BLESS THEIR HEARTS!!!

Yes.  Miracles DO come true.  This was the first year of many that I did not participate in organizing the orchestra for Tempe South Stake's Messiah.  Each year 2 of our 4 (3, including Rachael) have given no guff, as they have claimed a spot in their sections.  This year, as I bowed out, I was relieved for them.  It would be the first year in many they would have no pressure from me.

Along came the weekend of the performance and as if I was in a fog, I heard Rachael's voice say, "Did you know that Gregg is playing in the Messiah?"  I turned around in disbelief to see Gregg standing behind me with a big grin on his face.  I couldn't hug him fast enough!  Gregg happens to work with the director this year, so he had an in (without Rachael, because someone had to watch Francie).  And it turned out that Carianne was the instigator.   She devised this Christmas surprise  and  would be playing also.  Wow!  Imagine that?

But the shocker came Saturday morning (as we lazily basque in the joy of finally having Julianne and Brended here from Utah, arriving the night before) when in walked Jeff.  All ready to start his day.  No Vita.  No Henry.   It's always great to see the "kids" (no matter how little or big).  But in a confused voice, I couldn't help saying, "Hey Jeff! . . .What are you doing?"  He continued at his focused pace, greeting all who sat around.   Then I heard the words, "I came to pick up my bass."  NoWwwway!  Pinch me!  But it was true. and he couldn't run away fast enough before the hugs began.  Usually there is one or maybe two basses, but this year there would be six.  That was an easy decision for him, a little rust wouldn't show.   It was tempting for Julianne, too.

But that Carianne.  She knew the needs from friends that would miss her.  And, there would be plenty of seats to fill.  It thrilled me to see each of them fall in line together.  That just plain doesn't happen very often.  But I can't give all the credit to them.  When you are single and fancy free,  your life is all about you.  Now they are all married with spouses and families of their own. Their choices now are a team effort.  I have to thank Rusty, Vita, and Rachael for their support!

This Christmas,  I'm permanently marking my happiness card to read:  THANK-YOU!!!  I'll never forget it!

I Love You All
Mom

They really do take awesome photos, but I can never resist this pose!

SURPRISE!

2014 can't continue without documenting Randy's 60th birth day.  We succeeded in completely surprising him with a party.  It was held on Nov. 27 at the Corona ball field ramada.  The next day would be Thanksgiving, so we plugged in a party the night before, since most of his siblings would already be here.  Invitations, decorations, banners, tagboard face images on sticks of Randy's changing stages, a tiered hostess treat cake, a "roasting", were all lovingly produced by each of our good children.   We were treated with fresh fry bread and beans, etc. ("etc." being the key word!)  The best part was that he was indeed surprised, even though he had every opportunity to put some strange pieces together!

On December 22, he officially turned 60.  Again, there was a wonderful dinner planned at Carianne's, and every child and grandchild rallied around.  It was also the night of the Messiah, where we claimed 3 of the participants!  Happy Day!

 

Dear Kate,
We Love you!

Visiting Teaching

It's funny how life has a way of educating you, even when you're not aware.

A few years ago, as a Visiting Teacher, my partner and I were assigned a fast friend.   We learned a lot about her aging parents in those visits.  Every month there would be more pieces of her desire to be a good daughter against the hardship of caring for their more frequent needs.  My partner had also watched with care as her mother battled with cancer that eventually took her life away.  Between the two of them, I would sit quietly and listen to their concerns and stories; sometimes smiling and other times shaking my head in awe.  I watched their patience, concern, and love for their parents with gratitude.  It was a privilege to be in the same room with them.  I have thought a lot about those visits and have come to realize that I was there for a reason.

My parents, at the time seemed so much younger and able.  I didn't ever put myself in their shoes because I wasn't there yet.  But I was aware of every gesture of compassion, or else I wouldn't even remember.  It's like I was filling my back pack with the understanding that I might need to pull out for myself someday.  Those were sweet days and I value what they taught me, even though I was unaware.  As life moves along, those influences of instruction mean more to me every day.  I feel I am a better person because I witnessed their examples of courage and faith, that I now know are stored in my back pack of knowledge. 
 

Last Laff

Through the years, our bathroom scale has not been my friend.
If I had a favorite, however, it would be the digital one we had in the 80's.  No matter what the weight, if you tipped back on your heals just enough, you could make the little window read a whole pound less.  Somehow by playing with the numbers that way, it felt like I was in charge, and not my calorie intake.

About a year ago, we had a big dial one.  It was like we were at the state fair at the "strong man" game.  We would stand on the platform, which made the dial twirl past numbers we longed for until we could almost hear, "Ding Ding Ding!  You win the panda bear!"  That scale met its waterloo after one too many suitcases placed on it, in hopes of weighing less than 50 pounds, couldn't take another trip. . . or was it the grandchildren pile up when the glass broke into tiny dangerous pieces?

For my birthday, I acquired yet another scale (I know, insert laughter here!).  Definitely not my friend.  A digital specimen that would blink through lower numbers, then race to  higher ones, and back down again, until it landed on "the weight"  it wanted to display.  I knew it had a mind of its own and I could almost hear it laugh as I waited for it to decide on a number.  I played its game for about a month, getting on it every morning, with my fingers crossed, hoping for a lower number than yesterday.  But then, it turned on me.  The numbers would fly by, and before landing on a finale, across its little screen would read "laff"  That was the straw that broke the camels back.  I would still get on, but not because I thought it was helping me, it was because I couldn't believe it was laughing at me.  Who has a laughing bathroom scale???

If you think about it long enough, however, the ""laff" was a weakling cry for "battery".  The letters were just fading away and all it could produce at the end of its juice, was "laff"; not even a number.  But in a crazy way, it did seem to lighten the load of my diet life, by making the journey seem less serious.

Last night we were at the hardware store and there, in front of us were the exact batteries our suffering scale needed.  By this time I knew that even though an upgrade would give us a more accurate number, we could better afford a battery for now.  So we made the purchase and brought it home to load inside the sorry scale.  The last words I heard my husband say, before we drifted off to sleep were, "Did you get on the scale?"   I replied, "No.  I'm afraid."

This morning I was off to a yearly physical, early.  I did my morning walk and proceeded to get ready.  The scale taunted me.  "Hey, I'm a new scale!  Aren't you going to get on?  Just try me!"  I honestly had not been on since it turned on me months ago.  I convinced myself I could feel the difference in my clothes.  I didn't need numbers.  I walked around it a few times before I caved.  To my great surprise, the numbers were a big 10 pounds less than I was before!  It was fun to read, but I still didn't trust it.  You know how it is when you've been jilted.  But I got on again.  Wow!

I walked into the doctors office holding my breath.  I would be prepared for the worst.  I stepped up onto the heavy, iron scale, with the weights that balance, exactly on the ounce of your number.   I was excited to get a real reading. . .  The nurse read my weight as I shook my head in disbelief.  Instead of losing 10 pounds, I had only lost 2!  When she ask me to sit down and hold my finger out for a pulse, I'm sure she thought I was mentally retarded.  I didn't react to her direction for what seemed like minutes.  I was in a fog.  I had been betrayed, again by that creepy little scale.

No. Bathroom scales are not my friend.  But with this one, I have developed a love-hate relationship.  It seems to take the pressure off of weight loss by laughing, and it has a warped personality that makes me smile as I squint my eyes at it with distrust.  You just need to add 8 pounds!

Rain, Shrain!

You know the story of the little boy who cried wolf!?  I've been living in that story with my fellow city people.
Every year, right in the middle of a long hot summer, comes the exciting season that claims our fame.  Monsoon!  But this year, everyday since August, the little weathermen on the hill have pointed to their fancy weather maps claiming, Rain!  Rain!  The roving reporters, with their sleeves rolled up, wearing shades and sunscreen, are shown outside on the most wet corners alongside a little, almost dried up puddle.  My favorite nights have always been when I wake up to pounding rain and thunder and lightening.  So far this year, not a single "wet" night has convinced me.  It has sprinkled, but that's it.  Don't get me wrong, the sky does look threatening, and it's enough of a change from the heat that us city people get excited.  But day after day of this is enough.  I have worn thin of hope.  This time of year, the weather usually is the hot topic, but any more, I look at the sky and yawn.    

Faith

On Christmas morning last year, and just as the Christmas tree had been emptied of it's treasures, Randy was handed one last gift from Gregg and Rachael.  Time seemed to stop as we all observed the contents.  To our delight, Randy held up a tiny Christmas one-sie - that would fit a baby girl perfectly for next year's Christmas!  The crowd went wild!   And I'll never forget looking at a now beaming couple  holding tight to each other on the couch as the cheering continued.  They looked relieved to finally be able to say it out loud, but most of all they looked heavenly.

After a faithful and carefully planned 9 months of wonderful anticipation, Frances was born July 29, 2013
She is perfect and beautiful in every way.

When Frances was born, the nurses and Dr.s took special care of her in a room especially for monitoring.  Gregg proudly brought sister after sister, brother after brother, and parent after parent in to meet her.  It wasn't the scenario they had planned, but they were just a door or two away, and they could go to her anytime they wanted or needed (to feed her).  They have both been so pleased and proud from day one.  It's sweet.

Do you think you can feel faith?  I do.  It was there the days and nights we visited Frances, Rachael, and Gregg in the hospital.  They never let on their concern, but when we left, we all knew they needed our prayers.  And I knew why last Christmas morning they looked so heavenly.  
They have faith.



        

A Light Goes On at Our House

A Light Goes On At Our House

A light goes on at our house

When, our children step inside.

We hardly sense the dim

Our lamps sufficiently provide.

Life rolls along quite nicely

In our forty wattage range,

But when the door knob clicks -

You should see the brightness change!

Our young days brought 4 children;

  each, illuminating more.

Resplendence became evident

When they’d come through the door.

Now since they’ve grown, they’ve multiplied;

A brighter accolade!

Our home turns into Disneyland’s

Electric Light Parade!

We clap our hands and hold our hearts.

Radiance can’t be denied!

From the light that shines at our house

When our children step inside!

Jody Clawson

Another Knowlege Tidbit from the Singles Ward

The pedigree distance from us to Heavenly Father is one line.
 . . . . .One line - that's it!

You're gonna miss me when I'm gone . . .

When I'm gone,
When I'm gone.

You're gonna miss me when I'm gone.
You're gonna miss me by my hair,
You're gonna miss me everywhere.
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone.

You're gonna miss me by my walk,
You're gonna miss me by my talk.
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone.

A timely tune for the "littles" as they travel home to Brenden who has been singing it since they left.
Also timely for Kate, who starts school today (and Carianne). 

With Love,
Grandma

Wherever He Goes

About ten years ago, Julianne was finishing up her student teaching here in Tempe.   NAU was behind her and life was a clean "chalkboard".  Every Friday she would ride her bike home and despite being tired out, she had a surge of energy left, since the whole week end was ahead of her.   It was a pleasure to  take her out to lunch or shopping on those Friday afternoons.  I learned more about her life then than any other time during the busy week, since she was "free" and unusually talkative.

This was also the beginning of the Brenden era, and of course my antenna was tuned in; especially when I could see he might be a keeper.  One afternoon at the food court in Chandler Mall, we sat across the table.  Brenden was the topic, again.  As I listened to her, she spoke so unafraid, "Mom, if I marry Brenden I will have to go wherever he goes."

She could picture herself with him and she had faith to jump, knowing life would be grand.  I do think about that statement often, especially since they've been in Lincoln for 9 wonder full years.  She spoke prophetically then, even though I'm not sure either of us knew the reality.  She was safeguarded by faith and love for the man of her dreams.  Jump?  How high?  It was evident she was committed, no matter what.

That's all I needed to know.  Faith is a beautiful thing; especially for a mother to witness in her children.

This year is the year they were led to a great career opportunity in SLC, with a new home in Farmington.  A landmark year! This is also Brenden's birthday.  I appreciate him for so many reasons!  No wonder she'll follow him anywhere. 

Happy Birthday, Brenden!

My Heavenly Days!!!

Making Memories at the cabin (June 2013)

   

 

Just so I don't forget:

Peter on sleeping bag at the foot of our bed each night, and on our bed first thing in the morning
4 happy grandchildren running joyfully through beautiful mother nature
Hammock swinging
Backdoor banging, signaling the entrance or exit of "littles" in the wide open spaces
Henry, knowing he fits right in
All kids on the dock in swim suits and safety jackets with nets, goldfish, and pancake pieces in toe
Brave retrievers of current floating flip flops
Brave grandchildren!
Beautiful clear, cold river water
Performing at the gazebo band stand in Ennis
"Carianne's" beauty parlor for little girls
Behind the wheel, wide eyed kids take turns sitting in Julianne's lap, pretending to drive up the road
Sweet children praying at breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Grandpa and the "Boxcar Children"
Wearing little, carefully chosen Yellowstone t-shirts
Crafting, Wearing sweaters, Playmill, Mixed nuts and Fruitsnacks, Picnics,  Puzzles, Candy crush
     Sunshine, Mud, Howard Springs,  Canasta, Pink ice cream, Moose watching, Snoring, Bug collecting, Polka dot blankets, Mosquitoes
Community baths for kids
Bug repellent and sunscreen assortment by the back door 
Tent/fort beds for little girls
Craft night for big girls (thank-you, Vita!)
Open windows all night
June 23, supposedly one of the brightest full moons . . . it's always that bright
New trusts, love, and appreciation for each other
Caring Randy (Grandpa)
4 car seats in every configuration
S'mores and hot dog roasting nights, made complete with Jeff's jiffy pop trial
Canoe riding and raft floating
Fishing with Disney princess fishing poles
Wonderful food!  No one was ever hungry . . .except the "littles", right before bed.  :)
Hearing absolutely nothing but heaven when you lay your head down for the night

Quotes:

Peter:  "Go dah whay!" (as he "drives")
Henry:  "Da"  (Daddy)
           "Buh"  (Banana)
           "Ah?"  (Almost everything else)
Kate:  "Harold Believus"
Emmie: "Weenicorns"

     My mother (Grandma B) used to say " My Heavenly Days!"  
I'll never hear it again without thinking about the cabin.
These were Heavenly Days!

















            

What a Guy!

7:30 AM one recent morning.

I’m reading the paper at the bar.  Randy wanders in half dressed, almost ready for work.  He proceeds to wipe the bar down.  I’m confused.  Why would he begin cleaning, half dressed, this early, on a whim? 

Me:  What are you doing?

Randy:  Wiping the bar down.

Me:  Why?  (it’s 7:30, for heaven’s sake.  He finishes the bar and now he’s bent over, starting the floor!)

Randy:  Because I didn’t want to waste a wipee! (He holds up the soiled cloth from the floor, which is why he started on the bar in the first place!)

What a guy!  

Something On My Back?

Sometimes I relate to this painting -

 Caitlin Connolly – “Is there something on my back?”

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of god, and that the spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 1 Cor. 3:16

"Like the painting, we become so accustomed to having something weigh us down that we don’t even realize we are hunched over inhibiting our life and light with something on our back."  (Jenny L.  Segulla blog)

 

Happy Birthday, Emmie

Dear Emmie:

Have a Happy

Happy

          Happy

                                                             Happy

                                                                  Happy

Birthday!

I Love You!

Grandma Jody

Hollyhocks 2013

 I've got to hand it to hollyhocks.  I look forward to their performance every year - like Christmas!

And they never fail to delight!  They make me laugh, and I find myself hearing their dialogue.

  Who would burst out of dry ground all alone like this? 

Can't you just hear this beautiful trio? . . .

Coming from the same neck, that's gotta be tough! 

 Is this a wall flower, a leader of the pack, a teacher pleaser, a stalker,

or a short choir director?

 This has to be the cheering section, the choir, or the clique group.

 

The communicators, facing each other in support.

 Look how they guard the house in a standing ovation,
making sure their brilliant color is seen even from the windows inside!

(Applause!  Bravo!)

Thanks for the show, my hollyhock friends! 

Philosophobias

Writer's Group Assignment # 1 (for me...)

What Is Your Philosophy on Life?

I don't know that I have one philosophy of life, but many.  It's not like I wake up every day with a new one, either; I just believe and function on many that make me whole.

I think often about people.  I learn good things from so many, but I find myself thankful that I'm not like others.  Trust plays a big part in my philosophy of life, since I look for validation of it in others so much, it's important to me that I am trustworthy.  

Another philosophy is that I don't believe we are ever through learning or growing.  I always want to have a to do list, no matter how slow I go or how fuzzy the fine print is. 

If you pay your tithing first, you always have it and never miss it.

Another of my philosophies is forgiveness.  You never know what a person has been through, to cause them to react questionably.  So, I always give them a couple of chances.

If I stay away from caffeine drinks, which has been easy for me, I'll be better off.  I have plenty of other vices that, I might be a mess if I let that promise go.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Never travel behind any sort of trailer; large or small.  You never know when that thing will unhinge.  Get in the other lane.
Also, never sit directly under a chandelier with a pointed stem.  It hurts to think about it . . .

I'll do better on the next assignment, I promise.  But for now, I realize my philosophies have melded into phobias.  And that's OK.   Give me another chance!

 
 

WHY WE TEACH MUSIC

Not because we expect you to major in music;
Not because we expect you to sing all your life;
Not so you can relax, not so you can have fun;

But so you will be...human. So you will recognize beauty. So you will be sensitive. So you will be closer to an infinite beyond this world. So you will have something to cling to. So you will have more love, compassion, gentleness, good--in short, more life!

Of what value will it be to make a prosperous living unless you know how to live?

~ Source unknown

Dust if You Must

Dust if you must, but wouldn't it be better,
to paint a picture or write a letter,
bake a cake or plant a seed,
ponder the difference between want and need?

Dust if you must, but there's not much time,
with rivers to swim and mountains to climb,
music to hear and books to read, friends to
cherish and life to lead.

Dust if you must, but the world's out there
With the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair,
A flutter of snow, a shower of rain.
This day will not come around again.

Dust if you must, but bear in mind,
old age will come and it's not kind.
And when you go - and go you must -
You, yourself, will make more dust!

(anon)

This morning I ran across a partially filled glass of water right in the spot where Julianne had left it.  She and the "littles" have been gone for 2 days and I just barely noticed it.  Do you think I moved it?  No.  It'll be a while.  The night before they left, I was leaving the kitchen after everyone had gone to bed.  For some reason I turned around and scanned the counter tops, where macaroni, bananas, fish crackers, cookies, and starburst candy had all been distributed lovingly for 3 weeks.  (It was snack bar city!)  I stood there with my hand on the light switch.  Do you think I turned it off?  No.  Not until I replayed those sweet faces and voices in my head for a few minutes.  No.  I'm not ready to clean off the crumbs just yet.
 It'll be a "little" while.

Another good reason not to dust!

I Feel Pretty Loved!

Would your children do this for you when you turn 60?

 

Would your visiting teachers put up a banner like this in your neighborhood?

      

Maybe this year won't be so bad. . .  I feel pretty loved!

 Now for my two new favorite songs for the decade:

"Six-ty Candles"
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoOuTSBAWWA)
and

 "Happy Birthday, Sweet Six-ty!"
(http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x73532_neil-sedaka-happy-birthday-sweet-si_music#.UXtk4ko4zAk)

Yep, it'll be me, with the volume up!