Tribute To My Mom

I was blessed to have the most wonderful mom.  

• She was a twin and weighed 2# at birth.  The twins were # 10 and #11 children.  
  
• They both married at 18 years old.  
  
• My mom didn't have children for 8 years for unknown reasons.  They were then blessed with 8 children.  She had me when she was 40 years old.  
  
• I had the perfect childhood.  My home was filled with love, music and laughter.  I never heard my parents argue.  
  
• My Mom is beautiful and stylish.  At 90 years old she still is.
• My Father died when I was 14.  My Mom went to work with 4 children still at home and 1 on a mission.  She was the stake Relief Society at that time also.  
  
• She worked full time until she was 72 years old.  She helped me after each of my children were born and babysat when I went to nursing school.
• She has always shown love and compassion for those less fortunate.  She served 2 full time Spanish speaking missions and learned to speak Spanish in her 70's.  
  
• She is the epitome of the pure love of Christ.  She is always the champion of the underdog.  Her testimony of the gospel has been put to the test many times and she is unwavering in her faith.  
• To quote Abraham Lincoln, "All I am, or can be, I owe to my angel Mother".
  

Mom's 90th Birthday Reunion

Our family spent the most incredible weekend at Hawley Lake celebrating my mother and her twin sister's  90th birthday.   All 8 of my brothers and sisters were there.  With the Goodman and Busby families, there were about 200 people.  Enjoy the slide show!

An Incredible Man

This is one of the many reason's I love and admire my husband.  He just got home from Tucson, working a hard day outside and driving 2 hours each way.  When he got home, he decided to mow our neighbors yard because they have been away on vacation.  I actually tried to talk him out of it because he was so tired but he would not be persuaded.  He is one of those rare people who truly serves others with a smile.

Dinner Help

It's my mom's 90th birthday next weekend at Hawley lake.  We are staying in a cabin and others are camping.  I volunteered to do the dinner.  At the last minute I need to change my menu (for reasons I won't go into).  Is Hawaiian Haystacks too lame??  Suggestions??  200 people! 

Grandpa with Ethan

I haven't included David too much in my blog but I captured a priceless moment today that had to be shared.  Ethan is Lindsay's oldest son and our oldest grandson.  He and Grandpa are buddies.

Swimming with the Grandkids

One of the great joys of this time in my life is my grandchildren.  My week is not complete without seeing each one of them.  We got to go swimming today.  Lillian is so proud that she can go underwater.  Ethan is so proud that he gets in the water!  He still has tubes in his ears so we are still careful not to put his head under water.  

Reflections of a 50 year old

The words just don't sound right!  When I look in the mirror, there are a few changes, but inside I feel the same.  Since my life is more than half over, it is only natural to reflect on my life, what I have accomplished and what I hope to accomplish before its over.  Although I do have regrets, I know that I would only be wasting time on the subject because I can only move forward and do better , I can't change the past.

Things in my life that give it meaning:

• Married for 30 years to a kind, funny, caring husband
  
• 4 daughters that continue to amaze me
• 3 wonderful son-in-laws
• 4 beautiful, smart grandchildren and 2 more on the way
• Friends, both old and new, that support me
• Bachelors degree in nursing, working on masters
• Work that is interesting, challenging and meaningful
  
• Music that enriches and fulfills an important need 
• Trials and obstacles that challenge me to focus on what is really important
• The Gospel of Jesus Christ