To Realize

To realize
the value of a sister/brother
Ask someone who doesn't have one.

To realize
The value of 10 years
Ask a newly Divorced couple

To realize
The value of 4 years
Ask a graduate

To realize
The value of 1 year
Ask a student who failed a final exam

To realize
The value of 9 months
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn

To realize
The value of 1 month
Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby

To realize
The value of 1 week
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper

To realize
The value of 1 minute
Ask a person who missed a train, bus or plane.

To realize
the value of 1 second
Ask a person who survived an accident

To realize
The value of a family member or a friend
Lose one

The origin of this letter is unknown but it sure makes you stop and think.
Remember to hold on tight to the ones you love!!

A TRIBUTE TO MY MOM AND GRANDMOTHER

As I sit here today, contemplating another Mothers Day I always have such mixed emotions. I hate to put a damper on this beautiful holiday but sometimes I just can't help it. Some years are easier than others for some reason but this year I'm actually having a hard time. When I look back over the 22 years I had my mom I realize what a great influence she was on my life. She was so full of spunk, always on the go and yet was the care taker of my father as he was dying. She loved to shop and always bought the best, she loved to dance, she loved serving others, she was on a bowling league, golfed with the ladies at Riverside country club. She loved her yard and had so much pride in it. It's where Roger and I were married. It was so beautiful. My mom was an artist, poet too. She wrote a lot of poetry especially after my father died. She missed him so much.
This picture was taken of me and my mom at a Treasures of Truth party in our ward in 1974. Many, many years ago I came upon several articles on mothers day and I have saved them for many years. As you can tell they're very yellow. If you click on the article it will enlarge. I hope you enjoy them as I have.

This beautiful lady is my grandmother. My moms mom. Oh the memories I have of her as we watched Lawrence Welk, played bingo, cards, playing eye spy and button button. We went shopping for yarn so she could crochet rugs for each of the girls when they graduated. I remember so well having to leave her after we had spent the weekend with her. Her little wave from the window always made me cry as we left. I love her so much. She died at the age of 82. I miss you grandma!

My dad has passed away the year before I graduated. So he wasn't there for my graduation. But this beautiful lady was.

Rog loved my mom. And she loved him. I know at first she wasn't happy I was spending all my time with him at such a young age but she grew to love him each day. One funny story was when I was 16. He had a dozen red roses delivered to me for Valentines. I wasn't home but she answered the door and then opened the big box of roses only to see a card that had my name on it. She thought my dad had sent them to her.

I'm sure I've posted this picture before but it's one that is so special to me. Shana and her cousin Becka were only 6 months old in this picture. It was taken just a few days before my mom passed away. As I get closer and closer to the age of my moms death which was 57 I know why she was begging God to please let her live. My mom had everything to live for. But God had a different plan for her.

I love you mom. I haven't had you to call or to ask advice. I haven't had your shoulder to cry on. This year I will be taking another card up to your gravesite telling you how much I miss you. Some might think it's weird but it does my heart good.

Happy Mothers day to my mom and my grandma. To my dear daughter and daughtersinlaw. I love you with all my heart. May you all cherish your times you have with your moms. Take pictures. That's one thing I regret and that's not having more pictures. I treasure them now. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO YOU ALL!!

Open Heart Surgery Journey

Rogers battle wound from quintuplet bypass surgery.This was the day he was waiting for. The removal of all his chest tubes. They were causing him most of his pain after surgery. Jared works downstairs in the OR so he was able to help his dad and me each day. I had to call him one morning after Roger had a small seizure while eating breakfast and Jared was there within seconds to help his dad and comfort me. He then took the rest of his shift off because he knew we needed him.Deb and Steve spent from 7am to 5pm with me waiting for Roger to get out of surgery. It was such a comfort to see their faces that morning because I didn't know they were going to be there to support me. Wow!! Then they came back that night after Roger was in the ICU. I don't think Roger knew how many people loved him. We had our family and friends there to help us through this trial. I'm so thankful for them. I don't know what I would have done.This picture was at 5am on March 10th. He was having all body hair shaved. Poor guy! This picture of Roger and I holding hands depicts my committment to helping him through this scary time for him. I love you honey.

I am so thankful for this opportunity to serve my husband. To help him when he was weak, to feed him, to help him walk, shower, rub a cool washcloth on his face, to hold his hand when he was frightened. He has been such an awesome patient. Before surgery he didn't let on how afraid he was. He was trying to be so brave. In the holding room before surgery, Jared was there holding his hand and he and his dad were just making small talk. Trying not to think of the surgery. I know Jared knew from working in the operating room , how serious a surgery like this is. He was hating to see his dad have to go through it. That was a special moment for Roger and Jared. This experience has allowed me to appreciate Roger more, to realize how much I loved him more than I thought I did,it has brought us so much closer and know that we rely on each other much more than we thought. I'm so thankful for all the priesthood blessings that were given by my sons and soninlaw. What comfort they were to their dad when he was afraid, in pain and just plain down. Thank you to all our family and friends for helping us get through this trial.  All the prayers in his behalf etc. I don't know what we would have done.

Proud to be a Woman

One Flaw In Women
Women have strengths that amaze men.....
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in..
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT'S THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH!!

 I truly believe that God put us here on this earth for a reason. Men couldn't do it without us. I'm so grateful I'm a woman. I'm a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandma, aunt, friend. Each one of us are sent here to be doing exactly what we're doing right now at this moment. I hope each of you will know how important your role as a woman is and take pride in it.

Lake Havasu Trip

Our wonderful friends, Mike and Teresa invited us to go spend a few days in Lake Havasu with their kids. We stayed at Jeremy and Steffanies place and got treated to a fun time. They took us to the London Bridge, a car show, garage selling, flea market, a huge fireworks show, and we ate at some good places and played rock band. It was 74 degrees there so it was a nice break from the cold weather.

Teresa is one of my very best friends. We are so much alike and have so much fun. I love hanging with her whether we're shopping at the mall, dancing, going to lunch, you name it. She's a BFF.

Steffanie is Teresa's daughterinlaw. She's so cute. She told us how much she loved hanging out with us so that made me feel good.

This is the beautiful London Bridge. From what I understand a man bought it and disassembled it and brought it here for a tourist attraction. It was beautiful walking along the lake.

I love this man. I want to hold onto him forever.

We asked someone to take a picture of us all together. Mike, Teresa, Rog, me, Jeremy and Steffanie.

There was a huge fireworks production for 3 nights in a row. People come from all over the United States to see it and buy whatever they are wanting for their big holiday fireworks shows. It was well worth it and so beautiful.

We were quite a ways away sitting on a hill so I'm so glad these turned out so good.

What a fun time we had that night watching the fireworks. We bought pizza and treats and had a great time sitting on the tailgate of Mikes truck. Beautiful night for fireworks.

Hi Honey!! Say cheeeesseeeeeeeee ..

Teresa reminds me of Prisilla Presley. A younger version. What do you think?

An Afternoon With Grandma

I think I'm the luckiest grandma in the world. I"m so fortunate to have my grandkids so close by. I complain that Shana's kids live an hour a way but then I have to realize it could be much worse and they could be out of state. Thank goodness they aren't.

Makinley loves when I pick her up at the school bus. Today she ran to me and jumped into my arms. Wow!! Way to make my day!

We picked up Gentry and off we went. We met Papa for lunch and it was so cute. Makinley said "I love it when Papa meets us for lunch too." After we had lunch we came to our place and the girls and I made some cookies for them to take home. Of course they loved it. I had bought some new lipstick and we all put it on. I couldn't resist leaving my lips on their cheeks.

I told the girls about when I was little and how much I loved going to my Grandmas house. My grandma was incredible to me. She taught me how to crochet, we played many, many games, we would watch the Lawrence Welk show, eat maple nut ice-cream, walk to town with her little cart behind us. Oh how I loved my grandma. I remember seeing her many times on her knees at her bed saying her prayers. She was from England and had the cutest accent. I used to have tears in my eyes as we drove off and Grandma was at the door waving goodbye to us. She died on Christmas Eve and that was the hardest Christmas ever. It was the 2nd time I had ever seen my dad cry. He loved her so much. (it was his motherinlaw). He called her Lizzy to make her mad. Her name was Elizabeth and wanted to be called Elizabeth. lol

I hope I can be the kind of grandma that she was to me. I loved spending my weekends with her. I never realized how important the calling of being a "Grandma" would be. I never realized how much joy all my little sweethearts could bring to me. I pray that I will be able to be healthy for many years to come so that I can watch them grow up and have them come to our home to spend time with us.

Thank you Makinley and Gentry for sharing your time with Grandma today. I love you!

Jr. Jazz for Brayden and Daxton

Roger, me and Colby drove out to watch these handsome young men play their Jr. Jazz basketball game. Their daddy is the coach and does an awesome job. Braydens team over powered the other team by heighth and weight for sure. Brayden scored 6 points. Daxton is the assistant coach but they asked him if he wanted to play today. You should have seen his face!! He hurried and got his team shirt on and got right to it.

Colby loved watching and some day will be out there too.

Brayden plays great defense. I'm not sure if he quite knew what to do with a girl player though.

Here's the team support. Go Brayden, Go Daxton

So cute!! Presley, her mommy and Daxton at the game

Brayden going in for the shot!! And Daxton ready to get the rebound if he misses.

Grandpa giving a little advice at half time

Look at Daxton #41. Hands up and ready to get the ball.

We used to have so much fun and loved going to watch Jared and Troy play when they were in Jr. Jazz. They sure learn a lot of skills and good sportsmanship at this age.

I can't wait to go watch them again! What proud grandparents we were too!

Thoughts of the Day

I hope you'll get a kick out of these. I was wondering why one of our nurses was giggling at something she was reading. She shared with me...

1. Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweatty things.
2. One tequila, two tequila, three tequila floor.
3. If man evolved from monkeys and apes, why do we still have monkeys and apes?
4. I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, "wheres's the self-help section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
5. What if there were no hypothetical questions?
6. If a deaf child signs swear words, does his mother wash his hands with soap?
7. If someone with multiple personalities threatens to kill himself, is it considered a hostage situation?
8. Would a fly without wings be called a walk?
9. Why do they lock gas station bathrooms? Are they afraid someone will clean them?
10. If a turtle doesn't have a shell, is he homeless or naked?
11. Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?
12. If the police arrest a mime, do they tell him he has the right to remail silent?
13. Why do they put braille on the drive-through bank machines?
14. How do they get deer to cross the road only at those yellow road signs?
15. Do infants enjoy infancy as much as adults enjoy adultery?
16. How is it possible to have a civil war?
17. If one sycrhonized swimmer drowns, do the rest drown too?
18. Why are hemorroids called "hemorrhoids" instead of "assteroids"?
19. Why is there an expiration date on sour cream?
20. If you spin an oriental person in a circle three times, do they become disoriented?

And I Wonder Why I Don't Want To Go Back To Work

I've had the past 1.5 weeks off of work and it's been so fun. I've kept so busy doing lots of different things. Cleaning up Christmas stuff, shopping, New Years Party, New Years breakfast for the kids, dinner and movie with our friends, tending grandchildren, and most of all having fun sledding with them. I could really get used to not working. Here are just a few things I did on my time off.
Easton went sledding for his first time. He's 9 months old and loved it!!

Jared obviously is scared of going too fast..haha

The girls are just chillin. Adaline is almost 4 months old so she didn't sled but she came along to watch.

You'd think a 20 month old boy would be a little nervous going down by his self but not Colby.

Jared and Easton hitting the sledding trail

A grandma is never to old to enjoy some sledding

Makinley was always helping others pull their sleds up. She's quite the helper.

Lets go Daddy!! Faster!!

Adaline and her mommy

I have a new camera and I love it. I'm still learning things on it but it's much easier to understand than my other one. But I just love this picture of Easton all bundled up to go sledding. He is such a little butterball.

Kori had an opportunity to work a day for a previous employer so I got the opportunity to spend the day with Colby and Adaline. We played and played and read story after story. They sure keep you busy and on your toes all the time. I know why we all have our children when we are young!!

I was so thankful this little sweetheart took her bottle. I was a little worried about that since she's only had one or two previously. But she did great!! I love her smiley, sweet face.

Brayden and Dax weren't able to go with the rest of us on New Years Day sledding and so Papa and I took them yesterday up on the foothills of Timp. We took the 4 wheeler and our dog Izzy and we had a great time.

They're ready to go.....all buckled in and thinking about the fun they're going to have.

I'd get on the sled and I'd start laughing so hard. The boys were laughing so hard too and we'd scream for Papa to go faster.

We found an open field where no one had been in the snow. The boys had a great idea of making not a snowman but an "Elkman" Daxton and Papa are finding things to put on it.

Here's the final production. We had twigs for the antlers, my dark glasses for the eyes, my gloves for the hands and an orange for the mouth.

Look at his adorable freckles!!

They made snow angels in the fresh snow.

Izzy loved bouncing around in the snow. We loved being above all the yucky smog and up in the beautiful mountains.

The boys kept yelling "go faster Papa, go faster". They'd be giggling so loud and it just made me smile knowing how much fun they were having.

So now you know why I don't want to go back to work. My time off for Christmas break has been filled with so many fun times. Most of them spent with my great family. What would life be without them close by and being able to create so many memories.