Happy Birthday to Hunter

Today Hunter celebrated his eleventh birthday. I know that it was a special day but I am sure that he missed his dad being home. He had selected Grandma's cookies to take to his class at school for his special treat. The birthday present had arrived a long long time ago ---- hope it was not too disappointing for his real birthday. Hunter is one special young man. We are so grateful that he has been able to meet the challenges that have come his way. When he was a baby we wondered what in the world we would ever do with him. It was crying non-stop 24/7. Thank heavens that Dr. Taylor was able to recognize the problem was his eyes. He was one cross-eyed little guy. I guess if your world looked crazy 24/7 you would cry too. Looking back on the surgery they did on his eyes at just six months old it was a miracle. It was a life changing event for Hunter, he became such a happy little baby after that. His world was clear now. He continues to do well with his eye sight. My favorite question for Hunter is "Do you miss me yet?" With a funny little smile he always tells me NOPE. But one of these days I think the answer will be YEP. Hunter is an excellent student at Buffalo Point Elementary and a good brother. Sometimes it is hard but he usually will try his best to keep peace at home. Love you lots Hunter -----

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Wednesday evening Brad and I were able to help get Clayton and Hunter to their ballgames. Clayton plays pitching machine and really gets into the game. Wish they were teaching them a bit more about the basics, but he sure does well.

Hunters game started before Claytons ended but luckily they were in the same ballpark so we were able to catch a couple of innings of Hunters. He does a fantastic job as catcher. They took him out at one point and that was a big mistake. The replacement catcher missed every ball and the other team was able to score several runs. It took only a few minutes before Hunter was put back in. Skylar came to the ball field after his game in Layton. He is really struggling being on the team that he was drafted to. He thinks the coach is great but the majority of the players just aren't so hot. He says he plays catcher, pitcher, and every other position because no one wants to get with it.

Tristin was unable to attend his game because he and his mother were invited to a special awards ceremony at Syracuse Junior High School. Tristin received awards for High Honor Roll and Excellence in Science. Maybe we have a future Scientist on our hands. Congratulations to Tristin ---- keep up the good work.

Hope I Finish before the Baby Arrives

Slowly getting fun projects done ----- being a grandmother is such a great joy ----- but it does keep me going. I am slowly moving down my list of things to do. The last two days have been spent working on quilts for little baby Kayden. I hope that they are liked and will be of good use. So very excited to meet this new little member of our family. Our prayers are with him and Carli. Love you lots

Completing Great Room Windows

Over the weekend Brad and Paul were able to find some time and finished casing our new windows in the Great Room then on Monday Brad and I worked on the finishing touches. Just needs a paint job now. That will wait until more of the windows are in and can all be done together. It is so very nice to look out of beautiful clear windows at my gardens. I am loving it that I can open them so easily for wonderful fresh air.

Some of Samuel's First Steps

Sammy was so excited and ready to go on Saturday --- with some help from mom he took some steps ----- he would get so excited that --- you guessed it----he would fall down. It was lots of fun to share this happy time.

Shaylee Graduates from Seminary

Sunday Evening we were very blessed to attend the Graduation Ceremonies for Shaylee at the Fielding Stake Center. We are happy that Shaylee attended Seminary. I know that it will be of great help to her each day of her life as she continues to move forward with many new experiences. If she will but remember the lessons she has learned in Seminary it will help to make decisions easier and she will be able to know what will enhance her life and what can bring her sorrow. I especially enjoy the beautiful prelude and postlude music that one of the students played (Kasie Ripplinger). She had selected such beautiful arrangements of so many hymns and played them very well. The speakers and student testimonies were also very nice. You could see that seeds of good have been planted and as these young people continue to grow I am very sure that they will blossom as beautiful followers of Christ. Shaylee we hope that you will always remember the good ---- be as bright and as happy as you were Sunday night. Love you lots

Heathers Dance Recital

Saturday, May 22nd was Heather's first spring dance recital at the Farmington Center. This is her first experience at dance. She has loved going to her classes each Friday. Dancing seems to come very natural to her ---- really loves to wiggle and shake. Brad, Nichole, Skylar, Tristin, Sid, Natalie, Sam, Grandma Susie, Grandpa Soria, Greatgrandma (Omi) Silberburg and I were in attendance. Nichole and I really did not think that she would dance since she can be so shy. Did she every fool us ----- she did a fantastic job and looked absolutely darling. We are so proud of her and this first experience. The day brought back many memories of her mom doing the same thing. After the recital we had a nice lunch at the Soria home. Heather received lovely gifts and was so happy for her special day. We love her

Happy Birthday to Clayton, Garen and even me

It has been a very long day and I have not been able to get to the computer so I will just wish Garen and Clayton a Happy Birthday for right now and will blog their special day as soon as possible. Love you all lots
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GAREN ------ May 21st was Garens Birthday. We are so very grateful that Garen is a part of our family. He is a man of very few words but seems to try his very best to be a wonderful companion to his sweetheart Meagan. Garen has set some very high educational goals and with lots of hard work and dedication I am sure that he will accomplish them with great success. Nothing worth having in life will come easily. But the more we work to gain it the more we value it. Garen is an Arizona boy but has made Utah his home for now. When it comes to being a Dodger fan Garen will always stand tall and shout out for them. He definitely spends a lot of time on his phone or i-pod. Seems to really enjoy them. We are looking forward to having him live next door to us for awhile. Love you lots

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CLAYTON ---- now this is a bit late but Clayton is the reason why. What little boy would not like a new shiny bike for his birthday. Well, on his special eighth birthday his mom and dad were so excited that they had been able to purchase his very first Clayton owned bicycle. (had always had a hand me down from the older brothers) But ----- he did not want a bicycle he wanted some Legos and did he every throw a fit about it. Dad was in Minnesota working and Mom was left to handle the problem. A slammed door, lots of loud words and yes a spanking later, grandma was called and headed to Syracuse to help. Such a disappointing day for everyone.
Now Clayton is my namesake and we share the same birthday so he holds a very special place in my heart. I too was sadden by the events of the day. Clayton is a very special young man who is so willing to share his love with grandma. He always has a story to tell me and that cute little smile and mischievous eyes say so much. Clayton is going to be baptized this year (hopefully) but he has a lot to think about first. Choosing to be baptized means that he will take upon his self the name of Christ and try to live a life like he teaches us. Being the youngest child in his family has perhaps had a great influence on Clayton's actions because he seems to need everything to be his way. In following Christ he will need to think of others first and how to be extra kind and loving. I pray that my little namesake will make each day a little bit better and happier. Love you lots

Happy Birthday to Baby Samuel

One year has passed and our little boy is celebrating his first birthday ---- healthy and strong. However, he still has a hard time sleeping through the night. It has been an eventful year for Sam and his parents. The worry and concern over his health and how he would handle the surgery were major concerns. Prayers were answered and blessings received and this little boy is doing so well. Sam has the most beautiful eyes --- big and brown. When he looks at you with that little bashful smile and sparkling eyes your heart just melts. Sam is a great little eater and hopefully will help his big sister Heather learn that foods taste good. Sam is crawling now and standing up to everything. Walking should not be too far off. He is also learning to master the stairs at Aunt Nicholes and Uncle Jeffs and at his home. Sam is a cutie who is very shy but just wait until he grows up --- the girls are going to really fall for him.

May 14, 2010 - For Time and ALL Eternity

It was a beautiful wedding day for Dusty and Kelsey. I understand that the day began for Kelsey at four a.m. with a hair appointment. Every bride wants to look stunning and a fancy hair-do seems to be one of the priorities. It was beautiful but nothing could over shadow the glow that Kelsey radiated from the great joy that she was feeling on this special day. She looked like a beautiful angel. Dusty and Kelsey would be sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan LDS Temple at 9:15 on that beautiful spring morning. Our neighbor and friend President Jerry Buchanan would preform this sacred ordinance for them. The temple is such an elegant and spiritual place to commit yourself to the one that you love. Peace and love filled the room as family and friends were able to witness this wonderful event. As the bride and groom exited the temple they were greeted by those who were at the ceremony and many other family and friends who were unable to be inside. You could certainly tell that this young couple is blessed to have a wonderful group of people to support them. A luncheon was hosted by Dusty's family at the Fielding Church. It was very tasty and looked so nice.
The day was completed with an absolutely beautiful reception at the Woodruff's church at Deweyville. Tonya has been working for many weeks preparing this event. WOW!!! is all that can be said ---- it was spectacular. Our prayers are with this young couple that they will always remember the feeling of that special day and that they will always remember to make our Father-in-Heaven and our Savior a part of their family. This will be of such great help in good times as well as the tough times. Hope you enjoy some of Grandma's candid shots.

Happy Birthday to Justin

Today we celebrate with great joy the birthday of our oldest grandchild, Justin. Twenty-six years seem to have just flew by. I can still see that cute little boy in the hospital with a head that was a bit pointed because he decided to come into the world opposite of normal. But we were just grateful that he was well and that mom was okay. Justin has brought great love into my life and some excitement too. Growing up he kept mom and dad quite busy with fun little antics. I think that the one that tops them all though is the day that he flushed Mom's wedding ring down the toilet. So young and so innocent. Some of the special qualities that I have noted in Justin is that he is so good with the little children. They seem to sense that he is kind and loving. Justin is a finisher. When a project is started he has the determination to follow through with it even if it means difficult times. Serving as a missionary in Brazil testifies of this. I am sure that conditions and circumstances were not always the best but he served with honor and I know that our Savior and our Father in Heaven are very aware of this great son. Now Justin has completed the first steps in his higher education and is looking forward to gaining even more. We wish him the best in this undertaking. I enjoy hearing Justin play the piano, having talks with him, and I am hoping that his eternal companion is not lost. LOVE YOU LOTS

Bear River Freshman Baseball Team are the Champions

Grandpa and I were able to attend Nate's final baseball game of the season on Monday evening. It was at the Box Elder High School Field and they were playing the Box Elder team in the championship game. It was a very pleasant evening and the game was exciting. I have never attended a Bear River verses Box Elder game before ---- and yes there is definitely a rivalry between the two schools. A time or two things got a little warm under the collar. But it all ended in great shape with Bear River winning. Nate has done a great job this year. At the beginning he was told that he would be just a back up player ---- but with good hard work and dedication he soon was a starter --- and played that way the rest of the year. He had a perfect bunt one time at bat that helped advance players and the other times he watched the ball good and took first on walks. Very proud of him and his work ethic. We hope that he enjoyed his season and that next year he will again make the team and have a great year. (By the way ---- DelRay and MacKenzie are still his noisiest fans.

Happy Birthday to Dan --- That is #one Dan

Dan is celebrating number FIFTY-ONE today. We really do hope that the years have been fantastic and that he will have many more to come. Dan met Glenda while he was attending Utah State University. He is a Provo boy but we are glad that he decided to become and Aggie. Getting to know Dan has been a delightful process and also knowing his wonderful parents he could not help but be a great guy. Dan has always showed great determination to accomplish his goals and has not been afraid to change direction when necessary. We have shared many crazy fun times with Dan -(How well I remember those early days when you older married children had fun parties together- it would be fun to see you have them again with all of the married children) Dan has taught me how to do many things with the new technology that perhaps I would not have understood alone. When I look at my photo albums and see all of the yearly family pictures I feel very blessed to have someone like Dan that willingly shares his time and talents with us. As Dan and Glenda's family has grown to three fine sons we are grateful for the special care that they have given the children. A family that plays together will stay together and a family that prays together will be eternal. Love you all so much.

Happy Anniversary to the Sorias

Sid and Natalie are celebrating number six today. They certainly have accomplished many wonderful things during those few short years. The most important would be the addition of two little special children, Heather and Sam. They were also blessed to be able to become an eternal family by attending the temple and being sealed as a couple and having Heather sealed to them. That was truly a very special day. When baby Samuel joined this family he was born into the temple blessings. We pray that a "Family Forever" will be theirs. A new home has been purchased and made so warm and inviting. May each day be blessed with peace and happiness as you continue on your journey. Remember the joy of this day ---- it can be an eternal feeling.

The Woods Celebrate Twenty-Five Years

Paul and Teresa reached a wonderful milestone on Monday, May 10th. They have been married for twenty-five years. Sometimes it seems just like yesterday and sometimes it seems that they have always been a couple. We are so happy that they are our neighbors ---- but even better our family. They are so kind and courteous to us. Thank you so much. It is our prayer that they will have many more years together and that those years will be filled with a great measure of love and peace.

Mothers Day

Being a mother and a grandmother and a great grandmother is truly a great blessing. As I reflect on the last forty-nine years so many moments come to mind. Some moments are filled with so much joy my spirit can hardly contain it and some moments are filled with so much despair it seems hard to carry on. I have tried very hard not to be a preacher but to be a loving teacher. At times I know that I have not succeeded but I ask for your forgiveness in my short comings. All a mother ever wants is that each one of her family be an upright citizen, a loyal friend to family, and the most important --- a faithful child of God. When the gospel principles are the top priority in our life we will find that peace and happiness that we all seek after. Worldly ways will not bring this to pass ---- they will only confuse us and lead us closer to the path that Satan would have us take. Heavenly Father loves and cares for each one of us individually ---- Love Him in return. Honor Him and Respect Him in the choices that you make each day. He gave you life and the means to return home to him and have that ETERNAL HAPPINESS and JOY. I love you too and so does Brad and Dale whether they are in your life as a father or grandfather. You are in our prayers continually ---- we are here when you need us.On this special day I must pay tribute to my own sweet mother. I miss her so much. It was thirteen years ago on Mothers Day that we held her viewing in Idaho Falls. I still call her phone number once in a while --- but I guess heaven just does not have phone service. Love you mom---you were my dearest friend, my greatest example --- my strongest supporter. I truly pray that we will be together again.

Grandpa Jeff and Kinley

Kevin was at work on Saturday so Grandpa Jeff babysat little Kinley so Brittani could attend the graduation ceremonies. Carli caught the action --- or maybe the lack of it. Cute - Cute-Cute

Triple Pride - and one dead camera

Wow! Saturday May 8, 2010, was such a wonderful day for Grandparents. I am sure that our heads were just a bit larger and we were probably missing buttons from being so proud.

We had three grandchildren taking part in wonderful life changing events. Kelsey would be going to the Bountiful Temple to receive her endowments in preparation for her marriage to Dusty in the Logan Temple. Justin and Meagan would be receiving their Bachelor Degrees at the graduation ceremonies at Utah State University. Due to the times of the scheduled events and the distance apart that they would be taking place Grandpa and I had a major dilema. Where do we go? Kelsey came to the rescue. While we were purchasing her and Dusty's temple clothing in Logan earlier in the week she told me that we should go to the graduation ceremonies. We would then be able to be with her on the 14th when she and Dusty are sealed. Thank you Kelsey for your sweet help and consideration. I truly missed being with you in the temple but I know that you had many loving family members and sweet temple workers to be by your side. I was glad when you told me that your day was wonderful.

Meagan's college graduation was at two in the Spectrum and Justins was at four also in the Spectrum so Grandpa and I just stayed in the same place. Glenda had prepared a lovely lunch for Justin, family, and friends. It was held at the Nesbit home after the morning graduation ceremonies. We were given curb side service to the Spectrum by Glenda so my walking was limited --- thank heavens since the legs are a bit tired.

Both ceremonies were very nice and we congradulate Justin and Meagan for this great accomplishment. We pray that you will continue on and reach all of your goals.

My camera batteries died ---- after just a few pictures --- hoping to get some from Dan and Teresa.

A Day at the Sorias

On Friday Brad and I headed to Farmington to help at the Sorias. Sid and Natalie have been in the process of finishing the downstairs area in their home. They would be hosting a luncheon for Dusty and Kelsey and some family members on Saturday after the endowment session at the Bountiful Temple. As usual everything that you have planned so well can get a kink thrown into it. The carpet was to have been finished on Thursday and the cleaning could begin, but it was delayed until Friday. Dust, dust and more dust had drifted upstairs from the sheetrock work and with so many hours needed to spend in getting supplies and materials picked out things had piled up a bit for the Sorias. When Brad and I arrived the carpet layers were starting a big day of work. (just two of them and they did amazing--- done by four) You could smell a wonderful fresh cleaning odor--- Natalie was just about finished scrubbing the children's bathroom and was headed to Heather's room next.

Grandpa helped entertain little Sam and Heather when she slowed down. Grandpa had to leave at about two to get the park ready for a group. I would be riding home with Paul and Teresa when they came by.

Grandma folded cloths, played with children, prepared some food for the luncheon, made beds and in general just kept busy with jobs that needed to be done. Before I left to come home we had fun planting the Sorias flower pots. Heather and Natalie had had a fun time at the nursery picking out flowers a few days before. Heather loved every minute and was so excited to help decide what flowers should go in which pot. I think maybe she has just a bit of my love for working in the garden in her. It is so awesome to see all of the beautiful things of nature that God has given to us.

Teresa and Paul arrived in the afternoon with a salad and watermelon for the luncheon and also helped with some moving of items and some clean-up. It is wonderful to see families give support and love to one another. That is what it is about. I arrived home about nine that evening. Very tired but satisfied with a good day.

More Windows

One by one ---- that is how you get the job done. We ordered two new windows for the south side of the great room. We picked them up on Tuesday of last week and Paul, Grandpa and I did some installing on Wednesday. (Yes, we picked a cold day) The finish framework both inside and out will be completed after all family activities are over. It is so nice to pull the drapes open and see beautiful CLEAR glass. Love it

Down but hopefully not OUT

It has been several days since I have felt to add to my blog. Sometimes the spirit seems to become a little low and may take longer to recover. I have struggled greatly since coming home from Montana. I know that things just happen and I should forget. Every song that we sang at church meetings on Sunday expressed to me that I must become more like Christ. I am having a hard time letting go of my anger. I know it only hurts me and that my sadness is of my own making but why is it this way? Wanting to belong can be an evasive thing and perhaps something that is not meant to be. ------- So today I will blog ---- let my heart become free and lighter and perhaps even a smile return to me. I have always tried to be an optimistic person so lets get it back.

Happy Birthday to Teresa

May 2, 1965, was the very special day when Dale and I welcomed our fourth child into our family. It was a Sunday. Had prepared to go to church and Dale had actually gone to Priesthood but he was called home when I felt that it was very necessary to get to the hospital. Dr. Mohr was called and we were on our way. It was also a very special day for another reason. Grandma Jennie Firth was celebrating her eightieth birthday. (She was a very lovely lady and grandmother and great grandmother).

The months of carrying Teresa had held a great deal of concern. When I had gone to see Dr. Mohr for the first time he took one look at me and said "What in the world is going on here?'

Before I could explain that I was going to have a baby he started to feel my neck. He had seen that I had a lump on my neck. I told him that I was going to have a baby and then he became even more concerned. He set up an appointment for me to see Dr. Grua in Ogden --- he was known as the cancer doctor. The appointment and tests confirmed that I had a tumor on my thyroid. There was nothing that could be done at the time because I was too early in the pregnancy so I was given some medicine and sent home. From then on I would see Dr. Mohr and Dr. Grua each month. At one point when I was far enough along (I guess what you would call the second trimester today) Dr. Grua really wanted to preform surgery and remove the tumor --- he was concerned of cancer and its spread. However, he could not guarantee us that our little baby would be okay so we decided no surgery would take place and we would have to put great faith in our Heavenly Father and the Priesthood that the best would happen. They also were concerned that the tumor could be effecting the health of our baby. (Today with all of the wonderful medical equipment everything could have been handled much easier --- but it was the time of just x-rays and simpler equipment) She was just fine at birth and we were so grateful and happy. The tumor needed to still come out --- so Dr. Grua wanted me to get well and strong and then the surgery would take place. It was scheduled for September 5th. He wanted us to make arrangements for the four little children to be taken to other homes and cared for for about a month. I was to have complete rest and quiet. Crazy according to today's ways but that is what happened. Mom and Dad would take Tonya, Glenda and Jeff and care for them and Aunt Beverly and Uncle Dale would take the new baby Teresa and care for her for the month. When I think about this now I am so stunned by the way things were done. When I was well and released by Dr. Grua we headed to Idaho to gather our little family. But our new little baby cried and cried when we took her from her new mom and dad - Uncle Dale and Aunt Beverly. They were the ones that she knew, loved and depended on. It took a bit of time before she was our little one again. We were so grateful for our wonderful family. My mom and dad were always such a wonderful help to us.
Teresa is our left oriented child. Left handed, left footed, left eyed ---- and does she ever accomplish great things with this. She has always been very fond of playing games and sports. Always giving it her all. Sometimes I know that she has been truly blessed with not only the Clayton stubbornness but the Firth stubbornness. Just never gives up on a good project. One of the most memorable school experiences I shared with Teresa was in High School. She had really been lazy in doing her school work. (liked playing more) Her grades were terrible. She and I had a talk and it was decided that if she got a 4.0 I would buy her a car of her very own. (I probably didn't think this out real good). It did have to be a 4.0 though. The next report card that came home had all A's and one A-. She was oh so close ---- but never bugged me about the car because she understood the agreement ---- she worked so hard. I think the greatest thing that happened was that she learned her great potential when she apply herself. This she has done every since. It has not always been easy but she has accomplished great things. She is now a mother and grandmother, a great M.A. for Dr. Schow, but most of all an eternal companion to Paul. We are so proud of her and so grateful for all the love, help and support that she gives to us.