Happy Birthday Dad!

LaRue had us over for dinner to celebrate Dad's 83rd Birthday. She fixed a wonderful dinner and then told about how our children are related and how their children are related and about our great and great-great grandparents and how we are all tied together as a family. She had dad share some of the stories of his childhood. The little kids were quite taken with his stories.

Thanks for throwing such a great party, LaRue!

Happy birthday, Dad!

A Very Special Occasion

The Occasion? Wedding day for Matthew Cox. I mean I remember when this outstanding young man was born, and his beautiful ringlets as he grew from a baby to a toddler. And now just look at him! What a beautiful but cold day. Yes, it was snowing as we walked in to the Salt Lake Temple, and yes, I complained about that bitterly. But the purpose of the day way overshadowed the cold weather. How could anything be more beautiful than to see two worthy people kneel across the alter to be married for eternity. Matt and his beautiful bride were so radiant. What a very sweet spirit was there as we witnessed their marriage. I am so very thankful that I could be there for that special occasion. Katie, Melanie and cute baby Wesley. It was so much fun to see Becky with her grandson!

Tina and Mark. Aren't they BEAUTIFUL people??

The handsome groom and his gorgeous mother. It was amazing to see Becky and feel of her spirit. She was so gracious - a marvelous hostess as always. I know that each person there was made to feel special by her attention and love. We totally missed Bob and want him to know we were all thinking of him. They knew this event would probably happen during their missionary service, and decided they could handle it. There were bitter/sweet tears, and we all wished Bob could have been there. Know that your sacrifice was not unnoticed! You are amazing people. Thank you for your incredible example and for sharing the beautiful day with all of us!

Cute, Cute Cute!

So I get to visit my grandkids! I really came for a wedding, but this was a big PERK! I love to get them silly presents. I gave Cooper these "spare body parts." They got the biggest laugh out of the ears, noses, fingers, and mouths. At least once every day, I would come out of a room to be startled by one of these little faces laughing at their "spare parts." Even Luka liked them. He would swing his head around to make the ears move and just laugh at his fingers.

Yeah, I think I have the cutest grandkids around!

thank you, Elijah!

A couple of weeks ago, we had a marvelous lesson in Relief Society on Elijah and what his purpose was. It has been on my mind every since. Rod and I are taking a class together, and we were asked to list our priorities in the first class, which was just before the Elijah lesson. Let me share my top 5 priorities:

1. Eternal life with Rod.
2. Loving and lasting relationships with my family members
3. Finding joy in life (men are that they might have joy)
4. Being healthy
5. Live within our means

Now, in our lesson we review the fact that through the higher priesthood, Elijah brought forth the sealing power. This is in direct correlation with my top priority. Without that marvelous gift of sealing, we could never be with our loved ones in the hereafter. One of the most sacred experiences of my life was kneeling in the temple with Rod and having that blessing bestowed upon us by a worthy temple sealer. This was a very bitter/sweet experience also, as this was my second experience of being sealed. When I divorced, my biggest worry was what would happen with my girls and the fact that they were born in the covenant, but that I was no longer sealed to their father. I received a letter signed by Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, and James E. Faust. This letter contains the best news ever given to me. It states:

"Children born in the covenant or sealed to parents are assured the right and privilege of eternal parentage based upon their individual faithfulness and agency. If such children remain worthy, these birthright blessings remain secure in the event that the sealing of their parents as husband and wife is canceled. For each of us, the realization of eternal blessings is conditioned upon personal worthiness and individual agency. Such blessings, including our eternal family relationships, will be determined by our wise and loving Father after we have completed our mortal probation. "

I was so happy when I received this letter and found that the sealing of my children was still intact. All was not lost, after all. Of course, we are always told that such blessings are predicated upon our own personal worthiness. I love my girls more that words can express. They are precious and magnificent and I am privileged to have played a part in bringing them to this earth. I think of my dear parents, and the heritage they have given me. I love my sisters and my brother - they are such a huge part of who I am. I am so thankful to have eternal ties to the family of my childhood. This also means that my girls are still sealed to their father, whom they also love. And it means they have those eternal ties to their sweet grandmothers who have passed on, and to all their other relatives and ancestors who fall under the sealing powers.

I am also thankful to have eternal ties with the family of my adult hood. My, how our roles in life change! There is no one I think of more often, I would rather spend time with, than my incredible children and my adorable grandchildren, and of course my soul-mate, Rod. That I have eternal ties with these valiant children of God is a blessing for which I am grateful beyond expression. Thank you, Elijah!

I'm Special

Julie totally inspired me today when she talked about being special on her blog. I found this quote in my files. I can't even remember where it came from, but I still like it. Thought I'd share it. Each of us is special in our own unique way. I am so thankful to know that I am a daughter of God and that he has a plan for me. What a beautiful thing it is!

I'm Special In all the world there's nobody like me. Since the beginning of time, there has never been another person like me. Nobody has my smile. Nobody has my eyes, nose, my hair, my hands, my voice.

I'm Special No one can be found who has my handwriting. Nobody anywhere has my tastes for food or music or art. Nobody sees things just as I do. In all of time there's been no one who laughs like me, no one who cries like me. And what makes me laugh and cry will never provoke identical laughter and tears from anybody else. EVER! No one reacts to any situation just as I would react. I'm Special I'm the only one in all of creation who has my set of abilities. Oh, there will always be somebody who is better at one of the things I'm good at, BUT NO ONE IN THE UNIVERSE CAN REACH THE QUALITY OF MY COMBINATION OF TALENTS, IDEAS, ABILITIESAND FEELINGS. Like a room full of musical instruments, some may excel alone, but non can match the symphony sound when all are played together. I'M A SYMPHONY. Through all of eternity no one will ever look, talk, walk, think, or do like me. I'm Special. I'm Rare. I AM UNIQUE AND PRECIOUS... And in all rarity, there is great value. Because of my great value, I need not attempt to imitate others. I will accept -- yes, celebrate -- my difference. I'm Special And I'm beginning to realize it's no accident that I'm special. I'm beginning to see that God made me special for a very special purpose. He must have a job for me that no one else can do as well as I. Out of all the billions of applicants, only one was qualified, only one has the combination that it takes.

I just want my precious daughters to know that the best job I ever applied for, and was chosen to fill, is that of being their mother! I love you three more than my luggage!

French Banquet

Our neighbors, Bob and Freddie, invited Rod and me over for a fantastic gourmet french dinner this afternoon. Freddie is from France. She speaks 5 languages and is a world traveler. She is such a darling neighbor (69 years old). She is just a little tiny thing - I bet she doesn't weight 90 pounds soaking wet. She is very friendly, and keeps an eye on our house when we are gone every day to work and school. We had them over for our traditional Christmas Brunch along with some other couples. Freddie prepared an amazing feast and we thoroughly enjoyed it .

A beautifully set table with gorgeous hand embroidered linens, fine crystal, and hand made china.

Putting the finishing touches on the escargot.

Just look at that goose!

Freddie really went all out. We had several kinds of pate, french pickles, wonderful bread, pickled asparagus, Prosciutto, escargot, goose, stuffing with truffles and chestnuts, and incredible chocolate mousse Christmas log cake. She served sparkling blueberry and cranberry juice to Rod and me, while the rest of guests enjoyed fine French wines and champagne. She even had some French beer for them. It was fun to meet some of Bob and Freddie's friends and enjoy their amazing hospitality. We certainly enjoyed toasting in the New Year with our wonderful neighbors.

Happy 2009

Well, it's a new year. We decided to give our kids a trip to Disneyland for Christmas, so we spent the 30th and the 31st there. Just let me tell you that they threw one heck of a New Year's Eve party! I have never seen so many people packed into in one place in my life! I got a little claustrophobic. You couldn't even walk down Main Street. You just had to go with the wave of people.

It was fun to see Becca and Nick try on the fun hats. They are cute kids.

We went on Space Mountain (several times). The first ride was amazing. As we slowed to the finish, they forgot to stop our car and we got to ride again without waiting! Becca and Nick were so happy about that. I was a little apprehensive. I had survived the ride, but would I survive a second round without a little break??? Actually I really got in to it. I even had my arms up! I am behind Becca.

Day two - I did it again. I went on Space Mountain with the kids. I was just glad to be done with that one. My favorite ride is Soaring Over California. That was really fun and we did it both days!

I think my favorite part of this trip was the Parade. It was so colorful, with really neat Christmas songs and floats. Lots of dancing characters. It was so beautiful!

Becca and I tried to pull the Sword out of the stone.

We had two fun filled days. We got to go on all the attractions we like and did not have to wait in very long lines because we got there early, and the we used the "fast pass" on some of the rides. We didn't even have to wait when we did that. As an added bonus, we ran in to the Wheelers while we were there the second day! We enjoyed having a nice dinner in the park at New Orleans Square with friends from home. The fire works were also amazing! This was a great way to bring in the new year, and we will all remember this trip - I think more than any presents we would have gotten.

a blessing or a curse

Have you ever wondered what you would do without a cell phone? I have been thinking back . . . I have had one for years - and the last 3 years we haven't even had a land line because we all have cell phones, so why pay for a land line. I pretty much take my cell phone with me everywhere. So let me ask . . . do you control your phone, or does it control you? Do you answer every call, convenient or not? Do you interrupt a conversation with someone in the room to answer your phone? Do you talk on your phone when driving? We have been told that is very dangerous and that we should not do it. However, that is for everyone else, right? After all - we are invincible. Now - let me ask - do you have texting? How many texts to you do per month? On our bill the person with texting averages 5000 to 7500 messages per month. Is that excessive? Do you text when you drive? I certainly hope not! I think that is as bad as driving drunk. People die because other people are texting and cause accidents because they are not watching the road. They are focused on that small and miraculous electronic devise that makes us think we must stay in touch at all costs. Now let's get realistic. Our communications could actually wait for 10, 15 , or 20 minutes - or even longer. There is no need to be foolish and get caught up in thinking that we must make this call or take this call while driving, or while doing other things. Or that we can read a text or even worse, send one while driving. Please, my kids and grandkids are out there. What ever happened to good manners? We have all forgotten manners, because we are like Pavlov's dogs - when the bell rings we run. Come on, folks, take control.

Another Movie Review

This is all coming from seeing a movie this afternoon. I had so looked forward to this movie. 7 Pounds. The plot was such a mystery and all through the movie you were so draw in and trying to figure out where it was going. Let me tell you that for me it was a HUGE disappointment. I really love Will Smith, and I think he is an amazing actor. The acting was great, the filming was great. The story line, however, left a lot to be desired. Once again, Hollywood strikes. Is it okay to commit suicide? Is it okay if you are donating your body parts to people you feel deserve to live and would not live without your donation? Or the quality of their life would be vastly improved because of your donation? Certainly it is okay for the heroes to sleep with someone and break a commandment because they are caught up in the passion of the moment. Even though we know it is not right, it’s okay in the movie, right? How do they get away with making evil good? Certainly we, as the public, allow ourselves to participate or view things that we consider wrong and call it good entertainment. When I left that movie last night, I was so disappointed. I am tired of entertainment that touches the evil in the world and prods people to accept it as normal – as acceptable.

The Movies

We went to see "Australia" on Saturday night. It was one long movie. Beautiful scenery. Interesting story. Makes we want to know the real history that was shown. Very unrealistic love story - kind of like "Gone With the Wind." Too bad they had to have immorality and murder. I left the theater with this feeling: "Why is there such prejudice in the world?" Would I recommend seeing the move? Yes! It was very entertaining.

I am sad...

Today I am sad... even to the point of tears. Maybe I have PMS or something, but the feelings are real, so I guess I will just have a good cry. My kids are gone for Christmas. I took them to the airport this morning. I wanted a picture of them but Becca wouldn't stand by the tree, so I say "fine. I don't want your picture anyway," and stomp off to the car. How stupid of me. We did have some Starbucks at the airport, though, and a hug. My dad broke his arm, and I can't be there to help take care of him. I miss Katie and Julie so much it hurts. I just want to play the train game and do puzzles with them while we guzzle eggnog, Pomegranate 7up, and hot chocolate and eat Christmas goodies. I don't get to see my grand kids for Christmas this year. I am sick with a stupid cold, so I don't feel good anyway. I miss my siblings, LaRue, Janet and David. I miss my Mom. I miss my nieces and nephews. I miss my dear mother in law, who just passed away. (I do NOT, however, miss snow...) Perhaps it is the Holiday Blues... I will take a deep breath and get over this... I know I am blessed with such abundance, and I am not ungrateful in the least. Hopefully this sad spell will pass quickly. I am looking forward to my two week break from work. Perhaps I will go do some cleaning now and use up some energy being productive instead of sad. Maybe we can to go the matinee this afternoon when Rod gets home from work...

Holiday Concert Time

Just let me say first of all, that I hate the term "Holiday Concert." It used to be "Christmas Concert." It is totally Christmas music, and they even sing the word Christmas in almost every song. They had Christmas lights and a Christmas tree in the lobby. Thank you - now I will get off my soap box and continue.

Last night was Becca's chorus concert. It was great! They sang some really beautiful Christmas pieces. This clip is part of her favorite number. She is on the second row just to the left of the pianist - remember she traded places with the "spitter" on the front row. It was hard to get her because of the angle we were sitting, head bobbing, etc. But you can how cute she is if you watch closely! I love Christmas music. It is one of my favorite parts of Christmas! Thanks for a great evening, Becca. (p.s. I know you hate your red dress, but the choir looks nice in their formal wear ;o)

A special gift...

A year ago, my dear friend, Rondaleen, asked us to reserve December 6th, 2008 on our calendar. She asked us if we would like to go to a concert with her. I thought "sure, it's a long way off, but we would love to go." All at once the day was here!

We were at the Jobing.com arena right here in Glendale - same complex where the Super Bowl was held last year. It is a beautiful place!

This is a shot of the people waiting in line to get in. There were numerous lines like this, snaking their way through the grounds.

Just to prove that we were really there - here she is - Celine Dion! It was such an amazing concert! She was incredible. The staging was creative and exciting. Her voice is so powerful and she performed with such emotion and energy. We had such a great time. Thanks, Rondaleen, for this wonderful gift! It will be long rememered as a stellar night!

One week in to December...

I can't believe that we are already one week in to December. How time flies! The days go by fast and furious with work, family and church stuff. Sometimes I feel like I am on a fast moving treadmill and I can't get off. It was fun to decorate for Christmas last weekend - a tradition I enjoy doing right after Thanksgiving. Seems like no one but me was excited about it this year, but I love doing it so that's okay. I just hope they all enjoy the decorations, tree, and lights. I hope to have time to sit still and just enjoy it sometime before I have to take it all down!

Today was our church Christmas Breakfast. It was such a fun event! We had wonderful food, and some talents were shared. Becca and the YW performed a few musical numbers and I made a little video clip of part of one of their songs. I was asked to be the photographer for when the kids visited with Santa. Some of them were scared to death! Others were in total awe. It was so cute to see them whisper in his ear, watch their faces, and enjoy their excitement. Don'tcha just love Santa. I sure do! Oh yes! Jayden loves Santa. But his little brother doesn't look too happy.

While Elli was standing in line, she talked to herself about Santa: "Santa is nice. I can talk to him..." Eli was a-okay with the whole thing.

Get me outta here! The Bishopric even sat on Santa's lap!

Carson just had to go back for a second conversation with Santa...

Here is the video clip of Becca...