Maxwell had a Birthday!

With all the excitement of the week I had a difficult time remember which day it was.  That always happens when I am out of school.  (No schedule, no day!)  But yesterday was a very important day for us.  It was the birthday of Maxwell.  He is a big 6 years old now.  I can't believe that he is so big.  He goes to kindergarten and is growing so much.  He loves life and is always laughing, although his mom and dad say that he is sometimes a stinker.  (I really don't believe them at all ;)  He is a special boy in our family and we love him very much.  Happy Birthday, Max!

Wonderful Holiday

We are un-winding after a great holiday week.  We traveled a lot, visited a lot, traveled some more, ate lots of good food, traveled some more, played with grandchildren, and traveled home.  I'm not sure how many miles we put on that new car of ours, but we are thankful we had the new car and didn't have to worry about the transmission acting up on the old car.  We were thankful we could just climb in and drive and not worry.  Oh, and have a warm car before we got in.  It was a great blessing.

We left home on Friday morning and spent the next three nights in Salt Lake.  Tammy and Nicky are sharing a house so there was plenty of room for Grandma and Grandpa, or Mom and Dad, whichever way you look at it.  Tammy and Josh were so gracious to have a big dinner for us on Saturday night (I think that was what day it was!).  Grandpa and the boys had a sleep over in the living room on Friday night, with Lexi spending some of the night with them.  Grandma (me :) slept downstairs at Nicky's place, but moved over when Grandpa came down early in the morning with a backache from the blow-up bed.  I had opted for sleeping on the couch that night, which was very comfortable.  We spent Saturday playing with the kids while I hurried to finish up the Christmas present for Garth.  He has been asking for an afghan with a pocket in the bottom for his feet for several years, so this year that is what he got.  I had to design it myself, and I'm not sure I really like the way it turned out, but that is what he wanted.

Saturday night we watched as the kids opened their gifts from us.  They were so excited for their new pajamas.  We then helped them get to bed and zonked out ourselves.  We were up bright and early the next morning, but had to wait for the kids to wake up.  With the exception of Kayden, who we had to quickly hustle downstairs before he torn open all his toys.  He was a sneaker and went out into the living room to check it all out before waking up the others. 

We hurried down to Lehi to watch Tyler and Grayson open a few gifts.  Tyler was so fun to watch, and Grayson didn't understand all the fuss. 

We returned to Tammy's and went to their church for Sunday Sacrament meeting.  It was a nice program of music.  I have to admit that it was easy for me to rest my head on the wall and fall asleep for a few minutes.  Oh, well.  I didn't have to play any of the music!

After Sacrament meeting we drove to Logan to take our gifts up to them.  They were home from their church meetings and having a relaxing time. (as much as you can relax on Christmas).  We played with their toys, and put together Lego stuff.  We got as many kisses from Isaac as we could get, hugs from both Morgan and Maxwell, then we took off back to Salt Lake.

Monday afternoon we loaded up our stuff, added a few things of Nicky's, and traveled back to Logan where we spent the next two night.  On Tuesday morning we attended the temple with Barrett and Chantel, along with their children, to witness the sealing of Isaac to their family.  It was a wonderful event!  It was great to see Morgan and Maxwell sitting with their parents on the beautiful settee (is that what it is called or is it just a couch?) Morgan was so pretty in her white crocheted dress, if I do say so myself (Yes, I made it!)  I am waiting for her mom to post a picture so I can post it here.  Max was so excited about his tie that matched his dad's.  And Isaac, what can we say except that he was all smiles and slobbers, which is his trade-mark!  He was so happy, as always!  It was a beautiful sealing, so quick and to the point.  But a priesthood ordinance that is necessary for him to join their forever family.

It was also a great time for Garth and I to have so many of our children in the temple with us.  We were missing two very special people, but we know that some day they will be there with us.  We pray for that blessing every night and know that some day it will happen.  Until then, we will just do what we need to do to be able to be worthy ourselves.

After the temple sealing we all met at their home where Isaac was officially given a name and blessing by his father with all the priesthood brethern there in the circle.  Because Isaac was so big and squirmy, Chantel was able to sit in the middle of the circle and hold him.  It was a beautiful site.  Afterwards, we ate lots of great food and visited with family and friends.

Nicky went home with Tammy and her children, and we spent the night resting because Wednesday morning we were back to the temple for another family wedding.  Our niece was married in the exact same room we had been in the day before!  I love that room because of the beautiful green altar, the green carpeting, and the green walls.  Such a beautiful soft shade of green.  Traci was beautiful in her wedding dress and she looked so happy.  I'm sure it was a great day for Mary and Cleve to have all their children in the temple together. 

We enjoyed the wedding dinner afterward where we were able to visit with family and friends.  It was nice to sit at the table large enough for all of the family (minus Mary and Cleve) so we could visit and catch up on every ones families.  All-in-all, it was a great day.

We are now back home and wondering when we get to vacation, or rest from our holiday break.  I guess the next few days will be our rest time.

I look at the things I need to accomplish this next year and I am already tired.  I am finishing up a baby blanket I started last week (for a niece), learned that another niece is having a first baby so I need to do another one.  There is also another wedding in February that I must get an afghan done for.  And some Christmas stockings to do.  I think my hands will be busy the next 12 months.  I think I will love it! 

I am so thankful for all the wonderful things that have happened this past month.  I am hoping for many more in the months to come.

Just Some Random Thoughts

Garth told me it is time for an update, so since I love him and do EVERYTHING he tells me to do, I will write something.

Our life has just been filled with daily things.  Since our fun weekend with our family we have gone through many different emotions and experiences.  We didn't come home to Orangeville after the fun weekend in Salt Lake.  After the time at This is The Place Park, we spent another night in Salt Lake, then headed to Logan to attend our grandchildren's Primary Program.  Of course, it was great because they were wonderful. :)  We stayed there for a few more days because Barrett was going in for surgery that you can read about here on his wife's blog.  We are happy to say that the many prayers and people fasting have helped us see a miracle of health.  As far as we know, things are going well for him. 

We also had a great time with Barrett, Chantel, and the kids here for a weekend.  We so appreciate the time they have spent with us, and so thankful for them for helping us in so many ways.  We can't thank them enough.  They are working with all our children to help us do some of the things we have not been able to do here in our home.  We are humbled by the ways our kids are helping us, and we so appreciate it.  We love you all and pray for all of you to be blessed with those blessing that are waiting for you.

Today, we went to stake conference, which seemed really strange because we just had stake conference last month.  I'm sure there hasn't been another time when we have met as a stake twice within 2 months.  The meetings this week were very good.  Last night we listened to a therapist who works with people with addictions, specifically addiction to pornography.  She didn't talk about how to over the addiction, but how to help our loved ones and how we can help others who might be suffering from any addition.  Some of my notes say: 

Kathy Kinghort:
*When people run from emotions, they run to something to replace the emotion. So if they are running from caring, they replace it with something else. 
*We need to face our emotions, call them what they are, and work through them.
*We need to share feelings, especially those that are uncomfortable to talk about.  If we have feelings 'against' a person, especially someone in our family, we must confront the feeling and talk it out with the person.  And an email or facebook message isn't that way to do it.  It just be a phone call or face-to-face talking.  But it shouldn't be confrontational, either, but done in love because family is most important.  It must be done in a loving way, with everyone looking for a solution and working together.
*Don't deny or put the blame on someone else.
*Do not be deceptive.  Be honest. Figure out what emotion you are reacting to, name the emotion, and you can have power over it.  She told a story about how she was traveling to Idaho to present at a group of people.  She wanted to take the 'sporty' car but her husband said she would get a ticket. Se assured him she would drive carefully, but sure enough, she did.  Her immediate thought was "I won't tell my husband." Then she immediately wondered where that deception came from.  She decided it was pride.  Her pride was hurt because he was right, she did get a ticket and was mad that he was right.  She could have paid the fine without him even knowing it, but that would not have been honest.  She called him up and told him right first thing, that she had gotten a ticket, she would pay it, and she didn't want to talk about it any more.  There was no need to discuss it any more, she had faced it, knew it was wrong, told him, then it was time to drop it.  It wouldn't do him any good to laugh at her, get angry at her, anything.  It was over, she knew how he felt, he knew she was honest with him.  That is the way relationships should be. 
*If we are doing things we don't want our spouse to see, (gaming, playing, looking, spending time visiting with someone we shouldn't, etc) we need to be honest with ourself and do what we need to do right at that moment to stop it.
*How do we react to our emotions?  What do the scriptures show us?  All through the scriptures there are example of how people have reacted to the same emotions  we feel today.  Like others, we need to stop, and walk away from evil things.  Like Nephi, we need to confront our loved ones and tell them what they know they should be doing.  Learn to look to the scriptures to find our answers.
*When clients come to her, she explains that they cannot get over an addiction in a day, week, or month.  But they can think, "What do I have to do to stop today?"  Take each day as it comes, and stop for that day. 
*Get on your knees, ask for help.  Don't get on your feet and run away, drop to your knees and ask for help.
*Do not isolate yourself.  Even adults, no matter what the circumstances.  Adults think they can keep computers in a place where no noise from the family bothers them, but no matter what, the computer needs to be in the open where everyone can see. 
*Start talking about feelings.  Ask each other "How did you feel today?"  What made you upset?  What made you happy?  Don't just ask about how school or work was.  Get our children talking about feelings, and seeing how adults work through their feelings.  Everyone has times they are sad, but what do they do about it?  How can we help each other?
*She suggested looking at "salifeline" if we need more help
She said so many things that were good suggestions.  I just couldn't get all of them down. 

We then heard from Sis. Slack, an assistant matron from the Manti Temple.  She spoke of blessings we can get from temple attendance.
*She suggested we read Elder Asay's comments in the 1997 Ensign, as well as Oct. 2010, page 75. 
*We are promised our loved ones will be watched over when we attend the temple.  I remember this from the time we had small children.  That was a great comfort to us when we traveled to the temple.
*Families will be closer to each other.  Another great promise.
*The veil will be thin.

President Slack - There should be a picture of the temple in every one's room.
*The atonement didn't just happen in the garden, but on the cross, and in the tomb.
He made us feel better about our travel to Manti.  He said it is very difficult to get over that mountain.  In fact, he and his wife would be traveling to Salina to get home to Mt. Pleasant because of the storm over the mountain.  He admitted our travel is very difficult, but the Lord recognizes it is so.

President Sharp - I always love to listen to him.  Although the spirit was very strong, as soon as he stood up to talk there wasn't a sound in the place.  It was like the spirit doubled.  All the members of our stake know he loves us so much and always has so much to tell us.  His message was that we need to allow others to repent. 
*We must have faith unto repentance, and love unto forgiveness.
*We must begin where we are, but we don't need to stay there.
*It is our duty to love unto forgiveness.

This morning we listened to a broadcast from Salt Lake, with Tad Callister conducting.  Here are my notes:

David M. McConkie:

*Don't forget the priesthood - A father learns his duty in a quorum. As a priesthood holder, he needs to be in his quorum meeting, where he learns to be a father.  Mothers must be in Relief Society or Primary where they learn to be mothers.

      Garth and I remembered when he was in the Stake Sunday School Presidency and we had a General Authority here for conference.  During the adult meeting on Saturday night, he spoke about the importance of all three church meetings, but really explained how important each one is.  He actually got down on his knees to the left of the podium, leaned against that railing there, pointed to everyone and said "Sunday School is where you study the scriptures.  Be there to learn.  Priesthood and Relief Society is where you learn to be parents.  Be there if you aren't teaching Primary."  He said there was no excuse for not being there.  He said it so pointed, even told bishops, counselors, clerks, presidencies, that there should be no counting of money, no presidency meetings, no interviews, nothing during Sunday time.  Be where you are supposed to be.
*The advisary attacks the home - He isn't at church, but in our homes.  Don't let him win over our homes.
*Kids need parents who love and teach the gospel. 
*Quorums should teach how to teach our children, how to be good parents, and good spouses.
*Don't assume that others know - teach the duties of parents.
*Live so you have the spirit of the Lord with you.

Jean Stevens - General Primary Presidency

*Find ways to make General Conference fun for kids.

*We need to get to higher ground by listening to those who are older and wiser.

*Do not give up if everyone in your family is not holding tight and getting to higher ground.  Go and get them.

*She then quoted a scripture (I think it was Isiah 41: 10) the words to How Firm a Foundation...(I always think in songs.)

Tad Callister - Quorum of the Seventy

*Some homes are simply boarding homes - with no relationships

*The Lord can change your hearts toward each other.

*He strengthens marriages.

*Commit to make it work.
*There is no other alternative - work together.
*Think of it as the "I" principal.  How can "I" be better?  Ask your spouse, How can I be better?
*Communicate with a contrite spirit.
*Blame doesn't change - patience, willingness helps.
*No good in winning an argument and losing a marriage.
*Make each other happy.
*Our spouse needs our time.  Give it to them.
*Courtship after marriage.  But it can happen in the home, not always away from home.
*A husband's willingness to help with household chores shows love.
  He really stressed how a husband MUST help out.  It is no more HER duty.  The home belongs to both.
*Stay out of debt - unnecessary debt to get ahead.
*Speak in kind voices - strengthen the relationship
*Compliment each other.
*Make parenting a joint effort.
*Plan together - family home evenings, schedules for the week, etc.
*Pray together...pray together...pray together
*The Lord can work miracles in our marriages.  He wants to be our partner.  He wants our marriages to work and WILL help us.

Russell M Nelson - Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

*The Lord has need of each of us.

*Bring every one person back.

*Satan would like you to defile your body.

*We are raising our children in Satan's territory.  We must teach our children to overcome it.

*Exercise your own agency.  That is the conflict.

*Body and spirit - our choices determine our happiness.
*Satan never sleeps.  He works at us all the time.
*Consequences - we obey laws because we should.  We will be held accountable for obeying God's laws.
*Secret chambers - shun pornography - it is as addictive as meth.
*We should stand for the right to declare our love of Christ.
*If we are on the Lord's side He will be on our side.  He will help our children and our children's children.  -----I'm going to hold him to this promise!  By making sure I am doing what I need to do to show the Lord I am on his side.  That is the clue...We have to show that we are on His side.
*We must work to show our worthiness.

As usual, we came away from conference with a stronger determination to do better, work together better, to show the Lord that we want to be worthy of the blessing and promises He was ready for us.

Lots of Fun Weekend

Garth and I are still recovering from a weekend of so much fun!  We were so excited to have our family together (minus a few now-and-then).  We used the Fall Break from school to spend this time with family.  It was one of only a few years when we didn't attend any UEA activity.  We had arranged to stay at one of our favorite places, the Staybridge hotel in West Valley City, which has the Grins and Fins swimming pool.  Barrett and his family also stayed there so we had enough swimming passes for everyone.  All of our grandchildren in the same pool at the same time!  So fun!  We then ordered pizza and bread sticks for the whole family and with permission from the hotel manager, we had the dining area for our dinner.  The grandkids were so good and well behaved.  Maybe it was because they were so tired from all their swimming!  They watched the TV while they ate and played together.

Lexi loved playing with the two babies.  Here she is with Isaac.  He is such a fun little guy!

Koy and Kayden watching TV in the hotel dining room while waiting for pizza.

Maxwell, Morgan, and Tyler were anxiously waiting for the food as well.

Grayson was happy with Daddy Dallas holding him. 

Aren't these kids so cute!

The next day my children appeased their mother and went to This Is The Place Heritage Park.  I've wanted to go here ever since my Great-Great-Grandfather's little cabin in Emery was moved to the park.  This turned out to be the perfect time to go.  Because it was just before Halloween, the park was ready with Halloween activities.  Children were encouraged to wear their costumes and given treats at several of the places in the park.

The kids were excited to get their Halloween costumes on!

We got to the park at the perfect time, about 10:00 am.  It was beautiful weather and there weren't many people there yet.  It was a wonderful day!

Lexi kept Grayson entertained while others were off playing games.

Spiderman (aka Maxwell) likes to play the games for candy.  Tyler just like the candy!

Tyler would walk everywhere as long as Grandpa was holding his hand.  Kayden just kept going, encouraging everyone to follow him.

Morgan showed Tyler how to toss into the pumpkins.  Tyler had such fun playing with his cousins.

Everyone was waiting to listen to the old witch tell her stories.  Nicky loved to play with that little duck.......Isaac.

Listening to the witch tell the story.

It must have been a great story!

We finally found our way to the Emery County Cabin.  This cabin was moved from Emery to the park a few years ago. My great-great Grandfather Casper Christensen lived with his family in this cabin.  He was called to be a postman in Emery. Casper was the grandfather of my Grandma Olsen. 

Here I am with my husband and our 8 grandchildren, descendants of Casper Christensen.  This children are six generations away from Casper Christensen.  How time changes what we view as 'acceptable.'  Casper lived in this small cabin with eight children, just as my eight grandchildren.  I can't imagine what that must have been like, but I am sure the family was very thankful for what they had.  When the kids started running back to the street to go to the next place, I was a bit overcome with thankfulness for the sacrifice that Casper Christensen and his wife, Maren, for coming to this country from Denmark, living in Minnesota where 4 of his children were born, then moving to Spring City in San Pete County, later to move to Emery County and establish his home here.  His daughter, Annie married and lived in Emery, welcoming a daughter, Melva to their family.  Melva married Neldon Olsen and moved to Rochester, or 'out on the flat' or the 'blue hill'.  Melva and Meldon had a daughter named Nellie Ann, who is my mother.  These people shaped my live and are a part of who I am today. 

I Believe in Prayer

Because I believe that prayers are answered, I continue to pray for blessings to come to my family.  I have seen many years of prayers for my family being answered in little small steps the past few months.  I see these answers as little steps to a happier future for us.  I also know that to receive answers we must work for them.  But praying means we have faith, or are developing faith.  And faith precedes miracles.  If we pray, and then work with all our hearts, we develop faith, which allows miracles to happen. 

So we are again praying for blessing to come the way of our son and his family.  Barrett was recently diagnoses with Myasthenia gravis.  Since the average ago of people with this condition is 60 years old, he really doesn't fit the profile, but then, my son is exceptional and nothing is average for him.  He just finished his residency in pediatric medicine and has joined a practice in Logan.  He has a young family of three children.  His wife wrote a beautiful post explaining more about this situation.  Please read her story on her personal blog.

He is scheduled for surgery next week to remove the tumor that is located in his chest.  I have faith that everything will be fine as soon as this is removed and that he will be able to return to his family and continue with his medical practice.  But prayers are always welcomed and needed.  And with prayers, everything is possible. 

Happy Birthday Kayden!

Another October birthday!  Today is Kayden's seventh birthday.  What a special young man.  He is so kind and tender-hearted.  He is a big helper to his parents, and loves to play with his siblings.  He is a good reader and does well in school.  He has progressed so much from the little tiny sick baby to a big healthy first grader.  He loves to play soccer and runs everywhere he goes.  We love you Kayden!  Happy birthday to you!  (This picture is from Kayden's Make a Wish party.  His wish was sponsored by West Jordan student council.  They were such wonderful students and made his day so special.)

Happy Birthday to Koy!

Today is our Koy-Boy's birthday.  He is such a go-getter.  I love his deep, husky voice and his innocent love.  He is so busy with everything he does, but so thoughtful and helpful.  He just goes about doing whatever it is he is doing, without thinking of the consequences.  He just wants to do it!  He keeps his mom and dad busy chasing after him, but life would be just too simple if he wasn't around.  Grandma and Grandpa think he is wonderful and we want to wish him a very happy birthday!  See you next weekend for some family fun!  Love ya, Koy.

Happy Birthday to Tyler

I had this post all ready to go, then realized it was on my school blog!  I had forgotten to log out of that account and into the new one I had to create for my personal use.  Silly me!  Here it goes again :)

Happy birthday to Tyler!
We are so excited to see the progress Tyler is making.  He is learning so much and is so excited about life.  What other little boy greets you at the door with "Ohhhh!  Hello!  I am so glad to see you!" Or "I am so glad you could come!"  He is so sincere in his love for others.  Tyler did make us sad one day.  He wanted to go with Grandpa so he grabbed Grandpa's hand and started walking toward the car.  He was so upset when he found out he was not going with Grandpa.  He cried and threw a fit like only Tyler can do.  You have to laugh at him being so dramatic, but it was also so touching that he loves his Grandpa so much.  Tyler, we are so proud of you, and love you so much!  Happy birthday, big guy!

Just Thinking

Warning!  This ended up being very long.  Proceed at your own risk of boredom.

I always seem to be troubled by some things that others might think are silly, childish things.  Maybe it is all a lack of faith, but I really don't think so because faith is trust for things not seen that are true, and I really trust that the things I am not 'seeing' are true and that someday I will understand the whys that I question.  I go about my days trusting that what I know to be true really is true. 

I'm not talking about the 'big' things like "Is the church true?"  "Did Joseph Smith really see God and Jesus Christ."  I honestly believe that with all my soul.  Yes, I know the Book of Mormon was written by ancient prophets, and it was guarded, protected, and carefully buried and watched to come from obscurity in our time to help us understand the importance of Christ in our life.  I know all that.  My problem lies in myself and I guess you can say my faith in myself. 

I know that when a person suffers from depression of any type, the truth is very blurred.  I went through a time when I was very depressed and it took many years for me to see that things weren't as bad as I believed them to be.  In the meantime my children grew up with me, and my husband, going to church, going to the temple, doing all those things that our society does to keep our faith strong.  But I wavered.  And I suffered silently.  But somehow I overcame it, I guess. 

I can't tell you when or how, but I finally climbed out of the dark tunnel and kept going.  I didn't see a big light showing me the way, but I wasn't in darkness any more and could at least get out of bed without crying every day.  But sometimes the blackness comes back and covers my world for a few days.  But I just keep going, knowing that it is just temporary and I can function.

I know I shouldn't think too much about my church callings or I go into that place again.  That dark place.  I know that people would be happy to never have a church job, never be asked to give a lesson, never be responsible for anything in the church.  But one of my questions is, "Why do we congratulate people when they are called to certain positions?"  If a church position isn't a sign of confidence in their ability to do the job, or an honor to be bestowed to someone, why do we see so many members pat the newly called person on the back and say their congratulations?  Congratulations for what?  I just don't understand that.   And I know it is because I have had the same calling for 25-30 years, so long that I can't remember when it started.  I do know it was when my niece, Chelsie, was in third grade and we changed into our present ward.  (I know because that was when I took a few weeks out of teaching to have an operation and Bishop Huntington waited for me to return to school before he set me apart for sitting at the organ, and Chelsie was in my class that year.  Fun what things we remember and associate with.)

I know I have talked about it before, but I just don't understand it.  We are told to not ask to be released from callings, and I really don't want to be released.  I just wonder if this is the only place for me in the church.  And it is a good place, don't get me wrong.  I love playing the music and I humbly say I know people enjoy my music.  I know I feel the music and bear my testimony through it all the time.  That is a talent the Lord has blessed me with and one I enjoy sharing.  (I just wish my piano at home was tuned so I can play again here at home!)  I love being the organist and don't want to change that.  But have I grown from it?  I don't think so.  I can't get up in testimony meeting and say "My family has been so blessed because of my calling."  "I have grown so much in this church job."  ....... 

I know people will say that I don't need those challenges, and I should be glad I don't have to do any studying, or worrying about lessons, etc.  And, really, I am glad for that.  I just need to learn that my growth must come from me, because I want it, not because I have to give a lesson on it.  I just wonder about my own self-worth.  I hear people go up to the Relief Society teacher and tell them what a good job they did on the lesson, that they learned or felt something wonderful.  I'm sure it makes them feel good that they were able to help people feel the spirit.  When was the last time someone went up to the organist and told them they felt the spirit through their music?  I can only think of one person in the past 30 years (besides my husband) who has commented on listening to the prelude music and feeling the spirit.  Heck, most people don't even hear it at all.....

All of this isn't even really what I was going to write about tonight.  It just happened to flow from my fingers, so please forgive me for my ramblings, but they are MY thoughts anyway, so I can write what I want. :)

All of this just gives a look into my self-esteem and my wondering why I feel like I don't count in the whole scheme of things.  I see so many blessings for my family members, so much strength that they have gained from the trials they have had to endure.  I know many of them still have questions about why they are given the trials they have, but I can see so much strength and wisdom in each of them.  So I just keep trudging on, trusting in the Lord that it is all good and right.  Knowing that He will keep His promises if I will only do what I know I should do.  Which brings me to my point of all of this.

I guess I have to say it was an answer to prayers for me, or a revelation, or whatever.  I know it is a tender mercy or a divine signature. (Yes, I read that book and loved it!) A friend on Facebook had a link to a blog that looked interesting, so I checked it out.  (Thanks, Pat Fairbanks!)  I know I can't do it justice here so if you are interested I hope you read it. It is "The Gospel According to Scott."  The think I learned is this:  Sister Teresa, the wonderful nun who lived in poverty and accepted the calling to teach the people of India, one of the most admirable women on earth, she also wavered and felt left alone by the Savior.  She didn't feel the spirit when she thought she should, but she kept on going, knowing that she was doing what was right.  She felt she had been deserted and that the Lord had left her to go through her life without him.  But she still did what was right, with faith that everything would work out for her good.  And then she learned the lesson that she had to learn.  But it was really a lesson for me.

She, and I, felt that way so we can understand how the Savior feels when we leave him.   When we feel like everything is in doubt, that even the Lord doesn't care about little old us, that was how He felt when he was forced to suffer his great trial all by himself. And He did it just for us.  He know how we feel, lonely and unwanted and unloved, because He also felt that way.  And he feels that way if we don't try to keep close to Him.  Why would I want to step away from Him and make Him feel like He isn't important to me?  By simply doing what is right, making the choices that I know I should make, keep on doing what I am supposed to do, "fake it until you make it" as they say.  By doing all this, I am showing Him that I will someday be worthy of His care.  I shouldn't need people to tell me they feel the spirit through my music.  I shouldn't need people to congratulate me for a calling that I don't have.  I don't need someone to say they were miraculously inspired to come and visit me, or call me, or sit by me in church.  I just need to know that He cares, even when I feel He doesn't.  Someday I will feel it. 

Someday I will.  And until then, I'll keep going to church, going to the temple, paying my tithing, going to all three meetings each Sunday, doing my genealogy and Family Search Indexing, reading my scriptures, taking meals to people who need help, cleaning the church when it is our turn,  and yes, playing the organ. By doing this and so much more, I am showing the Lord I will be there for him, that He isn't alone because I will be there.  And I know that in the long-run, He will give me the blessings I was promised. 

It's a Small World

Wow.  Two posts in one day.  A record.

I know I have written about a blog that I enjoy reading.  It is called Sentiments by Sophia.  I don't remember how I ran across her blog, but I have been reading it for over three years now, probably four years.  I get tired just reading about how much Sophia does in a day.  I don't know if I am jealous, amazed, or just tired after reading her adventures.  She appears to be very creative, always doing all out for everything she does.  She really decorates for parties and holidays and puts in all the little touches that I am not talented to do.  She seems to make everything look great.  I read her entries almost every day.  If I have missed a few days, I will read back and catch up on what is happening to her and her family.  But I'm not the only one in the world to do so.  I know that she has many followers. 

Anyway, because of school I haven't had time to read up blog the past few weeks so one day last week I took a bit of time for myself to catch up on the adventures of Sophia.  I knew that she was hosting a bridal shower a few weekend ago, so I knew that I would see pictures of the fun decorations, table-scapes, and food.  Scrolling backwards I first came to the entry for the wedding of her nephew, Tyson. Looking at that picture of them coming out of the Logan Temple, I recognized his new bride!  She is a girl from here in Orangeville, was one of my third-graders, I taught piano to her, she is in my ward.....I knew that girl!  It was Carol Ann Snow!  What a surprise.  I looked back to the bridal shower and sure enough, there she was!  (The decorations were cute, too.)

Now I was more than excited to go to the wedding reception here, not just to congratulate CarolAnn on her wedding, but to meet the family of Sophia.  We stopped into the reception early because we had to go to the football game (Garth was on gate duty).  I was kindly introduced to CarolAnn's new mother-in-law, the sister-in-law to Sophia.  We had a nice conversation about Sophia, as well as the bride and groom. 

It was then that I realized that CarolAnn's new last name is Barrett, the same name as my son's first name.  Another small world.  Then I found out that they live in Providence, which is near Millville, so I asked her if she happens to know my nephew, Devon.  She was so excited about Devon!  She said she had asked him out to a Girl's Choice Dance when they were in high school.  She was good friends with Devon's wife, Lee.  In fact, she and Lee went to nursing school together.  She told me that Lee was helping her son, Tyson, to get an internship with the doctor that she works with.  (Barrett also did some work with Dr. O'very).  I told her that my son was now a doctor, working at Pediatric Care, and she got really excited again!  She knows the doctors there very well, and in fact, she thinks she has met "the new doctor" just recently. 

So, be careful how you act.  You never know who knows someone you know.  Always be on your best behavior.  And read Sentiments of Sophia.

The Mystery Has Been Solved.

A few days ago I wrote about the mysterious spot that appears on my clothes every morning.  I just couldn't figure out where it was coming from.  I got lots of suggestions: everything from my air-conditioning unit (good suggestion), to drool (nope).  It would appear out of the blue.  I tried to be aware of everything I was doing, checking myself constantly, but never finding out when the spot actually occured.  I would always see it 'after the fact'.  It was just 'there'. 

Friday morning, there it was again!  So frustrating!  I wiped it off, got out my hair blower, dried it off, and went to school.  After school we went early to a wedding reception prior to going to the football game at the high school where Garth was on gate-duty.  I decided since I was going to be close up to the bride (wanted to give her a hug) I would brush my teeth.  I went to the bathroom, stood at the sink, looked down at my shirt.  No spot.  I picked up my toothbrush, held it in my hand for a minute while I reached for the toothpaste, looked in the mirror, put and realized I needed to comb my hair.  I put the toothbrush on the counter, reached for the comb, looked in the mirror to comb through my hair, and there was that darn spot!  It had to be somewhere from the toothbrush to the comb.

I picked up the toothbrush, put it back in the holder.  Picked it up again, ..... and noticed that there was a big drip forming on the end of the handle.  That was it!  I have a ceramic toothbrush holder.  Apparently with all the moisture in the house from the air-conditioner, the moisture was causing the inside of the holder to retain moisture.  The inside of the holder isn't sealed off like the outside, so the clay has colored the moisture.  When the toothbrush sits in the holder all day the handle gets drops of the moisture on it.  When I lift it up and hold it in my right hand, it drips the moisture onto my shirt, causing me to go crazy! 

Such a little think making me go crazy!  But, using all my detective skills that I have acquired as a mom and a teacher, I was finally able to solve it.  I'm so proud of myself!  Now, I need to go get a new toothbrush holder.  What kind do you recommend?

Happy Birthday, Nancy!

Another birthday, another year older.  Happy birthday to Nancy.  I am sure this will be a great year with your new baby, Tyler going to school, and all those fun things that are happening.  It will also have its challenges, I'm sure.  But remember that everything must have its opposites so we can enjoy the good.  Have a great day!  (I can't even say, "It's in the mail." because it isn't.  It's on the cupboard.  But, hey, it has been a busy, tiring week.  Have a great day! 

No picture because I can't find one without searching all through everything.  I saw one I thought I saved, but I guess I didn't because it isn't coming up.  Where is that picture Stephanie had of you holding Grayson?  I guess you are saved for another time.  At any rate.  Have a great birthday!

Mystery in the Labrum House

We have a mystery here at our house.  A silly mystery, no doubt, but you know the kind when something keeps happening and you can't find the cause and it drives you crazy?  That mind of mystery.  Let me explain.

I keep getting stains and spots on my clothes.  No mystery there.  But lately I have noticed the same spot every morning.  Now, it is not just a spot that you can say, "Oh, look.  A spot."  It is more like I have spilled something on my shirt, or dress.  But it is always the same thing.  And it only comes on my clothes in the mornings.  Every, single, day!  It isn't the color of anything I eat, so I'm not spilling my breakfast.  It is kind of a green-brown-tan color and slightly moist.  And not just a spot, but it leaves stuff.  Like you can touch it and feel the stuff, like a bit of jam or something.

I keep trying to figure out what I am doing when the stuff gets there, but I never see it until afterward, and I'm not doing anything at that time.  I think back, "What was I doing," and can't figure out where it came from, what it is, or when it got there. 

I thought it might be my make-up, a little bit falling on my front. (The spot is where my chest catches dropped things.)  So I started putting on my make-up before I left the bathroom after I showered.  Sorry, no shirt on there.  But no spot left either.

I have learned in the past that I need to cover my clothes with a "bib" when I eat because I was always spilling something, but I was aware of that.  I know if I don't cover up when eating, I'll have my food on my shirt, or at least a piece of it.  But this spot comes after I eat.

This morning I thought, "I'm going to find that little bugger!"  I checked my shirt when I sat down to eat.  No spot.  I covered up, ate, took off the cover.  No spot.  I took my plate to the sink, took my meds, went into brush my teeth, looked down, and there was that spot again!  For the life of me I can't figure it out.  I can't tell what it is, where it comes from, when it gets there, anything! 

A funny thing.  On Sunday Garth had that same spot on his white shirt when he got to church, only it was under his tie!  Thought it must be from the sink where we brush our teeth, but, NO.  It couldn't get up where my spot is from there.  And it was there before I brushed my teeth.

Now, mind you, this didn't just start happening the past few days.  It has been going on for months.  Where is that spot coming from?  Any suggestions?

Tender Mercy

I have been feeling really down the past three week, even though wonderful things have happened.  It was so exciting to get new grandsons in our family, but sad that we don't live closer so we can rock them more often.  This past month has been difficult financially with the high gas prices and the quick trips we have needed to take.  This, along with health problems has taken a toll on my emotions and I haven't been myself the past week.  But something very nice happened the other day that lifted up my spirits quite a bit.

Garth and I took our annual trip to Wal-mart to pick up school supplies.  That in itself is a bit dis-heartening because teachers just shouldn't have to purchase supplies with their own money.  However, we have learned that any items we really need for the first day of school need to  be purchased, not ordered.  If I put these items in a supply order, it is very likely they would not be here in time to get things prepared for students.  So, that requires me to purchase them myself when Wal-Mart has school supplies on sale. 

A few years ago I purchased the composition notebooks I wanted early in August, only to find them on a better sale a few weeks later.  I was able to return to the store with my sales receipt and get an adjustment on my cost, which was very nice.  So the next week I decided to wait until the "better" sale came up.  It never did and the notebooks were all gone by the time I got there.  The last few years I have just picked them up the first week in August and saved my receipt to return it if needed. 

So, here it was, the first week of August.  Paycheck had been deposited, so off to Price we went.  When we walked in, I headed in the general direction where the supplies were usually located, then remembered that the store had been remodeled and the school supplies were located right in the front, so we turned our shopping cart around and went to the front of the store.  We found the composition notebooks right there on the end of the first aisle. 

While starting to count out the twenty (yes, only twenty this year) I needed, I heard someone say, "I'm just going to talk with these people for a minute."  I kept on counting, then heard the statement again and felt a hand on my shoulder.  I turned around and there was a blessing from heaven!  My old roommate, Marilee!  What a great moment to be able to visit with her and her daughter for a while. 

Marilee told us that our chance meeting was even more of a miracle than just us being at the same place at the same time.  She was staying in Price that night because they were going to some meeting and decided not to go on to Monticello where they live.  Then she had gotten there earlier but had to return to their motel because she had forgotten her wallet.  So to actually be there at the same time was certainly a blessing. 

It was so good to talk with her again.  We lived together at Weber State for one year.  We got together because of a mutual friend, Joy Lynn.  Joy and Marilee had spent some time together at a workshop at Snow College the year before she came to Weber State.  When Joy found out Marilee was looking for a place to live, she suggested to Marilee that she contact me.  I might have all the facts a bit mixed up after .....years, but none-the-less, we ended up in the same apartment.  It was a very fun year and we became good friends.  We drove home several times together.  I would drop her off in Price where her parents would pick her up to take her on to Monticello.  We had some good talks and great fun that year.

Marilee and I even drove up to Logan one weekend where we stalked out the two guys we both ended up marrying!  Rick was just an old friend, according to Marilee, and Garth was on his mission, but we drove up to visit with Rick, then out to Lewiston to see where Garth's family lived.  I remember we drove past Duane and Kaye's house and waited for a lady to cross the street to pick up her mail.  Little did I realize that she would later be my sister-in-law.  One of our great adventures!

There has been a few times when our paths have crossed the past few years.  She was here in Emery County one fall for meeting with the District Health Department.  We all met at Joy's house:  Marilee, Joy Lynn, me, and Dixie Fielder who was another roommate at Weber State.  It just was the next year that JoyLynn passed away.  I called Marilee that morning and told her.  We had a good cry together.

Such good times together.  I am so glad we were there that evening in Price, that she had forgotten her wallet, that our paths crossed at that aisle.  We could have both been in that store and never have seen each other.  It helped me feel happy to see her again.  And her sweet daughter who loved Garth to tease her.  I am thankful for a great friend.

Happy Birthday to Grayson !

We are excited to have our new grandson enter the world!  Grayson was born July 12 weighing in at 6 pounds 4 ounces and 18 inches long.  He is a doll!  It will be fun to watch his personality develope.  We are looking forward to fun times with Tyler and Grayson!

Grayson Nichols Brown



All my other pictures are on my phone and I haven't figured out how to transfer them to the computer yet, but let me assure you, he is very handsome.  He looks a lot like his older brother.  Tyler was so proud of him, but when asked if he wanted to touch him he would say, "No, never!" We know that it won't be long before he picks him up and tried to carry him to his mom or dad.  Isn't that how all kids get welcomed into the family? 

Hello to Grayson!  We love you very much.

Happy Birthday

Here's a happy birthday to my son, Barrett.  Let's see, how old are you?  Thirty-two?  Really?  Has it been that long since you were a little baby in your mother's arms?  The little boy who was waited and anticipated for over 23 years by the entire Ware family?  Well, now you have finally grown up and as you say, you have a real job, and an honorable one at that.  We are proud of you and your wife, and all you two have accomplished the past 10 years, especially those three beautiful babies.  Happy Birthday!  (Look.  Even when you were young your head was too big for your hat.  More like your Grandpa Ware in many ways.)

Busy Doing Nothing

Is it true that you can do nothing and still be busy?  We have been.  We really haven't accomplished much, or should I say "I" haven't accomplished much, but we have been busy. 

Last week was spent in Moab going to workshops.  Now, Moab is an okay place if you are a hiker or a tree hugger, which neither of us can claim to be.  We love trees, and scenery, but with our wonderful legs hiking is out of the question.  We had driven around Arches National Park when we were at USEA a few years ago, and we didn't think the arches had really changed very much over two years, so we didn't opt for that drive again.  So what did we do?  Just rested, and it was wonderful.

We arrived on a Sunday evening, got our rooms, which were on the second floor with no elevators, which isn't bad, but I wasn't breathing well, and .... well, we are totally out of shape.  No oxygen at night, and so many falls doesn't help my stair climbing.  But we both survived. 

We drove down main street in Moab trying to find where the delicious smell was coming from.  I tell you, Moab at night smells so good!  We decided it was Pasta Jay's garlic we were smelling, so we stopped for a bite to eat.  We decided on the shrimp gardn salad which fed 2-3 people.  It was delicious, but the garlic bread was even better!  It really lived up to its smell. 

Monday I started my 4-day marathon of Common Core classes, learning everything we need to know about only the writing standard in the language arts core.  The instructors tried to make it interesting, and they had lots of ideas, but it wasn't the best, most thrilling workshop to attend.  They didn't have the supplies there to give us, so it was difficult for the instructors to present what they wanted us to do.  We were the first group of Core Academy workshops and for some reason the supplies weren't there yet.  Oh, wait.....They did arrive, but the state people gave all the third grade supplies to the 4th grade teachers!  It appears that they came in a box marked "2-4 presenters", and since the second grade teachers said they hadn't ordered them, the box was taken to the 4th grade presenters, who were just sitting in for other presenters who couldn't be there.  They didn't know what had been ordered so, since it was brought in to them, they gave them out.  Hence, third grade got nothing!  I just happened to see Rolene, a fourth-grade teacher, sitting in the hallway reading the book we were supposed to have.  I told on her.  I told the presenters that a 4th grade teacher got their books so why didn't we get ours, since they were the same book?  She got big-eyed and said she would check into it, and came back with the above story.  She was mad!  But happy I had found out about the book.  Now we just have to wait for the state to send our books to our district, then for the district to get them off to us.  What a time!

On Monday night we went for a drive around the other end of Moab.  There are some amazing homes out there!  We found a fun little place to eat called The Branding Iron.  There weren't many people there, but the food was great!  We had a salmon with a barbecue sauce that was wonderful. 

One thing about Moab.  They haven't allowed "big-name" stores or eateries in.  All the restaurants are small, home-town places.  Not really small, some are hold large crowds, but they are in old buildings and can look like old shacks on the outside, but nice on the inside.  There is every type of food you can imagine.  We had fish, Mexican, Italian, steaks, and salads.  On Tuesday we had Mexican at the La Haciendas and it was really good.  Could have eaten more there!  On Wednesday we went to Moab Brewery where I had honey-almond chicken which was wonderful!  And Garth had a very good steak.  I wasn't to up on the home brewed cream soda and root beer, but it was alright. 

We spent time just eating, and visiting with each other.  One day Garth went to the golf course and said he had a good time.  Other than that, we just spent time together driving around and being with each other.  It was wonderful. 

Since our return Garth had worked on the yard and gotten it in shape, which was good because this week he wrecked up his knee!  The doc says it could be an ACL problem.  We are waiting on the ok for an MRI for the final decision.

Me, well, I was a klutz again and fell in my classroom.  What was I doing there?  Getting ready for two days of planning and work with the third grade teachers.  Yes, we work while on vacation.  Doesn't everyone? 

After two days of work, Garth and I took off to Provo to a check-up with his dermatologist.  His cancerous spot on his back looks like it was all cut out and should be fine.  Just regular check ups for a while.  Then we drove to Salt Lake for our annual eye examines and spent a fortune for contacts and glasses.  Why do they have to be so expensive?  I know why we didn't update my contacts, or get glasses every year when we had children in glasses and contacts.  The Opticare coverage has changed so much it doesn't help like it used to.  I know most of it is because of our terrible eyes, but it is crazy! 

We came home with paint for our bedroom, bathroom, and hallway, so I guess we will be busy getting those areas of the house done.  Who says summer is a time to relax!

Back Home

We spent four days in Moab together which was a wonderful thing for us.  I was attending Core Academy learning about the new Common Core writing standard, so Garth got to just hang out all through the day.  However, he was busy taking care of me most of the time. 

I am sure I have the most wonderful husband in the world because he was there making sure I had everything I needed, and that I was able to get to my room and settled in for the time there.  My classroom was on the second floor with lots of stairs to climb,  Being without my cute big oxygen machine at night made my legs not work very well (muscles need air, you see).  That, and with my terrible size, knees, ankle, lungs, and everything combined made going up and down those stairs too tramatic to even think about.  But, my wonderful husband who knows how to take care of people, arranged for me to get a key to the elevator to keep for the entire time we were there.  He also got me a chair to keep my leg up (swelling became a big issue during the week).  He was there to help me get to the lunchroom (downstairs), and back up to the room, and out the door at the end of the day.  I am so glad he was there and not concerned about going off hiking the trails or sight-seeing.  He was able to get in nine-holes of golf, but the next day he paid for it with a sore back.

We loved just riding around the area together, and eating in a different place every night.  We ate salmon, enchiladas, chicken, steak, and salads.  Main Street in Moab smells wonderful with all the different fragrances from all the ethnic food there.  Our biggest decision all evening was which one we would go to.  We picked some very good places and had great food.  The company and conversation was even better.  It is nice that we can spend some time together and still enjoy each others company.  I am lucky to have a husband who still wants to be with me after all these years. 

I love you, dear!

Busy, busy, busy

What happens when I don't post often on my blog?  I get so behind with things that I don't know where to start.  I could say I will turn a new leaf and promise to write more.  I know that I should.  I could use the blog as a journal, but I don't.  I follow the daily blog of a very sweet lady in Smithfield.  She keeps a wonderful  blog.  I don't read her blog every day because she makes me so tired.  But I try not to get to "behind" because she has some wonderful reminders, and I like her ideas.  I like the way her blog is her journal.  But I'm sure I would never find the daily time to write, even though I am at my computer every day. 

I just need to quit being a "viewer and doer" and start being more actively involved with my own writing. I am now so far behind that I can't find a place to start.

Since school let out I have been doing little catch-up jobs around the house.  Things like getting the finances up-to-date on the computer, which meant I had to find an old CD with our finance program on it and install it on the newer computer because the older one is really on it's last leg.  Which makes me a bit upset because we had just purchased a really nice large monitor for it, and within one month the computer started doing bad things.  I might get it fixed up and take it to school to give me one more 'slow" computer for my students to work on.  I'll see if it is even up to doing that.  Not a bad idea, actually. 

It was so cold after school let out that we didn't go on our annual camping trip, but my short-term memory is not so good and right now I can't remember what we did!  No laughing at me, please!  I know we went somewhere, and did something, but I can't remember what it was.  I know we stopped in Provo and bought Garth two new suits.  It was a good deal...buy one and get the second for $100.  But they didn't say how expensive the first one was.   And white shirts were on sale....and the ties looked really nice and we couldn't decide on one or two........ We'll just say that they were more than the bedroom set we purchased.  But he deserved it, and needed them because his old one is....well, old and worn out. 

Oh, I remember now where we went.  Sorry I forgot.  We went to North Salt Lake for the funeral of our son-in-law's mother.   We drove to Lehi on Friday night, got up early and drove to Salt Lake to help get all the kids up to the funeral.  Tammy needed some help with transportation because of being one car short and Josh had to get up there earlier... so we stopped and picked her and some of the kids up, drove up to the funeral, then back to Lehi and on to Provo, then home for Sunday.

 The next week (first week in June) I spent doing those odd jobs around the house, but didn't really accomplish much.  On Saturday we drove up to Salt Lake to help my sister move into a new apartment that will be much easier for her than a house.  She won't need to worry about keeping up a yard.  And when something breaks down someone else can worry about fixing it.  We came home again late that night with our four grandkids who live here in Utah.

On Sunday we got a new bishopric.  We have loved Bishop Tuttle, who has helped us through so many difficult times.  He is kind and compassionate and we love him and his wife, Karen.  Our new bishop, Lee Madsen, is a wonderful, soft-spoken man who is very generous and full of care.  He is quiet and does a lot of service behind the scenes where he isn't noticed.  He is a very good friend to Garth, and they have a great relationship. 

Sunday was also the day that President Law passed away.  That is something I will write about later.

We had fun in church on Sunday with the kids.  We went to Primary for both hours and had fun singing.  In the afternoon we played and ate, and ate, and ate and played.  The kids went to bed late and slept really well after playing musical beds.  For the rest of the week they played outside in the water, on the tramp, on the bikes/scooters/four-wheelers.  We finally went to the pool on Wednesday afternoon, but it was cold.  The weather this year is just not cooperating with water fun.  Lexi made puppets for the kids, they played games, they built things with tinker-toys, they played baseball, they played until they dropped.  They had a great time.

Nancy came down on..... I can't remember the day.   But Tyler was excited to see her and said "Can we go home now?"  Little bugger!  He was fine until he saw her. 

On Thursday we attended the funeral for President Law.  All my girls were here with us, and I am sure Barrett would have been here if he could have.  President Law was such a big influence on our lives, watching our kids grow up from a very young ago.......more later. 

The Gales went back to Salt Lake with their mom and Nicky, and we took Nancy and Tyler back because they had to leave their car to be fixed.  We picked up the new suits which were being hemmed and altered a bit, then drove up to VFFactory so Garth could get some much needed levis, then drove home.  Friday we spent resting.  I went through the shelf where I keep cookbooks and through away all the old Taste of Living magazines, old cookbooks I've accumulated that I never use, and several other things in there.  We went to a wedding reception last night, and then just rested the rest of the day.  And today is Saturday.  Garth is planting some flowers and I am sitting here.  We had tons of laundry to finish up and now we need to get ready for a trip to Moab.  I have meetings there Monday - Wednesday and Garth gets to rest.  I am hoping the meetings will keep me awake and I don't sleep most of the time.  I think I will take my ipad with a book on it so it looks like I might be listening or taking notes. 

We are hoping to get a few fishing trips in, but can't see where on our calendars.   The next two weeks are filled with school meetings and doctor appointments. 

We are looking forward to the day when the Missouri Labrums move back to Utah, then we can have those kids here for a few days.  We want to spend a few days with Isaac and get to know him, and get him to know us.  Garth was lucky to get to be in Missouri for a few days in May so he got to hold him.  I can't wait for a few hours to rock with him.

We are also waiting for Nancy's baby to be born, which will mean a few days of rocking a baby as well.  That will be great. 

All this means that school will start before we are even ready for it.  Looking forward shows that the summer is just too short.  Wish each day had a few more hours so I could actually get something done.  Oh, well, maybe next summer. 

Happy Birthday, Morgan!

Happy birthday to the sweetest 7-year-old of the year.  Morgan is such a fun girl, always happy and willing to help.  She is a great big sister to her two little brothers.  She is a very good reader and is learning to play the piano.  We are so happy she is moving back to Utah so we can visit with her more often.  She is also a great fisher-girl (not fisherman), and maybe she will be able to come down and fish with Grandpa again this year.  Have a happy birthday, Morgan!  We love you.

Happy birthday, Tammy

The first week of May is full of birthdays in the Labrum family.  Now that we have added little Isaac to our family we have one more! 

Today is the birthday of the little girl who made us parents for the first time.  Tammy came into our family on a beautiful Tuesday evening.  (I know it was Tuesday because all my children were born on Tuesday.)  I want to wish her a very happy birthday and hope she is able to enjoy the day.  She is busy with full-time mom, full-time student, full-time working.  I know she is concerned about the week because her sweet son is having surgery later this week that will require a 4-day hospital stay.  But she will do it all with grace and style because she has a way of just pushing through all she she is required to do.  Nothing stops her, she just keeps going.  With all the trials that have come to their family, she hasn't complained about any of it, just meets it head-on and makes the best of it. She has learned to rely on prayer and her testimony of how our Heavenly Father watches over everyone.  She learns so many things through her scripture reading.  We love her very much.

Have a great day, Tammy!

Happy Belated Birthday!

How could I let the birthday of my most special person go by and not put a post on my blog?  Where was my mind?  I know it was not in the right place.  There have been so many things going on this week, with the excitement of our little Isaac Paul Labrum coming into the family, a quick trip to meet him and visit with his family, getting ready for our trip to Park City, getting things ready in my classroom for testing and Mother's day gifts there.  Just to much to do...But that is no excuse and I don't know to ask for forgiveness. 

But Happy Birthday to my dearest person in the world,  My wonderful husband, Garth.  I don't know how I would ever go on without him in my life.  He brings me so much joy.  I have the most wonderful husband in the world.  He is such a hard worker, always going like the Ever-Ready Bunny, never slowing down until he drops into bed.  He is up at 3:00 to go to work and works right up to bedtime.  He brings me lunch every day, which is one of the most exciting parts of my day because he comes into my classroom and just brings joy with him.  I love him so much.  He is a wonderful grandfather and will do anything for his grandchildren, or his children.  He never feels as though he has done enough, but I know he has done more for them than most father would ever dream of doing.  I know they all adore and respect him. 

I love you, dear.  More than words can ever tell. (I don't know why the sound didn't load with this video, but they were sure having a great time!)

Little Isaac Paul Labrum

We are so excited to welcome little...Isaac Paul Labrum into our family.


He was born early Sunday morning, May 1, at Jordan Valley Hospital in South Jordan, Utah.  His parents, living in Kansas City, Missouri, got the phone call soon after his birth.  They bundled up their two children, Morgan and Maxwell, and got in the car and drove all night and all day to get here as soon as they could.  The story of Isaac joining our family is very special.  He has been wanted for a long time, and we are so lucky to have in him our family.  His mom and dad have not had the time to write his story, and they should be the first ones to post this wonderful family.  I will give a link to it when they have had time to post it themselves.  In the meantime, we are so thankful for Isaac.