HOME FROM UTAH

Well I got home yesterday afternoon from Utah. I had a wonderful time with Heather and the kids. I think Ethan hugged me several hundred times and I'm not kidding either. It was fun to be there for Sophie's birthday too. Heath picked me up because Heather had a plumber fixing a bathroom plug and almost bad flood. When I got there Andrew gave me a big hug and then I snuck up on Jonah and Sophie. Sophie screamed and came running to hug me. Jonah was in shock with his mouth opened and then he came and hugged me. It made me feel good that they were so excited to see me. Tyson and Ethan got home a little later and we weren't there yet so they hid from us and then jumped out to surprise us. Even Saige acted excited and wanted to hug me. I love them all so much and miss them that after about three months I have a Grandma downer and have to try to see them if I can. On Wednesday their van's battery died and had to go in to the dealership so we didn't have a vehicle one day. Luckily it was just the battery. We went to the movie Friday with Tyson and Ethan and earlier to the park with the younger ones. Saturday they had a party for Sophie at the park and then Heather and I went to a little shopping place with Jonah. Then we went out to dinner. The time went to quick though and I wish we could of done some other things. We still had a great time though. Thanks Heath and Heather for putting up with me.

It's weird to not have Blackie around. Last night I checked to make sure he wasn't under the recliner before I kicked it in. I keep thinking he is going to come up to the gate outside when I get home from work. I feel we did the right thing because he had to be hurting the way his foot was. I have a big bag of dog food and his cage if anyone would like to have it for there dogs.

I have Tuesday and Wednesday off because my class went to Sea World. I hope I can accomplish some things!!!

Just to let you know Marvin Longhurst mother passed away. It would be nice if everyone could send a card to him and Gay. They have been so supportive of our family over the years. Call me and I'll give you the address. I know it would make them feel good.

Ronnie and Aleia are stinkers!!! Don't you think? I still love them though!!!

Blackie

Well today Blackie went to live with Poppo. I bet he was so excited and so was daddy!!! It was really a hard decision to make and I cried all morning. I made Ron take him in because I'm a wimp! The vet said he had cancer and he found four or five more lumps in his leg beside the big one I found. He said his heart was bad and that he could feel it with his hand when he picked him up. We know the vet personally and he said he is pretty frank when people ask him what to do and he felt that we made the right decision. He didn't think he had very much time left either. So....I can just see his tail a wagging and him jumping around and licking Daddy. I can visualize my dad's big SMILE too. Tomorrow I'm off to Utah. I can't wait to see Heather and Heath and the kids!!! Toodle-lou for now.

Eileen's Post

Eileen posted some info today that you night want to read. They have been fixing up a trailor for Bronson. Click on her link to find out the info.

YEE-HAH!

We had a Ward Party a couple of weeks ago. It was pretty fun and I got one dance with Ron. Ya like the cool cowboy hats? They fit so well!

Lydia, You're a Bernise Mountain Dog!

No bones about it, you're a good-hearted, people-loving Bernise Mountain Dog. Down-to-earth and loyal, no one works or plays harder than you do. You put your nose to the grindstone when it really counts, but you never neglect your social calendar. Simultaneously strong and sweet, you're very tuned-in to the feelings and needs of other dogs you run with. Without having to be asked, you always have a helping paw to lead and a sympathetic shoulder to lean on. "Communication" is your middle name, and when that's paired with your unswerving devotion, you get a breed that everyone respects and trusts. Woof!

Ron went to Pamona again this past weekend. I exercised and then got ready for Faith's party. She had a fun time. I can't believe that her and Sophie are going to be 4 yrs. old. Time does fly by! Last night I went to a Musical Fireside with Janice Kapp Perry and her husband(Douglas, although he said he his known as Brother Janice Kapp Perry). It was really good. She has written a lot of the songs in the Children's Hymn Book, like "A Child's Prayer, I'm trying to be like Jesus, Army of Helaman, etc). She is so talented and has shared it with everyone. It was well worth it. She talked about setting a goal that was high and reaching for it. So...what should my goal be? Anyway, it is Fast Sunday today so I included that in my fast as I try to figure out what I am supposed to be doing at this point of my life. One sister at church said, "It is March 4th so I decided I needed to march forth and bear my testimony before I chicken out." I thought that was a clever pun on words! Anyway, once I figure out how I can get my little dog saying up, I'll let you know what kind of DOG I am. For some reason it won't let me copy and I can't download my pictures off of my camera any more either. ????? SO...toodle-lou for now.

Work Day

Well, another day is almost gone. I worked hard today cleaning the house, laundry, cleaning the pool, giving Blackie a bath and being a Dr. to him. His foot is not getting any better. I went and bought an inflatable neck thing but he could still get at his foot. He has been on medication for a week now. I'm worried about him. I don't know what else to do to help him. His foot needs air to dry but then he chews on it. If I wrap it , it stays moist and can't dry out. Whenever I think it is better then he gets at it again. We even duct tapped the E-collar where he could barely see but then he manages to get it turned just right to get at his foot. Well that's the story for the day.
Ron and Ronnie went pig hunting. Christopher, Bailey and Brody went there but the trailer isn't heating so they came home. Ron said it was cold. They should be home tomorrow. I have to give the Young Women lesson tomorrow on communication. It's a pretty easy one because there is role playing in it and a lot of activities. So....toodlelou for now. Goodnight!!!!

Happy Sunday!

I was going to post a couple of pictures but the computer wouldn't download them for some reason... We had a great Sunday today. We had our ward conference and it seems every scripture had to do with our thoughts. Everyone came over for dinner. We had ham and cheesy potatoes, corn and rolls, etc. Mommo came over but Etta didn't feel good so she didn't come. Faith played games on the computer with Aunt Bailey and then me.
I talked to my sisters today. Linda was watching "The Secret." She had ordered it after she saw the show on Oprah. Connie had some Secret experiences too. I've had a pretty good week except for my negative Thursday but I turned it around and finished out the week good.
We had to take Blackie to the Vet. It cost $92 for an anti biotic, inflammation pill and something to soak his foot in. He has a heart murmur and the vet said it could be cancer on his foot. I didn't tell Mommo that though. Anyway, I hope the medication works and that he won't keep getting at it. I gave him a positive message tonight...your foot is better!!! It will work! Bailey took a picture of me giving him a bath Thursday night after he chewed his foot up again and I was upset!!!!! That's when I said, "help"...vet time.
So tonight...I will sleeep 8 to 10 hours tonight...Goodnight ya all! (P.S. Have you read Heather's blog? Their papers are finally in. Yeah!!! Now let's pray that they will push it through so the girls can get home and start their new life.)

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

I thought this was a cute picture of Faith and Jaylee. Can you believe that Faith is not making a face? Yeah! They are both beautiful little girls. I know I am the Grandma, but it really is the truth!

Brody's Blessing Day February 4, 2007

What a special day, this day was. Christopher did a wonderful job blessing his first born son, Brody Keith Michael. A lot of relatives were there, Grandma's, Grandpa's. Great Grandma's & Grandpa's, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Great Aunts and Uncles, and friends. We had a yummy dinner afterward of enchilada's, rice, tortilla soup, tamales, chips, etc. Yum, Yum! We stayed afterward and watched the Superbowl (well, the mom's and babies slept, Grandma took Faith to the park behind the house for a walk) while the guys watched the game. It was a nice day. Christopher bore his testimony too and that was very special.

Tired Mommy's and Babies

Brody's blessing day. After dinner and company and while the Super Bowl was on...two young mother's and their sweet babies sound asleep. I thought these were cute pictures.

"THE SECRET"

That is so funny that Meagan had that on her blog. We watched it with Christopher and Bailey the other night. I totally believe it. So...I'm trying positive self talk. I feel silly but I have to do something. After being sick for a month I got a little down...now it's time to get back up and have some fun and enjoy life and everything around me. I think we can all help each other...so let's create positive things for ourselves and BE HAPPY AND ENJOY OUR LIVES! I told Christopher the other night we should have a family home evening and make our posters. It would be fun. Everyone bring magazines and pictures and lets start making things happen! It's OK if you think I'm crazy but that 's the way I am. CRAZY!!!!

Here's a picture of Faith and Jaylee a couple of weeks ago. I thought it was cute of them posing.

Here's a cute picture of Brody smiling at his Grandma the other night while his mom and dad were at the gym. We had fun taking a few pictures while they were gone.

I just typed a whole post and lost it when I went to add some pictures. I was telling about our poor dog, Blackie. He lost a toenail and has been chewing at his foot and it is infected and swollen. I bought an E-collar to put around his neck, The first collar he could still get at his foot so I got another one that was bigger. He was still managing to get to his foot though so we put an ace bandage around his neck to hold it in place and then Ron used duct tape to make it hold. Then we wrapped up his foot after putting peroxide and neosporin on it. He looks pitiful. He runs into things and hops like a rabbit. I really feel sorry for him. Sometimes my inheritance is a pain in the behind. Anyway I hope this works so we don't have to spend a fortune at the vets. I know I'm cheap but I bet it would cost a few hundred dollars. Hopefully this will work and it will heal so I won't have to.

"SPIRITUAL GIFTS"

Today was my turn to teach the Young Women's lesson. (I am a Beehive advisor) It was on "Spiritual Gifts." I only had about 20 minutes for a lesson that said you could take two weeks to do. It went pretty good though and the girls were receptive. The objective was to learn that by developing our spiritual gifts it will enrich our life and others. We discussed D & C 46:6-26 and wrote down the spiritual gifts that were mentioned. Our high councilman in his talk mentioned these and then when I was setting up my room, the teacher that was in the room before me mentioned his lesson and it was very similar but went on to talk about charity. I told the girls this and said that charity is a special gift to have and to pray for it. I used Heather as an example because her and Heath have that pure love of Christ. The love they show for the little girls in Haiti (way before they had even met them) is the true love of Christ. That is one of their gifts!!! I am so proud to have had Heather in my home as she grew up. She came with that special spirit and and she continues to use this gift that God has given her along with many others. So this is a kind of tribute to a wonderful daughter and son of God who I love with all my heart!!! Their children are indeed blessed to have them as their earthly parents!!! My sons and daughter-in-laws have special gifts too and their children are blessed to have them as their fathers and mothers. They love their children and you can see it in their eyes and on their faces as they interact with them. They all have such good hearts. I have the best family in the world!!! And also the best extended family!!!!

"Our gifts and opportunities differ; some are more visible and impactful....We all have at least one gift and an open invitation to seek 'earnestly the best gifts." (D&C 46:8) (Neil A. Maxwell)

How can you recognize your spiritual gifts?
1. Pray and ask for help
2. Obtain and read your patriarchal blessing which may identify some of your gifts.
3. Observe traits and talents that seem to come naturally to you.
4. Accept calls from priesthood leaders.
5. Notice compliments you receive from others.

One Y.W. in the Miamaid class started telling the girls what she saw in them, the teacher was really moved from that. It touched the girls hearts and hopefully it will help them recognize their gifts.

So, I challenge each of you to start looking for your spiritual gift or gifts. You have at least one of them. For some reason this lesson touched my heart and has given me the desire to find my gift. Whatever that may be. I do know that Christ lives and that he is my Savior. I want to be good enough to live with him again and to have my family with me forever. Satan works hard on me and makes me feel like a nothing but I know deep inside I am a child of God and I pray for the strength to be a better person and to find my gift. I know...preachy mom!!! But this is in my heart and I want us all to make it and be together forever. Satan is out to ruin the family and each of us individually. So together we can be strong and we can make it and help each other along the way. I LOVE EACH OF YOU!!!

My little grandson Brody, smiling BIG at Grandma's house last night. His daddy bought him the cute camouflage outfit for Christmas!!! He will be 8 weeks old tomorrow. I can't believe it. Isn't he the cutest?

Christopher and Brody

Kisses from daddy!!!!

Here's a picture of Christopher at around 6 weeks old. Isn't he a cutie pie? What do you think...does Brody look a little like his daddy?

Christopher at 6 weeks old on his blessing day.

Heather at 6 weeks old. Isn't she as cute as can be. And she still is. Happy 30th Birthday Heather!