Morgan's Special Day

I didn't get the chance to blog about Morgan's special baptism day.  I was kind of all broken up that weekend after surgery on my arm.  But I want her to know how proud we were of her on that special day.  She looked so beautiful in her white dress.  I loved how she tried not to smile too much, cause her cute grin is so beautiful.  I was also proud of my son to be able to do such a special ordinance for his daughter.  That is a mom's proud moment, even if we aren't supposed to be prideful.  I'm not posting a picture of Morgan that day because I don't have one!  Also, I haven't asked her mom if I can, which would be proper to do before posting it.  But since I don't have one.....you will just have to know that on that day she was my most favorite eight-year-old granddaughter in the world!  Thanks for the fun picnic and good company.  It was a great day.

Love you Morgan!  Hope we can spend some time together this summer before we all start back into school.

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. 

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!

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. 

Happy Birthday, Maxwell!

My sweet Maxwell is a year older today. That means he is a big "5"! Max is definitely a "girl catcher". His eyes will grab your heart, and his smile is a melter. He giggles all the time. According to his parents he is all boy and real trouble, but I don't believe them. He is full of vinegar, as my mother-in-law would say, but that just makes him all the more lovable. When he looks up at you through those eyelashes you can't help but let him get away with anything. We don't get to see enough of Max and his sister, Morgan, because they live in Missouri, but we love the time we do get to see him. Maxwell loves his Grandpa Labrum and enjoyed going fishing with him this past summer. He likes to take us to the T-Rex Cafe when we visit them, and Penguin Park. We love you, Max! Have a happy birthday! Hope we can talk with you today on your big fifth birthday!

Happy birthday to Koy!

Today is Koy's big birthday. He is so excited to be four on this big date 10-10-10. I wonder if he will think that is always the date of his birthday. We love so many things about Koy, but one thing that I love specially is his voice. He has a husky voice that sounds like it has already changed into manhood. It will be interesting to hear what he sounds like in about 15 years. He is certainly all boy. He just plows though everything! He follows everything his big brother does. He is sweet and mellow when he is alone, but full of mischief when with Kayden. Koy is kind, helpful, and loving. He really tries to be good and lets you know he wants to be with you. He is a cutie and we love him. Love you Koy!

Happy birthday to our big little man, Tyler!
Tyler has grown so much this year. Last year he was just starting into his special pre-school and this year he is just blossoming. He has learned to speak words and is really getting to be a chatter-box. He says "Everybody clap!" when he wants attention. He loves Mickey Mouse and Aunt Nicky. He loves to have Grandpa Labrum pick him up and turn him up-side-down. He laughs so hard he falls over. He loves Lexi, Kayden, and Koy to come and play with him. He is a great kid and we love him so much.

Happy Birthday to Maxwell!

I was so excited to be able to see Max around his birthday that I got it a day off. For some reason I was sure his birthday was on the 28th, so when I saw him yesterday I started singing Happy Birthday to him. I guess that is alright because that was the last day I would see him this year. We were so happy be able to have the Missouri kids home for a few days during the holidays. Even thought the occasion wasn't the best, it was wonderful to have them here. Max is getting so big, and his eyes keep getting bigger! What a handsome boy. We wish you a very happy birthday!

Thanks for the Suggestions

Thanks for the suggestions about the trees. One in the bedroom would be nice, but we don't have much room. And Julie, do you remember how small my living room is with a bigger tree? The small one is very nice. One thing about a small cottage home, it doesn't take much to make it crowded. But, crowded is better than empty.
Sandra, we have had an artificial tree for several years, ever since one almost caught fire because it was so dry. I don't think of it as "fake" because it is a real Christmas tree with all the beautiful decorations. We spent a little bit more money to get a really nice one. It has red berries and pine cones scatter around it, and looks really beautiful. With pine scented candles, it still seems Christmasy.
I think I was just more worried about the "old person" part. I don't want to get where I don't want to decorate. But this year I really feel that Christmas is for children, and there aren't many children around our home. (Hint, hint, hint...) No one came to visit us last Christmas season. We did all the visiting, which was very nice and we would never complain about it. I guess I just miss the sound of kids running around the house, and Christmas has always been so exciting for the kids.
Oh....stop it! You will be crying and the students will be here in a few minutes. No more tears!
See you great, wonderful, awesome grandchildren tomorrow!

The Last of the Little Guys

When I was young, those words were said on a TV commercial for a car company. It just now popped into my mind...Crazy, huh? So, in teaching reading, we learn that students understand things better when they can "connect" to what they are reading....Just wait, I'll tie this all together. I can really connect with "the last of the little guys right now. I just finished the last Christmas stocking for the four little guys and two pretty girls. My little guys are getting to be so big, and they have had to wait for several years to get their own Christmas stocking from Grandma. This year it was finally Koy's turn and I have it all done, completed, stitched-up and ready for delivery before Thanksgiving. (However, I'm still thinking of doing a different one for Kayden because his doesn't hang very well)
Here is a picture of Koy's stocking.

The stocking was on the bed and I was standing to take the picture so it looks kind of out-of-shape. It really isn't as bad as it looks. The picture is all done by hand with counted-cross-stitches, some stitches have only 1 strand of thread and some have 5, giving it a dimensional look when up close. There are sparkly sequins on the lights on the Christmas tree, so it looks like the lights are shining. Garth and I decided on a fabric for the back that is a light green with candy canes which match the candy canes Santa is putting on the tree. Tammy picked out the pattern last year and I started on it as soon as the new year began. So, my yearly project is finally completed.
It has taken me over 6 years to get these 6 stockings done. Now I am ready for more grandchildren.......But in the meantime, more temple altar cloths (did two small ones, a large one, and almost done with another large one.) I also have a project I purchased a few years ago for Barrett's graduation which I haven't even started on yet. Maybe it will be done when he finishes his residency (sh.......don't tell him)
I also thought of something I might want to do by next Christmas for each grandchild, but I don't know if I could get them all done.........
So for my New Year's resolution......I keep getting up at 4:30 and spend some time making something with my hands.......
If I can ever get some glasses and contacts that actually help me to see! But, that is another story!

Frustrations of a School Teacher

This morning I am very frustrated. I know there is actually no need to be frustrated, it is really just a silly thing. But I do get frustrated when I know I should be able to complete a task and I can't do it. This school teacher wants to place a video of the classroom owl pellet activity onto the classroom website, and I can't figure out how to do it. I can't get the video to transfer to flickr, can't upload it from my own computer, can't seem to do it at all. Heck, sometimes I can't even find the silly file on my own computer! I think I will just stop trying. Why cause my own frustrations?

I am missing my little kids today. I wish I could be in Lehi, Salt Lake, and Kansas City all in the same day, to see them all dressed up and having fun today. That is the only thing exciting about Halloween. I would love to watch them so excited. I sure hope I get to see pictures.....hint, hint, hint......

This morning Garth went back to the school to finish up a project in the Spartan Center. They are refinishing all the benches and it is taking several days. With basketball starting the benches need to be done this week, so that is how he is spending his time today.

It is report card time at my school, so I brought home lots of filing to help me get ready. I have the reports mostly completed, just need to get everything in student files. Also trying to get things organized for the start of a new quarter. Back to the "real" learning.

I need to run to Price to get the fabric for the back of Koy's Christmas stocking. It has been completed for about 2 months but I keep forgetting to take it with me when I go to Price so I can match the back fabric. I will get it done, take a picture, and publish it for all the world to tell me how wonderful it is.

After finishing his stocking I completed another covering to take to the Manti Temple. It really is a pretty one and I hope they can use it in one of the rooms. The other two I finished were smaller and they will use them on tables or other places. I am now working on one that is really pretty and will be large enough for the Garden Room or the World Room. I also need to get back to doing a few afghans, both adult sizes and baby ones. You never know when I might need one for someone.

So today my plan is to ..... do something. The dust is bad, the bathroom worse.....other rooms need to be de-junked. Where is Mission Organization when I need them. I know....all my daughters.....all FOUR of you.....plan a trip to Mother's house and do some service for her.....help her clean up her house! No...If I knew you were coming I would have to clean before you could come and clean......I have no one to blame but myself...Get busy!

I'm So Excited!

I have the big part of my Christmas shopping done and it came today! I am so excited! Is it alright for me to open one of the packages and enjoy it myself? It is the part I bought for my grandchildren (so parents, you probably know what I am talking about!) I want it, I want it! Brings back memories of my own children being young and needing to learn valuable lessons, so they can learn to STAND TALL and do what is right. I know kids learn better with songs..........Can you name them? I bet you will remember them, come Christmas time! I am so excited! Just thought I would share that with you. Ok. Back to work now.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I used to love to spend time wrapping beautiful gifts and making fancy bows, but haven't had time for YEARS! Bags are easier.

2. Real tree or Artificial? I have lived through both eras. I loved my mom's real trees and have great memories of the family going to cut down the tree. But I hated to see my tree get so dried out so quickly. I love my beautiful artificial tree and when the candle is burning it still feels like Christmas, and I can enjoy it for so much longer after Christmas. I just might leave it up until Valentines Day. (If I even get it up before Christmas!)

3. When do you put up the tree? Usually the weekend of Thanksgiving. We finally got the small one in the living room up Wednesday. Hope to do the big one this weekend.
4. When do you take the tree down? Usually on New Year's Day, but see answer to #2 above.

5. Do you like eggnog? NO! but my wonderful husband does!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Has to be the year we got a piano for Christmas. I remember the piano in the corner with a card from Joan Snow saying that Santa had arranged for piano lessons for Ruanne and I. I am still enjoying that gift.

7. Hardest person to buy for? Everyone! I'm just not good at picking out gifts.

8. Easiest person to buy for? No one! I just can't seem to make it personal.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Where is mine? We have the little white ceramic one under the table top tree. Looks pretty good. After reading about all my children's nativity scenes, I might put that on my list to GIVE for next year!

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Do I have time?

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Can't think of one. But to clarify others that have been mentioned!!! I will not be mean to Kenny. He did the best he could....but when Tammy got that speller game (or whatever) it was kind of sad. She was about 16 or 17 and they had her name. A little game with flip up letters.....

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? MMMMMMMMMMMMMM.....could it be "The Night They Saved Christmas"? I will see it again in a few weeks.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Am I supposed to shop? I will probably start when it is too late.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? I love the raisin-fill cookies so I will ahve to visit Linda.... and my cheese ball, Ruanne's Oreo cookies, Julie's candy.....turkey and potato salad

16. Lights on the tree? Yes. White. But I also like all colored ones.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Of course President Sharp singing The Innkeeper's Song. And I wish I could find my CD of the Celtic Women Sing Christmas Songs.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I didn't like to travel on Christmas, but I will to see my grandchildren!

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Does Santa have reindeer?

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Why does that angel have a smile on her face?

21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? Any time but I need new pajamas...I wonder if anyone will buy me some? No, wait, I will pick out my own, thank you.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Students who don't do their work. Students who take the "fun" out of Christmas for others because they think they know someone that no one else knows and they want to tell everyone.

23. Favorite Ornament theme or color? My mom had a white flocked tree with gree decorations. I love our peach and blue tree, but I am also partial to the red and gold one upstairs. But no tree is complete without my icicles!

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Food

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I want to be able to sing the Christmas songs. It seems like I am always hoarse for Christmas and can't sing anything. I also want everyone else to have a great Christmas.
And I want phone calls and phone calls and phone calls!

Busy Weekend

I spent Saturday getting my supply of chili sauce for the year all bottled and ready for winter. Nicky was here and helped me by putting the tomatoes into the hot water and fishing them out and into the cold water. I peeled tomatoes, and peeled tomatoes, cut them and measured. Yes, I got all the salt and sugar in this year. It should be a good patch. All that cooking and stirring got us 11 1/2 pints of chili sauce. And Nicky got a good laugh at me trying to fish out the hot lids from the water. It was a quiet day because we didn't even have a BYU football game to watch.

Sunday morning I was very slow getting ready for church. The time just passed away and before I knew it, it was already 8:10 and I didn't have make-up or hair done, and was still in my robe. I hurried to get a sice of toast so I could take my medicine, then rushed to get thrown together and out the door. And we were still the first ones there! It was my turn to play the organ this month so I had to start by 8:45 (My rules, no one else's.) I just can't handle it when I walk into a meeting and there is no prelude music. It really sets the mood of the meeting IF someone is playing and someone else is listening. Lately, no one but Dad listens.

We were planning on rushing on up to SLC to listen to Lexi in her Primary program. She called Saturday night and really wanted us to come see her. I said we might not be able to get there, and I could hear the tears in her voice and it just broke my heart. I can't stand to hear my little ones cry! Big kids, cry all you want, but little one's can't. So, after a LONG meeting (overtime, no 'practice song'), we made it to their church just before it started. Man were Koy and Kayden excited to see Grandpa! Lexie was so good with her part and sang all the songs so well. We were glad to be able to be there.

We went to IHOP for lunch so Josh didn't need to cook dinner. Not that he isn't a good cook, but we were rushed to get back and wanted to have time to visit with the kids and.....just an excuse. I know Lexi loves IHOP, even if she didn't have a really great experience there. The one good thing was that Kayden at a whole pancake and 1/2 of another one! He was so proud of himself! He had to show us his empty mouth. He can stuff as much in his mouth as Barrett could at that age. But he chewed it and swallowed it all. We were so proud of him!

Dad and I got home in time for The Amazing Race and time to rest a little bit. It as a very busy weekend after a busy week.

This morning I finished Maxwell's name on his Christmas stocking! Now all I have to do is get the fabric for the back and get it sewn together and sent off. Making any bets about getting it all done by Christmas?

Now I am going to bed. I wrote two three page papers and I am tired.

Experimenting With a Video.

We had such a great weekend with some of our grandchildren. We really missed having Tyler there with us and hope that we can all be together one of these days. It was great that Max and Morgan were in the area, so we took them, along with Lexi, Kayden, and Koy to the zoo. Aunt Nicky was so generous to come along and help us keep track of the kids. It was fun and everyone was so nice. It did get hot the last hour and that push up the hill was hard. I was so glad to have good lungs again, and so proud of myself for being able to walk and push the strollers up and down the hills. I only got winded because of hard work, not tight with lung problems. I was able to breathe deeply and not suffer from the bad asthma. Dad and I were able to walk all day without sore knees. We are so thankful for our good health again. Artificial knees, lungs and all the other problems were forgotten when we laughed with the kids. In the evening we went to Chuck E. Cheese's and had a great time there. Poor little Morgan cried so hard when it was time to go. She broke our hearts. It made up for the laughing we did when she just couldn't decide which animal to ride on the carousel. Kayden was content with riding on a bench, the only thing he would get on. And at dinner he actually took a piece of pizza and ate it! We were so proud of this little man for eating something. He had to be pumped full of fluid during the night, but he ate food, not just bread sticks. In all, it was a great day with those who were there. Thanks kids, for letting Grandma and Grandpa have such a great time! We love you! Tyler, we are looking foward to coming to Arizona and spending time with you. So here is my experiment with adding a video.