daddy had been born the day before my Grandmothers birthday, she always felt that he was an early birthday gift to her, and so they always celebrated the two birthday's together and as the years went by, it just came to be, that his birth date was the same as hers.
When I found other documents and looked at them, my father's birthday was always listed as August 2, 1915, the only one that is different is his birth certificate.
Well, maybe that's not really true either... What about their marriage certificate or even my birth certificate. You see my mother was 4 years older than my dad and that was always a sore spot in their relationship and so they sort of fudge on the years. Mama became 2 years younger and Daddy became 2 years older. But now, that's for another story.
Anyway, when it was time to select the tombstone for his grave and to decide on the engravings, I asked mama what date we were going to put on it for daddy's birth? Her answer was August 2, 1915, that was his birth date, it had always been that way, so that's what we did.....
Now for family history and genealogy, I guess that another problem, but who cares? To me and our family, daddy was born on his mothers birthday, and that's the day we celebrate and remember our daddy...
Happy Birthday Daddy, I love you very much and I miss you so...
I Love You....
All my life I had been told that he was born on his mother's birthday which was August 2nd. I always remember celebrating this special day with both my dad and my Grandma. She would come to our home and my mother would fix a special meal and we would always have ice cream and cake, we would sing Happy Birthday to both of them and then they would open presents and cards.
But when my dad past away in 2000 and I was helping my mother with the arrangements, we found his birth certificate and it said he was actually born on August 1, 1915.
Now this was such a surprise to me, to say the least. I asked my mom about this, just what does this mean??? I always thought Daddy was born on Nannie's birthday. She said that was what she too believed...
Strange things happen over the years.. I suppose because Daddy had been born the day before my Grandmothers birthday, she always felt that he was an early birthday gift to her, and so they always celebrated the two birthday's together and as the years went by, it just came to be, that his birth date was the same as hers.
When I found other documents and looked at them, my father's birthday was always listed as August 2, 1915, the only one that is different is his birth certificate.
Well, maybe that's not really true either... What about their marriage certificate or even my birth certificate. You see my mother was 4 years older than my dad and that was always a sore spot in their relationship and so they sort of fudge on the years. Mama became 2 years younger and Daddy became 2 years older. But now, that's for another story.
Anyway, when it was time to select the tombstone for his grave and to decide on the engravings, I asked mama what date we were going to put on it for daddy's birth? Her answer was August 2, 1915, that was his birth date, it had always been that way, so that's what we did.....
Now for family history and genealogy, I guess that another problem, but who cares? To me and our family, daddy was born on his mothers birthday, and that's the day we celebrate and remember our daddy...
Happy Birthday Daddy, I love you very much and I miss you so...
I Love You....
Saturday, July 30, 2011
A Puzzle For Your Mind
Life is full of puzzles and if you try to solve some of these puzzles that come around, it only helps to keep your mind alert and stimulated. After all, at my age in life I need all the help I can get to keep my mind and body going...
I need stimulating influence that will stimulate my body or help stimulate my mental activity.
I know a refreshing cruise will help stimulate my body, but as I'm not on a cruise stimulating my body today, I guess I'll have to work on stimulating my mind....
I have this puzzle that my sweet husband gave me the other day....
1st... Take the age you are this year (2011)
2nd.. Next take the year you were born (the last two digits)
3rd.. Now add those two together..
Your answer is 111
I'll show you how this works..
My age this year, 75
The year I was born 36
Add together 111
Now you try it.. and your answer will be 111 too..
You figure this one out, it will help to stimulate your mind too.
Oh, I almost forgot, my sweetheart also said this would not happen again for another 800 plus years.
I don't think I'll be around then, no matter how hard I try to stimulate my mind and body....
Monday, July 25, 2011
Happy Birthday Marta
Today is July 25, my oldest daughter's birthday and her name is Marta Lee.
She was born on a Sunday afternoon in a Naval Hospital on Whidbey Island, Washington, and she cost a whopping $8.75... a bargain I must admit.... she weighed 8lbs 5oz and was 21" long. When the doctor had her weighed and measured his comment was "shes sure a bean pole."
She had blue eyes and light blond hair and was beautiful....
It was the year 1954 and her Daddy was in the Navy, station at the air base there in Oak Harbor, Washington.... It was during the Korean war...
We lived in Navy housing which was a one bedroom apartment. Our row of apartments (5 apartments in the row) were called "Victory Homes" and we lived in the middle one.
I had a small infant crib that had been given to my mother by her sister when I was born, that we brought back to Washington with us, when we returned from our Thanksgiving visit. Kirk had been busy sanding and repainting this crib for our first baby... So Marta's first bed was the same bed that I, her mother had slept in as a baby too.
In those days you never knew what sex your baby was going to be, before they were born... Was it a boy or a girl? You could guess and guess, but only time would tell.
But you see, I knew with in my heart it would be a sweet little girl and her name would be Marta....
I had a Grandma (my Nannie) who I loved very much and years before when I was around 14, she had asked me if I would do her a favor... As I loved this Nannie so much, I would do anything for her, so I said "of coarse Nannie, I'll do you a favor, anything" and then she asked me, that when I married and had my first daughter, would I named her Marta, after her Mother. So, of coarse I promised her I would and so, Marta was Marta long before she came to be. Then to my surprise and my Nannie's joy, when Marta was born, she was born on the death date of this Great, Great Grandmother.
Marta was wanted and prayed for and the months before her birth were filled with much planning and preparation. Kirk had bought me a used sewing machine and I was busy sewing and making all the things I would need for this special gift from heaven.
I made about 4 dozen flannel diapers, nightgowns and her little flannel day jackets. I was busy with my handwork and embroidered sweet little flowers and designs on the front of each one and then crochet edges around them. I also made about 6 flannel receiving blankets and on these I too crochet edges around them, each in different colors. I crochet baby booties and even made some baby bibs to match. I finished with making a white flannel baby quilt and embroidered "the 3 little kitten who lost their mittens" on the front.
I was so excited about this new baby that every time I finished a new item, I would press it just right, fold it just right and before I put it in the special drawer, I would take everything out and look at it all again. My sweetheart would tell me, I would have everything all worn out by just looking and touching them before our baby would even have a chance to wear them. It didn't mater, it just made me feel good to look and see and dream.....
Our little apartment was furnished but I needed a rocking chair, after all, every baby needs to be rocked and so like a good daddy, Kirk went looking for a rocking chair and found a used one that was just my size... How happy I was.. Everything was set, we were ready, but Marta wasn't. It took her two extra weeks before she decided to make her appearance.
What excited we felt and what joy it was to be parents to this sweet and beautiful baby girl. We thank our Heavenly Father each night for this special gift and prayed that we would be good parents and raise her in a pleasing manner to our Heavenly Father.
As I sat in my rocking chair each day rocking my precious baby daughter, I would sing to her, and this is what I would sing..
Marta Lee, is your name and your not very old,
just a "week and a day" (this would change each day) but we all love you so---
Marta Lee, is your name and your not very old,
just a week and a day, but we all love you so.....
Yes today is my Marta's birthday... Happy Birthday Marta, and I will sing to you, your song,
"Marta Lee is your name and we all love you so."
Sweet dreams sweetheart, I love you...
She was born on a Sunday afternoon in a Naval Hospital on Whidbey Island, Washington, and she cost a whopping $8.75... a bargain I must admit.... she weighed 8lbs 5oz and was 21" long. When the doctor had her weighed and measured his comment was "shes sure a bean pole."
She had blue eyes and light blond hair and was beautiful....
It was the year 1954 and her Daddy was in the Navy, station at the air base there in Oak Harbor, Washington.... It was during the Korean war...
We lived in Navy housing which was a one bedroom apartment. Our row of apartments (5 apartments in the row) were called "Victory Homes" and we lived in the middle one.
I had a small infant crib that had been given to my mother by her sister when I was born, that we brought back to Washington with us, when we returned from our Thanksgiving visit. Kirk had been busy sanding and repainting this crib for our first baby... So Marta's first bed was the same bed that I, her mother had slept in as a baby too.
In those days you never knew what sex your baby was going to be, before they were born... Was it a boy or a girl? You could guess and guess, but only time would tell.
But you see, I knew with in my heart it would be a sweet little girl and her name would be Marta....
I had a Grandma (my Nannie) who I loved very much and years before when I was around 14, she had asked me if I would do her a favor... As I loved this Nannie so much, I would do anything for her, so I said "of coarse Nannie, I'll do you a favor, anything" and then she asked me, that when I married and had my first daughter, would I named her Marta, after her Mother. So, of coarse I promised her I would and so, Marta was Marta long before she came to be. Then to my surprise and my Nannie's joy, when Marta was born, she was born on the death date of this Great, Great Grandmother.
Marta was wanted and prayed for and the months before her birth were filled with much planning and preparation. Kirk had bought me a used sewing machine and I was busy sewing and making all the things I would need for this special gift from heaven.
I made about 4 dozen flannel diapers, nightgowns and her little flannel day jackets. I was busy with my handwork and embroidered sweet little flowers and designs on the front of each one and then crochet edges around them. I also made about 6 flannel receiving blankets and on these I too crochet edges around them, each in different colors. I crochet baby booties and even made some baby bibs to match. I finished with making a white flannel baby quilt and embroidered "the 3 little kitten who lost their mittens" on the front.
I was so excited about this new baby that every time I finished a new item, I would press it just right, fold it just right and before I put it in the special drawer, I would take everything out and look at it all again. My sweetheart would tell me, I would have everything all worn out by just looking and touching them before our baby would even have a chance to wear them. It didn't mater, it just made me feel good to look and see and dream.....
Our little apartment was furnished but I needed a rocking chair, after all, every baby needs to be rocked and so like a good daddy, Kirk went looking for a rocking chair and found a used one that was just my size... How happy I was.. Everything was set, we were ready, but Marta wasn't. It took her two extra weeks before she decided to make her appearance.
What excited we felt and what joy it was to be parents to this sweet and beautiful baby girl. We thank our Heavenly Father each night for this special gift and prayed that we would be good parents and raise her in a pleasing manner to our Heavenly Father.
As I sat in my rocking chair each day rocking my precious baby daughter, I would sing to her, and this is what I would sing..
Marta Lee, is your name and your not very old,
just a "week and a day" (this would change each day) but we all love you so---
Marta Lee, is your name and your not very old,
just a week and a day, but we all love you so.....
Yes today is my Marta's birthday... Happy Birthday Marta, and I will sing to you, your song,
"Marta Lee is your name and we all love you so."
Sweet dreams sweetheart, I love you...
Friday, July 22, 2011
Cruising Through Life
My Sweetheart just reminded me, that it has been one month since we were on our cruise with our children, "cruising Alaska".... as I thought about that, I was remembering that I had made all the plans and reservations last January, and it took six long months for this cruise to become a reality, and only one short month for it to become a memory.
It's amazing how long time takes, when you are looking forward to something important to happen in your life, and how fast time goes, when that important something or event is over with.
I have learned with age that your memory just isn't what it was when you were young.
I use to think and have been told, that I had a memory like an elephant.... But now... I can go to the store to buy something that's important that I need and when I get there, I will shop and buy everything else but what I originally came for. or, I go into a room to get something and forget what I went into the room for. Oh Well----
I think when I finished writing this blog, I'll go in the other room and get out my journal.. I think I better start writing in my journal again, my thoughts and feelings, my going and comings, so I will remember them, it's to easy to forget now....
But this morning as we were talking about our cruise and what a wonderful experience it was with our children, we talked about taking another cruise. My comment was yes, yes and more yes!!! and then I commented about "why have we taken so long to do something like cruising before this?
Then, my sweet husband told me that we have taken some cruises through the years.. OK' lets think about that!!!
"Remember when we were first married and you arrived in Seattle?" "Well, on the way to Whidbey Island we took the ferry from the main land over to the Island..." we were cruising the sea then, with our car....
When we lived in Texas, one time my department where I worked at Texaco, had a party down by the bay... We spent the day there and in the evening we road on a boat around the bay.. just enjoying the evening, cruising the bay with friends..
One time we went to San Antonio and for a day trip... We went to the Alamo, and they we strolled down the river walk, looked at all the quaint little shops on the way and then we took a nice boat ride back down the river (walk) so again, we went cruising....
When it became time for me to retire from my job at Texaco, my daughters all came to Texas for this occasion. One day we took a nice outing down to Galveston. During the day we boarded a ferry and sailed around Galveston bay. It was lovely, beautiful and peaceful, with the smell of the ocean breeze and the salt air. This was just cruising along a peaceful moment.
We did take a trip to Hawaii once. We few over there and spent the week with some friends. One evening we boarded a Catamaran and cruised around enjoying a Lula dinner with entertainment.
Once we did take a cruise on a cruise ship... It was a short one, about three days, we left San Pedro, California, cruised to Catalina and then to Ensenada, Mexico and then back to San Pedro. It was nice and fun and we had a good time, but it was nothing like this seven day cruise to Alaska.
Alaska was perfect, and one that will be remembered for a very long time.. and one that we would like to take again. I would say it should be a must for everyone to take in their life time.
Oh, I must not forget to remember the good times I have had, being treated to a boat ride with my son, on his boat, on a peaceful lake, in the peaceful mountains of Utah, or the sweet memories I have with my daughter and son-in-law, when they have treated us with a day's outing on a beautiful lake in Arizona. This too, has been a joy just cruising around a lake in the summer sun, enjoy the day and having fun and a good times with our family and love ones....
Yes, when I think about it, I can truly say, I have done some cruising, you might even say, "I've Done My Cruising Through Life." and Life has been good.....
and so, I think we will take another cruise.. This time we will go to Hawaii and it will be for 14 days....
It's amazing how long time takes, when you are looking forward to something important to happen in your life, and how fast time goes, when that important something or event is over with.
I have learned with age that your memory just isn't what it was when you were young.
I use to think and have been told, that I had a memory like an elephant.... But now... I can go to the store to buy something that's important that I need and when I get there, I will shop and buy everything else but what I originally came for. or, I go into a room to get something and forget what I went into the room for. Oh Well----
I think when I finished writing this blog, I'll go in the other room and get out my journal.. I think I better start writing in my journal again, my thoughts and feelings, my going and comings, so I will remember them, it's to easy to forget now....
But this morning as we were talking about our cruise and what a wonderful experience it was with our children, we talked about taking another cruise. My comment was yes, yes and more yes!!! and then I commented about "why have we taken so long to do something like cruising before this?
Then, my sweet husband told me that we have taken some cruises through the years.. OK' lets think about that!!!
"Remember when we were first married and you arrived in Seattle?" "Well, on the way to Whidbey Island we took the ferry from the main land over to the Island..." we were cruising the sea then, with our car....
When we lived in Texas, one time my department where I worked at Texaco, had a party down by the bay... We spent the day there and in the evening we road on a boat around the bay.. just enjoying the evening, cruising the bay with friends..
One time we went to San Antonio and for a day trip... We went to the Alamo, and they we strolled down the river walk, looked at all the quaint little shops on the way and then we took a nice boat ride back down the river (walk) so again, we went cruising....
When it became time for me to retire from my job at Texaco, my daughters all came to Texas for this occasion. One day we took a nice outing down to Galveston. During the day we boarded a ferry and sailed around Galveston bay. It was lovely, beautiful and peaceful, with the smell of the ocean breeze and the salt air. This was just cruising along a peaceful moment.
We did take a trip to Hawaii once. We few over there and spent the week with some friends. One evening we boarded a Catamaran and cruised around enjoying a Lula dinner with entertainment.
Once we did take a cruise on a cruise ship... It was a short one, about three days, we left San Pedro, California, cruised to Catalina and then to Ensenada, Mexico and then back to San Pedro. It was nice and fun and we had a good time, but it was nothing like this seven day cruise to Alaska.
Alaska was perfect, and one that will be remembered for a very long time.. and one that we would like to take again. I would say it should be a must for everyone to take in their life time.
Oh, I must not forget to remember the good times I have had, being treated to a boat ride with my son, on his boat, on a peaceful lake, in the peaceful mountains of Utah, or the sweet memories I have with my daughter and son-in-law, when they have treated us with a day's outing on a beautiful lake in Arizona. This too, has been a joy just cruising around a lake in the summer sun, enjoy the day and having fun and a good times with our family and love ones....
Yes, when I think about it, I can truly say, I have done some cruising, you might even say, "I've Done My Cruising Through Life." and Life has been good.....
and so, I think we will take another cruise.. This time we will go to Hawaii and it will be for 14 days....
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Lemons, Oranges and Limes
It was Wednesday morning around 10 o'clock that I opened my front door and there on my door step was 2 plastic bags filled with lemons, oranges and some limes.
"What is this," I said to myself? Who left me these bags of fruit and when? I know they weren't here last night, so how did they get here and when did they arrived?
I started to think, who might have a tree and had an abundance of fruit???? I sure couldn't think of a soul.... I took the fruit inside and put them on my kitchen counter and thought, this is sure a nice gift, with fruit so expensive in the stores now days. I know we will enjoy this nice treat.....
I started to do some house chores and then around 11 o'clock my phone ring....
"Hello," I said, and then a sweet voice said, "Grandma, this is Teri," "Did you find the bags of lemons, oranges and limes, that I left at your door?" "YES" was my answer. The mystery was solved.
It seems she had lots of fruit let over from her sister-in-law's wedding and as it was more than they could enjoy, she thought maybe I might enjoy it too. Yes, I can and what I can't use right away, I can squeeze and freeze for a later day.
They decided to start their trip back home to North Carolina a few days earlier than planned and as they were going by my home "early" this morning, they just dropped their gift off and left... They didn't want to wake this ole grandma from her sound sleep.... I thought that was sure thoughtful of them, but I would miss saying thank you and giving them some good byes....
They are on their way back home now, but they have plenty of stops planned, this will be a trip and a vacations that the children will remember. They still have "Places to go, Family and Friends to see, and things to do....."
Thank you Teri, Jeff, Logan, Cooper and Denim, for stopping by.. and when I'm eating one of these nice big juicy oranges, I will think of you.... See you Later...... I love you....
"What is this," I said to myself? Who left me these bags of fruit and when? I know they weren't here last night, so how did they get here and when did they arrived?
I started to think, who might have a tree and had an abundance of fruit???? I sure couldn't think of a soul.... I took the fruit inside and put them on my kitchen counter and thought, this is sure a nice gift, with fruit so expensive in the stores now days. I know we will enjoy this nice treat.....
I started to do some house chores and then around 11 o'clock my phone ring....
"Hello," I said, and then a sweet voice said, "Grandma, this is Teri," "Did you find the bags of lemons, oranges and limes, that I left at your door?" "YES" was my answer. The mystery was solved.
It seems she had lots of fruit let over from her sister-in-law's wedding and as it was more than they could enjoy, she thought maybe I might enjoy it too. Yes, I can and what I can't use right away, I can squeeze and freeze for a later day.
They decided to start their trip back home to North Carolina a few days earlier than planned and as they were going by my home "early" this morning, they just dropped their gift off and left... They didn't want to wake this ole grandma from her sound sleep.... I thought that was sure thoughtful of them, but I would miss saying thank you and giving them some good byes....
They are on their way back home now, but they have plenty of stops planned, this will be a trip and a vacations that the children will remember. They still have "Places to go, Family and Friends to see, and things to do....."
Thank you Teri, Jeff, Logan, Cooper and Denim, for stopping by.. and when I'm eating one of these nice big juicy oranges, I will think of you.... See you Later...... I love you....
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Lunch with my Grandchildren
My Granddaughter Teri and her family have been here for a visit for a little over a week now, they have been staying with her husbands parents in town. They made this road trip from their home in North Carolina, with their 3 darling children.. They will only be in town for just a few more days and as I don't have a chance of seeing them too often, I asked them to come for lunch and a visit.
They arrived at my home yesterday around 12 noon. I was excited to see them, for our visits are far and few between.
It has been about 15 years now since I received that phone call from this sweet granddaughter. When I answered the phone that morning she said, "Grandma, I've been thinking and praying about what I need to do in my life and I keep getting this feeling that I should come to Utah and finish my education at SUU" and then she said, "Could I come and live with you and grandpa and go to school?" "YES, you can" was my reply.
Arrangements were made and that summer she started her move. She needed to enroll, sign up for her classes and have her transcripts transferred to SUU.
Grandma got busy and fixed her spare guest room up for a college student. Bought a computer and cleaned out the closet. "ROOM READY"..
Teri arrived around the first of August, settled in and was ready to go.
School started, she had her classes, she found the student ward, started making friends, went looking for and found a job.
Now Teri is a very bubbly young girl, full of energy and lots of fun. It wasn't long until the phone started to ring and dates started to appear. Soon a tall, handsome, returned missionary with shinning eyes and affected smile was standing at my door... Wasn't to long until this handsome young man name Jeff, was the only one coming to my door. Seems Teri and her heart had made a decision.
When the Christmas holidays came Teri went home for Christmas and Jeff made a visit to North Carolina to meet the family. Things were getting serious.
Teri returned after the New Year. School started again and we saw more and more of Jeff.
It wasn't too much longer until wedding plans were announced. They had decided they would marry after the semester. They would be married in the Washington DC LDS Temple, in April.
Now Grandma had a basement apartment in her home. Brad was living in this apartment at this time, but we were building him his home a block away and it was almost done. They wanted to know if they could rent this apartment when Brad left. I thought that would be great. I would love having these special grand kids live there, it would be nice having them close by and so that came to be.
Teri and Jeff were married, they lived in our basement until they graduated from SUU. It was wonderful having them there. We had lots of visits and lots of good time.
When graduation came they packed up their worldly belongings in a Uhall truck, said their goodbyes and they were off for North Carolina to begin their life and future as Mr and Mrs....
Now 14 years later this sweet young family is sitting around my dinning room table having lunch with Grandpa and me.
There is Logan who is almost 10 years old. She's a pretty girl, with dark brown hair like her mama. She has a pretty smile and is loving and kind. She gave this Great Grandma lots of hugs and kisses. She likes to do crafts and things with her hands, like this grandma does. If I have a chance the next time we visit I will teach her how to do some cross stitching or knitting, or something.
Cooper is a shy young boy, he's 6 now and likes school, he also likes his home and is anxious to get back to his own bed. After lunch he wanted to go in the sun room and watch TV... He kept looking at this grandma and I just wondered what he was thinking of me... I think he was just trying to figure out how this relationship works.
Last is Denim. He is 2 and a sweet little fellow. When they arrived he was asleep and Teri took him into the blue room and laid him down on the bed. He slept the whole time, when he awoke he just looked around and wondered where he was and what was happening.
We had a nice long visit around my table. It was fun to play catch up with them and to hear about what was going on in their lives. To hear about their interest, their activities and about their home and the things they were doing to it.
Soon it came time for them to say goodbye. We took lots of pictures and gave lots of hugs and kisses. My heart was warm as was grandpa's.
We had a special lunch, with our grand kids and our great grand kids. I think I have a special feeling inside because I was there in the beginning. Jeff had asked Teri to marry him on the steps in my big house on Old Scout Trail.... and because she said yes, we now have 3 beautiful and special Great Grand kids.....
They leave for their trip home in a couple of day. They are going to make some stops and see some church history sites, and some family members on the way... Drive safely and have a good time and know this Grandma loves you very much. Thanks for your visit.....
Hope to see you again real soon..
They arrived at my home yesterday around 12 noon. I was excited to see them, for our visits are far and few between.
It has been about 15 years now since I received that phone call from this sweet granddaughter. When I answered the phone that morning she said, "Grandma, I've been thinking and praying about what I need to do in my life and I keep getting this feeling that I should come to Utah and finish my education at SUU" and then she said, "Could I come and live with you and grandpa and go to school?" "YES, you can" was my reply.
Arrangements were made and that summer she started her move. She needed to enroll, sign up for her classes and have her transcripts transferred to SUU.
Grandma got busy and fixed her spare guest room up for a college student. Bought a computer and cleaned out the closet. "ROOM READY"..
Teri arrived around the first of August, settled in and was ready to go.
School started, she had her classes, she found the student ward, started making friends, went looking for and found a job.
Now Teri is a very bubbly young girl, full of energy and lots of fun. It wasn't long until the phone started to ring and dates started to appear. Soon a tall, handsome, returned missionary with shinning eyes and affected smile was standing at my door... Wasn't to long until this handsome young man name Jeff, was the only one coming to my door. Seems Teri and her heart had made a decision.
When the Christmas holidays came Teri went home for Christmas and Jeff made a visit to North Carolina to meet the family. Things were getting serious.
Teri returned after the New Year. School started again and we saw more and more of Jeff.
It wasn't too much longer until wedding plans were announced. They had decided they would marry after the semester. They would be married in the Washington DC LDS Temple, in April.
Now Grandma had a basement apartment in her home. Brad was living in this apartment at this time, but we were building him his home a block away and it was almost done. They wanted to know if they could rent this apartment when Brad left. I thought that would be great. I would love having these special grand kids live there, it would be nice having them close by and so that came to be.
Teri and Jeff were married, they lived in our basement until they graduated from SUU. It was wonderful having them there. We had lots of visits and lots of good time.
When graduation came they packed up their worldly belongings in a Uhall truck, said their goodbyes and they were off for North Carolina to begin their life and future as Mr and Mrs....
Now 14 years later this sweet young family is sitting around my dinning room table having lunch with Grandpa and me.
There is Logan who is almost 10 years old. She's a pretty girl, with dark brown hair like her mama. She has a pretty smile and is loving and kind. She gave this Great Grandma lots of hugs and kisses. She likes to do crafts and things with her hands, like this grandma does. If I have a chance the next time we visit I will teach her how to do some cross stitching or knitting, or something.
Cooper is a shy young boy, he's 6 now and likes school, he also likes his home and is anxious to get back to his own bed. After lunch he wanted to go in the sun room and watch TV... He kept looking at this grandma and I just wondered what he was thinking of me... I think he was just trying to figure out how this relationship works.
Last is Denim. He is 2 and a sweet little fellow. When they arrived he was asleep and Teri took him into the blue room and laid him down on the bed. He slept the whole time, when he awoke he just looked around and wondered where he was and what was happening.
We had a nice long visit around my table. It was fun to play catch up with them and to hear about what was going on in their lives. To hear about their interest, their activities and about their home and the things they were doing to it.
Soon it came time for them to say goodbye. We took lots of pictures and gave lots of hugs and kisses. My heart was warm as was grandpa's.
We had a special lunch, with our grand kids and our great grand kids. I think I have a special feeling inside because I was there in the beginning. Jeff had asked Teri to marry him on the steps in my big house on Old Scout Trail.... and because she said yes, we now have 3 beautiful and special Great Grand kids.....
They leave for their trip home in a couple of day. They are going to make some stops and see some church history sites, and some family members on the way... Drive safely and have a good time and know this Grandma loves you very much. Thanks for your visit.....
Hope to see you again real soon..
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Cinema Surprise
Yesterday was the 4th of July.
When I was raising my children the 4th was a holiday to celebrate. Sometimes we would go to the park and have a picnic. Sometimes we would have family over for hot dogs, potato salad and treats, sometimes we would go to our extend family for their hot dogs and treats, or sometimes we would get together with friends and their kids to just play around and eat...
When we moved to our small town in Utah we would go to the town park.
There was the kids parade down the main street with their wagons and bikes all decorated up with red, white and blue streamers. After the parade there was games and food to eat. When dark came we put out our chairs and watched the fireworks. What a beautiful sight to see the sky light up with such beautiful colors and designs.
But now life is on a much slower pace. Going to the town party, early in the morning to see the flag ceremony and have breakfast and then playing games all day makes me tired......
So instead, this 4th started with a slow pace, with a late breakfast, reading the morning paper and having TV on.
Then about 1 o'clock in the afternoon my sweetheart and I decided to go to the big town, 20 miles away for dinner and a movie. We called our brother and sister-in-law, who live around the block from us to see if they wanted to go with us. A time was set, they picked us up and we were on our way.
First we went to Panda Express, for a quick dinner. Stopped at the drug store for a minute and then we were off to the Cinema....
We arrived about a half hour early at the cinema, purchased our tickets and as we approached the door, all of sudden the door open and a tall handsome young man with a big smile said "Hi Grandpa, Hi Grandma".
There standing at the door was Jeff who is married to our Granddaughter Teri, who lives in North Carolina..... I knew these grand kids and their children were making this cross country trip. You see, Jeff's sister is being married, but I wasn't expecting them to be in town for another day, but here he was.
After the "Surprise" we gather around and had a special visit... Soon my little Great-Granddaughter Logan came running up to me with a big smile, wrapped her arms around me and gave me a big hug.. What a treat... Soon the little boys were there wondering who these people were...
Jeff and Teri had made this trip in record time by driving straight through. They are staying at Jeff's parents home and as this was a holiday, the family with brothers and sisters and parents decided to go to the movies..
Now if we hadn't decided to go to the show, and if we hadn't arrived a half an hour early we would not have seen our sweet little family this day... This treat was better than watching all the fireworks in the sky.
When it was time for us to go into our show, we said our goodbyes with hugs and kisses. Received popcorn and root beer from Teri and Jeff, found our seats and enjoy the movie "Larry Crown" with Tom Hanks and Julie Roberts and ate our popcorn and drank our root beer.
When the movie was over, we finished our day with going to Dairy Queen for a ice cream treat... and then our ride home.....
This day turned out to be a very nice and relaxing day, one to remember....
Happy 4th of July, it was a Great Day.........
When I was raising my children the 4th was a holiday to celebrate. Sometimes we would go to the park and have a picnic. Sometimes we would have family over for hot dogs, potato salad and treats, sometimes we would go to our extend family for their hot dogs and treats, or sometimes we would get together with friends and their kids to just play around and eat...
When we moved to our small town in Utah we would go to the town park.
There was the kids parade down the main street with their wagons and bikes all decorated up with red, white and blue streamers. After the parade there was games and food to eat. When dark came we put out our chairs and watched the fireworks. What a beautiful sight to see the sky light up with such beautiful colors and designs.
But now life is on a much slower pace. Going to the town party, early in the morning to see the flag ceremony and have breakfast and then playing games all day makes me tired......
So instead, this 4th started with a slow pace, with a late breakfast, reading the morning paper and having TV on.
Then about 1 o'clock in the afternoon my sweetheart and I decided to go to the big town, 20 miles away for dinner and a movie. We called our brother and sister-in-law, who live around the block from us to see if they wanted to go with us. A time was set, they picked us up and we were on our way.
First we went to Panda Express, for a quick dinner. Stopped at the drug store for a minute and then we were off to the Cinema....
We arrived about a half hour early at the cinema, purchased our tickets and as we approached the door, all of sudden the door open and a tall handsome young man with a big smile said "Hi Grandpa, Hi Grandma".
There standing at the door was Jeff who is married to our Granddaughter Teri, who lives in North Carolina..... I knew these grand kids and their children were making this cross country trip. You see, Jeff's sister is being married, but I wasn't expecting them to be in town for another day, but here he was.
After the "Surprise" we gather around and had a special visit... Soon my little Great-Granddaughter Logan came running up to me with a big smile, wrapped her arms around me and gave me a big hug.. What a treat... Soon the little boys were there wondering who these people were...
Jeff and Teri had made this trip in record time by driving straight through. They are staying at Jeff's parents home and as this was a holiday, the family with brothers and sisters and parents decided to go to the movies..
Now if we hadn't decided to go to the show, and if we hadn't arrived a half an hour early we would not have seen our sweet little family this day... This treat was better than watching all the fireworks in the sky.
When it was time for us to go into our show, we said our goodbyes with hugs and kisses. Received popcorn and root beer from Teri and Jeff, found our seats and enjoy the movie "Larry Crown" with Tom Hanks and Julie Roberts and ate our popcorn and drank our root beer.
When the movie was over, we finished our day with going to Dairy Queen for a ice cream treat... and then our ride home.....
This day turned out to be a very nice and relaxing day, one to remember....
Happy 4th of July, it was a Great Day.........
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Katelyn's Birthday
It was just 14 years ago today that my youngest grandchild was born, a beautiful baby girl. She became grandchild number 15 and granddaughter number 7.
Such a sweet little bundle of joy, she was much wanted, much planned for and much loved....
I remember going to the hospital with the excitement of seeing my new little granddaughter. She was beautiful, had such a sweet angelic little face, a little button nose, sweet little lips, dark hair (like her grandma's) and blue eyes (like her grandma's). She was picture perfect and they named her Katelyn Elizabeth.
When it was time for her mama and her to come home from the hospital, this grandma was there to stay for the week and help with her care.
Such joy I had with holding her and rocking her, giving her, her bath and dressing her and even changing her diapers. Telling her how precious she was and how much she was loved, especially by this Grandma... During this time she also received lots of kisses too...
I have watched her grow these years and now she's full of all the teenage fun and excitement there is, not to mention that now, she is as tall as this grandma, but I expect that maybe next week, that will change and she will pass me up in height.
She goes with her Daddy every year to the High Sierras for our family reunion. I remember when she was about 8 years old. She brought tons of clothes with her and it was our privilege to be treated to a fashion show... She would go into her tent, change her clothes and then come out and model. This went on for sometime. She modeled swim suits, play clothes, dance costumes and nightwear. She would peek out of the tent and want to know if we were ready and when we said yes, she would come out, strut around and take bows and of coarse we would clap and cheer and be ready for an encore.....
One time she wanted to go to the father and sons outing with her Dad. She told him that she would wear boys clothes and shoes, put her hair up in a ball cap and he could call her Malcolm. He did take her but she was Katelyn.
When we were building our home she came with her Daddy to help. He was putting the tile in our kitchen and she was his helper. She would "butter" the tile and then give it to her Daddy to put in place. She's a good worker and a willing helper not only to her Daddy but to this grandma too.
One time when she came for a visit she had some material and a dress pattern her other grandmother had given her. She also had some material that her Daddy wanted some pillows made for his family room. So for a few days we spent time in my sewing room, sewing. She made the pillows and I made her a new dress...
Today is Katelyn's birthday and because she is my youngest granddaughter she has always been "My Little Sweetheart", and I suppose no matter how old she becomes or how tall she grows, she will always be "My Little Sweetheart".
Happy Birthday Katelyn, hope you have a wonderful day and I want you to know that this grandma loves you very much...
Such a sweet little bundle of joy, she was much wanted, much planned for and much loved....
I remember going to the hospital with the excitement of seeing my new little granddaughter. She was beautiful, had such a sweet angelic little face, a little button nose, sweet little lips, dark hair (like her grandma's) and blue eyes (like her grandma's). She was picture perfect and they named her Katelyn Elizabeth.
When it was time for her mama and her to come home from the hospital, this grandma was there to stay for the week and help with her care.
Such joy I had with holding her and rocking her, giving her, her bath and dressing her and even changing her diapers. Telling her how precious she was and how much she was loved, especially by this Grandma... During this time she also received lots of kisses too...
I have watched her grow these years and now she's full of all the teenage fun and excitement there is, not to mention that now, she is as tall as this grandma, but I expect that maybe next week, that will change and she will pass me up in height.
She goes with her Daddy every year to the High Sierras for our family reunion. I remember when she was about 8 years old. She brought tons of clothes with her and it was our privilege to be treated to a fashion show... She would go into her tent, change her clothes and then come out and model. This went on for sometime. She modeled swim suits, play clothes, dance costumes and nightwear. She would peek out of the tent and want to know if we were ready and when we said yes, she would come out, strut around and take bows and of coarse we would clap and cheer and be ready for an encore.....
One time she wanted to go to the father and sons outing with her Dad. She told him that she would wear boys clothes and shoes, put her hair up in a ball cap and he could call her Malcolm. He did take her but she was Katelyn.
When we were building our home she came with her Daddy to help. He was putting the tile in our kitchen and she was his helper. She would "butter" the tile and then give it to her Daddy to put in place. She's a good worker and a willing helper not only to her Daddy but to this grandma too.
One time when she came for a visit she had some material and a dress pattern her other grandmother had given her. She also had some material that her Daddy wanted some pillows made for his family room. So for a few days we spent time in my sewing room, sewing. She made the pillows and I made her a new dress...
Today is Katelyn's birthday and because she is my youngest granddaughter she has always been "My Little Sweetheart", and I suppose no matter how old she becomes or how tall she grows, she will always be "My Little Sweetheart".
Happy Birthday Katelyn, hope you have a wonderful day and I want you to know that this grandma loves you very much...
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Crusing Alaska
7-Days of pure luxury.
A dream vacation, a joy beyond measure, a trip to share with our dear children and their dear spouses.
It was my husbands dream to take a wonderful cruise to the beautiful state of Alaska, and to be able to enjoy and share this time with his family, our children and their spouses.
So, the first of this year, we started to inquirer about what such of a trip would entail, and if all of our children would be able to make arrangements and be available for such a trip.
After adjustments in work schedules and dates cleared, plans began.....
Our children were excited about the prospect of a cruise and having the joy of sharing this time with their siblings, as they all live in different states and different places, and it had been some time since they all had the joy of being together.
Cruising Alaska became a reality June 19 to June 26, 2011.
Come along with me as we cruise the inside passage of Alaska on the beautiful ship: "Sapphire Princess".
Our trip began Sunday June 19th. We all flew from all areas to meet in Seattle Washington. Kirk and I, Mark and Shelly, Brad and Susan all flew from Salt Lake City, Utah, Ann and Kim flew from Phoenix, Arizona, and Marta and David flew from North Carolina.
We boarded this beautiful large ship around noon, found our state room and settled in. Then it was time to explore.... which we did, and of coarse we checked out the buffet for lunch. Mark and Shelly had left the ship for a short period, her daughter lives in Seattle and this was a chance for her to see and have a small visit. Around 4 o'clock it was time to set sail. The weather was perfect, the sea was beautiful, the air was fresh, time to relax and enjoy, we are here as a family, to share and spend these days together...
Our trip took us to the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Alaska, and Victoria, British Columbia...
We saw beautiful country, lushes foliage of greens, beautiful mountains, gorgeous flowers of all kinds. We saw glaciers and passed by ice sheets floating by our ship. We saw whales and more whales and one that put on a show for us by diving in the water, up and down over and over again, waving his tail at us.
We took tours in the different ports.
Van tour in Ketchikan, saw the Tote pole park, country side, eagles by the dozen and strolled the boardwalk. We did have a raining day there, but that added to the charm.
Juneau was spent seeing the town and enjoying the sights, we also had fun going on a treasure hunt. We had coupons for the different shops where we received free charms and souvenirs. Here Susan and Brad meet up with her grandson Spencer. He is living there with his father. She was able to share this special day enjoying his company and the sights too.
Our train trip in Skagway was breath taking. The history of this place, the settlement and development of it was interesting. The scenery and country side was picturesque. Our train ride was enjoyable and relaxing. We then explored the city. The town is old, buildings of character, streets of yesterday and sidewalks of boardwalks... I think the high light was meeting two LDS missionaries, walking down the street and sharing a few moments with them.
Our evening in Victoria was short but very pleasant. We took a van tour with the driver name "Mark", he drove us around the island and we saw beautiful Victorian style homes, wonderful and beautiful architectural building. We saw a castle, the governor's Manson with it's beautiful grounds of lovely green trees of all kinds, blooming flowers of every variety and color. We saw massive churches along with government buildings, ending our tour with a beautiful sight over looking the city with all the lights.
Our days on board was filled with outstanding musical production in the evenings, wonderful dinning in a glorious dinning room, serve with food that was picture perfect and with names I had no idea what it was. Our servers were great, helpful and very friendly. We sat at a table for ten every night and enjoyed being a family and the food.
We had all day buffets, our children enjoyed sitting in the hot tubs and sharing with each other. We relaxed on the deck and sipped on malts, virgin pina coladas and soft drinks. We had fun playing a card game in a dinning room, that Shelly brought for 3 hours one day and having the waiters watch us from time to time.
One evening Marta and David were chosen to play "the newly wed game." David was asked, "What animal would best describe your mother-in-law?" His answer was "Tiger" but Marta said "Dog", I would say "pussy cat" we all laughed, the master in charge was surprised we were there, but it just set a relaxed mood for a game.
Our children danced the nights away, enjoyed the comic shows and we had pictures taken that will bring back happy memories for years to come.
Our trip was wonderful, this mother enjoyed every minute of it, and if there was one thing I would like my children to know, is that we, their parents love each and everyone of them very much. They are our joys and our blessings. We love their spouses. Some we have had for over thirty years and some are new to our family, but we love each of them and are so thankful that they have joined our family and how blessed we feel and how thankful we are that they love our children and they love us too.
Our trip came to and end Sunday morning, June, 26th. We said our goodbyes with hugs and kisses and our love, hoping we will beable to do this again another day.
Yes we had 7-days of pure luxury, and it was shared and shared again with our dear children and their dear husbands and wives. We love you very much...... Thank you children for this very special vacation and thank you for making this dream come true...
A dream vacation, a joy beyond measure, a trip to share with our dear children and their dear spouses.
It was my husbands dream to take a wonderful cruise to the beautiful state of Alaska, and to be able to enjoy and share this time with his family, our children and their spouses.
So, the first of this year, we started to inquirer about what such of a trip would entail, and if all of our children would be able to make arrangements and be available for such a trip.
After adjustments in work schedules and dates cleared, plans began.....
Our children were excited about the prospect of a cruise and having the joy of sharing this time with their siblings, as they all live in different states and different places, and it had been some time since they all had the joy of being together.
Cruising Alaska became a reality June 19 to June 26, 2011.
Come along with me as we cruise the inside passage of Alaska on the beautiful ship: "Sapphire Princess".
Our trip began Sunday June 19th. We all flew from all areas to meet in Seattle Washington. Kirk and I, Mark and Shelly, Brad and Susan all flew from Salt Lake City, Utah, Ann and Kim flew from Phoenix, Arizona, and Marta and David flew from North Carolina.
We boarded this beautiful large ship around noon, found our state room and settled in. Then it was time to explore.... which we did, and of coarse we checked out the buffet for lunch. Mark and Shelly had left the ship for a short period, her daughter lives in Seattle and this was a chance for her to see and have a small visit. Around 4 o'clock it was time to set sail. The weather was perfect, the sea was beautiful, the air was fresh, time to relax and enjoy, we are here as a family, to share and spend these days together...
Our trip took us to the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Alaska, and Victoria, British Columbia...
We saw beautiful country, lushes foliage of greens, beautiful mountains, gorgeous flowers of all kinds. We saw glaciers and passed by ice sheets floating by our ship. We saw whales and more whales and one that put on a show for us by diving in the water, up and down over and over again, waving his tail at us.
We took tours in the different ports.
Van tour in Ketchikan, saw the Tote pole park, country side, eagles by the dozen and strolled the boardwalk. We did have a raining day there, but that added to the charm.
Juneau was spent seeing the town and enjoying the sights, we also had fun going on a treasure hunt. We had coupons for the different shops where we received free charms and souvenirs. Here Susan and Brad meet up with her grandson Spencer. He is living there with his father. She was able to share this special day enjoying his company and the sights too.
Our train trip in Skagway was breath taking. The history of this place, the settlement and development of it was interesting. The scenery and country side was picturesque. Our train ride was enjoyable and relaxing. We then explored the city. The town is old, buildings of character, streets of yesterday and sidewalks of boardwalks... I think the high light was meeting two LDS missionaries, walking down the street and sharing a few moments with them.
Our evening in Victoria was short but very pleasant. We took a van tour with the driver name "Mark", he drove us around the island and we saw beautiful Victorian style homes, wonderful and beautiful architectural building. We saw a castle, the governor's Manson with it's beautiful grounds of lovely green trees of all kinds, blooming flowers of every variety and color. We saw massive churches along with government buildings, ending our tour with a beautiful sight over looking the city with all the lights.
Our days on board was filled with outstanding musical production in the evenings, wonderful dinning in a glorious dinning room, serve with food that was picture perfect and with names I had no idea what it was. Our servers were great, helpful and very friendly. We sat at a table for ten every night and enjoyed being a family and the food.
We had all day buffets, our children enjoyed sitting in the hot tubs and sharing with each other. We relaxed on the deck and sipped on malts, virgin pina coladas and soft drinks. We had fun playing a card game in a dinning room, that Shelly brought for 3 hours one day and having the waiters watch us from time to time.
One evening Marta and David were chosen to play "the newly wed game." David was asked, "What animal would best describe your mother-in-law?" His answer was "Tiger" but Marta said "Dog", I would say "pussy cat" we all laughed, the master in charge was surprised we were there, but it just set a relaxed mood for a game.
Our children danced the nights away, enjoyed the comic shows and we had pictures taken that will bring back happy memories for years to come.
Our trip was wonderful, this mother enjoyed every minute of it, and if there was one thing I would like my children to know, is that we, their parents love each and everyone of them very much. They are our joys and our blessings. We love their spouses. Some we have had for over thirty years and some are new to our family, but we love each of them and are so thankful that they have joined our family and how blessed we feel and how thankful we are that they love our children and they love us too.
Our trip came to and end Sunday morning, June, 26th. We said our goodbyes with hugs and kisses and our love, hoping we will beable to do this again another day.
Yes we had 7-days of pure luxury, and it was shared and shared again with our dear children and their dear husbands and wives. We love you very much...... Thank you children for this very special vacation and thank you for making this dream come true...
Monday, June 27, 2011
Mama's Birthday
Today is my Mama's birthday.
She was born June 27, 1911 in Centerfield Utah, 100 years ago.
My Mama has been gone now for almost 5 years and I miss her so. She was not only my Mama, but my best friend. I could talk to her about anything. She helped me with my children, and was with me for many wonderful experiences I had in my life. We laughed and we cried together, we talked and we shared. She was my Mama...
I remember her coming to my homes and helping me with my decorating. She would help me paint my walls and help me wallpaper them too.
I went to her homes and sewed curtains and drapes for her many windows. I would sew and she would press and then we would hang them together on the windows.
We were a team..
When I was growing up and it was wash day, she would wash the clothes and hang them on the line to dry. I would go out to the line and take them down and bring them in and together we would fold them. When it was time to wash the windows for spring cleaning. She would wash the inside of the windows and I would wash the outside of the windows. After dinner and time to wash the dishes, she would wash the dishes and I would dry the dishes and put them away. We were a team...
We took trips together. The ones that had the most meaning were the ones we took to North Carolina to visit my daughter Marta. Marta would show us a perfect time by taking us to historical places and special places of interest. We walked all over Washington DC at one visit and she loved every minute of it.
One such visit was when my granddaughter Cara was getting married. We spent days preparing for this beautiful wedding. Making divinity candy, polishing silverware, arranging flowers, sharing, laughing and having such a good time, 4 generations together. Mother never went to bed early, had to stay up late with the rest of us, fearing she might miss something. She sure was a trouper.....
After the death of my father, mama seemed to lose the zest of living, she missed him so. She had depended on Daddy for almost everything, he not only was the love of her life, but he was her rock.
I became her caregiver at this time. My brother Butch and his wife Diane also helped with Mother's care. We would take turns fixing her meals and spending the nights.
I took her shopping, payed her bills, cleaned her home and did her laundry.
It was during this time I started to read to her in the evenings after dinner and the dishes were done. We read many books together. It was during this time that she would share special times with me. It seemed that many of the stories we would read would trigger a memory. I started to write these things down that she would say. She started to say she would like to have a record of the books we were reading and so I started to compile them into a book. I would write about the book we were reading and what she would say. I would write her thoughts and her feelings, she enjoyed this very much and seemed to enjoy my writing and my comments. This became our story time and I titled this "Story Time With Mama." Every night after dinner she would say to me, "are we going to have our Story Time tonight?" and I would answer, "Yes, Mama, we are going to have our Story Time."
As I would tuck her in bed in the evening, she always would wrap her arms around my neck and give me a kiss, she would tell me that she loved me and thank me for taking such good care of her and them she would say, "Thanks for my stories." I would reply, "Your welcome, mama, I love you, good night."
Tonight I'm thinking of my mama and I'm missing her. Yes, she would be 100 years old, but no mater how old your mama is or how old you are, a girl always needs her mama and she always needs to feel that love that only comes from her mama...
Tonight before I go to bed I'm going to read a short story, so close your eyes and it will be our special time, for it will be "Story time with Mama." night, night mama, I love you.... and Happy Birthday
She was born June 27, 1911 in Centerfield Utah, 100 years ago.
My Mama has been gone now for almost 5 years and I miss her so. She was not only my Mama, but my best friend. I could talk to her about anything. She helped me with my children, and was with me for many wonderful experiences I had in my life. We laughed and we cried together, we talked and we shared. She was my Mama...
I remember her coming to my homes and helping me with my decorating. She would help me paint my walls and help me wallpaper them too.
I went to her homes and sewed curtains and drapes for her many windows. I would sew and she would press and then we would hang them together on the windows.
We were a team..
When I was growing up and it was wash day, she would wash the clothes and hang them on the line to dry. I would go out to the line and take them down and bring them in and together we would fold them. When it was time to wash the windows for spring cleaning. She would wash the inside of the windows and I would wash the outside of the windows. After dinner and time to wash the dishes, she would wash the dishes and I would dry the dishes and put them away. We were a team...
We took trips together. The ones that had the most meaning were the ones we took to North Carolina to visit my daughter Marta. Marta would show us a perfect time by taking us to historical places and special places of interest. We walked all over Washington DC at one visit and she loved every minute of it.
One such visit was when my granddaughter Cara was getting married. We spent days preparing for this beautiful wedding. Making divinity candy, polishing silverware, arranging flowers, sharing, laughing and having such a good time, 4 generations together. Mother never went to bed early, had to stay up late with the rest of us, fearing she might miss something. She sure was a trouper.....
After the death of my father, mama seemed to lose the zest of living, she missed him so. She had depended on Daddy for almost everything, he not only was the love of her life, but he was her rock.
I became her caregiver at this time. My brother Butch and his wife Diane also helped with Mother's care. We would take turns fixing her meals and spending the nights.
I took her shopping, payed her bills, cleaned her home and did her laundry.
It was during this time I started to read to her in the evenings after dinner and the dishes were done. We read many books together. It was during this time that she would share special times with me. It seemed that many of the stories we would read would trigger a memory. I started to write these things down that she would say. She started to say she would like to have a record of the books we were reading and so I started to compile them into a book. I would write about the book we were reading and what she would say. I would write her thoughts and her feelings, she enjoyed this very much and seemed to enjoy my writing and my comments. This became our story time and I titled this "Story Time With Mama." Every night after dinner she would say to me, "are we going to have our Story Time tonight?" and I would answer, "Yes, Mama, we are going to have our Story Time."
As I would tuck her in bed in the evening, she always would wrap her arms around my neck and give me a kiss, she would tell me that she loved me and thank me for taking such good care of her and them she would say, "Thanks for my stories." I would reply, "Your welcome, mama, I love you, good night."
Tonight I'm thinking of my mama and I'm missing her. Yes, she would be 100 years old, but no mater how old your mama is or how old you are, a girl always needs her mama and she always needs to feel that love that only comes from her mama...
Tonight before I go to bed I'm going to read a short story, so close your eyes and it will be our special time, for it will be "Story time with Mama." night, night mama, I love you.... and Happy Birthday
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
"Dog"
My heart is heavy, my eyes are red, and the tears keep coming.
Today we had to say goodbye.
He's been our buddy for over 15 years. He's been our shadow, our companion, our greeter, our watch dog.
He always had to be near us, no matter where we were or what we were doing.
He had patience and would wait and watch as you would go about your chores. He loved to ride in the car and take trips with us, even if it was just to the store.
In the evening he would come down to the sun room to be near me, lay on a silky cloth and take his snooze..... If I was gone he would be lost, he needed me to be home in the sun room.
Age caught up with him, he's had seizures all his life, now he had tumors, arthritis, had lost his hearing, was hard for him to walk, his left front paw and leg was turning inward, had a hard time standing and was always falling down and was unable to get up a lot of the time, which in turn would require help from us....
He wasn't doing well these last few days. He would be laying on his silky and I would brush him and rub his ears. This is something he enjoyed, he would close his eyes and sleep... and if he was awake he would look at you and my heart would break.
His name was Bounder, but he was "Dog", but to Kirk he was Doggy.
He will be missed, he was a good friend, never barked, never jumped on you, never licked you, was never demanding, always loving, he was a part of our family and he was loved.
My heart is heavy and the tears keep coming, there is an emptiness in this home tonight.
Today we had to say goodbye.
He's been our buddy for over 15 years. He's been our shadow, our companion, our greeter, our watch dog.
He always had to be near us, no matter where we were or what we were doing.
He had patience and would wait and watch as you would go about your chores. He loved to ride in the car and take trips with us, even if it was just to the store.
In the evening he would come down to the sun room to be near me, lay on a silky cloth and take his snooze..... If I was gone he would be lost, he needed me to be home in the sun room.
Age caught up with him, he's had seizures all his life, now he had tumors, arthritis, had lost his hearing, was hard for him to walk, his left front paw and leg was turning inward, had a hard time standing and was always falling down and was unable to get up a lot of the time, which in turn would require help from us....
He wasn't doing well these last few days. He would be laying on his silky and I would brush him and rub his ears. This is something he enjoyed, he would close his eyes and sleep... and if he was awake he would look at you and my heart would break.
His name was Bounder, but he was "Dog", but to Kirk he was Doggy.
He will be missed, he was a good friend, never barked, never jumped on you, never licked you, was never demanding, always loving, he was a part of our family and he was loved.
My heart is heavy and the tears keep coming, there is an emptiness in this home tonight.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Cherry Season
Every year around this time it's Cherry Season.
Growing up we never really had fresh fruit that was in season, and we never went to an orchard to pick any fruit off a tree.
Now my mother was raise in a small country town in the middle of Utah where there was lots of farms. Her father had been a farmer and they had a home on some acres of farm land, how many I have no idea as mother really never talked about that, (I think she had mention 10 acres one time though.) You see her father died just before she was two years old, so life on the farm became a lot different without a father.
My father was raised in a city, so the fruit they ate was bought at the local store. I suppose that they mostly had the standard fruit like bananas, oranges and apples to eat in their home, and for the experience of going to a fruit orchard was never an adventure.
But then you come to my husbands family.
Both his parents had been raised on farms in northern Utah and for what I have heard and gathered fresh fruit was always in their homes and on the trees in the seasons.
When I was married, I was soon acquainted to the sweet smells of ripe fruit off a tree.
My in laws had some fruit tree in their yard and as soon as we had our first home, the first thing my sweet husband did was plant some fruit trees in our back yard.
During the early years of our marriage we would go to packing houses and buy a lug of peaches, and it was nothing new if we were out for a drive and my sweetheart saw a fruit stand for us to stop and buy a bag of fresh fruit that was in season.
Every time we have moved to a new home, one of the first things my sweetheart does is plant his trees. He plants peaches, apricots, nectarines, plums and apples.
When we moved from Texas years ago we brought a dozen apple trees with us in the moving van and they were planted on our property before the plans for our new home had even been drawn..
Last Saturday Cherry Season started and we hopped in our car, with our box, sneakers on our feet and our hat on our head and off we went to the Cherry Orchard...
It was a beautiful morning, the sky was blue, the sun was warm, a perfect day for Cherry picking.
When we arrived we saw many pickers around and in the many cherry trees. Soon we were told what tree we could pick by the owner. We gather a bucket and started to pick, as we picked the fresh, riped cherries we had to sample some. One to taste, one to snack, one to enjoy, yummy, yummy, in my tummy..... Soon our buckets were filled and then back to fill them some more..
In about an hour our box was full. We took the cherries up to the house, the owner weighed it, it was thirty pounds. Thirty pounds of beautiful dark red delicious cherries.
We put our box of delicious cherries in our car, hopped in and away we went, back to our home with our treasure.
Our beautiful dark red cherries are now in our refrigerator, cold and delicious just for the taking and the eating...
I would love to share them with you, We could sit in my rocking chairs, on my front porch, enjoying each other's company and enjoy these sweet cherries, fresh off the tree...
Growing up we never really had fresh fruit that was in season, and we never went to an orchard to pick any fruit off a tree.
Now my mother was raise in a small country town in the middle of Utah where there was lots of farms. Her father had been a farmer and they had a home on some acres of farm land, how many I have no idea as mother really never talked about that, (I think she had mention 10 acres one time though.) You see her father died just before she was two years old, so life on the farm became a lot different without a father.
My father was raised in a city, so the fruit they ate was bought at the local store. I suppose that they mostly had the standard fruit like bananas, oranges and apples to eat in their home, and for the experience of going to a fruit orchard was never an adventure.
But then you come to my husbands family.
Both his parents had been raised on farms in northern Utah and for what I have heard and gathered fresh fruit was always in their homes and on the trees in the seasons.
When I was married, I was soon acquainted to the sweet smells of ripe fruit off a tree.
My in laws had some fruit tree in their yard and as soon as we had our first home, the first thing my sweet husband did was plant some fruit trees in our back yard.
During the early years of our marriage we would go to packing houses and buy a lug of peaches, and it was nothing new if we were out for a drive and my sweetheart saw a fruit stand for us to stop and buy a bag of fresh fruit that was in season.
Every time we have moved to a new home, one of the first things my sweetheart does is plant his trees. He plants peaches, apricots, nectarines, plums and apples.
When we moved from Texas years ago we brought a dozen apple trees with us in the moving van and they were planted on our property before the plans for our new home had even been drawn..
Last Saturday Cherry Season started and we hopped in our car, with our box, sneakers on our feet and our hat on our head and off we went to the Cherry Orchard...
It was a beautiful morning, the sky was blue, the sun was warm, a perfect day for Cherry picking.
When we arrived we saw many pickers around and in the many cherry trees. Soon we were told what tree we could pick by the owner. We gather a bucket and started to pick, as we picked the fresh, riped cherries we had to sample some. One to taste, one to snack, one to enjoy, yummy, yummy, in my tummy..... Soon our buckets were filled and then back to fill them some more..
In about an hour our box was full. We took the cherries up to the house, the owner weighed it, it was thirty pounds. Thirty pounds of beautiful dark red delicious cherries.
We put our box of delicious cherries in our car, hopped in and away we went, back to our home with our treasure.
Our beautiful dark red cherries are now in our refrigerator, cold and delicious just for the taking and the eating...
I would love to share them with you, We could sit in my rocking chairs, on my front porch, enjoying each other's company and enjoy these sweet cherries, fresh off the tree...
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Happy Birthday My Sweet Annie
Today is my sweet Ann's birthday.
As I think about the night she was born I was not only anxious to have my baby, but it was important to have my baby born on the date June 11th.
In those days you did not have ultra sounds that would tell you the sex of your baby, you would find out what your baby was when he or she was born and the doctor would say, you have a girl or you have a boy..... In your heart you sometimes hope for either a daughter or a son, and that is so, but mostly you would just pray that everything would be perfect and whatever you were blessed with, you would be happy and your heart would be filled with joy.
But this time I had been praying that it would be a sweet daughter and her name would be Ann Marie.
Now I had a Nannie that I loved very much. She was very important to me in my life and I always felt very close to her.
I was her first Grandchild and I was given her middle name Elizabeth, as my first name. Her birthday was June 11, so I wanted my baby to be born on this date and if I had a daughter I was going to give her the middle name of Marie, which is my Nannie's first name...
My due date was around the first of June, but my babies always seemed to like taking a few extra days before they were ready to be born. As the days went on and when I had my next appointment with my doctor I told him about my desire for this baby to be born on this special date.
He said that I was ready and if I wanted him too, he would make arrangements at the hospital and the journey would begin.
That evening I check in at St. John's hospital and the process began.. I must admit that I was anxious and the time just kept on clicking and midnight was approaching and a new day was arriving and I was getting more and more anxious with no results....
Time went on and it was soon after midnight and it seemed like all my hopes and dreams for this special birth on this special day was long lost.. I guess I finally gave up and relaxed and soon I gave birth.
Such joy I felt when my doctor said: "You have a beautiful baby daughter" yes, I had my daughter and I would name her Ann Marie, and I would call her "my little Ann" or sometimes "Annie", but it was after midnight!!! and a new day...
The next day when the doctor came in to see me and see how I was doing, he told me that he knew how important it was for me, to have my daughter born on the 11th, and as she had been born a few minutes before 1 am, he signed the birth certificate as being born a few minutes before midnight on Pacific time, not daylight savings time. By doing this she had been born on June 11th.. My joy was now complete.
A few days after I arrived home with my new baby, I received a phone call from the state register office, saying that they wouldn't accept Ann's birth date as the 11th, and that she was changing it to the 12th. I was very upset, and I stated the doctor signed it as Pacific time and that was when she was born, and it was left at that.
Years later when Ann was getting married and needed her birth certificate, I discovered the lady at the office had changed the date. I had to take action. I wrote a letter requesting the birth date to be changed to the date I knew her to be born, and with my mother we went down to the office of vital records in Los Angeles, California and had the record changed to the correct birth date of the 11th.
My sweet Ann was officially born on June 11th, on her Great Grandmother's birthday, and she has her middle name of Marie as a special gift of love for my Nannie..
Ann has always been a joy and a blessing to us, she has always brought us much happiness.
She has many gifts, she has a way of making people happy, she's a positive person and shes fun to be with, she makes everyone feel good. She's a special daughter, a wonderful wife, a loving mother, and now a caring grandmother.
Happy Birthday my Sweet Ann, I love you very much.. Your a wonderful daughter and I'm glad your mine...... Love, Mama
As I think about the night she was born I was not only anxious to have my baby, but it was important to have my baby born on the date June 11th.
In those days you did not have ultra sounds that would tell you the sex of your baby, you would find out what your baby was when he or she was born and the doctor would say, you have a girl or you have a boy..... In your heart you sometimes hope for either a daughter or a son, and that is so, but mostly you would just pray that everything would be perfect and whatever you were blessed with, you would be happy and your heart would be filled with joy.
But this time I had been praying that it would be a sweet daughter and her name would be Ann Marie.
Now I had a Nannie that I loved very much. She was very important to me in my life and I always felt very close to her.
I was her first Grandchild and I was given her middle name Elizabeth, as my first name. Her birthday was June 11, so I wanted my baby to be born on this date and if I had a daughter I was going to give her the middle name of Marie, which is my Nannie's first name...
My due date was around the first of June, but my babies always seemed to like taking a few extra days before they were ready to be born. As the days went on and when I had my next appointment with my doctor I told him about my desire for this baby to be born on this special date.
He said that I was ready and if I wanted him too, he would make arrangements at the hospital and the journey would begin.
That evening I check in at St. John's hospital and the process began.. I must admit that I was anxious and the time just kept on clicking and midnight was approaching and a new day was arriving and I was getting more and more anxious with no results....
Time went on and it was soon after midnight and it seemed like all my hopes and dreams for this special birth on this special day was long lost.. I guess I finally gave up and relaxed and soon I gave birth.
Such joy I felt when my doctor said: "You have a beautiful baby daughter" yes, I had my daughter and I would name her Ann Marie, and I would call her "my little Ann" or sometimes "Annie", but it was after midnight!!! and a new day...
The next day when the doctor came in to see me and see how I was doing, he told me that he knew how important it was for me, to have my daughter born on the 11th, and as she had been born a few minutes before 1 am, he signed the birth certificate as being born a few minutes before midnight on Pacific time, not daylight savings time. By doing this she had been born on June 11th.. My joy was now complete.
A few days after I arrived home with my new baby, I received a phone call from the state register office, saying that they wouldn't accept Ann's birth date as the 11th, and that she was changing it to the 12th. I was very upset, and I stated the doctor signed it as Pacific time and that was when she was born, and it was left at that.
Years later when Ann was getting married and needed her birth certificate, I discovered the lady at the office had changed the date. I had to take action. I wrote a letter requesting the birth date to be changed to the date I knew her to be born, and with my mother we went down to the office of vital records in Los Angeles, California and had the record changed to the correct birth date of the 11th.
My sweet Ann was officially born on June 11th, on her Great Grandmother's birthday, and she has her middle name of Marie as a special gift of love for my Nannie..
Ann has always been a joy and a blessing to us, she has always brought us much happiness.
She has many gifts, she has a way of making people happy, she's a positive person and shes fun to be with, she makes everyone feel good. She's a special daughter, a wonderful wife, a loving mother, and now a caring grandmother.
Happy Birthday my Sweet Ann, I love you very much.. Your a wonderful daughter and I'm glad your mine...... Love, Mama
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Family Blessing #22 and #23
What a wonderful gift from heaven is a bran new baby, and what a special blessing it is when that wonderful gift from heaven comes into your family.
Years ago when I was a young bride, I dreamed of having children and the joy I felt when I knew I was going to have my first baby.
Marta was born when her Daddy was in the Navy during the Koren war. He was stationed at the Naval Air Base on Whidbey Island, Washington. She was born in the Naval Hospital there and cost a whopping $8.75.......
Mark was next, then came Ann and last was Brad..
The joy I felt with each birth was a blessing and each new baby was welcomed with lots of love and anticipation, although I must admit, the cost of each of these new babies was a lot more than that first $8.75, but they were sure worth every penny and more..
The years went by, my children grew up, married and started having children of their own.
Soon I was a grandmother with lots of little ones running around. I ended up with 15 grandchildren in all and they are all wonderful, beautiful and special people.
Again the years went by and my grandchildren grew up, married and started having children of their own.
By the beginning of this new year of 2011, I had 21 Great Grandchildren. All sweet, beautiful and wonderful little people, with minds and interest and talents of their own.
On April 6th we were blessed with a new Great Grandson. Jayce Miller was born to my Granddaughter Tawni and her dear husband Danny. He's a beautiful little boy with a sweet and special smile. He is dearly loved by everyone and especially by his older sisters Ryah and Evelyn. He became Great Grandchild #22.
Just 2 months later to the day, on June 6th we were again blessed with another Great Grandchild. A beautiful baby girl was born to our Grandson Kevan and his sweet wife Brooke. Preslee Brynn was born at 9:58 pm, this special little one became Great Grandchild #23.
I never could have dreamed those many years ago, that today, I would be sitting here at my Computer, counting my many blessings of children, grandchildren and now great grandchildren. The joy they have brought to me in my life is love unmeasurable.
I have been truly blessed by all my children from my very first to this newest one straight from heaven. I love each and everyone of them and I know and can feel their love for me. I thank my Heavenly Father every night for his loving gift of family.
I'm a Mother, Grandmother and a Great Grandmother, and this has all happened because "Two People Fell in Love."
I love you and you are my family. Welcome to it...
Years ago when I was a young bride, I dreamed of having children and the joy I felt when I knew I was going to have my first baby.
Marta was born when her Daddy was in the Navy during the Koren war. He was stationed at the Naval Air Base on Whidbey Island, Washington. She was born in the Naval Hospital there and cost a whopping $8.75.......
Mark was next, then came Ann and last was Brad..
The joy I felt with each birth was a blessing and each new baby was welcomed with lots of love and anticipation, although I must admit, the cost of each of these new babies was a lot more than that first $8.75, but they were sure worth every penny and more..
The years went by, my children grew up, married and started having children of their own.
Soon I was a grandmother with lots of little ones running around. I ended up with 15 grandchildren in all and they are all wonderful, beautiful and special people.
Again the years went by and my grandchildren grew up, married and started having children of their own.
By the beginning of this new year of 2011, I had 21 Great Grandchildren. All sweet, beautiful and wonderful little people, with minds and interest and talents of their own.
On April 6th we were blessed with a new Great Grandson. Jayce Miller was born to my Granddaughter Tawni and her dear husband Danny. He's a beautiful little boy with a sweet and special smile. He is dearly loved by everyone and especially by his older sisters Ryah and Evelyn. He became Great Grandchild #22.
Just 2 months later to the day, on June 6th we were again blessed with another Great Grandchild. A beautiful baby girl was born to our Grandson Kevan and his sweet wife Brooke. Preslee Brynn was born at 9:58 pm, this special little one became Great Grandchild #23.
I never could have dreamed those many years ago, that today, I would be sitting here at my Computer, counting my many blessings of children, grandchildren and now great grandchildren. The joy they have brought to me in my life is love unmeasurable.
I have been truly blessed by all my children from my very first to this newest one straight from heaven. I love each and everyone of them and I know and can feel their love for me. I thank my Heavenly Father every night for his loving gift of family.
I'm a Mother, Grandmother and a Great Grandmother, and this has all happened because "Two People Fell in Love."
I love you and you are my family. Welcome to it...
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Treadmill ah la GO, GO
The Health Associations tells you that to have better health, that a person needs to physically move, move, and move some more...
The best way and maybe the easiest way for this physical movement is to walk.
A person should walk at least 10,000 steps a day. Now I know you cannot count every step you take in a day, but you can wear a pedometer and let this pedometer count your steps for you, and that is exactly what I do.
Every morning when I get dressed and ready for the day, I log the steps I have taken the day before, reset my pedometer for this new day, attach it to my waist band and I'm READY to go.
Sometime during my day, I know I will need to do some serious walking and so I will head out to the garage and step on my treadmill and off I go...
Have you ever tried to just walk on a treadmill? B O R I N G every step you take seems like an eternity and if you need to be walking for an hour, that can be sheer torture....
To make this walking more enjoyable I go to the library each week and check out DVDs.
Now my walking gives me enjoyment. Not only do my steps count up, but I get to see and enjoy movies or programs that would have passed me by.
I just have finished watching the series "Emily of New Moon" and "Cranford" which I truly enjoyed.. Sometimes I'll watch a oldie and sometimes I'll watch some history, but what ever I watch it sure makes my time on my treadmill enjoyable...
Here it is almost time for bed and I just looked at my pedometer and it says I have walked 12,392 steps. Pretty good won't you say?
I'm trying for better health and that means I'm watching my weight too.
If you only walk 10,000 steps and don't cut your calories, your weight will stay the same. So in order to lose weight you have to use the "Cut and Burn" program.
What that means is you cut your calories down and you do more physical movement that will help burn more calories which will result in a weight loss.
I've got it... I cut my calories today. Walked on my treadmill and logged 2,392 extra steps and hopefully tomorrow, I'll step on my scales and they will be down a bit. and that will be good news for me.....
The best way and maybe the easiest way for this physical movement is to walk.
A person should walk at least 10,000 steps a day. Now I know you cannot count every step you take in a day, but you can wear a pedometer and let this pedometer count your steps for you, and that is exactly what I do.
Every morning when I get dressed and ready for the day, I log the steps I have taken the day before, reset my pedometer for this new day, attach it to my waist band and I'm READY to go.
Sometime during my day, I know I will need to do some serious walking and so I will head out to the garage and step on my treadmill and off I go...
Have you ever tried to just walk on a treadmill? B O R I N G every step you take seems like an eternity and if you need to be walking for an hour, that can be sheer torture....
To make this walking more enjoyable I go to the library each week and check out DVDs.
Now my walking gives me enjoyment. Not only do my steps count up, but I get to see and enjoy movies or programs that would have passed me by.
I just have finished watching the series "Emily of New Moon" and "Cranford" which I truly enjoyed.. Sometimes I'll watch a oldie and sometimes I'll watch some history, but what ever I watch it sure makes my time on my treadmill enjoyable...
Here it is almost time for bed and I just looked at my pedometer and it says I have walked 12,392 steps. Pretty good won't you say?
I'm trying for better health and that means I'm watching my weight too.
If you only walk 10,000 steps and don't cut your calories, your weight will stay the same. So in order to lose weight you have to use the "Cut and Burn" program.
What that means is you cut your calories down and you do more physical movement that will help burn more calories which will result in a weight loss.
I've got it... I cut my calories today. Walked on my treadmill and logged 2,392 extra steps and hopefully tomorrow, I'll step on my scales and they will be down a bit. and that will be good news for me.....
Monday, May 30, 2011
Daughter Stranded at Airport
My daughter Marta called this evening and said she was stranded at the Airport in New York City..
You see, she's on her way to Germany to babysit her grandchildren.
Now Marta lives in North Carolina in these United States, so I know your thinking, that's a pretty long trip to go, just to babysit grandchildren..... but you see-----
Shawna's husband has a job that takes him all over the world.. so Shawna is now a world traveler and her children are very blessed to be able to have this wonderful experience to live in far away places.
Just imagine the education and the experiences these children are having, learn about different cultures and languages and then to see wonderful and beautiful historical places too. What a blessing this is in their life...
Sean, Shawna's husband has a business trip to England and he wanted Shawna to accompany him. He thought she would enjoy some R&R for a few days (they have 5 children) which she agreed. So grandma was needed.
Plans were made and Marta was excited about this trip.
I understand Germany is a beautiful country and with lots of history, and my Marta is a world traveler herself, so this experience would not only be a first hand adventure outside the picture book, but the blessing of seeing and loving grandchildren too.
She left early this afternoon with her flight from home, but then her flight was late arriving at New York, so that made her missing her connecting flight to Germany. The airline had to make other arrangements but after a three hour wait, she could be on her way, but instead of a straight flight, she would have a side trip to Paris, France. Now that would be fine if it was planned and you could enjoy PARIS, but no, she would be spending more time in a airport waiting for her next flight to take her to Germany.....
She is a world traveler I know, but I don't think she wasn't planning on taking this side trip, especially when she won't be able to see any of the country or any of the sights, just only an airport.... and not knowing the language or reading the signs??
My daughter will be arriving many hours later than planned at her destination, I know she will be tired but she will be greeted with open arms and lots of hugs and kisses....
A few days ago Marta had call to tell me about her conversation with Shawna. She said, "Mother, Shawna wants me to come for a visit again after Thanksgiving this year. She said that Christmas time is a beautiful time in Germany and she wants you to come too."
Oh, I would love to go and have that experience and my sweetheart said yes, go and enjoy..
I have passport will travel...... Let's make plans....
You see, she's on her way to Germany to babysit her grandchildren.
Now Marta lives in North Carolina in these United States, so I know your thinking, that's a pretty long trip to go, just to babysit grandchildren..... but you see-----
Shawna's husband has a job that takes him all over the world.. so Shawna is now a world traveler and her children are very blessed to be able to have this wonderful experience to live in far away places.
Just imagine the education and the experiences these children are having, learn about different cultures and languages and then to see wonderful and beautiful historical places too. What a blessing this is in their life...
Sean, Shawna's husband has a business trip to England and he wanted Shawna to accompany him. He thought she would enjoy some R&R for a few days (they have 5 children) which she agreed. So grandma was needed.
Plans were made and Marta was excited about this trip.
I understand Germany is a beautiful country and with lots of history, and my Marta is a world traveler herself, so this experience would not only be a first hand adventure outside the picture book, but the blessing of seeing and loving grandchildren too.
She left early this afternoon with her flight from home, but then her flight was late arriving at New York, so that made her missing her connecting flight to Germany. The airline had to make other arrangements but after a three hour wait, she could be on her way, but instead of a straight flight, she would have a side trip to Paris, France. Now that would be fine if it was planned and you could enjoy PARIS, but no, she would be spending more time in a airport waiting for her next flight to take her to Germany.....
She is a world traveler I know, but I don't think she wasn't planning on taking this side trip, especially when she won't be able to see any of the country or any of the sights, just only an airport.... and not knowing the language or reading the signs??
My daughter will be arriving many hours later than planned at her destination, I know she will be tired but she will be greeted with open arms and lots of hugs and kisses....
A few days ago Marta had call to tell me about her conversation with Shawna. She said, "Mother, Shawna wants me to come for a visit again after Thanksgiving this year. She said that Christmas time is a beautiful time in Germany and she wants you to come too."
Oh, I would love to go and have that experience and my sweetheart said yes, go and enjoy..
I have passport will travel...... Let's make plans....
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