....at home

NEW BABY!!! PURE JOY!!!

2011-11-09T15:23:00.000-07:00

Oh, the JOY of watching our youngest child with her amazing husband holding their one hour old son...such a MIRACLE!!! I tried to look up and swallow the tears quickly before I blinked. Heaven touches Earth in these precious moments. They are at once exultant and exhausted. We have been blessed tonight.

Life has a way of changing...

2011-05-08T01:00:00.002-06:00

Transitions are difficult. Changes quiet me. Though it is a common thread in my life to move again and again and to meet more wonderful people...it makes me weep for those who I have already met and loved and will miss so much. We found out last Monday that we will move in two weeks for 3-6 months or so... or less or more. Tiny tender mercies that whispered ahead... calm me now as I pack boxes and memories and begin again. Sister Hinckley must have moved before!

Thanks for Three Marvelous Days!

2011-04-14T16:19:00.004-06:00

We painted masterpieces, crafted, read stories, watched Tangled, had carameled apples, made play-dough cookies, ate, stayed up too late, and just when we thought of new things...it was time to go home...and now it is quiet and we are missing them like crazy...

because they took their amazing mother with them....

Thank You for the Wonderful Visit Elisa! What a trooper your are to be growing their little brother and still drive the distance to stay up with us for games and talks and things. We already miss you all...call us when you get home...drive safely! It went by way way way too fast!

AFTER

2011-04-06T15:28:00.003-06:00

ISN'T IT SOMETHING HOW RAINBOWS COME AFTER STORMS...AND TENDER MERCIES COME AFTER GRATITUDE... AND LOVE COMES AFTER SERVICE...AND MIRACLES COME AFTER FAITH...........I REALLY LIKE THAT!!!

(photo from our back deck)

Favorite days of the year!

2011-04-03T20:08:00.002-06:00

Conference is my favorite time of the year! Living Prophets and Apostles teach us and give us a blueprint for our next six months of living! What a wonderful two days. Feeling very thankful tonight for their inspired words and have two new goals to work on. They have a way of challenging us to be better, but in such a loving way, that we look forward to trying!

Pure JOY!

2011-03-28T07:57:00.004-06:00

Elisa and Ashley Recipes!

2011-03-16T22:26:00.003-06:00

(Click on these cute recipes to see them better)

I love reading these cute recipes from Ashley and Elisa from years ago. They are both wonderful cooks now! They can follow and easily understand the most difficult of delicious recipes.

Sometimes I wonder if we live our lives much like a child writing a recipe without experience or a knowledge of which ingredients, and how much of those, will make a life worthy of our time and efforts in the end. I have a point of view and you have a point of view...but how wonderful that Heavenly Father has a VIEW.

And what delicious JOY when we follow His recipe!

WHAT DO YOU GO BACK FOR?

2011-02-24T22:17:00.011-07:00

I will go back for color, soft lyrics and music...for kind words, true stories, a child's laughter and a grandfather's tears. I will go back for inspired books, fancy paper, puppies, 3 by 5 cards, and quiet thoughts. I will go back to try on pretty nightgowns, to plant a tomato, to smell the sidewalk in rain, to read poetry and storybooks, to buy long skinny sticks of multi-grain bread in brown wrappings. I go back to words and memories that feel like love. I love going back home after a long day.

There are a few things in our lives that we go back to just because they make us smile. A painting, the scriptures, a pen in a shoppe window, an art museum, a forrest place, a note, a friend. I've wondered why we are constantly searching out things that make sense to our souls. Does it make us feel more at home in this borrowed world?

What are a few of the many things in your life that make you smile? What draws you back again?

Seasons

2011-02-23T08:10:00.002-07:00

I love the Seasons! The variety of color, crispness, warmth, calmness, each Season has its own sunsets, sunrises, smells, sounds, and thought. Each season brings her gifts and challenges. Life also has its seasons. Each one has been my favorite so far.

Just a few short weeks!

2011-02-20T01:26:00.004-07:00

Moments, of spring's sunshine touch, awakens new hope and glad-ness.

Only a few short weeks til' conference and carameled apples! Then the baby season begins! Ashley-May, Tiffany-June, Elisa-July. Life is so good!

Friends

2011-02-18T15:55:00.003-07:00

It is difficult to say good-bye to friends. We learned that Jamie and Lynn are moving...we loved visiting their elk farm, their ranch, their paintings, mostly... them. I think the next life will be more user-friendly. No more long distances or good-byes. I will like that alot!

Valentine's Day!

2011-02-15T08:00:00.006-07:00

I remember being 58 years old and coming home yesterday to a candle-light dinner in the living room, nice blue and green design dishes on a tablecloth, wonderful salmon alfredo over fettuccini, salad with colored peppers, Concord grape juice, even the dressing in its own little blue bowl, and a home-made valentine next to my plate. Ahhhhhhhh! I love this handsome young man!

Nine Years Old

2011-02-12T22:27:00.010-07:00

I remember being nine...using my skate key to tighten my skates every 16 cracks in the sidewalk or so, wanting a horse...please, please, please... wondered if John Thompson ever climbed trees or played softball as I sat on the piano bench glancing at the red book, looking at the clock. I remember birthday parties and reading horse books, Beverly Cleary, and Nancy Drew. I remember the diving boards in Ephraim's swimming pool, mowing lawns to earn allowance, the pastel candy hearts in glass bins at Lee's five and dime, and hurrying to my desk after recesses of jumprope. tag, marbles, to peek in my Valentines' box.

One Tiny CHEERIO

2011-01-22T18:12:00.004-07:00

Storybooks and Grandchildren
make otherwise slow Days
run faster than me
As I try catching
Moments
to slow them down
While I memorize dimples
in tiny hands and
smile sparkles
in child eyes.

I didn’t cry when they left
this time
I am becoming quite a normal person
(Finally.)
I gave hugs and waved
and Told them to hurry back.
I watched until the cars became dots
on the horizon and thought
how very controlled I was
To tuck this memory into
My heart and still
Go back into the house
With a snippet
Of dignity
At the sight of tail lights
Disappearing down the drive.
(Unlike times before)
when I required A bath towel
and a timeout…

In fact I was like a normal
Person for most of the day.
Folded laundry,
straightened a Few things
Here
And
There
Thought about dinner
could use the leftovers
should call so and so
About such and such…
But later in the day
I pulled out one of the dining room chairs
to vacuum
under the table,
My insides burst
into a flood
that carried all resolve
and normal and okay and fine... away.
Tears came trickling
from as far away
as the cars and flights
that have taken my grandchildren...

and all at the sight
of one
teeny,
tiny,
precious
cheerio.

LIFE!

2011-01-18T16:49:00.002-07:00

Life.

a whisper wave

we must take for granted

or it would crush us

in the wake of understanding

just how fragile we are.

Life.

A moment

we must trade and vote with

Or we will lose it, unused.

Every minute decides us

Un-choosing… we still choose.

Life.

A dandelion fluff

We watch and wonder as

puffs of time have flown

The wise forgive and learn to live

The proud must cry alone.

Life.

Thank You Roses...

2011-01-02T12:42:00.002-07:00

In springtime, Momma would send me to school with a fresh cut rose for my teacher. With celebration in my step I smiled out the front screen door and slowly scanned our little bush for the best bud of all. While momma bent down to make the diagonal cut between thorns, she taught me the value of sun, rain, and soil. Even in white winter, I remember the rosedew smell and velvet feel of gratitude. Her lesson has not lessoned with time.

On quiet afternoons, my mind gathers names of people who have blessed my life with their nurturing. At times, the lessons have been cut carefully between thorns. Mostly, the memories are of liquid sunshine that I have danced in! My life has been abundantly blessed; yet not sufficiently suffoncified, because there is much left to learn...and while I yearn to understand more...I hope armfuls of roses for the teachers in my life.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T10:17:00.020-07:00

For Christmas, our family decided to send books to each other. We will read them together and email what we like and wonder and think and don't like and muse and choose and respond about the words in the books. We have three amazing gifts that are still on their way!!! Ashley and Toast are due in May!!! Jason and Tiffany are due in June!!! Elisa and Bruce are due in July!!! This has to be the Best Christmas Ever!

PART of the GIFT...

2010-12-09T16:31:00.000-07:00

My mind wanders to all of my daughters and nieces and mom-friends and you...(and my sons too, but with school, work, building, etc. they may be too busy to check the blog!) and I think of how very busy you are baking and making and working and cleaning and wrapping and shopping and explaining and teaching and rocking and running and building and visiting and buying and trimming and mending and buying and planning and laundering and budgeting and thinking and fixing and changing and cooking and wondering...and I remember when my lists of things to do was bigger than me or my budget or my energy!

And so in the middle of all of your celebration and saturation...I want to share a little story with you that a dear lady shared with us this morning.

Once there was a boy who wanted to give the gift of a shell to an older friend. But the sea was a distance from where he lived. Nevertheless, he decided to walk the miles to the sea and chose a beautiful shell. Then he walked the great distance back and gave the beautiful gift to his friend. His friend was full of joy: "Oh, but it took you so long to walk to the sea and bring this all the way back for me." To which the young boy responded: "The walking is part of the gift!"
As I watch you serve your families and observe your patience and tryings and all of the time and energy that you spend to make this Christmas time special in your homes, I hope you know that the doing of all of it is definitely part of the gift. It does not go un-noticed no matter how tired you may be. I love each of you so very much and admire all that you do. The lists may be longer than our lives at times...but the love that you share in all of the doing lasts past time.

I wish I lived close enough to come babysit or rub your feet or make you a meal and give you some time off to take a warm bath or read a book or take a nap! Just wanted to tell you that you are amazing and that I am very blessed to know and to love you. And I do!

A Winter Wonder...

2010-11-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

My memories don't hold winter much.

I remember rolling snowmen;
my father lacing up my iceskates;
and marshmellows melting in my cocoa.
My mind still reaches for the sweater that my mother knit just for me;
smiles at the thought of climbing back up, with our heavy wooden sled;
and the taste of pulling icy mittens off with my teeth once the school bell begged us to crunch and wade frozen for home.

Funny... it must have been cold.

Yet, somehow, I remember doing all of those things between gathering dandelion bouquets; building cities in the sandbox; and checking to see if the new kittens had opened their eyes.

Perhaps, 'wonder' make us warm?

I wonder.

Learning the SECRET again...

2010-11-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

The best part of life is learning new things. There is always one more idea to think, one more skill to explore, one more process to try, or one more new day to be had! I really like that. Some of the best ideas are ones that we already know and just need to remember here and there again!

With the building of Jason's home...Dad and I have definitely tried new things. Dad did alot of the electrical with Jason, and has put in the speaker systems, and learned to put in wood floors with Jason. I have learned to do the rockwork on the outside of the house (even two stories up on scaffolding while repeating over and over to myself: Don't Look down...brenda, just don't look down...), and I got to lay all of the tiles in the two main bathrooms! I chose the placement of colors and Jason cut them and I put them in. I may have put more mud on me than the floor, but they turned out beautifully! I'll have to take more photos! Anyway, two new things! Kinda fun.

Some days...we get so busy that I think Stan would think my making a meal would be new and different! ;)

Double click to see the happy surprised face of Tiffany when Jason showed her the new wood floor (almost done!) He couldn't wait to show it to her!

I have learned alot by watching our son build this home for his sweet wife and children. Seems like a man will do amazing things to make his family happy.

And if that is so, then to be happy is a wife's kindest secret.

I have watched Tiffany's appreciation for even little things that he does, and her patience! Oh My! Because he is gone so much doing it. (sometimes til' the wee hours of the morning) plus work, plus church, and she laughs at his jokes and she admires the details, though she is full time busy and tired too.

The other night after doing tile...I was following Jason in our car and he stopped and pulled over, So of course, I stopped to see what he needed. He got out of his car and came back to my open window, and said, "Thank you Momma-Love. I really appreciate all your help. You and dad have been great." and then he got back into his car and turned left for home and I continued straight until time to get on the freeway for home.

Their appreciation makes me want to lay tile and do rock-work (....even on scaffolding! ;)

Thank you Jason and Tiffany...for reminding me again tonight...about the secret.

Tomorrow night I will make a nice nice dinner for Stan. I may even use candles! ;)

HUH?!

2010-08-28T14:49:00.006-06:00

the last piece of licorice...

2010-06-14T21:47:00.011-06:00

There are familiar moments in our lives that catch us unaware

as if we had never been

where we always are.

This is the last piece of Licorice I will have before--

we graduate!

before the baby comes....

before she starts kindergarten next week...

to celebrate him tying his shoes...

because she can now ride a bike without training wheels!

before we move in 23 days...

before he leaves on his mission in 12 days...

before....

...I've felt this way--before....

Tonight, I looked at the licorice in my hand,

We don't have licorice often...it's not even something I would think to buy,

I felt a tug.

a smile.

and a tiny tear...

(well, maybe not so tiny...)

this would be my last piece of licorice

....before

their wedding...

Delightful Day with Ashley!

2010-05-16T14:24:00.023-06:00

Of course, I can't show the best moments of the day...
the actual wedding dress that is being held for the final decision, the beautiful moments with family in the Temple, the feelings that we all shared on Saturday---Ashley's Day--but I can show you some of the photos so you can glimpse into a Delicious, Delightful Day!
Morning was wedding dress shopping with sisters--we missed Natalie and Lindsey so much! But they will be here for the Wedding!!!
It was the perfect Spring Day! These photos are random--but the day was in perfect order!!! ;)

Our girls arrived Friday evening and slept (maybe more like laughed and talked) in the same room like old times.

Ashley had lots of help selecting dresses to try on!

Fun moments throughout the day!

We loved being in the Temple. Brooke is not in the photo because right after she went to get flowers for the table to match Ashley's colors...

A little nostalgia for Amy and Elisa who worked as waitresses in this Mexican restaurant during their college days!

Of course, while Ashley was trying on dresses--the sisters tried on hair accessories.

And laughed--and talked--and remembered how fun it is to be together...

And well...it was a beautiful day! You'll have to wait to see which dress Ashley chose!

But the man she chose to marry is Wonderful and we are all very excited with and for her.

Love you Ashley!

Mother's Day 2010!

2010-05-09T11:52:00.006-06:00

We saw Aqua Miracles today...right on Mother's Day!

There is a Momma Robin

patiently waiting...

in the little Umbrella tree

right outside our kitchen window!!!

This lightened view shows the daddy bird guarding up on top of the tree while the momma is on her nest below. There is just something about families that makes me happy. And when everyone does their part--well there is just something to sing about!!! ;)

(The American Robin is often among the first songbirds singing as dawn rises or hours before, and last as evening sets in.)

Sideline Smiles

2010-04-26T08:32:00.021-06:00

For years, I watched my boyfriend/husband run across finish lines. I watched him wrestle, catch touchdowns, hand-off batons, collect, medals, letters, and trophies not a few.

I watched our children kick soccer balls, spike volleyballs, catch footballs, wrestle, roller-blade, and run, as I tried to capture a million memories on film while sauntering (at the speed of light) along the sidelines.
Saturday we went to the Skate Park!
If you saw the grandma dodging and ducking skateboarders, bikers, and rip-stickers, to capture memories in the making- then you will know that I was on the side-lines (sometimes the front-lines!) again.

(But I will warn you---now that I'm a grandma):

IF you leave your board or ripstick for even a teensy tiny bit...

I may jump right on and ride the half-pipe with it!) Watch out! Granny on the rails! ;)

Up or Down? (Something I learned in Kooskia)

2010-04-19T16:58:00.011-06:00

Driving down the lane to serve someone when weary or busy (or with more 'fun' or 'important' things to do) is not always easy--

but one thing is certain...
Driving back up the lane after sharing love, hope, or bread, is called JOY!
If we determine our UPS and DOWNS-- we may find the most simple, safe-guarded, sucessful secret to a content and happy life.

A Recess for Remembering

2010-03-30T07:51:00.000-06:00

When I turned 50...I took an outing of sorts ...drove through parts of three states, and remembered things that I cannot afford to forget. Maybe if I write them down.

I traveled to celebrate all of my sisters, each in turn, spent a day with my parents, and some time...their choice, with each of my children, then some of my good friends hosted a surprise party for me, my sweet husband made me a cake that year...

and I even went back to Southwest Elementary to visit my first grade classroom.

In 1958, I begged my parents to let me stay home and listen to Peter and the Wolf...I knew that I could learn to read and write and study on my own...at home...but they knew ahead of me that I would soon have a collection of great friends, they could forsee recess and the amazing marble player that I would become.

In first grade I listened to Mrs. Horne quote a verse from the Bible everyday and it endeared me to quotes and thoughts and words as we listened while eating graham crackers and pulling the paper caps off our small glass milk bottles.

It was Ann Snow that taught me how to stay in the lines with crayons bigger than any of us and Raymond W. that smiled at me across the whole room whenever I turned around to see if he was! Funny how life repeats itself and how many people teach and entertain us as we live it!

I cut out a leaf in September, I colored a pumpkin in October, a turkey in November, a Christmas tree in December, I traced a silloutte of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington in January, made a Valentine's Box in February, colored a kite in March (just a little one to look at...it didn't really fly), an umbrella in April, glued macaroni on a Flower (soup can) in May for Mother's day. I learned words like Dick and Jane and Sally and Spot and Mother and Father. Look, Look, and Go and See and I loved to read those words because then I could choose and take home my very own library book and the first one I chose was called: Peanuts the Pony. I visited that first home and looked at the trees I used to climb all those summers ago. Each season, each month, each year, has highlights and colors that can make us smile.

And I must say that life has been very good to me. I guess I was thinking about all of that during this Thanksgiving week. I have much to be Thankful for: Family. Friends. Food. Scriptures, Colors, Words, and Running. Life is full of Wonderful People and Ideas and a recess for remembering every now and then.

Rock-Solid Truth!

2010-03-28T19:40:00.009-06:00

We were about as poor as young married couples attending college ever needed to be. Our home decor consisted of a table we could fold up, a hand me down-down-down aqua nylon sofa, a beautiful rug carefully crafted with carpet samples, duct tape, and love, and decor in the form of painted stones. I painted rocks, sold some, gave others for gifts, even partly paid for an obstetrician with painted rocks once!

I chose stones carefully on my walks---kept just one. It wasn't the quality that would sell--actually worked on it while waiting my turn at the doctor's office so they could tell me yes-you are big and yes-still expecting and yes-we can see that you are still eating...and didn't we tell you not to do that anymore...etc. etc.

While painting the rock on my own little table (the front of me)--my baby kicked a few times (I love that feeling so much, don't you?) and so---anyway--- the rock writing is a bit wriggly. Could not sell it. Did not want to. I liked what this one said.

That was decades ago! This little stone is one of my treasures. (Because it tells the truth). The rock-hard-solid-count-on-it truth. I know that now. Truth for the poor and the rich, for the sick and the healthy, for the great-amazing and the every-day-days in our lives. This I know.

And the wonderful part is: We each get to choose what and whom to love. And that makes all the difference!

As a Child...

2010-03-28T12:15:00.002-06:00

To feel free to be one's best self...to feel joy, and not another's judgement...to try one more step, unafraid...to learn without fear of being laughed at...to cry outloud...to laugh til' it hurts...to share secrets openly...to lift our hearts wide-open to Heaven without becoming cynical...to hug until the warmth makes feeling left out impossible...to wonder about the next amazing color and the next...to stick our tongues out, heads tilted back, in the rain...where collecting stones in heavy pockets makes us feel lighter...to sharing popcycles running down our smiles...to a place where we know we are loved...and in that moment we can give it to others and lift them too.
Where does it come from? The world full of blaming, critiquing, explaining, defending, the cynical, the lonesome, the need to prove, the nervous, the fears, the politics, the comparing, the sadness, the anger, the missing of hopes...of dreams?

Did someone not get chosen at recess?

Is that why we must become as little children and start over again?

Ahhhhh....maybe so.

Phone Home!

2010-03-19T07:10:00.003-06:00

I am not much for talking on a phone. I absolutely love hearing the voices of my loved ones--so that's not it! It's just that I get homesick-- because a phone means-- far away. A phone means we can't just decide to go for lunch, or stop by for a hug, or drop off hot bread or a scrumptious book, or play a quick game of scrabble, or sketch our hopes and dreams and lives--live. Phones mean I have to try to hear what eyes are saying. Words are not as accurate as eyes...ya know.

Everyone tells me to get a cell phone--and I will--someday. That way I can talk when I am out they say. But that is why I go out, I say. "Then you can turn it off," they say. "Then why have one?" I say.

With emails and letters, I can read them over and over again---and I do.

They tell me to get a roving phone. "Then I could move around the house and do chores at the same time that I am talking and it wouldn't waste my time just sitting there." But sitting there is not wasting time with loved-ones on the line. I hear their eyes better when I am still.

Except...something is happening. I can feel it! My grandchildren are getting old enough to call me. They giggle and read me their school books and tell me their stories. They wiggle and say their words. They put down the phone and practice their songs for me. They tell me what they are thinking for new pet names, and what they are going to color next. They tell me about their ouchies and about their haircuts and favorite colors and friends.

They sing me songs and tell me about their soccer games and what's for dinner and what they have planted. I ask: "What is your Mom and Dad doing?" And I get to hear wonderful reports about their amazing parents--whom I love-- and then I get really homesick--and think--Hmmm, Maybe I SHOULD get a move around phone.

What if I do miss something great--Like somebody's hopes or dreams or giggles or colors or chapter books or Primary talk or fears or wonderings or about the new bedspread or birthdays, or snowmen, missing teeth, or Disneyland-- or --what if they call me when I am out and I miss hearing the smile in their eyes?

I have to rethink phones. ;)

Will You Be Mine?!

2010-02-09T21:35:00.002-07:00

Scented candles, soft music, love-notes and lace,
danced through my memory while cleaning the place.
I went for a dish rag and opened the drawer,
But what I discovered was worth alot more!
Most wipe their hands on the hanging towel fine... but No! He leaves me valentines all of the time!
He opens the drawer and wipes his hands clean,
then leaves the cloth in the drawer quite unseen!

Milk caps are left off (after direct swigs I suppose!),
He leaves socks on the floor, (and o-t-h-e-r clothes),

He rarely shuts a cupboard door...
but today... I understood why for!
He's leaving Valentine moments that say:
I love being home! I'm here to stay!
Unconscious love-notes. of that there's no doubt,
if his mind wasn't so busy, he'd not leave things out!
But for some reason lately, (crazy I know... )
these endearing memories settle and grow.

He is funny, charming, sweet, and alarming!
What can I say?
I love his bounce-walk,
his blue eyes,his 'way'...
While I adore candles, romance, soft music to dine,
that crumpled dishrag sang: Will You Be Mine?!

Gratitude

2009-11-24T04:31:00.009-07:00

In the choice of my own happiness or sadness, I can easily see that this one characteristic makes more difference than any other. And I believe it to be the very seed of charity. I refer to this quote from a Prophet of God for Thanks-LIVING is Thanks-GIVING:

President Thomas S. Monson

The expressed gratitude by one merited the Master's blessing, the ingratitude shown by the nine, His disappointment.

Through divine intervention, those who were lepers were spared from a cruel, lingering death and given a new lease on life. The expressed gratitude by one merited the Master's blessing, the ingratitude shown by the nine, His disappointment.

Like the leprosy of yesteryear are the plagues of today. They linger; they debilitate; they destroy. They are to be found everywhere. Their pervasiveness knows no boundaries. We know them as selfishness, greed, indulgence, cruelty, and crime, to identify but a few. Surfeited with their poison, we tend to criticize, to complain, to blame, and, slowly but surely, to abandon the positives and adopt the negatives of life.

(I cherish this small photo that I bought at the Holocaust museum in Jerusalem. There are so many things in this life that we cannot choose, but our thoughts, smile wrinkles, and thankfulness...we always can).

The REAL GIFTS

2009-11-16T08:24:00.009-07:00

Tears trickled down my cheeks as I stood in a bookstore in Brasil reading this page. I bought the book, tore out this page and have it framed in my kitchen. With all of my preparation and expectations for the Holidays and everydays of the year...I must remember this.

In Portuguese: As nubens quase param para ver as pinturas da mulher que nem ve as pinturas que faz.

In English: The clouds could have gone but stayed steady to see the paintings the woman doesn't see she has done.

Christmas may be calmer and kinder if we could see it through the eyes of OUR SAVIOR whom we are Honoring. I believe that His eyes would value the painting of a mother doing laundry for her family more than all of the Great Paintings in all of the Great Galleries of the World. I believe He values the planning and preparation and love and the cleaning and laundry and wiping off of the counter and the bedtime stories and hugs more than all of the Beautifully wrapped Gifts combined.

Quiet gratitude, caring, loving, even the tired moments of serving and trying to make things special for our families....(and for His family...those in the shopping lines, our neighbors, any kid on a bike...or grandma on the back row at church...) those ARE the Gifts.
I need to remember that.

First Date!

2009-11-11T08:31:00.016-07:00

Forty-one years ago today! (November 11, 1968) we went on our very first date. One never knows when a football game, a batch of scones, or a smile, will change your life forever!!! Happy Anniversary Stan! ;)

Each one is My Very Favorite!

2009-11-03T23:35:00.002-07:00

Isn't it amazing how each child in a family is your very favorite?

Each one gifts your heart with something that no one else can. Each has talents and messages that cannot be substituted by anyone else.

Each holds their spot in your heart quite independent of anything they do or say...and at the same time...holds their spot in your heart because of the things they do and say.

Isn't it something how each child changes you in their wake, molds you in their sleep, and inspires you with their love.

Isn't it something how they bond to each other as children in ways that neither distance nor adulthood can erase. A group of siblings, each unique in: looks, outlooks, choices, abilities, dreams, professions, and gifts, yet each such a major part of the whole: such forever friends.

Isn't it amazing how they grow up and leave and add to your family, new members, (spouses and children), to cherish, learn from, and love. Isn't it something how your family grows and grows...isn't it something how your heart grows and grows.

And...Isn't it something how each one is your very favorite!

9 more grandchildren have born since this photo was taken! Plus, two more are on their way this summer, and we can't wait to meet them!

Life is amazingly great and we have been blessed beyond measure!

It has been 4 whole hours...and...

2009-10-23T14:59:00.002-06:00

I am not so good at this...

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After watching what my sweet mother went through when her last child left...I decided to prepare and prepare so that I would be fine...(have lots to do, make plans, be involved, bake cookies, read, don't think, be nice...)

*****************

yet today I don't want to...

and last night I couldn't sleep and thought about each child and life and moments that I have memorized about them...about her, our youngest child...and I had to turn my pillow over from the tears...

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and because she graduated from college this summer and is grown and lovely, she is on to her own beautiful life...and 4 whole hours ago, she drove away with her dog and her boxes, and her guitar, and her sweater, and her incredible 'way' and now there is no one to represent all of them anymore, no one left to represent her. The sentences have been said and the decibels are quiet ...

and so am I. When I hugged her I didn't want to let go.

***********************

And when she turned her car at the mailbox to wave her last smile...I swallowed hard and waved...and also turned...to start my new life.

But somehow, I just stood there...not wanting to reach for the button that would close the garage door and make it all real. I've done this before...you'd think I would learn.

And finally (for the sake of the neighborhood and decorum) I pushed the button and watched the garage door come down. Then sat on the little steps in the dim garage and cried.

What I realize now and what my mother must have known...

is that you can't prepare not to miss someone.

It's called:

Love.

Harvest

2009-09-19T17:03:00.010-06:00

I love the, cozy warm and crispy cool, colors of Fall. The sound of jar seals snapping, and the taste of garden straight from the vine. I love football and firewood in stacks. The smell of simmering stew and homemade bread. I love new crayon boxes lining store isles and bright back-packs with polka dots. The start of schedules, fresh ideas, and earlier wrap-up and read nights. The tickle-hint that life may slow a bit from all the fun of crazy-busy summer.

And at this pause,

looking around...I realize that my best friend has a few more gray hairs this fall than last... but he still has the same bounce-walk and smile.

I must memorize the moments, quiet them, stretch them, laugh, and make them last longer, because it is fall...after-all.

I took these three photos just outside our back door and you can see that we need at least 2 more good weeks for my tomatoes to thrive!
Next year, I think I will start the seeds in January. That might give them enough time to shine! ;)

First Day of School!!!

2009-08-27T13:38:00.007-06:00

There is something about that yellow bus that gathers giggles, new bows, and tennis shoes. Especially that first day of school that makes me taste a tiny tear somehow behind my smile.

How exciting to go color and read and discover ...and then hurry home to share such wonder.

I'll stand by this window in the early morning again, I must catch more wonderful memories of when...

Life is good!

Ashley's College Graduation!!!

2009-07-24T09:56:00.017-06:00

It all happened in a moment...overnight it seems... we didn't even have time to finish reading all the storybooks...and now she is grown...

What a beautiful woman! We love you Ashley!

Love Notes

2009-07-05T23:49:00.016-06:00

If ever we feel lonely or afraid or discouraged or ever wonder about the world...

perhaps we should "look" at the world
and with reverent smiles...

Go Forth.

Aunt Ashley's Party

2009-06-30T22:50:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Aunt Ashley!

Elisa came for a week and we had so much fun. It was Amy and Ashley's Birthday last week. Happy Birthday! Then just as Elisa needed to go back home, Brooke and her family came! I lost my camera and so we don't have photos of the five cute pygmy goats that Brooke got or the fun times we had with her family...(we borrowed Elisa's camera for the photos above!)

We have had a great, fun, busy, fast, amazing, summer so far...

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I took a humongous nap today...so I am ready again to play! ;)

Grandma and Grandpa week!

2009-06-20T09:04:00.021-06:00

What a Great week for Grandma and Grandpa!!!
Talk about feeling blessed and having JOY!

Natalie's Family

Natalie and her Mom!

"Aunt ASHEE"

All kinds of weather

Hanging with the CUZ!

Coloring with the Cuz!

Cousins are the best!

Victorious Climb to the Top!

Kings and Queens of Benedict Hill

Cheering Uncle Jason on in Softball

Face of A Storm

2009-06-06T15:27:00.007-06:00

Ashley caught the face of the wind in this first photo! You can see two eyes the nose and the blowing wind mouth in the cloud. And it was fierce!

Stan, Ashley, and I were out weeding when Ashley spotted the clouds coming quickly...

It was an amazing storm. It lasted for seventeen minutes and we stood by the window and enjoyed all of it. Then the sky settled into vibrant color and evening beautiful.

There is something about rain and wonderful...

I really love MIRACLES.

2009-05-15T08:52:00.017-06:00

Do you think Plants are like People somewhat?

I just love watching Miracles in the making...

Tiny trickle growth...in mere moments made.

Just makes me Smile!

Planting seeds is such a simple start...

our small small part.

Our Willingness...to accept:

OH MY!

The SUN

The WATER

The MIRACLE GIFTS

The INFINITE LOVE,

The QUIET GRATITUDE ...CALLED JOY!

Celebrations and Cousins!

2009-04-14T23:32:00.019-06:00

How wonderful to spend our thoughts on the promises and blessings of Easter with some of our Family... and to celebrate the Baptism of Hailey K all on the same weekend!

We played in the dirt and we laughed and ate and watched movies and had concerts and ate and had Birthday cake and an Easter Egg hunt (a bit earlier than scheduled in fact! i.e. We had some excellent finders before the fact! So cute!)

Great morsels from the kitchen. Bruce made us a delicious Chinese meal and later Strawberry shortcakes! Elisa made us a chicken crossants meal! Oh my...we ate well. Thanks Bruce and Elisa!
Remembering, laughing!

Beautiful Music!

Aunt Ashley is a FAVORITE around this crew!!!

What a Very special day for all of us!

Sliding, running, giggling, hiding, whispering, dreaming, laughing, telling and reading stories.... (bribing, trying)
very little sleeping...and hoping that it can all happen again really soon!

Welcome to Earthlife Little One!

2009-04-09T16:19:00.000-06:00

It is so hard to wait...cuz' dad is coming to get us to go see our surprise! He should be here in about three MORE minutes!!! Grandma and I can hardly wait!

But....so worth the wait!!!

Just take a look at my new baby brother!

The look between Jason and Tiffany!

Priceless. This is called: JOY!

and a teensy tiny tad bit of: OH MY! ;)

Look at his cute little nose...and tiny toes...

Happy Mom!

Happy Dad!

He likes me....Alot!

Ahhhhh!

He's Perfect!

Absolutely Perfect!

I like him...

He's finally here!

One last kiss and then we'll let Momma rest.

We'll have plenty of time to teach this boy some real soccer..huh Jase!!!

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Plus, guess who is up next?!!! Another little soccer boy cousin...due in August! How fun to get to see Lindsey for an afternoon a week and a half ago. (Her sweet grandmother (her father's mother) passed away and the funeral was in Idaho Falls) and so we got to give her hugs before her flight back to California. Lindsey stopped to say hi to Grandpa and Grandma Craner just before Stan and Ashley and I took her to the airport.

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We feel so happy and blessed.

Travis and Lindsey will have our 20th grandchild!

We will have 10 grand boys and 10 grand girls!

And of course, Stan and I think we have the most wonderful grandchildren in the Galaxy! ;)

The best days of the Year!!!

2009-04-01T13:00:00.009-06:00

The first Saturday and Sunday of April and the first Saturday and Sunday of October are 4 of my favorite days of the year. The days when Heaven touches earth for a few moments and we can plan our next 6 months with and on purpose! I LOVE GENERAL CONFERENCE!!! And THIS VERY Saturday and Sunday are TWO OF THOSE FOUR extra special DAYS!!!

Like right before Christmas...I want to clean my room (house) and have my mind and tablet all ready to collect and understand new (gift) thoughts. And of course, with little ones around, it is nice to know that we can re-listen to any given talk on the internet and re-read them all and underline the parts written just for us in the May Ensign. And of course, we have our caramels and apples and other treats ready...reminding us of how 'sweet' these days are to celebrate!(We're making blackberry, strawberry, and raspberry, milkshakes this year! Yum!)

Hugs to all.
If you (whoever reads this) get a moment after Conference, I'd love to hear one or four things about what you liked the most... and if you don't get a moment...do it anyway! ;)

I ROCK!!! (Jason's house update)

2009-03-24T19:14:00.011-06:00

This is a quick update for the family. Jason's home is almost done! A lot of love has gone into it with tons of work. It is beautiful. We have all learned all kinds of new skills...and found new muscles and aches and pains! ha! As I type this, Elisa and Bruce are up on scaffolding and ladders putting in their big light/fan in their great room in their new home. Both families will move into their homes in the next two weeks. We are excited for them. This is my first tub tiling job. The colors are better in real lif

Click on this to see how high. OH MY!

This is Jason and I up on two scaffoldings trying to finish the rock in the wind and freezing cold yesterday. I told him that I had heard of a TV show called Survivor and maybe I should go on it. He just laughed at me!

I am way way too old for this!!! ;)

You cannot feel the wind or cold in these photos...but it was something that man or woman should not have to experience in this lifetime! And I kept saying that outloud at regular intervals...but you know Jason...just smile and nod and continue....and laugh at his Scottish accents as he tells me that he will cut my pay in half if I get down...(which I absolutely CANNOT anyway due to my fear of heights!) ;)

The best part of helping with their home is that we get to spend alot of time with our son...and have Tiffany bring us yummy meals to the work site! How many times does a parent get to do that once their child is grown? It has been a fun time...but we are all ready to have free time in the evenings and on Saturdays. It will be nice to be done.

Dad helped Jason with just about everything, Ashley's math came in handy one Saturday for the floor installation, and most of the time I rock. I ROCK!!! ;)

Hey!

Dad and Jason installing the light and fan, way high up!

I will take finished product photos soon!

Congrats to Travis on graduating with his Masters Degree in Structural Engineering. We are excited with and for you! I think you ROCK!!! (Hey. That gives me a great idea!) How about if you come help Jason finish the rock! DEAL? ;)

I speak crayon-ese!

2009-03-11T12:37:00.018-06:00

Are these the cutest bags ever! I should open a shoppe!

For one...who glue guns and makes everything out of paper, markers, and tape...there is something amazing about the real deal. Art in Cloth! (I admire it so much.) My mother has made quilts that should absolutely be in collector art Galleries...plus she makes her own books, jewelry, clothes, bread, everything, and then my sisters have all up and decided to take after her:

I need a porch swing and a nap!
Diane is making beautiful rugs from strips of fabric as we speak, plus, running a store, plus getting ready to welcome Sam home off his mission! :) Maxine just recently refinished a beautiful lawyer book cabinet and an old book card catalog box, plus, she decorates... and is getting straight A's at the university right now. Susan imprints graphics on just about anything, and makes gorgeous handmade cards, and works as a nurse, plus...when you go to her home it has music in the background and she is a chef...oh my! Veanne and Annika and Angie are making the cutest felt things (click to see their ideas and patterns below under: My sisters and nieces stuff). You will not believe how cute.

These ladies: my sweet, talented mother, and the dish-day partners of my youth... these people that I live around and eat and breathe with at times... are all sooooooooo creative, wonderful, and busy! And I love each one of them. The variety is what I like...both in their gifts and in their personalities...just makes life good. We each speak a different 'language' and that makes the world more whole and charming for me! I think about our children and our neighbors and friends and about all of their talents and attributes and activities. I peek over my own insecurities at times at all of the many interesting and important things that others are doing...
I really must... the least I could do...is just take a nap for all of them!

So, I think to myself ...maybe I could go to Teresa's to relax a minute and visit. Maybe she won't be cross-stitching this afternoon... (because of course, she does, you know!) AND I know she is taking piano lessons...but surely the red John Thompson's will be put away for a minute or 20. So, I get there hoping for a ballgame on TV or a simple conversation and OH BROTHER...I mean Oh Sister! This is what she is doing! She just made these adorable bags.

I Love them! Even inside-out they are sewed right. I may get hives just thinking about all of the work.

A person could feel rather shy or overwhelmed by all the talent around me. And sometimes I do!

But then I always calm myself with a memory.
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I used to love the accents of people from England or New Zealand or Brasil or Russia or ....really...anywhere! It was so enchanting, so different from me. Yet, it could make me feel so plain. And then we went to Brasil for 18 months.
Many times while there...people would say to me: Eu Amo a accento de voce! They loved MY ACCENT!!! I was charming and adorable and special and different (HEY!) (I mean unique) and amazing too!!

The only problem was... I COULDN'T HEAR MY OWN ACCENT! The nana-second of a moment that I realized that particular fact of life...not being able to hear my own accent right there in the middle of the cobblestone streets of Cachoeira....I ALMOST HAD TO sit down and CRY or simply RUN and keep going!

My dream of having an accent had come true...without me! And that is exactly what happens when we look around us and see all of the beautiful things that everyone else is doing. We think we are the ONLY one without an accent!

Thank you Teresa for teaching me. I love the things that all of you ladies are doing!!! I also love paper and markers and tape! I must have a crayola accent!

OH! And by the way Teresa: I told you I would bring these beautiful bags back. But I didn't say WHEN...or how many! ;)

HAPPY UN-BIRTHDAY STAN!

2009-02-28T07:33:00.018-07:00

41 years ago,

I met my best friend and the love of my life.

He turns 14 and 1/4 birthdays old at the stroke of midnight tonight!

HAPPY UN B-DAY STAN!

I LOVE YOU.

Blue eyes, likes homemade pies, very smart, tender heart, plays hard, works hard, usually wins at Rook cards, great dad, rarely sad, fun to know, likes the snow, very strong, knows right from wrong, handsome man, love you Stan!

How do we celebrate a Leap Year Birthday on the off years? In our home, we wake everyone up at a minute to midnight and during the chimes of midnight and the 12 dongs of the grandfather clock...we all have cake and ice cream... (actually he asked if I would make blueberry and cherry pies this year as you can see!) and Stan unwraps his presents. It is funny, very (speed of lightning) fast, and then we all go back to bed. In reality...we celebrate all of February and March on the off years...just to make sure! ;)

A Package came in the Mail

2009-02-26T05:59:00.020-07:00

A package was in our mailbox on Tuesday! It was hand-addressed to both of us. I love any mail that I can actually hold. Such a nice surprise in our instant, electronic world. The return address made us question our memories and come up short. We didn't know the sender, the street, or the city, from where the white package came. No idea.

Like when we first landed in Brasil and introduced ourselves to the heat, and wet air, pressing upon us. Droplets appearing on our hands as we drank our bottled water. We didn't know the names, the streets, or that Sao Lourenco do Sul would hold such wonderful gifts as we came to love the people there.

It humbled me to go into small cement homes bereft of material 'stuff' and see the cherished 3" by 5" photographs of 'their' missionaries displayed in the center of mostly bare walls. We witnessed those photos again and again in many homes, as we kissed new friends on the right cheek, then left, then right, and introduced ourselves with Stan's Portuguese and our smiles. Would I ever be able to speak their words? It was all, much bigger than I, and I knelt in great need. I wanted to be a real missionary, like Stan...like those faded faces in the curled photograhs tacked to their walls.

There was a couple that listened to our message with eagerness, pulling together pieces of a puzzle that they had worked on for many years. They knew the Bible forward and back and could not find exactly what to do with the questions that they had. Christ's original church has been restored to the earth! We sat lightly on small folding chairs and they sat wide eyed on a sway back bed in their everything room. They have nothing really, except... everything that mattered. He fished, she cleaned, nothing steady...whatever they could, to have food for the day. They have two girls, a hunger for truth, and one family bike... (that the four of them rode together, wherever they needed to go...)

So we took the package from our mailbox and drove into our circle drive. We pushed the button to open our garage door and turned off the button that warms the leather seats in our car.

We ripped open the package and took out a small plastic trophy, the Portuguese telling that it had been won in a poetry contest. We read a small note that came from a missionary couple that brought this little treasure back to the United States for us. They have just returned from Sao Lourenco do Sul.

'Dear Brother and Sister Benedict, We are sending you an award that Paulo Cesar received for best poetry in a contest in Sao Lourenco. Paulo wanted us to...pass it on to you to keep. It was heartwarming and very poignant to receive this award which is the most valuable material possession that he had to give away.' He wants you to have it.

We stare at the trophy through our tears and wonder how best to clear out the material 'stuff' in our lives...so Paulo's gift remains permanently attached to the walls of our home and hearts.

Matthew 6: 19,20,21

Heart Art - to see as a child

2009-02-11T16:15:00.004-07:00

When we were young...we were All artists and singers and builders and we were awed by snowflakes and butterflies and other miracles.

Art hasn't changed.

Songs didn't change.

Building hasn't changed.

Snowflakes haven't changed.

Butterflies haven't changed. Not color, nor ideas, nor dreams, nor miracles...

Then Why did we?

Did we start looking around to see who was in front of us or behind us? Did we listen to them?

Then we must Stop that!...RIGHT NOW! ..because we know better than that!

We must look up again... and feel loved...
right where we are at.

Then perhaps, we will begin seeing again.

Please click on photo to see scripture from Luke 6:38.
Happy Valentines Week!

A Wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T16:30:00.001-07:00

From snow to sunshine, and back, thank you, thank you, for spoiling us everywhere we went for Christmas and New Years and inbetween!!! We love you all so much. The many detailed things you did for us and the Joy we felt in your homes are memorized in our hearts. Thank you.

A Thankful Christmas

2008-12-19T08:38:00.002-07:00

...and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands...

Isaiah 55:12

When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars which Thou hast ordained:

What is man, that Thou art mindful of Him? Psalms 8:3-4

To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the Heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

In the world ye shall have tribulation...but be of good cheer; I have overcome the World. John 16:33

With Humble Thanks for so many many gifts from Our Savior....We hope for you a very Merry Christmas!

Grandma time...

2008-12-08T11:42:00.003-07:00

What does a grandma do when she is handed the gift of a week with four princesses?

We go through grandmas suitcase and dress up in her funny clothes and giggle. We string things and bake things and talk about things. We get out the paper and scissors and glue and we play games and we have fun! We read lots of stories and make up our own and we hardly have time to brush our teeth or do our homework... and so we just laugh and watch Anne of Avonlea and then we start all over again...(and if it weren't for missing grandpa so much that the grandma could barely breathe...then she would never leave).

... the days go sliding by like butter in sun or crayons in a car window and then grandma packs her funny clothes and she sneaks out the door before anyone wakes up, so she won't drip tears off her chin again. And all the way home inbetween thoughts of the grandpa hugs waiting, and Ashley and her adorable puppy at home, are JOY THOUGHTS about how important family is and how thankful she is for Bruce and Elisa and the beautiful spirit in their home. And her mind goes through each of her childrens' homes, each one, one by one, (for it is a long long drive you know) and those thoughts are called: PURE JOY! Thank You! Just Thank you!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-01T09:27:00.002-07:00

December 23rd, 2005, we arrived at our very yellow cement Brasil home, to unpack our two suitcases each, and began living for the next 18 months. We spent the day buying our kitchen sink, our cupboard, our bed, a bright blue couch. Morning: December 24th, I spent an hour scrubbing the stove that we inherited from some of the elders that obviously had not had the time or inclination to clean it between their rice/bean preparations and appointments. Afternoon, we hung a long rope for a clothesline and began swishing our clothes in a bucket to be hung there. The air settled heavy on my skin, sounds resounded like the atmosphere was an upside-down bowl above us. I did not understand a word that the people said. Portuguese bouncing off my brain like marbles on a tile floor. Scattered, willing, but I was also a tiny bit homesick, as we shopped for food in the local store that evening to the chatter and smiles of beautiful Brasilian children and their moms placing Christmas bread in their carts.

We had a pewter Star that Momma had given me right before we left for our mission. The word: FAITH on it made me swallow my tears and try harder not to think of our children and theirs (in soft footie pajamas) sitting by the fireplace for the Christmas stories. That star, along with a Christmas postcard that we had received from Tiffany's parents while in the MTC, served as our decorations. But what about the missionaries that we had invited for Christmas dinner? And how could I make cinnamon rolls for them with ingredients that I didn't know about or how to pronounce.

And then the mailman arrived with a Christmas Eve package. It had pens, and gum, and spaghetti seasoning packages and white gravy mix and a tiny Scrabble game inside. It came from Brooke, which was extra poignant to me because of all of our missionaries, she is the only one who had not received her Christmas package from us when she was in New York. And I remembered her saying that it didn't even matter because maybe someone who needed it more, had stolen it from the porch or something? I tried to be like her, but I was thinking of home, and our children and grandchildren and I wondered why we couldn't just quickly be home for Christmas Day. And then hurry right back, when the people would allow us into their homes at our claps. ( But, there was another couple far away from home on that First Christmas day...) And so I got busy and unpacked our clothes and washed the floor (and REMEMBERED...)

We took our clothes from the line and I made some dinner. The heat was intense and mesquitos kept checking us newcomers. We put out the gifts from Brooke's surprise package on two chairs for the missionaries. I made signs with their names on them. (The markers and thin paper even different in our new place). And then it seemed that Christmas eve was over.

I must have been a bit quiet doing dishes, because Elder Benedito put a CD into our laptop and took me in his arms. We danced right there in our little kitchen to a song by Roberto Carlos and Stan whispered to me the meaning of the words. With his arms around me, I could do this. I wiped away the few tears that trickled out accidentally.

Christmas Day the elders came. Elder Valencia from Manaus, Brasil looked at the chair and his paper stocking filled with gum (which he had not had before) and a Bic pen, some toothpaste, a toothbruch, and a bottle of Guarana, and he was overcome with joy. I learned about Christmas from his grateful smile. I learned about gifts from the star, the postcard, the package, and the dance.

2008-11-30T16:29:00.000-07:00

Every now and again (mostly again whenever you can) it is nice to spend an extraordinary day and do whatever you want to.

Why not today?

Such a Peanut Brittle of a Fun Day today!
Mother would show me how to make her famous peanut brittle and other goodies if I scooted on over early this morning. I burnt a bowl while doing so. My parents thanked me for helping them to clear out cupboard space! We made peanut brittle (adding an extra cup of peanuts to my taste and I promptly hid that particular batch!) I helped dust powdered sugar on the cut-out red and green miniature cookies (cut out because I broke the cookie press... they tried to call Stan to see if he needed me back home!), and then I stirred the caramel to cover the pecan logs (pea-con not can...mind you!)

Meanwhile rolls were being made for an incredible dinner tonight. They made popcorn balls and meatballs and all kinds of treats. Then they made potatoes and chicken noodle gravy, glazed carrots and string beans to perfection and rolls and homemade raspberry jam and and hosted family for dinner and then they had a Temple presentation to give. But first, a game of Quiddler (word game) for grandma and me and a soccer game for Grandpa and Ashley in between Ashley's finals.

What a fun, relaxed, wonderful day...right in the middle of busy!
I have only one thing to say after such a day.

What are we doing tomorrow?!!!

BEAUTIFUL!

2008-11-24T08:31:00.002-07:00

Exquisite Flowers and Precious Children are BEAUTIFUL. Everyone knows that.

I look at the word beautiful. Wonder at that word, and want to know that word inside of me.

A Brasilian woman brought me (just about every part of a chicken) soup... on my one sick day (right in the middle of 18 months of wellness).

Warm soup and a toothless smile took away my, one (fever and chills, can't get up into a wavy world from the pillow) day, and thus, my very homesick (wondering about each child and grandchild so far away) day. I could hardly thank her...I whispered "Obrigada" and after she left, I turned the pillow over from the wetness of my tears. She too, is BEAUTIFUL. Like the flowers and the Children.

Treasure Indeed!

2008-11-16T21:15:00.002-07:00

On a meandering drive, four summers ago, I saw the words: 'used books' on the side of a quaint trailer. There was nothing I could do but wander in, over the scruffy dog in the doorway, past the wonderful gray-frazzle-haired lady who rambled-like-old-friends over her glasses and knitting... and sort (for some time) through the racks and stacks of bound thought. My choice cost $1.75. A tiny burgandy New Testament treasure. Inside the front cover is the following message:

from the White House- Washington- 28th July 1917

“The Bible is the word of life. I beg that you will read it and find this out for yourselves, read, not little snatches here and there, but long passages that will really be the road to the heart of it. You will find it full of real men and women, not only- but also of the things you have wondered about and been troubled about all your life, as men have been always; And the more you read the more it will become plain to you what things are worth while and what are not, what things make men happy, -loyalty, right dealing, speaking the truth, readiness to give everything for what they think their duty, and, most of all, the wish that they may have the approval of the Christ, who gave everything for them, -and the things that are guaranteed to make men unhappy, -selfishness, cowardice, greed, and everything that is low and mean. When you have read the Bible you will know that it is the Word of God, because you will have found it the key to your own heart, your own happiness, and your own duty.” (signed by:) Woodrow Wilson

Saturday was a Super Snow Sledding Day!

2007-11-30T16:26:00.000-07:00

Within one month, we have seen every grandchild! Jason called us yesterday and said,"Get yer' Gloves On!"
We had so much fun and then went to do rock work on their new house.

Grandpa makes everything fun!

Now, I want you all to know that Grandpa and I had a race and I won! What it means is that I am an amazing sledder...what it doesn't mean is that I'm going 'down-hill' faster!!! ;)

(Okay, so Jason helped a bit... put his body and soul into making sure dad got turned over...but HEY! I still won the race! :)