Top ten

I was just sitting here thinking back on the year and all the good things that have happened yet are history now. Top ten events (not in any particular order): 1. I was blessed with two new grand babies (Ethan and Heidi), 2. I was released as music director after more than 8 years and nursery leader and helper for six months 3. I was put in as first councilor in the Young Women's program, 4. Changed classrooms at school three times in one month! but finally found my home, 5. Mike and his family were able to move into their new home which is beautiful, 6. Shawnee and I were able to make a trip back east this summer to visit my sister and a few Mormon historical sights as well as attend several new temples along the way, 7. I got another year older and hopefully a little more wiser 8. Went to Gillette to visit my son this year more than once!(sorry Shawnee maybe this year I'll come to your place more than never!) 9. Moved back into my old bedroom up front after I got it painted (which I hate to do) 10. Bought myself a new car!!! Yes, I broke down and bought myself a RAV4. I know all of you who knew Kevin and his cars wonder why I did this but believe me my hip and knees are thanking me and I love it. I think his Impala was the car we ever had longer than a year. I had it for almost 4 years. The dealer gave me a great deal on trade in so I broke down and did it. Well that is my life in a nut shell in the year 2011 or at least what I can remember at the moment. Pray you all have a happy NEW YEAR and that you will enjoy the blessings and miracles that come your way.

Christmas

I have enjoyed decorating my house for Christmas this year. Each picture shows a little something I did. I made the pillows on my couches (which I love). I also had help from Sariah and Bekah with the tree garland. Bekah did the beading while Sariah tied the material on the jute to make bows. I used gum drops for ornaments as well as scraps of material I had left over from a Young Women project to make the Gingerbread people. The first picture is of a Christmas tree made out of Kevin's Grandmothers old jewelry. His grandmother made it for him years ago and it is a treasure. Hope you enjoyed the tour of some of my Christmas projects. Until next time may you enjoy the miracles of the season.

Gratitude

I've been reading Pres. Monson's biography. What a treat to read about his life. I have always loved how caring he is. I wish I could be more like him. Today I was called to be in the Young Women presidency. I love the young women and their beauty. I will enjoy getting to know each one of them. I will miss my little nursery kids. I have enjoyed their hugs and watching them grow as they learn about their Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. However, I won't miss the exhausted feeling after two hours of getting up and down. My knees were telling me how old I really am. As I enter this holiday season I pray I can show my gratitude by doing for others and serving where I can. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows who I am. There are so many reminders each day that lets me know He knows who I am.

Dad

This has been a month of reflection; joys, sorrows, and gratitude. Today I am thinking of my father. He passed away 25 years ago yet lives on in his family. The things he taught each of us continues to be his legacy. One of the things I think I am most grateful for that my father instilled in me is the love of learning. He didn't have the opportunity to get a complete education yet he continued to learn all the days of his life. When he dropped me off at BYU when I didn't want to go I realize now how much that education is a part of who I have become. He always had a gift of knowing what each of us needed in our life. He was a father to Kevin and treated him like one of his own boys. He loved him unconditionally. He taught me the value of an honest days work. He worked hard to provide for each of us. He expected each of us to do our share to help while setting the example by working right along with us. He did not ask us to do anything he wasn't willing to do himself except for maybe the dishes:). I remember him fixing the farmers tractors and for pay he would get fresh produce. I remember going out into the corn fields then coming home in the back of the truck which was full of corn and spending the day shucking, washing, cutting, and then bottling it for the winter. We all loved those days. I remember him coming home in the early afternoon and telling mom to get ready because we were going on a picnic. We would head out not ever knowing where we would end up. Many times we would end up on Ogden Utah or Rigby Idaho to see friends and family or up on the mountains. Bless my mom's heart she was always wiling. He worked hard for his family and provided the necessities even though we didn't have wealth in the world sense we did have wealth in family. He instilled in each of us that family was the most important thing and that other things just didn't matter. I remember him telling me several times: "let it go, family is more important." He loved my mother and supported her in all that she endeavored to do. I will be eternally grateful for my earthly father and the things he taught me.

It is that time of year when I enjoy my flowers inside. below are two of my most favorite plants. The purple one was one of my mom's African violets. She loved these flowers as do I. The next one was given to my mom when my father passes away 25 years ago. I love when it blooms. It reminds me of him. I feel as Nephi of old felt. "I haven been born of goodly parents". I am grateful for the heritage I have and for those who have taught me and continue to teach me. I am especially grateful for my Savior and all that He did and continues to do for me. There are so many little things lately that have helped me know, yet again, He is aware of me personally.

This time of year is so beautiful. I love the colors that seem to magically appear over night. In keeping with the season I decided to decorate the beautiful table my son built for me to bring in the season. I made the table topper and the quilt on the back of my new chair. I love these colors! Hope you enjoy!

Change/Principles

The other day while I was sitting in the temple I realized even though my life is always changing one thing that doesn't change are principles. Each one of us is guided by principles. We make choices based on principles. I read a book called, The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews. In the book he talks about several principles that governs his life. Here are several quotes from his book I really like: "My past can never be changed, but I can change the future by changing my actions today. My future is immediate." "My smile is the key to my emotional makeup. A wise man once said, " I do not sing because I am happy; I am happy because I sing!" When I choose to smile, I become the master of my emotions. Discouragement, despair, frustration, and fear will always wither when confronted by my smile. The power of who I am is displayed when I smile." "The words of a wise man are like raindrops on dry ground. They are precious and can be quickly used for immediate results. Only the blade of grass that catches a raindrop will prosper and grow, The person who ignores wise counsel is like the blade of grass untouched by the rain- soon to wither and and die." I know there are so many things others do that help me grow, so I want to be the one who smiles, who seeks wisdom from others and then change the future by changing my actions today!

Well I guess it is time to fire up the computer and catch up on life. This summer Kristin took some pictures of my family. The wind was blowing but they show how cute they all are. I am back at work trying to get in the grove of things. I caught a bad cold, sinus infection and have had a plugged ear for over a month now and can't seem to knock it. I have been on two antibiotics and lots of decongestion's. Let's just say I am tired of it. I want to hear!! I have to turn my head so my good ear is facing who ever is talking to me. Now I know how those who can't hear all the time feel. I have more empathy for them. Mike and Nicole have moved into their new house. It has been very quite around here. Kirk turned 23 on the 7th. I can't believe my baby is that old. I love having him here in town. He his learning every day. I am so grateful for the wonderful ladies that care for him and teach him. Bekah turned 5 years old and is enjoying kindergarten. It is amazing she has kept her shoes on every day! I was made the Nursery Leader instead of just the helper. I am enjoying the little ones but have trouble coming up with activities they can do. I love their hugs and cute little smiles. It's warms my heart when they recognize me. Yesterday, a new granddaughter was born, Heidi Brynn Hendershot. I feel so blessed. This gives me 5 granddaughters and 3 grandsons. Check out Bryan's face book for a cute picture of the little darling. I wanted to go see them this weekend but hate to give them the crud I have, so I will wait. Well now I am all caught up for another few days. Until next time.

Trip

Shawnee and I had the opportunity to travel to Nauvoo and Winter's quarters after visiting my sister in Minneapolis. One can't even begin to express the emotions that passed through me as I walked upon those sacred grounds. Even though it was extremely hot and the humidity was just as high we were able to attend the pageant two nights (thanks Shawnee for indulging me). We were treated like royalty. Even though it was very hot and humid it was a wonderful trip. The best part for me was being able to attend the temple in all three places we visited. I love the temple. I will post more picture later of other high lights. This is the Saint Paul/Minneapolis temple. The top window is the window in which the prophet fell from after he was shot. The door at Carthage where the bullet went through the door. Joseph and Hyrum as they rode off to Carthage. Truly humbling. I think one of the greatest things I came away with from this trip was a greater love for the prophet Joseph Smith, his wife Emma and for Hyrum his brother. What love they must have had for each other and for the Lord. While in Nauvoo we were able to attend the pageant. It was amazing. I think I felt every emotion from happiness to sorrow while watching it. This is a picture of the Nauvoo temple. It was amazing to see the river while standing in front of it on the hill.You can see Shawnee in front looking west as Pres. Hinckley suggested during the dedication of the temple. I loved attending a session while there. When I was quite young I learned how to spell MISSISSIPPI. It is as wide as its name is long! Shawnee overlooking the great Mississippi! On our way home we stopped at Winter's Quarters and went to the temple there. We were able to tour the visitor center and I walked the sacred grounds where so many pioneers were buried.

Serenity!

As the sun slowly slips into twilight, nightfall awakens. Birds sing a lullaby to their sleepy offspring. Crickets chirp within their hiding places orchestrating a musical arrangement for all to hear. Winds waft softly through the tree tops, kissing the swaying leaves. Arrays of colors waltz across the horizon dancing luminously in the sky. Stars slowly twinkle adding just a hint of radiance to the encroaching darkness Silver moonbeams encourage harmony, as the silent shadows ushers in nightfall. Serenity!

Hand of God

One question, Where is the time going? The summer months are so short and it seems like the older I get the faster they pass by. The other day I was thinking about the question: Have you seen the hand of God in my life today? So I have been taking that challenge to recognize His hand in my life and here is a few of the things I have witnessed: A phone call from someone in the past that makes your realize you are not forgotten. A cuddly baby in my arms. Grandchildren praying to their Heavenly Father. Feeling the spirit while doing service for someone else. The peace that comes from being forgiven for something you have done wrong. My son really looking in my eyes as if to say, "I love you even though I can't say the words by myself". Children who try to choose the right. Finding an answer to troubling questions while reading the scriptures. Just being able to get up in the morning and be happy. Looking at the beautiful colors and the variety of beauty around me. Of course these are only a few of the things I have witnessed. Sometimes, I find it harder than others to recognize the little things that are from God but I do know that He is very aware of me. I just need to learn to be more in tune to His goodness.

Thanks!

I wanted to say thanks to all who wished me Happy Birthday. I had a very nice day. I went to the temple then did a little shopping and bought each of the grandchildren an outfit to wear on the 4th. When I got home the phone kept me busy and while on the phone my sister Juanita then Richard and Linda came over to visit. I felt so special. I got a call from President and Sister Tingey (Kevin's Mission president). My sister Laretta called and we talked for over an hour. Kevin's sister, Susan also called. It was a wonderful way to be remember. Lloyd gave me a call today. Janet and Nicole made super for me (which was wonderful!). Again, thanks everyone. I've been reading a book on self esteem and I loved this form the book by Mary Jane Woodger: "Self Esteem is given to us through spiritual gifts. It is the development of those gifts once we have discovered them, that we gain confidence. Spiritual gifts are given to us so that we can have peace in this life and feel secure when we experience disappointments, discouragements, despair, doubts, fears or jealousies." She quotes Elder Packer, "If you learn and earnestly seek the gifts of the Spirit, then you will be competent. The problems will be there, but ... you will find a great solace and comfort and great power will be with you all the time."

Life

What woke me up at 2:30 this morning? I couldn't go back to sleep until 5:30. You think I could shut my mind off, but no, it flits from one thing to the next never stopping long enough to even come up with a plan of action! Ever have that happen? I don't mind being awake but then the following day isn't always fun. I think I would be more productive if I could stick to one topic at a time. Oh well, at least I can still think and be somewhat productive the next day (even if I don't know what I am doing most of the time). Well, until the next new adventure strikes, stay happy, keep dry, don't blow away and sleep well!

Pictures!

Well here are some pictures of the new little one. He is so cute. He has changed a little and is now starting to gain some weight. His sisters love him but I think Whitney loves to hold him the most. It was so cute when Wilson saw him. He wanted to hold him. He kept reaching up for him. Mom and baby are doing fine. We are excited to have the precious little one in our family. I count my blessings each day and marvel at the wonder of children.

Ethan resting in Grandma's lap.

Ethan 5 days old. I wish I could have slept through all the noise in the house that night.

A few hours after Ethan was born.

Dad isn't proud of his little family, is he?

Memories

Yesterday, a friend happened to be going by on his horse. He use to take my son horseback riding for part of his reshab training. Well Mike spotted them coming down the road and decided to see if he would give the kids a ride. Whitney seemed to enjoy it. Wilson was a little hesitant at first but when it was time for him to get off he didn't want to. It brought back many memories of my youngest son riding that same horse. Thanks Kirk for sharing your horse!

Dreary MOOD

What a day! It has been so dreary and my mood has been dreary so I decided I needed to do something. I got out the paint and painted the window sills and the door trim in my bedroom. They have been the bare wood for far to long and I've had the paint forever. You think I would have gotten on the ball a long time ago. It looks nice and while I was at it I rearranged my room. Looks good. Feels good! Still dreary outside!

New Grandson

I am the grandma of an new little boy. Ethan Andrew. He is very cute!! I feel so blessed with all my grandchildren. They are all so unique and special. Each one makes me smile and laugh with their little antics. I will miss the Wilson and Whitney when they move to their new home (I'll miss mom and dad also). I've been teaching summer school and loving it once again. They brighten my days. I learn more from them than I teach them.

My Trip

This is at the airport in Billings. Terri had departing gifts for each of us. (Whistles, just in case we got mugged or something like that. Here we are trying to find out where the conference was going to be. If you look at the next picture that was only a part of the conference center. All we had to do was follow the worm!

Part of the conference center looking out my window on the 14th floor! This was as we were riding in the taxi to down town. You can see the Trump tower. Oprah lives in one of these buildings (or so they said) but I couldn't tell you which one.We went down town to Michigan Ave. This was a beautiful little park in the middle of the block. The white tulips were beautiful. I went window shopping in the Water Tower. Talk about expensive! I couldn't even afford to look!

While we were down town we went to the Cheese factory restaurant! YUMMY is all I can say! There was so much food we couldn't have begun to eat it all. This was Terri and Betsy showing off their bling. Each of us bought a pair of sunglasses at Navy Pier but of course I forgot to take my camera there. It was a windy but beautiful day. Ann and I walked along the Pier and enjoyed the sun. They had a beautiful stain glass museum we wondered through. It was a fun evening. Sorry I don't have any pictures of it.

My biscuits and gravy! I loved it! I just wish I could have eaten the whole thing!

Down town

Here's the gang with Ted Koppel! Ann asked if we could get our picture with him. We talked with him for a few minutes. Nice man.

On our last evening there we went to the firehouse. This is where they filmed Back Draft, for you who have seen it. I have to admit it was very uncomfortable because we were way under dressed. We didn't notice the sign that said, Proper attire required until after we left the place. Oh well, now they now how we dress in our neck of the woods.

On our way home the wind was so bad we almost had to be routed to Idaho Falls. Thank goodness we made it home. However, Ann's luggage went to Rome first before it finally made its way to Cowley! Now why couldn't we be routed through Rome? Needless to say we had to go shopping a Dillard's when we got to Billings! It was nice to be able to afford the things in the store! I love being above the clouds and looking at their formation. When I got home I was welcomed to my trees on the West side cut down in preparation for a new fence. Now the work begins. Now the real work begins!

Over all it was a nice trip but I am glad to be home.

Home sweet home! Mike got my new side walk going across the front of the house poured and it is so nice! One step at a time. Who knows what the next step will be. My fence, finish the outside of the house, painting the house, new lawn? One can only imagine at this point!