A Christmas Gift

* This was my Christmas Gift to me. On a snowy night Tom dropped me off for a moment to see an art exhibit at River Woods. The Chirstmas lights were breath taking there. I ran in and fell in love with  this magical, innocent picture of a tiny girl. Maybe it is because I am waiting for our own little angel to get here. Every time I hear Kelly's voice on the phone I start to cry. Birth is such a miracle, such a gift. I love the warmth of the colors around her face. I love the soft little curls falling down her face. She is an angel watching that Christmas Night in awe. I love her rose bud lips, her cubby cheeks, her serious mood. I love her innocence.
*We had our Christmas Bowden Dinner at Mark's house this year. Paul brought a DVD that had many of our old family movies on it. The most amazing thing happened to me as I watch myself as a small child. I could actually remember the feelings that I had at the very moments of my third birthday. I remember how pretty I felt in the new red dress my Mom had bought for me. How proud I was of the doll cake Uncle Andy had made for me. I was so young, I would have never guessed I could remember exact feelings. Our minds are amazing things. To me I looked so innocent, before the time when life seems to wear us down. I want to feel that way again. I watched as we went to the Homestead as a family. We were swimming in the warm pool and then my Dad took us out to the cold pool and threw us in the water. We were all laughing because as soon as he threw us in, everyone would scramble out in horror because the water was freezing. But not me. I can remember wanting to please my Dad. I think I was maybe four. I wanted to show him and I could swim all the way across the pool, and I did. I am still wanting to please him. Wanting to be near him again. I know we come to this earth pure and innocent and then we experience the struggles of life, that eventually humbles us enough to again become innocent and ready to return home. I long for that home, this dark morning on the last day of December.
*D&C 93:38 "Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning; and God having redeemed man from the fall, men became again, in their infant state, innocent before God."

A Christmas Gift

Kelly's Cute Family Room

* Kelly has the cutest family room. I love the big hunky chest she refinished. I talked to her on the phone last night and her doctor thinks her baby is coming sooner than we have been thinking. Every time the phone rings I think it is her. I can't wait to see the Thompsons again and hold my new little best friend.  I am praying all will go well.
* Tom has been coughing like crazy. We just ran away to the bowling alley for a hamburger because he had cabin fever.
* It is snowing so hard outside. It feels like Christmas. I just had to go find Kenta she keeps running down the road to be with the Jepperson's dogs. We are watching the Rodeo Finals every night. BYU plays UTAH tonight. I love Tom

The Gathering

* This has been the gathering place for pictures for many years.  How time flies. Little bodies have turned into teenagers over night. Oh how I love them!
* Lucky me, I got to see Jayne and Kim for a few minutes yesterday. I need that fix every week.
* Mom was so confused yesterday. I must see her more often.
* The care center was Christmas for me. I shared my favorite Christmas story where cute Micah looks like Archie. I mentioned that to them. Right in the middle a man that had been asleep the whole time. Shouted out, " I knew your, Dad we were good friends. I have to think that Archie probably did know him somewhere in the eternities, because Archi made friends witih everyone.
* Tom has a cold and is coughing up a storm. I have to think this might dampen his chances for his first day working at the temple. I wonder if it is possible to will a cold?
* The Relief Society progressive dinner was awesome last night. So many friends that I love in this valley. I am lucky
* "And the angel (Noah) answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. Luke 1:19

Cuddle in

* Oh I love Jason and darlying littleJayne. The older I get the more I appreciate the good people my kids married. Who wouldn't want to cuddle up to that handsome warm face. Lucky Millers, lucky Kim
* It was so nice to have the kids here last night! Little Shawn couldn't remember what to call me.  Think we need to be around each other a little more. I get to be with them when Bret and Nic go for their Anniversary.
* Hope I get to Max's game tonight.
* Jenny is doing so good playing on the  Provo High Girl's Basketball Team.
* Tomorrow I get to do Relief Society for the Care Center in Heber. . . I will love that.
*Last night after everyone left I curled up in the yellow chair and watched the First Presidency Christmas Program and then watched about three more Tabernacle Christmas Programs. It was a Christmas gift to myself. I turned off all the lights except for the three starts and the pink balls on the mantle. I brought home Mom's little white church bird house (because she kept tripping on it)and put it on the table at the end of the bed. Beautiful lighting and a warm room. So nice.
* We are waiting for Tom's extra big white jacket and shoes to come so he can start work at the temple with me on Thursday. When we went shopping he was grumpier than a bear! Not sure how this will all work out, but we shall see. I am banking on a mighty gift from heaven.
* It rained last night the sky is pink this morning. I am so blessed!
* "To arouse "Deep Self" we must arouse its interest, me must seduce it with pretty pictures and pleasurable sensations--take it out dining and dancing as it were."

* What a grand Thanksgiving we have had! I have so much to be thankful for!
* The Heaps filled the house with laughter.
* We danced to Jenny's music long into the night.
* We spent a night in Salt Lake. Went to the Mall Food Court and all the men died when they saw all the people. Jason saved us by leaning us to the tram where we rode to the Rio Grand Station to a Mexican Restaurant. We had to walk a few blocks past a homeless shelter. There were people sleeping on the street. The kids held on tight to our hands and we all felt a sadness that lingers. The bathrooms were filled with spooks or so we heard. The food came fast and it was hot and good. We returned to the Marriott to swim, and the hot tub reminded us of a few unpleasant smells, but the kids didn't seem to notice. Some of the best memories are the unexpected crazy ones. I love my family!

Together Time

* Thanksgiving is coming and I am giving thanks for a time to gather. This picture speaks of stillness and serenity. Our table will burst with laughter, spills, salty gravy, mothers fixing plates, dads in need of a couch, football games and ear plugs, children who want to brave the cold to jump on the tramp and Kenta who is waiting to jump on them, phone calls to draw loved ones and our need to imagine them here.There will be mounds of dishes and turkey grease, fingerprints on the windows, logs to put on the fire, crispness in the air, crayons and water colors, pictures to take, prayers to be whispered and thanks to be given.......this must be the heaven that I long for. Oh I am blessed!

Graditude

* This morning I feel humble. My head hurts and it is still dark. I don't think we are suppose to start our day out pooped. But there is a pounding rain on the window. My thought are so much different because I live in Wallsburg. I am welcoming the rain. It has been so dry this year. The horses are out scrounging for food and I hope we will get enough moisture for next spring's growth.
* Kim has had surgery and she is doing so good. She is an amazing Mom. I took Lucy and Jayne home one night last week, and they talked non stop. So much life, such enthusiasm. Oh how I love watching them. They are like little miniature miracles.
* Dear Michael Slingerland is in intensive care. Yesterday I looked at his gentle face all hooked up to a dozen tubes. He looked so innocent. Peter sat next to his bed with his ski hat pulled down. When Michael would fight and be confused Peter would pull his hat down lower and cry. Josh was there too. Suzanne looked to tired and her feet were killing her. What memories we have of the people who were so much apart of our lives. Michael has a 50 50 chance. This next week will be hard.
*Jenny made the Provo High Basketball team!!!
*Mom fell yesterday while I was there. We had just moved a stool with a little white church on it. I had said, Mom I am afraid you are going to trip on this and sure enough she did. I need to be careful of my thoughts because sometimes they come true.
* I have been listening to Kim's kids pray for Mitt, their Mom, and Matt.  Well Mitt lost, and everything has been very subdued since. Matt did finally send me an e-mail last night and Kim is getting better.
*" For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

Oh My Heart

*This is my favorite place in the world right now. It speaks to my soul. This year I shared it with the Millers, Debbie Cusick, and with Tom one time (He even climb a fence, surprises do happen)
* Tonight we get to be with the Clarks and the Millers for soup and a train ride. Thank you Kim I am so excited!
*My favorite October sound was Kelly's deep belly laugh in Target when she saw Maizie in the funniest Halloween Mask.
* The Heaps might come for Thanksgiving!!!
* We had a cute family from Arizona stay with us this weekend. He is a World Champion roper. They took Rock, Pistol, and a two year old filly home with them to get ready for a sale in January. Tom' eyes are filled with spunk. I am happy for him.
* I am want to make some brown bread for Katy tonight.
I love Tom!
* "Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord. . "D&C 128:23 

Crazy Hair Day

* Just spent a week in Chicago with the Thompsons. What a gift. I was treated so royally. Heath wined and dined us. The kids were so busy and happy. Kelly is looking pregnant. I am proud of her as she rises at 4:30 to help McKinnley get off to Seminary, sleeps for 10 minutes then works on Madison and Kade, another 10 minutes, then start on Maizie and Millie. I know she doesn't feel good but she keeps going. This little Mac is going to bring such joy to their family.
* Two of the cutest buttons in all world. Each morning Kelly pampers her children with so much love. Millie and Maizie went off to school so proud of their crazy hair and their Mom's creation.
* Maizie bore her testimony at her baptism. So darling! She memorized Matthew 28:19-20
. . ."and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Her grand spirit filled the room. I love her. I am missing her!
* So glad to be home with Dad! He is my home.

Grady

* Now that is a face to love! Grady I hear your Mom made you a great big white board with holes in it for you and your brothers to throw footballs through. I think she is preparing you for the NFL,
*Tom and I are reading the Book of Mormon every night. I love that man,
* Had a smothered burrito today
*Put up a graceful sign that says, "Bless This Home And All Who Enter" above the booth early this morning.
* I am so looking foroward to going to Kelly's house on Thursday, three more days!
*Those enlightened have tasted of the heavenly gift and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come. Hebrews6:4

Waiting

* So soft and innocent
* The weather has been amazing. Clear warm days and cool nights. The trees are turning yellow.
* Took Mom clothes shopping and we got her Christmas Presents.  She walks slower everyday. She is fragil. I pray that I can be with her when she dies. I hope Archie will come soon.
* I have such gratitude in my heart this morning! I am blessed.
* I am indexing every night and I love it! The computer and I are becoming better friends.
*For by my Spirit will I enlighten them, and by my power will I make known unto them the secrets of my will." D&D 76:10

California Flowers

* These flowers  will always remind me of the flowers by the pool at Laguna.
* Yesterday was the most wonderful day! The air was warm. Tom and I dug up all the geraniums and put them in the garage.
* Matt went to work at the Love Sack Store.
* Still no Sam
* In the cool of the evening we took pictures of Tom's horses.
* Elder Scott told us in conference to pray each day for someone who needs us.
* We are to become God-like men and women, to company with angels. . ."  John Pontius

Jenny

* Happy Birthday Sweet Jenny! I know you play basketball like Jamie, maybe you even look liked her too. It was so nice to have you in Wallsburg last night. I love your happy spirit. I can feel many good things coming into your life. You just gather them all in. I love you!

* Sam is gone! Dang! We went to Lake Powell with Jim and Judy and when we got home he was gone. I must look through the kitchen window a hundred times a day hoping to see him laying on the rug waiting for a piece of bread. My best walking buddy is no where to be found

Sam hear our call and find your way back home.

* We went for an evening drive in Jim's boat and stopped in the canyon where we used  to take the kids. The big overhang provided shade on a hot day. We would throw out air mattresses, turn on Out Of Africa and play for hours. Oh those were wonderful times. I will never forget them. Tom had a grand, relaxed look on his face as we boated. I think he loved being with his brothers!

* The kids came up for dinner last night. That always makes my whole month. The little girls water colored I must remember to some art project for them when they come. Lucy always asks me for one.

* Bret had shoulder surgery this week. I could tell it was hurting last night. So glad it is over. Hope he will feel better.

* Conference was wonderful. I think I have it recorded so I can listen again. I want to ask each morning what the Lord would have be do and they do it.

*Lift up your hearts and be glad, for I am in your midst, and am your advocate with the Father. .." D&C 29:5

Hot Dog

* I have been trying to download a picture for a month now with no luck, and then like magic one works. It is the dumbest feeling to be confused with all this technology. Tom and I sit at the TV and just laugh because we can't figure it out. I just need a live in grandchild. Yes I would love that!
* We are heading to Lake Powell this afternoon with Jim and Judy, and Dave and Lisa. I am so excited! Haven't been to Powell for 15 years. Tom is dragging his feet and he may still bail. We will just have to see. I have a sore throat and I ache, bummer. But I feel confident and I will be brand new in the morning.
* Up the street is a little grove of trees where the leaves are light pink and gold. Just the most gorgeous thing I have ever seen. I visit there several times a day. It seems to quiet my soul like nothing else. I even got Tom to come there once with me. When I get out in nature I am content with Wallsburg. Don't know why but winter always brings a lump in my throat. The house gets cold and Tom gets restless.  I must try to make things warm and happy.
* Bret goes in for surgery tomorrow on his shoulder. I pray things will go good for him. He has been hurting for a long time and not complaining about it. I have a good feeling things will be fine and he will feel better. Hope he is sleeping. Matt's knees are killing him. Kim has a crumbie test, and Kelly is still pregnant sick. Heck what is the deal?
* Conference is coming and I am holding my breath. It always goes way too fast. I want to be filled.
* Just finished Stephanie's book Heaven Is Here. What an amazing lady. I will never feel the same way about pain again. How she could go through a pregnancy getting so darn sick and already in so much pain, and not being able to take pain pills is more than I can imagine. I love how her family pulled together and cared her heavy load together. I hope our family would do the same.
*Connie Stratton's husband Mike died, and then her Dad died this week. My heart won't quit thinking about her.
* I love this picture! "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. . . surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.: Psalms 23:6

Matt

*Tonight I am weary from worrying about this person. How I wish I could crawl in his brain and see the world the way he does.
* Picked a handful of red raspberries today.
* The hay is almost in the barn, maybe tomorrow.
* Kim's MRI came out good!!!!!!! Best news of the month!
*I am sad about Kelly and our misunderstanding.
* I am reading The Triumph of Zion I am ready for Zion.
*"And then when the time comes that these calamities we read of shall overtake the earth, those that are prepared will have the power of translation, as they had in former times, and the city will be translated." John Taylor

Laguna

* Today I am thankful for a good night sleep.
* Waking up to my  love, who taught me last night "Don't Worry"
* Little Shawn who brought me a book lasts night to show me how he can read anything
* Bret organizing a barbecue with yummy meat we all loved
* Fly swatters on the back porch
* Feeling the excitement with the kids as school is starting
* Knelling around the table for family prayer
*"Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love." D&C 6:20

Breath

* I am grateful today for three little boys that I love, and their pretty Mom.
* I keep thinking of going to the cabin with Kim and her kids. Abbie opened the closet with excitement and said,"look here's the vacuum!" Everyone was thrilled to see the slot machine. Lucy liked touching the stuffed animals and all Jayne wanted to do is to take a nap in the crib upstairs. That would have lasted all of 10 seconds. Archie would have loved to watch how his grandchildren have tender memories of the cabin. I can almost smell the sour dough pancakes this morning.
* I just ate cup of Trifle with fresh raspberries.
*"Be grateful for what breaks your heart, because it brings you humility." Kris

A mistiy morning

* This picture touches my heart. I love the feel of mist in the air. The way Grady is looking up at his pretty Mom. Dax and Jase are holding on tight, but checking  for the little Vs that mean there is a  crab under the sand. Jamie thank you for patiently giving me all these many memories I can hold in my hand and relive often.
* Not sure what it is about the beach but it cleans my soul. The repeated sound of waves calmly washes away hurts. There is time to ponder.
* We weened the baby horses from their mothers and they are crying this morning. The Moms are just as sad.
* Tomorrow is Bret's Birthday. We are going down to lunch and to hear about their trip to Kansas with the Thompsons.
* In 3 Nephi we read about the 3 hour devestation that was followed 11 months later by the Savior's visit. Their were certain people who migrated to Bountiful, kind of like Bethlehem. This audience for Christ's coming is interesting to contemplate. It is comprised of people who self-selected. They came to observe normal religious duties. And as a result of that intention and commitment, they are present for a much greater event. Denver Snuffer.
* I would like to self select our family to the beach, maybe to the New Port Temple. I long to see those murals.

Love

*Oh to be young and in love!
*We had an incredable quiet, wonderful week at the beach
* Sharing tihe beach with Jamie's family was the best
* I got the greatest pictures to paint. o

Happy Birthday Kelly!

* July 22 is Kelly's Birthday. Boy do I miss her! She is pregnant with # 6 and she has been so sick. I long to sit on her back swing and talk. I want to hear all the details about anything. I hope she has a wonderful Birthday and feels amazingly good. I love you Kelly!

* Tom had hernia surgery on Wednesday. It is turning out to be harder than we imagined. He hobbles around on crutches and can't sit for more that a few minutes. He is trying to be brave.

* Tyler turned 13 today. He got a phone of his own and he is going to Jr. High School. He is taller than me. He is such a kind young man. I love him!

* I am head waterier, horse feeder, you name it while Tom is down. I am quit proud of my abilities. I hum to myself Nicole's Song: I Can Do Hard Things!

*"And saviours shall come up on mount Zion. . . and the kingdom shall be the Lord's/"

Obadiah 1:21

The Order of the Moo

* Emilee's face tells it all. Yummy, Order of the Moo. Bret is our party animal. He figured out some airplane tickets for us to Lagona. Oh I am excited!
* What a great Sunday we had today. Tom is the best Primary Teacher, the kids love him.
* Had a good talk with Kelly. She was sitting at the pool, watching the kids swim.
* The Shepherds came down tonight with chocolate cake. We had fun talking.
* The air is filled with smoke tonight, with ashes dropping out of the sky. The fires are burning everywhere.
* I am reading Feelings Buried Alive Never Die. It is making me think differently. "Whatever we choose to focus our attention on will automatically multiply in our lives."

Kelly is Pregnant!

*Kelly is Pregnant, Wonderful, Wonderful! Another dear Thompson coming to town. Kelly is so sick, I must think of her 100 times a day. Wish she would let me come out and help her. I would like to fan her sheets when she is hot and warm them with the hair drier when she is chilling. I always remember my Mom's cool hand on my forehead when I threw up. I will be glad when she get to her doctor's appointment. She is the best Baby Mom! I am praying for her.

* Had the funnest day with Kim on Friday. It was my Birthday and we had our toenails done for the 4th of July, a yummy salad, and a long over due talk. I love Kim. I love her family and her life.

* Talked to Matt tonight on the phone. He told me about a prayer circle they will have tomorrow night for him. This is truly a miracle. Tomorrow will be grand, just thinking about him.

* We are trying to get 7 horses ready to take to a sale in Monticello. Hope those wild things can calm down.

* I am struggling sleeping. Tom moves all over the bed all night.  His shoulders hurt. I rub them, but then I  can't get back to sleep. Some times I slip into Margie's room to read for awhile. Think that is where I am heading.

*I so don't want to be a worrier. That has become my current goal.

* " Live only in the moment." Breath

Blossoms in the Desert

* Tonight I have six little bodies sleeping in my house. So much life and excitement that now I can't sleep. I love them so.

* Hiked to Ensign Peak with Trudy on Friday. The ride to Salt Lake was wide. But the view was inspiring. I always learn so much from Trudy. Brigham Young took the 12 to this peak where they had the temple ordinances. It was beautiful.

* Trying to get Tom to eat good for his dang kidneys. Not an easy job!

*Attended our first Support Group in Buffdale. Tom refused to talk, or write, smile, but he was there. Matt called the next day to find out how it went. His comment was,"Come on Dad you got to chime in your shit. We got to get through this together." loved it

Sweet Margie

* This is Christmas Eve at Kimmie's House.

Mom is sporting her traditional Red Christmas Jacket. I love her.

*Little did she know what the next few months would bring her. A trip to Arizona, a move to Jamestown, cleaning out her house, a heart attack, and trying to hang on to life and her memory. As she came out of surgery she was as white as death felt like we were looking into her casket.

But she rallied and smiled and laughed again.

*I brought her home to Wallsburg. She was so confused and lost. I slept most nights with her because she would get up in the night and walk around.  One night I came into her room and she said to me."There is someone else living in this room. Look she likes the same things I do. She likes this beautiful gray basket. (But Mom you gave me that basket years ago). She likes the statue of a little girl on the beach holding up a seashell to her ear. (but Mom you gave me that little girl for Christmas years ago). She likes wooden shoes and she left some on the counter by the sink. (But Mom I left those there because I know you are Dutch and you love wooden shoes). Now look at this, as Mom opens the bathroom drawer, she even like the kind of toothpaste I like. (But Mom this is you).  We then crawled in bed and I began to explain to her about her life. Where she had lived and all about her family. She kept saying, " Oh thank you for helping me remember, don't stop tell me more." I love this mother of mine. I wonder what things she will have to endure?

I wonder the lessons that I need to learn.

"Now I can really understand what it means to say that the house

 where my mother has been is forever blessed."      Out of Africa

A New Day

* These trees remind me of Africa. They are so powerful and mighty. Something I haven't felt for a long time... powerful. For the last two months I have lost myself. I have felt so tired that part of me died. I wasn't doing the things that feed my heart, like walking, studying and praying. I must remember this lesson. Take care of yourself first and then face life.
* I woke at 5:45 and watched the sun come up. So calming.
*I walked with Linda and shared similar experiences abouot our Moms, who are both struggling. She showed me the Brigham City Temple paintings. They have warm tender figures that Michael Maughn has painted. One taken at our pond. I loved them! She asked me to come help install them. Oh does that sound delicious. Maybe Archie will be there. He so loved Brigham. I will keep my finger crossed for that lucky happening.
* We get to see Matt tonight. He looked so amazing last week.
* "Forgiveness is giving up on the prospect of a better past."

3:00 in the morning

* It is 3:00 in the morning and Mom is up going through the closet. I am  thankful today for an electric blanket for her, thermal underwear, a hair dryer, and a heater that  is cranked up to smoldering. Her heart is only pumping about 40% so she is always needing warming.
*I' m so grateful for a an amazingly peaceful, fun dividing up of Mom and Dad's furniture. All four children were there and we chose items because of favorite memories.
* I scored a roll top desk for Tom's bills, a fridge for the garage, Mom's silver, the piano, a black trunk for the back porch, and more things my brain can't pull up at the moment.
* Tom is mellowing. He watched Mom all day today while we worked. He fixed her lunch (peanut butter and honey sandwiches with a coke) and was sitting in her room explaining all her questions away when I got home at 10:00. Mom asked a jillion questions over and over.
* We had a beautiful palomino colt. "Legend" this morning. Diane and Paul rode on the 4 wheeler with us through the field with the 4 new horses. The sun shone bright. We were grateful to be together.
* "covering" symbolizes the atonement   

Watch Out!

If I ever think I am a little too smart for my pants.... watch out! Thursday morning I headed to the temple in  my new skirt with my new sandals thinking life was mighty fine. In the Harmon's parking lot I proceeded to walk out of my skirt and slip thinking something must be wrong with these new shoes..... dang, everything in a big knot around my shoes. An older man tried not to laugh out loud and I didn't dare look any farther. Kim fixed me up with a new skirt and safety pins. Friday, Mom had a heart attack and it has been down hill ever since. She has been so sick. She wakes in the night so confused and lost. Last night she thought there was a stranger living in her room. We talked for a long time. She couldn't remember where she lived. So I described her condo and Jamestown. She kept saying, "O thank you for helping me remember." She asked " Where do they send you at Jamestown if you can't keep up?" It broke my heart. I wonder if she has been going to all her activities because she thinks if she can't keep up with all of them they will put her in the Alshiemers Ward. She is so innocent, just like a toddler. She is constantly cold. We have the heat cranked up and the electric blanket on high, thermals and big pink socks, and I warm her with the hair dryer too. I just checked her and she was going through the drawers looking for her key....she didn't want to be locked out of her room. "Mom you are home and you don't need a key." oh my heart, "Archie where are you?" We flew down the canyon this morning to meet Matt and hand him his suit case full of supplies for the next two months. Oh my prayers have been answered. I hope. He had Dad spent a teary conversation on Monday night. Some pretty heavy promises were made. I love how our family all came together in prayer and fasting and phone calls. Such dear children, I am blessed. Matt says to tell everyone he loves them. Tonight I am tired and very humbled. No fancy pants for me! I like this dirty sweat shirt and watering boots I have on right now. I like helping Dad change the water and putting Grandma to bed. Thank you Lord for simple blessing!

Blessings

*This morning I feel a wave of blessings in my life
*For one thing I have a computer again that I can follow the kids blogs
* Everything is coming alive in Wallsburg. I can't wait to work in the dirt today.
* Margie and I went on a ride yesterday. We went to the cemetery and visited Phinie and Bill. Mom did her usual cleaning off any dead grass and she talked to them. I can't wait to get to know them both better. I remember Grandpa from giving him baths with Mom when he had cancer and was dieing. I was only four.
*She went to my favorite little quiet boutique and I got a flower basket. It sings of spring.
* Tom and I ate the best shrimp salad last night. I love that man!
* Today I am taking Sam to the groomer. Hope she doesn't put that silly scarf on him. He gets so embarrassed.
* I feel so filled with the joy of life today, I am more than grateful!
*"When you hear His words echoing in your own voice,"forgive them for they know not what they do." then you will begin to see the Master in the mirror. His image will appear to you there first. Your countenance will look more like His: more humble, more contrite, more obedient and filled with more light than you are right now." Snuffer

The Boys

*This morning I miss these three little boys! They love to wrestle and pile on each other. The tramp is perfect for them to jump and laugh and rough house. One of my very favorite nights was the first night they had their tramp and we laid in blankets watching for satellites. Jace just had a Birthday, already 6 almost 16. I love him and his brothers!
* I made a fun skirt last night
* Talked to Maralee on the phone for a long time. It felt nice. Mike Statton is so darn sick.
* I am going to a Birthday party for Mom at Jamestown today and dinner tonight.
*Washed Mom's feet and gave her a pedicure
*"Choice of Faith is an everyday decision"

Walllsburg

* I am thankful this spring morning to be in Wallsburg
* Walked with Sam and drank in all the new fresh green
* Last Thursday on the way to the temple I stopped and checked on Mom. She was in a "bell" class. She looked so cute with her white hair. I felt like I was watching my own kindergartener at her first program. She was so innocent, watching for her letter to come up on the board so she would ring her bell at just the right time. I love her.
* Matt called last night, he sounded good
* " And this is the gospel, the glad tidings. . . " D & C  76:40

Anthem

* I am in Anthem, and I have missed my Gratitude Journal. I have so much to be thankful for. I just woke up to this Text. "Good night u 2. I'm lucky to have u 2 as mom and dad i could not of asked for anything better, thanks 4 your love, love ya night." Matt Pure Honey for the Heart

* I am learning so many things like: I need new pans. The ones here are amazing.

* I was made to be in the water. Every day I can swim my life is greased.

* Tom and I have been reading Beloved Enos each night together. I am finally, after a 40 years, learning that I can't share meaningful things with him before about 11:00 P.M. He reads to us and I try to stay awake. Somehow I have to recalibrate my clock to be alert late. I have always wanted to be outside at the crack of dawn, probably still will do that one, but I need to nap or something to allow me to connect with him better later.

* I have been reading Jean Anderson's Books and they speak to my soul. I think they jumped off the shelf at the library just as gift to me. One of those tender mercies.

* C.S. Lewis said that self satisfaction is a quiet joy mixed with a sense of gratefulness. I am feeling those words to be perfect!

Grady

* Boy are we going to have excitment in our family always with this cute boy. He is a "Spit Fire". I have missed out on his personality too much. Thank heavens for this lucky time for me to get to know him. He is wearing Grandpa's Birthday winter horse feeding hat. Tom wasn't impressed at all, but Grady was all over it. It is February and everyday is sunny and warm here so I don't think it will come in handy for him. Grady makes Tom and I smile all the time. Today in Sacrament meeting he walked up the aisle and gave us a hug, checked out the candy, and headed right back to his Mom. He LOVES his Mom. He gives the very best hugs! I love feeding the ducks with him. Just being with this child makes me so happy!

Arizona

We are in Anthem, it is such fun to be with Jamie's and her family. They make us so happy. Grandma changes her mind every 10 minutes and wants to go home. We are heading to church. I get the Internet occasionally when my neighbor is using hers. I just need to get my own. But for right now this is OK. Last night there was a two murders right behind our wall. One deputy died and one of the gang member who were trying to break into a medical buildings, probably for drugs. We had helicopters and police cars everywhere at 4:00 this morning with search lights. What excitement! I am sending love to all my family this Sunday morning. XOXOXO

Emilee

*This was Emilee sick as a dog on Christmas Eve. She is still so beautiful. I sat next to her last night at the table. I mentioned that we could write down our New Year's Resolution. She was the only one to grab a card and write. I want to write in my journal, have morning and night prayers, read my scriptures every day. Emilee I want to be like you, those are going to be ny resolutions too. I am so proud that you go to the temple once a month at 4:30 A.M. before school to do baptisms for the dead. I love you!
* It is hard for me to leave Kim and Nicole. They are my dearest friends. Just thinking about them makes me happy. Kim has on her back brace. I pray in the long run she will be feel better! Nicole and Bret looked so fancy in their new Christmas brown (not matching) sweaters. Nicole's eyes are bright. I think she loves being a mom and wife.
* The kids were all so clean and busy and happy. Oh how I wish my neighbors up the street could see what happy children look like. I am going to miss Nicole Butters, she calls us three times a week to see if she can come be with us. She is always wanting to go to dinner on Friday or Saturday night, or ride over to get a hamburger for lunch. I answer the phone and she says "Hi, what you doing?"
* I miss Sam. Every time I walk pass the kitchen door I look for him. Every morning he runs around the house to whatever window is closest to where I am and begs me to walk with him. Sam teaches me that small habits become our life. I want to develop the best of habits.
* I have four new books to devour in Arizona, I can hardly wait. Divine Signatures is calling to me.
* I am so thankful to be alive and have another new day. I get to sit in the car with Tom and Mom all day. What an adventure.
*"Fear not, let your heart be comforted;yea. rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks; waiting patiently on the Lord." D & C 98"1

Happy New Year

2011 has been a great year!

* Dad built his barn, one of his dreams. Now he wants to finish the stalls and the inside.

* We are working on keeping his diabetes under control. That is huge!

* I love him, he is my greatest blessing!

* I was lucky enough to tend the Miller, Clark and Thompson children while their parents traveled. My favorite thing!

* We are actually going to Arizona for 3 months. I am hoping this will be a lead into a mission soon, but I must not mention that to Tom!

* Every New Years one of my resolutions is to take better care of Mom. She is coming with us to Arizona so now I have a my wish.

* Weekly work is the Temple brings me the greatest peace.
* Some of my favorite books I read this year are The Holy Temple, The Sabbath, The House of Glory, The Holy Secret, The Book Thief.

* The kids came up for scones last night. It felt so good to knell around the table. Bret asked Tom to say the prayer. He was tender. I have the best family in the world. I am missing the one child in Spanish Fork. He gives the best prayers too.d
* "Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father and how familiar His face is to us." Ezra Taft Benson