Houses

Grace texted this picture to me the other night and it really made me think.  Several years ago Jay took all the kids down to the house where he grew up, so they could see it before it was demolished.  It was a gray stucco house with wooden doors and no paint left around the window casings at all.  At the time, I was really glad that the house I grew up in was still white with brown trim and shutters....even though a renter had done some pretty strange things to the front yard.  Shortly after that, my parents old home started looking pretty bad.  And now, it's gone.  I hear that the present owner began replacing windows and putting up new sheet rock, but could see that the old place was turning into a money pit.  So........so long childhood home.  Good memories in that house and just happy that we have such strong family ties that the memories and good times won't be forgotten.  Jay and I both had the privilege of loving our childhoods, and that is awesome!  Those were the days.  And, home is where your family is, that's for sure.

Mom's 86th

Here we are at June 5th.  Mom's 86th today.  She is such a little champ.  During the past month she's had kind of a rough time, but she's ready to roll again.....with her new pacemaker.  Mom thought she was going in for a stress test that day, but instead, she ended up getting a pacemaker.  Millie drove Mom in for her test that her doctor ordered, because she had been feeling kind of puny and needed some checking out done. After she had difficulty following her test, they headed to the hospital.  As they were turning in, they saw an ambulance, and Mom's comment was, "There goes some other poor sucker".  What a gas she is.  Noticing everything and always so dang honest.  We are so glad that Mom is doing well and especially happy that we have her!  She's off to lunch with a gang of granddaughters today.  That girl loves a good party.

GOTEAMJASON

Jason and Geri have some great friends in Southern California that have  put up a web page about Jason's disease.  I thought they did a good job on their video and also lots of information about CF.  Definitely need to check it out!
http://www.goteamjason.com/
I'm not kidding....this kid had us at HELLO.
After spending some time with them lately, I'm learning some valuable life lessons that's for sure.

May

I know when Mothers Day rolls around, some kind of hate it.  There must be something wrong with me because I usually really like that day, and don't even really think of feeling guilty for all my own short comings as a mother.  I'm just so glad that I have the MOM that I got and think of how blessed my family is because of her and her example.

Another reason I love Mothers Day is how good my kids are to me.  I have five really good friends for kids and I love every one of their spouses, too.  They worry about shopping for me and I tell them not to even do it.  Just a card is great along with them being the good people that they are.  I'm just proud of them.  They know I love flowers, so their gift certificates to the local nurseries are perfect.  A little candy is great, too.  For the last couple years, Toby has detailed our car for me.  He doesn't just run to Soapy's like I would.  He washes, rubs out marks, polishes wheels, shampoos carpets, etc.  When I got home and thought Jay was driving a new car, I called and asked him how long he spent on the car this year.  It added up to 7 hours.  Thanks to all my kids for thinking of me on Mothers Day and to Toby for his service.  I am a lucky lady!

Look who's all grown up!

Lately, I've felt like I'm almost just standing still watching time fly by.  When I saw this picture on facebook today, I just had to share. 
Josie is our oldest grandchild, and everyone in the family adores her.  (Actually all the cousins adore each other)  But, for some reason this picture kind of got me today.  

 She's such a darling and looks so cute in her black dress in front of their house with her friends.

looks like she's kind of excited.

 We are so glad that Josie is such a good "oldest" cousin!
I'm pretty sure Cassie will post the picture of Josie and her Dad.  I'm wondering if Layne is struggling with his "all grown up" daughter.  Dad's have a rough time. :(

Jay turned 60

Dec. 26th was Jay's 60th birthday. 

Christmas time is a hard time to celebrate a birthday properly, but that's really okay with Jay.  Going to the movie and stopping for his fries (he is addicted to them ever since his surgery)  on the way home was great for him.  He told me not to even make a birthday cake, and so I didn't.  I wonder if I should have anyway.  Too late, now.

I know I'm pretty late here, but here goes:

To My Husband:

I love the way you make me smile

and the way you make me feel loved.

You bring joy and contentment

to ordinary days

and create special moments to remember.

My love for you

grows deeper every day!

Happy Birthday

Jay is a pretty awesome guy.  He is the numero uno person to fix stuff and help at the bazaar.  We couldn't even catch our little mouse until he set the trap.  We tried for days before, and sure enough, as soon as he set the trap, DONE!  And of course he went in the next morning to empty it, so I wouldn't have to.  He is always thinking up ways to make our home nice and he works on the yard endlesslly.  (After being at work all day)  He spoils me and so I try to spoil him, too.  He deserves it, and I appreciate him so much.  His motto is "you are learning if you are listening".  He's probably a dang genious, because he mostly listens. Jay is very generous and has lots of friends, because he is a friend to all.  Good job, Jay!

  

WARNING:  I may have crossed the line here.  I do not like to see public affection on facebook....ever.  I'm hoping on my blog is ok, and he did turn 60, okay?

Today is the Day

I want to talk about Ellen today.
She is the first of our family of six girls.  She has been the best role model for all of us. 
When I think of Ellen, I think of hard work, spirituality, independent, dependable, unselfish and most of all, a straight arrow.  She learned quickly from our Mom and was truly devoted to our Dad.  There's got to be a special place in eternity for Mom's that can raise children to be such good people, all by herself.  She has a beautiful family and every one of them adore Ellen.  When I saw this picture on face book, it brought a lump in my throat and I couldn't help but feel so grateful for such a wonderful person to be my sister.  I also thought how could that tiny little thing be the head of that huge family!  What a tribute.  Milton has got to be so proud of you and of them.
So, Ellen, off to Salt Lake family history center today.  We don't need to tell you to work hard, because that is a given.  Have fun, though.  You deserve a fun time!

We love you and are so proud of you!  Thank you for being such a great example for the rest of us.