Ouch! Ouch and ouch....

This girl has been through a battle....
Mono since October...

 Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy May 17...worst tonsils the surgeon has seen

A not so fun recovery...a trip to the emergency room for pain control and dehydration,

and now...

14 days later there is light at the end of the tunnel!!

You are so tough our Buggy girl!!

Visits with the grandkids...

 Grandpa trip to Chicago...

baseball...

 more baseball...

 a photo at the "Bean" sculpture

and then Utah visitors...

 downtown Salt Lake City

 playing in the 'river'!

 Jonah is spellbound by the machinery!...

Little Miss Pait playing with grandma's bells...

and hangin' on the porch!

This has been fun!

Letter to My Family...

I've been thinking a lot lately about what it really means to center our lives around our Savior Jesus Christ and to become more like Him.  I've loved my experience of serving in the Relief Society Building.  There is such a wonderful spirit in that building and as I learn the history of it and 

am surrounded by the legacy of Relief Society it has brought me closer to my Savior.  As you first walk in the front doors, there is a large, original painting by Minerva Teichert, titled "Christ in the Red Robe".   It is a stunning painting and it is such a wonderful reminder of how our Church is centered around our 

belief in a loving Savior.  The General Relief Society Presidency just rewrote our script for our tours and it is more centered about this painting, “ Christ in the Red Robe”.  We are to explain that this picture sets the tone for all that they will see in the building.  We share our knowledge that throughout His mortal 

ministry, the Savior showed special love and concern for women.  While little is known about a formal organization of women in the New Testament, evidence suggests that women were vital participants in the Savior’s ministry.  The women in the ancient Church were dignified and noble, needed and valued.  They 

served others, increased in personal holiness, and participated in the great work of saving souls.  These patterns have been restored in the latter days through the organization of Relief Society.  The Prophet Joseph Smith declared, “The Church was never perfectly organized until the women were thus organized.  It 

was on March 17, 1842, in Nauvoo, Illinois, the Prophet Joseph called 20 women together and organized them in a divinely inspired and authorized manner.  Emma Smith, the Prophet’s wife, was chosen as the first Relief Society president and said on the occasion of the first meeting, “We are going to do something 

extraordinary…We expect extraordinary occasions and pressing calls.”  In six of the early meetings of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo (as it was called then), the Prophet instructed the women.  He taught principles that helped Relief Society sisters “relieve the poor” and “save souls” – foundational principles 

upon which the society was built.  President Joseph F. Smith, the sixth President of the Church, urged the women to “lead the world and to lead especially the women of the world, in everything that is praise-worthy, everything that is God-like, everything that is uplifting and that is purifying.”  Since the early days 

of the Relief Society, women in the Church throughout the world, have applied the purposes of the Relief Society which is to prepare women for the blessings of eternal life, by increasing faith and personal righteousness, strengthening families and homes and seeking out and helping those in need.  Relief Society 

sisters are part of a great organization, founded by priesthood authority and strengthened by the teachings and declarations of prophets.  They are beloved daughters of God with sacred responsibilities.

     

     It is such a great reminder to all of us that as we serve, however we serve, and participate in the gospel plan, we are being valiant disciples of Jesus Christ in the work of salvation.    Now, as I've studied the legacy of Relief Society and the importance of serving our neighbor, I've thought about how we may never 

know what a kind word or deed may mean for someone.   It's made me think of the scripture: 

3 Nephi 27:27,  

 And know ye that ^aye shall be ^bjudges of this people, according to the judgment which I shall give unto you, which shall be just. Therefore, what ^cmanner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even ^das I am.

Isn't that a great question?  "What manner of men ought ye to be?" and the answer..."even as I am"!

I loved this quote by Robert Millet:

"The quest to become more like our Lord and Savior

 - to be more spiritually attentive, 

more personally sensitive, 

more tender and gracious - 

ought to be the righteous desire of every Latter-day Saint. 

What, then, can I do? 

     So, beginning now, let's try even harder to be more like our Savior and be the ones to 'save souls, be more sensitive, more tender and gracious and spiritually attentive'.  We have the wonderful gift of the Holy Ghost to lead and guide us in this endeavor and the beautiful plan of the Gospel to carry us onward, 

and most important a loving Savior who is our example and comforter.  

I love you all...I pray for each of you...I encourage you to pray for each other...I know our prayers are answered and I know you are all loved by a kind Heavenly Father and Savior and they know each of you personally. You are all doing such wonderful things in your lives and you each are pursuing your dreams in 

your own unique way.  May I just say, as a mother/mother in-law/grandma, it is fascinating to witness!

Mom

Remembering...it's softer, but not easier

Surprise!!

Ok family....hold on to your horses! Yes, this is me! You are not daydreaming about me blogging I am actually doing it! So this is for my girls (my fellow bloggers)......and for the hubby who keeps saying "you need to update our blog"!
I just want to say to all of the children who are studying, taking finals, writing papers, doctoring all hours of the day, and packing! I am thinking of you and wishing you well in all your endeavors. To Kell....I'm not even sure what some of those words are that you used on your blog post, but it made me smile. To Col...I love that you like to do your homework in the kitchen. To Ash and Kaitie...I love that you two share your smiles with me everyday and that your busy doing your things. To Nat and Tam (my little mama's)...thanks for holding down the fort each day and taking care of my babies. and To Todd and Bryan...keep doing what you need to do and keep following those dreams. I've been thinking about family lately and family really is everything! I feel so blessed we've been able to spend so much time together and I'm ready for more! Thanks for Mikie who picks up the tab and thanks to my kids who still like to hang out with me. Here's to family, the holidays, and just pure joy...you are all my 'pure joy'!

Happy Day to My Man!

Yep! Michael Jane you are my man! You are wise, kind, gentle, funny, a tough guy when you need to be, a loyal friend, the most amazing father and grandfather, a caretaker, faithful, a great listener, a great debater when I want you to be. You like to tease me and drive fast into the garage, call me a wimp when I won't wrestle, tell me I'm not making any sense when I ramble and then laugh, you are adventurous and always looking for the next fun place to travel to, you provide our family with every need and lots of our wants. I'm so thankful, grateful this day for another year of you in my life and our kids and I look forward to many more. You are my rock, my quiet guide, my best friend and this one will kill the kids...my lover! M & M forever!!!

Our Baby is Sweet Sixteen!!

Wow! Our Kaitie Bug has turned the big 16! Those sixteen years went by in a blink...it couldn't have been that long ago when this sweet girl came to our family. She was doted on by her three big sisters and her big brother. The pediatrician told us all we had to stop carrying her around because she was not learning to crawl and would never learn to walk if we just packed her around all the time! If I ever let her cry when she was a baby, the older kids would tell me that was mean. Kaitie has always been so pleasant to be around and has always had a gentle way about her. When she was growing up she always had to have some project to do. She wasn't one to sit and watch TV or movies...she had to be creating. We even made her her very own 'craft cupboard' that was stocked with things to do. I would set out my sewing machine and give her fabric and she would sew dolls, purses, doll clothes and other fun stuff. When she started singing her Grandma Saundra told her not to hide her talents under a bucket, and very soon after Grandma Sally told her not to hide them under a barrell. Her talents are many...she is artistic, she is the family stylist, she is faithful, she loves the beach, and rainy weather, she is a dancer, singer, piano and guitar player, songwriter, friend, great sister, a caring auntie, a beautiful granddaughter and a very loved daughter. You bring sunshine to our days Bug and we enjoy watching you live your life! HAPPY DAY!

Easter...Spring...New Beginnings

I love Easter. I love my childhood memories of Easter.
Coloring eggs...breaking my leg on Sugarhouse Hill the one year we didn't go to Grandpa's...Grandpa Edison's and rolling eggs down the hill...and throwing them at my cousins!...roasted hot dogs, jello... hiking to the top of Grandpa's mountain...grandparents,aunts, uncles, cousins...Easter egg hunts with money in the eggs!...Grandpa's talks about his love of the Gospel, his wise advice, and his shared admiration for his family. I'm so grateful, especially this year, for a Savior who loved us each so much that he gave His life and it is this day that we celebrate that sacrifice, that gift.

Because of this day we will be with loved ones again...forever.

ps. Mom tell me where you hid the 'golden egg' this year!

Joy...these bring me joy!

Child of My Child~
You are the child of my child

Heart of my heart

Your smiles lift my spirit and bring me joy

I love to hear your stories, your funny ways of thinking

I love to see the world through your eyes.

Through you, I see the future and fondly remember the past

Through me, you'll have a friend that will last and last

Child of my child, you make my heart sing!

*love, Grandma Mel*

"A grandchild fills a space in your heart that you never knew was empty."

I just can't wait to squeeze all of you...counting the days!

A Belated Happy Day for Miss Niah!

I couldn't go any longer without giving a special blog spot to Miss Niah in honor of her birthday that was in January. When Miss Niah was born her mama and pops were living in Grandma and Grandpa's basement. This was really fun and exciting because we were able to see this beautiful little princess everyday! Your mom and dad had left for the hospital and when they got there the nurses were going to send mom home, but she went walking the halls with your dad instead. She had to make a few stops at a garbage can or two because she was throwing up. When they went back to the nurse, she let them stay. Late morning, Grandma, Grandpa, Colin, Kaitie and Kell headed to the hospital. We called Grandma Saundra and she met us there. We all were waiting in a waiting room area and we were able to go say hi to your mom and dad. As it was getting closer to you being born, Grandma and Grandpa snuck down by the room and stood outside the door in the hallway. We became a little worried when a team of 5-6 people came in with special baby equipment. We weren't sure what was going on. We waited and waited and then we heard the most beautiful sound...our Niah Marie crying! We were so happy you were here and we hurried to the waiting room to share the good news. Your dad came down a while later and told us all that we could come meet you and talk to your mom. That was the most amazing thing...to meet my first grandchild! You were so perfect and beautiful and you made the cutest little faces. You kept sticking your little tongue out and your dad said that was a Mason trait. We were all so happy to meet you and you have brought us joy from that day on. You are so fun to talk to...you always ask "what have you been doing today", or "how are you today?". You make Grandma laugh when you tell me silly stories. You called the other day to tell me that your "Irish Tree" (clover you are growing) was getting really big! and that your dad was not Irish. I love that you love anything princess, disney, and that you believe in 'prince charming'! I love that you have such a 'belly laugh' and that you have a sense of humor. I love that you like musicals like your mom and are such a good singer and dancer. You bring sunshine to my days and you are growing up way too fast! Can you stay four forever?

Dancers are the messengers of the gods. ~Martha Graham

What a delight...what a wonderful experience...to watch our Kaitie Bug charm us with her love of dance. Her closing night of concert was last night and even though she was curled in a ball, colorless, hooked to IV's in the ER just hours before she danced... she danced, she danced anyway and so amazingingly so! It was such a beautiful sight...no words to really explain it! I am so often overwhelmed by the dedication, hours and pain that Kaitie and Kell have endured over the years as they have pursued their love, and I mean love, of dance! It really comes from their soul and it is a true expression of something so beautiful. I always feel so graced to have been a witness to their joy...girls thanks for sharing with me. Don't ever stop!Dancers are instruments, like a piano the choreographer plays. ~George Balanchine

Dancing faces you towards Heaven, whichever direction you turn. ~Sweetpea Tyler

Fresh Poppy Design Giveaway

Check out this wonderful quilt patterns at Fresh Poppy. So creative! They are having a free giveaway right now...be sure to enter. http://freshpoppydesign.blogspot.com

Happy Day to Miss Preslee!

Ok, it really does seem like yesterday when 'Na' was in DisneyWorld and she received a phone call from Mama Tam who said she was in labor and a baby was coming! Preslee you were in a hurry, you weren't going to waste any time. A few hours later, Grandpa Mike called me back and we put my phone on speaker phone. Auntie Kell, Na and some drill girls and mom's listened as we sat in the restaurant at the All Star Music Resort, as you were born. Grandpa Mike and Great Grandma Saundra were there and I'm not sure who else. They were in the hall and they let us join in. It was a wonderful moment and you had the cutest little cry from the very beginning. Luckily, Kell and I were scheduled to arrive home that night and so we only had a few hours before we could meet you in person. Grandpa Mike picked us up from the airport and drove us to the hospital. You were all dressed up in a beautiful pink hat and so cute! I remember your mama's feet were swollen really big, but her and your dad had the biggest smiles ever! They were so happy and grateful that you had arrived safely after a couple of weeks of your mama being really sick.
You are a special girl Preslee Kae! You are full of sunshine and you are spunky like your mama. I love how you love your friends, Woof, Bear, and LuLu. I love that you like to dance. I love that you are a teaser and that you call me 'Na'. I love that you love Backyardigans...I do too!
We love you Miss Preslee Kae and we wish you a wonderful Number TWO birthday!
love, Grandpa, Na, Colin, Kell, and Kaitie

HERE'S THE BIG NEWS!

My handsome prince of a son officially asked his princess Ashley to be his 'true love'. She said, 'yes'! Sisters Kaitie and Kell were happy to be Col's helpers. We are so happy for the two of them and life is good...

Big News Is Coming...

There is some big news coming...I need to find help loading a picture and then I'll break the news. Be patient...you'll soon find out! Hint: true love + bling

Miss Chloe the Birthday Girl!

It is hard to believe that our little Miss Chloe Nan is two years old today! I remember the phone call that Grandpa Mike received from Mama Nat saying she was in labor and then I get a phone call from Grandpa Mike saying I'm booked on a flight to leave in just a couple hours and I'm on Grandma duty!! Grandma duty is the best...second to mom duty...I just love those two jobs!

When I arrived in Burlington, Mama Nat informed me that labor had stopped. Well, we couldn't have that, so Grandma Mel, Mama Nat and Miss Niah headed to the mall and we walked, shopped and walked some more. We didn't know what our new baby was going to be, so we bought light green and yellow jammies. It worked! The labor started up again and we went home and when Mama Nat started to bend over and couldn't stand up any more and couldn't catch her breath, Papa Bryan took charge and off they went to the Hospital. It was a wonderful phone call to receive letting me know all was well and that we had a beautiful baby girl join the family. When Miss Niah woke up I informed her that she had a baby sister and she just couldn't wait to go see her. Later that day I took Niah to the store and she insisted she buy something for her new sister.

From the very beginning you could tell what a sweet, tender spirited little girl Miss Chloe would be. Chloe is Greek and it means "blooming". This is Chloe exactly because she is an explorer, curious, ever learning new things, and happy and beautiful like a new blooming flower.

We love our Miss Chloe Nan and wish her a very HAPPY 'turning two' day!!

Love,

Grandma Mel, Grandpa Mike, Uncle Colin, Auntie Kaitie and Auntie Kell

HAPPY DAY TO MCKELL!

What? Kell is turning 19?!

Because she is turning 19, here are nineteen reasons we love having Kell in our family...

• 1. she is proud of her red hair


• 2. she is an awesome sister


• 3. her beautiful smile


• 4. her contagious laugh


• 5. she has sweet 'white chocolate' moves


• 6. she loves to learn new things and she shares them with us


• 7. she loves, loves to travel


• 8. she is proud to be Irish!


• 9. she speaks to us in languages


• 10. she is teaching little sister to drive a stick shift


• 11. she's a dreamer


• 12. she pursue's her dreams


• 13. she loves great literature


• 14. she can tell you about art...any art


• 15. she is self motivated


• 16. she is kind to all of us


• 17. her nieces and nephew love her


• 18. she has a messy room


• 19. we love, love, love the dimples!!!

Most of all...we love YOU! HAPPY DAY Kellibell!

Update

change

"Learn to embrace change,

and you'll begin to recognize

that life is in constant motion,

and every change happens for a reason.

When you see boundaries as

opportunities, the world becomes

a limitless place,

and your life becomes a

journey of change that always

finds its way."

I guess you could say I've been away from my blog for awhile while I try and 'find my way'. What a journey this has been and, yes, life has been in constant motion...never pausing...and I've been trying to move forward and not backward. Some days are easier than others...some are just plain rough!

I'm so grateful for so many things and these are the things that keep me going...

(check the wordle above..I couldn't get it to go in my post..click on it and you can read it)

WILL IT ALWAYS FEEL THIS WAY?

Yesterday marked 5 months since the loss of my mom. I spent the afternoon thinking about how not everything has been a loss...there are things I've gained. I appreciate family even more than before; sisters, my dad, nephews, neices, my husband, children, grandchildren, aunts and uncles, friends, my mom's friends. I've gained a marked sense of all the 'tender mercies' that have been granted. For instance, yesterday I happened to see two of my mom's dear friends at different places...places I just happened to go to on that day...month 5. I received a sweet text from Tam who had remembered the day. My Aunt Marsh called to check on us...we remembered together-her kindness, her big heart, her way of taking care and knowing how everyone was and sharing it with us, how many friends she had, that she was everyones anchor/calmer. Great phone calls with my sisters...Jen and I were able to laugh just knowing mom is proud that she has been getting a babysitter and that mom is probably teaching Dylan crazy things to do. De and I talked about how the sadness just has to come out now - now that the trauma has subsided some. I can see my mom's twinkle in her eye, her mischeviousness in so many people...Luke, Land, Kaitie, Niah. I even caught a glimpse of her in my own mirror today as I cut my hair shorter yesterday and as I walked past my mirror...just for a minute...I saw her. I went downstairs to where I had brought some of her things to my home. In a bag of her crocheting things, I found the class instructions with her own handwriting on it and the very burp cloth we had learned to do at that class together. Is it coincidence, tender mercy, that just the night before I sat up and finished a burp cloth that I had pulled out of my cupboard that I had started years ago but never finished...the very one from that same class. I'm going to put them both in a special place. I've had this overwhelming desire to crochet, sew, cook (that's a miracle!), be in the yard. Is it because I know these were things she loved to do and they are my loves too? Now the time, the mood has shifted, and it is easier to surround myself with her pictures, things and easier to do things that I know she loved to do. It's a softer sadness, a pure sadness that just has to come out. All by myself, out loud, as I was holding fabric of hers I said, "Mom, I just hope I was good enough to you. That you knew...that you know now, how much influence you have had on me. That I miss you. I love you." I had found this saying on a plaque several weeks after mom died and I had to buy it. It reminded me of her, of the kind of mom I want to be, and the kind of mom I know my daughters are and will be.

Motherhood
is not for the faint of heart
mothers are fierce
protective
HOVER
cheer
Let you fall
Let you fail
PICK YOU UP
worry
HANDLE HEARTACHE
comfort fears
teach
listen
MOTHERHOOD,
Your greatest challenge
Your Finest Hour


I love you mom....

AMAZING!! INSPIRING!!

McKell called last night and invited me to come and hear Ronan Tynan at the BYU Devotional. He is one of the Three Irish Tenors. I was so excited and it was more amazing than I would have ever expected! I had chills as he told story after story of adversity and how he overcame it and how we too can do the same. I bought his book and Kell and I were able to meet him. As he signed our book, I made sure I told him I was Irish and where my people were from. It was a great experience - a great day! Thanks Kell for thinking of your Irish Mam! (mom in irish)
You can go to this link and hear some of his talk...http://www.ronantynan.net/news.aspx?bid=83