308 days to go

I have it.....

RESOLUTION

This year I resolve to reorganize and KEEP organized my business. The daycare room is first on my list of organization. Next, is tax records pertaining to child care. After that, we will see.

I also resolve to never swear, which I never do anyway.

309 days to go

Today is new year's eve, eve. Time to start thinking what resolution tomorrow will bring. Thinking back on past resolutions, I believe there is value in them. (even the ones not met) So I will continue making them with full intent to reach their fulfillment!

310 days to go

Once when I was little, we went on a vacation to Yellowstone Park. We had a perfect camp spot. My dad and mom were seasoned campers as we were in the great out doors often. We had been warned about the possibility of a bear encounter. We had in fact, seen bears all that day while driving around. Those days in Yellowstone the bear population was much higher than now. When we got back to our camp spot, we were just settling down for the evening. Suddenly, there was a big old black bear looking for something tasty to eat. I remember my dad telling my mom and I to quickly get into the car for safety. To my absolute horror though, he did not follow. From inside our old green car I can still see my dad standing up against that old bear. My dad charged at the bear making terrible loud yelling sounds and telling him he could not have our food. Luckily the bear backed away and the only damage done that day was the "accident" I had as I threw up in the car, certain my dad was a gonner. What a brave father (or a foolish one).

311 days to go

My I have musically gifted son in laws. At karaoke tonight they really wowed me.Jon did a rousing rendition of You've Lost That Loving Feeling dedicating it to Crystal.(She couldn't stop laughing) Steven did a fabulous duet with Chelsea, it was a song from Greese. What a fun night. Thanks to Tylor and Sheena for having us all over to their cute house.

312 days to go

I am still cleaning from all the parting so I will post more tomorrow.

313 days to go

We had such a wonderful Christmas. Next year when I try to remember what we did the Christmas of 2009, I think I will recall:

1. Taking our baby girls to see the lights at Temple Square and having hot chocolate at the Navoo Cafe.

2. Christmas eve eating King Crab... and Abby loving it

3. Chelsea almost crying because Christmas is over!

314 days to go

It's Christmas day and all the family is here so I am going to live the day and blog it later.

315 days to go

It's Christmas Eve, I can't believe it. Everyone should be coming over soon and since they are all bloggers too, I think there will be a run on the computer later. I will take my turn now. We had a very relaxing day. Migo and I still like to go out and brave the crazies, for old times sake. Chelsea just came and found me. She and Migo insist I join them now.BYE

316 days to go

We just got done watching Elf, what a funny show. Speaking of Christmas shows here are some of my favorites...

TOP OF THE LIST: It's a Wonderful Life. I saw it for the first time in seminary as a junior. All my friends couldn't believe I had never seen it before. I don't know why, but I hadn't. Everyone was so bummed because it was in black and white and they had seen it a hundred times before. Not me, I was in love... I have watched it every year since. I love the subtle lessons it teaches, I love Jimmy Stewart. He always reminds me of my dad, the wavy black hair and large hands etc. Love that show !

The original Christmas Carol.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

How the Grinch Stole Christmas.(not with Jim Carey)

Rudolph

Santa Clause is Coming to Town

These shows mean Christmas to me.

317 days to go

I am ready for a lazy evening and the snow storm gives me the perfect reason to be. The presents are all bought and mostly wrapped. The only thing left to do is the groceries for our turkey sandwiches. I guess if you look hard enough there is always something else you should be doing, well not tonight.

318 days to go

I have a posting idea everyone: Advise I am glad I was given. What do ya think?

Here goes...

My mom always said to put on a happy face. This is something I am still working on. As was mentioned before, it is not so much that I am mad, it just looks like I am. Must have been something I was born with; this serious look. Anyway, put on a happy face!

319 days to go

I love our family!!!! We had a wonderful family party tonight everyone was there except Danna's family. It is so nice to see people who I havn't seen for a while. Merry Christmas everyone.

320 days to go

I am putting the finishing touches on a talk for sacrement meeting tomorrow. What a blessing to have to focus so intently on spiritual thoughts right now. It has had a real affect on my "Christmas spirit" these last few days. Thanks Bro. Egbert!

321 days to go

3 things I like about you... Bruce!

1. You love me.

2. The only reason you even exist is because of some crazy, hairbrained idea I had.

3. You keep my feet warm in the winter.

p.s. guess I should clarify,Bruce is my beagle boy.

322 days to go

Salmon and smiles... that's what tonight was. We all got together tonight for dinner. Dad had gotten a large salmon at costco today, and it worked out perfectly to have everyone over for dinner. The conversation was wonderful (if you know what I mean). The mood was great; the food was tasty and the laughs were plenty. What a lovely time of year to enjoy our family.

323 days to go

I couldn't stop laughing. We were painting all the little girls finger nails today. Owen decided he wanted his painted; I told him only girls paint their nails. Then we went through the list ... Abby is a girl, Lily is a girl, Suzy is a girl, Lu Ann is a girl. Abby started laughing and said you are not a girl, you are a grama. Kids are brutal!

324 days to go

A Christmas memory....

When I was just a little, little girl Santa came to my house! The real santa not one of those you see at the store. We lived at 1593 Major St. and nothing very exciting happened in our neighborhood Well, I had just gotten out of a nice bubble bath tubbie. My dad came in and told my mom and I that

santa was at our house. I was so excited I totally forgot about getting dressed or even grabbing a towel. I just ran down the hall and into the front room to see Santa sitting by our fireplace. When I looked down and realized what I had done I could have died! Santa, being the good man he is waited while I got dressed and didn't say a word about my "over excitment". Add that to my long list of embarassing moments.

325 days to go

Chelsea's busy monday seems to affect my monday. I am going to blog now before going to get her at the high school. Yes we have orchid society tonight. The only good thing about it is the faces on those old people when they see their friend Chelsea. They are very nice people. I am glad I don't have to worry about wild and reclase things taking place while she hangs out with her friends.

326 days to go

Time for some Sunday reflections...

when I was a little girl,Sunday was always a special day.My mom was a nurse ,so many Sundays she was scheduled to work. My dad didn't attend church at all. So it was up to Paul and I to get ourselves up and ready for church. Our neighborhood church was several blocks away, but it didn't bother us to walk there.(except in the winter)I loved my ward and the leaders always made me feel welcome. The best part of sunday was, ROAST. We always had a roast with potatoes and carrots. I can still smell that heavenly aroma. How did a working mom manage that?

I have to admit I dropped that ball as a mom. Some Sunday dinners are what ever is left in the fridge. We have had our share of '"real" sunday dinners, but I hope my daughters follow after their grama not me.

327 days to go

The cutest thing happened yesterday. Abby was playing pretend with a toy phone. I said, Abby is your mom on the phone; I need to talk to her. Abby looked at me and said, grama it's papa. Then she turned her attention back to the phone and said, papa bring me some doughnuts. Sooo cute!

328 days to go

So, I missed yesterday's posting by 2 minutes. The clock said 12:02, now it is a couple minutes later and I am going to post for the next day. One lesson my dad taught me ,and one I will always remember is:IT IS ALRIGHT TO MAKE A MISTAKE, BUT TRY YOUR DARNDEST NOT TO MAKE THAT MISTAKE AGAIN. So close, I didn't forget, I just got busy with other things. Anyone who knows me knows I am a night owl. I get so much done while others are sleeping. Oh well , won't happen again!

329 days to go

ooops!!!

330 days to go

Chelsea is having a presidency meeting at our house. Since I am grounded to the back part of the house, I am going to use the time to blog early tonight. Today I had the opportunity to have Abby and Addy spend the afternoon together. What fun I had watching them play silly chasing games. They run and scream through the house. Then they run and scream through the house the other direction. I wonder what they will be doing together in 5 years, 8 years,etc. I pray they will grow ever closer through the years. What a blessing to have moms who are close and provide chances to bond together.

331 days to go

What can I say about Chelsea that hasn't already been said? As we were celebrating her birthday today I found myself reminiscing about the day she was born. What a special time for me and our whole family. Even her aunts were at the hospital awaiting her arrival. It really was as though we could just tell she was going to be something special. As you can tell, her sisters love her so much. I think it all started that day. They instantly adored her; I can still remember Andrea's eyes filling with tears as she held her. Such a special day, such a special girl.

332 days to go

WHAT HAVE I LEARNED TODAY?...

Well, today I learned that a 71/2 foot tree is not always a 71/2 foot tree. If you find a really nice young man to help you, sometimes it turn into the price of a 6 foot tree. Thanks really nice young man.

333 days to go

It seems like we may all be hitting a bit of a tough spot in our daily blogging. Judging by some our entries lately (or lack thereof) maybe we need some new ideas. Here is one I would like to throw out... WHAT HAVE I LEARNED TODAY. I will be giving that some thought and blogging about it tomorrow... anyone else?By the way, did you notice the number of days to go? Fun number huh?

334 days to go

Tonight was ward Christmas party time. We took Addy with us and she stole the show. It was so fun to show her off.She was in fine form. Chelsea helped her make a cute little ornament with the other little kids. It is hanging on my tree as we speak!

335 days to go

Quote of the day....

Do we have to eat mac and cheese for lunch? We had a baby sitter last night and she made us mac and cheese. Anyone can make mac and cheese, can't you do better than that LuAnn?-Jesse Sugden ( one of my little friends )

336 days to go

"I'm just not feelin it" so this is today's blog.

337 days to go

I was talking to a friend last night and she asked me if I had ever felt gratitude for something negative in my life. I have been giving that some thought. One thing came quickly to mind. My mom suffered from alzheimers disease,definatly a negative. I am however strangly greatful for it. All my life I have been extremely close to my mom. As a young mom I didn't do anything without her.If I took the girls to the park, she came too. We went grocery shopping together. She was even on most of our family vacations with us. I can remember just dreading the thought of her ever dying. Just the thought could bring me to tears. I didn't think I could make it without her. Somehow having her taken away from me little by little, year by year made it so much easier. Of course when she pased away I was terribly sad, but the long preparation the disease had allowed was a blessing after all. So yes I have felt gratitude for a negative in my life.

338 days to go

3 things I like about my life...

1. I love my job! They actually pay me to play with my little friends. What other job is there where people tell all day how much they like you. When I can make a pair of binoculars out of 2 toilet paper tubes they think I am genious. I love my job.

2. I like where I live. I wouldn't trade our 4 seasons for the perfect climate anywhere.

3. I like my family. Not perfect by any means, but oh so likable. I think God knows very well right where we each belong and places us in the best family for us.

339 days to go

Miguel is sick and you know what that means.Somehow when a man gets a head cold, it becomes a near death experience. Good thing they don't have to give birth. In all honesty, it is a doozy of a head cold though. I think I will go in right now and pour myself a large glass of orange juice!

340 days to go

3 Things I like about you... Jon and Steven

1. When you guys say we are going to "In and Out" at 11:00 pm, we go to "In and Out" at 11:00 pm. (even if I am in my jammies.)

2. Even though one of you is a Ute fan, and the other a cougar fan; you still play nicely together.

3. You treat Miguel and I with love and respect. (deserved or not)

I love these 2 crazy boys!!!

341 days to go

Since Grandpa is helping Chelsea build her greenhouse I will now list some of the other things he has helped us build:

1. Guest room in our home on Lovely Rd.

2. Family room in our home on Lovely Rd.

3. Chicken coop at Lovely Rd. (yes, chicken coop)

4. Entire basement in West Jordan home

5. Shed remodle in West Jordan

6. The cabin

7. Crystal and Andrea's playhouse on Lovely Rd.

8. Car port in W.J.

9. Some of Andy and Steven's basement

10.CHELSEA'S very own GREENHOUSE

342 days to go

I am happy to report that Thanksgiving at Crystal's house was a complete success. She and Jon were the most gracious hosts, the food was wonderful and the company was comfortable. I hope Andrea and Steve are ready for next year!!

343 days to go

Well my little baby is all grown up. Crystal is hosting her very first Thanksgiving dinner today. I remember her hosting tea parties, yesterday it seems. We would dress up in our silky night gowns and jewlery and high heals. Then we would set up a little child sized table we had. Then it was time to find some "tea". It was usually apple juice and some sweet tid bit for crumpets. Crystal and Andrea never got tired of tea parties. Sometimes we would invite their baby dolls. Sometimes we would invite Grama or Ty and Em. Sometimes it would be teddy bears. My favorite time was when we got all fancy for tea and watched the Nut Cracker too. Well I am so proud of Crystal for offering to host today; I will let you know tomorrow how the tea party goes!

344 days to go

3 things I like about you... Abby

1. You let the world know you had arrived. Way back on september 3 2007, I arrived at St. Marks Hospital. Aunt Andrea and I were looking for our Crystal. The nurse pointed us to a room. As we waited outside the door we could hear someone's baby howling bloody murder. Oh that mommy was in for it. It turned out to be Abby letting all the world know nothing would ever be the same!( and screaming hello to her brand new grama)

2. You are so smart.I don't know many 2 year olds who know where Usbeckastan is on a globe!

3.You make me happy. I love when you see me and come running to me with open arms.

345 days to go

3 things I like about you ... Chelsea

1. You are driven...

a. You have had a 4.0 GPA all your life.

b. The whole orchid thing; I thought it was just a whim. I watch the loving care you provide for them; it is alot of work.

c. The way you would prepare for your tournaments, relentless!

2. I like how you are your own person. You are not easily swayed. The confidence you have,I think, comes from knowing you are "a beloved daughter of God".

3. You know just how to handle your dad. Some times you butt heads, but mostly you carefully nuture a special relationship with the "Poppy seed".

346 days to go

So I was reading Karey's blog and loved her idea of a list of your favorite "small" things. So here goes:

1. new fallen snow

2. slippers

3.the smell of lilacs

4. when you wake up and think it's a work day, then you realize it's a week end

347 days to go

Today Miguel,Chelsea and I went out to Shonnie's ward to attend Jacob's ordination. He was ordained to the office of teacher.His grandpa did a wonderful job in doing the blessing. This special boy has done some extraordinary things. As a family we are so proud of all that Jacob has accomplished. Keep him in your prayers.

348 days to go

O.K. O.K. I went to see New Moon with miguel tonight and...

I loved it! I'm not saying I am ready to read the book yet but the show was totally entertaining. My daughters are right to drule over that warewolf he is yummy. Even Miguel had to admit the show was pretty good. Well now I feel like at least I could hold a bit of a conversation with a twilittie. Let's talk.

349 days to go

Does anyone miss going to the cabin? I know the timing is odd , here in the middle of November. Somehow I am just longing for the mountains. It's like a breath of refreshing air to my soal in that beautiful Kamas valley. I have so many wonderful memories of Woodland both old and recent ones. Grandpa on his new snowmobile driving like a 16 year old boy who just received his drivers license. Addy mastering those challenging 2 steps to the tv room. Abby collecting autum leaves with her mom. How long til summer???

350 days to go

Arn't sisters great? I enjoyed reading about my 3 girls and their date with Jacob. I am so happy they not only love each other, but like each other too. I also spent the evening with my sister, however it wasn't with a delicious warewolf. We attended a child care meeting required by state licensing. It wasn't much fun but I do love spending time with my siblings. We might not see eye to eye on everything but it is so nice to know they love me no matter what. So you see in 20 years you guys might be going to see "Grandson of Twilight" together.

351 days to go

Well we did it ,we won. Chelsea and I began decorating for Christmas tonight. I can't tell you how many times Chelsea has been the perfect partner in crime. Sometimes we can be found doing a painting project no one else wants to do. Sometimes we can be found at a play. Sometimes we might be found at arctic circle sharing an order of onion rings, or feeding some ferrel cats etc. etc. You just never know what will tickle our fancy next.

352 days to go

It's a proud night to be of the LDS faith!!!! Our own little Donny Osmond made it through to the finals on Dancing With The Stars. I must say I am certain my votes made the difference. I only wish they had a cute little sticker I could wear that says,"I VOTED".

353 days to go

I have done some silly things. I think it is time to list 3 of them. Please feel free to sugest any I may have missed.

1. After having the same name for 45 years I was getting a litttle tired of it. So I decided I wanted to change it. After careful consideration I decided Lewis was a flashy and unusual name. So Lewis it is and Lewis it has been for about 5 years.

2. When I was in my late 20's I was struck with this idea that it would be fun to wear glasses. Nevermind I didn't need glasses, I was able to find a really cute pair. They were just glass and just for fun. I wore them all the time; it was so fun... for a while.

3. When Andrea was a student at the UofU we were invited to a dinner at the home of Bernie Machin. He was the president of the university. When I was sitting at a table a gentleman came over and took the seat next to me. I politly told him the chair was saved so he got up and left. Then all the people around me said in astonishment don't you know who that was? It was President Machin and I had told him where he couldn't sit in his own house. Later we saw him in an elevator and he remembered me, as I apologised he just laughed...thank goodness!!!

354 days to go

Chelsea and I spent the afternoon with grandpa yesterday. It was pretty fun. After taking a tour of his greenhouse we took him with us to NPS. This is one of his favorite stores, if you have never been there you are missing out! All I can say is what an adventure, you never know what may be waiting for you around the next isle. Chelsea was pleasantly surprised. Grandpa was happy and I found some treasures. What a fun day!

355 days to go

I love cold wet and dreary days like today. It is like they give you permission to stay indoors and just be lazy.( maybe even in your p.j.s like Andrea) I think I will go in and build a fire, snuggle under a cozy quilt and enjoy a lazy day.

356 days to go

I like chelsea's entry idea of " what would I do if the world was ending". So I have been thinking of the top 3 things I would do...

1. I would definatly drive to Kneaders and buy 2 mint brownies. I wouldn't be buying 2 because I want to share one with someone I love... no, I would eat them both!!!

2. I would take a good nap.

3. I would tell my family how much I love them. Why wait for the world to end... hey you guys I love you all so much!

357 days to go

I'm sorry ! I just don't care about "New Moon" or old moon or twilight moon. I do feel a little out cast because of it. When I was in the young women's presidency I considered jumping on the Twilight wagon but I just couldn't do it. I'm sorry. Don't get me wrong... I am so happy for all you Twi- hards. I envy your comraudery, but please be sensitive to us non-members.

358days to go

3 things I love about you.....Andrea ( be patient Chelsea )

1. I love your attention to details. This talent really seems to come in handy when it comes to gift giving. You are the best at picking out the perfect presents.

2.Of course your sense of humor. Nobody can make me laugh like Andy. I am talking about the kind of laugh that makes your laffer muscles hurt and gives you an asthma attack. Even when she was a young'in she could just crack me up.

3. I love your devotion to our family. When I recently had a tooth removed Andrea was here when I got home. She tucked me in bed, gave me my medication, and stayed with me until Miguel got home. One example of many. There seems to be nothing Andrea would not do for her family. What a gem!!!

359 days to go

3 things I like about you.... Areta

1. You aren't afraid to challenge authority, even if it is your Blueberry president.

2. You are not afraid to try new things. ex. this!!!

3. You are a loyal friend, and those are hard to find.

360 days to go

3 THINGS I LIKE ABOUT YOU....ADDY

1. I love the way your eyes light up when you see your papa.

2. I love the way you have changed all our lives for the better.

(refer to Andreas post on day 5)

3. I love how you have special things you do with each person in your life. Especially our tap tap tap using our thumb on any surface. Also, our fist clinch, shiver all over greeting. And the way you bait me in, then attack me viciously.

361 days to go

3 THINGS I LIKE ABOUT YOU .....CRYSTAL

1. you are a thinker; I can always trust if you say or think something, you have really given it consideration.

2. you are fun to be around. Your sense of humor is just a little bit different. I like that.

3. you are a wonderful combination of good and bad.

(kinda reminds me of someone else...grama)

362 days to go

Today we went to the semi annual Orchid Society show at Red Butte Gardens. It was beautiful; the weather was perfect the flowers were in fine form, but the best part of all was my family. You see, Chelsea, for some unknown reason has become obsessed with orchids. I think orchids are fine but this girl is a bit of a fanatic. Anyway, there Chelsea and I were at 7am on a saturday ready to assist in the judging. Back to my family... they were all there at the show to show their support for our Chelsea. Isn't that what family is all about? I love my family so much and am so grateful for the love and closeness that we share. Keep it up guys!

363 days to go

today I have been thinking about my mom. I miss her; she has been gone for a long time now. She died a month ago and though that isn't a long time she suffered from Alzheimer's disease for years. She was a wonderful person and I hope my children will always remember her. These are three of the things I loved most about her: 1. She loved to sing. Now I can say I love that about her. When I was a teen ager however, I didn't like it so much. I can remember being in our big car with my friends as my mom would be driving us somewhere, and just hoping my mom wouldn't bust out in song. She usually did. Shame on me. My friends thought my mom was great and loved it when she would sing. I miss her song. 2. She was slightly rebellious. This trait of hers has taught me to look at things in different ways, and to think things through, and to think for myself. 3. She was a proud Democrat in a state full of Republicans. Way to go mom!

Presure 364 days to go

I am feeling tremendous pressure. I love the idea of this challenge, (365 blog entries), but I am surrounded by such creative and smart people in this family. It makes me a little apprehensive to participate. So, I am going to start small and hopefully as I get a little more confident I will become totally elaborate and extravagant with pictures and amazing entries etc. etc. Here goes.... first entry!

Today Abby was having a hard time with potty training. After the second accident I said, Abby this does not make grandma happy. Abby quickly said to me, grama be happy!!

So there ya go, it is as easy as that, just be happy. Now it is my goal every day to just remember to "be happy".