Thursday, August 26, 2010
Change of Blog
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
September 9, 2009 Lori's Birthday Celebration at Thanksgiving Point
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Follow up to Quincy's art show
Quincy is an amazing artist. He is only 4 years old, and his talent is beyond my years of ability. He has been taking an art class for only a few months, but as always had an innate ability for drawing, especially animals. He is showing his picture of a pony and a rhino. His attention to detail and shading and colors makes his quirky little pictures so endearing.
Olivia didn't care of her brother's pictures were in the show or not. She only cared for the picture of the cat.
I talked him out of a picture of a horse-because he has called my Grandma Horse for a long time. I will take a picture and add it to my blog so you can all see it.
I claim the privilege of being his grandma, but not the genetics for his unique talent. Someday, you will all say, I remember his grandmother bragging about his abilities, and now we know why!
Friday, March 27, 2009
100 Day Challenge
Sunday, October 19, 2008
My Sweetie
In Relief Society, the lesson was on the letters of Joseph Smith to his family. I thought maybe I should muse a little about my family in letters now and again about the joys of being the Mom, wife, and grandmother of this crew for my family to read.
Dear Family
Some 40- 45 years ago, (boy that really dates me) I used to think and dream a little about being a wife of a really good, kind man (in those days I thought of HIM more as a cute, fun, nice boy). I think I wanted to be a MOM from the moment I could conceptualize the thought. But, even until now I didn't have a clue what that all entailed. I thought of the fun of dressing, doing hair, going to the park, holding, rocking and singing songs. I loved the idea of having my own family, and the pictures were all of clean, smiling faces without cares or skinned knees. There was no sadness or sickness or things going wrong. And being the control freak, (I didn’t know I was at that point) things always went the way I planned and everyone wanted them that way.
I pictured green trees with blue skies and warm weather (not hot) (or cold) everyday. My yard, my house and of course the garage were always painted and clean and everything was in its place.
As I write this little ditty, I look outside my window to the falling yellow leaves, bright orange trees and blue mountains. The sky is covered with gray and white clouds with only speckles of blue. I can't help but think this sight out of my window is even better than the “perfect” day that I imagined.
Yesterday, Ray Lynn spent a good share of a Saturday helping me create a dream that had been in my head ever since we built this house. I wanted a raised flower garden in front of the porch. As it is with so many of my desires, they are totally impossible if left to my own abilities. A few months ago, Ray Lynn poured a wall around the area that had been in my mind for twenty years. It was in the middle of the hot summer, and so I told him it wasn’t the time for us to worry about doing any more. About a month ago, he helped (or maybe I should say I helped him a little) with moving all the iris and daylilies and replanting them in the back yard. When you are working with Lake Shore clay, it is like working with concrete. And my man has experience in the cement world. October 18, 2008 was very probably the last 70 degree day we would have. So Ray Lynn hooked on the trailer to the truck and off to Olsen’s we went to load up 2 yards of top soil. We wandered through the plants that we could choose from for a fall planting and still enjoy the benefits in the spring.
Ray Lynn and I have a good deal of things in common, but we are exact opposites in some areas. My hubby loves everything to be square and straight, in neat little lines with coordinating colors. I have no use for anything that isn’t curvy and rounded. I like every possible color in the rainbow. (Sorry, Nicole, you are just like Grandma-we both like things to be colorful.) I picked out a wide variety of pansies in all colors. I restrained myself from purchasing the “Halloween Peek a Boos” (bright orange) just for Ray Lynn’s sake. The Kale (flowering cabbages) drew my attention, and I purchased 6 with differing colors. Ray Lynn didn’t say too much; he just let me go about my bidding. But as we began looking at the tulip, daffodil and hyacinth bulbs, he suggested that we might like to have rows of the tallest in the back and moving forward. He said we could have a row of each kind and that we would probably need about 5 or 6 differing kinds. I thought to myself, for once you should let him have a say in the flowers. So I tried to simply say, which kind would you like, which ones would you choose, do you like these bulbs. I was really quite proud of myself, because I thought I was able to let him choose just exactly what he wanted. We came home with 10 of 5 different kinds of bulbs. If I had been the one picking, I would have come home with 2 of 25 different kinds.
We came home from Olsen’s and with John’s help, we unloaded our 2 yards of top soil and then went to the land fill to purchase 3 yards of “black gold” mulch (or in John’s words poop dirt—it is sterilized). Once again Ray Lynn and John unloaded the mulch (I was helping by raking the dirt around the area). I began asking Ray Lynn how he wanted to plant his flowers, and he told me that I could do it however I wanted, since he hadn’t got to do it how he wanted. (He wasn’t saying it rudely, or mean—just matter of fact.) I was surprised because I thought we had picked just what he wanted. I never did get him to tell me what he would have chosen. But, we proceeded to plant the cabbages and bulbs in 5 straight rows and then added the pansies to each row.
It looks beautiful. My dream comes true. I have a beautiful raised flower bed in front of my porch. Even better, I am the wife of a really good, kind man. He helps my dreams come true. Without him, I couldn’t do many of the things I dream about. And those little things like straight vs. curvy, and order vs. variety is the things that make us very compatible and life very interesting.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The real pictures of our trip to the Salt Lake Temple
We had the opportunity of going with Ryan Pagel and Alexis to the Salt Lake Temple for their wedding. While we were waiting we took pictures--it was a beautiful day. Here is Nathan, Benjamin and Daniel
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Enjoying winter
Everybody is ready to party.
Everyone watch out--Matt is in the drivers seat, and Adrie is keeping a safe distance to make sure he is a safe driver.
Monday, January 28, 2008
The death of President Hinckley
I haven't written in a really long time. Not because I haven't had some things worth recording. I have felt like a clown juggling in the circus, too many balls in the air all coming down at the same time.
Last night our prophet, Gordon Bitner Hinckley returned to his Heavenly Father, at 7:00 p.m. January 27, 2008. What a reunion that must have been. 97 plus years of serving, giving, working, accomplishing, teaching. . .I'm sure that he received a well done my good and faithful servant as he was enveloped in the arms of the Creator of us all. Marjorie, his dear sweet friend and sweetheart of more than 60 years was there waiting patiently. How happy she was that those 4 years didn't have to last any longer. Behind Marjorie, was our prophet’s earthly Father who had once told him to "forget yourself and get to work". Gordon was such an obedient boy! After that directive, he never looked back, but continued forgetting himself and working and accomplishing. His Mom Ada, had waited even longer to put her arms around her boy. Being a Mom is an amazing thing. I seem to get more joy from watching my children do the right, than any other thing. His Mom had been watching down from the heavens, as her boy did all the right things.
After the first reunion, one wonders who else was there. I am sure that Joseph Smith was waiting, (remember how he commemorated his birthday -). Brigham would be there. (Brigham’s picture was in his office). David O McKay was one of his mentors, maybe there is a prophet reunion going on right now. There could be no doubt about James E Faust being at the reunion. Pres. Faust hasn't had much more experience with heaven than Pres. Hinckley. What an amazing that reunion could be.
While the reunion with President Hinckley is mind boggling, that isn't really the part that is truly amazing. It is the true, unquestioning testimony that President Hinckley has been God's prophet on the earth for these 13 years that stirs my heart and my soul.
Last September, I had the privilege of attending the Woman's Conference at the
September 29, 2007 - The entire congregation stood and that that minute I knew that Pres. Hinckley must have been entering the room. I stood and looked around. There he was with his white hair, gray suit and red tie carrying his cane. It appears he uses that cane as much for something to hold in his hand as to stable his balance.
Right before me stood our prophet, the Lord's prophet, my own prophet, the instrument to guide the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My heart pounded. The Holy Ghost took over my entire being with pure knowledge. There was no doubt.
It is so easy to become complacent about the opportunity attend this Woman's Conference in the Conference Center with our prophet. Life is busy, and I could have watched from the comfort of my living room on television. I wonder if the Nephites were casual when they brought their tents to hear King Mosiah. I am so grateful that this one particular time, I took advantage of the opportunity provided for me by my leaders to attend in person this conference.
Just seeing Pres Hinckley is enough and more for any effort I had made. I saw our Beloved Prophet tonight. This is a close to seeing my Savior as I will ever get. I know that he is the prophet for our day. Seeing him tonight has caused my heart to rejoice. There is no doubt."
On January 4, 2008, I watched President Hinckley at the rededication of the Utah State Capital on television. My heart wondered at his example and continued service. He looked so tired to me. He has 97, I wanted him to have a rest. I thought about his advanced age, and his enormous job, so many balls in the air. I wanted him to see his Marjorie again. Several more times this past month, I have thought those same thoughts.
I am so thankful for his service. I am thankful he is able to move on to the next realm. And the thing I am most thankful for is that I have no doubt. As we move forward to his funeral and then to President Monson's service, I know that the Lord is leading his church with his very own voice through his prophets. That is truly the amazing thing, that I can have that knowledge, and have no doubt.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Our first visit to Michigan
We had a great hotel with a really nice swimming pool. But we got there too late to swim. And the next morning we needed to be at the Ford Museum when they opened at 9:30. So there wasn't much time for swimming. I'm always a little jealous that Grandpa's hair takes so little time that he is able to spend the time in the pool with Spencer & Nicole.They had a great time. They had the pool all to themselves.
The war of the "scariest" faces.
Spencer is definitely the tallest one in the pool.
You can only see Spencer's reflection--his legs must be about 6 feet long.
Nicole is such a good swimmer, Grandpa cannot possibly keep up in any race. She beats every time.
Our trips are always very entertaining with Spencer & Nicole providing the entertainment in our car travel. Nicole knows many fun tricks to keep us from being bored as we ride along.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
The World War I Museum in Kansas City
This World War I Museum in Kansas City is very well done. It certainly teaches you a lot and is a mind boggling experience to think of all the death and destruction. It makes you really think about what memorial day is all about. We were here on Memorial Day weekend.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Eating at the T-Rex Cafe in Kansas City
Nicole loved eating with the dinosaurs. We all became carnivores for this special occasion.
Of course we had to wait for our table, and conveniently their is a" Make a Dinosaur" right their in the entrance. How could we resist? So many choices. Nicole wanted all the bells and whistles including a noise maker in her dinos hand. Fits her personality to the T. (That stands for T-Rex of course.) She named her pink dinosaur, "Dino Rock". Spencer was more particular about the whole thing, very careful to make sure that "Speedy Beast" looked just right. He did a great job--all fitting with his great personality too.
Nicole even knew how much stuffing she wanted in Dino Rock.
There were so many outfits, she had to change her mind a little to get Dino Rock to look just right. So like a girl.
There wasn't much food left when we finished. If you are ever in Kansas City with a dinosaur lover like Spencer, The T-Rex Cafe is one to put on your list. Nicole was sure it would be too scary but once she was in the door-she lost all of her fear.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
The Dad of my Children and the Dads to my Grandchildren
The Dad of my Children and the Dads to my Grandchildren
I am very blessed to have had the BEST two men in my life--(and now with 4 sons and 1 son in-law and 3 grandsons) I guess I will have to say the BEST 9 men in my life. As I just stated, my Dad has been such a good Dad. Now as Ray Lynn requested so long ago, I want him to know how truly good I think he is. I have enjoyed being married to him for now 34 years. I know that makes me very old and him even older. BUT, it has been a pleasure to married to a good man like he is. His greatest goal is to be good, to serve Heavenly Father, me, our children and grandchildren and all those he works with to the Best of his ability. That is the very best goal anyone can have. He is a hard worker and gives 110% in all he does and very seldom complains. I don't know how he does it.
Katelyn tells me, "Grandpa always says see you in the funny papers, every time." When I said that to her, she said, "No, Grandpa says that." He has found so many funny things to do with each child and grandchild that makes him so much fun, and the kids always want more. I remember watching out the window as he played HORSE with Matt, and thanking Heavenly Father that we had a Dad who was willing to take time to play.
When Camarie came, and she had such a hard time feeling happy. He would bounce like Tigger around the house with her in his arm or sing and gently pat her back. What a calming influence he had on her.
For Michaels 4th birthday, all he wanted was a hammer and pound of nails so he could pound like his Dad. And pound away they did.
Melissa and her Dad used to rub each other's feet and I wondered how old she would be before she stopped cuddling up on her Dad's lap. (About when Rich came along) When she had her surgery it was her Dad she wanted sitting beside her bed.
When Dave had his hernia surgery, he wouldn't let me hold him at all-even though it brought tears to my eyes, it was his Dad that held and rocked him. He even had to take the day of work, because Mom wouldn't do.
As John was born, I didn't think Ray Lynn would ever go home from the hospital so I could get some sleep. He just sat there talking to this brand new gift from heaven.
Now as I watch, Dave, Mike, and Rich with their little ones, I will tell you there is nothing more precious to a mother's heart than seeing her grown men sons, be loving and gentle to their little ones so much like their father. Dave at Jocie's fairy party, Mike growling like a lion to Quincy, and Rich combing the snarls out of Nicole's hair--little tender gifts to me in my life.
Saturday night, Matt was giving Jace a bath and making it so much fun just like Dad used to in days gone by. You kids would only let Dad wash your hair-never Mom.
John is the best hide and seek player with his nieces and nephews and so I know the torch will continue to be passed from Dad to son--what great men we have in our families. I love and appreciate each one of you.
Dads
When I read John's blog about his Dad, I thought this would be a great opportunity to comment on my Dad.
When I was a little girl, I thought my Dad was the most handsome, amazing person in my life. I loved going with him, and doing anything with him. I remember when we were building the fence around our home, he let me help him hold the boards while he drew lines on them and then cut them. I felt like I was worth a million dollars. Since he had worked in the shoe department at Penny's he was very good at fitting shoes. So most of the time he would take me to get a new pair of shoes. Two pair of shoes I remember well were a pair of Black Velvet Dress shoes when I was probably about 8. I thought they were the most beautiful shoes I had ever seen, and that my Dad was so good to me to purchase them for me. I got my first pair of heels when I was in 8th grade. They were tan with a bow on the top. I couldn't believe my Dad would let me have heels. He was so good to me.
Dad always made me feel very important to him. He was very busy, but I never felt like he didn't have time for me. Often before or after dinner he would lay down on the living room floor in the dark and have a little rest. I loved laying down beside him, sometimes we would listen to Rachmaninoff's Concerto. Those are still wonderful memories.
When Ray Lynn and I were married, I would always say: "My Dad did this, or My Dad does it this way, or My Dad is so good." One day Ray Lynn said, "I hope someday you will think I am good like your Dad." Dad is still such a great example to me, and I feel very blessed to have had such a good Dad, as my Dad. Thanks Dad.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Happy Birthday Jocelyn
A perfect present for a fairy party. A tinkerbell music box.
Opening presents is the highlight of any birthday party.
These little fairies enjoyed giving their gifts, and Jocelyn was very appreciative of each gift.
A good time was had by every little fairy.