NEW YEARS DAY - 2013

3.9 degrees as I write this / snowy / sunshine and ice crystals gently falling.

A FRESH start - a New Year!

Take a DEEP breath!  Now, doesn't that feel good?  Yeah, it's cold outside but just wanted you to feel how good it feels to be alive and moving toward the future - new experiences, new relationships, NEW EVERYTHING!  

I've been absent for some time - I've missed writing about my (our) life, family and such.  Lost interest when a family 'loss' derailed me and I just needed time to forget.  I like to be positive in everything I think and write and didn't want that experience to change me and sour me - so decided to keep things to myself for a little while!

We're 'weird' about New Years - maybe a better word is 'simple' - we love being together, staying home (for the most part), and enjoying family, food and fireplace!  For several years we've gone to see a good movie on New Years Eve but this year we kept it really simple and watched TV and the happenings in New York.  I made a phone call to mom to make sure she was okay - she wasn't feeling that great to come out and stay up late and she seemed fine with that.  I texted all the kids to wish them a Happy New Year - things were quiet and calm all night and 2013 slipped right in at the right time.

Watched Rose Parade on TV from Pasadena, California.  Loved it - we would go every year when I was a kid living in California.  My aunt lived right off the parade route and we would stay up all night to get a good place to see the floats roll past, bands play - excitement to the max.  It's very sentimental to me!  

I asked Bob what his New Year's resolution(s) were this year - and he said, "That's a good question!"  I'm not sure if he's ever made a resolution!  It made him think - he did say he had to read some books - but actually he needed to do that for school.  The ONLY one I thought I really needed to work on was to eliminate SUGAR from my life - forever!  Well, that lasted about 4 hours!  Haha!  I am serious about that - but it's going to take one step at a time and little by little over the year.  So, I guess that's my one and only resolution - too many resolutions are a drag.  But I am going to try and IMPROVE my life - do better at many things - they don't necessarily have to be resolutions but they will be in my planner and on my mind so I can make improvements.  Specifics?  I'm still planning and deciding on some but will list them to make them a reality for 2013.

i'm back

Needed to take time to breath and get away from the blogging-scene for a little while.  Our family was given one of those CWMALI experiences ("Come what may and love it") - we're still dealing with it - but it's almost over and all will be able to go on with their lives - much happier with the outcome.

I really missed writing some of my thoughts and sharing about my amazing family and friends.  Now that I sit down to the computer, I'm not quite sure what to say other than, summer is about over - school buses are rolling through the neighborhood picking up my little neighbor friends.  Mornings and afternoons around here are void of kids laughter however, birds are chirping loudly and it's still warm - thank goodness!


One fun part of having a big family is we're never without someone having a birthday!  Tomorrow, September 5th is baby Toren and Grandma-great's birthday.  We celebrated Toren's birthday yesterday (Labor Day) as Whit and Schuy have work and school Wednesday.  They traveled up for Toren's 2nd birthday and was he ever excited!  Heather and boys came to help celebrate too.  I'm taking Grandma tomorrow and spoil her with lunch, show and some shopping - she will be turning 89 years old and going strong!  There will be a birthday cake as well - no one should go without a cake on their birthday!  Next year there will be a blow-out with her 90th birthday, God willing.

Since I last wrote:

• I happily turned another year younger
• Enjoyed the most amazing and beautiful summer in Idaho
• Spent a summer with no lessons to teach (guitar) . . . ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, nice
• Had a super-fun July 4th - missed it last year when grandma was sick
• Taught a 4H photography class for two days - loved it
• Was set apart as the new secretary in Stake Primary Presidency - Rexburg East Stake
• Bob developed a serious blood clot in his lung - treated, but scary - he was a lucky guy to walk away from it
• Visited Steve Boice for the last time in Utah
• Attended Steve's funeral with family and family I haven't seen for years
• Visited our cutest-everest grandkids - Oli, R.O.B., Hennie and Theo
• Had a wonderful summer walking 4-5 times a week enjoying the summer smells of early morning - love
• Struggled with a foot that will eventually be operated on - sooner than later
• Enjoyed visits from Tyler, Cameron, Leah - love when they come
• Attended a VW car show with Tyler and Bob - love
• Entered 5 photos in our local fair - won first place, second, third - they all placed and won $65 - yeehaww
• Cheered Bob on in his Rush Triathlon just one short month after his blood clot scare
• Grif had a health-scare but all turned out in his favor
• Got out into the fields to photograph harvest - wheat and potato - took lots and lots of photos
• Enjoyed having Bob's brother spend a day with us
• Loved being a mom and grandma more than ever
• Loved spending more time with Bob - enjoyed our walks together

Summer is coming to an end and fall is very, very near - I won't let summer go without a fight (haha - guess who wins!).  It's been such a great and much-appreciated/needed summer.  I feel renewed and ready to head into the winter months.  I'm holding tight to my family, faith and friends to get us through the months and years that lay ahead and:

"Come what may and love it"

 

happy MOTHER'S DAY!

I call this photo, * * *  G l i m m e r  * * *
 

Have a BEAUTIFUL day!  I honor all mothers for your sacrifice and selflessness.

Journal notes -

I secretly wished I didn't have to get up early for church this morning. For the past three years, Bob headed to the college to serve in a student ward and I headed to church alone! For the past three years I served in Young Women's presidency so I was super busy and hardly detected I was alone - then I was released and now I feel alone - don't ask me why, I just do! Don't you totally feel sorry for me?! Not! Anyway, back to this morning. Shhhhhhhhh, I didn't go to church - I slept in. Don't get me wrong - I love church - but this morning I just wanted to stay in bed until 8 a.m.!  Mother's Day?  Sleep?  Okay, they usually call that justification and it seemed 'legal' to me!  So, what else do you do on Mother's Day BUT make breakfast for the family!  I broke two rules and the second was 'cooking on Mother's Day'!  At least it's my rule but no one else would cook, so I did - French toast with berries - oh, yum!  Spent a quiet and beautiful morning with Bob and Tyler and, of course, the dogs!  Tyler headed to a singles ward in town and Bob headed to the college!  As soon as everyone left I turned on General Conference on my iPad and did a few preps for dinner - yes, I cooked again!  Guess what, even though I loved sleeping in, I missed church! Haha, I detect a paradox going on here!

Bob spoiled me again this year - the man may not like cooking but he makes me feel special.  He brought a beautiful basket of goodies - hand creams, Mom's chocolates, took me to dinner (Olive Garden - my choice) and a show with Grandma (The Avengers) which he slept through half (!) and then we went shopping for some beautiful flowers for our barrels - and they are beautiful.

Most of the kids were coming home for Mother's Day today but early-on got a call from Whitney and Heather and both of their families had a touch of the stomach flu and they would not be coming to dinner.  Always disappointing when that happens but since they both got the flu from each other, I figured we would steer clear of them as well.  I got word that both Whitney and Heather were spoiled by their families and that does my heart good!

Grandma, Kandee, Shawn and family joined us for dinner and we had a nice time talking volleyball, softball, senior prom - Shade (looked SO HANDSOME in his tux) and Paige went, pictures coming soon.  Grandma brought (2) dozen roses in a vase - how sweet and special is that?

After everyone was gone, I nestled in for the last episode of Desperate Housewives and I was not disappointed!  What a great ending to seven years of craziness.  I was hooked the first episode and I don't think I missed a single  episode - what a ride!  I thought it had the perfect blend of crazy and comedy (mostly comedy).  They  said it was the perfect ending and it absolutely was!

As a mother, I'm happy to say I heard from all 7 of our magnificent children - my guilty pleasure - I'm in love with all of them and their fabulous spouses.  I feel so blessed as a mother as I watch all of our kids work hard, struggle at times, work through problems, find joy in their journey and continue to better themselves.  It warms my heart to know they are good (not perfect), honest people making their way through this really tough world.  We now have 12 kids and 15 grandkids -  I'm one RICH woman!

just a thought and life-lesson

“The best antidote I know for worry is work. The best cure for weariness is the challenge of helping someone who is even more tired. One of the great ironies of life is this: He or she who serves almost always benefits more than he or she who is served.” - President Gordon B. Hinckley

Photo: Photo taken at Westcott/Davis property (Rabbit Stix) - Henry's Fork of the Snake River lays just beyond the tree line. I named them:

• "Tranquil Grove"
• "Wild Child"
•  "Secret Fishin' Hole".

The best way of expressing my thoughts - taking photos lately has been well-needed therapy - that's about all I can say.  Cousin Cindy knows what I'm talking about.  This post is dedicated to HER for always being there!  Hugs.

is bliss normal?

“Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to just be people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old time rail journey…delays…sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling burst..."

-Gordon B. Hinckley

50 life lessons

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. If we all threw our problems in a pile and viewed everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God - He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye, don't take it for granted.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn candles, use nice sheets, wear perfume. Don't save for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your family will.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative...dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. Be kind to animals and children.

41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved and were loved in return.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don't ask, you don't get.

49. Yield and be humble.

50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

dawn's early light

Photo taken last week on our early morning walk. By the time we got home I noticed the colors coming from the direction of the temple - hopped in the car (with camera) and headed back to capture "Dawn's Early Light" - I always name my photos (corny, I know) - I always use the first words that come to my mind - makes it easier that way.

Up at 5 a.m. and off we went for our daily walk - that was last week - this morning was a different matter!  We went to bed EARLY last night but my eyes would not close, they just wouldn't!  I laid there hour after hour with no luck.  Finally, I just got up and hung out on the computer - still nothing!  I turned on the fireplace - most times that does it, puts me fast to sleep - but nothing!  Finally, the last digits I remember seeing on the clock was 1:45 - so I figure lights went out around 2 a.m.!  5 a.m. just wasn't going to happen - not this Monday morning.  Not giving up - tomorrow is always a new walking day.  

The fields are beautiful this time of year - actually, they're beautiful all year round. It always amazes me how 'weedless' the fields are - almost looks like a moonscape. We've been having a lot of rain/snow this spring so the fields are sprouting and beginning to grow. Always my favorite time to watch the farmers 'do their thing'. We owe them a lot, you know. Things have been pretty normal around here - everyone healthy, working hard.  

Grandma is doing great, has her new hearing aids and they work perfect, when she'll wear them - haha! She does that, you know! She came for dinner yesterday and always looks so pretty in her outfit, pearls and such. Keep her in your prayers so things will go well for her - remember last year? We don't want a repeat of that . . . I want to go to the parade this year - that was a tough, tough go.

Bob went to work at 7:15 this morning and will be home after 8:00 tonight. Now, that's a long day. They're having yearly district meetings - not a lot of fun but that's where he needs to be. Our college group was meeting here tonight but had to cancel because of the meeting. Bob has been in his college ward for over 3 years now and should be released in the next month or so. Keeping my fingers crossed that he can lay low for awhile before being 'detected'!

I haven't written much 'newsy-stuff' lately.

• Got a call from BYU-I and they wanted another 20 photos -  and did I learn a lesson!  I could only find 14 of the 20!  Yikes, I now have thousands of photos and they're starting to 'get lost'!  Not a good thing.  Lesson learned - working on getting things organized.  Thank goodness they didn't need a recipe . . . . forget it!  
• Another guy called me from Swan Valley wanting to buy the photo of the temple in the wheat field he saw on display in the Manwaring Center and seemed happy with his purchase!
• Our temple photo WON the Deseret Book calendar photo contest - so we are "Miss September"!    Always wanted to be "Miss September" - well, kind of!  We won (2) gift certificates and (2) 2013 calendars - woooohoooooo . . . and a lot of exposure!
• A local copy shop in town called and had a client in Louisiana that wanted to purchase some of our photos to use on a postcard that would go to recruit doctors to our area - wonder if it worked!
• Madison High School called and are now using about 10 of our photos on their web page header - it revolves around every time to hit the 'refresh' button.  That was a 'freebie' but I think it's good to give-back for our schools.  

Well, I've blabbed enough.  It's raining as I write this - so, I'm hoping this coming week will be warmer and filled with sunshine - I'm needing that, how about you?