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!