Dear Family & Friends

May the Joy of the Season and the true meaning of this day fill your heart and your home. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with blessings.

All our Love,
Robby & Claudia

Candy Land

Fruit loops, Marshmallows, Cookies, Suckers, Candy Canes, Gum Drops, and Waffle Cones stuffed with Salt Water Taffy.

No this isn't a recipe for some weird sweet treat, it is the decorations on our Christmas Tree this year.

(now if only I could take a good picture so you could see how cute it truly is)

I was inspired by one of my favorite childhood games that I loved to play

Candy Land. I wanted to go back in time a bit, to a time where the pace of life was a bit slower, life was more simple, things were hand made, and family gathered to enjoy each other and the season.

Our motto for this year is;

"Live Simply, Give More, Expect Less".

I love the way our tree turned out, it really takes me back to cherished memories of days gone by.

So what special Christmas memory of days gone by, gives you that warm fuzzy feeling?

Isn't She Lovely, Isn't She Wonderful, Isn't she Precious.....

Isn't she pretty
Truly the angel's best
Boy, I'm so happy
We have been heaven blessed


Delilah Daisy

Pretty in Pink




Meeting Big Brother
The first thing Urban wanted to do was read his baby tiny (that is what he calls her) one of his favorite books. This is one of the greatest ways Urban shows his love. It truly melted my heart.




Meeting Big Sister
I love this picture, isn't that just the sweetest Daddy Daughter moment, it just screams pure LOVE.

Introduction to Bama

Of course it was love at first sight, my heart was filled with joy




Meeting Auntie Heather

It truly brought tears to my eyes seeing the love and contentment on my daughters face as she held this sweet little spirit


Eyes Wide Open

Having a Mother Daughter Talk

Darn Paparazzi
Pretty sure this was little Misses way of telling me enough pictures already



Addison with her babies

She was so amazed that her little Sister's clothes fit her little baby dolls, she had such a fun time dressing them up, she wanted me to take a picture and show it to her Mommy in the hospital.

NOTICE WHICH PICTURES I DON'T HAVE???

I feel terrible, I didn't get one single picture of Delilah and Bama (and I don't know when I will get back up there)

I didn't get one single picture of all three of my little angels together

(too busy loving them)

I didn't get one single picture of Mommy and Daughter

(trying to let Mommy get as much rest as possible)

So I guess I'm fired as photographer

(thank goodness we have the best one anyway-Heather)

THANKFUL FOR.................

1. Being able to pay our bills this month
2. Not having to run the air conditioner any more
3. Seeing the sweet smile on a Grand Child's face
4. The talent to make some Christmas presents
5. My Sister for sending me some asthma medication, much needed
6. Dinner & a movie at home, just me and my guy
7. Our very old cat who thinks he is going to freeze now that the weather is in the 70's.
8. My Heavenly Father
9. Our big goofy dog that I have to give allergy medicine to
10. A tiny, healthy, Grand Daughter's birth
11. Being able to get to Utah to hold that beautiful little spirit in my arms and kiss my Daughters forehead
12. Watching the love and joy on my Daughter's face as she holds her new little niece
13. Getting to see two of my Grandchildren meet their new baby Sister, and three of my Grandchildren meet their newest little cousin
14. The joy of; Reading "I always love you" to my Grandson, playing hide and seek with my Grand Daughter
15. Being able to pick up the phone and wish my Mother a happy birthday
16. The joy of holding a tiny precious spirit in my arms for a few hours, and the joy of peeking in on my Daughter while she got some rest
17. The joy and laughter watching a dance off between my two Grandsons
18. The talent to be able to sew for my family
19. Playing balloon soccer with my Grandchildren
20. A Hubby who is so sweet and caring that he let me stay one extra day when he saw how hard it was for me to say goodbye
21. Sleeping with my own pillow again
22. A day of rest
23. A Grandson's big smile when he see's me, then the joy of holding him in my arms and putting him to sleep
24. Staying in my P.J.'s for an entire day
25. Getting ready for spending time with family and giving thanks

Sometimes when life gets tough it is hard to remember to be grateful. I truly have so much to be grateful for though, I need to get better about expressing my gratitude more than just one day of the year.

As I prepare for Thanksgiving this year I am most grateful for family and friends (which I consider family). Thank you to each and everyone of you for the Joy you bring to my life and for your strength in helping me through the tough times.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

TAG; I'M IT!

CRAZY EIGHTS

I was tagged, by one of my fun and sweet "girls" I call her my "girl" because when I worked in Young Women's I enjoyed the young women so much I grew to love each and everyone of them as if they were my own.


So this is my version of the meme.
Now I call mine crazy eights because each category has one lie in it, can you figure out which ones they are?

Eight things I did today;

(well, it was really the other day, it took me a while to get this posted.)

1. Went for a walk in the middle of the night

2. Had a romantic lunch date out with my Husband
(that cost less than $4.00 total)

3. Kissed a handsome, handsome, man; but he wasn't my Husband

4. Got my hair cut and dyed it dark

5. Made some Christmas presents

6. Read an entire book

7. Had breakfast for dinner

8. Got a back massage


Eight things I'm looking forward to;

1. Thanksgiving

2. The birth of my Grand Daughter

3. A visit from my Mom

4. Going back to school

5. Cooler weather

6. My oldest Grand Son's soccer tournament in St. George~Go Blaise!

7. Spending time with family

8. Christmas

Eight of my Favorite T.V. Shows

1. Phineus and Ferb

2. So you think you can dance

3. Dancing with the Stars

4. 90210

5. Monday night football

6. Nascar

7. Army wives

8. Design shows on HGTV

Eight of my Favorite Restaurants

1. A Good Steak House

2. Olive Garden

3. Memphis B.B.Q.

4. Red Lobster

5. On the Border

6. Cracker Barrel

7. In-n-Out

8. Panda Express

I HOPE EVERYONE WHO READS THIS HAS EIGHT FUN FILLED AND EXCITING DAYS. ALSO IF YOU WANT TO JOIN IN THE FUN, CREATE YOUR OWN EIGHTS MEME AND POST IT.

GRATEFUL

This post is a bit late, I've been a bit under the weather,

all though considering the time of year, it could also seem a bit early.

Which ever the case, I truly am G R A T E F U L ...........


GRATEFUL FOR . . .

Two + fun filled, action packed weeks in Utah with two of my best friends
(who also happen to be my Daughters)

We did lunch, we did some "window" shopping, we had some decorating brain storm sessions, we talked and laughed, we enjoyed and had fun, crazy antics in the car, we cooked, we shared joy and pain, we gave much needed love and support to each other.

Quality one on one time just me and the Grandkids

Sharing lots of . . . snuggles, giggles, jokes, heart to heart talks, secret plans, fun, and laughs, playing, reading books together, watching fun T.V. shows that make me feel like a kid again, dinosaurs, balls, dolls, kitties, hugs and kisses goodnight, prayers, games, charades, and just plain silliness.



Wonderful, caring and loving Son-In-Law's


Hard working, devoted husbands, loving involved fathers, heart to heart talks,
passionate debates, leadership.



Having all three of my children and almost all of my grandchildren all together


Three wonderful, funny, crazy, caring, loving, giving, intelligent, strong, creative, faithful and at times complicated kids.

Six lively, fun, active, crazy, silly, busy, loving, sweet, cuddly, happy, smiley, lovable, and at times temperamental grandkids.

While I was gone, I received some of the sweetest and funniest text messages from the hubby, (I still can't believe he texts, never would have believed that one) which made my heart go pitter pat, then at the end of my stay, he drove up to pick me up, and bring me home, it was so nice to see him.

I am so GRATEFUL to have these wonderful people, who all bring me so much joy in my life!

I really needed all this love and togetherness, I was feeling a bit sad prior to coming up.

Thanks, it was the best two weeks I've had in a very long time, can't wait to do it again.

My family brings me some of my greatest joys and some of my greatest sorrows, I love them more than anything, and I would do anything for any of them, I hope I have expressed my love so that each of them know how much they are loved and how much they mean to me. My life is my family.

I'm GRATEFUL for family.

GHOST WORD SEARCH

ANSWERS

SCREAM
GHOST
WITCH
GOBLIN
GHOUL
SCARE
PUMPKIN
HALLOWEEN
BLACK CAT
VAMPIRE
HAUNTED HOUSE
JACK O LANTERN
COSTUMES

(YOU CAN PRINT THIS OFF FOR THE KIDDO'S TO DO)

HAVE A SPOOKTACULAR DAY!

Raw Emotions

It's been a rough month, to say the least.
(will post more about that in detail sometime in the future)


I've had my heart ripped out, torn into a million pieces,
and then returned to my chest, broken but mending.

I've watched the lives of so many people I love and want to protect be torn apart, disrupted, and stretched thinner than I thought humanly possible. I've watched loved ones suffer, be unfairly accused and judged, and had the only love and security they know ripped away from them. I've seen faith shaken, and human rights violated, I've seen a belief system crumble right before my eyes. I've watched Nick & Melanie brave each agonizing day of this ordeal, I've watched them deal with a pain no parent should ever have to deal with, I've watched them stand strong during devastating events, most of all I've watched them survive this ordeal with love, honor and faith. I've watched a Grandchild go through more during his four months of life, than any child should have to face in a lifetime, I've watched him stay a sweet and happy little guy, even though his world as he knew it was turned up side down, he had to suffer with pain while his loving parents continued to fight to get him the medical attention they knew in their hearts he needed, he then under went surgery, CT scans, MRI's and xray's, nurse's and doctor's bugging him with one thing or another, every time the little guy fell a sleep and then he was ripped away from everything and everyone he knew, and the security that should be the right of every infant . Yet he still has a smile and a laugh every time I see him, Mason is a very special little guy.

Now this may seem like a lot of (I's) but it isn't that I'm trying to make this all about me, not at all, it's just my view of this ordeal, my observation of how it effected people, and what I hope people can take away from this devastating ordeal. I have very little control over this situation, except for the control over how I allow it to effect me, of how I act and react to the whole situation, and the control I have to keep Christ in my heart, and use this experience to become a better person and hope that I can take something away from it that will allow me to help others. I have to believe that there is some positive that can come from this horrible situation, because I don't want to believe that such a horrible thing could happen to such good people and have no reason behind it, no lessons to be learned, no help that can come of it. Because if that were true, then Satan wins, and I refuse to allow him to have such a victory over me or my family.

It's been a surreal, hellish nightmare, unfathomable,
and my emotions have been from one extreme to the other.

However, it has also been quite the learning experience.

Some things I knew and just needed a reminder of, some things I thought I knew and learned I really didn't, some things I did know and that hasn't changed, and some things I learned that were a hard lesson to learn.

However, I want to take each and every experience of this ordeal and find something I can take with me for the better, I want to learn something from each heart break, I want to some how turn each disappointment into a learning experience. I want to fight for change so that this same type of injustice and heart break won't happen to any other family. I want to stay positive and hope that I come out of this a better person, with some type of knowledge that will help me in the future, and that I can put to use to help others, in some way.

So here is some of what I've Learned;

It's enforced the things that are truly important in my life.

It's forced me to reevaluate so many things I thought and believed.

It's taught me to search for answers, not all things will be right in front of me, or easy to find.

It's taught me not to get so frustrated if I don't feel like I get the answers I want.

It's confirmed how much I love my family and friends and how important they are to me and how grateful I am for their love and support.

It's also taught me not to be so quick to feel hurt and saddened by what I perceive as a lack of support and love.

It's reminded me that unconditional love and support is one of the greatest gifts we can give and receive.

It's also reminded me to show more love and compassion towards others.

It's shown me, the importance of being more Christ like in my thoughts, words and actions.

It's forced me to see the ugly side of people and how human nature is just that "human" nature it is not of God or good.

It's taught me that even though I'm not a judgemental person by nature, I want to strive even harder not to be judgemental.

It's taught me that (judgement) is an all too common and devastating personality trait in many, and I need to be stronger and not allow it to hurt my feelings so easily.

It's taught me that Trials and Tribulations manifest a persons true character, not just for those of us experiencing them, but also of those around us who may also be effected.

It's taught me that Trials can bring out the worst, if you allow them too.

It's taught me that some people do or say things for all the right reasons, with a Christ like unselfish attitude.

It's also taught me that others do or say things veiled behind hidden motifs, and I have to prayer for guidance to be able to tell the difference.

It's taught me that not all things are always the way they may seem, that all the facts are important, and that sometimes we just don't get all the answers, and that is where faith needs to come in.

I've become very aware of how easy it is for good people, or people doing what they believe to be the "right" thing, sometimes do or say the wrong thing, because they become more concerned with their end result and less concerned about how it effects someone else. In doing this they can lose site of the truth and facts.

I've learned things aren't always what we want them to be, should be, or how they may appear.

I've learned things can be easily manipulated and widely inaccurate, and how important it is to try and prevent that from happening.

It's taught me that it is ultimately up to me, how I deal with a given situation, I can make the worse or the best out of it.

I've learned that things other people say or do, can only hurt me if I allow it to.

I've learned, that no one is perfect, and while I know that is an impossible goal to obtain, it is a goal I want to enjoy as I strive to achieve.

I've learned that I want to;


STRIVE ~ LEARN ~ GIVE

Strive, to become more Christ like in; thought, word & action.
Learn, something from all the experiences in my life.
Give unconditionally, Give more, Give from the heart.


It is through Faith in our Heavenly Father and his unconditional love,
along with the Love and Support of Family and Friends, and our own

attitude, that will be our foundation and enable us to endure all things.


It is my hope and prayer, that I will continue to open my heart and invite the spirit of my Heavenly Father to abide within, and that I may learn from this trial, that I may find forgiveness for those who have done an injustice to my family, that through this experience I will find a positive, that will touch my life and my heart so that something good can come out of this horrible ordeal.

CRAZY RIDICULOUS

Update on my walking:

No excuses, just honest journaling.
(is that a word? is that how you spell it?)

any who,

I was unable to walk for a few days, it was just too HOT!

(somewhere between 112 -118)


We tried it at 10:00 at night and even around 4:30 in the morning, nope, still too hot!

(like about 101-106)


Due to health issues and medication taken for such health issues, I have developed a "crazy ridiculous" intolerance to heat, along with the inability to "sweat" oh, I can get a bit damp from perspiration, but not enough to really sweat, which is necessary for the body to be able to cool it's self down.

Nice, since I live in the Mohave Desert.

My face turns bright tomato red, I get this killer headache, along with this wierd flutter feeling in my chest, I feel as if my blood is starting to boil, I start feeling nausea, week, dizzy, like I am going to pass out all the while this over whelming feeling of doom comes over me, and I have this overwhelming feeling to just start tearing all my clothes off (YIKES) I know, my muscles become overwhelmingly week and they start to cramp up, on occasion I have even started vomiting and passed out, oh so scary for the Hubby. Then I am wiped out for about the next 5-10 hours, I mean just out of it. Crazy Ridiculous!

So Sunday night I have the opportunity to walk on a tread mill, I'm so excited to be able to get a mile in since I hadn't been able to for a few days, awesome right, I don't have to worry about weather conditions like the "HEAT" or any thing, hey, if this works out I might just have to figure out a way to get me one of these things. RIGHT?

WRONG,

so I get on, try to figure out how to use the thing (never been on one before) woo hoo, here we go, so about twenty minutes later and I've walked a itzy bit over a mile, and I'm spent, but hey, this went pretty well, this is pretty cool, and I can do it no matter what the weather is like, I'm pumped thinking this is great, this could work.
So I get off and ....

Oh My GOSH!

I have Crazy Ridiculous, Motion Sickness!!!

Seriously, is that even possible?

The Hubby gets worried, he thinks something is wrong,

NOPE, It's just motion sickness alright, how CRAZY is that!


My body is CRAZY RIDICULOUS!

ONE WEEK!

One week down, hopefully the rest of my long life to go.

I did great SIX of the seven days, I walked about a mile or a little more each walk.

Except for Friday,

I only got to walk about a block,

Not to make any excuses, BUT,

let's just say Ricky (my mom's little rat dog) is not the best walking buddy, my Mom just insisted that I take him for what ever reason, so I thought it would be easier to take him, rather than not. WRONG!

then upon returning him home,

Well,

let's just say,

it got dark by the time I was able to leave again, and it just wasn't worth all the hassle to me. Lot's of reasons, yet again, no excuses.

I felt really bad about it, and felt like a Big Fat LOSER.

Since there are no "do overs",

I will chalk it up to the whole experience, and move forward.

I'm sure it won't be the only day I fail.

I just want to keep it real, as a journal of my progress, so I want to record the good as well as the bad.

The successes and the failures.

STUCK "WITHOUT" MY ROCK AND A HARD PLACE

Last night, (day four) of my "Walk everyday program", was the hardest for me yet.

Here are the top 5 reasons it was so tough.


5. I was in a "senior" mobile home park, and while on my walk,
not one person said to me that,
I was too young to be here.

4. While out walking, a lady who looked to be in her late seventies
sped past me and was out of sight in a flash, man did she kick my butt.
(now there is a reality check)

3. I had to listen to my Mother, tell me how dangerous it was,
for me to go out and walk by myself in the evening,
(I got the stats on how many women have been kidnapped, raped, mugged, killed)
OYVEY!

2. This place is all hills, at my house it is all flat.
Man did I ever fill the burn! (legs, lungs)
This walk, plus I think the humidity, and the little rat dog kicking my allergies in,
I had to use my rescue inhaler. (which sucks)

BUT THE NUMBER ONE REASON I FOUND IT SO DIFFICULT............

1. I did not have my ROCK with me, (the hubby)
He is my motivator, my strength, my support, my safety net.
Even though he really ticks me off because he doesn't even get the least bit
out of breath when we walk, or sore, it's like nothing to him (BRAT).
Love you Babe.

HOWEVER, I DID IT!
all by myself

(so Hollie did the song "all by myself" just pop into your head?)
(if not, I bet it did now) hee,hee.


So would it be totally wrong if I trip that old lady if I see her again tonight?


Never mind,
I just realized I couldn't catch her any way, {sigh} so sad......

Sad but True

Man, I am so out of shape!

If I wasn't so worried about my health and committed to doing something about it, I would be completely embarrassed to relate the following.

But you're all Family or Friends right, and who better to find support from. Who knows, maybe I will even be the motivation for someone else to get out and do something they need to do, or should do, but just haven't.

Okay, so Monday night we (the hubby & I) started a
"get off our butt's and do something about it walking program".

So I swear about 10 or 15 steps, um, I mean yards into it my hips hurt so bad, I wanted to cry, then another 10 or 15 yards more and the pain had spread to my knees, well during the walk, my asthma kicked in "BIG" time, my lungs hurt, I could not believe the extreme pain I was feeling pretty much from head to toe, I had to keep telling my self, "yes, it would be very sad if I stopped where I was and made him walk back to the house, get the car and come pick me up". I was having a pep rally in my own head, GO, GIRL, YOU CAN DO IT! Just a little bit further. Fight through the pain, think of the victory.

As we came around the corner of our street, and I could see our house I was just praying, I would be able to make it to the house. My legs felt so, so heavy, I could barely pick them up, I was literally shuffling along. But, I made it. Woo Hoo, about a Mile, walked with no stopping. Yippee, Man am I pathetic. If I wasn't in so much physical pain, I would have noticed the mental pain, of how MAD I was at myself, and how sad it was that this is how I felt after just a mile, of walking. Oh, so very aggravating, disappointing, and just down right embarrassing.

Can you say "P a t h e t i c LOOSER"!!!!!

That night by the time I went to bed, I thought I was dying and almost hoping I would. Even my arms hurt like heck, What is up with that? My back hurt, my legs hurt, every joint in my body was screaming with pain, I was suffering from muscle cramps all over my body, twitching, spasms, and PAIN, this continued all night long, it was so bad I couldn't even sleep. Trying to get out of bed to pee was agonizing. What had I done! I'm pretty sure this is what it would feel like to be hit by a freight train. Except then I would surely end up in the hospital, with some wonderful pain killing drug running through my I.V. with nurses waiting on me hand and foot.

{Back to Reality}

The next day I feel like I just competed in an Iron Man event. (all because of one measly mile, sigh)

So Tuesday night rolls around and the Hubby gets out the flash light, oh, man, I know what that means. My "I Love Lucy" mode kicks in, head slightly tilted, eyes rapidly moving back and forth searching the dark corners of my mind, T H I N K, let's see I could tell him I'm sick {cough, hack, sniff} yeah he would buy that, right? Or maybe "I have to get some work done, so sorry babe I just can't go tonight".

Ok, about that moment in time a scene from the movie "moonstruck"with Cher and Nicolas Cage, pops into my head, {S L A P !!! across the face, "Snap out of it"!}

Much to my surprise, during this walk it took quite a bit longer before my hips started hurting, I think we were at least about half way, and my knees, well that pain was almost tolerable this time, lots of heavy and labored breathing, bit of an asthma flair up, but NO asthma attack, and Hubby said my pace was quicker this time around. Yay for me!!!

Now don't get me wrong, I still worried if I was going to make it all the way or not, but we pushed on, again walking about a mile with no stopping, I was extremely glad when we rounded the corner and I could see our house, and I was actually stepping, no shuffle, I felt less heaviness in my legs.

So I'm hoping tonight as bed time is approaching, it goes a bit better with the pain, cramps and spasms, and that tomorrow I feel as though I was just hit by a bus, instead of a freight train. Then maybe, just maybe, in about a month or so, I will actually look forward to our walks, and stop trying to come up with reasons in my head, why I can't do it.

So, cross your fingers for me, and if you want, you can even become one of my cheerleaders, I have a feeling I am going to need it.

I Have to do this,
I Must do this,
I Will do this!
I might stumble along the way, but, I don't want to give up.

FIRST COMES LOVE, THEN COMES MARRIAGE, THEN COMES BABY IN THE BABY CARRIAGE

FAMILY CELEBRATION OF NEW BEGINNINGS!

On Saturday May 30, we had a wonderful celebration for Nick, Melanie and Mason. It was also a meet and greet, since many of the family members had not yet me Melanie or Mason.

Now I know there is a saying that a picture is worth a thousand words......
Well I'm hoping that words will paint a picture, because we had an unforeseen mishap with the pictures so I only have the ones in my mind.

So let me try and paint a picture for you.

The Place:

We had the celebration at my niece Jennifer and her husband Rhett's BEE-U-T-Ful home.
My niece designed the home and her husband built it. Both did an excellent job. The floor plan was opened and spacious, they thought of so many details that were custom for them, some for now and some for the future, (such smart and thoughtful planning). Thanks again both of you for allowing us to host this celebration at your home, it was perfect, and very generous of you guys.

The Food:

Nick & Melanie's choice was a casual BBQ style buffet. With one special request from Nick.
(7 layer dip)

Pulled Meat Sandwiches, with three different meats; Pork, Beef and Chicken DELICIOUS!
With a choice of Onion Buns, Potato Buns, Sesame Seed Buns, and of course just Plain Buns.

With some of the most scrumptious side dishes compliments of my wonderful family.
To Die For - crock pot beans, Yummy!
Oh So Good - macaroni salad, delish!
Best Ever - potato salad, mmm-mmm good!
Always Popular - 7 layer dip, ahhh!
Lil in Size-Large in Flavor - lil smokies, tasty!
Fresh Fruit - fresh yumminess!
Vegetable Platter - crisp & delish!


(hope I'm not forgetting anything, going off memory here, if I have I apologize)



Now let's talk about the Desserts!

Red Velvet Cup Cakes
Chocolate Cup Cakes
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Cookies
Some type of Scrumptious looking bar (don't know what it was called though)
Animal Cookies (just the white ones though, this is a family tradition that started way back with my Sister-In-Law)


Of course there was the usual Nuts & candies around, (no sillies, I'm not talking about the guests)


We had M N M's around (Melanie Nick Mason = mnm's)

Also Mints wrapped in blue wrappers that said Baby Boy in a {Mason} jar. hee, hee, I know, I have a quirky sense of humor and probably no one even caught that one except me.


THE CAKE!

My niece made the cake, it was her first (and I think last) attempt at making a wedding cake.

Let me tell you, she did a wonderful job, it was Beautiful, and Tasty, what more could you ask for, it was just perfect.


You will have to click this link to see a picture of it; CAKE

(remember I have no pictures) {tear}

Let me just tell you, it was such a good time, the kids all played and had such a blast together, even though some of them don't get to see each other often. {Man do we have some adorable kids in this family} they played ball, fetch with the dog, soccer that even some of the adults got in on (one player even got some good kicks in wearing pink high heels, can you guess who?) light sabers, air hockey, chase, and I think the favorite of the younger kids was playing in a huge dirt pile, they loved it, their parents, not so much. Really these kids were adorable, and sweet as could be, they gave hugs good-bye to everyone, even those they didn't see too often.

We had 14 of the cutest kids you have ever seen, ranging from age 11 yrs. to 1 1/2 months old.

My family is awesome, they are so much fun, we have such good times when we get together, there is such love and support, THANK YOU, to each and everyone of you. It was so nice to get together, I really hope that we can plan it more often.

Great Family, Good Food, Fun, Laughter, Hugs, and Love = My Family

So glad we were able to all get together, Nick loved getting to see everyone, it has been a while for him, and Melanie was meeting most everyone for the first time, you all made her feel very welcome, Mason got passed around like a football in a college game, but he slept through most of it and was a little angel.

Thanks again for all your Love, Support, Help, and Contributions to the meal.

I think we should all do a recipe swap, I know I would love some of yours, maybe I'll try and organize something like that on my blog.

Sorry I have no pictures to share, but that means we just have to have another get together soon, so we can have a do over for the pictures.

Love you all!

GOOD TIMES = LATE POSTS

So, So, far behind in my posts.


So let's start with our trip to Utah in May;


We had the pleasure of spending almost two weeks with five of our Grandchildren in May. We really enjoyed having such quality time with them. Oh so fun!

It was a combined work/visit/help trip.

Robby did some work for Jason, we had dinner get together’s and daily visits, final soccer games, end of school performances and dance recitals, oh, so, much fun!
(did you just hear me squeal with delight)

The boy’s both had their final soccer games, awesome. (this was the first time we had gotten the chance to see one of Caiden’s games, too fun). Both boys played hard, made lots of goals, and their teams won, Yeah!

Caiden taking the ball down for a goal, and he made it! Far right of picture he is behind the green #6 you can just barely see him, find the blue ball.

Blaise making a goal! Yes, he scores.



Caiden had a school singing performance that Avery and I attended, it was so cute, he did an awesome job, let me tell you, this Grandma was in heaven.

WARNING; this is not a great video and it may cause motion sickness. (I took it with my small hand held CAMERA, and I had a little one sitting on my lap to boot) He is still oh so cute though.











Addison’s dance recital was absolutely adorable, she looked so, so cute in her little costume, she did an awesome job too, it was in a huge high school auditorium (balcony seating and all) and it was pretty much filled. She didn’t let that bother her, she went out and preformed like a pro. (I was quite surprised, because she is pretty shy) she got a trophy which she thought was oh, so, cool. (sorry, this was the only picture that even half way turned out, I need a better camera) I know a tear just ran down my cheek too.


Addison is the one left back, isn't she adorable, too cute!



First half of the trip we stayed at Hollie’s place, and I tried to help Hollie as much as possible, (poor thing has been so sick with this pregnancy) and give Jared some relief, he is such a sweetheart, he has been so good at helping out and taking over the household chores for her. The kids and I had so much fun, playing, reading, games, played ball, snuggling, hair, It was great.

Addison and Bama playing twister, how FUN.
YES I played, NO, Silly you can not see a picture of me twisted like a pretzel!


Some girl is going to be very lucky someday, look what a good "Daddy" he is going to make, he can vacuum while taking care of the baby too! What a sweetie.



Last part of trip we stayed at Heather’s and we watched the kiddo’s for four fun filled days, while Heather and Jason were off for his little sister’s wedding. (congrats Christy, you made a beautiful bride and you and Dallin are such an adorable couple). We had a blast, the kids were super, super good, Bapa and I were pretty good too! We went to parks, a super neat children’s museum (children’s tree house) we went to a movie, we had wonderful and silly conversations together at dinner time, sitting around the table. We did the hot tub, we read, colored, played, did hair and bedtime prayers, I even played guitar hero for the very first time, I think the kids were fairly impressed, they were very sweet and supportive, telling me that I was doing very good for my first time (sweet). I think one of my favorite things was at night we would all snuggle up on the couch and watch a movie together, what a bunch of love bugs.


Seriously, look at this face


OUR FUN FILLED DAY AT THE TREE HOUSE CHILDREN'S MUSEUMBlaise doing a fun Large puzzle

The Music Room, was a BIG hit. They loved it!



Hmmm, I'm thinking Christmas Presents...... (sorry Heather & Jason)


This was a HUGE interactive game, you push a button and the computer asks you a question and then you find the answer on the floor and stand on it, then the computer gives you the answer, we all had fun with this one.


The Oval Office, what it's like to sit behind the President's Desk


There was pictures of all the Presidents on the wall, we quizzed Blaise on them and he really surprised us, he did really well and knew a lot of them.

Our little artists. Funny story, they were a bit heavy handed with the paint, so when we were ready to leave and go have lunch their art work wasn't dry enough to take, so we said we would go have lunch, then come back and pick up their pictures. So we left, had lunch, then went to target to spend allowance money, then we headed back to pick up the art work, Caiden decides he does not want his, (I think he was excited to go home and play with his newly bought goody) any way, Blaise and I run back in to collect all paintings, well, we search, and we search and we search, we found his and Avery's but Caiden's was no where to be found, we did one final search of the entire area, nope, Caiden's was not there. So when we told him his was gone, he couldn't believe that his was so GOOD that someone wanted to take it home and hang it up on their wall. TOO FUNNY!

Bapa teaching the boys how to play chess!

Caiden taking Bapa on and Blaise putting his new skills to work playing on the large chess game with his cousin.

The Doll Room, every girls play house

We had so much fun here and there was so much to see and do and enter act with, we were there for about 3 hours and we could have stayed even longer, except tummy's were starting to Grumble. I was just amazed how much there was here for the kids to do. Super fun place!

My little Rock Stars!

Being a Grandparent ROCKS!!! Getting to spend some time with the Grandkids ROCKS!!!

It was fun to have time with them, just us, no parents. We had a GREAT TIME!

VOTE FOR HEATHER

COME ON PEOPLE, SHOW SOME LOVE AND ROCK THE VOTE ! ! ! !



ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS COPY THIS;

HEATHER GETS MY VOTE.



THEN GO HERE. . . . VOTE

GO TO {LEAVE COMMENT} AND PASTE, OR JUST TYPE HEATHER GETS MY VOTE.


EASY ~ PEASY

MENTION HER ON YOUR BLOG TOO, SO ALL YOUR FOLLOWERS CAN GO VOTE.

LET'S SHOW HEATHER SOME LOVE!!!!!!!!!

AREN'T WE ALL MOTHERS?

Motherhood is more than bearing children, though it is certainly that. It is the essence of who we are as women. It defines our very identity, our divine stature and nature, and the unique traits our Heavenly Father gave us.

There are women who give birth and raise children but never “mother” them. Some women give birth but for reasons of death or circumstances which lead to adoption, never get the chance to “mother” or raise those children. Others, “mother” all their lives yet have never given birth at all. To “mother” or nurture certainly is not limited to ones own flesh and blood.

A mother can be someone who has sacrificed, someone who has cared for and loved, someone who has taught, or taken the time to stop and listen, or given a much needed hug, all for the sake of a child.

As women we have an overwhelming obligation to be models of righteousness and nurturing, because some children may not get that anywhere else. Each and very one of us need to be an example, not just by word but also by deed. “We are all mothers in Israel, and our calling is to love and help lead the rising generation through the dangerous streets of mortality“.

Many people pay tribute not only to their own mother but also to the many women in their life who helped them to reach their potential. Through example, love and nurturing.

The subject of motherhood is a very tender one, which evokes some of our strongest emotions, both our greatest joys and heartaches.

Often times as women we put so much pressure on ourselves to be that “perfect mom” or a “super mom” who can do it all. We compare ourselves to other mothers and families, which more times than not just leads us to focus more on our failures and shortcomings. Instead we should remember not to try and compare ourselves to others, we are all unique with our own talents and strengths, challenges and problems, we need to choose the best way to form our family into a tight knit unit, that works together, who loves and supports each other.

Some mothers feel as though they have failed if their children make mistakes or stray, however we must remember that we are never failures if we do our best to bring up our children with love, teach by example, pray and care for our children.

Personally I celebrate this day more as a celebration to the Mother who raised me, and all the wonderful women who have “mothered” me during my life, and less about my own status of “Motherhood”.

I feel very fortunate to have been so blessed as to have such wonderful and strong examples of “motherhood” from the women in my life.

My own Mother, who was a total stereo-typical 50’s style Wife and Mom.
Always there when we got home from school with yes the cliché after school treat.
Dinner always ready to go on the table when my Dad got home.
She always had a pitcher of kool aid chilled for us. She made us kool aid ice cubes when it was hot, and gave us hot liquid jell-o if we were sick. She had some crazy old fashioned “remedies” when we were sick too.
She always put her children first, matter of fact, she still does that.
We had the sit down family dinners, family vacations, and the traditional holiday family get togethers, we went to church together as a family on Sunday's.
She was a great cook (however maybe not always the safest).
She was a loving Daughter who sacrificed much for her parents in their later years, she was always the caring big sister.
She taught us compassion, giving, love, prayer, and faith.
She loves to talk, a lot, and sing (even though as my Dad would say “she can’t even carry a tune in a bucket, or, what did you do with the money your parents gave you for singing lessons).
She loves Elvis, ice cream and jewelry, she hates the feel of velvet.
She has a wonderful sense of humor, she can be quite the prankster.
She loves to wear crazy things, and often sported some wild hair styles.
Once she even kept a lizard in our freezer, (don’t ask).
She saves everything, literally. She has been known to clip coupons for items she didn’t even need, like diapers when us kids were all long out of the diaper wearing age, or cat liter, even though we never had a cat, she would leave them in the respective isles at the store so that someone else could use them.
She carefully takes the label off from cans of food to use as stationary, I’m serious I’ve received several myself from her over the years, quite resourceful.
She loved doing little things for us like put notes in our lunch sacks, and do fun things like green mashed potatoes for St. Patrick’s day and red and green jell-o cake at Christmas time.
She is a chocoholic.
She used to have a bad habit of saying one curse word, S - - T, usually that would come as a prefix to my dad’s first name, I often tease her that I was 12 years old before I realized my dad’s first name was Claude and not S - - T. This same word apparently got her into hot water when I was around 6 years old, back then often times when she said it in front of us kids, she would just spell it S - - T then quickly say sugar afterwards. So one time at a large family get together, I proudly announced to my Grandmother that I knew how to spell “sugar”, you all see were this is going right? Yep, after my Grandma requested that everyone be quiet so they could hear me spell “sugar” shyly I spelled out... S - - T, my poor Grandma almost died.
Way too often when us kids would fight with one another she would make us all start singing a song called “Love At Home”, man did we hate that.
I only remember getting one (well two) actual spankings in my life time, (see kids, I told you I was an angel child) and she used one of her many yard sticks that were laying around the house, (never quite understood all the yardsticks she didn’t even sew) well she hit me just right and it snapped the yard stick in two, apparently this was her favorite and it made her so mad, she spanked me again this time for breaking her yard stick.
She can not stand to let a phone ring, she worries too much, and she can not tell a lie.
She endured through the loss of three of her babies after their birth, and found comfort in the knowledge that she could be reunited with them some day.
She taught me so many things during my lifetime that I am truly grateful for, I could never began to thank her enough for the wonderful example and Mother that she is.

I was blessed to also have the “mothering” of a sweet, gentle, faithful and loving Grandmother, as well as a feisty, faithful and a high society Great Grandmother. Both of which were truly wonderful examples in my life.

Along with countless other wonderful women who helped “mother” me during my life.
My Sister, who I really never fully appreciated until she moved out of the house, and then she became one of my best friends, my go to girl.
My Sister-in-law, who taught me how to play “look” one of the first times I met her, who is so talented and a blast to hang with.

My beautiful, sweet and fun loving nieces (which include one’s by marriage too), who are each such wonderful mother's in their own special ways.
Several of my Aunts, a Fantastic and fun seminary teacher, women from the ward I grew up in, teachers, friends, and co-workers.

My one and only Daughter-in-law for the love and "mothering" she gives to my Son and her children. For her faith, and for her fresh prospective in my life. Also for excepting me so graciously as a additional "Mother" figure in her life.

My two beautiful Daughters who have given me so much joy, who are so crazy and fun to be with, who are now loving and caring mothers, you girls have no idea what an absolute honor it is to be your mother, you make me so proud in so many ways . What a thrill it is to now watch you as you raise and love your own children, which by the way those precious, sweet spirits are one of the best present you have ever given me. You are truly examples to me.

All of these women have helped mold me into the person I am today, (so if someone doesn’t like something about me, you now know who to blame).
Some of them, not even aware of the impact they have made in my life.

To all these wonderful women, to all the women in my life and to all women every where, I want to remind you of that very important role you play in the life of children every where.

Happy Mother’s Day to you all.

(some excerpts and quotes above are from various talks and articles I found on the internet by Sheri Dew)

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet;

STERLING ROSE (OR) MASON ROSE

My rose bushes are looking a bit sad this year. I have always loved roses, a love passed to me from my Dad, plus it just happens to be my birthflower. I have always planted roses where ever we have lived, however, they just don't do to well here. I hadn't had any blooms this year until .......

The day that Mason was born, this one shabby looking rose bush had one bloom on it, so I cut it and took it to the hospital for Melanie. Man, it smelled so sweet and pungent. Well, I thought it was so cool that the first and only bloom was on the day my Grandson was born. Then, it happened again, on the day he was one week old, another single bloom on the same rose bush. Now that is amazing! None of the other's have had any blooms yet, and these are the only two blooms on this bush so far. I can't wait to see when it blooms next.

So I have decided to rename this bush to the Sterling Mason Rose.

Healthy ~ Sweet ~ Precious

INTRODUCING....................



Look at all that hair

Bapa & Mason bonding

Bama & Mason having their first conversation

What a sweet bundle of joy and precious gift from our Heavenly Father.

Melanie & Mason are both doing well. After a long, rough 21 hours.

MISS CUTIE PATOOTIE

Here is Miss Ali, modeling her $10.00 refashioned outfit! She looks adorable in it and loves it!!!

She is quite the little fashionista and model. Isn't she too cute.

Thanks so much for the photo shoot Ali and Charity, I really appreciate it. I love seeing the kiddos wearing and enjoying the outfits I make them and feeling oh so special in them. That is exactly what I want, each of them to know how very special they are. Plus they are all just so cute and adorable, I love the opportunity to be able to make something for them. It really is a joy.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH TEN DOLLARS

I DECIDED TO RE-FASHIONED:




I TOOK THESE TWO BILLS

AND I BOUGHT THIS PLAIN LITTLE PINK T-SHIRT AT TARGET FOR $3.48

AND THESE PAIR OF JEANS, FROM MARSHALL'S ON SALE FOR $6.00

(FRONT-VIEW)

(BACK-VIEW)

AND THIS FUN AND FUNKY JUMBO ORANGE RIC-RAC .98 CENTS A YARD.

(I USED LESS THAN .50 CENTS WORTH)

I TOOK OFF THE BELT, TOOK OFF THE BACK POCKET ORIGINAL APPLIQUES, . . . . . .

AND TURNED THEM INTO THIS;

(A COMPLETELY RE-PURPOSED BOUTIQUE CHIC OUTFIT)

THE FLOWER ON THE T-SHIRT I DID SO THAT IT IS 3-D, I RAVELED THE EDGES TO GIVE IT THAT SHABBY CHIC VINTAGE LOOK, ALL THE STITCHING ON THE SHIRT IS MACHINE STITCHED.





I USED THE BOTTOM OF THE PANTS LEG THAT I CUT OFF, TO MAKE THE LEAVES AND THE CENTER OF THE FLOWER ON THE SHIRT. I MADE A SASH FOR THE BELT.






I ADDED TWO RUFFLES TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PANTS AND THEN STITCHED SOME RIBBON ABOVE IT TO GIVE IT THAT LITTLE BOUTIQUE FINISH. THEN I APPLIQUED SOME FLOWERS TO THE LOWER PANTS LEG, AND DID SOME HAND STITCHING AND SOME FRENCH KNOTS ON THE FLOWERS WITH EMBROIDERY THREAD.




I ALSO APPLIQUED A FLOWER ON EACH BACK PANTS POCKET WITH HAND STITCHING







I ALSO TOOK HEATHER'S FLOWER CHALLENGE,

HEATHER'S FLOWER TUTORIAL


AND THIS IS WHAT I DID WITH MY FLOWER FROM HER TUTORIAL IDEA;


I PUT ONE FLOWER ON THE CUTE LITTLE T-SHIRT, AND THE OTHER ONE I ADDED TO

A PINK HEADBAND I GOT AT TARGET IN THE DOLLAR BIN. I ADDED SOME ORANGE RIBBON AND THE FLOWER.






NOW I BELIEVE EVERY GIRL DESERVES AT LEAST ONE ORIGINAL IN THEIR CLOSET, AND BECAUSE I SO ENJOY MAKING THESE ADORABLE LITTLE OUTFITS FOR ALL THE LITTLE CUTIES IN MY LIFE, I MADE THIS ONE IN A SIZE 4T, AND IT IS GOING TO THE FIRST MEMBER OF MY SWEET "A" TEAM. SO MISS ALI THIS ONE IS FOR YOU. I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT, (AND I HOPE IT FITS OK, MY FINGERS ARE CROSSED) JUST REMEMBER, MY FEE IS A PICTURE OF YOU IN IT.



HMMM, WHO AND WHAT WILL BE NEXT?



SO NEXT TIME YOU HAVE TEN DOLLARS IN YOUR PURSE, THINK OF THE POSSIBILITIES!