Gramma Cyddie Luvs U

2010-03-07T09:26:00.000-07:00

My boy!

2009-11-16T00:12:00.004-07:00

So not only is my brother the 1st counselor in the single's ward bishopric, but my son is the first counselor in his ward bishopric. These two Dave's are too much alike! Love them both!

Princeton University

2009-09-27T12:34:00.003-06:00

2009-09-27T12:34:00.001-06:00

2009-09-27T12:34:00.000-06:00

Princeton

2009-09-27T12:33:00.000-06:00

visit to princeton

2009-09-27T12:32:00.000-06:00

2009-09-27T12:31:00.000-06:00

Princeton

U2

2009-09-27T12:29:00.001-06:00

It's not if I believe in love
But if love believes in me
Oh, believe in me

At the moment of surrender
I folded to my knees
I did not notice the passers-by
And they did not notice me

2009-09-27T12:28:00.001-06:00

The Edge himself...up close and personal.

2009-09-27T12:27:00.001-06:00

2009-09-27T12:26:00.001-06:00

the circle of lights lowers and opens up.

2009-09-27T12:26:00.000-06:00

OK. so it's blurry. but you get the idea.

2009-09-27T12:25:00.000-06:00

U@ concert at Giants Stadium NJ 9/24/09. We were much closer than it looks here.

Words of wisdom from Wendy and Sheri at the international congress on families in Amsterdam

2009-08-14T10:43:00.001-06:00

Wendy Watson Nelson, Ph.D., wife of Elder Nelson, also spoke at the gathering about the need for families to have increased spiritual strength. “We need families who look to God and who remove anything from their lives that is spiritually corrupting,” she said. “Families who are spiritually strong are the only hope for the future of our nations.”

Also speaking at the conference was Sheri L. Dew, who formerly served as a counselor in the Church’s general Relief Society presidency. Dew said: “A virtuous life is an easier, more fulfilling life. And it is one of the most powerful keys to strengthening families and therefore to strengthening our world.”

You're not getting older...you're getting better?

2009-08-10T23:42:00.002-06:00

My Honey in his much younger years as a surfer, beach bum/

shopping revisited

2009-08-08T12:05:00.002-06:00

So I went to Nords yesterday after having my hair cut and colored. Could that possibly make a difference? I had a random sales person in a department I obviously could not shop in but was walking through actually speak to me. Huh! Dunno.
Maybe it's all in how I feel. Of course that's it. If we stand up to the mirror full cupped what comes back is positive. People tend to treat us the way we present ourselves to them. If we present "I am no good. You wont' like me, why should you?" that is what is reflected. If we present "I am a beautiful, wonderful person who deserves to be loved" that is what is reflected. It has nothing to do with clothes, weight, beauty. The best way to become empowered in order to present that image to the mirror is by seeing oneself as the Savior sees you. He always sees you as beautiful, wonderful and deserving of His love.

Ewww Ick

2009-07-23T23:34:00.002-06:00

I really should post something just so that picture won't be the first thing you see on my blog! Mike went back to work. He is so brave an buff! It has been difficult but he is a real trouper. The hole in his arm is getting smaller but seriously I don't get how it will ever heal.

We are off to Tennessee to spend a week with our 7 grandkids (ages 9,7,5,4,3,2 9.5 mos)...and their parents. So excited. HMJ asked his mom "what's a cousin?" first time we have all been together in 4 years and HMJ is 4! Will post pics when we return.

Seriously...should I post?

2009-07-04T13:49:00.006-06:00

Almost a month. Mike is hoping to go back to work next Friday. I am now the sunBLOCK nazi! see why....I mean what good did those Frankenstein staples do?---except under the steri strips which looks really awesome. Too bad you can't see it.
I know...it's gross but at least I chose the small picture and not large! :)

Give me a break!

2009-06-09T19:44:00.003-06:00

It has been one traumatic week. Seriously I hope you never have to go to an oncologist and hear how they are going to dig 1/2 your arm (or any other part of your body) out as well as inject radio active isotopes near your tumor and search for sentinel lymph nodes to remove. But even after hearing that and standing by while my hubby goes through it all I hope even more that they got all the cancer today!

A Half of Stick of Gum

2009-05-21T14:26:00.003-06:00

Sunday our High Councilor spoke. I had an amazing experience. It had been a really painful week. Someone had said something to me that really hurt and caused me to question what on earth to do with such information. Talking to them was of no use. As usual I just had to deal with my feelings and forgive.
So at church our speaker talked about this scripture:

Alma 56:15-17 15 "And these are the cities which they possessed when I arrived at the city of Judea; and I found Antipus and his men toiling with their might to fortify the city.

16 Yea, and they were depressed in body as well as in spirit, for they had fought valiantly by day and toiled by night to maintain their cities; and thus they had suffered great afflictions of every kind.

17 And now they were determined to conquer in this place or die; therefore you may well suppose that this little force which I brought with me, yea, those sons of mine, gave them great hopes and much joy."

My immediate thought was "I need someone to fortify me...to reach out and strengthen me. I hurt." But even as I thought it another thought replaced it "you know that's not how it works. You are healed as you reach out to others." I know but sometimes you just long for someone to reach out to you.
The speaker then went on to quote from the baptismal covenant in Mosiah 18:

8 "And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;

9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life— "

Yes, I thought, that is the covenant I made and that is how I want to be. Sometimes it's just a little harder than other times.

Next he spoke of the new commandment our Savior gave to his disciples found in John. Our Savior knew that what they would miss most when He was gone was His love. That is what we all miss but rarely recognize it.

John 13:33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

We feel His love for us as we share His love with His children.

He went on to quote from Matthew which I have quoted here before:

Matthew 11:28 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you ^crest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Ah...there's the key. We can be comforted and find strength to be healed even in the midst of great adversity if we "come unto" Him. And as Neal Maxwell taught "Empathy during agony is a portion of divinity."

As I was contemplating all of this a little boy, about 2 years old, left his family on the other side of the chapel from where I was sitting and came over to me. He handed me a half stick of gum and walked back to his family. I sat and marveled. A minute later he walked back over and shyly stood at the end of the bench where I was sitting. I motioned to him several times to come over but he didn't. Finally he walked to me and whispered "do you need more gum?" "No" I said. “I am fine. But thank you!" and he walked away.

The speaker ended his talk with a quote from Elder Holland's conference talk of October 2008. I love this:

“My beloved brothers and sisters, I testify of angels, both the heavenly and the mortal kind. In doing so I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face. “[N]or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man [or woman or child] upon the face thereof to be saved.” On occasions, global or personal, we may feel we are distanced from God, shut out from heaven, lost, alone in dark and dreary places. Often enough that distress can be of our own making, but even then the Father of us all is watching and assisting. And always there are those angels who come and go all around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal.

“May we all believe more readily in, and have more gratitude for, the Lord’s promise as contained in one of President Monson’s favorite scriptures: “I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, . . . my Spirit shall be in your [heart], and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.” In the process of praying for those angels to attend us, may we all try to be a little more angelic ourselves—with a kind word, a strong arm, a declaration of faith and “the covenant wherewith [we] have covenanted.” Perhaps then we can be emissaries sent from God when someone… is crying,.. .”

Now it's true that our mission is to know the Savior so well that we can reach out to His children in love and compassion like Him, for Him but He loves us and will send angels when we really need them. They may come in the form of a loved one calling to chat, a co-worker telling us we are doing a great job, a friend who waves as they drive by our house, a speaker in sacrament meeting who listens to the spirit and speaks to our heart. Or they may come as a little child offering a half stick of gum.

Eat and Sleep, Eat and Sleep...

2009-05-19T15:04:00.008-06:00

All I want to do is eat
and spend money. After that I want a nap.

Then I can get up and look at what I bought. And eat some more.

I DON't want to work. Pretty much everything feels overwhelming!
I need some motivation!

AHHH! There it is.

Ether 12: 27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

Shopping eye opener

2009-05-09T10:16:00.004-06:00

As you know I love to shop for shoes. It's because shoes fit...clothes not so much. I went shopping a few weeks ago and since Katie wasn't there (of course I went to Nordstrom...have been getting shoes there since I was a little girl in Seattle! I like shoes that actually fit and are great quality.) I was forced to have a man help me who was so less than interested. In fact I wandered around for a long time before anyone offered to help me. Kind of unusual but I think it's because there were a lot of more stylish types shopping that day. Since my hamstring tear and my arch, heal, and toe pain I have to be picky about the shoes I wear. I get tired of sore feet and I can't buy anything that could even possibly cause me to slip on those tile floors at work. So I have to try on a lot of shoes. Try to find a cut sandal with arch support. Oh, there were a few but they were $150+. Can't do that! Anyway, I tried on lots of shoes and I swear I could hear the guy sigh! Finally I picked a Dansko (my new shoe of choice for both safety and comfort) sandals and a Born flat that had a little arch. And I used my $20 reward so it helped.
I decided to go upstairs to check out the clothes. When I worked in Encore there were really cute clothes. Now they are ugly and awful. As I was walking around I noticed how much of a no one I was to people. Paranoid? I don't think so. It is really difficult to be a "large" person in a world where thin and stylish is valued. I started the self talk "you are a beautiful, wonderful person and Heavenly Father loves you!" I couldn't wait to get out.
I went to Dillard's where I really hate to shop. I don't like their policies and good luck getting any help! But they have a really large shoe selection (and unlike Nords not quite so stylish and lots of Merrel, keva, born, simple, ecco, etc) I was there forever because they are woahfully understaffed! I didn't even attempt to look at clothes.
I left exhausted and deflated. And reminded that true beauty is on the inside but has to be projected to those around you for them to see it. My sense of acceptance and worth cannot come from how people...especially strangers...treat me. If I want to be valued I must treat others in a manner that THEY will feel loved and valued.
I, of course, returned some shoes. When I went back I decided I should just stick with Dansko. They don't hurt your toes because your toes don't touch anything. They have support and they have safe soles. So I bought the pair I should have bought in the first place and to add to they awesomeness of the whole experience I had another $20 off plus the guy who waited on me this time was really nice and treated me like I mattered. Maybe that day I was projecting the love I know Heavenly Father has for me and all of His children!

Faith, Hope???

2009-04-19T10:44:00.002-06:00

I was reading about the brother of Jared when the thought came to me: how loving of our Savior to provide an opportunity for the brother of Jared to exercise his faith to a degree that actually enabled him to see the Savior. I mean the Savior could have said "go over there and get some really smooth rocks that are kind of clear and bring them to me and I will light them for you." That would have been really great so that the brother of Jared would know just what to do and it would be done. It would still take some amount of faith, would it not, to believe the Savior could actually do that? So wouldn't that be enough faith for the brother of Jared to exhibit? On the other hand how much growth would there have been? How much experience would have been gained? Instead the Savior asked the brother of Jared what he would have the Savior do? This gave the brother of Jared the opportunity to exercise faith and works and to come to know the process of coming unto Him all the while having no doubt that the Savior could and WOULD touch those stones and give them light.
Today as I pray, I decided to have that kind of faith. But I recognize one difference as i pray for those I love from those stones. Yes, even the stones had agency but He will not take away the agency of those I pray for.
So I am going to have faith and I am going to hope and if nothing seems to come of this as obvious as the lighted stones I am not going to lose that faith or hope. As I learned many years ago on my knees in my room when the comforter spoke peace to my soul, Heavenly Father is involved and I can trust Him and His timing. There may be changes today that I cannot see just yet but will one day. To lose hope of that is despair and I will not do that. I have come too far to lose hope in my Savior and in my Father's plan for me and my family.

Psalm 119: 114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

Romans 8: 24-25 For we are saved by hope but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

And...as always..."With God Nothing Shall Be Impossible"!

Happy 60th to me!

2009-03-15T20:38:00.009-06:00

So ever since Peach was tiny we have had this thing have done and now do with all the grandkids. When we leave one another we make the signs for "I" "love" "you". We don't do the single sign we sign each word. for my birthday Mandi sent me the following pictures in a frame so they are side by side:

How cute is that!!! JNJ wasn't quite getting it but Peach said his finger needed to bend like Gramma's. My pointer is the one that I had fused so it is always curved. :)

Yesterday my daughter called and left me a message: "Hi mom. I just wanted to talk to you one more time before you are really, really really, really old! Thanks precious!!!

My son and his family sent me a GC to Amazon to help my buy an itouch. When it came I didn't even look at who sent it. I was thinking Amazon was sending me a really generous reward for past purchases. I already had a $25 reward waiting to be used so I came right in and got on the computer and ordered my itouch for $75 off. Today when I talked with him my son asked me if I got the gift card. I said that I hadn't but that I had already ordered the itouch. He felt bad that I hadn't been able to use the gift card he sent. As we talked I told him how I had received a $50 reward card from Amazon. The lightbulb went on just as I realized that the "reward"card was for the same amount as his gift card and he said "that was from us!" I went to the trash and sure enough it said "Happy Birthday love D/J/I./A/E/A" I was so excited to have it that I didn't even see that part! how silly of me. So the itouch is on it's way. Precious M also sent me $ and at work we always put $5 each in a card for whoever is having a birthday. with that money I think I will buy the Brighton watch I have been wanting.

Friday I called Parsons to order myself a cake. Mike had been out of town and wouldn't be home until late. I told the clerk to put "happy birthday Cyd" on the cake and that I would pick it up at 3. Then she said "what is your name?" I thought "oh, no. Now I have to tell her I am buying it for myself!!! I tried to think about a good fake name I could use but went blank so just said "Cyd." But my sweet husband actually brought me a cake froma quaint little bakery in Philly where he was on a layover! I should have had a little faith!

Thanks everyone for a great birthday!

For Mikeal

2009-03-08T10:57:00.003-06:00

"Those great men and women, and I’m thinking now, in particular, of the great men and women of the early part of this dispensation, did not leave their homes and bury children along the plains and have their lives absolutely turned upside-down just so you and I could go to church in lovely meeting houses, and go to school on lovely church campuses, and watch General Conference on Satellite or streaming live on the internet. Their part was to lay the foundation of the Kingdom of God and our part is to help build up and defend that kingdom. We are here now because we are supposed to be here now. Of that I have a solemn witness and testimony. You are not here by accident, you were held in reserve for this day.

"When you absolutely know who you are, it changes everything about the choices you make and about the way you spend and live your lives. I invite you to get on your knees and begin to pray, and ask the Father to talk to you about you. Ask him if those words 'the noble and great ones' have anything to do with you, and see what he tells you. It may take a day, or a week, or a month, or a year, I don’t know how long it will take, itwill be individual. But, I promise you, the Lord will speak to you and make it very clear how he feels about you. When you begin to understand not only who you are, but who you have always been, when you have a witness that you are here now because you are supposed to be here now, that you have a mission to fulfill - and when you try to live in harmony with that knowledge - you will be happier than you have ever been. That’s a promise." Sheri Dew BYU-H Devotional Feb 17, 2009

blog shmog

2009-03-01T21:24:00.002-07:00

My son-in-law said "you need to update your blog!" Fine...but I really don't have much to say.

As I have mentioned I have another blog that takes a great deal of emotion to write. It is draining!

Mike went to Hawaii this week. And to Phoenix. I stayed here and FROZE. What a cold couple of days we have had!

I went to Madden's blessing. What an adorable baby though I have yet to hold him. Casey gave a beautiful blessing and an inspiring testimony. We had wonderful food and company afterwards. Even got to see Beckham who is so tiny and cute! I wanted to cuddle him too but he's still too little!

Oh, yes...and GO COUGARS! That was awesome!

ok...so a thought for the day ( since I lost all my email and contacts and can't send one that way) "It is a powerful act of faith to give something to someone else when we feel empty. Truly, giving when we are longing to have someone give to us seems to defy reason. But in spiritual terms it makes perfect sense. Giving out of what one feels are meager resources is like reaching into Elijah's nearly empty cornmeal barrel during a famine and coming up with a full cup everytime. Giving to others the things we are most longing for ourselves follows the principles of godliness and results in an unexpected sense of fulness." M. Catherine Thomas

Tag

2009-02-06T00:27:00.002-07:00

1. DID YOU DATE SOMEONE FROM YOUR SCHOOL? What's a date? OK I did go on a few dates but I didn't "date" anyone!
2.WHAT KIND OF CAR DID YOU DRIVE? Are you kidding? I got to drive the car to school once my senior year!
3. DID YOU PASS YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE TEST YOUR FIRST TRY? Hmmmm....I think so.
4. WHERE YOU A PARTY ANIMAL? No. Not even kind of.
5. WERE YOU CONSIDERED A FLIRT? NO WAY!
6. WERE YOU IN BAND, ORCHESTRA, OR CHOIR? Choir and madrigals.
7. WERE YOU A NERD? Absolutely but I didn't know it!
8. WERE YOU ON ANY VARSITY TEAMS? HUH? No!
9. DID YOU EVER GET SUSPENDED/EXPELLED? no way!
10. CAN YOU STILL SING THE FIGHT SONG? " Beer , beer for old Carlmont high." Oh, wait. that's not an official fight song. "all hail to thee our alma mater honored. Richardson, we're loyal to you..."
11. WHO WERE YOUR FAVORITE TEACHERS? There was that one teacher and then there was that accounting teacher...I'm too old to remember names!
12. WHERE DID YOU SIT FOR LUNCH? I wandered so I wouldn't have to sit alone.
13. WHAT IS YOUR SCHOOL’S FULL NAME? Carlmont High School, Ygnacio Valley High school, Richardson High School.
14. WHAT IS YOUR SCHOOL’S MASCOT AND COLORS? Richardson was an Eagle and the colors were purple and white.
15. DID YOU GO TO HOMECOMING AND WITH WHO? As I said....i didn't date.

16. IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND DO IT AGAIN WOULD YOU? Not a chance!!!
17. WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT GRADUATION? After never being noticed I sat by the jocks who were fun and friendly. What a waste. If they had known how fun and cute I was they surely would have dated me!

18. WHERE DID YOU GO SENIOR SKIP DAY? I probably stayed home.
19. WERE YOU IN ANY CLUBS? dance club
20. HAVE YOU GAINED SOME WEIGHT SINCE THEN? Are you kiddin?
21. WHO WAS YOUR PROM DATE? I did go to one prom with Tommy Mannawitz.
22. ARE YOU PLANNING ON GOING TO YOUR 10 YEAR REUNION? way past but I haven't been nor will I go to any.
23. DID YOU HAVE A JOB IN HIGH SCHOOL? summers at the Medallion and Develo Tronics. I was the queen circuit board maker.

Come Unto Him

2009-01-18T21:08:00.001-07:00

A number of years ago I was taking a math class in preparation for teaching that subject the coming school year. We were studying vectors and I just could not grasp how they worked. I had studied and studied, worked problems over and over. I had obtained tutoring but still I did not understand. The night before the test I was becoming frustrated as I tried problem after problem to no avail. Suddenly it occurred to me that Heavenly Father and our Savior know everything. Even vectors! I realized that there could be no greater tutor than them. So I got on my knees and poured out my heart about how hard I had tried to understand. I had done all that I could think to do and I just wasn’t getting it. I told Heavenly Father that I knew He knew how vectors work and asked him to teach me. I finished my prayer and tried a few more problems, but still couldn’t do them. I decided to take a break so I went downstairs to do some laundry. I remember precisely the moment that my mind comprehended vectors…it was on the second to the last stair on my way back up! Suddenly I just knew how to do them. I ran to the table where I had been studying, anxious to try a problem. Sure enough I did it right. I worked problem after problem and they were all correct. I Thanked my Heavenly Father.

The next day when I opened the test I didn’t recognize a thing on it. I prayed again saying that I had studied and that I had the best possible tutor and would He please help my mind to recall what I knew. I started in the middle of the test with a problem I felt I could do and then proceeded to complete the test. When I was done I looked it over to see if I needed to rework any problems but they all looked right to me.

Before the professor handed back the graded tests he explained that he was going to have to greatly lower the grading scale since only 1 or 2 in the class had scored above the low 80’s and the majority in the 70’s or less. For a moment I panicked! However, when I got my test back I had received 100%.

You see, Heavenly Father does know everything…even vectors!

If he knows how to do vectors, He knows how to help us with all our needs and concerns.

Do you want to know how to cope with a devastating illness or overcome an addiction? Come unto Him

Do you want to know how to deal with struggling children or strengthen a faltering marriage? Come unto Him

Do you ache for relief from loneliness and long for peace and joy? Come unto Him

Do you want to know how to comfort a friend in need or repair a troubled relationship, to forgive someone who has betrayed or abused you? Come unto Him

Do you want to feel loved, to know that you measure up, that your offering is acceptable? Come unto Him

Do you yearn for forgiveness and mercy; for solace and healing? Come unto Him!!

Perhaps you feel over-scheduled, overwhelmed but don’t know what to change. Come unto him.

Is there someone in your life causing you grief and pain? Do you feel powerless? Come unto Him!

Whatever it is that you yearn for, come unto the fountain of all love, all knowledge, all joy, all peace, all hope. Come unto Him!

He knows what experiences of life we need. He knows what commandments and covenants will help us remember Him and bring us home. If we know that he is there, if we have developed a closeness to Him we will face all the events of our lives much better.

Right now you may be in a very comfortable, safe place but just as most devastating hurricanes, tornados, and tsunamis strike quickly, we may not see the storms of our lives coming. While they are likely to ravage us for a time they need not destroy us or take us off our course. If we are prepared to trust and access our Savior’s help we can weather them well.

You may already be in the midst of a devastating ordeal. We all have them and cannot be expected to be spared on our path of discipleship. But He can ease our burden and help us through.

What he requires is our heart and a willing mind.

Elder Neal Maxwell said of this “I testify that he is utterly incomparable in what he is, what he knows, what he has accomplished, and what he has experienced. Yet, movingly, he calls us his friends. (See John 15:15; D&C 84:77.)

“We can trust, worship, and even adore him without any reservation! He is the only perfect person to sojourn on this planet; there is, as Isaiah declared, none like him! (See Isa. 46:9.)

“In intelligence and performance, Christ far surpasses the individual and the composite capacities and achievements of all who have lived, live now, and will yet live!” (See Abr. 3:19.)

So My Daughter is so fun!

2009-01-04T20:43:00.003-07:00

Mandi had this tag on her blog and she is so creative and witty! I know mine will just be boring, except the ones I steal from her, but here goes:

1. Do you like blue cheese? Yes- on lettuce wedges with ranch dressing and bacon

2. Do you own a gun? a glue gun.
3. What flavor of Kool Aid was your favorite? Cherry!!!!
4. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? YES. I hate going to any doctor!
5. What do you think of hot dogs? I love them!
6. Favorite Christmas movie? You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!
7. Favorite thing to drink in the morning? Ovaltine
8. Can you do push ups? RIGHT!
9. Favorite piece of jewelry? the darling bracelet I got for Christmas from a little girl in my primary class!
10. Favorite hobby? hmmm, I used to have hobbies!
11. Do you have A.D.D? UHHHHHH yes!
12. What is one trait you hate about yourself? unmotivated!
13. Middle name? Fox
14. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. i'm not hungry but NEED to eat, my feet are cold, these nuts taste icky!
15. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink. water, water, water.
16. Current worry? all the things I need to do now that I am back in town!
17. Current hate right now? I don't hate anything but I strongly dislike many things!

18. Favorite place to be? Home with Mike or in PA or TN with my kids and grandkids.
19. How did you bring in the new year? Spent a fortune on an incredible meal at Cucine Toscana. Mike said it was so good it gave him chills. Food normally means next to nothing to him!
20. Where would you like to go? Maui
21. Name three people who might complete this. No one, Nobody and not anybody.
22. Do you own slippers? sort of. I own some pink high top uggs that I wear to keep my feet warm. Wish I had them on right now!
23. What shirt are you wearing? a really large, streched out T-shirt that I sleep in.
24. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? No. Too slippery, and cold.
25. Can you whistle? kinda
26. Favorite color? depends on what it is on. A wall? medium green. A shirt, fushia. Eyes, blue! College Football team BYU blue!
27. Would you be a pirate? Not a chance.
28. What songs do you sing in the AM? "Show me the way to go home. I'm tired and I want to go to bed"
29. Favorite girl’s name? not CYD
30. Favorite boy’s name? Michael ( :D )
31. What’s in your pocket right now? don't have one.
32. Last thing that made you laugh? my son and daughter this weekend in Seattle.
33. What vehicle do you drive? Mercedes C280
34. Worst injury you have ever had? Mandi said "Does an episiotomy count?" I would have to agree but just in case it doesn't it would probably be when I practically cut off my finger while try to get ice cream from a carton using a table knife!
35. Do you love where you live? Love? hmmmm....
36. How many TV’s do you have in your house? 3
37. Who is your loudest friend? I really don't have loud friends but Kash has a great laugh!
38. Do you have any pets? nope, no way, no how!
39. Does someone have a crush on you? Of course! my honey!
40. What is your favorite book(s)? To Kill a Mockingbird
41. Do you collect anything? Nativities
42. Favorite sports team? See favorite color answer
43. What song do you want played at your funeral? Oh, Divine Redeemer
44. What song should have been playing at your birth? She's a Maniac...

Oh yeah, TAG! You’re it!!

long, long time

2008-12-15T21:29:00.007-07:00

I realize that i use my blog merely to check if others have updated theirs! Silly.
If it wasn't for the Philly grandkids being in town over Thanksgiving our home would not be decorated for Christmas! IMM especially loved opening the box of every figurine (and there are many!). I am very grateful because every night I sit and look at how pretty it all looks. Hooray for grandkids. Hooray for Christmas!
I took mom to our stake Christmas program. There were bell ringers, a brass ensemble, primary choir, youth choir, adult choir, and harp ensemble. It was wonderful and mom loved it. She was especially thrilled when Elder Hales came to her to shake her hand. I had told him my mom wanted to meet him. I went to get her but by the time I fought the crowds to get to her with her wheelchair there he was shaking her hand. He had come to her. that's just how he is. I had my own personal experience years ago with him in a similar situation. He helps you feel Father's love!

Favorite Hymn EVER!!!

2008-11-23T20:38:00.003-07:00

Today on Music and the Spoken Word the Tabernacle Choir sang my favorite song. The message of the entire song is so touching but I am brought to tears and awe by the following:

"O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above." (Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing)

I give Him my heart willingly for only He is capable of sustaining me, lifting me, teaching me, strengthening me, understanding me and loving me without condition. I love Him.

someone not very famous once said:

2008-11-13T20:49:00.000-07:00

Whatever it is that you yearn for, come unto the fountain of all love, all knowledge, all joy, all peace, all hope. Come unto Him!

You may already be in the midst of a devastating ordeal. We all have them and cannot be expected to be spared on our path of discipleship. But He can ease our burden and help us through.

What he requires is our heart and a willing mind.

A timely message

2008-10-31T09:17:00.001-06:00

We will need to have developed and nurtured faith in Jesus Christ long before Satan hits us, as he will, with doubts and appeals to our carnal desires and with lying voices saying that good is bad and that there is no sin. Those spiritual storms are already raging. We can expect that they will worsen until the Savior returns.

However much faith to obey God we now have, we will need to strengthen it continually and keep it refreshed constantly. We can do that by deciding now to be more quick to obey and more determined to endure. Learning to start early and to be steady are the keys to spiritual preparation. Procrastination and inconsistency are its mortal enemies. President Eyring

for all us republicans....

2008-10-28T09:15:00.003-06:00

From a letter issued by the first Presidency March 2006:

"Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in the platforms of all major political parties. While the church does not endorse political candidates, platforms or parties, members are urged to be full participants in political, governmental and community affairs,"

"The Democratic Party, like The Church of Jesus Christ, believes there is a clear responsibility for society to care for the poor, help working families in their challenges of raising children and providing a decent income for them, and reach out to those in society who are often left out," Taylor [Todd Taylor, then Democratic Party executive director] said in a written statement.

"We hope members of the church will take this as an opportunity to find out more about the Democratic Party's principles that are closely connected with those of The Church of Jesus Christ and realize that the Democratic Party represents the same values shared by many Latter-day Saints." Deseret Morning News Published: Wednesday, March 15, 2006

You can be a good LDS and be a democrat!!!

hey!!!!

2008-10-26T00:24:00.002-06:00

So Lauren....how about giving me permission to view your blog????? I can't believe you've left me out. LET ME IN! :)

Happy Thursday!!

2008-10-09T23:24:00.000-06:00

I cannot recall ever seeing Sheri Dew get emotional when teaching. Tuesday night she did as she expressed the following thought.

She said that with the current financial and political climate it is easy to begin to listen more to the voices of those on Wall Street and in politics than to listen to the voice of Thomas S. Monson. Those in government and on Wall Street are sometimes right and sometimes wrong. President Monson is always right for he is led by God.

She then quoted the following said by Nephi:

2 Nephi 4:34 O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.

35 Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen.

It was a powerful reminder in Whom we must put our trust and to be careful not to get caught up in the things of this world to where we don’t hear the voice of our Father for us and our families. How grateful I am that I know my Father lives and loves me, and that He has provided a Prophet for us who will never be allowed to lead us astray. He also gives each of us personal revelation for our lives and the lives of our family members. We can make a difference in this world and in our country by being true to who we really are…His children.

Hugs.

more favorite pictures

2008-09-14T19:28:00.003-06:00

AKM...newest grandchild

2008-09-11T00:28:00.000-06:00

born 9/9/08

2008-09-07T01:08:00.004-06:00

IMM's first day of first grade.
HMJ's favorite (way too small) jammies!
PEACH!

exciting times

2008-09-03T20:21:00.002-06:00

So now we have stairs on the deck and next week we get grass. We have a friend who owns a landscaping co. who is getting us a KILLER deal. I am so excited!

We will have a new baby granddaughter next Tuesday (9-9) if not sooner. Not sure the name yet but EMM (2years old) likes Harriet. Where did she come up with that? A month or so ago A(S)M (4 yrs) decided to change her name to the name mommy wants to name the baby so that the baby could have her name. EMM announced that her new name was Crust. That lasted at least an entire day with her only answering to Crust. She dropped it but today she announced that the baby cannot be named Crust since it's already taken! Crazy kids!

Woooo Hooo!

2008-08-26T09:29:00.006-06:00

Hooray for Mike! The deck is done!...well, almost. It still needs the stairs. Let's see, how many years has it been???? Still no grass though.
I asked the girls to look at me so I could take their picture. This is what I got.
IMM didn't want me to forget his face or his name.HMJ was sooooo sad! Not sure why but since they were about to head back to TN maybe he could sense it.

JNJ biffed it before his trip here. He always smiles!
Peach absolutely loved this IKEA find.

Little Peach

2008-08-15T09:48:00.003-06:00

My Peacy Pie is sleeping on my living room floor. This is the last day they will be here in Utah. It goes too fast! Yet, it has been great to have them here. I have enjoyed HMJ's "Grayma, Grayma, Grayma!" Bones's constant smile. Peachy's creativity and conversation. And best of all the hugs! Yesterday I said "Who does Gramma love?" HMJ ran to me yelling "ME" and threw himself into my arms and hugged me so tight! When they first arrived Bones came right to me. I picked him up and he laid his head on my shoulder. Mikeal asked whether he was tired or just loving gramma. I said he was probably tired at which he picked up his head and looked at me for a long moment with a huge grin and then laid hid head back on my shoulder. The Peach, being 8 1/2, does' nt do such things but the other night I was sitting on a chair and pulled her to me to give her a hug good bye. She just stayed in my arms and said "I don't want to leave!"
Of course I LOVE seeing my daughter too. And Mikeal. I will miss them all! I miss my son and his family. :(

you've got to be kidding!

2008-07-20T19:08:00.011-06:00

I wonder if anyone even bothers to look at my blog anymore. I am so bad at this. Well, truth is that I have started another blog but it's incognito. I am writing my story and I am just not ready to share it with anyone who knows Mike and I. anyway, this blog suffers. I love reading everyone else's blogs though.
today i have a fun surprise when I went to primary and my friend asked me if I would take her class. OHHHHHHHHNOOOOO! I am such a wimp. But they were cute and it went fine except for my one little guy who was off the walls with this new audience. At one point I nicely took his arm and said "you are bouncing." He looked at me like "DUUUUHHH." He loves me though. two weeks ago we had a lesson on saying thank you. I had them each make a thank you card to give to someone. he kept asking me what color I like and which stickers were my favorite. One little boy gave his to the Bishop (who was being released the next week), one gave his to his mom and the little girl gave hers to her dad. Ethan asked me if I could please come by his house later that day. When I went his mom answered and asked me to have a seat as he wasn't quite ready. When he was ready he came into the room and handed me a wrapped package. I unwrapped it and there was the card with his favorite pencil taped to it.
The wrap:

the pencil!!! Skeletons and skulls!!!

The envelope

The card

(That's me teaching the 4 kids in my class the lesson on saying thank you.)
He threw his arms around me and asked his mom to take a picture!
How can you not be touched by that???

Tag from Missy...ooohhhh noooooo!

2008-06-24T11:32:00.016-06:00

Photo Tag
The rules here are that you have to take pictures of the following things. And you have to do it right away. No straightening, cleaning or wiping your child's nose. Then you tag five others. So here it goes:

Laundry room:

Closet:toilet:Children (ok...so I cheated. They don't even live in the same state that I live in...not even the same half of the US...so I posted an old pic.):

Fridge:

sink: (good thing Mike did the dishes or it would be even worse!)favorite shoes:

Favorite room (a tie):Kitchen Living room

K...how 'bout I tag Lauren, Katie and Mandi!

I'm back!!!

2008-06-01T11:53:00.007-06:00

Ok...so it's taken me this long to get over Archie's loss. I decided that the reason he lost is because everyone knew he would win so didn't stay up until midnight or 1 AM (depending on time zone) to vote. He won the week before after all.

Oh, well. He is fine. What a cute boy. LOOK:

Anyway, on with real life. My child is indoctrinating his child at the tender age of 4. Check it out:

Seriously, isn't she a cutie? Here she is in a fearsome pose as a 4 year old ninja, yellow stipe belt and all!

This while battling Jevenile Rheumatoid Arthritis! She is doing very well and we fell greatly blessed.

So I am off to teach my little 5 year olds in Primary. Did I mention the kid who acted out electricity during a recent lesson on power? All I could do is sit there with my mouth hanging open! :D

NO WAY!!!

2008-05-22T00:06:00.002-06:00

Who else is stunned? Really up until the night of the final performances I thought David Cook would win but after the finals I couldn't see how Archie could lose! I can't believe it. But still, he is amazing and will have a long and amazing career. Can't wait to see him grow!
Go David! What a class act he is.

it's been a long, long, long time...

2008-05-19T22:55:00.003-06:00

A Beatles song don't ya know!
Speaking of Beatles I understand David A. will be singing Imagine again! Good choice. David C. will sing U2's I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For. This entire season David C has sung songs i was hoping Archie would sing! I'm bummed. It will just be good to have this over as it has messed with me like crazy. i really need to move on. Unless David A wins and then I will be sad it's over and I don't get to watch him anymore. I did purchase the video of him singing Stand By Me so I can watch him when it's history.
Any how about the news flash that AI will recruit right here in SLC next season. That's so cool!
I was proud of my bro. Dave for working with a school for autistic kids here in Davis Co. where Henry Marsh's son goes to sponsor a baseball game for them with the Utah Sting. It was a great thing to do and the kids seemed to have a great time. Way to go!
K so that's all for now. Don't forget to vote!
Thought of the day comes from Viktor Frankl in Man's Search for Meaning: "Emotion, which is suffering, ceases to be suffering as soon as we form a clear and precise picture of it."
'til next time.

A weekend to remember!

2008-05-07T22:47:00.003-06:00

Had a great weekend at my boy's home in Philly. Went to the diviest diner for breakfast that had great food. The kids were darling and I had a great time running races with the girls in the backyard and reading to the boy my favorite childhood book "A Brother the Size of Me." When we finished it he asked me if I would leave it there so he could read it again. Cute and precious boy!
I showered, bathed and put the kids to bed while our son and Mike went to Shine a Light. They loved it, but I'll bet I had the best time of all with the little ones!
Monday I took the train with my boy to Philly. He went to work while I explored and experienced the historic district of Philly and then did a little shopping downtown. Got April Cornell dresses for $15 a piece! Hope my daughter-in-law approved! Then I met my boy for lunch at the amazing new Comcast building. What a view we had. He even rode the train one stop with me to make sure I got on okay with my bags. It was wonderful to be with him and the grandkids. I miss them already!
And a random thought: Go David Archuletta! How about that rendition of Love Me Tender? Amazing!
Sleep tight!

Looooooong time!

2008-04-24T11:48:00.004-06:00

There is just NO time! well, I shouldn't say no time since I did manage to buy some new shoes :D

Our "Precious" (daughter) is coming tonight. It will be fun to see her. Had our wonderful son last month. WOW!!!! It's been nice to spend time with our kids. I need to see the grandkids now!!!!

Work is CRAZY. Last night was the first really BIG event that i worked on. It turned out really nice. LOTS of work and a ton of stress!!! I have a kind of bizarre event next week pertaining to this picture purportedly the only actual photo of Joseph Smith. I will have to post about it later.

K well, enough of my boring life. I really will try to catch up when my job becomes more managable.
And the thought for the day:
Alma 17:13 And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led.
Have a great one!

happy anniversary Mike and Cyd

2008-04-03T23:17:00.002-06:00

We went to the Park Cafe for breakfast since Mike had to go on a trip this afternoon. It was very yummy! When I got home from work Mike was gone but there was a beautiful bouquet of roses and the sweetest card ever! He is a wonderful man and I am honored to have him in my life. Happy Anniversary Mike. I love you!

I know...

2008-03-29T09:50:00.002-06:00

I'm boring. Yes, I get that. Go to work, come home exhausted. Doesn't leave much to write about. I was reading obits yesterday (something we do as we get older) and found two disturbing ones. First is a man in our stake who was 35 years old. He had a massive stroke. He leaves behind his wife and 3 boys ages 3, 8 and 11. My son is a year older than Joe. Couple that with my daughter-in-law's brother who passed away in November at age 39 and it's a bit frightening. The second was the father of one of my students at Viewmont. He was 66. I am 59. You do the math.

Ok this is a bit dreary! let's cheer this up a notch. The other night I was flipping through channels and found U2 Rattle and Hum. That music reminds me of my son in high school. It brings a spring to my step and I love to sing along. My daughter's imitation of me singing U2 is hilarious. She insists I sing it opera style. NAW!

I was delighted to have my son ask me if I own Wrecking Ball by Emmy lou Harris. One of my favorite albums ever. It is full of thought provoking songs and very sing-along-able! It happens to be in my car CD player right now. Wow...a bridge over the generation gap!!!

I am excited for conference next week. It always lifts me. In preparation for it here is a thought taken from a talk Elder Faust had prepared prior to his death and which was included in the last conference issue: "Each new day that dawns can be a new day for us to begin to change. We can change our environment. We can change our lives by substituting new habits for old. We can mold our character and future by purer thoughts and nobler actions. As someone once said 'The possibility of change is always there, with its hidden promise of peace, happiness, and a better way of life.'"

With that in mind I am going to go walk!!!!!
Make it a great one.

Happy Easter....I think!

2008-03-25T23:54:00.003-06:00

It's always awkard when someone asks me how a holiday was that i spent alone. I pause and wonder if I should just say "it was great, how about yours?" or if I should tell the truth. You know me, I opt for the truth every time. "Well", I say, "it was fine. I taught my primary class and then studied for my institute lesson." It's not that I feel sorry for myself because I really don't. I am used to it and it really doesn't bother me....until I hear about eveyone else being with family. I do miss the wonderful celebrations we had at mom and dad's for years. I miss my family. But mostly I just don't think about it. I am grateful everyone is having a great day and I make the most of mine. I took mom an Easter Lily and some of her favorite chicken salad and rolls from the Lion House. Times have changed!
I enjoyed thinking of our Savior and his amazing love and sacrifice for us. I pondered on his intimate, personal love for me and for each of you. That brings great joy and peace.
Thought for today:
"No repentant sinner or innocent sufferer will ever be alone in that suffering. We will not and cannot ever face a trial or sickness, transgression or trouble that He does not comprehend and understand. All these things He suffered vicariously; thus He became our advocate not only in repentance but also in trial." Vaughn Featherstone

today...

2008-03-21T15:00:00.006-06:00

I walked! I saw pussy willows! I love pussy willows!

My Peach won the grand prize at the easter egg hunt. Good job little Peachy Pie!

I perched precariously on a ladder on my stairs to change the pictures hanging there. The McBride's gave us a wonderful picture for Christmas "He Is Not Here" which I needed to find a place for. Here is how it turned out:

Could have straightened up a bit before I took the pictures I suppose!

Been working on my lesson. Here is a thought from Elder Uchtdorf: "My dear brothers and sisters, there will be days and nights when you feel overwhelmed, when your hearts are heavy and your heads hang down. Then, please remember, Jesus Christ, the Redeemer, is the Head of this Church. It is His gospel. He wants you to succeed. He gave His life for just this purpose. He is the Son of the living God. He has promised:
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
“For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee” (3 Nephi 22:10).

HE LOVES YOU!!!! :D

The big reveal

2008-03-20T21:27:00.002-06:00

Well, you know how those early ultra sounds are...not without the possibility of error. IMM is hoping it is wrong. He is clinging to that hope...he isn't terribly excited about another sister!!!!!! :)

Poor IMM and GSJ...both the first child, both hoping for a sibling the same gender as they are, neither getting it! Well, as Mandi says at least they will not ever have to share rooms with anyone!

So I filled out my brackets. How about you? I usually take some long shots but didn't do that so much this time and I am already sorry as USC lost to Kansas ST. Worst news of the day BYU lost!

Here's how scientific I get. I always pick schools with the name Georgia or that are in states where my family lives. Had to go with UCLA since my boy graduated from there even though it meant not picking BYU. See, I am still putting my children ahead of all else! Believe it or not I have actully faired pretty well with this method in the past. I don't think so this time.

I only had to work 3 days this week. Well, not exactly as tomorrow I will go in for about an hour and will do a little work from home but I am getting to where I will mostly only work 3 days. YEAH!!!!! It's going ok. I am holding my own in catering.

Tomorrow I will work on my Institute lesson for next week. So many ideas, so little time! Here is a thought for the day:

"He knows of our anguish, and He is there for us. Like the good Samaritan in His parable, when He finds us wounded at the wayside, He binds up our wounds and cares for us (see Luke 10:34). Brothers and sisters, the healing power of His Atonement is for you, for us, for all....The healing power of the Lord Jesus Christ—whether it removes our burdens or strengthens us to endure and live with them like the Apostle Paul—is available for every affliction in mortality." Elder Oaks

Make it a great day!

ERRRRRGGGGGHHHH!!!!

2008-03-19T22:01:00.003-06:00

OK...so it's been one of those days! I won't even go in to my day but to top it all off when Iget home at 10 pm there's a message from my son saying they found out the sex of their baby and they are happy to announce it's a "human baby."...Oh and "don't call us back because we are going to bed." Real nice!
So that's all for now....I am over the edge tonight...but not really upset at my boy, just really excited to find out! I hope it's a boy...you know how I like even numbers and since we will have an uneven number of grandkids and an uneven number of boys or girls (we have 3 of each right now) at least in that family there would be an even number of both! I know, I'm a freak!
:D
Sleep tight!

The day after 59!

2008-03-16T23:44:00.003-06:00

I am still here! Just think....only 11 more years and I will be 70. HUH???
Mike and I went to Tuscany for dinner. Thanks to Dave and Kathie and the women I work with we had a delightful evening. The snow added to the majestic feeling of it all. It was a good day.

This morning I was trying to focus on preparing for my Primary lesson but I got distracted. I had fasted and prayed today for the ability to prepare and teach well and be inspired as to how I could help my little ones learn what Heavenly Father wanted them to learn. Then I got distracted and didn't focus until an hour before I needed to get ready for church. I was very frustrated with myself and I told Heavenly Father that under the circumstances He didn't need to honor my fasting. I went to church a bit despondent. When I opened the program I noticed that the Sacrament song was my very favorite..."In Remembrance of Thy Suffering." I have had the experience on more than one occassion of feeling down and upon arriving at church noticing the same Sacrament hymn. It is a tender mercy from Father letting me know He is mindful of and loves me. I felt humbled and realized that He is anxious to bless us and sometimes (often) we (I) are (am) too hard on ourselves. And guess what!!!! My class was amazing! Better than they have ever been. Now this doesn't mean that I can go on being distracted rather than focused on what should be a priority, but it isnpires me to want to be better; to continue to try to draw nearer to Father and to server Him well. Next week I will focus on what matters most....like getting to bed at a decent time so I can serve Him and those I love and care about better. So goodnight!!!!!!
Hugs!

Happy birthday to me!!!!

2008-03-15T00:22:00.003-06:00

wow...hard to believe! 59 years! where did they go? I have much to show for them. 2 amazing, beautiful children; 7 (almost) outstanding, wonderful, precious grandchildren; 1 fantastic, loving husband; many loyal, awesome friends; 4 terrific, fun, talented siblings and their fabulous children and grandchildren; 2 great parents; a testimony of Father's love for me; a knowledge of our Savior's incomparable and unfailing love and companionship. What more could i ask for??? more sleep maybe :D
for my birthday i wish all of you a day of joy and love knowing you are loved by me and by Heavenly Father! We are all He does!
Make it a great one! I love you ALL!

It was 40 years ago today...

2008-03-08T19:23:00.006-07:00

Mike and I had our first date. Yes, it's true. We were 18 years old and freshmen at BYU (GO COUGARS!!). Wanna know what we did? I know you do. I asked him out. I had a friend who lived in Ogden (I knew her when I was in Jr. high in Seattle) who was getting married. I asked Mike to go (and drive of course since I didn't have transportation) and we took my roomie and her boyfriend. After the reception we went to Aunt Hilda's and played pool. I didn't know a thing about how to play so Mike had to show me how to hold a cue...yep! He had to put his arms around me to do so :)
The 4 of us had to squeeze in to the front of his little Ford truck (it was dripping cold water on my feet but who cared!!!). All in all i would say it was a pretty great date. By the way, I asked him out on our second date but he broke his leg skiing that day and had to cancel :(

What a hottie, eh!!!!

what a week!

2008-03-07T08:27:00.007-07:00

So I have been sick now for a week and 1 day. I sound terrible which is great for the sympathy vote but a little hard on the vocals. I return phone calls at work and get "...are you sick?" in that kind of incredulous tone. I suppose some wonder if I just have a gravely, deep voice all the time!

My wonderful son has been in town for a conference all week. Unfortunately he is busy from before I arise until late at night but still just having him in our home again is very warm and comforting. He even got to meet a person who has been a source of inspiration to him...Lance Armstrong, but I will let him tell all about that.

I now have a web cam but when i turn it on and see myself I wonder if I will ever be able to use it! Oh, well...the grandkids don't care what I look like, right?

For Christmas my precious Peach created a note pad for me. She had her mother curl her hair, she put on her favorite princess costume then found her favorite spot in her room and had her picture taken. Then she designed the layout and wahla...my very own Princess Peach note pad.

Pretty cute, huh?

I am enjoying my new job. It is very detail oriented and that part can drive you to drink coke...although I have only succomed to caffeine free :)
It's amazing to work with people and see all the many types of personalities that exist. There are those who know exactly what they want and those who change their minds 1,000 times, but the hardest are the ones who don't have a clue and just kind of sit there after you go over all the options.

And the vast variety in tastes is stunning! I have learned not to state my bias because in the end it turns out they love what you hate. This would be hard for people who have a great sense of and taste for the most stylish! Fortunately I am not one of those.

A thought for the day: "Oh, it is wonderful to know that our Heavenly Father loves us—even with all our flaws! His love is such that even should we give up on ourselves, He never will." Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

Have a great one!

cutest faces ever!

2008-03-02T00:09:00.012-07:00

little poser!

2008-02-29T23:48:00.006-07:00

HMJ kept posing and saying "take it now." I would show him the picture and then he would do a new pose. It was really funny that he wanted one from the back. I suppose he has never really seen himself from that angle!

Baptism dress shared by two.

2008-02-29T09:46:00.003-07:00

GSJ kept fluffing the sleves so they would puff out! I think she quite enjoyed the dress.

I should be fired!

2008-02-25T21:10:00.003-07:00

Ok. so it's perfectly clear that Gramma Cyddie is a terrible blogger! I was really hoping this would turn out better than my attempt at journal keeping but, as you can clearly see, it has not!

What a busy month. I began working in the Catering department at JSMB. The knowledge of details required for this job is immense! It has been fun to learn new computer programs and to contemplate the possiblities that lie ahead! Still it's a bit frightening and overwhelming.

I continue to work in HR and to tell the truth it's a bit of a relief each week to go back to something I feel competent with. They did hire someone to work there but she will not be taking my responsibilities so I will continue to work as necessary there.

Mike and I spent most of last week in Tennessee caring for two precious little boys. I got very little sleep but was blessed with the ability to care for them anyway! And i had great help from Mike who succumbed to Henry's every whim! HMJ started out calling me gramma and by the time I left he was calling me graymma. He always said it in threes "graymma, graymma, graymma"! So cute.

Jones was sweet as can be and loved to be up and down off my lap and give great hugs. I missed my peach but she had a great time with her mom and dad in Chicago!

the highlight of the week was GSJ's baptism on Saturday. She was precious! She wore the dress Mandi wore when she was baptised. How can it have been that long ago?

Tomorrow night is my first Institute lesson. I am trying to remind myself that fear and faith cannot exist in a person at the same time. With God all things are possible! I will report!

come come ye saints

2008-02-09T23:56:00.000-07:00

click on link then scroll down and play the video.
http://www.jkirkrichards.com/newsletter/2008_february_html.php#comeye

Tag I'm it!

2008-02-04T17:22:00.001-07:00

K....here's my tag:
10 Years ago
Wow, let’s see. I had quit teaching school just 3 months prior to this time and had been called to serve in the Stake RS Presidency. I served in that capacity for 10 years until Oct 21 of 2007.

5 things on my to-do list today.
Look for the valentines dress I made Mandi when she was GSJ’s age
Go to lunch with my friends
Watch the new First Presidency announcement
Call mom’s insurance company about an unpaid claim
Spend some time with Mike who is NEVER home.

Things I would do if I was suddenly made a billionaire:
Pay tithing, and make a nice donation to the PEF in President Hinckley’s name
Pay off the few debts I have
Pay off my children’s homes
Fund my grandkids missions and college education
Go to Maui!

Three of My Bad Habits:
Over eating
Staying up too late
Wasting time

Five Places I have Lived:
Seattle
Belmont, Ca
Dallas, Texas
Provo, Utah (go cougs!!)
El Segundo, Ca
And many more!

FIVE Jobs I have had:
Millinery department at some cheesy store in Dallas
Making circuits at Develo Tronics (Dallas)
U of U Reference library
KD Craft
Teaching high school math
And several others

Things people don't know about me:
1) I talk to myself and I answer
2) I tried out to be a police woman in LA
3) I tried out for Young Ambassador’s at BYU
4) I interviewed to be a flight attendant
5) I have a degree in Sociology
6) I am crocheting my first blanket!
7) I am very uncomfortable around people
8) I like U2
9) I love hopscotch and jacks
10) I love Holly hocks because they remind me of summers with my grandmother

2008-01-29T23:11:00.000-07:00

Sweet tribute: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjrDs_DaocA

Sad Sunday

2008-01-27T22:19:00.000-07:00

We will miss President Hinckley!!!! But what a sweet reunion he is having with his wife, parents and so many others. I'm sad but i'm not going to cry! Wish me luck.

shoes

2008-01-27T16:57:00.000-07:00

The great Franco Sarto boot!:

The stylish Franco Sarto:

The fun Jessica Simpson shoes that were modeled by lauren!

Thanks for your help katie! The quickest $250 sale ever!

Saturday shopping

2008-01-26T23:02:00.000-07:00

After spending a great afternoon in the temple with Dave and Kathie and some great friends doing family sealings I went shopping. Katie helped me buy shoes again. Last time she helped me I bought 5 pairs! Today only 3 but she said i needed to blog about them...Mandi would approve she assures me! So i need to snap some pics of them but I am just too tired so will do so soon. I am seriously the fastest sell ever. How long do you think it took me to try on 2 pairs of shoes and a pair of boots and say "great! I'll take them all!"????? Katie can give the answer to that one.

I understand my precious (Mandi) is sick so I am sad that I can't be there to help her out since Mikeal is on his way to LV for the week. Get well soon my Mandi! I love you!

David (mc) is also leaving town...hope Nean is not sick too! Can't be there to help either one of them! I love you too, David!

My hubby is in Denver via Cincinnati. I miss you!!! That's why i had to go spend money :)

Talbots has a sale and I bought 5 or 6 pairs of pants! I went shopping because I needed mascara! oops!

I actually got the lantern back that was stollen from Dad's grave last Memorial day. Someone had claimed it and then never picked it up (from the police dept). Mike picked it up for me on Friday and I was relieved to find out that it was indeed ours. I had wired the lantern to the post and sure enough the wire was still on it. It's in our front yard until it thaws enough for me to put it back where it belongs!

Tomorrow is Ward Conference. The first year since 1998 that I have not participated as a member of the stake RS presidency. I'm trying not to be sad...after all I get to teach my little 5 year olds that they made a good choice in the premortal world and that I am proud of them. yes, the lesson even uses the word proud. I guess pride is ok after all.

Wish me luck!

More changes in store!

2008-01-23T22:59:00.000-07:00

besides that scary, but exciting, new calling I am getting a new job! I will still be at Temple Square Hospitality Corp. but now I will be an event coordinator. It's also scary but exciting! Bonus: I will work 3 days a week instead of 4 HOOOOOORAAAAY! Wish me luck!

Teary Tuesday

2008-01-23T00:18:00.000-07:00

So I didn't end up reading a book on our snow day. I started rummaging through papers in our office instead, It's nice and organized now and that was quite satisfying.
Got another calling tonight...in addition to primary. President Brower called me at work. It was SO good to hear his voice calling me like old times! Anyway, he wanted me to come in to see him tonight. A few weeks ago he said he had some issues to talk to Mike and I about and asked if we could meet with him. We couldn't when he wanted us to go in and I really never dreamed he would be calling me to something! So I went tonight and he talked to me about RS. Asked me about my concerns with Enrichment so he could communicate with Teresa about them. It was weird how difficult it was for me. I started crying just because it made me realize how much i miss the whole thing. The meetings with him, learning and teaching new programs and guidelines, visiting with the sisters in the stake...i miss it all! Even planning Stake Enrichment and teaching at ward conferences. Why is letting go so hard?
So after we talk about this I am thinking that is all he wanted to talk to me about. So then he says "well, I've got to get to a missionary setting apart so let me offer a prayer and we'll get to why I called you here." I'm thinking "huh?" He gave this sweet beautiful prayer about how much he appreciated me and what a valiant sister I am and other such kindnesses. He said how much he loves Mike. It was just an amazing prayer and I was of course crying through it.
After the prayer he said he knows that I am teaching primary and that will continue. He said "hold on to your chair" and I am thinking "What could he be going to say?" My heart started having that kind of burning, nervous feeling. Then I thought, "oh, he is just being dramatic. I'll bet he is going to call me to be on the stake Family History Committee." Then he says "I want to extend a call to you to teach Institute." Oh, my! Institute in my stake is taught by Sheri Dew, Wendy Nelson and Elder and Sister Kofford. ARE YOU KIDDING ME????? No one will come the week I teach!
He proceeds to tell me that my name was on a list with others including a past area authority 70 in our stake but that when he saw my name he felt so good about it and knew I was to do this and what an impact I can have on the YSA's. I thanked him for his trust in my ability to do this and he said "it's His trust (he looked up). This is from Him."
So I am kind of stunned and can't really process the whole thing. But what a blessing this will be for me. (though I will dread the days I teach and Sheri and Wendy are there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Scary).
The best of both worlds...those sweet, pure, precious, slightly out of control 5 year olds and those sweet, pure (or trying hard to be!) precious, slightly out of control 20 somethings! Ah, life is good.
Well, I hope you enjoyed my little essay on my new calling!
That's all I got! It's late and I need some sleep!
Wish me luck!

Sunday, sweet Sunday!

2008-01-21T00:40:00.000-07:00

The day stared great as I drove out to Riverton to listen to Jeremy speak in church about his missionary experiences in Brazil. It took about 30 minutes to get there which gave me time to ponder a bit on my talk. It always is so much better in my head than when I sit down to write it out!

Hearing the strength and conviction of Jer's testimony and the great experiences he had was inspiring. It was wonderful to see the family as well. They sang a beautiful number together in the meeting. Had to stop by the house to say "hi" to all and to see the new flooring. It's beautiful!

Came home and made some last minute adjustments to my talk. I knew I would speak last so would only have 5 to 10 minutes. Who knew the wonderful man before me would take 1/2 hour. He gave a great talk and I thought it would be great if I just didn't give mine since there was about 3 minutes left. But apparently I was the only one who felt that way!!! I had prepared a short talk so only had to cut about a paragraph. I guess it went well...so I am told though can you really believe people who are always nothing but nice and supportive?

Went to Primary and it was kind of a disaster! Well, every week can't be great I guess. They are just so darn cute but I am truly out of my element.

If it snows like its' supposed to tomorrow I am going to stay in my PJ's and wrap myself in a blanket and read a good book. Wish me luck!

Giving it a try

2008-01-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

So I decided to try my hand at blogging. Problem is I am just not an interesting person! I enjoy reading my son's blog...of course I am thrilled to see pictures of my grandkids there. I wish Mandi would create a blog. She likes to read them but has yet to create her own. I enjoyed spending time on Lauren's, Katie's, Beth's and Missy's today when I really need to be writing a talk for church tomorrow, getting mom's groceries, preparing a primary lesson and going to the temple. I will get all those things done one way or another. I have already been on the treadmill and helped little ones create booklets showing some of the 200 names for Jesus at our ward Primary activity.

The Primary thing is all new for me. It has been nearly 20 years since I have served in Primary. Having just been released from 10 years in the Stake RS presidency I am a bit out of my element. The 5 year olds just don't seem to appreciate quotes like "empathy during agony is a portion of divinity" from Neal Maxwell! But they love with a purity that is amazing and precious. They don't see my weaknesses...except maybe that 3 year old who told me I was not his boss! :D

My feet are freezing today. I am counting on the spirit to warm me up along with a mug of Stephen's Gormet Italian Ammaretto cocoa. Wish me luck.