Amanda is a Student

Amanda is perusing a university degree at  Utah Valley University.   She has a strong desire to accomplish her goal and move forward in helping with the future of her family.  It will take great dedication but she is definitely up to the challenge.

Senior, Junior and Eighth Grader

Box Elder Schools started on Tuesday and we have three grandchildren attending.  Nate is a senior this year.  I don't know where the time went but he is there and doing great.  Nate is a good student when he has time. HaHa  He is busy on the football and baseball team.  However, his buddy Skylar is gone and his special friend Kim is gone ------so I guess there is more time.  Nate became an uncle this summer.  His sister Kelsey had a baby girl.  They named her Ellerie and uncle Nate has the magic touch with her.  When she is fussy he can usually calm her down.  He is  a terrific young man.

Damon is a Junior this year.  He has had a great summer becoming an uncle, a brother in law and his dad's building buddy.  Damon has built a beautiful bed for his room this summer.  (Sisters are gone----he gets the big room.  Damon is a quiet giant.  He is always polite and helpful.  However, some day when I ask him how he is I hope he will say "Great" instead of okay.  Damon loves his drawing classes at school and hopes to study architecture in the future.  You will find his drafting table in his bedroom filled with lots of drawings and plans.  The little white car is now Damon's to drive to school.  No more being dropped of by mom and riding the bus home.  Hope his year is great.

MacKenzie is starting her first year at the Bear River Middle School.  She is always an excellent student and a great friend.  It has been a busy summer for MacKenzie with lots of softball games.

It wasn't the best of seasons but she said it was fun.  Aunt MacKenzie became a new title for her when sister Kelsey became a new mom.  Baby Ellerie arrived while MacKenzie was playing ball in Idaho Falls and she was so sad not to be right there at the hospital.  MacKenzie has been such a wonderful help to me this summer when we were helping with the Soria children.  She is so good with the little ones.  I could not have done it without her help.  This year I am sure she will have a blast and do great things..

Why the Blog

I have never been a journal keeper and now that my memory of years past is a bit faded I wish that I could read of lifes good times, the growing times, and etc.  So perhaps down the road some of you will want to know when something happened, what was special, how things got better or worse.  I don't know, maybe it is just history but to me it is what makes my days.  I wasn't going to do this anymore because I was feeling badly and in all honesty very angry.  Anger has a way of eating at your soul and making you miserable and all the while it is only affecting you because everyone else is moving on.  So with some great soul searching as to my purpose and need in life I have come to the realization that if I quit I am defeated.  Satan will have won this battle between him and I and his joy will be great and my misery will be intense.  So I will pick it up and try to be a better person and complete this life with the smile that will be remembered instead of a frown.  May each of you find it in your heart to forgive me for my weaknesses and short comings.  My love for you is great.

Grateful for facebook and instagram

I am glad that I can see family fun from these locations.  It looks like alot of fun has been had.

Sam begins Pre-School and Jacob heads back tomorrow

Sam is going to Challenger Pre-School.  This is the same school that Heather attended.  Sam will be attending for two years if all goes well.  His mom dropped him off this first day but he cried.  The faculty just told her to leave him and go on.  He was happy as a lark when picked up and it was a good day.  He again cried on Wednesday but happy when picked up.  So I guess he must be doing okay.  He has worked hard to go to school.  You can not attend if you are in diapers and so Sam decided that he was a big boy and just like that he changed to "Big Boy" shorts and has done great.  It is funny what happens when the person involved makes that decision and that Aunt Colie and mom and dad were on their toes to help.  And of course the potty treats didn't hurt.

 

Now he has a new challenge.  He has to wear a uniform.  Sam likes to wear what Sam likes so time will tell how they solve this little bump in the road.  Sam has grown up so very much this summer with the influence of his "brothers".  He enjoyed every minute with the Isaacson family and we enjoyed every minute that he spent at our home, which was often, since he was 100 percent Aunt Colie's boy.

Jacob has began fifth grade at Rose Spring Elementary.  It has been a bit of a rocky start with a bumber teacher on the first day and then substitutes for the next four.  He now has a permanent (they think) teacher named Mrs. Palmer.  Jacob is growing into a fine young man ----too big to let mom walk him into the school and take a picture of him and his teacher.  Jacob really likes school and is an excellent student.  His goal is to become a doctor. However, he is still a little boy too that loves to play and sometimes forgets his chores.  We are very proud of Jacob and hope that his school year will only get better.

 

Isaacson Family back home in Ramsey

Jeff, Nichole and the three boys are safe at home in Ramsey. They arrived home about nine tonight their time. Nichole reports that the house is a mess but she will soon have it all in order and make a beautiful safe haven for her family.

Update------

Jeff, Nichole and the boys have returned to their home in Minnesota.  Jeff had got everything moved from the town house but was only able to just set it in rooms.  Nichole has been very busy sorting and cleaning and putting things in place to make a warm comfortable home.  It has been a big job but worth the move.  Jeff is busy at work with his new job and spending nights doing homework to complete his masters degree.  Jeff has also received a new calling in his ward.  He will be serving as Executive Secretary for the Bishop.  The boys are sleeping in, playing the X Box and waiting for school to start.  They have to wait until after Labor Day.

As for our little Daisy --- she is having a hard time adjusting to the new house.  (Grandpa says she needs his chair)  I do hope that she will find her spot of comfort and be good.

Busy with cute crafts to decorate home.

Happy Birthday to Conner and Katherine

Quiet House

So quiet.  No Daisy and no Clayton.  My friends are headed home.

Happy Day for Soria Family

Today Sid came home after spending eight days in the hospital.  His family is so happy.

Sad Day

Today the Isaacson family headed home to Minnesota.  The license plate says it all.   We shall miss them.

Brigham Temple Open House

 

 

 

Today was the first day for the general public to attend the Brigham Temple Open House and we were lucky enough to have tickets for this morning at ten.  Nichole had gone on line early the first day and was able to get them.  With the Soria family, the Isaacsons, Burt, Donna, Brad and I, we headed to Brigham and the old K-Mart parking lot where we would board the bus for the short ride to the temple.  Natalie and the children came from Farmington but had to leave daddy Sid in the hospital.  We all arrived close together and were able to get right on the bus without any delay.  We had a cute driver and host that made the short trip fun.  The host pointed out the large pumpkins that a Brigham City man grows for prize showings.  He said they are still quit small at this time only about 500 pounds. 

He also told us some fun facts about the temple to look for.  Like the apple and peach trees that are planted on each corner of the temple and the work going on at the Tabernacle that will compliment its landscape with that of the temple.

 

When we arrived at the temple we were greeted and directed to a media room to watch a twenty minute video about Temples.  I truly enjoyed this and having the spirit of temples come to me.  We are so blessed to know that temples are a part of Gods plan for His children and that we can feel His spirit when we enter them.

As we proceeded into the temple I have to say that tears came to my eyes because I felt so at peace and so in awe of this beautiful building.  What a blessing it will be for Brad and I to work as officiators.  I took my cane so that I would have that little extra bit of support as I climbed the stairs.  At each floor I was asked if I would like to take the elevator but I said no.  I did it with ease and enjoyed every step.  The children were so very well behaved.  Sammy had a bit of a problem when they wanted to put the booties over his shoes but he just got carried.

 

As we completed our tour in the Celestial Room I felt overwhelmed with blessings.  I so long and so pray that each of my family members will know with a sure testimony that this is the restored gospel and that eternal life is ours if we so desire and do the work.  "Families Can Be Together Forever".  I am just not quit sure right now that my family would like to be with me if I make it to that special place.  I keep trying but right now not to sure where I stand.  I wish they knew how very much I love and worry about them. 

 

I then asked to take the elevator down.  We shared it with a sweet young mother in a wheelchair, her husband and little child.  Again I counted my blessings for even though walking might be somewhat painful I can still do it.

 

We enjoyed the refreshments of a good cold drink of water and a cookie.

The Sorias and Isaacsons walked around the temple grounds but Brad and I headed back to the bus.

The next stop was to Maddox's for lunch before Isaacson's hit the road.  We met at the outside tables under the canopy to share some last moments together.  Tonya, Nate, MacKenzie, and the Dansie family joined us.  They would be taking the temple tour at one.  It was a fun time and hard time together.  We knew that our minutes were getting short and good byes were coming.  I Nichole especially had a hard time with good byes.  I truly felt the bond of great love that she shares with her sisters Tonya and Natalie. The cousins have also had a great summer together and it was hard for them to have it end.   Lots of tight hugs and tears.  But perhaps the hardest was leaving little Sammy in tears because he was "going to Minnesota with Colie".  Natalie said he screamed all the way to Antelope Drive. 

Then it was home to pick up our little Daisy and deliver her to them at Jeff's parents home.  I think she was so totally confused as what was going on.  First she is with us, then her family comes and then they leave and then they come and then they leave and now we are leaving her.  I so hope they will take extra special care of our little friend.  We truly love Daisy and it was hard to let her go. 

The family got on the road about four in the afternoon.  Such a late start with ten hours of driving ahead of them.  They arrived at the motel in Rapid City that morning at three.  Tired but safe and grandma was relieved.  Just one more ten hour stint and they will be safe at home in Ramsey.

Some other great news came to us this special day.  Sid would be coming home from the hospital.  He is very weak and it has been a long, hard eight days but we are all excited that he will be coming home.  His mother Susie will pick him up and get him home to Farmington.  This has truly been such a hard summer for the Soria family.  May daddy Sid make great strides as he tries to recover and heal from surgeries.

 

 

 

Headed to the MTC

Elder Skyar Jeffrey Isaacson is headed to the MTC in Provo, Utah, at this very moment.  The family will be walking the grounds of the Provo LDS temple to say their last good byes.  The appointed curb time is one twenty.  No time for long good byes just one quick hug and a wave.  May he be blessed from above. Kept safe and serve well and return with honor.  Love him.

Setting Apart

August 14, 2012,  Skylar was set apart as a missionary in the Spokane Washington Mission.  President Lyle Vance of the Tremonton Stake Presidency administered this ordinance.  Those who assisted were his father Jeffrey Isaacson, and his grandfathers Brad Frank and Burton Isaacson.  He was given a wonderful blessing.  I pray he listened well and will try his best to follow the instructions that were given to him.

President Vance also had each person witnessing the setting apart to give Skylar a word of advice.  Grandpa  Brad began by telling Skylar to always remember that others will always be watching him so stand tall and be good and honorable at all times.  I was next and felt to encourage him to obey the rules.   I know that if he is obedient to his mission president and the mission rules he will be able to serve with great joy and find and teach those that God has prepared for him to bring the joy of the gospel to.  Aunt DeeDee told him to enjoy his time and be happy.  Grandma Donna says that she hopes he learns the time frame of night and day.  Grandpa Burt has been such a great support to Skylar this last year.  He advised him to serve faithfully and to return with honor.

Skylar's dad expressed his love for his oldest son and told him to work hard and serve well.

His mom 's tears were close to the surface and she expressed how grateful she was to Skylar for his great support and friendship as they spent this last summer together in Utah preparing for this mission and caring for the brothers and the Soria children.  She said how proud she was of him and how much she loved him and knew he could do it.

Hunter was next with an "I love you", which was echoed by Tristin.  Aunt Tonya his second mom, told him that attitude will make it good or bad.  Rise up and serve with a good positive attitude and you will have successful days.  His special "bro" Nate could not talk for tears of love.  These two cousins have become the best of friends this past year.  The love between them is so awesome.  I pray they will always be a great support to each other.  MacKenzie his cousin and sister friend was in tears also but expressed her love.  Skylar has spent many hour in the Woodruff home.  He is an adopted son, and brother.  Clayton was the last and I think a bit overwhelmed by it all but his look expressed his love for his brother.  Brandi a very good friend wished him the best of luck and told him he had better write.  Those were the words and feelings of the night.

At ten twenty in the evening we were ready to return home for the few last minute preparations.  Aunt Tonya who is always ahead of the game had a fun treat bag for him.  The family left our home a bit before midnight with two fifty pound suitcases a full backpack and missionary.  Our prayers and love are with him.

 

The Priesthood Circle

We were all blessed to be there

Hello's for Jeff and good byes for two years for some ------ our prayers are with this new Elder

 

Clayton Reunion 2012

Once again my family out did themselves for the Clayton Family Reunion.  They were all so willing to be a part of our family with the pink and blue shirts and the cute logo that Dan created.  It truly represented the Franks and Firths.  Everyone was there at one time or another during the three days except Jeff I. in Minnesota and Sid in the hospital.  I thank you.  We were assigned the breakfast for Sunday morning and it was great.  Ham, pancakes, hash browns, eggs, fresh fruit, juice, milk, and chocolate.  You were all wonderful and always helping.  Thank you.

 

Our family is perhaps the most crafty around.  You put your hearts into every project.  You willingly open your pocket books and give support to the auction.   Love you.

 

 



 

 



 

 

 

Isaacson Summer

Hectic in every way.  Not really the summer we had planned.  What a wonderful blessing it was that Nichole was in Utah this summer.  She was so needed at the Soria home.  She spent her week days tending and helping in Farmington as well as driving back to Tremonton for ballgames and getting things in order for Skylar's mission.  I know that she gave it her all and her sister was so very grateful.  Clayton and Trisin spent most of their days with Brad and I.  I had fun getting Clay to ball practice and we were also able to see Hunter and him play some ballgames.  I have to say I really enjoyed those early morning practices when I could just sit peacefully in the car and enjoy the cool of the morning and watch these little boys give it their best.  Food was a bit iffy and grandma didn't hit a home run with this.  Learned that Wendy's and Pizza Plus were a favorite.  Clayton and I really enjoyed our movie times together and Clayton especially loved watching the VHS tapes on the TV in our bedroom.  So fun.  Tristin is a very quiet young man and "I'm Good" was his usual replay when I would ask if he needed something. 

Some of the fun things we had planned did not come about but that was okay.  We did our best.  It was truly a fun and busy summer.  It was not unusual to have six or more grandchildren sleeping at our home.  We are blessed.  I did not get too many pictures.

 

 

Many Special Times

Heidi's Wedding

Heidi and Bert were married July 27, 2012, in a lovely evening ceremony in the backyard of the Frank's and the Wood's.  They were married by Bishop Forsberg of the Belmont Ward.  He gave them some very good advice which I hope they will apply to their marriage.  Mainly to always honor and respect each other.  Respect the differences and be grateful for the good things.  Like a home cooked meal, a thank you or a smile.  Treat each other with kindness and love always. 

Mary and Todd had worked hard in preparing for this special day.  They felt the concerns that all parents feel when a daughter is given in marriage.  That desire that she will be cared for with the greatest of love and kindness.

The day started out absolutely horrible.  Many hours had been spent preparing beautiful centerpieces, delicious food, and inviting the guests and now the wind was hard and hot.  It took a lot of hard work to get things in place.  With the help of the bride and groom, grandpa and grandma, aunt Tonya, Brandi, Aspen, Shaylee, Damon, Mary and Todd, Teresa and Paul we proceded to try and get things to stay together in the wind.  But ---- true to Mary's great faith we completed it and she said the wind would quit and it did ----- just before the evening was to begin.  The ceremony was lovely, the bride was beautful, the groom handsome and the guests happy for this special couple.  I pray that they will work together and live that they too may become a "Family Forever".  Our hearts and prayers are with Bert that he will be prepared by the Holy Spirit to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ into his life and lead his family in goodness, kindness and righteousness.  Love them greatly.

Dansies new baby

Ellerie Sue Dansie arrived a few days early.  We were not really too surprised since the week had so much going on.  Somehow this little sweetheart just wanted to get here for the excitement.  Ellerie was born on July 27, 2012, at 11:07 at the Ogden Regional Medical Center.  She weighed 6 pounds and 15 ounces and was 20 and 1/4 inches long.  She was perfect in every way.  She has some very special parents - Kelsey and Dusty.  She will bless their home and they will bless her life.

 

Skylar's Farewell

Skylar spoke in the Tremonton LDS Sixth Ward before his entrance into the MTC in Provo.  He was very nervous during his preparation time.  He said that his mother has always written his talks but this time she told him he would have to do it on his own.  This was probably a good thing because mom will not be going along on the mission to write his talks.  I am sure there will be many that have to be prepared and given.  Saturday was passing by and he had not yet been able to settle down to write his talk.  He asked me several questions about some quotes and discussed some topics with his mom -----time passed and he was still unsettled.  He really wanted to speak about the importance of missionary work for all of God's children.  He wanted to talk about Uncle Sid's conversion.  After a late night call to Sid and the wonder of technology he received the information that he wanted.  He returned home to his room at the Isaacson's and by morning he was ready.  He said he timed it and it was nine minutes and he was sure that was enough.  Well, he was right.  They had two youth speakers and a returned missionary couple that also spoke.  Skylar did a great job.  You could feel the sincerity in each word and the humbleness in this call. 

We then returned home to put the final touches on his luncheon.  Nichole and I had worked on Saturday to prepare many goodies.  We rose early on Sunday to prepare the final touches.  We were also very grateful for each family member that helped and furnished food.  It was a lovely afternoon with just the right cloud covering to make it less hot.  Lots of visiting, lots of good food and wonderful family.  Best way to spend a Sunday.

Best buds and sooooo crazy

Ryder's Blessing

We had a very special day with the Johnson and Owen family on Fast Sunday August, 5, 2012.  Ryder was given his name and a special blessing by his Grandfather Todd Johnson at the Belmont Church.  Ryder is a very special young man and I pray that he will be blessed.  His grandfather blessed him with good health,  that his mind would be alert and that he would seek the guidance of his Father in Heaven in all things.  He blessed him with a desire to study the scriptures and advance in the ordinances that we are blessed to have.  He blessed him that he would seek out good friends and good things.  Those priesthood holders assisting in this special blessing were his great grandfather Brad Frank, his Grandfather James Owen, his great grandfather Owen, Jay Johnson, Dan Nesbit, Jeff Firth, Paul Wood, and men of the Owen family.  (will find names).  After sacrament meeting we met at the Riverside park where we enjoyed a lovely lunch together.  Mary and Todd had prepared barbecue ham and rolls with many family members helping with salads and deserts.  It was a beautiful day.

My prayers are with Shaylee and Cassidy and Ryder that they will be blessed to establish a wonderful family and home that will bring them the greatest of happiness.  I know of their love for one another and their desire to be an eternal family.  They will always be in our prayers.

 

Tonya's Birthday

I am not sure that Tonya stopped long enough to know she even had a birthday.  She has had one very busy summer helping everyone else.  She was treated to a birthday supper at the Dansie home and then Brad and I and Uncle Dennis and Aunt Sharron joined them for birthday cupcakes and ice cream.  Tonya is a very special daughter, a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother.  Her sewing skills are beyond fantastic.  She can make any and everything perfectly and beautifully.  She serves her Father-in Heaven so faithfully and so completely.  "If ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren ye have done it unto me" describes her spirit and her life.  Tonya turned fifty one on August 9, 2012.

Heather's Birthday

Heather celebrated birthday number six on August 10, 2012.  Heather has had a hard summer with lots of changes and worries at her house.  Her mother  tried very hard to make this a very special day and she did.  We actually went down a couple of days early to celebrate with a beautiful pink a licous birthday cake and ice cream.  (need to learn how to get photos of instagram)  Brad and I took her a cute little apron that Amy had made for me so that she can bake with her mom.  And of course the usual card with the money that dad will invest in her college fund.  She received many lovely gifts from family.  However, she told her mom that she really did not think she wanted to be six ------ I am sure she was a bit worried about all the new things that would be happening.   Like kindergarten. 
She is my sweet loving granddaughter who loves to come to Grandma and Grandpas and we lover her to come.