Christmas Part 2

The little ones slept in on Christmas morning, which was surprising because the night before they were so anxious for the arrival of Santa.  We opened our gifts then had breakfast.  Then Canyon and Evan played with their toys until we had our Christmas dinner.  The dinner was excellent and as usual I ate more than my tummy could hold.  We stayed Christmas night with them which is always fun.

These are my gifts from Derek, Kelly, Canyon and Evan. Of course there are no pictures of the gifts that Dick got. He received some very nice tools and they made their way to his shop as soon as we got home.

I started to get a horrid headache after dinner and took a nap, then layed on the couch dozing on and off.  During the night it got worse and I just kept praying that it would go away as knew what was causing it.  I had only planned on staying until after Christmas dinner and then coming home so I did not take my medications with me.  Big mistake!!! Sunday morning I got up early, took a shower and told Dick that we needed to get home.  We got packed up and left.

We arrived home just shortly after 9, I took my meds, put on my new pj's from Canyon and Evan, crawled under the quilt Danielle gave us and slept until after 1 in the afternoon.  When I woke up the headache had subsided, but because I had missed four doses, my body was weak and shaking.  This lasted for a couple of days and by Tuesday I felt back to normal.

We took the tree down on Tuesday, got all the decorations packed and taken downstairs then took all the canning supplies and put them on their shelves downstairs.  I vacuumed all the floors then scrubbed the tile floors.

We sure did have a wonderful Christmas and thanks to everyone that helped our holiday be the best.  Thanks to all that thought of us this year and for the gifts that you so graciously gave to us.  Your thoughts were greatly appreciated.  We hope that everyone had the best Christmas ever.

Christmas Part 1

This year for Christmas we were going to spend a couple of days at Derek and Kelly's house so we opened our gifts on Christmas Eve before we left.  We got a new television for Christmas which is so nice.  The new thin flat screens are so much nicer than the big bulky ones that we currently have and the picture is so clear and bright. Thanks Santa!!

Brook made each of us a bookmark with our names on them and I got a braclet and Dad got cuff links that her and Brea made.  This was a real treat and will be used all the time.  The bookmarks will be with us constantly as we do read tons of books.

Danielle gave us a quilt that she made.  We have not had a new quilt for 34 years and are still sleeping under the quilts that were made by both our mothers when we got married. I am so excited to retire the old quilts and begin with a new one.

We got a lot of fun gifts and can hardly wait to use them.  There are not any pictures of the gifts that Dick got because he has already taken all his tools to his shop.  OH WELL!!! but he did get lots of nice tools.

Christmas Eve was spent with the Madsen family in West Valley where we all gathered at Shannon and Jordan's house for the annual Christmas Eve party.  Lots of good food and chatting.

Then it was on to Derek's where we waited the arrival of Santa and yes he did find those two little ones even though there were not any lights on the house, or a chimney for him to come down.  There is a magic key that is placed on the door for Santa to use to come in when he stopped by their house.

It was a good Christmas Eve.

Excitement.....

I am overflowing with excitement tonight.  When I pulled my Quilted Bear account up and counted the cape sales, to my surprise I have sold 86 capes (7 special orders included) which brings my running total of these adorable capes to 975...AND there are still 4 days left in this month!!!! Whoohoo!!! For this year alone there have been 426 capes sold.  EXCITEMENT!!!!!  There sure are alot of little boys and girls flying around in one of my capes.  LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!!!

Can you believe that in 3 years I am nearly at my goal of 1000 capes.  Who would ever believe that I would be this close to my goal.  Thanks to Kelly and Verdell for making emblems for me this past spring and summer.  It really helped in my rushed hours to have the emblems already made.  My poor sewing machines (2) have gone non stop all this year.

A big THANKS to all who have been kind enough to purchase a cape from me.  My capes have traveled all over and 5 of then reside in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!

#1 seller

#2 seller

#3/4 seller

#3/4 seller

THANKS EVERYONE FOR HELPING ME GET THIS CLOSE TO MY GOAL!!!!

Refreshing Reading.....

Every year I read a special book.  I begin my reading in August and my goal is to have it finished by Christmas Eve.  It is a most refreshing book and brings to light many prespectives of life.  I love this book and look forward to my scheduled daily reading.  I learn many new things each year as I ponder upon each word and the messages they have for me.  I wake early so I am not disturbed to read this book and to enjoy the words upon its' pages.  New phrases pop out to me each year that are different from the previous years.  I so look forward to each year and tire not of reading the same book.
This morning I finished my precious book ahead of schedule and am overjoyed by what I have learned.  I love this book with all my heart and it fills my soul with joy each time I pick it up to read a few phrases each day.  What is in my heart will go with me when I leave this existence and am with my eternal Father.  For this reason, I only read good uplifting books.  Books that I am not afraid to let my sons, daughters and grandchildren read, for I know that within the pages that I have read, these precious souls will be uplifted as I was.
I love this book and each year faithfully read it from cover to cover. My soul is refreshed for this most precious time of the year as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.  Let us all not forget what Christmas is truly about.

Happy Birthday Mom...

Happy Birthday Mom. 

 I love you so very much and have always felt like I was the luckiest girl in the world to have you for my mother. You taught me well on how to handle all that life dishes out.  You have always been there with me whenever I laugh or cry.  You hold my hand in yours whenever I need you the most. I always wanted nothing more than to be just like you.  I think I am succeeding for when I look in the mirror, I see your reflection looking back at me. I love you dearly and am thankful my life was molded by your hands.

One Very Handsome Dude...

This is one mighty handsome dude!!!

So sad he is moving to Japan.

Maybe I'll just hide in his suitcase and go with him.

Our Eagle Scout...

Our sweet Grandson, Cody, was officially made an Eagle Scout tonight. 

We are so proud of him and all the accomplishments that he has achieved in the scouting program. 

 For his Eagle project, Cody made many quilts for Primary Children's Medical Center.  This took many hours and he was able to involve the elderly, young women and young men in his ward.

Cody is an ambition young man and has his goals set high in the scouting program. He studies hard and knows the in's and out's about scouting and is quick to correct anyone giving out wrong information.  

 WAY TO GO CODE MAN!!!
 We love YOU!!

Update

We went to Dick's first diabetic clinic yesterday and I must say  that I am proud of him. He came out of the class with a new perspective about changing the eating habits in our home (I have been trying for a year to get him to change due to my diabetes).
Today we have started out great. Right on count.  Let's hope we can continue for 21 days so this becomes a good habit and not a one day thing.
We have been so busy trying to finish up the last of the Christmas and I am proud to say that we have succeeded.  I purchased my one and only remaining gift yesterday, mailed all my packages on Monday that were last minute ideas, got the tree up (it is so pretty this year) and have enjoyed receiving the many cards that are coming in.  I love Christmas cards and look so forward each year to getting them.  We might not see each other during the year often, but I can always count on those most treasured cards coming during December.
Today I am baking bread, making capes and dresses and Dick has snowblowed the drive and walks and is now out in the workshop making more beds for Quilted bear.  We are busy, busy today.

Christmas Village Field Trip...

Last Friday was Evan's field trip to see the Christmas Village.  All of Miss Nicole's preschool gathered there and sang songs for those that were coming to see the village with their families.

After they were done singing, we went and looked at all the houses that are in Christmas Village.  Each one is decoratated and has tons of lights on them.  It was so fun to go as a family.

We looked and looked for the Nativity display.  Canyon was so funny and asked "Is that the Jesus thing, Mom?"  I thought I was going to split a gut laughing at that boy.

When we were done, it was time to go home and YES, she came home with us and spent two nights.

This was such a fun night as a family.  Thanks Evan for inviting us to go with you to Christmas Village.

Happy Birthday Meggie!!

My beautiful granddaughter is having her 19th birthday today. 

I remember so clearly the day you were born and how excited Gramps and I were to finally get a little girl.  I was thrilled because I could hold you, kiss you, cuddle you and spoil you rotten.  Not to mention all the cute clothes I could make for you and keep you dressed like a little princess.

Gramps immediately named you Angel Face and that name has stuck.  He also thought you had the most beautiful "doe eyes" and has always commented on your beatiful eyes.

My Meghan, you have grown into a beautiful young woman, not only on the outside, but on the inside as well.  You have a strong testimony and very diligently live the principles of the gospel.  Your heart is extremely open and filled with love for your family, friends and those you come in contact with.  You are a good example of what we are suppose to be in this life.

We love you dearly our sweet girl and hope that this birthday is very special for you.

Have a good day filled with fun and excitement.

The Answer Is....

We just got back from our second visit to a VA facility this week.  Today's visit was to take pictures of the back of Dick's eyes to make sure that there is not bleeding  behind the eyes.
It is confirmed that NO he does not have diabetes.  Because he had ecoli in his system for the long period of time, they are taking all kinds of tests to make sure that organs were not damaged.  The diabetic clinic that he goes to next week is for the reason that the doctor wants him to start eating the diabetic diet to bring the glucose readings down farther.  His readings are high due to the ecoli.
Next time he gets sick like he did I am sure that he will run right to the doctor and not let it get out of hand like this last bout.  He was sick for almost a year before going to get checked.  It is a miracle in it self that he is even with us today let alone that his organs are still working. 
I know that our prayers are answered each and every day.

So Far So Good!!!

I sat in the VA Hospital today in Salt Lake while Dick was having a medical procedure done.  After 1 1/2 hours all is well and he will not have to have this procedure done again for 10 years.  The doctor told him that whatever he has done in the past continue to do them as nothing invasive was found. Yeah for good medical care for our veterans who have served in the military.
Tomorrow we go to Ogden VA Clinic for an eye examination to make sure that the eyes are good and no bleeding is showing on the back of the eyes.  I think they have found out that Dick is a diabetic or a borderline one as all of a sudden we are getting sent for diabetic testings.
Next Tuesday he has a diabetic clinic that he has to attend in Ogden.  Yes, I really think his blood sugar is elevated even though he refuses to believe it.  He is telling everyone it is the doctor that is trying to make him out to be a diabetic.  I keep telling him that it is not the doctor, but his own blood that is making him a diabetic. 
Oh well!!! we will see what the future holds for him and his glucose readings.

Almost There....

Christmas cards are made..

Letter is written and printed on cards...

Mailing labels are made and on envelopes...

Cards are ready to mail Dec. 1st...

Gift tags are made and....

on wrapped packages...

Finish wrapping gifts...

Meet Mom and Dad in Orem on Dec 11th to

send gifts to Colorado when they go see Danielle...

Only one gift left to purchase....

Mail two packages....

Make candy and baked goodies...

Set up the Christmas tree (waiting for Evan to come)...

Evan needs to set up the Christmas village...

Sit back and wait for the jolly big man to come.

Happy Thanksgiving...

Today I have been thinking of the many things that have blessed my life and the things that are most and dear to my heart.
I have a wonderful husband that supports my brillant ideas and dreams.  He is always there to pick up the pieces after me and is my soul mate.
Wonderful children have blessed my life and brought so much joy and happiness to me.  They are my best friends and I can confide in them when problems or joys arise in life.  They are true to what they have been taught and each is unique in their own little ways.
The crowning jewels in life for me are my grandchildren.  I love each one to pieces and could hold their hands for ever.  What wonderful hugs and kisses they give to me.  Life's joy is spelled - Grandchildren.  I would not like to be without those precious gifts from heaven.
My heritage is precious to me.  Life was given to me by fantastic parents.  They taught me righteously and gave me understanding of the worth of a soul.  My brothers and sisters are precious in my sight and there is not a day goes by that I am not influenced by them.
We have been blessed with a wonderful home that is warm and secure.  Joy and laughter abound within these walls and memories are formed daily. It's walls could tell tons of stories over the 102 years of its existance.
Who could not be thankful for neighbors that are near and dear.  Our neighborhood is the best and it is a joy just spending time talking and getting to know each one.  We have the best children that live next to us.  There are about 20 little ones that congregate on our front lawn during the summer eating the most delicious popcicles.
We live in a country where freedoms are enjoyed and we are able to worship our God as we desire.  Our freedoms are here because of those selfless men and women that so proudly serve their country.  Two very special people in my life are doing such right now.  My son and grandson both are active duty in the Air Force and proudly display patriotism each and every day.  Thanks Derek and Rich for your serving and helping to keep our land free.
My list of thankfullness could go on and on.  I could not end without being thankful to my Father in Heaven for His love and guidance that He gives me each and every day.  I am so thankful for the gospel and the teachings that direct me in all my thoughts and actions.  I have been blessed with spiritual knowledge and know that the Lord is my constant companion.
This has been a great day to review my life and the blessings that have been given to me.

Ride Um Buckaroos.....

I just love the new rocking horses that have been made on our back 40!!!  What little boy or girl would not fall madly in love with these little fellers.  LOVE, LOVE THEM!!!

Doncha love them!!!

Happy Birthday Tony...

Thanks for all the fun that you have brought into our family.  Thanks for taking care of our daughter and grandchildren and for being one of the best dad's in the entire world (my children's dad is the #1).  We really appreciate your kindness that you show toward us and for your love and concern.
Above all, thanks for just being you!!!!
Happy Birthday!!!

The Real Birthday Party

Last night Miss Evan had her friends over for her birthday party.  She had 18 little friends come over for "an almost sleepover".  They all came with their pillow, sleeping bag, slippers and dressed in their pajamas.  What a fun time they had.  Miss Nicole and Grandma were there to help Mommy with all these little boys and girls.

First we played musical pillows.  We put all the pillows in a circle and then marched around the circle on the pillows and when the music stopped we had to sit really fast on the pillow we were standing on.  If you didn't have a pillow, you were out.  We had lots of fun playing this game. 

Next we had a pillow fight.  Evan and Andrew were first to go.....

Yeap!!! Evan was the winner.

Maddie had a fun time doing the pillow fight also.

While we were having our pillow fight and playing musical pillows, Mommy was busy fixing sausage, eggs and pancakes for all to eat.  Lots of boys and girls ate many pancakes and eggs and wanted more.

After eating every one got to make a Build A Bear to take home.  It was lots of fun.  Mommy helped stuff all the animals. Grandma stitched them up after everyone kissed the heart and placed it inside their animal.  Miss Nicole helped dress them and get the birth certificates filled out. 

Then it was time to open presents and have cake and ice cream. 

Everyone is waiting .... 

for Evan to blow out the candle.

What a fun time we had with all her friends!!!!

Pantyhose creeper...

Have you ever encountered an adventure with a pair of pantyhose? Well today was my day. 
First of all I tried on three outfits this morning before finding something that I felt comfortable in.  I wanted to wear a suit that required the wearing of the "dreaded pantyhose" instead of the knee highs that I normally wear when getting dressed for church. 
10:50 am ...So far so good...  No runs, they are on the legs straight, no twists and they felt secure.  I felt like a million dollars with my legs showing beneath the just below the knee hem line of my beautiful skirt.  This was a different attire for me as I normally only wear long dresses.  Off to church we go.
10:55 am...pull into the church parking lot, get out of the van and walk toward the church doors.  Open the door and walk into the hallway leading to the foyer when all of a sudden I felt something different around my butt cheeks.  Those d*** pantyhose decided that they didn't want to be around my waist and thought that the butt cheeks would be a better place to ride.
What was I going to do...the meeting was going to start in five minutes and I did not have time to run home, change and get back for Sacrament.  I quickly grabbed one side of my skirt, making sure the pantyhose was in my grasp and hurried into the chapel and sat down.  Good, now I don't have to move until it is time to leave.  One hour and ten minutes before I had to worry how I was going to make it to the car.
12:10 pm....closing prayer...please no one stop me in my mad dash to the car..get up, bow my head, grab my skirt/pantyhose and start up the isle to leave...make it to the foyer....where is Dick...hurry up dear husband my pantyhose are starting to get lower...stopped by my hometeacher...oh no,  please don't talk to long or try to shake my hand....finally Dick shows up and down the hall I head...out the door I go lickety split and make it almost to the car when those d*** pantyhose went right to my knees.  By this time I am laughing so hard I can hardly see. I jumped into the car and split a gut laughing at the scene in my mind of me being attached by pantyhose.
Dick got to the car and found me laughing hysterically.  He said, "I thought you wanted to stay for Sunday School but you left in such a hurry I could not catch up with you." 
I told him I had lost my pantyhose and did not know where the restroom was to fix myself and thought it might be best to just go home to  fix my problem.  Then he started to laugh.
When I got home and took off the pantyhose, there was not a bit of elastic in the waist.  They must have been very old and worn out.
Tonight the Bishop and his wife dropped by to see us.  Low and behold, I had already gotten ready for bed so had to get dressed before I could go into the living room to visit.  When they left, Dick, in his wittiness, asked me why I didn't tell them why I left so fast after Sacrament.  I am sure that they would not have liked me to share with them my caper with my pantyhose.
Beware of those dreaded pantyhose.  They are out to only embarrass you in your weakest moment.

Time for Organization....

HELP ME HANNAH!!!!!

Every time I have to look for a picture to use, this is what I end up with.

Pictures are everywhere at my house and they are not even together in

picture envelopes. 

What a mess I have and the picture organizing fairy just seems to fly right

past my house and refuses to help me with my problem.

Someday soon, someday soon that little fairy will come to my rescue.

The Birthday Girl and Her Gifts......

The birthday girl and her brother

1st gift was from Gramps....shoes she left at his house....

hat and accessories from Grandma....

DS case and accessories from Gramps and Grams...

Strawberry Shortcake toys from Mom and Dad...

Polly Pocket from Aunt Leslie, Uncle Tony, Maddie & Cam...

Ken and outfit from Canyon...

Barbie, Legos & Strawberry Shortcake from Nana, Papa Chick,

Aunt Jessie, Uncle Tommy, Jordan & Alex...

Pillow from Aunt Danielle, Uncle Tony, Rich, Meghan,

Tiffeni and Cody....

Lemon cake, white frosting, crooked candles and being sung

Happy Birthday to.....

She blew out all her candles. 

Happy Birthday, baby girl!!!

We love you.

Evan is 5.....

Our little Evan girl is growing up!!!! She is having her 5th birthday on November 9th.  Evan has always been a very special baby and we waited and waited for her to come from heaven to be with our family.  I am sure glad that Heaven Father sent her to us as she brings so much joy and happiness to our family. 

Evan is a quick learner and remembers all that you teach her.  She loves to help Grandma in the kitchen and she makes the most delicious cookies and bread. 

Some of her favorite things to do are:

1.  Watch cartoons on Grandma's bed

2.  Be the Princess of the Day at Grandma's house

3.  Play with Mallory and Allie at Grandma's house

4. She loves to go camping in Grandpa's camp trailer with us

5.  She loves to come to Grandma and Grandpa's place to be spoiled

Yep!!! these are some of the things that Evan likes the best.

Happy Birthday, sweet Evan!! 

Hope that your day is just as special as you are.

Grandma and Grandpa loves you very much.

Dress for a Princess

This dress was made for my little Princess girl Tiffeni. 

She asked me a very long time ago (almost two years) to make a dress for

her and even picked out the fabric and pattern.

The jacket and hair accessory really compliments the dress

and will be so fun for her to wear.  She will look adorable

when she wears this dress to her dances or to church.

I have had to re-evaluate my life the past few weeks since General Conference.  The Saturday morning talk, Of Things That Matter Most, (go HERE) given by Dietier F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, has really caused me to think about what matters most in my life. 

The past few years have been filled with stress, total consumption of my time and a feeling of having to delay what matters the most to me, which is my family. I hate having to put my family on the back burner and hoping that time will soon allow me to spend quality time with them. 

When I got to Colorado this last week, I told Tiffeni that I had something for her.  Her eyes got real bright and her smile was as broad as the sky and she said "you brought my dress".  In total embarrassment, I had to tell her no I did not bring her dress.  The look of disappointment tore deep into my heart that I had not put what matters most in my life first.  I had brought her a stupid purple crocheted hat, not the dress that she so dearly wanted. I could hardly wait to get home and get this dress made for her.  I worked hard for two days making sure that every seam was perfect and that this was one of my most perfect creations. The dress turned out as I had invisioned it to be.

This experience has taught me a valuable lesson and one that will not be forgotten anytime soon.  What matters most is FAMILY and keeping your word.  When you say that you will do something for them, you must take TIME and follow through. Tiffeni reminded me that I had promised to make her a dress and she has waited patiently for it.  She has never reminded me once in the last 22 months about not following through with a promise. 

Tiffeni, I love you dearly and you are one of my most special jewels.  You bring joy to my heart and a ray of sunshine to my soul.  Heavenly Father knew what He was doing when He sent you to our family.  You are what matters most in life.  You are truly a gift from Heavenly Father to me.