Last Day of 2009 - Last Blog of 2009

Today has seemed to crawl by - maybe that is because of the Day-Quil --- and the fact that I am ending the year with a cold. Oh, well that just means I will start the New Year with a cold. And it shall all pass.

I am grateful for the year that has passed. We made it and will continue to make it with the Lords help and support from one another. I thank each one of you my family and friends for being there. Knowing that you are not "ALONE" brings great peace.

I am anxiously looking forward to the New Year and all of the exciting events that will be taking place in our family. So excited about them all. You are terrific and we look forward to sharing good times and sometimes a few rough spots with you.

Happy Birthday to Amy Despain

Where did the time go? It has been thirty-one years since my last little one was born. Boy was it a cold December day. Mom had returned home to Idaho after having spent Christmas with us. I guess we figured we would have a little bit longer before the baby decided it was time to come even though Christmas Day was the due date. Anyway on that Saturday morning of December 30th it was time. Around noon Tonya and Glenda would take me to the "New Hospital" (Now the closed up one) in Tremonton. All of the other children had been born in the old hospital on the hill so this would be a new experience for me. I sure was used to the old and familiar but all this new stuff was different. The girls did a terrific job looking after me and Jeff and Teresa did a great job of looking after the little ones at home. A telephone call had been made to Grandma in Idaho and she would be headed back down to help. Before Dale had passed away he had already decided that Dawn would be this baby's middle name. (Do you ever wonder why he knew it would be a girl --- I guess the odds were just there.) We had not decided on a given name for her but after the baby was born and Tonya and Glenda were seeing her for the first time Glenda suggested Amy. That was the perfect name - for Amy Dawn does mean Beloved of the Morning and that is exactly what she is. She brought to us the greatest love that a family can have at a time when it was needed so badly. The spirit of a new little special child of God can bring the sweetest joy to a home and family. The last thirty one years have been filled with her sweet love and concern for me. Always a call to see how I am doing and if she can help me with anything. Her experiences in life have not always been the easiest but she continues to move forward and excell in all that she puts her mind to. Happy Birthday to Amy and may life be filled with peace and happiness.

We drove to Stansbury and enjoyed a great supper of soup and sandwiches and then played on the new family WII. Not to good at Mario but could manage Toy Story Mania. It was fun to be with Amy for her Birthday. Love you so much

Happy Birthday to Sid Soria

A Very Happy Birthday to Sid today. He tells me that he is thirty-three. We are so very grateful that Natalie found Sid or vise versa that Sid found Natalie. We are also very grateful for the wonderful new experiences that he has brought to our family. Our prayer is that we will always be an example of fairness and good to him as he is to us.
I will always remember and cherish that first Christmas Eve that Sid came to spend with us and to meet us for the first time. He was so kind and accepting of us and our celebration of our Savior Jesus Christs Birth. Brad and I had talked a great deal about whether we should do things differently because of Sid's Jewish faith. But we knew that would not be the right thing for we are witnesses of Christ at all times and in all things. And that is what we are. I pray that our example had some influence on Sid as he began to accept Christ into his life.
Yesterday as the Soria family visited with us we had a fun impromptu Birthday Celebration. Sid said that he wanted to break with tradition and just have oatmeal cookies for his birthday and not a cake. Now that did not sit to well with Heather --- she was insistent that her Dad would have a cake. So with some candles from the pantry and a fruit cake from the cupboard we celebrated Dad's birthday with a "CAKE" and some candles. Children can bring so many smiles and sometimes so much frustration. Enjoy --- they soon grow up and are leaving the nest. Thanks Sid -- you are a very special son-in-law and our prayers are with you each day that you will be blessed with peace and joy.

Christmas Photos

Our Nicest Christmas Gift

Christmas day Grandpa and I received the most wonderful Christmas Gift. "FAMILY" --- We were able to spend several hours with all of our family (Minus our first Son-in-Law DelRay - who had to spend the day working -- he was greatly missed). Thank-you so much family, it means the world to us. We love you so very much and are so grateful for your love, kindness, thoughtfulness, and support. May you be blessed each day and always remember that if your life is filled with the spirit of Christ your days will be okay. Love you

Grandpa Jeff and Kinley

Had a nice visit with Jeff the other day and I think he is really enjoying this Grandpa gig ---- No surprise with a sweet one like Kinley.

Kelsey is on the mend

Kelsey had her wisdom teeth removed last week --- tonight she stopped in and still looks a bit rough but says that she is doing better. Our best to her.

Frosty and Beautiful Morning

There is just something so wonderful to see the beauty of a foggy night.

Never Be Too Old --- Or You Will Miss the Party

Well, it was a first for Grandpa and I ---- We went to a Birthday Party at "Chuck E Cheese".
Yes, Tristin had asked us to come down and share his birthday with him. The party was planned for around 4:30 so we would miss the really big crowds. Not too bad when we arrived - of course the Handicap Parking Sticker helps-- parked close to the front door. It was a very fun and interesting night. Thanks Tristin for including us. The children had a great time trying to get 500 tickets each so they could get the prize that they each wanted. Skylar went way over 500 so he shared with Heather. Large bouncy balls and a tutu for Heather.

On The Go Again? You sure are Gone alot!!!

Those were the words of the Home Teachers as they came tonight. Seems that when they call to make an appointment we are going some place or just getting home. Tonight we just got home from Logan about two minutes before they arrived. Also my visiting teachers were here this morning so we are now all taught and hopefully better. The lessons were about serving others and that the family in a house is what truly makes it a home. Both very good thoughts. We were also blessed tonight to have some of the young men and women stop in caroling just as the Home Teachers were finishing the lesson. It was cute and we appreciated them. Some of the young men used to be in Brad's Webelos Troop. I truly love the spirit that prevails in our home during this beautiful season of Christmas. I know that it is the true spirit of Christ and the way that He would like us to be at all times. Hope I can work on that better.

Brad and I enjoyed some shopping in Logan, Dinner at "Angies" and a sweet visit with Glenda. Her fresh cut tree is beautiful. It was a nice day and now it is time for it to come to an end.

Happy Birthday to Tristin Isaacson

The years seem to just be flying by ----- Tristin is already a "Teenager". December 16th is his day of celebration. Just think in only six short years he will be heading on his mission. Tristin is our serious and sometimes our moody little grandson. But one of his most outstanding qualities is his thoughtfulness and politeness to others. He is always there offering to help me with whatever is going on whether it is in the kitchen or cleaning up play messes. So polite in always saying "Thank-you" or that was so good grandma. We will be expecting many great things from Tristin. (I really was hoping he would be my pianist) Maybe someday. We are so proud of Tristin --- and hope he will always do his best in school but especially in honoring his Priesthood and helping in the Church and showing love and kindness to his family.



Tristin as his favorite character ----- so cool. You ought to see his bedroom!!!

Dale S. Firth - June 24, 1941 - December 13, 1978

I have been told that a blog can be published and printed into a book. So maybe today as I do my writing it will be in a book later on that my posterity will understand their Grandpa Dale and Me.
Funny how dates on a calendar can set into motion so many feelings. It is said that the pain of death heals with time. Perhaps --- but I think that time helps you move on and become the best that you can but the pain still remains in that hallow part of your heart that died at the same time of your loved one. Then when the time comes each year it surfaces to the top and the ache again feels unbearable. Today my life is good and I am so blessed but memories are close to the surface. Thirty-one years ago today we lost our husband and father. "Dear Father please don't let him hurt anymore" had been my constant plea. Now his earthly pain was over.
We had spent such a fun day together the day before. Even though I was a little large and the baby was getting closer to coming (Due on Christmas Day), Dale, Natalie and I got into the big cattle truck and headed to Ogden to pick up a load of cattle that Grandpa Delbert had purchased at the sale. The weather was cold so Dale had placed a large piece of cardboard on the radiator to help generate a little more heat into the cab of the truck and Natalie and I were bundled up in a warm blanket. It was going to be such a busy day that I had packed a lunch that we could eat on our way home. Sandwiches, chips, cookies and some oranges. I can still smell the scent of those sweet oranges as I peeled them and gave sections to each of us to enjoy. It was a tiring but fun few hours. The cattle were unloaded and put into the corrals - the children returned home from school and Dale and I got cleaned up so we could head to Logan for his appointment with Dr. Canning and do a little Christmas Shopping. After seeing Dr. Canning I was invited to talk with him and Dale. He really felt that there was some improvement and that just perhaps things would get better. Words of such hope to fill our hearts during this Christmas month.
A special gift was to be purchased that night. A sewing machine for Tonya. She would be graduating the next summer and heading off to school where she would need the sewing machine for the classes she desired to take. She had become an excellent seamstress and her father wanted to be sure that she had what she would need. After many questions for the salesman it was decided that a little Singer would be the choice. We would be able to pick it up the next week. While walking the Mall Dale spotted this large white Teddy Bear with a big Blue Ribbon and wanted it for his then baby daughter, Natalie. He had so much fun carrying it under his arm as we browsed the shops. That evening he would spend fun time with the little children helping them to write letters to Santa and fooling around.
Wednesday morning the thirteenth Dale was going to be leaving early to help Uncle Clair at the stock yards in Garland with some cattle and then he was going to the High School to pick up some sheets of plywood that he had let Tonya use for a school float for the Fair Parade. He and Grandpa Delbert were in the process of setting up a hog operation and the plywood would be used to build the brooder stalls for the sows to have their little ones.
After breakfast it was off to school for the children and Dale would head for Garland in his little blue and white pickup. "Love you Hon - See you later" would be his last words to me. Natalie and I settle in for a little quiet time and rest from the activities of the day before. But --- the time just kept passing and Dale had not returned when he thought he would. I was stranded. Tonya used our car to get to an early morning class and Grandmother Dorothy was gone in her car. All I could do was wait and watch the time pass. After lunch when Grandmother Dorothy returned home I called and asked to borrow her car for a bit. Natalie and I headed for the High School. As we drove to the back of the school across from the Ag building we could see that little blue and white pick up backed up to the big door. There were a couple of sheets in the back ---- I yelled out for Dale but did not get a reply so I proceeded to walk into the semi-dark building. Then my heart dropped -- there he was lying on the floor half under a bench clutching his chest with a piece of plywood at the side. I dropped to his side but he felt so cold and still --- this could not be possible. I ran to the Ag Room crying and Mr. Merrell saw me and as I tried to make sense of my words I told him that I needed an ambulance, that Dale was lying on the floor in the building across the way. He got others to help and we returned getting a very frightened and confused little Natalie from the car. The ambulance crew came and did something (but he was gone). It was hard for Nick Estep to say those words to me. It was such a helpless feeling to know that nothing could be done. They carefully placed Dale in the ambulance and took him to President Taylor at the Funeral Home. With the help of Uncle Bill the children were gathered up at the High School, the Junior High and the Grade School before word of mouth would get to them that their father had died at the school that day. So many wonderful people to help us. I remember asking President Taylor "How does a mother tell her children that their father has died" and his reply "Very Gently". Yes, very gently, hearts are tender and little ones so frightened, but the peace of the Savior will enfold us and help us to be okay. Maybe never the same again but okay and we will smile and laugh and find that joy in each day that says we are okay.
A father whose love for his children was unmeasurable and whose love is still present as the guardian angel of our family. You know it is funny sometimes how God works his wondrous miracles. For we have been blessed with a Heavenly Guardian Angel and a wonderful Earthly Angel. For even in the tragedy of it all we were sent a wonderful man who guards and protects us each day here on earth. A heart can hold love for two wonderful men. I thank God for Dale and I thank God for Brad.

To Stansbury Park and Home Again

Grandpa and I left early Wednesday for Stansbury Park to be with Jacob. His parents work shifts right now are crossing over each other and Jacob would have to be alone without grandpa and grandma being their. A quick stop at the Isaacsons was made on the way and we left with some wonderful Divinity Candy. Jeff and Nichole are learning to make candies this Christmas Season and we thank them for sharing the efforts of their labors with us. It was fantastic. Heather calls it Fluffy Pink Frosting and she really loves it. Will share the blue ones but not the pink ones.

Amy had turned her heat up for Grandma and the fireplace was on making the family room very cozy.---- I know I still get cold!!!! Thanks Amy. We had a fun time. Amy was on call Thursday night so we could not leave until after 11:00 p.m. so we just stayed the night again. While supper was being prepared Jacob and Grandpa practiced playing Checkers. Jacob is starting to get the hang of it and he and Grandpa had lots of fun. Grandpa does love to tease him. After a delicious supper we played the game of Life. Can you believe it, I did not have one child and was a salesman and I lost. Me the mother of eight and who has a hard time talking with others. It was fun. Amy says that Max is in withdrawal without Grandpa. He and Grandpa play alot and Max really loves this. I think he would like to be Grandpa's dog.

We headed for home early Friday morning but when we received a phone call from Heather asking us to come by we could not resist. It is always fun to visit the Grandchildren and to know that they are excited to have us come. Natalie had warm cinnamon rolls ready for us and we so enjoyed them. Sam just watched us and is so darn cute. He was having his breakfast and totally enjoying it.

We arrived home to a very cold house (had lowered the heat to 60 when we left). Thanks Paul for checking on things and being sure that we had no frozen pipes during this really cold spell. Always good to go visit and to be needed but is also very good to be home. We do enjoy the warm and comfort of our home and are very grateful for it and all of our blessings. Now with just ten days until Christmas, Grandma really will need to concentrate on getting the calendar finished and Christmas gifts prepared and Christmas Dinner planned and what can be done ahead of time done. We are looking forward to being with all of you for Christmas.

Happy Birthday to Carli

December 9th is the big day for Carli. She is so excited that she will be eighteen. We are so happy for her too. However, 18 will be great for now just not sure when the years add up and perhaps it is 81. We love you Carli and are so proud of you. As we watch you with little Kinley we see just how much love you have to share with everyone. You have a wonderful sweet spirit. Always stay that way and you will find great joy in all that you do. It is hard to believe that "the Princess" is a senior in high school, holds a part time job, and will be heading off to college before we know it. It seems like it was only yesterday that you were that little girl that I would come and tend. Remember when we would organize your closet. You really did love "things". Love to you and may all your dreams come true.

Some photos

We Did It

Saturday was our turn to host the dinner for my siblings and their spouses. Aunt Betty from Maple Valley was unable to come in but the three brothers from Idaho and Uncle Dennis from St. George were here. Uncle Larry and Aunt Bonnie arrived late Friday night after watching Bonneville High from Iona play the Preston Basketball team. Larry's grandson plays on the Bonneville Team. Preston won. Brad and I had prepared as much as possible a head of time so that our Saturday could be a bit more relaxed but alas ---- in the end I hollered for help from Teresa and Paul. Just could not have done it without them. Dennis and Sharron stayed with us Saturday night. They left early Sunday morning to beat the storm that was forecast. Harlan and Greg and Dale and Beverly arrived together on Saturday. It is so much fun to be with all of them. They are good brothers and their wives are good friends. We love and appreciate them. The new Clayton cookbook was the inspiration for the meal (along with the consideration of all the brothers weakened stomachs).
We had Christopher and Glenna's baked potato soup, Aunt Arlene's frozen fruit cocktail with sprite, Amy's Meat loaf and gravy with mashed potatoes, Deanna's frozen corn recipe, peas and carrots and Moms Steamed Carrot Pudding with Carmel Sauce for desert. All in all I think it was okay.
A lot of reminising always takes place and we again realize how blessed we were to have been raised by good parents and in a good home and in The Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you Mom and Dad. I pray that my own children will find this same to be true as the years roll on.

Just About Ready

It has been a busy week for Grandpa and I as we prepare for Dinner with my Brothers on Saturday. The lights outside are up and Grandpa did such a fantastic job. They are beautiful. Oh! how I do love the Christmas Holidays and what they stand for. The Peace of our Savior is so important in my life at this time. How grateful I am to know that He lives and that He loves me. It makes hard days better.
I have finished my Christmas decorations on the inside of our home and it has been great fun bringing things out and thinking of all the wonderful times that we have had making so many of them. You are all so very talented and I appreciated you sharing and helping me to make fun projects too. Today was the day to make the yearly fruit cakes for Grandpa and I and anyone else who would like one. Also made English Toffee, Peanut Brittle and Fudge with and without nuts today. It has been a fun day but I am glad that bedtime is close.

Great Grandchildren Make a Visit

It was fun to see the little great grandchildren. My how fast the little ones grow. They are so cute and their Moms and Dads are sure great. Baby Garrett is so healthy and strong. Uncle Brandon says he will be walking in no time. Such a little trooper when traveling to see family in northern Utah.

Little Kinley is not quite walking but manages to get where she wants real quick. She let go of the end table and just stood for a moment so I think walking is not far behind. She loved Grandma Greats cell phone but was a little taken back when it would ring. Uncle Paul had fun teasing her by calling my phone. "Where did that noise come from" seemed to be on her mind. She enjoyed looking at the Christmas Village and was such a big girl about just looking, only touching the snow. Such a little sweetheart.