Memories of Mom

I have several special items that were my moms.  She was my very special friend as well as my mom.  I still miss talking with her.  This week I purchased this hanger for the bedroom/sewing room.  I have hung one of her hats, her special evening purse and her beads from her trip to Hawaii.  The special tile photo picture was made for me by Lisa.  It is fun to look at pictures of mom when I am sewing.  She was the one that encourage me to learn to sew.  We only had a treadle machine at home and that is what I learned on and did my sewing.  After I came home from Utah State to prepare for my marriage to Dale I worked at the office at Sears in Idaho Falls.  While working there I was able to purchase two Kenmore sewing machines.  One for me and one for mom.  That was her first electric sewing machine.  Mother was a very good seamstress and did enjoy sewing.  She also made many beautiful knitted and crochet items.  When I think of mother I think of one of God's very special daughters.  She excelled in just about everything she tried.  I know that she continues to move forward in her eternal progression.  She is always my example and mentor.  Love her so much.

The Ivy that has grown from a start from Mom's House and one given to me by Glenda.  For such along time I was afraid that I would never get Mothers to grow.  But it is there with Glenda's and I am glad

Still Winter in Elwood

As Brad and I have traveled to visit some of the children these past few days it has been just a bit disheartening.  Just a few miles south and it looks like maybe spring is going to come but when returning home we find the snow and cold.  Nope, not time for spring in Elwood yet I guess.  Winters have always been a favorite time for me but not anymore.  I used to like it because life on the farms seemed to slow a bit and I could spend more time with my companion.  Now, I spend time with Brad which is great but he seems very bored without a hobby (he loved it when he went snowmobiling) and I feel guilty for having so many fun things to do (when I want too).  I am glad that he is still involved with the town and has responsibilities to fulfil for them.  He also is a great help to his mother.  He was gone for quite awhile the other day.  When he returned he said he had been vacuuming and cleaning at his mom's house.  He is a very good son and not afraid of any task.  He keeps watching the field behind the house.  It is still covered with snow and hopefully the fall wheat is surviving under it's winter coat.  He also has been working some on the power at the big shed.  Maybe someday he will get it all organized and nice like he would like. 

I did complete some more books this last week and began preparations for the tax man.  Now that is not the best project for winter but needs done. 

We were also able to help Meagan with little Tyler.  He has had a hard time adjusting to eating with his acid reflex.  We felt so bad for him.  His cry was one of such great pain.  We drove he and Meagan to the doctor in Logan.  He was given a change of medication and is now a happy little boy.  Brad and Garen were also able to call upon the Lord for a blessing for him.  I am so grateful for the Priesthood and the power of healing that it can bring to our homes and lives. 

When it is winter in Elwood you bake --- bread, rolls, and off course cinnamon rolls

Changes

There are changes at the Firth home.  Kevin, Brittani and Kinley have been able to find a nice place to rent in Tremonton and will be moving.  Yesterday Brad and their family began the process of emptying the storage shed in North Ogden and moving it into the house.  It was very nice of the people to let them place it in the house a couple of days early.  I know that they will enjoy having their own space but they will be missed.  You can become attached to the little ones.  But it is a good thing. 

Fun in the snow with Aunt Carli at new house

Happy Birthday to Shaylee Dawn

Today is a special day at the Johnsons.  Shaylee turns nineteen.  We wish her the best of days and an even better year.  Shaylee is busy with work at Burger King right now ------ but we are really hoping that she will soon be able to continue with her education.  Grandma still thinks that she would be the worlds best Kindergarten teach.  Shaylee has a very happy and outgoing personality and a heart filled with love.  Just what little children need.  I know that great things are in store for this sweet granddaughter.  Love her so much.

You are Invited to a Dance Party

Yesterday at about 5:30 a telephone call came in from the Sorias.  "Grandma will you come to our dance party?"   "Oh! Heather I am so very sorry but it is just too late to come now and we are still trying to clean up the kitchen from a day of baking."  (Bread for the week, hot rolls for Sunday dinner and cinnamon rolls for sweet morning treats) Her little voice was filled with sobs because we wouldn't come.  After some talking and reassurance that we would come tomorrow after church she said that that would be okay. 

I had prepared a turkey rolled roast, dressing, a fluff salad and the hot rolls for Sunday dinner so after talking with Natalie it was agreed that we would bring it to their home for part of dinner.

Of all Sundays, Sacrament Meeting went over by 15 minutes.  (I think maybe the Bishopric was getting a bit nervous since we are the first ward in the building and the other ward would soon be needing the chapel.)  Plus the fact that the gentleman talking just rambled on and on.  Still not quite sure what his intended message was.  It is an hours drive to the Soria home so dinner would be a little bit later than planned.

We had a nice dinner and then went for a ride in the Sorias new SUV.  Heather said that the cars name is Mercedes.  But actually that is the make. Sid did a good job on his selection.  We drove past the elementary school that Heather will be attending next year when she begins kindergarten.  She was a bit upset about the whole situation of going to that school.  I am sure that like most children new experiences can be a bit scary.

Then it was back to the house for the PARTY.  Give Sam a ball and play catch or throw with him and he is in heaven. 

Heather and Grandma had to make invitations for the party that we were already at.  This was so fun.  Grandma was able to show Heather how to fold the paper and cut our a heart.  I was also able to help her with the way to hold BIG scissors for cutting.  She is still so very small - but wants to do all the big things that us older folks do. 

Also a game of Candy Land needed to be played.  Heather was the winner and she said Grandma was the loser.  Now we all know that is what Grandmas are for.  Too be sure that the little ones are the winners.  She is growing and learning in so many new ways.  Then it was upstairs for the Dancing.   Heather and Sam can really wiggle and shake the booty.  Many good laughs were had.   Thank you for a very nice Sunday afternoon.  Love You

Beauty of a Frosty Morning

Twenty-four Hours

The past twenty-four hours have been busy and fun for Brad and I.  Amy and Danny had a conflict with work schedules so we left for Stansbury Park yesterday in the early afternoon to spend the night at their home.  We would be staying with Jacob during the time his parents would be gone.  So I was all ready to play games before his bedtime.  We arrived about three ---- to the smell of a wonderful supper cooking.  (A recipe from the Clayton Cookbook ---- Carter's favorite meatballs)  Danny would be a little late from work since they are scheduling the employees to stay an hour longer and to go in an hour earlier.  Thus the reason our help was needed.  Supper was ready when he got home and there was just enough time to eat before Amy left for night shift at the hospital.  (She has been an RN now for over eleven years.) Danny had to leave after supper for some additional training for his second job with H & R Block.  New tax laws mean new training.  Such a hectic time for them.  Sometimes I really do wish I had a money tree in the backyard to help out.

As usual Jacob skunked me at the WI but I really did get some good upper body exercise.  I found out just how quick I can get winded.  That rabbit just had more endurance than me.

Amy gets home about eight in the morning so we were up and Jacob was taking care of his morning chores and eating breakfast.  We had taken a box with some Jello in it to them but just like most young children Jacob had a ball playing in it.  However,  he is growing tall and could not get himself totally in the box.  Grandpa did try his best to shut him up in it but Max would find a pant leg sticking out and start pulling.  Lots of laughs before school.  We dropped him off to school at nine.  Amy would go to bed ---- Danny would work --- at three Amy will pick up Jacob from school and another week will soon come to a close. 

I think of how long it was before I ever saw the Great Salt Lake ----- and now how many times I have driven by it, Salt Air, and the Big Cloud Maker at Kennecott since the children moved to Stansbury.  Our lives have truly taken a different direction with the marriage of children.

We made a quick stop at Syracuse on our way home to say Hi to Nichole, Heather and Sam.  Nichole had a real strange night.  Thought she heard a door close about 2:30 a.m. and became a little frightened.  When she mustered enough courage to check out the house and be sure the boys were all okay she found everything to be fine --------- but, Tristin thought when she checked on him that she was waking him up for school - so he got up and was getting ready for school.  When she got him and herself settled back into bed it wasn't long until her alarm went off at 5:30 to wake Skylar so he could be at the school by six.  Skylar left and it was back to bed until seven before waking the other children for school.  Just got her head laid down when she got a text from Skylar saying that no one was at the school ---- Well, just give it a few minutes Sky, they will be there.  In a few minutes another text came saying that no one had showed up.  Well----when she went down and checked the paper on the frig it said that the class was Monday thru Thursday ---- gosh today is Friday. Home Skylar came to one tired Mom ----- but she would have to keep going because Sam and Heather would be arriving and she had to drive carpool on Fridays.  When we left her she was getting ready to take Heather to pre school and hopefully come home and take a quick nap with Sam.  She did look a bit worn. 

Our prayers are with each one of you as you face each day and accomplish great things.  Keep it up and know that you are special and loved.

January ---- It can get LONG

Not too sure how to determine if the January Blues are present at my house ----- but ------ I am sure not motivated to accomplish the many winter projects I have placed on my list.  The afghan to crochet is still sitting here by my chair with only about a dozen new stitches added.  The family scrapbooks have not been added too or even some began.  The geneology and family history book needs some dedicated time.  Brandi's scrub tops are waiting by the sewing machine.  The receiving blanket is waiting for a beautiful edge to be crochet on it.  On and on it goes.  However, I have been able to clean and organize many cupboards and drawers.  Each time I do this I hope I will remove those items that I am not using.  But alas,  my old age is bringing on frugality.  What if we need it down the road and it is still in such good shape.  Also, I have been working on getting the photos organized on my computers and burned to CD's so they can be safely stored.  I have so much fun looking at what has transpired the last year that it takes a while.  We did have a wonderful year.

Today my brother Dale and his wife Beverly are coming by from Idaho and we are going to Maddoxs for lunch.  It will be nice to visit with them again.  I miss seeing my Idaho family.  With mom being gone home just seems to have changed.  A trip to Ucon was a very often happening when she was alive but now it comes so rarely.  This being the oldest generation is not so hot.  Miss mom and dad.

Reveal Number Two on Facebook

It was posted on facebook so I guess I can reveal my cute text message.  YES, KINLEY IS GOING TO BE A BIG SISTER.   I am so very happy for the Nielsen family.  Our prayers are with them in all the days ahead.  You are terrific parents and I am sure this little one will be just as special as Kinley.

Read it on Facebook

I have known for several days ---- but have kept quiet until officially announced.  Well, I guess a post on Facebook is quit official.  Little Garrett is going to be a big brother!!!!  September is the time.

I am so happy for Amanda and Dan.  Being a parent is a wonderful gift and blessing from God.  Children are the jewels in our crown and the reason for laughter, worry, pride, sleepless nights, empty wallets and purses, and the greatest joy ever.  ENJOY EACH DAY

Fun Text Received

I had a cute text waiting for me when we came out of Maddox's..

Can't tell who ---- have to get permission.

But I think that many of you will guess ----- August 5th will be an exciting day

Hum!!! I wonder who it can be?

 


 

Date with Brad

What more can you want.  An evening at Maddox's paid for by someone else.  It was the annual dinner for the Board of Trustees for the Box Elder Mosquito Abatement District.  It is always a wonderful meal but the company is quiet and changing.  I sat next to Fred Christensen, the former Ag teacher at Bear River High, and his health is not so great.  Across the table and down a couple of seats was good old Doctor Woodbury and he was even quiet tonight.  He is usually so loud and obnoxious.  His health is declining also.  Hard to see people growing older and I know that means we are right along with them. 

Happy Birthday to Mary Anne

Our New Years Baby of 1969 is celebrating her birthday.  How well I remember that day.  We felt so blessed that we were able to have her.  It was a bit touch and go for awhile.  Blessings do come in such special ways.  Mary Anne is one of those special blessings.  Dale had lost a very special grandmother earlier in the fall ----Grandma Mary Elizabeth Payne Summers Burnhope.  He loved her so much.  They could tease each other so good.  There was never a question in his mind or mine that if our baby was a little girl she would be Mary.  The Anne was after my grandmother and my mom who where very special women.  Women of faith, women of love, women of peace.  That is the kind of woman that Mary Anne is.  We wish her the very best.  May peace by hers and her families this coming year.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY

The Clayton's of St. George

Today I received an invite from Dennis and Sharron to come enjoy the warmth of St. George.  HaHa!!
At least they know it will be gone very soon and they can remember why they left the Idaho Winters.

Uncle Dennis and Aunt Sharron's home in St. George

New Years Eve ----- We Made It

We are so grateful that the Isaacson family decided to spend New Years Eve at our home.  Other wise I am sure that once again bedtime would have come before the New Year.  They had come to attend the wedding reception of a niece but decided to stay over.  Pizza and bread sticks delivered to the door for supper and Nichole brought lots of treats to be enjoyed.  Later in the evening Tonya, Nate and MacKenzie would arrive with lots of cold soda pop. 

Skylar figured out how to install his new Kineck system to our very old TV and soon the fun began.  You could say that those boys do have some sort of rhythm.  Just not sure what kind. They posted some descent scores but their mom really put them to shame with really high score.   However, when Kelsey and Dusty arrived the move was on.  Kelsey was great at the dancing and her little sis MacKenzie is not too shabby.  The dancing was fun but when they moved on to some of the other games it was time for lots of belly laughs.  To watch Dusty, Nate, Skylar, Tristin, MacKenzie, Clayton, Hunter and Kelsey become figure skaters and target shooters was a riot.  But I think my favorite was watching them trying to plug the holes in the glass before the water flooded high up on them.  All in all a fun night and it was fun to shout HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011.  Everyone slept in late the next morning --- then a breakfast of french toast, bacon and hash browns and clean-up before they would head back home after dropping MacKenzie off at her house.  It is always fun that MacKenzie will sleep over when Hunter is here.  (Not too much sleep though ---- the children were up way past midnight.