The Last Day

The year is coming to it's end. So much to ponder on. Did I strive to be a better person? Did I serve with a loving heart? Did I remember to thank my Father in Heaven for bounteous blessings? Did I thank my Savior for His love and kindness to me? Did I stay true to my testimony? Did I serve my family with a loving heart?

This evening I will ponder on these questions and commit to improve as I should. Thank you 2011. I have many special memories.

Family Celebrating

Happy Birthday to Amy Dawn

Today my youngest child turns thirty three.  Funny how time flies and yet sometimes drags.  I remember very well the day that Amy was born.  It was a very cold Saturday.  I had been miserable during the night.  However, I was also very nervous about this delivery.  Delbert had insisted that he would take me to the hospital and be there.  No way could I handle that situation at this time.  He had stopped in Saturday morning and we all put on our best smiles and tried to act like nothing was going on.  When he left action took over.  Tonya and Glenda would take me to the hospital and Jeff and Teresa would be in charge until they got home and Grandma Clayton could arrive.

Amy was the only one of my children to be born in the then new, now old, hospital.  Dr. Kerr was my doctor and knowing that we had just buried Dale a few days before he did his very best to help me physically and emotionally.  This would be the only one of my children that I would deliver all by myself.  The girls would wait in the waiting room.  It went just fine and I felt so blessed to hold this new little spirit in my arms.  I knew that her father would be so pleased with her and give me a pat on the back for "a good job".  This precious little baby was truly a life saver to me and my little family.  She brought a great spirit of love and service to our home.  She kept me going.

Today, Amy, is still a life saver.  Everyday she gives me a call to see how I am and tell me about her family.  I appreciate this very much.  When there is a good sale at her stores she will call and see if I need anything.  Her trips to JoAnns for flannel have helped me so much.  Amy is a hard worker and does her very best to make a lovely home for Danny and Jacob.  She has worked the night shift at the hospital for over ten years now so that she or Danny could watch over Jacob.  She is an excellent nurse whose skills with the tiny little ones amazes me.

Today we will drive to Stansbury to celebrate with her and her family.  May she always find joy and peace in life as the days continue on.

Family

It is so nice to receive pictures and hear from family and about what is happening.  Here are some fun photos---

Great Student - nice recognition for Hunter

The Johnsons on Front Runner going to see the Christmas lights at Temple Square ----  photo of Heidi and Burt ----- the family says it was way fun and cool -----had a great time

I think most of us can relate to this little boy.  Garrett is a bundle of joy and surprises ---- that lock on the cabinet door probably looks familiar to many of us

Happy Birthday to Sid Soria

I have him doubled.  Can you figure his age.  Today Sid is celebrating his birthday.  Sid has been such a wonderful blessing to our family.  He is a man of stability and strength.  He cares for Natalie and his children with great attention to every detail.  I am so very grateful that Natalie listened to that still small voice and knew that Sid was to be her Eternal Companion.  He is a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, in-law, and friend to all.  May he enjoy his special day and have many more. 

They loved helping Dady

A quick sample ----- it is so nummy

Christmas Presents

Heather and Sam were given Build a Bear gift cards for Christmas from Grandpa and me.  Thanks to their wonderful parents they were able to go to Build a Bear the day after Christmas with lots of other children.

Mom reports that they patiently waited in line and were so excited with their new gifts.

In the end Sam did change the puppy for a blue bear with a basketball.

A Wonderful Christmas Blessing

Dusty and Kelsey will be adding a new little baby to their family.  The expected arrival date is July 28, 2012.  July 28, 1960, is the day that Dale and I were married in the Idaho Falls Temple.  What a wonderful anniversary gift if on schedule.  Family is such a blessing.

The Dansies will be wonderful parents and their lives will be so blessed with this new addition.  As for the new grandparents to be I am sure this little one will be spoiled just like all the rest of our great grandchildren.  Grandpa DelRay and Grandma Tonya do have a nice sound.  Aunt MacKenzie and Uncle Nate will be so cut with this little one.  They both are so loving and kind to the little ones.  We are truly excited for them.

Baby Dansie

Merry Christmas

Just a few pictures from the family Christmas 2011.  Brad and I had a very strong feeling and desire to let our family know the importance of the Savior in our lives.  We were hoping to relay our testimonies and feelings with word and deed.  May you all have peace and joy.

He alone can bring us peace, joy and eternal life

The Shepards Came

The Angels Sang

The Wise Men followed the star

Everyone rejoiced and celebrated

Smiles

The Inn was very full



Joy as expressed by a child



Playing ----- "Do It Again"



Jacob loved playing with Tyler



Christmas morning with the Despains at our home ----- so good not to be alone

Does Close Count

It has been a busy few days. Getting close to the finish line. The Despains will arrive at two a.m. Amy is working until one then Danny and Jacob will pick her up and head to our home. It will be so fun to have a child with us for Christmas.

Just a few more food items to prepare and meals to cookl and presents to deliver, and a few groceries and ----- oh dear ------ Merry Christmas ----- I like it.

Nichole and ice

Nichole called me this evening to say she had a one car accident this evening. She and the boys were on their way to the church for achievement day, young men's and scouts when she hit some black ice. She was on a bridge that crosses over the railroad tracks when she hit the ice and began to skid. She ended up in the opposite lane going the other direction after hitting the guard rail. One of the back tires went flat along with some fender damage and front bumper damage. She was so grateful for the guard rail that held. A lady driver stopped to see if she needed help and ask Nichole if she was from the area. Nichole replied just for six months. The lady said this is a very notorious bridge for freezing black ice. Jeff's work was right close so after a call he came to the rescue. Got the family to the church and rescued the Trailblazer. Nichole was very shaken up and upset. I am glad they were blessed that no one was hurt. Blessings big and small are so wonderful.

Home to Minnesota

Skylar flew out this morning to spend a couple of months with his family in Minnesota.  He arrived at six thirty Minnesota time.  I do hope that he will enjoy this time with his family.  They need him.  It will not be too long till it will be time for the mission and he will be gone for two years.  My best to them.

More Beautiful Trees

I have wanted to be able to post all of our beautiful family trees.  Tonight, after some texting I have been able to get a few more.  It is fun to see the families homes made beautiful for the Christmas Holidays.  I so enjoy the peace and beauty of a beautiful tree with its sparkling lights and ornaments.  Perhaps it is truly a reminder of the beautiful star that shown at the Savior's birth.

One of the Woodruff Trees

Woodruff Tree - downstairs

Nate's Christmas Tree

MacKenzie's Christmas Tree

Nesbit downstairs Tree

Nesbit upstairs tree

Nielsen Family Christmas Tree

Dansie Christmas Tree

Johnson Christmas Tree

At our home



Wood Living Room Christmas Tree



Wood Family Room Christmas Tree

Ryan and Jordi's Christmas Tree

Beautiful Christmas tree at the Howell Home

Heather has her first Ski Lesson

Daddy Sid took Heather to Snowbasin for her first ski lesson.  Natalie said she was excited to do this with just a bit of apprehension.  Sid enjoys skiing and it will be great when his wife and children can enjoy this sport with him.  Dale loved to ski.  When we were at college he took skiing classes just so he could get to Beaver to ski.  The class would ski down Old Main hill during class. 

Happy Birthday to Tristin

Tristin is celebrating his fifteenth birthday.  Where did the time go.  Tristin has grown up so much in these last few months.  He is a great young man.  He is so very faithful in the mornings to get up and get ready for early morning seminary class, without any complaining.  Tristin is enjoying school and is working hard at being a good student.  He says that he is a member of the "Nerd Club".  It is actually a club for electronic games.  Of course we know that he really does like them.  He has requested a Red Velvet Cake for his birthday which mom has already prepared.  We miss Tristin and his cute smile and deep eyes.  I am always happy to do things for Tristin because he is always asking what he can do to help and always says Thank You.  Love him lots.

It is two for Clayton

It is a red letter day for Clayton. He got one hundred on both his spelling test and vocabulary test. When he called to tell me he was so excited. Great work for this little grandson. I know you can do it. Keep going. Tomorrow is pajama reading day at the school. He is wearing Star War PJ's and is excited. Love hom lots.

MacKenzie and Math

In MacKenzie's math class she had to enlarge a stick of gum to scale. With her and her mother being perfectonists in all projects this is the final prduct. It only took four hours for it to be completed. Proud of you MacKenzie and mom.

Grandpa has a nook

Brad had me get the new nook tablet and he is now using my color nook. He is doing very good with it. We both really like the LDS scripture app and how easy it is to use. I have about 180 books that I have aquired either for free or very reasonable prices. One of the free ones is about Jesse James. It has 900+ pages and Brad is really enjoying it. In two days he has read way over half the book. He also read one about Mickey Mantle that he enjoyed. Tonight the TV is off and the quiet is nice. Many more good books to read. I am reading a book about The sons of Jacob (Israel) at the present yime. Since getting my first nook I have read about forty books that I never would have been able to before. I really enjoy being able to explore and find books I will like. Lynn Austin has become one of my favorite authors. I enjoy Historical fiction that teaches me about history with a good story. I think this new technology stuff is great and amazing. I can blog, do on line business, plus more, while sitting in my comfortable chair. I am so glad that Brad supports me in my desirrs to keep moving forward and learning.

More Pretty Trees

The Soria's have a fresh Christmas Tree at their house ----- Heather was a bigger helper with the decorations

This beautiful creation is Ryan and Jordi's first Christmas Tree

Jacob Goes Sking

The fourth graders in Rose Spring Elementary earned a ski day.  Jacob has been very excited to head to the mountains and learn something about skiing.   The equipment was rented and the students would be given some instructions about skiing and then try their best at doing it.  Jacob said it was fun ---- he fell once and found it quite hard to get up even applying the instructions he had been given.  The funnest part was the big bus with Movies to watch.  He was also able have a new warm hat that mom made.  Great day for this young man.

It is just FUN

Having grandchildren stop in. Grandpa and I just smile and smile when they come. They bring youth and purpose to our lives. They keep us in touch with the "Happening" stuff and we keep them in touch with the "Happened" stuff. Love them lots.

Congradulations to our newest GRADUATE

Jeff Isaacson has completed all of the hard work to obtain his Bachelor's degree.

It has not been an easy road but he has reached the first long mile and will begin the second one when he starts the masters program the first of the year.

The many late nights of study after a hard day at work has not always been easy. Jeff always wanted that A. His grades were excellent and we are proud of him.

December 13, 1978

It was one of those days that just doesn't go away. A world shook up and you are not able to get all of the pieces put back in the right places.

It is now thirty three years since Dale died. I have been blessed and sustaed through these years by a loving Father in Heaven and my Savior Jesus Christ. He blessed me with a wonderful family to fill my life with love and joy.

Dale and I shared many crazy and good times along with some pretty rough times. Will share later. My prayer is that his children will always remember him and know he loved them dearly. May our day be peaceful and good.

Alone

Sometimes I think that it might be nice to have some alone time ---- but----- tonight it just seems lonely.  I have had a bad cold for the last week.  It started last Saturday evening when I was at the temple.  Towards the end of our shift I became very light headed and achy.  They excused me from my last veils and I rested in the ladies lounge.  Brad would be working two hours after my work was completed.  As time passed I began feeling worse.  Our dear supervisor's were aware of how I felt and as soon as Brad had completed the six o clock session they told him to leave and get me home.   By Sunday morning the good old cold had settled in.  I was really hoping to by pass it this year.  Not so lucky.  It does take a good week or seven days to start feeling some better.  However, tonight I am at home alone and Brad is at the temple working.  I am still too shaky and coughing too much to go.  The air mattress in the family room has been the only place that I have received some rest at night and given Brad the chance to get some sleep without my hacking.

But to make a long story short ----- It is lonesome to spend the evening alone.  I miss Brad and the comfort of knowing that he is close by.  I have been blessed to be a farmers wife the majority of my married life and so my sweet companions were always coming and going so I was not alone a great deal.  It has been a good life with sweet companions.  I do appreciate all that they have and do for me.

Carli has a Birthday

It is Carli's special day today. It is always fun to share cake and ice cream with our birthday people. Tonight we will enjoy this treat with Carli.

I especially remember when Carli turned eight and she was baptized on New Years day. Seems like only yesterday. She has done so many things since that day. As her grandmother I feel so blessed to have her share her happinesses and even the hard times with me. She has this wonderful sparkle in her voice that brightens my day and she never ends our talks without telling me that she loves me. Those words are so precious to me. Carli is a friend to everyone and radiates a wonderful spirit of love and service. She is always in my heart and prayers. Love her lots.

Beautiful girl, daughter, sister, aunt and MOTHER!  This little boy loves his family

Grandchildren ---- so fun

Kaden has a birthday present for his Mommy

Everyone got to blow out the TWO candles ----- just a bit older than that -----Spike wanted to help too

This little sweetheart lives in her own fun little world ----- loves Aunt Carli

Jeff got home from Georgia just in time to celebrate his baby daughters birthday with his family