tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61589257726024550342024-02-07T10:39:30.989-07:00PAT'S PATTERPathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-90128094234110806492012-09-01T09:25:00.000-06:002012-09-01T09:25:37.376-06:00The endWe have finally gotten all of Mom's things moved from her home. It has been cleaned and Kurt made sure the lawn has been mowed all summer long. We put it up for sale about a month and half ago. After about a week or so we received a bid. The lady calling asked if I minded a realtor handling it. Dumb me said No. Little did I know what a nightmare it would turn out to be. After about 5 1/2 weeks we finally closed a week ago last Friday. I can't believe how much longer it took to close with a realtor. Other wise we would have just gone down to the DMV and exchanged money and a receipt and signed the title and it would have been completed but those realtors have to have a ton of paper work and so many demands.<br />
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Oh well it's over now. We took some things to DI and some went to our children and then the rest came to our house. Most of these things I couldn't make a decision on what to do with them and felt I needed a bit more time to decide. So that is still ahead to be done but other than that it is all accomplished. The lawyer has completed what he was doing and now this is all completed. <br />
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It has been a long 8 months. Filled with tons of emotion, sadness, tears and work. But now I have to find a new way to go on with my life. I find myself wondering what should I do first. It's like I have been in a tunnel and have come out into the light. Now the big job begins.<br />
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I have physical therapy and hopefully that will help me become more able to move better and without so much pain.<br />
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I need to thank my Heavenly Father for His help with the past months. For my husband and all of the work and care he has given to me. To our daughters and their help. Thank you for it all. I love you all.<br />
<br />Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-23688728893224404372012-05-27T23:08:00.000-06:002012-05-27T23:08:40.565-06:00Memorial DayAfter listening to several programs devoted to this day. I feel so full of my gratitude towards the many men and women that give of themselves even to losing of their lives to protect us here in America.<br />
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They recited a story of one young man that went into the military and right into a war, this was back in Vietnam and after nearly being killed several times it was his time to come back home. He arrived at the airport and had just gotten off a plan and some woman walked up to him and spit in his face and called him a baby killer. Then it went on to tell about his life since. He has been in two marriages and is living on the streets. What did he do wrong except defend his/our country in war.<br />
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I can't help but wonder if that woman that spit in his face stopped to think about this war coming into the USA. I'm sure she felt is couldn't possibly happen - well guess again lady. We are seeing parts of it right here now with the drugs and guns and gangs. This is very close to what is happening in these other countries. Evil people are striving to get more power over the people and especially those unable to defend themselves.<br />
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The wars in other countries that our soldiers are helping out by fighting the wars are no more than these evil individuals wanting to bring this evil to us RIGHT HERE IN THE GOOD OLD USA. We are not immured to these things. <br />
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But I digress - the main reason for this blog is to say THANK YOU TO OUR SOLDERS to let them know I appreciate the sacrifices they have made. I thank their families for their sacrifices also either through them being gone from home for such long times and even for the fact that many of them will not return home.; I pray that God will bless and protect these men and women and their families. For I've been in many of these countries and I can say, the American soil sure felt good to step back on. We have so much to be thankful for - stop and say thank you and be grateful for all that we have whether it be great or small. We have so much more than so many. THANK YOU.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-16107619820268737772012-01-15T07:01:00.001-07:002012-01-18T06:29:06.388-07:00Mom <br />
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- Thanksgiving - two weeks and two days ago my Mom passed away. We knew it was coming as she was almost 95 years old, and would have been on the 22nd of this month. But it was still rather quick. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with all of our children but one and their families and then Christmas was just as great. Everything was going along so well then out of the blue we all picked up this dumb stomach flu. it was such a nasty bug that Glen and I were really ill from it. Well, it seems so was my Mom. Then she ended up in the hospital two days later. She had a trust in place with a DNR attached. We didn't want Mom to be miserable so decided to keep her in the hospital. They didn't do anything for Mom except keep her comfortable. This gave her family a chance to say goodby to her. The ones near were able to come and spend some time visiting while the others called and did all they could do from a distance. I know their struggle was the worst. My niece had just moved to Arkansas and this was so difficult for her as she was missing her immediate family so much and then to have her grandmother so ill. When we learned her time was so close all of our girls and their families started to make plans for coming home. Our Daughter and her two children were able to drive up from AZ and were here on December 31st. That was most comforting to have them around, supporting, commiserating, hugging and sharing a few tears.<br />
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I know Mom is much happier now as she was having so many problems and hated the fact that someone else had to do most things for her as she had always been such a independent lady. There seemed few things she couldn't or at least wouldn't attempt to fix. Her home was always so nice and clean and she was a great cook. But at the end, she was unable to do most of these things by herself. We were blessed to have some very wonderful people coming in that helped her out. She didn't want to go to an assisted living place but desired to stay in her own home, so this is how it all came to pass.<br />
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I am glad her burdens have been lifted from her frail body and that she now can be free of the constraints that have so long frustrated her. Now she is able to be with her family, parents, sisters and brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends that have all gone before her. But there is a great whole in my life. I feel like my reason for doing things has gone away. Now that may sound so dramatic but the last few years, my sweet husband and myself have had the opportunity and sometimes burden of taking care of my Mom. When there were any problems or appointments that needed to be accomplished we were the ones that provided the support. We had also taken her with us on many trips, not the last while but before. She enjoyed going on these outings because we usually went to visit with one of our children and their families so that gave her the chance to enjoy them too. I find every once in a while I reach to call Mom to tell her something that has happened or to just visit to see how she is doing. I have so closed in my arena of friends that my husband and my Mom were my closest friends and companions. To have 1/2 of that group gone is very difficult.<br />
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To my Mom, I say, I am glad you are happy and at peace. You have earned your eternal time with your loved ones. Until we meet again. I love you. Your loving daughter, Pat.<br />
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<br />Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-71240892181148715402011-11-29T07:26:00.001-07:002011-11-29T07:26:01.778-07:00<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Thanksgiving - <span style="font-size: small;">has come and gone so quickly</span></span></span>. It seemed like a whirlwind this year. Our daughter Kristie and her hubby Jared and their children just moved into a new home. It is lovely and they had extra room so we had Thanksgiving dinner at their home.. It was so nice, plenty of room and the food was delicious. Our daughters arranged the menu between them and it all turned out very nice, in fact we had so much food after we ate, one had to wonder if anyone had eaten very much. <br />
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At first I was feeling a little lost because I have pretty much done the dinner myself and all I did this year was pies, cranberries and candied yams. But to see our daughters working together to accomplish this was so wonderful and helped me to see how things can and should change as we grow older. <br />
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My Mom is 94 years young and she was able to be there. She is having a few problems getting around but Nan and Steph jumped in and helped her every time she needed to move from one place to another. Gene, Sue and Nik also helped out so much, they ran up to pick her up and bring her down to Kristie's place. Glen and Nik took her home and helped her with her evening preparations. Others helped her if she even looked like she needed something. All and all she had a delightful day and was very tired by evening but the glow was still there several days after. So thank you all for your help and love shown. <br />
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We had the opportunity to go down to see our Salt Lake Grizzlies hockey team in action. Jared arranged that for all of us which was so nice of him to do. There were 19 of us. After the game they had an "open" skate and most of the kids were able to go down and try their luck on the ice. It was fun to watch them all trying so hard to stand up. There were a couple that were able to do more than that but fun was had by all of them. After they closed the skating down, Jared brought his young son out on his ice skates and invited all of us out there without our skates and we watch some of our group playing on the ice together. We all had such a fun time and were nice and tired at the end of the night.<br />
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When it was time for Sue, Gene and their family to go home we were so sad because they had come such a long way and we didn't want them to leave. We so enjoyed having them. Nan, Russ and their family didn't leave until Sunday so we had a little more time with them, which was nice. With our family so scattered so far away it is difficult to get together but I really appreciate their efforts to bring their families and the food they prepared and everything else to be with us. I know it was a great effort and expense but thank you.<br />
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Now to the reason for Thanksgiving - to give thanks for all that we have been given and for our fore fathers and their sacrifices to come to America. I am so grateful for the many, many blessings we have been given, first being our children, their spouses and our grandchildren. The joys that come from seeing each and everyone of them as they grow and become what they desire and to make their lives so special. Each has their own view of what is needed and it's wonderful to see these things mature. I guess what I'm trying to say is I love our children, their husbands and grandchildren so much. Each has a special place in my heart, life would not be the same without each of them. Thank you Father for each of them they are truly a blessing in our lives and family.<br />
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I so enjoyed having all but our one daughter home for the holidays. We missed her and wished she could have been with us. Our grandchildren are growing up so much and we had a lovely surprise announced we have another grandchild coming into this world next year. <br />
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<br />Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-10167236435495486682011-10-04T14:24:00.004-06:002011-10-04T14:40:52.947-06:00FamilyLife is so simple when you are a child. You cry when you are hurt or upset and you laugh when you are happy. But at times things get in the way of a child's simple life. <br /><br />A child is a gift to us all, he or she brings a touch of the Lord into our homes and lives. The sweetness they have, their willingness to smile, to run, to giggle, to sing, to talk, the innocence they bring into our lives. What joy it is to see and watch a child as they innocently go on their way learning. The question is what are we teaching them? Is it good? Does it help them as they grow up into their teen and adult years?<br /><br />I have watched our young grandchildren as they are growing up and what a joy it is to talk to them and see their joy. They jump, they giggle, they run and they chatter, and tell what is going on in their lives. <br /><br />They are beautiful and sweet. Yes, they have their moments just like we do that perhaps they are not as fun to be around but the fun ones far out weigh the difficult ones. <br /><br />Thank you Lord for these beautiful and sweet children you have sent to our family. Some of them have grown up and into or close to adulthood but they still have that sweet innocence that is such a joy to see and be around. I am so grateful for our grandchildren and our children that are raising them. How did I ever get so blessed?Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-84361665072324688982011-09-14T06:01:00.002-06:002011-09-14T06:38:18.439-06:009/11 - 10 Years laterI waited to post this until now as for some reason I was so caught up in the feelings I had at that time. Other years have come and gone and yes I have felt sad but not this overwhelming sadness and hopelessness. I have worked through these feelings and realize I really haven't allowed myself to think through this tragedy since it happened. It seemed I did so much thinking, wondering, asking my self how could someone hate so much that they wanted to kill so many innocent people. <br /><br />They say it's an act of war but how can that be if you are focusing on people who are not able to defend themselves. Who are not fighters like these individuals, who have not been trained. <br /><br />I give respect to other religions and faiths even though they are much different than I believe but to have a "faith" or "religion" that encourages people to hate, to kill, to "get even" for past offenses is beyond my understanding or willingness to accept. <br /><br />Yes, I admit it I am a peace loving individual. I want others to find a way to work things out, no matter the problem. I am not saying that is an easy statement to follow through on but feel it is worth the effort.<br /><br />No I am not a "Pollyanna" type of person that sees everyone and everything in a sunny, happy light. Many times I wished I did and at times I thought I was very cynical individual but when this ugly, tragic, act of violence occurred it caused me to realize I really do expect the best in others and when they don't always act the way I would want I usually am able to understand that yes, we are human and have frailties or that we all make mistakes. But this was not just a mistake it was planned act of only one thing - Satan's plan to destroy mankind. The evil that was felt at that time could only have a basis from Satan's plan. When we come to this earth we aren't evil or desire evil things but what we are taught or the company we choose to keep many times allows these ideas to germinate in our souls. <br /><br />I love this country for the freedoms we enjoy, for the reason to get up each day, for the ability to speak our thoughts, for not having to use a "passport" to travel from one city to another. For the rights we enjoy and that so many others want but do not want to give what this freedoms costs. They want it for free. But that is another blog. <br /><br />To those that think and believe as the individuals did who perpetrated these unthinkable acts, you are cowards, you complain about somethings that you feel you have been put upon by and feel your only recourse is to kill - I say "you are a sorry bunch of humanity". I believe God - both yours and mine looks down and is saddened. The God I know preaches love and kindness and understanding wanting us to emulate the very best He has shown to us. I pray each day for peace among all of us who are so different from one another. I pray for understanding to why these things happen. I give thanks for the men and women who take on the job of protecting our freedoms in this country - and sometimes even giving up their lives for it. I thank the families of those who have given their everything. For the great job they did raising their children and teaching them such moral standards. I know your pain is great but please take my sincere and loving prayers to heart and know many of us weep with you and pray for you.<br /><br />Thank you God for this country and the people that are striving to make it a better place. Thank you God for bringing peace to my broken heart from the terrible things this Nation witnessed 10 years ago.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-48639480202756687212011-07-11T07:10:00.002-06:002011-07-11T12:44:38.923-06:00FreedomThe 4th of July has passed and the fireworks have been shot off and we all survived. I was thinking what we celebrate the 4th for. I am extremely grateful for those men and women that have made our freedom a priority and have fought and even given their lives so we might have celebrations here at home and shoot off fireworks and watch parades etc. <br /><br />What do I sacrifice for this freedom? Perhaps it's the fact that I weep for those loved ones that have been left behind and ache for their sacrifices and those that do come home but are maimed in some way. I pray for you all and support our troops and their families. Thank you men and women for all you give and have given on my behalf. I honor all of you!Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-40777491449717935702011-07-02T08:21:00.002-06:002011-07-02T08:47:45.835-06:00Catch UpSo much has happened since I last wrote - I am so inconsistent at times. Others not so bad - oh well! Anyway, in the past while, our second daughter and her family were evacuated from the Monument fire in AZ. They were one of the first to be evacuated and were out for over 2 1/2 weeks. They lived with good people willing to share their homes for all of that time. When they were finally allowed back in the Dad went because our daughter and her two kids took a trip up to St. George to have a respite with her sister's family. The kids really needed a break from not knowing what was happening with their lives for a short while and just be kids again. The medicine worked, they both bloomed back into the lovely young ones they were all along. Our daughter also needed some down time to be allowed to assimilate all that was going on and that her home really was saved. They only took a few clothes and some pictures and their lap top computer. They walked out the door and left everything they had. Oh except they took their dog, fish and lizard. For payment, they were blessed with their home being saved along with one other one and a couple that were only partially damaged and the rest of the homes were burned to the ground. Just saying that makes me want to cry for all of those that have to start over, but they have such a great attitude about how lucky they are to have all of their loved ones out and some for neighbors getting their beloved cars (collection) out and to safety as the family was on vacation out of the state. Thank you Father that no person was lost during this fire. Such devastation over neglect to put out a camp fire. <br /><br />I was thinking how grateful I am for our family and loved ones and the fact that they are taking on life's many challenges and forging onward. Some challenges are great ones and some are, in others views small, but they are still stumbling blocks for us to overcome and grow. <br /><br />There is a lady in our ward that is without a doubt one of the kindest, sweetest and most caring (especially for children, she's a great teacher) I know. She has not been blessed with a mate or children and her heart is really taking a beating. How I wish I had the knowledge to help her through this heartache. She has remained stalwart in the Church even though family is such a BIG part of it all. But every once in a while it is just too much for her to bear. Please say a prayer for this lady because she needs us to help her in her times of difficulty. I guess I feel so much more for her because of our oldest daughter who is facing much the same circumstances except she has left the Church and even God because of it. There are times when I feel like it's too much for me to bear the heart ache for our daughter but then I remind myself this is her journey and I am only a bystander but being her mother makes me want to make it all better for her. I can't imagine how our Heavenly Father felt watching His Son go through the awful things HE had to face while in this mortal state. Thank you for the sacrifices and showing us the way.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-52028380391386945582011-06-02T06:24:00.003-06:002011-06-02T06:40:21.214-06:00RainRain, Rain go away and come back another day. Yes, we sang that as children and I find myself singing that again. A couple nights ago, the weather gal said we had just under 12 inches of rain for the months of March, April and May. Doesn't the weather person in the sky know - we live in a desert? The really sad part of all of this is the flooding that is going on all over Northern Utah. Homes that have become flooded and farms that are flooded. These provide for the animals but for humans also. But what about our fresh corn, beans, tomatoes, squash, you know the good things of summer? Everyone loses in this. But we aren't the only ones that are having a difficult spring. The tornadoes that have struck the mid west are so devastating. It seems when the news is on we hear about more and more destruction by Mother Nature. She is truly the "boss" and we are mere humans. Really makes us look at things in a different light. Are we prepared for what is ahead? I hope so! I worry about our children, grandchildren, brothers and their families, my Mom. We have our 72 hours kits ready and try to go through them twice a year but this usually happens only once a year. To change out medications and clothes and such. But we are trying.<br /><br />On a happier note - the sun was out yesterday morning and it was a glorious sight! And the outside plants are really enjoying all of the cool wet weather. I guess the whole thought here is - we need to look at the good with the bad and realize we wouldn't appreciate the good without the bad.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-25343091219971450972011-03-16T06:44:00.005-06:002011-03-16T07:18:58.014-06:00EscapeWe just returned last week from a much needed "get away". We were able to take some time and stop our life so to speak here on the home front and go south to visit with another Daughter, Son and their family. We also got to go to our "dentist" who is our Son. He very kindly has offered to do our dental work. We feel so grateful for this "GIFT" from him as this is his living and he helps us which at this time in our life is really appreciated. When we were working we had dental benefits but since retiring that has all gone away. We can't find dental insurance for our time in life (not important enough for us seniors) but even if we could we couldn't afford it. Anyway, thank you Russ we SO appreciate all you do for us.<br /><br />When we first left, we both were so done in we were shocked at how tired we were. Mostly what we did for a great deal of the time we were gone was just veg. As we started to feel better we took little trips around the area and saw some incredible things. A place called Warm Springs where out in the middle of the desert you find a paradise so to speak of palm trees and warm water. The day we went out we did have one disappointment, there had been a big fire last July which burned an incredible path through the beauty. We were unable to go onto some land the LDS church owns because of reconstruction but it is a trip we will make in the future. The things we saw where the fire had devastated was so sad because there had been homes where people were living and it looks like it took everything they had. That broke my heart to see what they had endured and continue to endure. <br /><br />Onto a happier note, the road to warm springs is a quiet little two lane road but on the road about 1/2 mile before getting to the LDS property they are building a road side rest stop. It is just lovely, they have brick walk ways and covered picnic areas but as we ventured further we also found hiking trails and some information built around the warm springs. It seems there was a fish that was to distinction. We read the information on this and we very interested in this fish they were bringing back. It is called a Dace. Well, along with the information signs we found on the other side of the walk way was a Plexiglas wall that was one side of the warm springs ditch running through this area. There we could look at the "side" of the ditch and see this fish that was at most two inches long and there was also some snails that lived there. It was very interesting to be able to see down into the ditch from the side and see the way the water was interacting with the plants and such. All and all we really enjoyed venturing into this little area and finding all of this beauty (well it was at one time before the fire and will again, I'm sure). The one thing that really struck me was the peace and quiet of the country life. I have missed this which I grew up knowing and enjoying. <br /><br />There is so much around us that we really don't stop and enjoy, so I am glad we took the time to see all of this.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-8230204634648691582011-02-06T21:16:00.002-07:002011-02-06T21:29:23.736-07:00A Wakeup CallFriday a very sad thing happened in our family. A beloved nephew was killed in an off road motorcycle accident. This man was so special to our family, he was kind, loving, thoughtful, friendly and all of the adjectives that describe a person everyone would like to know. We are so sadden at his passing and will miss him terribly but we know we'll see him again someday.<br /><br />But the thing that I wanted to write about was, you never know when someone we love will be taken in a blink of an eye. I find myself many times "wishing" my life away, such as when we can get our kitchen redone, when the kids move out, when we don't have all of the responsibility we know now. With this happening, which seems way to soon for this young man, it dawned on me, we can't wish on tomorrows but need to enjoy and live each day to the fullest. I have shed so many tears over this as we thought so highly of him and I know how I would feel if it were one of my children, our adoptive children (sons) grandchildren, on and on. I do believe we'll see one another again in the here after but it still hurts to let them go now. I guess I'm really selfish as I want "my cake and eat it too" so to speak. <br /><br />This has made me realize how much I love my husband, my family, our extended family, etc. We are so blessed and I thank my Father in Heaven each and every day for each of them but I guess I don't have enough faith to let them go even for a little while. Of course, I won't or don't have any say in this but I still keep trying. <br /><br />I guess what I'm saying is we should take the time to "really" enjoy our days, even the bad parts so someday when it's time we can say, I have lived life to the fullest and I'm ready to let go.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-16978106688847999122011-01-24T11:54:00.002-07:002011-01-24T12:13:02.164-07:00BirthdaySaturday, January 22 my Mom was 94 years young. Wow, can't hardly believe she made it this far. Well, I take it back, I can believe it, she has always taken such good care of herself. She eats really well. She is down to where she doesn't eat a lot anymore but what she eats is so well balanced and good for her. I wonder where I went wrong? Hummmm!<br /><br />On Saturday we took her out to dinner to celebrate her birthday. She was thrilled to be able to go but we had to walk a long distance into the restaurant but she made it both ways but when we got her back to her home, which by the way she is living alone in her own place, she was done in. She stopped at a chair right by the door. Not her usual spot but you could tell she was glad she made it that far. She has had quite a week, on Wednesday we took her shopping to get a new washer machine and coat. Then on Friday we took her grocery shopping and to lunch with her daughter in law, granddaughter and two great granddaughters. She really enjoyed that and then we went to another grocery store, so that was a really BIG day. Then on Saturday we took her out. Usually she only goes on Fridays and if we have a special holiday or she needs to go to the doctor. So this week was really a "killer" week for her and yet it was a good one. I know she really enjoyed it as she is really a social person. <br /><br />I look at her and realize how long she has lived and the things she has seen come to pass. The changes in our world have been great in my life time but she has lived a good 25 years longer. Wow! <br /><br />She has had hardships beyond our imagination. In her lifetime she has had three husbands, three children, seen all of her husbands die and one of her sons. That in itself is difficult but she has also seen all of her siblings except her youngest pass on along with her parents and most of her close cousins and so many friends. I know there are times when she wonders why she is still here but if it comes down to it, she will fight to stay. That is the way she is and I think the reason she is still here. She has fought hard all of her life to accomplish many things. To see her children raised and doing well to see 10 grandchildren, many, many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren be born and grow up. <br /><br />Life is not easy but we were willing to take on the opportunity to come here and do all of the things that would come to us. Thank you Father for my Mom and the many things she has taught me. For the sacrifices she has made for me and my brothers. Thank you.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-58742352531251098022011-01-08T03:53:00.002-07:002011-01-08T04:04:15.468-07:00Happy New YearA New Year for all of us - what are we going to do this year that is different from last year. Are we going to make the same mistakes, follow the same trail that we've done in the past? Or are we going to stop and take stock of ourselves and how we can change for the better. This can be something that will benefit each of us and our families. It has been proven that we can't stay the same, we either progress and grow and learn or we become stagnant and go down hill (so to speak). WHAT WILL BE YOUR DESIRE AND DECISION - GO FORWARD OR DOWNWARD?<br /><br />I want to change my life and take control of it back. At this time I am not sure what that means but I certainly hope to find out.<br /><br />Happy New year to each of you!Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-4647207024245926272010-12-25T07:09:00.002-07:002010-12-25T07:11:11.023-07:00Merry ChristmasThe birth of our Savior Jesus Christ is certainly an important day and one to be celebrated. Then there is Santa, it's in the spirit of giving. Merry Christmas to all and to all a GOOD NIGHT.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-38290165466239236312010-12-06T19:26:00.002-07:002010-12-06T19:35:45.411-07:00NativityToday I had a shock. First I need to back up, my husband's brother Don, said he couldn't find a nativity scene. I thought he must be mistaking so today when we were out shopping I looked and you know what? I couldn't find one. Of course, we didn't go everywhere looking but the fact that we went to one or two places and there was not one to be found. Not even a picture. What part of CHRISTMAS do people miss? I mean CHRIST-MAS. <br /><br />This really shows that Satan has been working very hard to convince people that X-mas is the way to go. I am so saddened by this fact. I still find it hard to believe that there isn't one in every store you might go too. Don said he finally found one at Home Depot. Of all places?<br /><br />I feel so sad for the buyers of the various stores that they don't look - NO DEMAND that they have some to sell. Surely there are more people out there that find this a disturbing fact besides me.<br /><br />I think we need to talk to everyone we meet and ask them if they understand this? Maybe if we talk it up and call the various stores and ask - WHY? Maybe, just maybe it will dawn on someone that Christ needs to be put back into Christmas.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-10928797925039302492010-12-04T10:46:00.002-07:002010-12-04T11:01:53.875-07:00Wonderful time of the yearIt's that wonderful time of the year - yes it's Christmas time. What a joy it is to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. I think of the difficult time it must of been for Mary and Joseph to go all that way to pay their taxes. Then the time coming for Mary to deliver Jesus. In a stable no less. Our pictures make it look so lovely but even at their best stables aren't what one might think of a place for a human "baby" to be born in. It is definitely a humble place to be born in and the song that mentions Jesus, once of humble birth. I think of that often and how sweet the birth of a baby is. What a learning process it is for the parents let alone the child. As I look back on our family being born and how much I have learned with each of our children as they have grown up. Sometimes were extremely difficult and sometimes were so sweet and even humbling. I can't believe it has been so many years since we first started on this journey. As each of our daughters came into the world, it was both difficult (as I didn't do anything easily) and it was sweet and beautiful. The joy I felt as each was placed in my arms and how I cried with each of their births. The happiness I felt as I checked them out to be sure they were "perfect". Little did I know they were perfect no matter what imperfections might have been on their bodies. <br /><br />I guess the Lord knew I would need five children to learn all of the things I needed to learn. Wow had I only known how many children we would have before we were married I wonder if I would have taken the "journey". Having been raised more or less as an only child, I wasn't prepared for the noise or the conflicts that come with children. But neither was I prepared for the joy and happiness that comes with all of that noise and conflict. We only grow as a result of difficulty or difficult times. When these times comes to each of us, it is frightening. We are not prepared for them and therefore we feel unable to handle what may or may not come. <br /><br />I know without a doubt that our Heavenly Father is there to guide and help us every step of the way, if we but have the faith and trust in Him to do so.<br /><br />My prayers are with you all as you go through these difficult times of bearing, raising children and the other difficult times that will come your way. Have faith and trust.<br /><br />Merry Christmas to all.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-6024829752194797662010-11-20T13:24:00.003-07:002010-12-04T10:46:01.219-07:00GrandparentsBeing a grandparent is one of the greatest things in the world, well besides being a Mom or Dad. We have 11 grandchildren and each of them holds such a special place in my heart. We got to spend some quality time with three of our grandchildren this past week and had the opportunity to attend a concert at our granddaughter's school. She plays the viola and it was a joy to watch these young people as they each worked so hard to do their very best to perform. Our granddaughter practices 30 minutes each day four days a week so she doesn't have to bring her instrument home on the weekend. Now isn't that clever? But she doesn't miss practicing because it is important to her to do her best. Her brothers are so full of energy that I wish I could just touch them and get some of it. One grandson couldn't wait to get into 3rd grade so he could learn to write cursive. I was impressed at what a good job he does considering that he's only been in school a few short weeks. The youngest grandson is in kindergarten and is learning how to type. Wow! What kids learn and know today at such young ages is such a surprise to me as grandmother. But the thing that tickled us so much was they met us at the door as we got there and as we were leaving, they were at the window waving at us. <br /><br />This would be really impressive if it were just one of our daughter's children but all of them do this. What a joy it is to know we are loved and they look forward to our coming. Sadly we don't get to see all of them that much and that makes us so sad as we love each of them so much. <br /><br />We have two that are into sports and each play soccer and boy are they good. Just so fun to watch them play and see how much they have improved each time. We don't get to see them much as they live a ways away from here. <br /><br />Then we have four others that live about five hours drive from here and they are delightful also. The two older ones are into "grown" up things but are still happy to see us and will chat with us and that is fun to feel included in their lives. The two younger ones hang around with us constantly when we go there and that is such fun. <br /><br />We are fortunate to have two living with us right now and it's fun that they like having us around too. Although, I think they feel like we just belong here because the oldest one really doesn't remember living without us. The youngest one is still too young to know any different.<br /><br />All and all we are so blessed to have all of these lovely grandchildren.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-41417123287535214052010-10-15T01:14:00.003-06:002010-10-15T23:10:17.858-06:00So many MiraclesMy last post I talked a bit about this but my heart is still full about it so here goes. When our youngest daughter gave birth to our little Ashlinn and our daughter had complications, it was so frightening. As I look back in my life I realize how many times I have seen the hand of the Lord right in our family. Each of our daughters as they have gone through difficult times, pregnancy, birthing, surgery, how grateful I was to be able to talk to the Lord about their particular time of difficulty and how much better I felt, although I have to admit that during the time I wished I could do it for them, much easier then watching and feeling so helpless. Our little Ashlinn being the last born and little miracle so far. <br /><br />Then this past week a dear friend had an aneurysm in his brain and passed away. His wife had passed a little over a year ago. I'm sure she was anxious to have him with her again. They were always such a beautiful couple. As I look back to the birth and now the death it really puts things in perspective. <br /><br />When our daughters were born I was so thrilled and I worked very hard to do the very best job, I thought I could do to help them be prepared for their lives. They are each such lovely women. Each so different, not only in looks (although if you saw them together, you'd guess they belonged as sisters) but they have gone on and developed such diverse interests and abilities and talents. Now all but one have been blessed to be mothers. They have beautiful, intelligent, talented children. Some are real athletes, some are into the arts and music, some are just learning what they might be interested in for their lives. But our daughters and their husbands have taken these lovely little ones and are teaching them the things they feel they need, to be prepared for their lives. Don't get me wrong, it isn't an easy job, at times it can be the most frustrating time but it is also one of the most rewarding times. <br /><br />Our daughter that doesn't have any children, has taken a young woman and was her guardian to help her through her life. This young woman was mentally handicapped but to our daughter and to us, she was beyond wonderful. But sadly her time here on the earth has passed and she has joined our Heavenly Father. We all wept for this lovely young woman and for our daughter having to lose her but yet they gave one another so much and so many memories. This daughter is the greatest Aunt to her sister's children and loves each of them beyond her life. She has so much to give and this is the way she has chosen to do some of that. She has done so many things for others and I marvel at how she has taken her life and made it so rich and fulfilling. When we finally get the chance to visit her, she is such a joy because she takes us to new places to see and hear and eat and even to some old ones we have grown fond of. Early on in her life she had some terrible surgery and had to face a difficult time but she has risen above it and made her life even better.<br /><br />Yes, I am proud of our daughters and what they have done with their lives. Yes, they have had struggles and yes they have made mistakes but they are such wonderful ladies that they have grown from all of that. <br /><br />Again the circle of life and the miracles we have witnessed in our family is such a humbling thing. <br /><br />Thank you Father for your willingness to bless our family with so much. For helping each of us make it through this world to accomplish as much as we can. So some day we can return to live with you.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-10900474494139714502010-09-14T18:47:00.003-06:002010-09-14T18:57:45.548-06:00Late Summer Early FallHow time is flying by. I look outside and the trees are starting to get some additional color. The apples are turning red our garden is starting to look a little tired and the time is coming for us to prepare for the winter. <br /><br />I love this time of year, the heat has gone from our days and the nights are still warm enough for our garden. I can leave the windows open most of the day and enjoy it so much. <br /><br />I guess it is a little like our lives. We are born as in the spring and we grow as in the summer and the fall is our time for having our own families and then the winter is our older years. <br /><br />As I have said in the past, I am so blessed. I have a wonderful husband, who is patient, kind and loving. We are enjoying our late summer early fall years. We so enjoy our children and grandchildren and as we watch each of them changing and growing. It makes us realize how much has changed and how much we have grown in our lives. Thank you Lord for my life.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-75775023806317828222010-08-29T16:08:00.002-06:002010-08-29T16:31:21.967-06:00LifeI have put off writing about this for a while because it is so close to my heart. A week ago this last Friday, August 20, 2010 our youngest daughter Kristie gave birth to a long awaited little girl. This "little" girl was quite big, 8lbs 13 oz and 21 inches long so this gave her Mom a bit of a problem. Kristie was unable to deliver her except by C section. This was all well and good and after a very long day everyone was thrilled to see this new little member to our family, Ashlinn Mary. After much cooing and ooing we left to go home. When we got home my husband and I called it day and had "cereal" for dinner and settled down for the evening. <br /><br />A short time later the phone rang and it was Kristie's husband telling us she was taken back into the OR for surgery. We threw on our clothes and headed back to the hospital. I called her sisters and my Mom to tell them and ask them to all pray for her. I must admit I wasn't worth much at that point. My baby was seriously in trouble. It seems she had a blood clot that had stopped her body from doing what it should after a birth. She was bleeding beyond what she should have been. After hearing what all happened I realize just how fortunate/blessed we were that her hubby Jared was there with her in her room and went to call for help immediately when they realized how much trouble she was in. The doctors and nurses worked very hard to save our daughter's life. Thank you to everyone that gives so much in their line of work. <br /><br />This story does have a happy ending, our daughter came back from surgery not looking so great but has since been recovering rapidly. She looks like nothing so serious has happened but we all know. I won't soon forget how very fragile life is. I like so many others takes delivering a baby as "the norm" but it does take a great deal of work on Mom's part whether it be normal way or C section and the outcome can be so tenuous. <br /><br />I thank my Father in Heaven for this miracle in our lives. For this precious little girl that has come into our extended family. <br /><br />As I've said before we have 11 grandchildren and each of them are so special and wonderful. Each of them bring joy to our hearts and lives and we give thanks to the Lord for sending them to our family. <br /><br />I thought having my own kids was difficult - ha - not anywhere as difficult as watching our daughter's give birth.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-77605198291334270832010-08-10T22:59:00.004-06:002010-08-10T23:30:53.254-06:00The difference between "old" people and "young" peopleBy old I mean 93 or so and by young I mean under 18. This past week I have had a chance to talk with our grandchildren. They never cease to amaze and surprise me. I love how smart they are and how clever they are. What their interests are and how diverse they all are. Like one Grandson has gotten a red bearded lizard. He has been talking about getting one and he knows all about them and so on and so. He wants this particular one because it is most rare. I told him I thought that was yucky and I was a wussss. He laughed and said I wasn't because I was Grandma to lots of grandsons. What a joy it is to know He thinks I am so fierce and unafraid of anything. Then another grandson asked me how old I was? I told him I was older than dirt. He wasn't sure about that. So I asked him how old was OLD? He thought for a minute and said 100, whooo, I'm not too old yet. So I told him I was 68 and he thought about that and said "oh". I told him I was 61 years older than he is. Well that one did not go over well. It just plain stopped him. Another granddaughter talked to me about her plans for college this fall and her schedule. She is so full of life and joy that it is contagious! What a joy each of our grandchildren are. They are all so interesting, they have very interesting personalities and joy for life. Of course, it is expressed in different ways, but none the less expressed. Thank you all.<br /><br /> Now to Old - my Mom is 93 and as you might think, she has started to lose some reasoning powers. I am so sad to see this happen because her mind has been as sharp as a tack. Many times I am now taking the roll of her "mother". That is a strange place to be. All through my life I have measured myself by what my mother has said or done and I have confided in her and she would tell me what she felt should be done. While I have taken a different path from my mom, I still love and respect her. One thing she has adopted in her later years and especially as her hearing and eye sight have been getting tired and not working like she'd like, she has started to laugh at everything - practically. I know some of it to cover up her not hearing but others is to cover up what she thinks. <br /><br /> Our lives are very diverse one from another of us - our families are different from how we've been raised. When husband and wife come together and form the beginning of a family and then children start to come. You bring certain traits from each of your own growing up families and convert them into this new family. Then you find new things you would like added. I find this so interesting, how we bring the best things from what we were raised with and add new and better ways of doing things. I love this. Each generation grows up and beyond the last one. Yes, the Old families (our growing up family) still have good things and bring many wonderful memories but the new families bring growth and love and joy and happiness and even a little sadness as the young ones grow up and out of the nest. <br /><br /> One thing each of these groups of people have in common the younger group are looking forward with so much expectation and the older group is looking forward to another place in their eternal progression and sometimes just as eagerly as the young ones are looking. <br /><br /> What a joy it is to be right here where I am. I learn and grow along with our children and grandchildren.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-16072600344811779352010-06-06T19:20:00.003-06:002010-06-06T19:32:23.026-06:00Family-togetherToday is the end/beginning of the week. Our family has had quite a week this past week. Each of our daughters have had "one" of those weeks that we pray do not happen often. But Saturday made it all worth while. Four of our five daughters and their families were here to support two of our grandchildren when they were baptized. What a joy it was for Glen and I to have them all here and see how our family has grown. They are so darn cute together. That's our grown children and their spouses and their children. It's like they have so little time when they are all together that no one seems to argue or have sour faces. Everyone is giggling, talking, laughing, teasing and beaming (as when the two, Hanae and Graeme were baptized). The two little ones were so serious and cute when they were sitting there listening to the talks that were given and to the Bishop while he was talking to them. Afterward, the two that were baptized sit next to each other and shared a song book so they could sing the closing song. Which I'm sure they both know by heart, I Am A Child of God. I love watching all of our grandchildren, the older ones included and realize how innocent and beautiful they are both inside and out. They are truly Children of God. <br /><br />Thank you for this day and for the blessing we have of having a family that are all trying to be good, kind and decent human beings.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-48022097908040422222010-04-07T12:18:00.002-06:002010-04-07T12:35:41.254-06:00FamilyI have been on this earth close to 68 years. I thought I knew everything when I was younger and as I grew older (20s) I was still sure I knew everything but of course, that has to come to a close sometime in your life - like when your children reach teens years. <br /><br />Then comes adult years and as I have watched my children mature and become parents themselves I see many things I did when I was first a parent but I also see many things they have improved on. They teach their children more indepth about so many things, why we really celebrate Easter, about Christ's birth and death. They play with their children, like go skiing, playing in the water, water skiing, going to the zoos, animal parks. They have fun with their children much more than we did and that's good. As I look back from when I was a child, I hopefully improved on how I was taught and now our children are improving on how they were taught. This makes me so happy to see my children as they are women and mothers and what they do and have done. <br /><br />I just wish they had worked out their problems with each other a bit sooner. Because of the turmoil when I was raised I don't deal with it very well at this point in my life. I want my children to love one another and see the good in each other but most of all I want my children to see the good in themselves. All of them are wonderful women and I'm proud to say they are my daughters. Each of them have wonderful qualities and talents and they are expanding on these qualities and talents in their own ways. <br /><br />I have been blessed with a wonderful husband, five wonderful daughters, 4 wonderful sons (by adoption through marriage) and 10 grandchildren plus one more on the way and I give thanks each and every day. I pray that each of them will find the peace and love they need and that they will find their way. I love each of you.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-58653089674406111812010-02-16T22:29:00.005-07:002010-04-12T22:43:59.589-06:00Birthdays/MarriageToday was my husband's 72nd birthday. Wow, and to think we started dating when he was 24 and I was 20. How time flies when you're having fun. I look into the mirror and realize I am getting older but at the same time I also feel like I did when I was younger. Perhaps not as energetic but the feelings are still the same. I look at this man that has been my husband for over 46 years, soon to be 47 and I can't imagine my life without him. He is indeed the wind beneath my wings. He sees me as I am and still loves me for all of my imperfections. I realized today, I feel the same way about him. I see a string on his shirt or his hair has blown away from what he likes and I have to fix it for him. I want everyone to know this man that has been such a pillar in my life. <br /><br />We dated for over a year before we went off to school and then the spring of that year of school he proposed to me so we became engaged. We continued dating long distant for the next year until he graduated from BYU. We had known each other since we were in elementary school. Although, my memories of this older "boy" really aren't very clear. About all I remember was that he teased me. When I really got to know him was when he got home from his mission and we lived very close at that time and I was in the youth group and he was going to show pictures and tell about his mission. All of us girls went to all of these, they were fun and besides, guess we were auditioning our husbands to be - to find the right one. My first real knowledge of when we were "older" and met again was at a dance at the church. He had just returned from his mission. He asked me to dance and I loved it. He is a VERY good dancer and we had such fun. It just got better from there. I had graduated from high school the spring a year before and was looking to go onto college. I was thinking of going up to Logan USU but Glen talked me into going down to BYU. AS I said, in the spring of that school year Glen proposed to me and then he would continue school and I would work, according to my Mother I had to work and get my china, silver and crystal so I was ready for marriage. I stayed home that year and worked very hard and yes I got all the things I was expected to get. Glen, made trips home almost every weekend or at least as much as he could. We planned on getting married right after he graduated, which would happen in the spring of that very long year. He graduated one week and the next weekend, Friday, June 7, 1963 we got married in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. It's seems like yesterday, I can tell you what time I got up to get ready to drive down to the temple, 4:00 A.M. because there was not a freeway back then. Glen came by to pick me up, because my parents hadn't been married in the temple and neither of them had taken out their endowments so my wedding was a little lonely for me, Glen, his parents, two of his brothers, the Bishop and his wife from my home ward were all that was there. I remember I cried all the way through the ceremony. I was so happy and yet a bit sad but I knew that this was the "right" way to be married so I struck out on my own. There was no one from my immediate family, parents, grandparents or ever cousins had gone through the temple, so this was sad but I was so happy with this man that had chosen me, I cried tears of joy. It felt so right to be there in the temple with him promising to be his wife for time and all eternity. I know my Heavenly Father was there with me all of the way because I felt warm and safe in the knowledge I was doing the right thing. <br /><br />I realize as I look back, how little knowledge I had about the gospel and our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ. But the Lord had blessed me with a testimony that I knew this was where I needed to be. His spirit had blessed me so many times as I grew up, many times when I really didn't know that was what it was. My knowledge has grown 100 times and I have been given many opportunities to grow and become what my Heaven Father knew I could do and become. <br /><br />He blessed both Glen and I with so much, we have been given (as I have mentioned so many times here) five beautiful daughters and since then four wonderful sons and 10 grandchildren. What more could a person ask for? We have been blessed to be close to these grandchildren as much as we possibly could. We have traveled much and enjoyed and learned so much. We've had the privileged of watching our children as they become wonderful parents. Learning from their children as we had learned from ours. <br /><br />Thank you Father, for this wonderful man, whose 72nd birthday is today, I wish his parents were still here and I would tell them thank you for raising such a wonderful man. I love him so much and will forever. The only dream I've had for our children was that they could marry and find someone that loved them as much as their father loved me and they would love that person as much as I had loved their father. I know when you both feel this way, you can handle any of life's problems and of course there are always problems. We all have different ones but when you have built your marriage on that kind of love - the rest will work itself out. <br /><br />The result is one day you stop and realize while you were living your life it flew by you and here you are having been married over 46 years. That sounds like a long time, I am so surprised the first time I realized it had been that long. Where did the time go?Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158925772602455034.post-62318398429713472142010-01-01T11:42:00.002-07:002010-01-01T12:27:03.776-07:00HAPPY NEW YEARAs I look back over the past year I realize how much can be packed into one small 12 month period. When you look forward that seems like a long time but looking back you realize, it really isn't. <br /><br />We've had so many wonderful things happen to us and our family. And we've had some not so great things as all of you have. I'm grateful for the love we share, my hubby and I and our children, their spouses and their children. How time flies when you don't notice. Our oldest grandchild will graduate this spring. Wow, where did the time go? Just yesterday it seems she was born and now she's 17 and looking forward to her wonderful life out of the younger grades of her education. Then on Christmas Day we were given another gift of sorts. Our youngest daughter and her hubby are going to have a baby in August which is the birth month of our oldest grandchild. Now both of these births are miracles but to us this one carries a different type of miracle. Their little boy that is 20 months old was created by another set of parents but he came to us as a miracle of many prayers and he brought much happiness to see how much he is like his parents, Kristie and Jared. They adopted Cooper because after six years they just hadn't been able to have their own baby --- well now they can. <br /><br />I look back on what I have just written and realize just how much each of our grandchildren mean to us and how each of them are a miracle to us. We have been so blessed by first our children and then their marriages to fine men and then the birth of their babies --- our grandbabies. What joy they have each brought into our family of which Glen and I started 47 1/2 years ago. In December of that first year, I realized I was pregnant with our first child. Now in December, we found out our youngest child is having our 11th grandchild. <br /><br />On January 22nd my Mom will be 93 years old and that is a miracle. I wonder if she realized so many years ago when she was pregnant with me what all she was starting?? I doubt it. My step-brother and I both had five children each, giving my Mom 10 grandchildren, now she has 23 great grandchildren and four great, great grandchildren. Wow, just think!<br /><br />I hope this finds each of you well and that this New Year holds much joy and happiness for you.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12377220373965358344noreply@blogger.com0