Brooke's Poem- from her Aunt Clara

HEAVEN’S VERY SPECIAL CHILD

A meeting was held quite far from Earth.
It was time again for another birth.
Said the Angels to the Lord above-
“This special child will need much love.”
“Her progress may be very slow,
Accomplishment she may not show.”
“And she’ll require extra care-
From the folks she meets down there.”
“She may not run or laugh or play,
Her thoughts may seem quite far away.”
“So many times she will be labeled
‘Different,’ helpless’ and disabled.”
“So let’s be careful where she’s sent."
"We want her life to be content.”
“Please, Lord, find the parents who
Will do a special job for you.”
“They will not realize right away
The leading role they are asked to play.”
“But with this child sent from above
Comes stronger faith, and richer love.”
“And soon they’ll know the privilege given
In caring for their gift from heaven.’
“Their precious charge, so meek and mild
Is heaven’s very special child.”


Brooke lovin on mom- Thanksgiving 2009

It's Christmas Time!

Deck the Halls! Joy to the World!

Thoughts of Thanksgiving

My heart is so full as I sit and ponder the bounty of love, joy and blessings unmeasured in my life. I have had such a wondrous relationship with my Heavenly Father. Even in the times when my life path detoured from the straight and narrow..... even in the times when I thought I was all alone.... even in the times when sorrow, fear, anger, despair seemed to be all consuming. And most especially in times of joy and celebration. From the time I was a young child, I have been in constant "conversation" with Heavenly Father... asking, seeking, sharing, and giving thanks.

During this time of Thanksgiving I am reminded of all that is good and right and well in my life and in the lives of those I love. In spite of the struggles we all face, His love and assurance is all around us. We only have to open our hearts- we only have to drink from the well- and we will know He is here.

To all our children, grandchildren, siblings, parents, friends, neighbors, brothers and sisters in the gospel- thank you for all you bring to my life and into the life of my sweetheart. To those who care for my special daughter, Brooke Anne- thank you and may God bless you. To all who have touched my life- past, present and in the future- thank you from my heart.

And most of all- I thank my Father in Heaven- for with Him, "nothing is impossible" if we just reach and take his hand.

Happy Thanksgiving with Love!

October- Fun- Spooky- Yummy- And All That Jazz!

A month you might call a mixed bag of blessings and experiences.
FIRST- I came down with my annual "Fall cold"- ugh! It never fails, every year it comes like clockwork. Maybe next year I'll skip it ('course I say that every year!). My mom was in the hospital again and since I had a cold I couldn't go see her. She is still really struggling with learning to cope with her Crohn's. Right now she is staying with my sister Liana in Pocatello. Hopefully a little TLC will get her back on her feet.

THEN- one of the girls (Kristen) that lives in the same group home as Brooke was hospitalized! She had a grand mal seizure that dislocated her shoulder and broke her jaw, caused a blood clot, and some bleeding in her brain... poor thing. They thought for a few days she might have meningitis-but thankfully it wasn't that. She has all these complications-all due to the seizure- but for now she is home and doing better.

THEN- on a brighter note- I got together with 2 of my sisters. We have been trying to have a sisters' day/evening out for the last few years and it is a blast! We have kind of made it a tradition to go to Red Lobster in Pocatello. As you can see- we may be getting older, but we still know how to have a good time. I love my sisters so much- life is certainly full when you have family to share it with-yes?



Liana is just 15 months older than me and Brenda is a little older :)- but we have always been very close. Growing up we loved, fought, protected, and did everything together.

THEN- the really fun part! I went to my mother-in-law's (Great Gramma Witt) for Halloween. I go each year to help her hand out candy and the bonus for me is getting to see some of my grandkids dressed up! Out of 26 grandkids, I got to see 14- not perfect- but certainly not bad. I dressed up as a witch and it was so fun to see their little faces as they each came to the door. It ranged from surprise- a little fear- and a lot of laughter! I tried to keep a witchy grimace and laugh with all of them.... here are a few pics.

First of all- Heather- she dresses up too. (hmmm-think she got that from her mother?)

Heather (purple witchy-woman- ha ha) and Molly dressed up as Thumbelina (NeeNa)

Maddy is Snow White, Mailei is a cowgirl (she has on some high boots that don't show in this picture) and Mikey is a robot. Too bad this picture doesn't show his hands very well- they all looked awesome!

Along came a little cowboy (Woody) named Nash!

Blake is dressed up as a Ninja! Carter (handsome little guy) is Zorro and Haedon is a dinosaur.

Sam (Werewolf), Aaron (Count Dracula), Ben (Mummy) and Jacob (Scarecrow)! Their mom makes their costumes! Aren't they amazing? Sam was so funny- he told me he was going to go home and "rip his sideburns off like a man!"- Then his mom told him all he had to do was shower and the hair would melt off (it was "glued" on with karo syrup!)

Last (but not least) visitors for the night were Tanner (a dragon) and Ty (a leopard)- Tanner had one of the best reactions to Gramma Witchy! His little eyes nearly popped out of his face- then he just smiled and nodded- like- oh it's just Gramma!

I told the grown up kids I was either a witch or the epitome of the "wicked step-mother"! Cackle cackle! I LOVE HALLOWEEN! So from this crazy old witch to whoever reads here- Hope yours was fun and can't wait for next year!

September-A Month Of Marvelous Moments & Memories!

Wow- so much time has passed since my last post- and so many wonderful moments and memories have been collected and added to my book of life's experiences! Here are just a few--
We started out September with my Grandma Clark's 100th birthday! She's an amazing, woman who has been my hero and my example all my life. It was a fun celebration! We got to see many cousins and friends that we haven't seen in years. And for the first time in a long time, all of my siblings were together! All seven of us! So I have a beautiful picture of my parents, my grandmother and my siblings.







Then a week later, Brady came to visit. It's always a blast when he comes home for a visit. His nieces and nephews just adore him- well we all do! He is so much fun. My favorite picture of this visit is the picture of him wearing Maddy's little fairy wings and "leaping" in the air for the kids. We all love him so much and are so grateful for him. I remember when he was just a toddler realizing he was sent here to bring us laughter- fun- joy- and he is certainly fulfilling that role! Now he is trying to get moved back to Idaho- we are all so excited! Can't wait!!!

Of course- we had several birthdays this month besides Grandma Clark! This Gramma got to deliver fun presents for all these kids! Molly turned 2; Kyriahna turned 10; AJ (Aaron)turned 3; and Carter turned 6! And because I wasn't going to be traveling again for a while- I added in the October birthdays just for fun! Taron turned 4; Jolanna turns 9 tomorrow; and Sam turns 11 on the 25th! These are just the grandkids-there were other grownup birthdays too!
We ended the month with a visit from Jim's Uncle Rudy & Aunt Laverne. They come to Pocatello once a year from South Dakota. Uncle Rudy was like a second father to Jim and his brothers growing up in South Dakota... hunting, fishing, camping, boating... along with their mom and dad. Jim loves his uncle so much. It is a great privelege for me to get to know him and his wife. They are beautiful people!

So- all in all- September was truly a month of marvelous moments and memories! It is a blessing to be able to connect and share our lives with those we love. It is a blessing to have these people in our lives- whether we see them all the time or just once a year or even longer- these are the experiences and the people that make us who we are. Heavenly Father has blessed us with the capacity to know and love as many people as we ourselves allow into our hearts.. that blessing, that capacity is endless and as eternal as He and His love. I am grateful for my friends, family and for a Heavenly Father who knows my heart and my needs and grants me all that He knows I need.... Posted with love and gratitude!

Family Reunion and Bear Lake

We just had our bi-annual Toomer Reunion in Paris, Idaho! (Sat. 8/22) It was so much fun. Here is a picture of my daddy (in the Superdad t-shirt) and his siblings. Sometimes when I think of how old we all are getting I get a bit sad-but there is so much love and joy in our family it's hard to stay that way. My Aunt Cheryl-back left in the purple-is insanely fun! She lives in California but always seems to make it back to Idaho for these reunions. Then there's my Aunt Janene- the oldest of my dad's siblings and the bossiest! (hee hee) Seriously-she keeps the family together and organized and we love her to pieces! My Aunt Eulita is from Texas and we don't get to see her at every reunion so it's a special treat when she does make it. Then on the front is my dad (he is awesome)- my Uncle Jack and my Uncle Roger. Uncle Jack and his wife Aunt Norma have had a lot of health problems but they still made it and I'm so glad. I used to stay with them when I was growing up- they were so good to me and I loved being with them and my cousin Pearl Ann. Last of all is the baby of the family- Uncle Roger- he was one of my heroes when I was a kid. I remember when I was in grade school and he was on the high school football team. I'd take my friends to see him at practice and sometimes he'd let me hold his glasses... wow- did I feel so cool?!??! :)

After the reunion, a bunch of us went to Bear Lake for the rest of the day. I was in HEAVEN! Growing up in Montpelier, we would spend our summer weekends alternating between camping and going to the Lake. I've only been a few times as an adult and I have sorely missed it! I am so glad we went! I think my kids and I will be making it a tradition to go at least once a year! Heather and her kids and Donnie & Katie and their kids had a blast too! I wish I could post ALL the pictures- but it would take pages! So here are just a few to kind of give you a feel for the Lake. It is one of the most beautiful places in Idaho. You can wade out in the water it seems like forever before it gets at all deep, so it's especially good for the kids. The water is fairly warm too (at least mid to late summer) and the beach is terrific.

This is Molly and Nash- these two little cousins love to hang out together. I just had to show them off. Heather forgot to bring Molly's suit so she got to swim in the bloomers to her sundress outfit- she didn't care- she just loved the water.

I told the kids the story of the Bear Lake Monster and it was pretty funny. At first Mailei got a little scared so we assured her it was just a story--then she kept coming to me and telling me she was sure she saw the monster out in the deep water. I told her how I used to get up early in the morning during the summer and sit outside on our porch and listen for the Bear Lake Monster.... in my little girl mind, the morning whistle at the train station was the monster waking up and I just knew some morning I would see her taking a walk through the park across the street from our house. 'Course it helped that I had this wonderful daddy who told us all kinds of stories... like the haunted shack on the way to the lake- or that Bloomington (Bloomertown) was named that because ladies hung their bloomers out on the line to dry and everyone could see them when they drove through.... he had a story for every where we went-camping, swimming- wherever....
Anyway- it was a wonderful weekend. The only sad thing for me was that Jim was not able to be there too. We're really hoping that we can get ALL our kids out to the lake sometime... what a great family party that will be.... Jim and I and our kids and our 27 grandkids! Look Out Bear Lake- here we come!

Anniversary-Sharing of Love and Moments

Yesterday was Jim and my 8th anniversary! We have been together for such a short time of our lives, yet it seems we have known each other forever. I do believe our spirits have been connected for a very long time-perhaps long before we actually met . I believe some guardian angel brought us together-knowing we could fill each other's hearts and lives.

Anyway- How did we celebrate? Well- this sweet man took me and my (our) daughter Brooke Anne out to dinner! We pretty much share all our holidays with Brooke, and at least for the past 3 years, it has been a tradition to take her out with us to celebrate our anniversary.

Although some may think it is odd that we don't go out by ourselves, it seems particularly fitting-completely right for us to do this. Brooke connected, bonded with Jim right from the start. He was very patient and let her get to know him in her own way and time. I remember we were at Chicago Connection (one of her favorite restaurants) and at first she was a little shy, but within minutes she reached across the table and patted his hand and from that moment on she has trusted him and grown to love him very much.

Being autistic, Brooke is rather selective about whom she bonds with. I have been very blessed - she has been very blessed- to have Jim as the man in our lives. She loves her "Ji-Ji" as she calls him and so do I! He has been there to help with her and to spend time with her and has even filled in for me when I couldn't make a doctor or dentist appointment. He has picked her up and taken her back to the home she lives in on his own and when we've had her home with us he spends time with her, he takes her out for walks, and he genuinely enjoys her as I do!

So today and yesterday- as I reflected on our anniversary- I was filled with much gratitude for all Jim is and all he does- and especially for his loving acceptance of Brooke Anne. I have never for a moment felt anything but his love for her and for me! And although she may not be able to verbalize it- I know that Brooke Anne feels the same.

I love you my darling husband- and I thank you! Posted from my heart to his!

A Fun & Exciting Announcement!

So- this is the announce-
ment we just got in the mail!

This is Sam (he's 10)
Jacob (he's 8)
Ben (he's 5)
and Aaron or AJ as I call him
(he'll be 3 in September)

4 fun- excited grandsons---

"keep reading"

YAY!

This will be our

27th grandchild!

Boy? Girl? Only time will tell-
but whatever- we are a very
excited family!

Congrats Jon & Katrina!

Posted with love and joy
by one very happy Gramma!

Birthdays- the older I get-the better they are!

Today is my birthday- the day I celebrate coming to earth and also the day I share with my oldest child- my Mary Heather- my special angel. Happy Birthday Sweetheart- I miss you and I love you tons! I am a little sad being so far away from her-I really like to spend our day together whenever possible- but I am also filled with the joy of being her mom (& all the other kids') and being a gramma and a wife.
Anyway-I celebrated today with my hubby- we went to Carino's (which I love but he doesn't) and I had a diet pop (I haven't had pop in over three months-so I treated myself) and with a "mini" chocolate cake dessert (I've also cut out most sugar for over three months)- it was blissfully divine! Now I'll have to get back to being "good"- no pop and no sugar- hee hee.

I received some really wonderful wishes and gifts this birthday. Thank you to all who remembered! One very special gift was Heather's blog post- wishing me happy birthday with a video of the kids singing to gramma! Of course I was reduced to tears! I just love all my grandkids so, so much!Then there's my wonderful, funny, sweet husband. In our nearly 8 years he has showered me with love, with friendship, and with jewelry! That's right- jewelry! For this birthday he gave me a beautiful silver necklace with aquamarine stones and an eternity ring- platinum with 8 diamonds set in the band. I am always amazed that he comes up with such gifts- he usually sells and/or trades something from his own collections if we don't have the money. However he does it- I am very grateful. I tell him all the time he doesn't have to spend money or buy me "things"- just having his love and sharing his life is enough for me- but he is stubborn and just can't let any special occasion go by without commemorating it with a gift. I do love him so!

Since being married to him I have built quite a jewelry collection as well as a collection of porcelain dolls and of course, my angels.... for many years now I have collected and received gifts of angels-not only from Jim, but from other family members and friends as well.

Ultimately though- the best and most important things in my life are family, friends and my faith. These are things that money cannot buy and nothing can replace. So, I thank Heavenly Father for all that I have been blessed with- for a bounty of love and joy- and for another birthday!

Posted with love and joy!

Surprise for Grampa!

I'm a little late in posting this, but better late than never I guess! On the weekend of May 22nd I planned a surprise for my sweetheart. He has been depressed because he can't travel much to see kids and other family. He has especially been missing his grandkids, soooooo- I planned a party. It was a "late birthday/early Father's Day" surprise party. It was a little tricky to pull off but we did it.

Jim found out some of his kids were coming to visit but he had no idea it was a special visit and that all of them would try to be here. The only ones that didn't make it were Genevieve and her family in Wyoming because they were ill. We missed them big time!

Anyway-Friday evening first Josh & Tringle arrived with their 5 kids, then Jon & Katrina with their 4 boys, then Justin & Nikki with their 2 boys, and later Jared & Katherine with their 2 kids. Then early Saturday morning Amanda & Tim got here with their 3 girls! With each arrival you could just see the joy swelling in Jim.... What a houseful!

Anyway-Saturday morning the kids all went to work on our yard (it was in sore need of maintenance). Grampa took a little nap while they were working. When they were finished, we lined the kids up with a cake and balloons and when he came out of his bedroom we all sang- "Happy birthday/Father's Day to Grampa"- it was a delightful surprise! He and I were both quite emotional - it was a wonderful moment.

We had a nice big dinner with all the kids and Barb & Jerry came out too. My poor little house was spilled on, scribbled on, full of noise and motion- and it was all absolutely fabulous! Nothing like 16 grandkids running around to fill a home full of love and joy! And worth every moment to see the happiness it brought to Jim.

To round off the weekend, we went to the park early Sunday morning to feed the ducks. We popped popcorn and crumbled up bread and each kid had their own bag of duck food. It was glorious fun!

My love and gratitude to all our kids- you fill our hearts with joy!

Can't wait til next time we all get together!

Posted with tons of love and laughter!

At My "Witt's" End! :>

Wow! I didn't realize how long it has been since I blogged. I've been so frustrated with my arm and shoulder- I've had bursitis/tendonitis/muscle spasms since mid January! But I think it is finally on the way to healing- at least I've cut down on the prescription pain meds. I'm only using Advil during the day and a muscle relaxer at night. The hardest part has been sleeping- I can't sleep lying down! I've been sleeping semi-reclined in my reclining chair and I am really, really tired of being there! Also-I've been unable to do a lot of everyday things- like sweeping, vacuuming- lifting- can't raise my arm to even fix my hair!!! Then my mom was in the hospital and to top it all off, I came down with a really severe cold that was "borderline" pneumonia as the doctor says... aaaaahhhh! And this year isn't even half way over! (hee hee) Life can really throw hardballs at one-can't it?

But ya know what?- along with those hardballs come a lot of home-runs and victories! With all this "stuff" we've also had two grandkids get baptized. My kids (Donnie, Katie & Heather & their kids) came up during spring break and helped get some things done. They cleaned/cleared out a huge part of our garage! Thank you kids!!!! Jim has been so kind and patient! My mom is getting better every week and the sun is shining a lot more these days!

I must be growing up a little, because through all these struggles these past few months, I was reminded again yesterday, sitting at church, that I have somehow reached a point in my life where I have this steady, underlying sense of joy and gratitude with me at all times. I feel a constant, spiritual comfort that fills my heart and soul. When the "bad stuff" tries to come in and haunt me or taunt me- I am able to get myself back to a place of peace by reminding myself of all the beauty, bounty, and love that has blessed my life. I have learned to trust in the Lord, knowing that He knows my heart and thoughts and even my fears and pain-and yet He loves me- little old me- just as He loves all His children.

So, for now- I just wanted to put these thoughts into words- maybe someone will read them and feel a little uplifted- but if not- that's okay too- I'll have this moment to return to whenever I feel the need-yes?

Posted with love and gratitude!

My Mom

Today I am thinking about my mom-and what an incredible, complex, amazing woman she is. She is in my thoughts always, but more so today because she is in the hospital. She has been sick for a few weeks now and had multiple tests with more to come. I am worried-to put it bluntly!
I love her so much and have seen her come so far and overcome so much in her life!
I decided to write a little about her here, as a reminder and legacy not only for myself, but for my children and grandchildren and whoever else reads my blog- I am happy to share this with all of you!

First of all- she is 75 years old-will be 76 this summer. She is a tiny little thing-a little under 5' and a little under 100 lbs. First amazing fact: she had a twin that was stillborn a couple of months before she was born-even then she was a toughie and hung on to dear life! She is the youngest of three- her older sister passed away at the age of 47 due to diabetes complications in 1977 or 78... Aunt Delsa was a beautiful woman also. She also has an older brother living in Montpelier-Uncle George. Her mom-my amazing Gramma Clark-is still living (99 yrs old) in Montpelier also. I do not want to digress into a long life history so I will skip now to some most memorable moments with or about my mom.

Growing up in our home was kinda tough- mom was rather unpredictable- but I remember always wanting to make her happy. From a very young age I sensed that she had a lot of sadness in her and I wanted to take it away. She could be very angry or upset one moment and then suddenly make you feel like you were her best friend. There were times I felt safe, loved and protected by her.... times when it really mattered. She was hard on us at times, but she was fiercely protective and did all she could to teach us right from wrong-common sense-and respect and dignity for others. I am so grateful for her firm teachings-she was adament that we never, ever treat anyone bad or make fun of anyone no matter who they were and especially if they were "different" or disabled in any way.

I remember as a little girl thinking my mom was just so beautiful. I found some pictures of her (professional type) and I was sure she had been a movie star. I even told some of my friends that- hee hee. I always looked at her hands and thought they were so pretty. Her nails were always perfect and her hands were so dainty and ladylike. Yet she was a hard worker. She baked bread every week, cared for our garden, chickens, rabbits and orchard as well as our home. She could outhunt and outfish almost anyone-man or woman. We were quite poor, but we always had warm food. She made a lot of our clothes and liked to dress my sisters and me alike for special occasions. There wasn't anything she couldn't sew once she put her mind to it.

One of my favorite memories is her making me a fairy costume for Halloween when I was in first grade. We would have our Halloween parties at school after lunch. We always walked home for lunch and that day was soooooooo exciting for me. Running home-getting dressed up-walking back to school feeling like the most beautiful little fairy in the world! She even made a sparkly, star wand and a little crown...

I remember when I was 11 years old and was talking with some friends about our moms and their ages and "stuff"... well, I felt like my mom was really, really old (she was a whopping 33) because she was older than the other moms.... but then, I smugly thought to myself-she's prettier than all the other moms! And more fun! She could have so much fun just playing with us and it seemed like my friends' moms were always too "grown-up" to play. In fact, my mom (and dad) are still full of fun and play as you can see in the picture above!

When I made choices in my life that were not so great-sure mom got really mad and upset. We had some terrific blowouts... but when those choices got me into trouble or broke my heart (and hers I'm sure) she was there to help put the pieces back together with no lasting grudges or judgements.... just love, acceptance and comfort.

We were not active in the church as I was growing up... we kinda hit and miss at Primary and Sunday School. Occasionally mom taught a class or lead the music and then we'd all go for a while. She even did scouts for a few years. But she always tried to teach us that the church and choosing the gospel was the right way to go. And she rejoiced with us as we achieved and progressed in our spiritual lives. Now-at 75- she has come full circle and is fully active and as I blogged last fall, she and my dad have been sealed in the temple.

The relationship my mom has had with my children has been a source of much joy and happiness for all of us. My kids LOVE their Granny! I have always been very close to my own Gramma and to see my kids have that with my mom has been - well- "totally awesome!" Actually, the feelings are so deep it is hard to put into words.... but I thank Heavenly Father every day for the love my kids and my parents share.

My mom is not and has not been perfect- heaven knows neither am I- but I do believe she has always done the best she possibly could throughout her life's experiences and circumstances. She has endured trials and hardships hard to imagine for a lot of people- some because of her own choices, and some just because that's life- but ultimately her strong spirit has triumphed and brought her to this amazing place she is in right now- spiritually happy and right with herself and her Heavenly Father- emotionally happy and loved by her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, friends..... and so many others! She (and my dad) are such good examples to all of us that it is never too late and you are never too old to make choices and changes that bring you closer to Heavenly Father and to the gospel.
I love my mom!- 'nuff said!


My mom and her mom!



Daddy, mom & me








Posted with love and gratitude!

What One Man Can Do

Sometimes we are blessed to have someone come into our lives that changes us forever. At a time when I felt broken, lonely, empty and afraid- this wonderful man- Michael G. Scott- came into my life. He mended my broken heart, filled the emptiness in my soul, and taught me to face life with courage and joy! We were married Oct. 24, 1998 and just 4 short months later- he was in a fatal car crash (2/25/1999). Today, I post to honor him and share a few memories.

Mike and I had actually known each other for nearly 25 years-ironically, he was my college roommate's boyfriend!

We were both in ISU choir back then and enjoyed a wonderful friendship.... he was so fun- always making everyone laugh and making sure everyone was okay.

Anyway-fast forward to summer, (August 1998)-a friend of mine talked me into going to a singles' picnic on Scout Mountain. I usually avoided those activities like the plague and even surprised myself by agreeing to go. In fact, the whole week before I kept trying to think of a way to get out of it- I even tried to enlist my daughter, Heather, in making excuses for me. She refused- saying- "you should go, Mom- you never know, you might meet the man you're supposed to marry." Hah!

I was sure those singles activities were only for "losers"-- much to my surprise, I met many old and new friends upon arriving there... people just like me, looking for friendship and just something fun to do. I was really nervous and as I looked around, I saw Mike standing up under some trees.

It was as if he was bathed- surrounded- in a bright welcoming light.... without hesitation, I was completely impelled to walk up to him and when I said, "Hi, Mike- remember me?"- He instantly wrapped his arm around me and exclaimed- "Roxanne!- how the heck are you?" From that moment on, we spent nearly every waking moment together... his proposal was just as original and unique as only he could be..

I was working at Bannock Hospital and he called me to say he'd had an accident. Said he cut his finger with a saw and was coming to the emergency room and could I meet him there? Of course I was very alarmed! This man was generally a fix-it-myself guy- whether it was work, injuries, cleaning-you name it. So I'm out in the parking lot, pacing, worrying and his truck pulls in. I run out to meet him and when he gets out, his hand is wrapped in this odd looking shiny, yellow paper... I urge him to hurry, but he says wait a minute. He then gets down on his knee, unwraps his hand, and presents a diamond ring as he asks me to marry him! I shouldn't have been too surprised- he talked about marrying me from that very first night- but I was truly, unbelievably stunned! Somehow, I ended up down on my knees also- crying and laughing and saying over and over- yes! yes! yes! He then proceeded to tell me how he had met with each of my children earlier in the day and asked them one by one for permission to marry their mom. He had already won their hearts over, but that gesture meant the world to them and still does.

Of course, by the time I got back into my office, the hospital grapevine had already been alerted and for the rest of the day there was a steady stream of well wishers dropping by to see the ring and share my joy!

In the short time we had together we built a lifetime of memories- from Hawaii to the Coca Cola Factory/Museum in Atlanta, GA to Hurricane, UT. From climbing Red Hill and sitting up there talking for hours to soaking in our own hot tub-from camping with Donnie & Katie, a Disney trip with the kids-a furniture buying trip to SLC- going to the temple together and studying and preparing our Sunday School lessons together-dates with friends and with family- laughing and loving and sharing some of the sweetest-most wonderful moments to some of the deepest, amazing times anyone could ever wish for.... it seems we did it all.

So today- in your honor, Mike-(from this "yellow girl to her pink boy") I share my heart, my love and my gratitude for all you did and all you taught me and my children... and I thank my Father in Heaven for the gift of that sweet moment in time He gave us to share here in our earthly journey- knowing that it will be eternal someday and we will be together again.

Listen to the words of John Denver's song- "What One Man Can Do"- and you will know Mike.

Life as a Gramma - Sooooo Sweeeeet!

This past year has been really amazing! Babies, baptisms, my parents' being sealed in the temple... and well, Jim retiring on disability, Brooke struggling with a lot of health issues.... a new president of the country.... a new Prophet.... ((((whew!!)))) life just gets a little busy and a lot crazy now and then.

So what do you do when life gets crazy? Just get crazy with it- ha ha! For instance... look at me and Mailei- here we are just havin' a blast.

It was the day of Mikey's baptism and birthday party and things were starting to slow down when I noticed Mailei had a "green" smile from eating the cupcakes... so, I grabbed this toy thingy (some kind of shape maker for play dough) and stuck it under my glasses... then Mailei grabbed another one and stuck it under her glasses. We were so tickled with ourselves! I asked my son, Donnie to get my camera and take a picture of us. So he whispers something to Mailei before she sits on my lap and just before he snaps the picture she smashes one of the green cupcakes against my mouth (so we could match better!)

Then- we noticed Haedon also had a green mouth and tried to get his picture- but he was a little squirmy! We were all laughing so hard!

A little while later Mikey said to me-in a very serious tone of voice-"Gramma, you are possibly "more" crazy than my mom!" hee hee

Well- I can tell you all this- I am proud to be the CrAzY Gramma!

Sure makes life fun and interesting and builds lots and lots of fun memories!

So- to all my kids and grandkids - thanks for the memories and can't wait to build more! Posted with love and gratitude!

PaY It ForWarD!

This is my beautiful daughter-in-law Katie Lindsay! I love her to pieces and am so grateful she came into our lives!

I was the first to comment on Katie's blog so now it's my turn!

So please start commenting!!!!

{The Rules}

1. Be one of the first THREE bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me - something crafty or yummy, who knows?!

2. Winners must post this challenge on your blog, meaning that you will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift -anything!- for the first THREE bloggers who leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway!

3. The gift that you send to your 3 Friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It’s the Spirit and the Thought That Count!

4. When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate Linky Love! If you are not one of the Top Three Commenters on this post, you can still play along. Go ahead and start your own Pay It Forward chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same!

SO, REMEMBER...Pay it Forward- With Love and Have Fun-

Joy- Love- and all that's good!

Today is Valentine's Day! And I am lucky to have a husband that loves me and loves all our kids and family so much. He brings me joy- he is joy- he is a man of honor and integrity and although he has so many difficulties right now with his health, he still spreads love and sunshine everywhere he goes.

Oh- he has up days and down days, but his is a magnificent spirit always pushing onward and upward! Can't you just see the love and kindness in his eyes and heart in these photos?

He really loves his family- 'specially all our grandkids.

When I think of the word 'joy"- I think of all the wonderful blessings I have been given in my life... my husband, my amazing, awesome kids, my fabulous, delightful grandkids, my parents & siblings, all my extended family, all the good friends I have and have had... and most of all, as I pondered all these things, I realized how lucky and how blessed I am to be a person who is loved. I often think of all those whom I love- but it really hit me today- there are people who really love me... and what more can anyone ask than that? Heavenly Father has blessed us all and it is up to us to recognize and acknowledge His greatness and his generosity and all that He blesses us with. Always remembering that trials and struggles only lead to greater recognition and deeper gratitude for all the things that bring us joy- Happy Love Day to all of you-family, friends, acquaintances, far and near, old and new, you are all so dear to me; and thank you for being a part of my life-whether great or small- you all have touched me in some way and that has brought me to this place- who I am and all that I am. God Bless!

God Bless Our Country!

Today was a beautiful, joyous, momentous day! The sun was not shining here in Nampa- in fact it was rather overcast, cold and chilly! But my heart and my spirit were full of hope and joy. As I watched our 44th president be sworn into office I was so moved. What a country! What a moment for our country.... and I don't mean just because we have the first African American president- I mean because we live in a country where a leader is chosen by the people and every four years we are reminded of our democracy and our freedoms. We are truly blessed to live in this wonderful nation and truly blessed with freedoms and bounty that no other country has. Whether or not a person voted for President Obama- no matter what party, race, religion, or lifestyle each person chooses- no matter how young or old- we are Americans! And we are blessed! And yes- I am proud to be an American!
**** see Some of My Own Thoughts (Kurt Manwaring's Blog) for a really good take on this! ****

Photo-Phobes

Okay- so my son Donnie is impossible to get a decent picture of! And where does he get this from? Why my own mother! Just look at the two of them! I tell ya- it's tough being the mom and the daughter of two goof balls like this- hee hee! Seriously, I love them both to death!

Here's lookin' at ya guys!