Eastmania

Changes

2011-11-10T08:49:00.000-08:00

Once again life seems to have thrown a curve ball. I quit my job in order to pursue a full time job. What is that saying about the grass is always greener on the other side of the road? Well, as hard as I tried the new job did not work out. So here I am, with lots of time on my hands. The upside to this--I am spending most of my time hoovered over a computer at the local Family History Center. My addiction to Genealogy is once again in full swing. If this change had not made finances soooo tight I would not feel bad at all. I am kept busy with Genealogy, being Grandma and watching our chickens. Yes, in May we got 7 chickens. Then, thinking that some of them would be roosters, we got 5 more. We wanted to end up with 4-5 hens. Well, only one of the first batch was a rooster (he went out to a farm to live), and only one of the second batch was a rooster (at least we think. They are still alittle young to tell.) Leaving us with 11 chickens. We gave 2 to a friend who had a lonely hen, leaving us with 9. They have such characters. Our grandchildren love to chase them, and hold them, and our dog thinks they are his best friends! No, there is never a dull moment at our house. Plus we average 3 eggs a day. When the younger set starts laying we will be providing the entire neighborhood with eggs!

2011-06-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

I know I am a day late, but I had to get permission to post this. I have always considered myself patriotic, but since my son joined the Military, I have learned what patriotic is. I do not promote war or conflict of any kind, but I do support my son and the thousands serving with him. God Bless America. And God Bless Our Soldiers!

SPECIAL PRAYERS -- Flag Day - June 14, 2011

Our Banner flies across the skies,

And to some it means more than to others.

The mother at the grave, The young and the brave,

Yes, to some it means more than to others.

As the warriors we love serve our nation in far and distant lands, may we remember this Flag Day the Banner under which they fight to secure peace and freedom throughout the world. May, with great pride, we give honor and respect to the Flag of the United States of America, displaying it for all to see at our homes, offices, and places of worship. Our Banner stands for the American way of life ~ 'Old Glory' waves for a Nation whose foundations are rock solid in liberty and justice and who's heroes are willing to give all that it will forever fly over the land and people they love.

Flag Day, June 14, 2011, also the 236th Birthday of our Nation's oldest fighting force, the United States Army. Their determination to attain, establish, and guard the country envisioned by a people wishing to be free, provided the beginnings of that which would lead to the finest branches of military service, the United States Armed Forces.

Today, may we pray for all those serving in our Armed Forces whether stateside or abroad ~ may we pray for those who have serve under our Banner throughout the years ~ those who stand beside and give support to the Armed Forces past and present ~ the precious families of those who have given their forevers for the freedoms for which Our Flag stands ~ and for our Nation itself.

Our Banner flies across the skies,

And to some it means more than to others.

The mother at the grave, The young and the brave,

Yes, to some it means more than to others.

Holding You In Prayer,

National Chaplain, Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.

The Final Inspection

2011-05-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

THE FINAL INSPECTION
The Soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass. 'Step forward now, Soldier ,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?' The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I have not.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough. But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep. And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears. I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand. There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God. 'Step forward now, you Soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'

Author Unknown~

It's the Soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us the Freedom of the Press.
It's the Soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us the Freedom of Speech. It's the Soldier, not the politicians
That ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. It's the Soldier who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag.

If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation for the Military,
Please pass this on and pray for our men and women
Who have served and are currently serving our country
And pray for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom....

THESE COLORS DON'T RUN

Hummingbirds

2011-05-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

Every spring I watch for the return of the hummingbirds. For some reason thier return signals hope for warmth and sunshine. I have always put out feeders and enjoy watching them. They all have different personalities. Some are friendly birds, while others are mean and selfish. I remember one year I wanted to some how get rid of one bird who would chase all the others away from the feeder. He would not eat, just sit on it and fly at any other hummingbirds that came along. Finally I purchased another feeder and hung it at the oppisite end of the porch. He could not hog both of them at once.
Did you know that hummingbirds mate for life? Several years ago one of the hummingbirds got trapped in our car and died. For years that bird's mate came back, alone, to the feeder. Now he too is gone.
Yesterday I was sitting on the back porch, and sudddenly there was a hummingbird. He looked at me as if to say, where is the food. So this afternoon, up went the hummingbird feeders, in the back yard this time. So I can watch them from the porch.
Yes, they are a sure sign that spring is here.

Today

2011-01-28T11:54:00.000-08:00

This morning I started out collecting clothes for the laundry. While in the bathroom I noticed the door needed to be cleaned, so I put the laundry down and scrubbed the door. Gathering up the laundry once again I headed out to the laundry room but half way there remembered I left the cleanser out, so again I put down the laundry and headed back to the bath room to put it away before little hands got ahold of it. Suddenly Sage needed to go potty, then wanted to play so off we went to the living room. There sat the clean clothes that were washed yesterday so we sat and folded those. Time to make lunch, and I couldn't figure out why there was a stack of dirty clothes in the Kitchen. Oh yea, I was doing laundry earlier. No wonder I come to the end of my day and feel like nothing was accomplished.

2010-09-27T21:39:00.000-07:00

Ivy and Jade got ahold of my camara a few weeks ago. When I got it back there were various pictures of nostrils, eyes, mouths, faces--and this. Yup, we have 2 budding photographers!

August 11, 2010

2010-08-23T16:42:00.000-07:00

What can I say. The car does not look as bad as I thought. It could have been such a tragic end to a sisters vacation. We were so blessed and protected that my heart swells with gratitude everytime I think about it. Cheri will be released from the hospital on Wednesday and fly home to Idaho. Here again the blessings continue: her youngest daughter is a registered nurse, so instead of having to spend 8 weeks in a rehabilitation facility, she will move in with them and Nicki will be her care-giver! We are all mending, though Cheri did say that the next sisters trip we take we will be taking the TRAIN!

4th of July

2010-07-02T20:18:00.000-07:00

For many years this is what we have seen, Michael in the Color Guard leading out every parade in town. This is what we no longer see. I have grown accustomed to seeing my son in this role, protecting and honoring our Flag, and I miss that. Tonight was the 4th of July parade, it is hard for me to see someone else there in his place. I know time moves on, things change, and I really can accept that. It's just that right now, I miss my son. Then I remind myself that he is on American soil. So I will stop my 'bellyaching', put on a smile, and say THANK YOU to all those service men and women away from their families tonight. Your sacrifice does not go un-noticed! God Bless America,,,,Please.

It is late

2010-06-14T21:41:00.000-07:00

It is after 10 PM, and I am feeling very sentimental tonight. I have been looking at this screen for hours doing genealogy. I always get sentimental thinking about those who have gone on before. But then I drifted into facebook and somehow ran across a person I had known all through school, and I mean all through school. We were in kindergarten together, and in the same classes on and off until we graduated from High School. We lived around the corner from each other, and some of my few memories of childhood involve him. As we got into High School, our lives seemed to take different paths, and I had not heard anything of my friend for 30 years. How does one lose touch with a friend just like that? As I look back, I have lost touch with so many friends. I wonder, is it just to hard to keep in touch, or what?
As I read of the struggles in my friends life, and how he has come through them, I am amazed. And I wonder where my life is. I keep myself in this small secure circle. I have my family (who by the way mean everything to me) and rarely to I step outside. I wonder if I have spent all these years hiding within myself. Who have I helped, who have I touched. What wonderful words of wisdom do I give that help others. Sometimes I really wonder what I have done with my life-and it is way to far past my bedtime for this.
Tomorrow is another day-a day to make a difference.

Funeral

2010-05-19T21:27:00.000-07:00

This past Friday we were in California for Forrest's Dad's Funeral. I had never been to a Funeral at a National Cemetery before, and I have to say it was quite impressive. Fred had been ill for so long, that in many ways this was a happy release. I had not been sure how Ivy Jade and Sage would behave in the cemetery and during the service, so last week we took a walk to the local cemetery and talked about what would happen-including the 21 gun salute. We talked about how this would be to honor Grandpa Fred, and it would be a very special time. They were absolutly wonderful during the service, even stood in as pall bearers to escort Grandpa Fred. Michael was able to get emergency leave so he was there to salute his grandfather. I think Fred would have been pleased. At the end of the service we just sat there and shared memories of Fred. I hope that some healing took place in that cemetery that day. RIP Fred.

Mothers Day

2010-05-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

I came home last night to find my table decorated. I have to be honest, I sat down and cried. With all that Forrest has been going through this week, he still took time to remember Mothers Day with 3 of my favorite things-Andes candies, Lindor truffles and Roses! Combine that with a completely empty house (yes, no pitter patters) it was a wonderful gift. I had a lovely walk up town, then sat down with a book. Oh yea!

Salt Lake City

2010-05-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

Today Forrest and I went north to do some shopping. On the freeway he got in the wrong lane and we ended up going north in Salt Lake instead of south towards home. So of course we ended up at Temple Square. It is so beautiful this time of year, the tulips are in bloom and color was everywhere! It was a perfect day!

2010-04-25T06:54:00.001-07:00

Practically Perfect Morning

2010-04-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to sunshine and warm air. Sage played mommy all morning. She put her "baby" to sleep (after singing to her and rocking her of course) on a pillow on the living room floor, turned off the light and told me to sshh. Then we walked up town to pick up Ivy from school. Ivy was particularily chatty on the way home. Her wonderfull words of wisdom--Jesus likes flowers, that is why he put seeds in the stores! Oh, it doesn't get any better than that.

Success

2010-04-17T16:34:00.000-07:00

Through out all the ages, people have had a different definition of success. Some believe that the wealth one amasses shows success, how big a house, what kind of car (you get the picture). Today, I have a new definiton of success:
Success is being respected by hundreds of people who, when you pass from this life come to honor you on your last journey. Last night we went to the viewing of a man who did not live in a mansion, did not drive a flashy car, and who did not in this life amass a fortune, but he was a success. The viewing was to start at 6 PM, we went at 6:10, and did not even get into the room until 7:30PM. It was 8:00 before we made it to the family. When we finaly got to the book to sign, 230 people had signed before us, (remeber, we arived only 10 minutes after the viewing had started),and the line behind us still went out of the Gym and down the hall. Yes, I did say Gym. Now I know you are thinking Who would have their viewing in a Gym. Well, it just so happens this Gym had been named for him. Who was he? Not a famous singer, not a polition, not a millinare, not any of those things you might think. He was-a retired high school teacher and coach. He was a man who was true to his values in every situation, a man who lifted his students rather than tearing them down. He taught by example everyday of his life, and those he taught came to honor him this one last time. Several of the flower arrangements were not from individuals, but from classess. "To Coach fromt the Class of 68" or "Graduating Class of 1988", and even "The class of 1944". Coach Wilbur Braithwaite was a success in every sense of the word, and if you can't understand why hundreds would honor a mere school teacher, Google his name, and prepare to learn the real definition of a success! Thanks Coach, for everything! We were blessed just to have known you.

One picture worth a million words.

2010-04-15T20:30:00.000-07:00

General Conference

2010-04-05T07:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning I left my house at 5 AM, in the middle of a snow storm to head to Salt Lake City to attend LDS General Conference. Of course, because it was so early the snow plows weren't out, but we had left early so we were there in plenty of time. We got our seats, right in front of where the Prophet enters the building, just 4 rows back. Since we were so far forward, we were actually even with the seats on the stand, and had a wonderful view of the 1st Presidency and the council of the 12. Conference was wonderful, but one moment stands out far above the rest. During the rest song when everyone stands to sing, there I stood looking down the row of our leaders, all standing singing praises to our Heavenly Father. It was a profound experience for me as, once again the spirit testified of the Holy callings of each of those men, called at this time to lead the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I was so overcome that I could not sing, just stand there and feel that wonderful affirmation. How truly blessed we are! I am so grateful for the friend that last week said to me "I have 2 tickets for Conference, do you want to go with me!" YES, I want to go!

Dr. Bear

2010-03-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Ivy had her tonsils out. Her aunt let her take a stuffed bear to the hospital, and the nurses dressed him up for surgery! Let me introduce you to Dr. Bear! He was there to help Ivy through, and now, she wants to be a Doctor. Next week she will probably want to be a pilot or something, but for now it is Doctor.
Thank goodness next week is spring break and she won't have to miss anymore school. With all the days she has missed being sick, will she flunk kindergarten?????

Temple

2010-03-23T07:01:00.000-07:00

Those who know me know that genealogy has been my passion (or dare I say addiction) for over 30 years, and in all those years of researching and Temple work I have never had as wonderful an experince within Temple walls as I did this past Saturday. March 20, 2010 is the day that I, with my 2 sisters, entered the Temple to be sealed to our desceased parents. How can I describe the joy that this one event has brought to me. When I was attending Dixie College, almost all my friends had something I did not. They were a part of an Eternal Family. Knowing that I did not have that made such an impression on me that it started me on my quest of doing genealogy, to find my ancestors, so that I would have an Eternal Family, even though for many years there was a link missing. Even after being sealed to my sweetheart, there was still a link missing. Now that link is there. I can not even describe the feelings that I had Saturday. What a wonderful day. Thank you to all who were there and helped make the day perfect!

Not Mono

2010-03-23T06:57:00.000-07:00

Well, Mono turned out to be an abcess on Ivy's tonsil that was huge for someone so little. 3 days in the hospital later, she came home still with huge tonsils for her age. So today Ivy is once again in the hospital to get those pesky tonsils out. She left home with her mom yesterday saying "grandma, no more pokes". How do you explain to a 5 year old that they have to "poke" in order to make her better. She does not grasp that she will keep getting sick, probably keep having to be in the hospital later if this is not taken care of. Why does it have to hurt to make someone better?
I love you Ivy!

Mono????

2010-03-08T11:39:00.000-08:00

So, Ivy has not been feeling good all weekend. A monday morning trip to the doctor was in order, so off we go. The nurse takes one look at her throat and says, "whoa, those tonsils are ginormous!" They are so big even the Dr did a double take. Then he felt her glands, another whoa was in order. He said she has Mono glands. Oh boy. He warned me that the test is not reliable (does that seem strange in this day and age???) and even if it is negative she probably still has Mono. A 5 year old with Mono. Could my life get any more complicated? (NO I did not just ask that!) So of course Ivy's strep test and Mono test were both negative. What on earth do you do with a 5 year old who has mono. I think it will be along week!

2010-02-27T08:25:00.001-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa

2010-02-23T18:47:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I have this picture as my desktop. Tonight Ivy and I were looking at pictures we took at the play last night, when up pops the desktop. Ivy, in all her 5 year old wisdom says-"Grandma, that's you and grandpa"! Now, I don't know if I should be insulted??? But being the wonderful grandma that I am, I just said, "do I look that bad?" Out of the mouths of babes!

It has been awhile

2010-02-22T08:21:00.000-08:00

I lost my password, so it has been awhile since I have been here. I hope to do better. As I face different phases in my life, it seems I do alot of reflecting. Since Michael left to join the Army, I have thought much about this country. Our grandparents generation rallied to the call when the United States entered WWII. I know my grandparents had 5 sons enlisted at one time, 3 of them were even able to met in France a few times. I have made a collage of pictures of the men in our families who have answered this call. Everytime I pass it, I feel such gratitude to them, for their sacrifices. And now my son is among those noble ranks. I don't agree with war, but as a mother I am respectful and proud of his decision to serve. It is funny, but even when he spent a year in Iraq with the National Guard, I knew he would still be returning to my home. This time, it is the oppisite. Even when he gets out of the Army, whether it is in 3 years or 30, he will probably never livein my home again. That realization has been hard for me. But that is the plan, we bring children into our family, we teach them the best we can, we pray for them and watch them grow, then we let them go. Having one more leave makes me miss all of them more. The other day I was looking thru pictures taken when friends of our children filled our house. Sometimes those friends would come even when our children were not home. I miss that houseful of cheerfullnes that they always brought. So thank you to all my children, for the years of laughter and love.

New School Picture

2009-09-16T15:29:00.001-07:00

2009-09-15T09:24:00.001-07:00

Palisade

2009-08-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

I thought I had better put up pictures of the other girls too. They had so much fun. In fact Ivy asked if we could camp overnight by the lake. That will have to wait until next year.

Palisade

2009-08-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

Sage loved to sit on her towel and watch her sisters play in the water. Isn't it funny how 3 girls in the same family can have such different attitudes about water. Ivy is a fish. She should have been born with gills! Jade is ok with water, but likes getting out to play, then back in, then out. Sage on the other hand, will get wet up to her knees. Even when we put the pool up in the back yard, she will get in, stand there for a minute, then get out. So this picture is soooo Sage. She has to make sure the blanket is spread out, and no one better mess it up!

Is it still July?

2009-07-31T13:23:00.000-07:00

We can see how often I update this. June is gone, and tonight July will be history. Where has the summer gone. We have been busy with the girls here all summer-so no projects got done. What is that saying that housework will always be there, but children won't ( or something like that!) I try to remember that every time I think of all that I am not getting done.
Forrest and I had a wonderful week in Midway in July. We did absolutly nothing, and it was wonderful! We needed the break, and it did the trick!
I can hardly believe the summer is almost gone, where did it go to? School will be starting in a few weeks, and then comes the cold and snow. I don't even want to think about it. As I sit here and type, Forrest and Regina are in California, and I certianly hope they visit the beach for me. How I wish I were there!
All is well, or at least as well as can be expected. Days march right along whether I am paying attention or not.
I found a distant cousin, prevously unknown to us-this is what I call "living genealogy". It has been wonderful writing to her. Isn't the internet a wonderful thing? Oh I think I am rambling on.

JUNE????

2009-06-17T08:43:00.000-07:00

Our garden is a bust this year-I finally planted 6 tomatoes in pots, the ground never got cleared and is overgrown with weeds! I feel bad, but I have been so overwhelmed that one more thing would have broken the camels back.
Oh please, somebody tell me that the calendar got changed by accident. It can't already be the middle of June! Where did the months fly to? We are a day away from the beginging of Pageant. Here we go again. Things will be much different this year. Forrest will be at the high school from 12:00-8:30, so no more helping with foriegn language. We have done that for so many years that I feel guilty not being there this year. His speech and drama students will also be selling hamburgers at the food court-so anyone who comes drop over and get a hamburger. Thank goodness for parents willing to supervise since Forrest will not be there. So gang, here we go again.

Mothers Day

2009-05-09T20:52:00.000-07:00

I am feeling a bit sentimental as I sit here contemplating tomorrow. A day set aside to celebrate mothers. I feel a bit guilty as I look back on my relationship with my own mother. We didn't get along, probably my fault. But as I contemplate motherhood I truely beleive that we all do the best we can with what we are given. Some women go into motherhood well prepared, then there are those of us who had no idea what we were doing. I have often said that our first child was there for practice (sorry Regina). So inspite of not getting along with my mother in my younger days, I think that she did the best she could do. I learned years ago that we don't have the right to try to dictate how others raise their children. Our responsiblity is to help each other, sometimes by keeping our mouths shut.
I am also thinking of all of those mothers who tonight have a son or daughter serving our country. Last year, I was one of them. Our son was serving in Iraq. Mothers Day was very difficult for me. My thoughts and prayers are with you MOMS, and your soldiers. It is not an easy thing you moms do-my hat is off to you.
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to all of you MOMS, AND MOMS AT HEART!

Plagerism

2009-04-22T08:03:00.001-07:00

This morning I was reading a blog that I have followed for awhile now, and read a post that truely disturbed me. The blog writter had been informed that someone else was coping her blog posts, changing a few details and posting as their own. Taking experiences they had not had, posting feelings that were not theirs-basically stealing someone elses life so to speak. Why would someone do that? Why would they profess to be what they are not. It seems that almost daily I am shocked at dishonesty in the world around us. At work we are constantly shaking our heads and saying "We would never think of doing that!" I guess I am abit naive, because I would never think of doing alot of things. It seems that so much that is good in the world has been lost. I really do feel sad for people that have to steal words from others in order to feel value in themselves!

Fire????

2009-04-20T06:16:00.000-07:00

Last night, just as Forrest was dozing in his chair, Michael woke him with the words, Dad, the fire alarm at the High School is going off. Well, I am sure he said it with a bit more enthusiasim, but he got the desired effect. Forrest and Michael were out the door before the city fire alarm went off. After dropping Michael at the fire station so he could get his gear, Forrest was off to the High School. I, of course, was sound asleep upstairs until Bekka called MOM, the High School is on fire, As you can imagine, that brought me straight out of bed. An hour and a half later Forrest returned. There was no fire, but there was plenty of water. It seems that 4 guys playing basketball in the new gym (which really is not new anymore) hit one of the sprinklers on the ceiling. Of course the sprinkler broke, setting off the fire alarm. By the time they got the water shut off there was about 2-3 inches of water covering the gym floor. That is alot of Water! So out came the brooms and squiggies to get as much of the water up. GEE, will the insurance pay for water damage caused by a stray basketball?? That sure gives new meaning to the words "Lucky Shot!"

Death by Chocolate

2009-03-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

Forrest's second play opens this week, and it has a name that is right up my ally. "Death by Chocolate"!!!!! Anything that involves chocolate can not be bad at all. They have been rehearsing for months, only missing time for speech and Drama competitions. So we look forward with great anticipation to opening night. Will post pictures as soon as they are available. Just as a side note, State speech was held in St George this past weekend. The kids did great!

A game of Ball

2009-02-20T10:00:00.000-08:00

So it is Friday. Ivy and Jade have been sick all week. They are going stir crazy, so this morning I got the old basketball out. Sage loved it!

What? No microwave!

2009-02-09T11:44:00.000-08:00

OK, now how sad is this. This morning our microwave went on the fritz (sparks and all), so out it went. Sage woke up from her nap wanting lunch. UMM, we have yummy leftovers from sunday dinner--roast, squash (yes, we still have squash from our garden,) and corn bread stuffing. The only problem, how to heat it all without a microwave?!? I actually had to think about that one, but not to long. Out came the skillet, and in a few minutes all was warm. But I realized how dependent we have become on microwave ovens. I am almost tempted to just go without one and get back to basics--almost, but not quite.

From California

2008-12-30T18:56:00.000-08:00

Looking at the ocean from the Peir, I was trying to get a picture of the dolpins.

If you look close you can see the shadow of the seal.

There were a lot of surfers out today.
Oh yes. Forrest and I are in California, and today I was at the BEACH. Oh how I have missed this. We walked in the sand, and down the peir. While on the peir we saw a seal and 2 dolphins. They came just for me! Then we rented a double bike/surrey and peddled up and down the boardwalk, through the parking lots and around the streets. It was great, though tonight Forrest has sore knees and a sore bottom! It was a glorious day! Please excuse the blue photo, but my camara was set on "cool tones"1 Yikes.

Forrest Directed his first Play Production. Christmas Belles

2008-12-18T02:13:00.001-08:00

Baby Tag

2008-12-18T01:30:00.000-08:00

OK, I have been baby tagged by Tawny, so she is the baby I will use. Remember, this was quite awhile ago, and my memeory is not good, but here goes.
1- Where were you when you first found out you were pregnant? I have no idea.
2- Who was with you? ???
3- How did you find out that you were pregnant? Probably the Dr told me.
4- What was your first reaction to finding out you were pregnant? I know I was excited.
5- Who was the first person you told? Forrest
6-Did you plan to get pregnant? Did nothing to stop it.
7- Did you tell everyone else right away? ?
8-Was everybody happy for you? ?
9- Did you go out and celebrate? ?
10- Did you want to find out the sex? They did not do that in those days.
11- What was the sex? We had to wait until she was born to find out, it was a girl.
12-Did anyone throw you a baby shower? no
13- If yes, who?
14- Did you get any outfits at the baby shower that you just knew you weren't going to put on your baby?
15- How much weight did you gain? 50 LBS. Yes, you read that right!
16- Did you lose all of the weight that you gained? OH yea, within about one month.
17- Did you get a lot of stretch marks? .nope
18- What did you crave the most? I can't remember.
19- Did you crave anything crazy?
20- Who or what got on your nerves the most?
21- Were you married at the time? Yes
22- Did you have any complications during your pregnancy? I kept going into labor early.
23- Where were you when you went into labor?
24- Did your water break?
25- Who drove you to the hospital? Forrest
26- Did you go early or late? 2 weeks early.
27- Who was in the room with you when you gave birth? Forrest. Papa was out in the waiting room. I don't know where Gina was.
28- How long were you in labor for?
29- Did you have any drugs for the pain? Oh no.
30-Did you go Natural or have a c-section? Natural

31- What was your first reaction after giving birth? Another little girl! :) She has dark hair.
32- How big was the baby(s I believe she was 8 lbs.

33- Did your Husband cry? are you kidding.
34 What did you name the baby(s)? Tawny Renae
35- Does her name have any significant meaning? Not really. We had a friend whose daughter was named Tanya, but they called her Tawny and we just liked the name.
36- Did you have any visitors? Papa
37 Did the baby(s) have any complications? NOt really. At 6months she did have pnemonia though.
38 How old is your baby today? 26 years old??????
39- When is the next one(s) coming? In the mellenium!
40-If you could, would you do it all over again? We did, several more times.
41- Tag: Mom (you can choose just one of us),

Sorry, I guess I could go look up my old journals for more info, but it is 2:44 AM and Forrest is asleep.
--

Hair update

2008-12-08T19:55:00.000-08:00

I am back from St. George (wonderful, by the way!), but Forrest has requested I not post a picture of his lovely bald head. So being the wonderful wife that I am, I am honoring his request. Sorry all those of you who wanted pictures!
Tonight we put the girls to bed and set up the christmas tree. It is to dark to crawl in the cubby hole to find decorations, so that will have to wait. It is a good thing this is a pre-lit tree.

Hair

2008-12-05T08:10:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, Forrest decided to have Bekka straighten his hair. Let me give you all some advice. If ever you decide on such action, listen to the one that knows when she says "Dad, it is time to rinse your hair out". There is a reason for such words, which, by the way, he did not heed. 10 minutes later he consented to rinse out his hair. All was well, untill the next afternoon at play rehearsal. Bekka got severl messages from him, Urgent-come to the high school. When she got there, he reached up, ran his fingers through his hair, and came away with a handful of hair. Yup, if you don't rinse out in time, all your hair falls out. So yes, now dad is bald (as a billiard ball) and cold! :) The moral of this story is- Listen to those who know what they are talking about. Pictures to follow when I return from St. George.

Tawny

2008-11-17T07:46:00.001-08:00

Today is my little girls birthday. That should make her smile, she hasn't been called a little girl for quite some time. I am so grateful for Tawny. She is a great joy to me. She understands more about me than I think I do. Thank you Tawny for being my daughter!
Have a wonderful day today. I wish I was there with you
I love you
MOM

Happy Birthday Tawny

2008-11-17T07:44:00.001-08:00

Dinner

2008-11-05T13:56:00.000-08:00

Last night we had the missionaries over for dinner. All went well until Jade put a combination of soap and face lotion in her hair about 15 minutes before they were to arrive. I should have taken that as a sign that the evening was doomed. In the middle of dinner, Michael was handing me the pitcher of water when it slipped and hit Lyssa's plate, which then shattered into hundreds of pieces. Oh my. And what did I do? I laughed, folded the table cloth up around all the shards, and on went dinner. What else could I do? What a mess we had to clean up! I dare say the Elders will not soon forget dinner at our house!

I have been taggen

2008-10-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

I showed my ignorance by having to ask Tawny what that meant! Here goes

8 TV shows I love to watch-

1. Mash
2. News
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

8 Favorite restaurants-
1. Los Amigos
2. Taco Bell (does fast food count)
3. Sensuious Sandwich
4. Subway
5
5.
6.
7.
8.

8 things that happened yesterday-
1. I worked all day.
2. I came home to the kids dirty laundry spread all over the kitchen.
3. Lyssa made dinner for me
4. I went to bed at 9:30
5.
6.
7.
8.

8 things I'm looking forward to-
1. The WEDDING
2. Having almost all of my children here this weekend.
3. (Sorry, I guess this is not a good day to ask what I am looking forward to)
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

8 things on my wish list-
1. One hour just to myself!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2. To have ALL of my children here.
3. Not to have to organize my house.
4. Someone else to do the cleaning. (OK, I realize that one will never happen)
5. Someone else to finish canning my pickles and tomatoes!
6.
7.
8.

8 persons I hereby tag-

--
I guess i am not very good at this.

The end of an Era

2008-09-25T20:28:00.000-07:00

Those of you who have lived here or visited here knows what an Icon Simons Hardware has been in our community. This saturday at 6 PM they will close their doors for good. The store has been sold, who knows what will be there in the future, but it will never be the same. Since we moved here we have enjoyed going into the store, being greeted by Stan, or Jared, or even Don. I understand that things change, time moves on, but this is one change I don't welcome. When ever I pass by the store I will think of times gone by.

A Long Day

2008-09-22T20:25:00.000-07:00

It is 9:25 at night, and I feel like it is midnight. Today was the day that either I bottled the pears, or I would be throwing them out tomorrow! So much to Sage"s shagrin, I bottled. 24 quarts of pears and 7 quarts of pickles later I am done in. All that after spending an hour plunging the kitchen sink! I really think the worst part of the day was washing out the canning jars that I hauled up from the basement full of all sorts of creepy crawly skeletons. I just kept telling myself -be grateful they are dead!I must remember next year to store them upside down!--So with the peaches and tomatoes we did last week, we are done except for the tomatoes still on the vine, which at this moment are covered up because of the projected drop in temps tonight. Hopefully I can wait until Friday to pick more tomatoes! Then next week we will dig up the potatoes. The squash needs to wait until after a heavy frost, then we can bring them in--my my, don't I sound like a farmer!!!

ODE to a Memory

2008-09-19T09:15:00.000-07:00

I have mixed feelings today as the house across the street comes down. I spent many hours sitting on that porch visiting with Gladys. Those are treasured memories to me. My younger children spent many hours playing there while the older ones were in school. After Gladys left, Jo moved in with her family. Again I have treasured memories of a wonderful friendship. Our children became friends and we spent many hours visiting. I loved the time I spent over there and the friendships that I had. If I was the drinking kind, I would raise a glass to you, Gladys, and to you Jo, and to the memories I have.

ODE to a Memory

2008-09-19T09:14:00.001-07:00

BABY

2008-08-27T06:50:00.001-07:00

Baby Jayden was born early this morning. I am headed up there in a while and will post a picture when I get back. We are sooooo excited! Look at Our Family blog to see pictures!

FREEDOM SALUTE

2008-08-25T12:01:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning there was a special program honoring Michaels unit. It was wonderful to see all of these hero's receiving recognition for their service! The governer was there, and if I knew better how to work my camara I would have a wonderful picture of Michael shaking his hand. LOL. It was a great to see our soldiers honored by the State that sent them.

Michaels Unit Welcome Home Celebration

2008-08-17T14:31:00.001-07:00

4th of July. All of our grandchildren-for one more month anyway!!!!

2008-07-14T22:06:00.001-07:00

New to Me Van

2008-06-09T14:10:00.000-07:00

I am so excited. We were car shopping with Michael last week, when I spotted a van that just had my name written on it. Since Feb. when Sage was born, if we all wanted to go somewhere we had to take 2 cars. Getting the girls in and out of Grandpas 2-door car was not fun, especially when we went to church and I was in a dress. So when this van called out my name I could not resist! It is a 97, but that is ok with me. It has passenger sliding doors on both sides! Getting the kids in and out is a breeze! I am naming it the "Grandmamobile"! I love to drive it, to bad gas prices are so high! Picture will be coming soon. Needless to say, with my van, Forrests car, Lyssa's car and now Michael's car, to say nothing of the Crown Victoria in the driveway-our house looks like a car lot!

Michael is home.

2008-06-01T15:05:00.000-07:00

Those are wonderful words for a Mother to be able to say. This past year has been a journey, one that I am grateful is over. I have learned a new level of respect for Military families and the sacrifices they make in our behalf. I don't know how many of you are familiar with the Patriot Guard? As thier hats proclaim-they stand for those who stand for us. They support the troops-even when the plane is coming in at midnight. They were there to line the walk from the plane to the families with flags. What a tribute to these men! Many of them are Vietnam Veterans. The reception they recieved on their return was so different! They are true patriots, and this mother is very grateful to them!

145th Field Artillery #1

2008-05-30T20:49:00.001-07:00

Michael is home!

2008-05-22T13:15:00.000-07:00

Hurray for the great state of Texas. Michael is either there or on his way! HOOAH! Calls started coming into families last night when planes landed on American Soil for refueling. I am keeping the phone by my side!

2008-05-21T12:59:00.000-07:00

So, there is another change. The official 'WELCOME HOME' for Michael's unit will not be until August 9th, so I am thinking we will all try to get together before then. Let me know what everyone thinks!
We still don't have word on when he will be home!

2008-05-15T15:09:00.000-07:00

You Are Pocahantas!

Free-spirited and wise. You have a strong passionate spirit that touches and changes all who know you. The wisdom and common sense that you have is really what guides you through life. Even so, you also have a very playful side that loves adventure and excitement.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

2008-05-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

This morning I am in a bit of shock. I found out that my Aunt has Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma throughout her lymph system, and it has spread to her bone marrow. I owe so much to her. I grew up living a few blocks away from her, so she was always there. She is the one who started me on the path of Family History, for which I am so grateful. I will always be indebted to her for the wealth of information she gave me that helped me in my research. Since Dad passed away 2 years ago, she has called periodically to see how we are doing, and to check up on our family history progress. I thought the title of this picture was fitting-Aunts quilted memories. My memories are like quilt pieces sewn together representing a lifetime!

Playing the Wii

2008-05-12T08:50:00.001-07:00

homecoming.

2008-05-07T16:25:00.000-07:00

Ok. The latest on Michaels homecoming is that no matter when they come home the celebration will be the first weekend in July. So basically it will be the 4th of July. I would really like to have the whole family here, but I know some of you have plans already. I will let you know when we have more information.

Chicken Pox

2008-05-05T16:23:00.000-07:00

OK. Michael's unit was scheduled to start pulling out of Iraq this weekend, but now they may be delayed because of an outbreak of Chicken Pox! No one is allowed in until the officials feel they have it under control! Therefore, no one can leave until their replacements are able to go in. So we are on hold on this end!

MAY

2008-05-03T09:39:00.001-07:00

It is finally May. After a long week of cold and Snow agian, I am looking forward to a warmer weekend.

Tawny and Nick have bought their first home-we are soooo excited for them.

Michael leaves Iraq this month, who knows when he will be home???

School is almost over, summer is almost here, and our hummingbirds are back.

For the first time Forrest will be teaching part day through the summer. He is quited excited about that, but it will cut down on his usual free time.

SNOW

2008-04-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

OK, I know most of you know how I feel about Snow. Well, here it is April 24, I am sitting in front of the window watching it snow outside. (Yes Tawny, I know it is warm there!) Oh woe is me!

The house on the Corner.

2008-04-23T17:18:00.001-07:00

New Grandbaby

2008-04-16T21:40:00.000-07:00

OK, I have been asked who is expecting the new grandbaby. So here is the news, with the latest info. Irina and Clay are expecting #2, and today they found out that it is a BOY. We (and they) are soooo excited!

Toe's

2008-04-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

The girls spent the afternoon at a friends house, and they all came home with painted toenails, even little Sage. When I saw her toe's, I remembered my mother. MIMI always had her toenails painted!

Comments!

2008-04-09T09:26:00.000-07:00

It is so fun to get comments! Thanks! Be looking for some cool pictures (I hope). One of the houses across the street from us is scheduled to be demolished and the fire department is using it for training. Every night when they show up I grab the camara-but no fire yet. We will keep watching. Tonight we go to our first meeting on re-integrating a soldier returning from deployment. It should be very interesting.

Lyssa and the girls

2008-04-05T21:38:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to upload video, since I can't seem to figure it out, I decided to skip it. So here is a picture of Lyssa and the girls taken at Easter time. They make our life busy!

The Army

2008-04-04T12:32:00.001-07:00

As we look forward to Michael returning frm Iraq, I have to chuckle at how the Army works. If big coorporations were run the same way, they would be out of business in a matter of months!

In the past 30 days, we have been given 4 different dates for their return, and completely different timetables for once they are out of country! We smile, and go about our daily lives!

Our Family

2008-03-31T08:29:00.000-07:00

This is our family just before Michael left for Iraq in June of 2007.

About Us

2008-03-30T17:44:00.000-07:00

Forrest and I have been married for 30 Years! That is quite the accomplishment considering our begining. When we were engaged, our friends made bets on how long we would remain married. The longest bet was for 6 months. I think we did much better than that.
We have had ups and downs, but every couple does. It is how we face those ups and downs that defines a relationship!
We have 4 beautiful daughters, and one son. Michael claims that he is quite hen picked, but his sisters all love him. This has been made very evident to us this past year as he has been serving our country in Iraq!
We have 6 beautiful granddaughters and one very handsome grandson, with another grandchild due in August. They keep our life busy and exciting. With 3 grandchildren living with us, there is never a dull moment at our house.
This blog is under construction, so come back to check it out!!!