How Fun!!!

It is so fun to watch the new Grandparents in our family.  I know it means Brad and I are aging but it is so special to enjoy life right now.  Today Meagan has returned to work at the Watersons.  Grandpa Paul was left to watch over little Tyler.  When Paul delivered us a fresh loaf of baked bread Thursday night he was happy to report that he and Tyler had had a great day.  This is a cute picture of Tyler laughing at Grandpa ---- who I am sure was smiling just as happily on his side of the camera. 

Family Calendar 2011

Another year has passed and 2011 is on the horizon.  Once again I was able to get the family calendar completed by Christmas.  Each year I do a bit better.  Only one quick run for ink this year.  And hopefully not too many errors.  We are growing in number and sometimes it is hard to be sure we have all the expected events for the coming year.  I know that the future wedding will be missing and Ryans completion date for school.  I do wish them the best and hope everyone will write in the important events.  I so appreciate each one of you for your help with your family page.  It is fun to see what pictures you select to represent the events of your past year.  Thanks a bunch.  I also have fun trying to decide what will go on the additional four pages.  Hope you enjoy.

Firth-Frank

Family Calendar

2011

“Rejoice in Life”

Each day will bring new challenges to us as a family. Meeting these challenges

with faith, hope and courage will help us to move forward and

accomplish great things. We are not alone in facing life ----

Our loving Father and our Savior Jesus Christ will take us by the hand

when we let them. May you always remember how much you are loved

and know that

TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT!!!

Travelers

Late Wednesday (after work) the Howell's headed to Grants Pass, Oregan, for a family reunion with Dan's father's family.  The drove for seventeen hours.  That Garrett sure is a trooper.  We are so grateful to know that they have arrived safe ---- even though they traveled on some bad roads.  Have lots of fun.  Drive home safe.

Snowy Travels

Mandy's Father in laws backyard on the River in Grants Pass, Oregon ---- Looks like summer

This afternoon the Soria family headed to Island Park to spend the New Year weekend with the Kettle family at their families summer home.  I was so worried that they would have very bad roads.  But Natalie called about 7:30 to say that they had arrived safe and the roads were fine.  Sam was so glad to be out of the car and I could hear Heather in the background so excited to see Max.  Have fun.

Happy Birthday to Amy Dawn

Today the thirtieth is Amy's thirty second birthday.  The weather was very similar 32 years ago.  Very cold and lots of snow.  I am so very grateful that I have been blessed to have Amy as a daughter.  I know that she will always call and be sure that we are doing okay.  I know that she is always happy when we can come to visit her.  I know that she works so very hard at being the best wife and mother that she can be.  I know that she is an excellent nurse who loves her "little babies".  I admire that she can so skillfully care for little ones that are so very tiny and in need of such specialized care.  She has worked hard to have a lovely home and one that is filled with the spirit of our Heavenly Father.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Jacob's Birthday Gift for his Mom ---- I Love You out of modeling clay
best gift a mom can get

Happy Birthday to Sid

December 28th was Sid's Birthday.  Too bad it had to be a day of work for both he and Natalie.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if Birthdays were paid vacation days.  Sid had requested a cream cheese pie instead of a cake this year so Natalie was happy to make one.  We are so grateful that Sid is a member of our family.  He is a great friend, a great husband and a great dad.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2010

Christmas morning and we had a nice breakfast with the Despains and then headed north to prepare for the family party at 4:30.  A quick stop to see what Santa delivered to Heather and Sam.  Oh! so much fun and so cute.  Heather's doll house is all made of wood.  Even the furniture.  It will definitely be a family keepsake.  Sam ---- yep he got a basketball stand.  That little boy does love to play with balls.  His dad says that he will be a kicker someday as good as he does it now for just being a year and a half.  They have so much fun and loves it when dad teases ad mom plays with them.

A stop at the Soria's on our way home ---- so much excitement



Brad and I were very excited about Christmas.  Every member of our family would be coming to the dinner this year.  We had prepared and shopped earlier in the week so that we would just have to put the food in the oven to cook when we got home. (Ham and Cheese Potatoes with rolls) We had rented the Senior Center's big room since all fifty of us would be there.  Brad had also invited his mother to come if she would like.  At 96 we wondered if she would want to be with so many but she said yes. I had made brownies and an orange fluff salad and had asked each family to please bring their favorite salad or deseret to share.  (So much good food)  Thanks

Brad and I headed to the Center at three to set everything up.  It is so nice to be able to seat everyone and still have a nice space for our tradional games and present exchange.

OK Lets Party

OK MacKenzie ---- yes it was grandpa and Grandma --- DUH

The boys have their turn

The girls ---- just a bit easier

RED LETTER DAY

We received one of the nicest gifts this year.  We have waited some time for it to come put when Ryan and Jordi arrived at the Christmas party she was wearing a very beautiful new engagement ring.  We are so very happy for them.  They have worked hard at completing their educations and have settled into some pretty good jobs.  We pray that the will continue to be blessed and find great happiness as they prepare for their marriage.  Jordi says that the big day will come in late summer or early fall. 

Tyson was also sporting some fancy sunglasses ----- major eye hurt.  He had lasik surgery on Wednesday and was miserable.  We really appreciate him coming.  Hopefully each day will become a bit better.

For several years I have selected a book to give each family that they could enjoy together.  Inside of each book was a written message or a letter of love and testimony.  After much thought and a great deal of indicision we finally decided to make a change this year.  This year the gift would be an emergency battery powered light for each married family.  So it was on line to the Coleman store to make the purchase.  I am sure that when the UPS gentleman delivered four big boxes of lights from Coleman he thought we were crazy.  Well when it came to getting them all wrapped we thought we were crazy.  But oh it was fun.  This was the inspiration and feelings that would be given in the annual Christmas letter. 

December 25, 2010

Dear Family,

As we have planned for this Christmas we have been very much aware of your joys, your successes, your struggles and the daily hectic pace that you live. We have often wondered how we could be of the best support to each one of you without being in the way. You are always in our hearts and in our prayers. We pray that you will continue to be blessed by your loving Father in Heaven and His son Jesus Christ.

So this year our thoughts have been on “LIGHT”. “LIGHT” can come in so many different ways. The flip of a switch and a room can turn from dark to light and we are able to find our way. To live in a world without Electricity is indeed rather frightening. We so depend on the “LIGHT” and other benefits that it provides. But, so often it is just a wonderful utility that we take for granted day to day. However, when that power is gone we come to realize how much easier it makes our lives.

Our Savior Jesus Christ came into the world to provide us the most important “LIGHT”. It far surpasses any other “LIGHT”. Are we taking His “LIGHT” for granted each day without realizing the wonderful benefits that it can bring to our lives. If we will but let his “LIGHT” glow within us and upon us life will be filled with such wonder and peace.

In knowing this and having a sure testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ that He is our Redeemer, our Leader, our Example, but above all our greatest Friend we want to bring some “LIGHT” into your lives. This “LIGHT” is for emergency purposes when that great power switch decides to go of. You will be able to flip the switch and have a “LIGHT” to find your way. But most of all we hope that it will remind you of our testimonies of our Savior Jesus Christ. He is the only begotten of the Father, His atonement is the most wonderful gift that we have been given. He is the ultimate gift of “LIGHT” from our Father in Heaven to help us “Return with Honor”.

We share with you the testimony of The First Presidency. They are men of God, chosen to lead us today. Their words echo in our hearts and in our Christmas wish for you.

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released the following 2010 Christmas message:

In celebrating the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ our thoughts turn to that sacred occasion when He was born “The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). He promised: “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). Truly, Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer who was “wounded for our transgressions … and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

Our prayer this Christmas season is that the light and testimony of the Savior's divine mission will come into our hearts and be reflected in our lives and in our homes.

May each of us be blessed, not only at this Christmas season, but also throughout the coming year. May our faith in Jesus Christ increase as we follow His example in all we do and say.

We are so very grateful for each one of you and the love and support that you give to us. Thank You seems so small for such great acts of love and kindness. As we look around our home and see all of the wonderful improvements that you helped us with whether by action or by great words of encouragement we are so grateful. As the days come and go and you realize that you are “Aging” and that your capabilities are not quite what they used to be it is good to know that family is there for you. We Love You.



Christmas Eve with the Despains

Brad and I received an invitation from the Despain family to spend Christmas Eve with them at Stansbury Park.  We worked quick and hard the last week before Christmas to be sure that we had everything ready so we could enjoy the evening with them.  It would be a long and busy but very enjoyable day.  It would start at 5:30 a.m. so we could make our three deliveries for the 12 days of Christmas ----

Mary and Todd's friends came in from Missoula, Montana, on Thursday and we were invited to go to breakfast with them on Friday Morning the 24th.  When I talked with Mary late Thursday about the time to meet and where it seemed like there was just no place close that would be nice.  Brandi and Josh would need to be at the Salt Lake Airport by noon to make their flight to Mississippi to spend Christmas with their families so time would be a big factor.  It hit me then that the best place for breakfast would be right in my own home.  So the invite was given and accepted.  Everyone would meet at our home at 8:30 Christmas Eve Morning.  Grandpa and I prepared the table that night and planned a menu from the food items we had.  It would be bacon, sausage, ham, hashbrowns, scrambled eggs, pancakes, orange or apple juice and milk or hot chocolate.  It was so much fun for us to set a beautiful Christmas table and have such special company.
Brandi and Mary became very close friends when they worked together at the Orthopedic Clinic in Logan and Josh was working on his PHD at Utah State University.  He now has taken work with the US Fish and Game based out of Missoula.  He and Brandi are both from Mississippi and it is so fun to visit with them with that southern accent.  They are not members of the LDS Church but that does not hinder a very dear friendship.   Recently Brandi's Grandmother was very ill and she called Mary and asked her if she would place her name on that prayer roll in the temple in Logan.  I am grateful that Mary has been such a wonderful example to her.  I hope that they can come again soon.

Amy and Danny had prepared a wonderful turkey dinner with all of the trimmings.  They are excellent cooks and it tasted so good since we had not eaten since breakfast.  Jacob wrote his letter to Santa after supper and he included a new TV for Grandma on the list and socks and tools for Grandpa.  He and his mom had made cute Micky and Minnie sugar cookies for Santa to enjoy. 

We did go to bed rather early since we had gotten up extra early that morning.  A good nights sleep was truly enjoyed.

Grandpa and I were the first ones up and at 8:30  Jacob had to be woke up.  Amy says they have to wake him up every Christmas morning.  He loved his Santa presents and his presents from Mom and Dad.

Part of the Despain's Christmas was the fun trip to Disneyland during the Thanksgiving break.
Santa filled everyones stockings with fun treats and prizes, even Grandpa and Grandma had a sock.  Pepsi for Grandpa and blue work hankies and salted nut rolls.  For Grandma it was black licorice, a movie and an orange in the toe.  In fact everyone but Grandpa got an orange in the toe of their sock.  Boy, I guess Santa really does know us well because for sure Grandpa does not eat fruit and that orange would have been wasted.  I was so much fun to spend Christmas with a family with a little one.  Us two old dudes have a pretty boring morning alone.

Antcipation ---- Christmas is so Fun

A new Bike and Helmet ---- Had to try out

Happy Birthday to Tristin Dale

December 16th was birthday number 14 for Tristin.  He is growing up so very fast.  He is also getting quite a bit taller.  However, on Sunday the 26th when we were attending the Isaacson's Ward in Syracuse he was the shortest of all the young men passing the sacrament.  I even know that some of those boys were deacons.

Tristin is a very thoughtful young man.  He does excellent in school and loves a great challenge.

On Sunday Tristin was ordained to the office of teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood by his father Jeff.  It was neat to see his older brother Skylar participate in this ordination.  When this was complete Tristin was then set apart as the secretary of the Teacher's Quorum. 

My brother Harlen and his son Gregory were also attending church in Syracuse.  His daughter Kim and her family are members of this ward also.  It is always nice to see each other.  It was especially nice since Kim's husband Jedd was one of the speakers.  However, he should have been left with more time since his talk was the best.

The weather was clear and no snow when we went into church but lots of snow when we came out as you can see by the picture.  We had a lovely roast beef dinner at Jeff and Nichole's home.  Everything tasted so delicious and the company so nice.  Those attending were Jeff's parents Bert and Donna, The Soria family, the Despain family and Brad and I.  We will truly miss them when they move.

December Times

Time has been flying by since my last journaling.  So many things happening everyday.  Hopefully I can recall them in some sense of order.

This year Brad and I limited the Holiday Decorations for our home.  I was down ill for several days and just did not have the energy for them all.  So just one tree --- but we do enjoy it.  We have filled it with many beautiful stars which to us represent the star telling the world that He is born.  Our lovely nativity set was placed on the piano in the music room with a beautiful statue of Christ as a grown man.  He is our Redeemer and our true friend.

I really enjoy the beauty and reason for Christmas

This year we wanted to share our love with others so we were able to do the twelve days of Christmas for two friends.  With help from Tonya and Teresa's families we planned and prepared to surprise and share with our friend DeLora in Bothwell and Robin in East Tremonton.  It was so fun and so special.  Grandpa and I are not too swift on our feet so MacKenzie was our official "Doorbell Ditcher".  Brad and I had been shopping at Wal-Mart about a week before we were to begin and Brad found a small BYU stocking.  Now he just could not resist buying it so he could continue to tease MacKenzie about BYU.  Since she has this thing about not liking the school. We had asked Tonya if she could please hang it on MacKenzie's room Christmas tree without her knowing where it came from.  We filled it with some of her favorite items---- Altoids, gum, and rolos.  So on that first night of our deliveries Brad went into the Woodruff home and slipped it to Tonya to place on her tree.  We then went and began the twelve days of Christmas with MacKenzie doing the running.
Well this was going to be a one time tease for MacKenzie but she was so puzzled and so concerned that she would have to put up with it for the next eleven days that Grandpa and I decided we would definitely have to taunt her for the full twelve days of Christmas.  The next day I made a huge bag of BYU BLUE Mother Goose Popcorn.  That night as we went to pick MacKenzie up to help us make deliveries we slipped to the back garage door where Tonya met us to get the popcorn.  We then drove to the front of the house and honked for MacKenzie.  At this point she really was sure that it was Grandpa and I.  But when we got back to her house and the bag was hanging on the front door she knew that it could not be us because she had been with us making deliveries.  We really chuckled on our way home.  She was stumped.  Tonya had meetings in Provo so she picked us up some BYU items and I ordered some on line that would arrive for the last five days.  What fun.  We mailed BYU postcards which puzzled her even more and each day at a different time a new delivery would arrive.  On the very last day Brad and I got up at 5:30 to make the delivery so she would still be asleep.  We had so much fun.  Our dear friends that we were able to help make Christmas a little brighter for also enjoyed our Holiday deliveries.  DeLora had lost her sweet companion Donnell this year and I remember how hard first holidays are.  She said that it was so special for her to look forward to each night and the surprise that would arrive.  Robin is also struggling from the loss of her companion from a tragic car accident a few years ago.  She has faced many hard challenges and we do hope that our gifts of love helped to brighten her holiday.  I am also very grateful for my family and the support and help that they give to serve others.

During this time Brad and I also made six batches of English Toffee, one Peanut Brittle, eight loaves of Banana Nut Bread, and planned our menu for Christmas dinner for the family.

December 19th was my Sunday to teach the Relief Society Lesson.  It was lesson #22 "Gifts of the Spirit".
I so enjoyed studying and preparing.  I am always the one who gains the most.  The love I feel for my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is so great.  The more I study and learn the stronger my testimony of them grows.  They live and they love us so much.  Gods plan for His children is flawless.  Oh, how I pray that I can "Return with Honor".  Apostle Hales has an article in an Ensign about the gifts of the Spirit.  As I studied it, he told of a saying that his wife has in their home.  "I will lift Thee and Thee will lift me and we will ascend together."  When we are blessed with the beautiful gifts of the spirit they are not only for our benefit but for us to share with and help others.  I prepared a small card that I tied to a candy cane as a hand out for the sisters.  I had taken my nativity set and talked about Gods greatest gift to us His Son Jesus Christ and how the Shepard's staff can be used to lift and support us in our lives.  As an object lesson about Gifts I took my Grandmothers yorkshire pudding pan.  This pan is now probably one hundred and forty plus years old.  I told the sisters that I had never been able to know my Grandmother in person because she passed away the December before I was born the next May. However, when I used her pan I was so reminded of the many stories that my mom and others shared about her with me and I could see her preparing her yorkshire pudding with love for her family.  Sharing with them its wonderful bubbly golden brown squares with brown gravy.  But this pan needs to have very special care ---- if after I use it I do not wash it thoroughly and then place it in the hot oven to dry it will rust.  Then it will be of no use to any one.  I have not seen the face of my Father in Heaven but I know that he is real because of the testimonies of others and because of the witness of the Spirit to me. I know that through the Spirit he will bless me with special gifts to help me and that I must use these gifts to serve other.  Also these gifts are sacred and should be given special care.  They are not for boasting or for self gratification.  If used with care and love they will stay with us.

SO MUCH FUN WITH BRITTANI

Brittani had asked me in November if I would help her make some quilts for Kevin's mom, dad and sister.  Wow!!! I just about spaced this one off.  I guess old age gets you once in awhile.  Plus Brittani is one of the most polite and sweet granddaughters.  She would never say "Grandma what about those quilts"?  She knew I had not been feeling well.  Well! when it finally hit me that we had a project to do we did get right on it.  I think they turned out very nice.  Brittani did a fantastic job of picking out the fabric and getting all of the supplies ready.  Brad and I made a quick trip to Stansbury Park to pick up my quilting frames and soon the quilts were done.  We prepared one with the back turned over on the front as the binding and then Aunt Tonya would do a fancy stitch on her sewing machine.  The other one had enough fabric to make a binding and sew on.  Tonya would do this part also.  She is a wonderful seamstress and shares her talent with such kindness and love.  It was so nice to spend this time with Brittani and visit with her.  It seems like just yesterday that she was just a newborn babe.  Now she is a wife and mother.  Where do the years go.

I am sure that every mother remembers those special Christmas gifts that her child makes in school for her.  This year Clayton surprised his mom with this very special arrangement.  She has truly enjoyed it during the Holidays.  Some amazing Room Mothers help 30 plus children accomplish this task.  Clayton was so excited to give it to his mom.

We enjoyed the beauty of an early December snow storm.  The mist was hanging close to the ground and everything looked so pure and magical.

Number 32

So today marks the 32nd year since Dale passed away.  His life entailed 37 short years of excitement, hard work, lots of teasing, a bit of mischief, service to family and friends, a wife, eight children, (and now 22 grandchildren and four great grandchildren, a desire to honor his father and mother with love and respect, a desire to be well.  So much crammed into such a short space of time.  I wonder when he looks down if his heart has the same feelings as mine.  We were very much in tune as companions with the goal of being good parents and helping the children become successful, honest, faithful and happy.  I think he just might be very pleased with how they are doing.  I pray that he will be pleased.  Life is eternal and families are forever.  Love

Happy Birthday to Carli

Today Carli celebrates birthday number 19.  It has been a year of great change for Carli.  She completed her High School Education at Bear River High School this year and she imbarked on the love and responsibily of being a mother.  Her little son Kaden Dale Firth was born in June the day after graduation. She has handled many new changes ---- some so wonderful and some so very hard ---- with great maturity.   We are so very proud of Carli and know that she will go forward and accomplish the desires of her heart for herself and her little son.   Love always

Yeah!!!!! I did some catching up

Nearly one in the morning but I have been able to catch up a little bit on past journaling.  Will try for some more when the sun comes up.  I really do admire those people who can keep wonderful journals their whole lives. 

House Guests have left

 Our home has kind of been the hotel rooms for Garens family this weekend.  His mom, sister and grandfather have been sleeping at our house.  Grandpa Howard left yesterday and this morning the women left and Brad and I did maid service.  He is so great to help me.  Couldn't do it without him.  We are kind of used to being empty nesters so not quite sure how we handle having all the bedrooms full.  It was nice but so different than having our family stay.  Seems to be just a bit more tentative on what to do.  But everything worked out and we are grateful that Meagan and Garen know that they are special and that we are glad we could help.  Tonight was quiet and we enjoyed watching a Christmas movie together.  I just knew I would finally be able to sleep in the bed tonight because this blasted cough seemed to have eased some.  But alas here I am sitting at my computer because the minute my head hit the pillow it began in earnest.  (Yes,  I have even taken cough syrup).  Tried the chair for a bit but still no relief.  The last resort is NyQuil and I really hate that.  Will see what happens.  Today, was also surgery day for my younger brother Larry.  He is having five discs fussed in his back.  He is in my thoughts and prayers.  My dad, my sister Betty, and all four of my brothers have now had back surgery.  I think maybe it just might be genetic like the doctor said.  I do hope this will help with his pain.

Tyler Lee Brewer Has a Special Day

Sunday, December 5, 2010, was a very special day for baby Tyler.  It was the day for him to receive his name and to receive his father's blessing.  The family gathered at the Elwood Second Ward Meeting house for Sacrament services.  It was so nice to sit in this special meeting with my family.  Seven of my eight children and their families were there and it felt so safe and peaceful to me.  Being a wife and a mother in Zion has always been my desire and my greatest blessing.  It was a very busy weekend for the Brewer and Woods family as they attended to every detail to make Tyler's Blessing Day special.  Included were trips to the airport to pickup Garen's Mom and Sister and his Grandfather.  BUSY BUSY.  But all the hard work paid off because it was indeed a wonderful day. 
Baby Tyler looked very handsome in his white knit romper and his father was equally handsome in his Sunday best.  Grandpa Brad did say that that bouncing motion did take place but luckily Baby Tyler handled it very well and did not make a peep.  Those standing in the circle were his father, Garen; grandfather Paul Wood; greatgrandfathers Brad Frank and Regent Howard; Uncle Daniel Howell, Great uncles, DelRay Woodruff, Dan Nesbit, Jeff Firth, Todd Johnson, Floyd Fuller; and cousins removed Nick and        .  The Bishopric of the Elwood Ward also assisted,  Bishop John Baxter, Greg Iverson and Tim Nichols.   Tyler was given a very special blessing by his father.  I know that as he grows and his parents tell him of these special blessings that were asked for him that he will grow to be a fine young man.
After the meeting we were invited to a lovely dinner at the Senior Center in Tremonton.  Such delicious food as always was prepared by family.  Thank you for such a special time together.

Grateful for Family ---- Such a wonderful Thanksgiving

Brad and I are truly blessed.  We were able to share Thanksgiving Day with forty-nine of our family of fifty.  Tyson was unable to come over and be with us.  Jeff I. flew in from Minnesota early Wednesday.  Luckily the BLIZZARD had passed but the roads were very icy and the trip to the airport for Nichole was slow.  Mary and Todd and the children were leaving for Missola, Montana, early Wednesday.  They had borrowed Grandpas truck for the drive.  They traveled to Shelley, Idaho, on very bad roads.  A very wise decision was then made to turn around and come back home.  I guess my mother selfishness came out because  first of all I was so glad that they would be safe and not on slick roads but also they would now be able to be with us. We are so very grateful for each individual family member for their wonderful support and great love.  We had planned on spending the day at the town hall but on Thanksgiving morning I just could not make myself do it.  There is just "NO PLACE LIKE HOME", so we pushed the furniture back, went to the town hall for tables and chairs (plus the Firths) and soon the tables were set, dinner was well on its way and we looked forward to greeting our special guests.  I had started the two turkeys at six that morning.  The day before had been busy making individual salads, making the stuffing, sauce for the hams and cleaning the house.  Meagan and Brittani would help make the tables look festive with cute turkey nut cups. Lovely, rolls, pies, relish tray, and sugar cookies were brought by families.  We thank each one so much for their help.  As usual the women had a craft project after dinner.  Tonya had everything so organized and it is always so much fun to see everyone making such cute things.  As I watched the craft project come to life I thought of how often the older sister has cared for her siblings.  Tonya has always been there ---- quietly helping the rest of us with her many talents.  As the oldest child she has always shouldered added responsibility.  No mother has ever been more blessed.  My greatest blessing will always be my family, my testimony, and the love I feel for my Father in  Heaven and my Savior Jesus Christ.