Memory Tag

Well- once again I'm following in my daughter's footsteps! I don't know if many people actually read my blog- but since I left a memory on her blog and on Michelle's, well- maybe someone will share with me- so here's how it works---

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a lot or a little, anything you remember.

2. Next, repost these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to read some of the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you are playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

So, there you have it- hope to hear from some of you! God Bless!

Sometimes Ya Just Want Your Gramma!

A few weeks ago Heather and Mike took their kids for a fun road trip to Yellowstone Park. According to Heather, the kids were all excited- road trips are one of their favorite family activities. Well - - as they were driving, Mikey started asking if they could go to Gramma Roxanne's house too. Mike told him "No, not this trip".. then I guess Mailei and Maddy started asking (Ya think they love their Gramma?). And again, their dad told them "No, not this trip", explaining they weren't even going in the right direction... Anyway- the kids were enjoying the trip, the scenery, and all, but they just kept asking to go to Gramma's and mom and dad were getting a little annoyed... (hee hee)- but eventually they all got engrossed in different things (fickle little tykes!) and Mikey sorta dozed off or something. Then he suddenly sat up and said, "HEY! I THOUGHT WE WERE GOING TO GRAMMA ROXANNE'S!" (Ta-da!- not so fickle after all) - At this point I guess Mike lost a little of his patience and "suggested" that he could stop the car and let Mikey WALK to Gramma's. Heather said it got very quiet for a little while and they figured Mikey had finally given up. Then a paper airplane suddenly (quietly) comes flying up to the front of their van..... she opened it up and found this picture! Mikey had drawn himself with tears running down his face (actually, all down his body and to the ground) and a little "thought" balloon showing his Gramma's face with tears running down! Just had to let Mom and Dad know that they were really making him and his Gramma very sad! So, needless to say, the next time I went to visit I just had to steal the picture- it is just too precious for words! And right about now this Gramma is feeling all warm and fuzzy and very, very loved!

(And of course this is one of those life moments you just "hafta share"!)

7 RaNdOm ThInGs AbOuT mE!

Okay- Heather tagged me- so here goes! (and here are the rules)

1-Link to the person who tagged you and post these rules on your own post.

2-Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog- some random- some weird.

3-Tag 7 people at the end of your post-leaving their names as well as links to their blogs. (I may have trouble with this one- most of the blogs I'm following have already been tagged)

4-Comment to the people you tagged and let them know they've been tagged.

Ready- set- GO!

1- I watched American Tale with some of my grandkids last weekend and yes, I cried when Fievel finally found his family!

2- As I was growing up I always promised myself I would never be divorced- never marry more than once- and blah, blah, blah! Well, I'm on my third marriage (that's right #3)- My first marriage ended in divorce (not my choice). My second husband was absolutely wonderful and we had a love that was unbelievable! He is my eternal partner & soulmate. Then he died in a car wreck just 4 months after we married. My present husband is also a wonderful man- we share a beautiful life together with wonderful kids, grandkids, and other family. He too is my soulmate- my kindred spirit. Along with our love for each other, we share a deep love for the gospel and are blessed with sweet, strong testimonies. I have truly been blessed to have these two wonderful men come into my life and love me and love my children. When I sometimes feel like life has picked on me, I just have to look into my sweet hubby's face and see and feel his love and know that ultimately- all will be well!

3- I have 4 biological children, 6 non-biological (step) children, (6 other step-children from my second husband), 8 "in-law" kids (my kids' spouses), 26 grandkids, 3 sisters & 3 brothers, both my parents & Jim's mom still living, my 99 yr-old gramma still living. Plus tons of other family!

4- I have several nick names, but my current favorite is "WSML" (pronounced "wu-su-mul"). It stands for "Wicked-Step-Mother-In-Law" hee hee! It's been a fun little joke between me and one of our daughters-in-law.

5- I went to Europe twice with the Camerata Singers from Pocatello! It was fabulous! We sang in many old, old churches, cathedrals, etc. On our first trip we even sang at the Vatican during "High Mass"- it was awesome.

6- I was recently called to be the "Literacy Specialist" for Relief Society and am looking forward to learning and exploring this new calling and sharing some fun experiences with the sisters in my ward.

7- My favorite types of music are Celtic, Opera, DeadraveN (that's Brady- some of his stuff is a little out there for me, but he is really, really good), Neil Diamond, John Denver, Taylor Hicks,- and well, lots of other stuff!


Now- who do I tag? I'll try these people- Jennifer Toone ; Jen Barlow ; Katie ; Tringle ; Bullocks ; Kurt ; Merediths SUPRISE!!! Now get going!

"Kickin" with the Witts!

This past weekend we had lots of fun! Josh, Tringle and their 5 kids came to stay! Saturday we all went to a Karate tournament in Meridian where Tringle, Kyriahna, Jolanna, Kaldon & Malaya competed. Kaldon & Malaya were in the "Tiny Tigers" so their routine was just to follow one of the officiators and they were judged on their form. It was sooooooooo cute! Then Kyriahna & Jolanna each had to do a memorized 'form' routine and they both had a sparring match. Kyriahna placed 4th in her division for her form routine and Jolanna placed 2nd in sparring. It was very interesting and fun for this gramma I tell you!

Kyriahna (9yrs old)- with her 4th place medal!
One happy little girl! She works hard and practices hard too!

Jolanna (almost 8) with her 2nd place medal!
Another hard working girl!

And then there's Tingle! Wow! She was supermom!She kept track of all the kids' gear and all their schedules! She didn't miss a single event for all 4 of the kids! For Kaldon and Malaya in Tiny Tigers it wasn't too difficult- we all got to watch them. They were at slightly different times and in the same room.

But when it came to Kyriahna & Jolanna- well, their competitions were basically at the same time in separate rooms. I caught Jolanna's form routine and her first sparring match and I saw Kyriahna's form routine and sparring match. However, Jolanna had a second sparring match that I missed- but not Tringle. She litereally flew from room to room, camera in hand, and not only caught their routines and sparring matches but made it in time to see both girls get their medals presented!

Then- after lunch I took the kids home and Tringle and Josh stayed for Tringle to compete. I believe this was her first time and she was so excited! But she got her heart broken!

They asked her if she wanted to spar and she said "sure"! (She's always up for a challenge) Then they matched her with a woman who had won several championships and was really "into" her Karate! I guess the first kick caught Tringle square in the chest and sent her flying across the ring and onto her bottom! Evidently this partner didn't understand that part of the sport is exercising "control" and the point is to NOT use full force. But- kudos for Tringle! She might be a beginner, but she scored 2 points on the "champ"! GO GIRL!


Tringle- all smiles "before" getting "beat up"!
(sorry-little joke there!)

Kaldon and Gramma- hangin' out!

OH WHAT JOY!

Owen Blake Toomer and Mary Joyce Lane
(my mom and dad)
Sealed for time and eternity Sept. 24, 2008
Logan, Utah temple
How do I describe what depths of joy we experienced last Wednesday? There are no words adequate- no articulation that can contain the singing in my heart. My mom- my daddy- made it to the temple! They were sealed for eternity and I am now sealed to them for eternity also!

They were accompanied by many ward members as well as myself (I was my mom's escort), my son Donnie (my dad's escort), and my daughter Heather and her hubby Mike (he was one of the witnesses). There were other family members - And- my Uncle George (my mom's brother) performed the sealing ceremony!
(As I said "Oh What Joy!")



I remember the first time I went to the temple- I didn't know the joy I felt then was just the beginning! I remember feeling the sweet assurance of the spirit that my parents would someday be sealed- but at that time I really thought it would only happen after they had passed!

What a journey we've all had! When I received that assurance my mom and dad weren't even married to each other- in fact my mom was married to someone else! Then, they remarried in 1980 (in my home!) to everyone's surprise. Who knew? Well- I guess the spirit had whispered these things to my spirit many years before, and this also fulfills one of the promises in my Patriarchal Blessing! These past 5-6 years watching them grow in the gospel- seeing Donnie ordain his Grandpa to be an elder- seeing my mom stretch and reach goals and overcome doubts that have plagued her for decades- being able to converse and actually "teach" my parents things I have longed to share with them- has taught me so much about the Lord and how He works and how He blesses us- always in His time and in His wisdom!

As a mom I have experienced the thrill and joy of seeing my two older children obtain their own temple blessings- I see them raising my grandbabies in homes filled with joy, light, and love! I see my younger son (Brady) on his own journey in life-finding what brings him joy and creating beautiful art and music all along the way. I see my baby, Brooke Anne-though she struggles in her mortality- her journey is bright and sure! I am truly blessed- and can only say again and again- "Oh What Joy!"

This experience has reminded me once again- that whenever we feel overwhelmed with sorrow or we feel life has dished out just too much for us to bear- Heavenly Father is always, always there and always mindful of us and if we do all we can to "hold to the rod", if we endure the trials we face seeking His love and guidance, all will be well- and we will know joy- not just momentary happiness and fun (and who doesn't love that?)- but the deep, abiding joy that fills our hearts and spirits even in our deepest times of trial.

As I said in the beginning- I really cannot find the words to adequately articulate all that I am feeling this week- know only that my heart and spirit are so full- my cup does indeed runneth over- and my prayers as always are with all! God Bless!

Pondering Life-

A few weeks ago our bishop challenged our ward to read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year (by reading about 5 pages a day). I have found this time to be very interesting. I am finding new (or more) meanings in things I have read several times before- ways to apply the stories/lessons to my life now.

As I read the words of Nephi- feeling sad and chastising himself for his weaknesses- for falling into sin even with all his knowledge- I likened the words to myself and at first began to feel very frustrated and upset- then as I read further his words of recommitting himself to the work of the Lord and to living as he knew he should, I found myself making the same commitment-

I have also been reminded through this reading that "things" of the world are of such little importance in the eternal perspective. How easy it is to get caught up in wanting-getting-pursuing "things"- and forgetting that each day is a gift and that the most important things are the ones we love and love us!

I have gained more understanding of the prophet's words regarding the sanctity of family. Above all else- above all earthly pursuits and pleasures, is the duty we owe to maintain our families. I have felt weighed down through the years because of what I felt was my failure when my family fell apart- but I have been assured through the spirit that all is well- and to mind the stewardship I now have. What a blessing! Perhaps if I had not taken heed of the bishop's challenge these assurances wouldn't have come at this time.

I am so grateful for all our kids-grandkids-friends-family- we are so very blessed! Yes, we are facing some hard times right now- but only in a worldly sense- spiritually we are growing stronger and together we are standing firm.

In a few days I will have the awesome priveledge of seeing my parents go through the temple for the first time. They will be sealed to each other and I will be sealed to them. I can't begin to put into words the tremendous, overwhelming joy I am feeling; the warm, wonderful sense of peace.

What an inspiration they are to me and what a wonderful example they are for all of us!

Well- gonna close for tonight- just wanted to get some thoughts down. God Bless!

A "Hairy" Tale

Quite often I decide to do "something" with my hair- y'know- keep life interesting in little ways. I've been several shades of blonde-goldish-ashish-dark-bright-you name it- over that past several years. I usually go to Master Cuts where you can just walk in. The last time I really liked my hair was in Feb 2007- had it done at Pocatello Beauty School - haven't had same result since (see picture of Scooter & me). Several months later, I had it "trimmed" and highlighted at Penny's - DISASTER! They cut it way too short and the color turned out orange- not exactly what I was aiming for- it lightened up as it grew out thank heaven!

So-anyway- the end of May I had it done (at Master Cuts) and in order to even out the color the gal darkened it and then added hi-lights- it turned out darker than I've worn for a long time and at first I hated it! But then it kinda grew on me (ha ha-no pun intended!) and I decided that I liked it darker. Once again as it grew out it lightened up a bit but I still liked it- it looked more natural-Now- fast forward to a couple of days ago- I go into Master Cuts and tell them I want my hair done same as last time- maybe just a "bit" lighter- to keep the general shade I had but to freshen up the hi-lights- as is usually the case there, the gal that did it last time is gone but they supposedly have a card with all the info- so a different person does my hair. I am totally relaxed, enjoying my hair being done and visiting with this gal (she has an autistic daughter so we had a lot to chat about)- feeling pretty fine- then off comes the foil- I get shampooed & conditioned- get back to chair- off comes the towel- and !VOILLA!- I am blonde! Not just a "bit" lighter- not just light hi-lights- but really, really blonde! So-here it is- me with really blonde hair-

I'd really like some feedback- Do I keep it? or- as soon as I can- without frying my hair- do I go back to the darker look?

Can't wait to hear from some of you!