The Blair Necessities

CHRISTMAS 2011

2012-01-08T20:33:00.001-08:00

Kelly and I when we were very young

The whole family----a long time ago!!!

We had such a wonderful Christmas in 2011. We had wonderful time with my family and with Michael's family. We were able to Skype with James on Christmas day and that was our best Christmas present. He is so happy and loving the work that he is doing. He will be home in 4 months. Time is just flying by so fast.

This year for Christmas I worked hard on getting all of my parents slides of all of us kids put onto a DVD for them so that they could look at the pictures anytime. It was quite the undertaking to go through over 1300 slides and decide which ones to keep and what to throw out. It was fun looking at the slides and laughing at our funny hair dos and outfits from the past. Fun times with the family!!! These pictures are two of the slides that gives a good picture of our funny clothes and hairstyles. My parents wanted to make sure that each of their children got a copy of these slides so that we could share them with our own children. They are such a treasure to have. We are so thankful that we have pictures of Kelly and other loved ones who have passed on.

Another thing that we did for Christmas was I took all of my Dad's reel to reel tapes and had them put onto CD's so that we could have the recordings of us when we sang in the group when we were younger and also the run down of what we got for Christmas each year. What a treasure these CD's are to us. It has our Grandpa Smith telling his life story and singing songs he knew as a young boy. It is hard to hear Kelly's voice in 1990 after he had been married just a short time and then he is gone by the next Christmas. So thankful we have his voice recorded and memories of him to look back on. We still miss him but hearing his voice and seeing pictures of him bring his memory back to us and we are thankful that he will always be a part of our eternal family. We all ended up with 19 CD's that gives us many hours of entertaining music and interaction as a family. What great treasures these are for each of us. So thankful for modern technology that makes it possible to capture these memories from the past.

It was certainly a Christmas to remember. Love our families and love being with them.
Christmas 2011 was a magical and wonderful Christmas!!! Looking forward to Christmas 2012 when our missionary will be home. Can't wait!!!!

HUGE BABY STEPS!!!!

2011-09-02T13:17:00.000-07:00

So what is it about our children looking and acting like adults? I don't get how all this happens so quickly. I looked at Brynna the other day and she just seemed so grown up. She has really grown into a beautiful young lady. She started high school two weeks ago and she is loving it. She just seems taller and more mature all of a sudden and I just don't get it. Did high school cause this immediate change in our 15 year old daughter? What kind of spell did it cast over her? She has three years of high school and then she will be moving onto college and life as an adult.
Right now she is looking forward to life with the "old people"---that would be Michael and I. She will be an only child in our home and I am sure that it won't be her favorite phase of life. Not much we can do about that. I guess we will try and be as young and as lively and as fun as we possibly can be---being the age that we are right now that might be difficult. We are just so boring!!!

Brynna started high school in a new school and in a place that she did not know anyone. She had a positive attitude and went forth with a smile on her face. She made some friends quickly and she is loving her ASL class. She told me the other day that this school is a good fit for her and she is loving high school. She let me know that she will be old enough to go to prom in April. Yikes----I could have gone all year without hearing that. She will be 16 in less than 6 months. Oh dear what will I do then? My baby dating? Help!!! I am getting so old!!!

Moving to Provo has given Brynna many opportunities to babysit. She has been so excited to earn some money and purchase the things that she has wanted for school. We have felt that this has been a big blessing in our lives since she didn't babysit much in our other area. She loves to spend money and so it is good that she has her own money to spend now.

She is an amazing young lady who is growing up so fast. She is beautiful and fun to be with. I see such great potential in her---she has so much of life ahead of her. I just hope that she can make it through the times without her sister home. We love you Brynna---thanks for being the youngest. Hope you can put up with us "old people". You will keep us young!!!

FOLLOWING THE DIRECTION FROM THE SPIRIT

2011-06-28T08:10:00.000-07:00

Wow how are lives have been turned upside down this past week. We had a plan and things were falling into place so nicely. We were going to close on our house here and move in with Michael's parents until we could move into our new home in Provo. But with one little phone call---that all changed.

Michael and I have been talking so much about listening and following the spirit. I for one have a hard time sometimes knowing if it is the spirit talking to me or just my own thoughts. Both Michael and I have felt that moving to Utah County is the right thing to do. But we have had this big set back on the whole move and you start to wonder-----are we really supposed to move? But I know that Blairs are not quitters and we feel that we should move and that it is possible. It is just hard when you are in the middle of trials and making big decisions, your mind starts to play games on you and you start to question the first promptings you felt and the good feelings that came with it. We have felt that if we are praying, living right, moving forward, focusing on a new plan, the Lord will bless us and our righteous desires will happen. We just have to keep trusting in the Lord AND His timing for all of this to happen. I think that this whole thing has taught us to be humble and realize that we are not in charge----HE IS!!!!

We have felt the power of prayers being offered on our behalf and we are so thankful for our family and friends who are there to strengthen us and pray for us. We will get through this and someday we can look back on it and see all the many wonderful things we were taught and the miracles performed on our behalf. But for now-----
We press forward with cheerfulness and watch for the arm of the Lord to be revealed.

NEW HOUSE NO MORE!!!!

2011-06-22T13:14:00.000-07:00

Got word yesterday that our buyer for our home in Syracuse lost his job so they had to back out of the contract. So--we had to cancel our contract on our house in Provo. It is a sad day at the Blair home. Not sure what the next step is right now. I am surrounded with packed boxes--ready to be moved. Do I start unpacking or do I leave them packed? Not sure what the Lord has in store for us. What a disappointment for us---we were going to close next week!!!

FINDING A NEW NEST!!!

2011-06-20T06:58:00.001-07:00

This is the lovely back yard---I am going to have to use some creative skills to make this backyard look beautiful.

The kitchen of our new home

This is the house-----isn't it beautiful?

This move has not been without it's challenges!!! We are so thankful that we sold our current home so quickly. We looked at so many houses online and actually getting into many of them. It is so wearing on you after awhile and you compare everything with what you currently have and then you just can't find anything to match it. But we found this one on Memorial Day but the price was a bit high for our budget so we kept looking, and looking, and looking. Nothing was fitting with what we wanted and building was not an option for us right now. Then, the miracles started happening for us-----the price on this current home dropped by $10,000.00 and it was finished and ready to be moved in to. We went and saw it again last week and put on offer on it and now we are just waiting to close on it and move in sometime in July. Michael will only have a 10 minute commute to work and my parents are only about 7 minutes from us. We won't have much of a yard but I will have to use my Dad's huge yard to build me a garden. I never thought that I would return to Provo to live. I feel like I have come full circle. Michael and I lived in Provo while he was attending BYU and since that time we have lived in many other places: Ogden Utah, Oklahoma, Texas, Alabama, and Syracuse Utah. We are excited to get into our new home and start a new chapter in our lives. Why is change just so hard sometimes?

GOLDEN BIRTHDAY!!!

2011-05-17T09:22:00.001-07:00

This is our beautiful Kae Lee. She turns 18 on May 18th. She will be the first of our children to have her "Golden Birthday". These are some of the pictures I took of her just for fun--isn't she just beautiful? I just think she radiates so much light and happiness. She is such a blessing to our family. I just can't believe that she is 18 already! Where did my baby that weighed 9lbs and 8ozs. at birth go? Now she is a tall, slim, and such a beautiful young woman who is leaving our family to go to college. I must be crazy letting her leave our home to be on her own up in Idaho. We will miss her so much. She is such a happy, fun, and sometimes crazy young lady with lots of love for everyone. She is a great friend and help to me. I am so thankful that she is part of our family. She teaches me that life is to be fun and not just drudgery all the time. She loves to explore and find out why things are the way they are. I know that I just take things for granted sometimes and Kae Lee helps me appreciate the beauty of things. She is a talented seamstress and artist. She has so many wonderful gifts and talents. She loves little kids and could play with them all day long. She will be an amazing mother someday. She has been a great asset to the day care at the high school this year--her teachers have had nothing but praise for her. I know that she will miss those little kids when school is over. I just have a hard time seeing her going off to college to pursue her education in nursing. This mom just might have an emotional break down when she leaves. We are so proud of her and the great job she has done with her schooling thus far. She will truly be missed by all of us.

You are an amazing young lady Kae Lee----you have taught us so much. Remember that your home is always where your family is. You can come home whenever you want!!
Happy 18th birthday to our Golden Birthday Girl!!!!! We love you so much!!!

OH THE JOY OF IT ALL!!!!!

2011-04-06T13:19:00.001-07:00

Our house has been on the market since March 25, 2011. Today is April 6, 2011 and we have had 7 showings in the last week and a half. I like the activity on the house and all the positive feed back we have been getting. We just don't have any offers yet. We have scrubbed, cleaned and polished the house everyday since it was listed. Thank goodness for Sundays----no showings on the Sabbath!!! Thank goodness the girls have been off for Spring break this week to help me when the realtor calls and you don't have much time to get everything done.

Last night we had just prepared dinner and the realtor called asking if we could be ready in one hour for a showing. Everyone went into action after inhaling their dinner. We got the house cleaned and ready in a timely manner. We had to get out of the house so we went and saw "Tangled" again---what a great movie!

Had another showing today and I haven't heard about anything tomorrow. I hope that we can get an offer soon and then we can start really looking for our house in Utah County. I haven't found anything that I really like---yet. I keep waiting for our perfect house to come on the market. What is a perfect house anyway?

OUR MOVING ADVENTURE---AGAIN!!!!

2011-03-24T21:35:00.000-07:00

Love this house!!!

It seems like we have this thing with moving and having to move every four to five years. Don't know what it is about us but it happens---almost like clock work. We moved here to Utah almost four years ago. And when we moved here, I thought that this home would be our home for MANY years!!! Not to be so. Maybe we move because it is habit. Maybe we move because we need to start over gain. Maybe we move because the spirit prompts us to move and we feel like we had better act. Whatever the reason; we are what you would call "adventurers". I don't know if that is a real word but it is better than "nomads".

The process of moving is not new to us but yet each time I wonder how this will all turn out in the end. I worry and stew over all the hassle of selling a home and buying a new one. I love my house here and I love my neighborhood. I love my ward and the schools here. So---why are we moving? Because Michael is driving to Provo to work and that is about 2 1/2 hours of driving each time. We decided that we needed to get Brynna settled into a high school before she gets too far into the high school scene. It has been a really hard decision to come to since we have really enjoyed it here and we were comfortable here. But here we are going through this whole process again. I have dreaded it and have lost much sleep over worrying about all of the things that needed to be done to get the house ready to sell. I have painted all the rooms back to a neutral color---not something that I have enjoyed. We met with our realtor this week and the sign will be in the yard by this weekend. It is just painful to go through each phase of moving. I don't think it has ever been an easy thing to do but there has certainly been easier moves than others. I am hoping that our last move was the worst case scenario that we will ever have to have in a moving experience. It can only be better this time---right?

It is just heart breaking when you find out what you can sell your house for today. We bought our home when prices were high and now we will have to sell really low because of the down housing market. We are hoping that we can make up for some of that in the house we buy. They say that it is a buyers market but I am having a hard time finding a house like mine within a price range that we can afford.

Then you have to make sure that your home is SPOTLESS everyday and all day. We can't find anything because it is either in a box or shoved in some cupboard just to have it put away. Our home suddenly becomes just a house and not our own as we paint and start packing things up. It is emotionally draining and physically draining with all the work you have to put into getting it ready to sell. Oh the joys of it all and this is just the beginning.

Then there is the searching and looking for hours online at the houses available. I have been driving around and looking at houses and areas and high schools. After awhile everything starts looking the same and you wish you could just transplant your current house to your new location. Oh if it could just be that easy!!!

So---the photographer came and took pictures today of the house and we should be up and running by Saturday. And that is when all the fun begins with realtors calling to let you know that they have someone who wants to see your house today. It is such a roller coaster ride but there must be some sense of fun in it---we keep doing it don't we?

So wish us luck---we need it!!! Pray for us that we can make this whole adventure work out. Pray that I don't have too many melt downs when people choose the other house over ours. I just wish that I could have a house that I could fold up and take with me wherever I go. I guess they have those---they are called "tents". I think I will pass on that and keep looking for my next castle!!!!

MY YOUNGEST RED-HEADED BEAUTY

2011-02-21T13:31:00.001-08:00

My beautiful Brynna this year.

My beautiful Brynna last year on her birthday!

The days, months, years just fly by so quickly for me. I looked at Brynna today and wondered how I got such a beautiful daughter. Brynna has really grown up and is taller than I am. She did something different this year and tried out for the play at school and was one of the main characters. It was so fun watching her on stage, she is a natural when it comes to acting. I think that she has found something that she really enjoys and might try out for other plays now that she has gotten her feet wet. Go Brynna!

Here she is with Sam Richardson who played LeRoy in the play.

Brynna will turn 15 tomorrow and that is just too much for me. I remember that snowy day that she was born and we wondered if we would make it the hospital. Her original due date was February 29 but I did not want to have a leap year baby. We had a scheduled C-section with Brynna and things went as close to perfect as you can get with that type of delivery. She came out perfect and has grown in beauty with each passing year. She loves to do make-up and hair. She really wants to go to cosmotology school and learn how to do all of that professionally. She is very particular about her clothes and how her hair looks. She doesn't mind giving pointers to others that aren't looking quite up to her standards as far as clothes and hair go. She loves being with people and will do anything for anyone. She gives amazing hugs to her family and friends. She has a strong testimony and loves going to the Temple to do baptisms. She has a beautiful voice and loves to share it with anyone who will take the time to listen to her. She loves her family and enjoys doing fun things with them---especially when she gets to plan what we do.

We love this youngest red-head of ours. She is a great daughter and we love having her as a part of our family. Happy Birthday Brynna----hope you have a wonderful birthday. Love, Your Mom and Dad

WHO SAID YOU COULD GROW UP?

2011-01-04T07:38:00.001-08:00

Who said you could grow up?

Kae Lee was accepted to BYU-Idaho and she will be leaving the nest some time this year to go to college. How did she get to be at this point in her life already?
It seems like just yesterday she was starting school and I looked at her innocent face and wondered what she would grow up to be like. Now that she is approaching the age of 18, I look at a beautiful young woman with so many gifts and talents and so much love for people.

Kae Lee and Brynna are such close sisters. They love each other so much! They share their little sister secrets and do each others hair. I think that it is going to be a very hard adjustment for both of them when Kae Lee leaves our home. Brynna claims that she will be left at home with "two old people!".

I will truly miss Kae Lee because she is so artistic and whenever I need something drawn or lesson props made---she is the gal to do the job. She is just very talented in so many ways. I will miss her beautiful smile and her cheery attitude. She is a great person to be around because she is always happy and always looks at the good in people. She loves to be busy and doing fun things with her family and especially Brynna. I will miss her for her love for me. She is always giving me hugs and kisses on the cheek and whispering those endearing words; " I love you Mom!"
She will truly be missed for her funny little antics and outbursts of energy! Sometimes she just has to let out a little squeal to let you know that she is there and that she is either really bored or really happy. You just never know what to expect with Kae Lee----she is an unexpected delight.

I just don't know if I have prepared her well enough to be out on her own and so far away from home. I just don't know that I have taught her everything she will need to survive at college. I just don't know that I have taught her enough about studying and giving her very best effort in everything she does. Ahhhh----but I have. Kae Lee is a very dependent and responsible young woman with great hopes, dreams and goals for herself. She has a plan for her life. She knows what she wants to do and she knows how she is going to accomplish her goals. She can do this! And she will do it gracefully and with great excitement! You go Girl!!! Remember everything we have taught you and remember that your Heavenly Father loves you and only wants the very best for you---and so do we. You are an amazing young woman Kae Lee and we love you so very much. Come home often to visit---you are always welcome here! I guess it is okay for you to grow up---for that is what we have been teaching you and praying that you would do. It just happened too fast for us!

Glorious Christmas of 2010

2010-12-28T06:59:00.001-08:00

I think this was a perfect Christmas. Yes--we missed our missionary but we wouldn't want him anywhere else than where he is right now.

This year we attended many Christmas productions, concerts, and a trip to the museum to see the Carl Bloch display. It was fun to spend time together as a family to bring the true spirit of Christmas into our lives. We attended the Temple to do some work there with both of our girls. One night at the Temple, it was Michael and I who were baptized and what a great experience that was to have Michael baptize me for those who have passed on. We enjoyed all of the concerts and musical productions we attended: Mormon Tabernacle Choir with David Archuletta, Jon Schmidt, Forgotten Carols, Echos of Christmas, the Christmas sing-in at the ESA, and BYU basketball game in Provo.

It all just made it such a wonderful Christmas. The icing on the cake was talking to James on Christmas Day. He sounds so happy and he is loving the work that he is doing. So thankful for him and for his service to the Lord. He has been gone almost 8 months and the time is just flying by. He is growing up and changing spiritually---we could just hear it in his voice and in his testimony. He is doing a great job and we are so proud of him.

Time with our families was wonderful. My nephew and his wife drove all the way from Alaska to spend Christmas with their families. What a nice surprise to see them. We spent Christmas Eve with my family and did the Blair party on Christmas Day. So thankful to be close to our families again so that we can participate in these family gatherings. We love our families and appreciate our time with them even more.

We feel so blessed and so thankful for the Savior of the World. We love this time of year and love to celebrate His humble birth. We are striving to work on the gifts we are going to give the Savior throughout the new year. May we always remember that He is the reason for the season!

WHAT A BUSY THANKSGIVING WEEKEND!!!

2010-11-30T08:53:00.001-08:00

We hosted the big Thanksgiving dinner this year at our house. We had 18 people here and it was just about the right amount without having to move to the freezing basement. We had tons of food, lots of laughs, and just good times being together.
For one of our activities we made gingerbread houses. We put everyone into a team of two and gave them some graham crackers and a bag of frosting. Everyone was asked to bring candy for sharing to decorate the houses. Well, some shared better than others and some really got into making their gingerbread house. You can see how much fun everyone had by looking at the pictures.

This is Austin and Kae Lee's house----they even made a dog to sit in the front.

This is Michael's and Andrew's house. They decided they liked the oreo sticks crushed on the roof instead of whole. That way they could eat some of it, also.

This is Emily and Quinn making their house. Quinn was more interested in eating all the candy he could put in his mouth.

This is Brynna and Arika. Arika looks like she is just really having a great time.

Andrew and Michael teamed up to build their dream ginger bread house.

Kevin and Mom were like the perfect house builders and the winners. Just don't mess with their stuff!!!

Michael was really getting in to the decorating or was that the eating?

On Friday we went to the Blair's house and did Thanksgiving dinner again with Michael's family. We had all the regulars like pea gravy and Mom Blair's dressing.
We stayed over night Friday so that we could watch the BYU and Utah game. Too bad we couldn't bring home the win this year. We had a great time with family and missed those who weren't with us---like James. He was well taken care of and we are thankful to those people who take care of our boy while he is in California.

This is at Grandma Blair's house in front of "Stumpy" all decorated like a turkey.
This is a new addition to her collection of outfits for Stumpy. Isn't it cute?
We feel so blessed to be around family and to enjoy good times together. Thanks everyone for making it such a great weekend.

A THANKFUL HEART

2010-11-22T21:10:00.000-08:00

Since it is Thanksgiving this week, I felt that I needed to express thanks for some of the wonderful things that I have been blessed with.

I am thankful for a wonderful and loving husband. Michael is my best friend and my life has been greatly blessed because of his great example and love for me. We have the best times together and we still love going out on dates. He makes me want to be better in all areas of my life. I feel so blessed to be married to such a great man.

I am thankful for James. I am so happy that he has chosen to serve the Lord. I am thankful that he is worthy to hold the Priesthood and to use that power to bless the lives of others. I am proud of the work that he is doing. We miss him but we wouldn't want him to be anywhere else right now.

I am thankful for Kae Lee. She is such a delightful young lady. She is always happy and always has a smile to share with others. She is such a great helper to me. She loves children/babies and she will be an amazing mother someday. I am thankful that she has a desire to attend college and get her nursing degree. She is a great example to me.

I am thankful for Brynna. She is a girl that has her life planned out and knows where she wants to go with it. She is strong in her values and always sets a great example for her family and friends. She loves her family and is always striving to serve them. She is a great young lady.

I am thankful for the Savior. I know that I take his great gift of the Atonement for granted. But without him, I would not be where I am today. I know that He lives and that He gave his life for me. So thankful for that unconditional love and His mercy for me. I know that He knows me by name and that makes Him such a personal Savior. I love Him with all my heart.

I am thankful for my Heavenly Father. He has given me everything that I have. I am so thankful that He is there whenever I need Him. I know that He lives and that someday I hope to live with Him again.

I am thankful for wonderful parents who love me and raised me in the Gospel. I know that they made so many sacrifices for our family of 8. They worked hard for us so that we could have everything we needed. They took us camping and on some family trips out of state. We had so much fun being together as a family. They are great examples to me and I love them so much. They are amazing people. They are still always giving to their children.

I am thankful for wonderful in-laws. I couldn't ask for better in-laws. I love them as if they were my own parents. They have raised their children in the Gospel and reared them in love. They love me and always make me feel a part of the family. They are the most Christ-like and giving people I know. They are people that I want to emulate.

I feel so blessed to have the life that I have. I know that Heavenly Father has been very giving to us. I am thankful to have my family coming to our home for Thanksgiving this year. We enjoy being together but we will miss those who will not be with us for this wonderful day. Hope that everyone is blessed with safety, peace and an attitude of gratitude this Thanksgiving.

STRETCHING MYSELF!!!

2010-10-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

The other day I was talking to my husband about how some people never work to improve or change their environment or their lives due to no desire or just plain laziness. I guess I was on my own soapbox about it and then he asked me a question that really threw me and made me stop and ponder over for several days now. He asked me if I am stretching myself? Am I really working hard to improve or overcome something in my own life to help me change things that I don't like about myself? As I thought about it, I felt that the answer to this question was a resounding --YES!! Yes, Yes, Yes and Yes!!!!! I am such a different person than I was a couple of months ago and I will explain why. During the month of August, I decided that I would take on the August challenge and see if I could improve myself physically and spiritually and see if that relationship between the two had any bearing on my joy and well being. I promised myself that I would do the following during the whole month of August: Read the whole Book of Mormon, exercise for at least 20 minutes every day, go to the temple once a week, eat more healthy, no treats and no soda, pray fervently for specific blessings to help me and my family.
And guess what happened?
So many wonderful things and so many great blessings came into my life. I have never felt such joy and freedom with doing this August challenge. I have to admit that it was hard. Some nights I was exercising at 11:00 at night or staying up late to complete my reading for the day. It took courage, self control, a whole lot of praying and a great deal of faith that I would see the results from my hard work. The temple part was really easy---that is something that I love to do and have been able to continue doing since James left on his mission. But it isn't easy to stay away from the stuff that I love most----TREATS!!!! I have a sweet tooth and I have discovered something about myself----I have been addicted to sugar. The more I eat that stuff; the more I want of it and my body just craves for more and more!!! This was taking me down a very dangerous path of very unhealthy eating and snarfing all the food I could get my hands on. Who was in control? Certainly not me!!! So, now I can see that I can have control in my life with my eating habits and I can decide what goes into my temple that my Heavenly Father gave me. I feel so much more energy, I have lost weight---which I needed so desperately to do, I feel more freedom in what I can wear, and I don't cringe when I see someone I haven't seen for awhile. I am glad to be slimming down and it is so gratifying when other people notice the change in me. Another added bonus is that Michael has joined me and he is seeing the benefits of making those small changes in his eating habits and exercising. He is slimming down and feeling better, also. I felt such an outpouring of the Spirit as I made a great effort in reading and finishing the Book of Mormon. I know that this book is true and I feel so much closer to my Savior as I read those truths written on those sacred pages. I was filled with inspiration when I would attend the temple and felt the Lords strength as I continued on with my responsibilities in my calling. I just felt so much closer to my Heavenly Father and He constantly poured out His love for me. Great blessings and miracles came to my children. The list could go on and on about the great things that happened for me and my family due to the August Challenge. So, I would say that I am stretching and trying to improve. I am not at the end of the race yet, I still have miles to go and hard work ahead of me as I continue on this path of life to make improvements and constantly "stretch myself"!!! But I feel so good with the way I have started out and I look forward to what lies ahead in life because I have a wonderful eternal companion by my side working on the same goals. Life is good.

VANISHED INTO THIN AIR!!!!

2010-09-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

I am so far behind in my blog---where to begin? Since I have too much to write and too little time today---I am going to blog about something that has got me so frustrated and a bit upset today.

I sent our missionary a package a couple of weeks ago and prayed that all would make it there safely. We got an email from James yesterday saying that there were several things missing out of his box. My heart just dropped when I read this. There were some important things in that box that did not make it to him. I am not much of a detective but Michael and I are bound to figure out what happened to his other stuff. It's not like he is half a world away----he is just in California. How hard is it to get a box mailed and delivered with all the contents in it to California? So---you can see my frustration over this matter. Everything is replaceable except for his bank card which will need to be cancelled. Those things just vanished into thin air---we have no idea what happened. I guess he didn't need those things after all!!!!

BLAIR FAMILY REUNION: FOOD, FUN, AND FAMILY

2010-07-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

We went up to Burley Idaho to spend a couple of days with the Blair family for our annual Blair Family Reunion. We had a blast. Jim and Laurie Baker let us just come and take over their home and their back yard. They are wonderful people and we have so much fun with everyone. Here are a few pictures of our fun adventures. We look forward to next year. Thanks for a great time everyone.

Michael and I loved taking off on the jet ski and just riding---what fun!!!!

Brynna did not like the jet ski ride with her sister----"oh did I got too fast?"

This is Jim and I cutting up potatoes for french fries--one of Jim's specialties.

I know it is hard to tell but these fries are cooked in a huge pot and cooked at such a high temperature it is hard to stand by and watch them. This is something that Jim always fixes for us at these family reunions. They are delicious!!

These are wonderful people that I love so much---Mom and Dad Blair. They have been married 50 years this year.

Dad Blair and Jim Baker just chillin'

Oh dear----we worked them way too hard!!!

Michael and his brothers helping me fix breakfast.

Brynna burying her feet in the sand.

Michael and Kae Lee loving the ride on the jet ski.

Michael and his brothers getting the jet skis ready to ride.

Brynna and Kae Lee love this swing---it swings out over the river. They never tire of it.

Kae Lee was really adventurous and loved the tube--she just kept going and going!!

HE WAS WORTH THE WAIT!!!

2010-07-12T10:29:00.001-07:00

A big shout out to my best friend and eternal companion!!! Today we celebrate
our 22nd wedding anniversary. I never knew that my life could be so full, so fun, and so meaningful until I met Michael. We met in the mission field and he was my district leader for a short period of time. We saw each other throughout the mission but there was NEVER any romantic feelings on either side----anyway that is our story and we are sticking to it. After our missions, we both ended up working at the same place---kind of odd to see a former missionary come into your place of employment saying that he got a job there, too. It was our destiny to both work there----ahhh.
We went out as friends for awhile---a very short while--then things started to change for both of us. We got engaged the end of May and we were married on
July 12. What a life we have had together. I wouldn't trade it for anything. He is my life, my love, and my best friend. I am so blessed to have him as my eternal companion. I am truly a better person because of his influence in my life. Thanks hon for 22 wonderful, magical years---I look forward to eternity with you. You are the best!! Thanks for ALWAYS being my knight in shining armor!!!

IT IS HOT IN CALIFORNIA BUT COOL IN ALASKA!

2010-07-05T11:48:00.000-07:00

This is Michael and I in Juneau, Alaska. What a beautiful place!!!

I have been so bad keeping up on my blog lately. I thought that I would have more time in the summer-- but I don't and the days seem to go by even faster.

I will post something later about our Alaska cruise. It was a great trip.

Just an update on James: He is serving in Folsom, California. It is a very wealthy area and he is getting spoiled. a very wealthy member took him and three other missionaries to breakfast in his Rolls Royce and then bought all of their groceries for the week. He loves the area and the people. He is on a bike and he says that he is just soaked by the time he gets to his appointments. I can only imagine what it is like riding a bike in 100 degree temperatures with long pants, long sleeve shirt, a helmet, and a backpack on. He is dying in the heat.
He has three baptisms coming up on July 31 and he is so excited. He is a very happy missionary. We miss him but we are so glad that he is happy and doing so well.

There will be more later on my summer activities.

JUST A PHONE CALL

2010-06-01T20:36:00.001-07:00

We got a phone call from our missionary today. I cried the minute I heard his voice say "Mom?". Gosh--how I have missed this young man. He was at the airport waiting to board a plane that would take him to California for two years.
We didn't get to talk long but it was so good to hear his voice. I know that kid is a chip off the old block when he tries to tell you about spiritual experiences in the MTC and he gets so choked up with emotion that he has a hard time talking. He loved the MTC but didn't like the food. He was ready to go to California and teach real life people and eat real food again. We got the phone call from the mission office today to tell us that James had arrived there safely and that he was eating lunch and would be with his trainer tomorrow. His p-day is Monday and that is when we will hear from him through email. Can't wait to get his first email out in the mission field. He is a great young man and I know that he will do great things in California. Thank goodness for phone calls---they can lift the Spirit and bring so much comfort to concerned parents. We love our James. Till our next phone call-----Christmas Day 2010!!!!

This is James and his friend Keegan Phillips, they got to see each other in the MTC.

OUR MISSIONARY

2010-05-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

Just arrived at the MTC---he was ready!!!

He had to eat before we took him to the MTC--eating at Los Hermanos in Provo

James and his Dad are very close---Michael will really miss him!!!

All of us at my parents house before his two year departure. There will be an "empty chair" now until he returns.

SAYING GOOD-BYE TO JAMES

2010-05-12T17:52:00.001-07:00

One thing that I really love about being a mom is watching my children interact with each other. My three children love each other. I love to see them hug and give comfort to each other. It just does my heart good when I see all three of them just laughing and sharing silly thoughts with each other. They are my jewels.

We took James to the MTC today and it was difficult to do but it is the right thing for him to do right now. He is a great young man and he is going to do wonderful things.

His sisters are going to miss him but they will grow closer together through their letters. It will be tough at first and there will be lots of tears shed. But I know that they will grow to love him even more. We look forward to his first letter.

They love being together!!!

My three wonderful children

Our wonderful day at the Temple with James

We will miss him but we wouldn't want him to be anywhere else. Go James!!!

IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE!!

2010-04-08T07:46:00.000-07:00

In just a matter of seconds, James was asleep at the wheel while driving. He says that he never really felt tired and he never did the "bob" with his head that signaled that he was sleepy. It was late, very late to be driving back to Provo after working at 5:00 in the morning and taking a nap in the afternoon. In a matter of seconds, his car hit the cement barrier on the driver side going about 70 miles an hour. He hit the front driver side first and then scraped the back of the driver side then it bounced him out into the HOV lane. He hit his head on the steering wheel and that is what woke him up. He realized that he hit his head on something but wasn't quite sure where he was or what happened. He got out of the car and saw the damage and realized that in the blink of an eye---he could have been gone. But...I believe in angels and Heavenly intervention on James' behalf. I believe that my brother, Kelly, was there protecting James. James has a great mission to perform and he isn't finished yet. So thankful that he was okay and all he got was a bump on the head from hitting the steering wheel.
He called Michael and I at about 1:00am telling us of the accident. We drove to pick him up around exit 298 on I-15 going southbound. We arrived back home with a shook up James around 3:30am. There is no way your mind will let you sleep when you have been through such trauma. All I could think about was "what could have been"? And feeling such an overwhelming feeling of gratitude that the outcome was not different.
So thankful that James is alive and not seriously injured. We had to sell the car for scrap metal---it would have been too costly to repair. We can always replace a car but we could not replace our James. So thankful for the power of prayer and for our loving Heavenly Father for preserving James' life. I realize once again that life is just so precious and that in the blink of an eye---it can be taken.

THE CALL TO SERVE!!!

2010-03-13T17:09:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was a very stressful day. I was up by 2:30am and couldn't go back to sleep. My mind was just a whirl with everything going on in my head. I hoped and prayed that James' mission call would be here and I wasn't sure what we were going to do if it wasn't. I tried to busy myself with cooking and cleaning all day. I was just so tired and nervous about this whole mission call thing. I went to check the mail at 1:00pm--just hoping that by some miracle it was there---but nothing. I tried to calm my nerves and cook all sorts of food for James and his friends. At 2:00pm, James called to see if I had anything for him. I told him that there wasn't anything and that I would let him know as soon as I could. As I talked to him, I walked out to the mailbox hoping that by some miracle it was there. I put the key in, and there it was---big and very white. I started to cry and told James that it was here. He started shouting "No Way! Mom is it really there?". Wow---my heart was beating so fast and I couldn't stop shaking. This was it, this was going to tell us where our son was going to be spending the next two years.
The rest of the day went much quicker. I was busy making food and calling people. I was so excited to have James home to reveal his mission call. Michael's parents and Janna were coming, many friends of James' were coming, also. James didn't leave Provo until 6:00pm and so he didn't arrive here until 7:30. He looked at the envelope and asked Keegan how much his postage on his envelope was. Keegan told him that it was the same. Right then I knew that James was going stateside. We all gave him our predictions of where he was going as he wrote them down on his envelope. He was shaking so bad and he got very emotional about opening it. He began reading it with so much emotion, I started to cry as I thought of the impact this letter had on all of us. He started reading his call and then read the words:
California Sacramento Mission--English speaking---MTC May 12. Wow---I just started screaming with excitement. My mom started to cry as we realized the connection with James being called there when Kelly and Darrell had served their previously in the same mission.
Our boy was going to California for two years to serve the Lord. We were so excited and happy for him. It was an emotional evening. James was happy---just in shock.
We realized that he had just nine weeks before going into the MTC. Wow--how exciting, he will finish school and then have only three weeks before the MTC.
We will have a missionary son before Kae Lee's 17th birthday. We have the call, now we just have to get him ready!!! This is so amazing--we are so thrilled!!!
Congrats to our James!!!

THEY BELONG TO ME!!!!

2010-03-09T07:09:00.000-08:00

This last Sunday, I was just in the mood to take some pictures of my lovely daughters and my handsome hubby. They love to have their picture taken--excluding Michael-- and some of them turned out really cute. My husband and my children are my life. I love them so much. We didn't have James with us over the weekend and that is why he isn't in any of the pictures.

I feel so blessed to have such a beautiful family. They belong to me eternally!!

THE BEAUTY OF IT ALL

2010-03-02T07:43:00.001-08:00

Here are two of our cute kids all dressed up for Girls Preference.

Kae Lee took a young man from our ward but I didn't get any pictures of them together---I am such a bad mom.

This is Kae Lee and her friend Kristen before they went and picked up their dates. They are such beautiful girls. Kae Lee liked her green mermaid dress. It is always fun to see your children all dressed up in fancy clothes.

Here is James and Courtney all dressed up for Preference. Aren't they cute?

WHAT A DAY!!!!

2010-02-26T06:23:00.000-08:00

Oh what a day yesterday was!!!! It was a day of much happiness and crying.
I started off the day by finishing the Book of Mormon. I was up by 4:20am and decided to get an early start to my reading. By 9:00 I finished reading this amazing book. I cannot describe to you the spiritual out pouring I felt as I finished. I could not even get through the last four chapters without sobbing. I felt such a strong testimony burning inside of me that I felt like my whole body was going to burst into flames because of the power of the Spirit. Michael, James, and I started reading the Book of Mormon on February 1. Our goal was to finish by February 28. James and I both finished yesterday and both agreed that our testimonies had been strengthened in leaps and bounds. Michael is still reading and hoping to be finished by Sunday. What a great project to work on together. Kae Lee and Brynna are still reading daily but will be finishing at a later date. I love that precious book and I know that it is true.

Later on in the day, our James pushed the "send" button on his mission papers to be sent to Salt Lake. Now we await a mission call. Wow---this is really happening. Our son is going to serve a mission and it is so exciting. Where will he go?
I just cried when he called to tell me that the deed was done and now we just wait.
Tears, tears, and more tears!!!! But...my life is so full and so good!!!! I feel so blessed!!

SHE CAN'T POSSIBLY BE 14!!!!

2010-02-24T07:27:00.000-08:00

This is our birthday girl. She turned 14 on Monday. Isn't she beautiful?

We had a special birthday dinner for her. She loves pork roast and rolls,

Happy Birthday to our sweet daughter. Hope this next year is better than the last!!!! You just keep getting better all the time!!! Love you!!

A FAMILY THAT COOKS TOGETHER....STAYS TOGETHER!!!

2010-02-17T07:26:00.001-08:00

What to do with your kids when Valentine's Day is on Sunday? You cook and talk and just be together. What a special day it was for us!

Michael sampling the yummy salmon we cooked!!!

Kae Lee and I having a fun hug together!

Everyone helped with dinner---even Brynna!!!

James cooking up our so yummy shrimp!!!

Our Valentine's Day was a day spent together as a family. We went to Church together and then the rest of the day was spent cooking, laughing, eating, and sharing our testimonies with each other. It was a perfect day filled with being with those we love the most! It was fun having everyone home and in good spirits. It will certainly be a Valentine's Day to remember. Thanks everyone!!!

James and Brynna working on the truffles----so rich but oh so good!!!

WE PARTED AS FRIENDS FOR LIFE

2010-01-29T07:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I finished a phase in my life that I hope not to repeat. I finished with my physical therapy. I am excited to be finished with the pain of stretching my knee and measuring my range of motion. I am thankful that I don't have to feel the tears sting my eyes as I am pushed to the limit of my pain threshold. I don't have to worry that I won't make any progress and feel bad that didn't get anywhere. I don't have to take that two hour time out of my day to spend doing vigorous exercises that I could be doing in my own home. But I will miss the great staff at Mountainland. They became my great friends. I realized on my first visit that your therapist has to be very "physical" with you in order for you to get better. They are telling you what to do, they are always touching you, they did things for me that I could not do for myself, and they know just about everything about you and your family. Without these great friends, I would not be able to bend my knees to pray, I would not be able to walk normally, I would not be able to ride a stationary bike, and I would still feel like my active life had come to a drastic end. They are my friends and my saviors in a strange way. They have pushed me to limits that I never thought I could go. They encouraged me when I was discouraged with my lack of progress. They came in on their days off just to give me some extra help. I will be forever grateful to these great people.Thanks to all of them for doing their job well and for being my friend.

Feeling Sad.....

2010-01-26T12:17:00.000-08:00

Feeling sad today with the news that we received yesterday that my Dad has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. It was caught in the early stages and so we are hoping that with the right medication he can beat this. I have always been afraid of cancer. I have seen it take both young and old and I have seen how ugly it makes people feel from the affects of it. I hate that disease-in every form--with a passion. I just wish that there was a cure and then so many people wouldn't have to suffer from it.
Good Luck Dad---you can beat this. We will pray, fast, do whatever it takes to help you through this time of trial. I love you Dad. I have great faith and hope that you will overcome this. You are strong and the Lord is watching out for you!!!

MY PERSONAL CHEFS

2010-01-22T10:49:00.001-08:00

Jordan and Kae Lee had a big surprise for Michael and I!!!

Jordan wasn't quite sure he wanted to cook with Kae Lee---just kidding. They had a great time together. They are great friends.

Here is Kae Lee getting in the groove of cooking dinner for Michael and I.

Here is Jordan getting ready to fix us dinner!

Kae Lee told Jordan that he needed to wear an apron, Jordan did not agree with her. An apron is just not "manly" so he took it off.

They decided to fix spaghetti for Michael and I and it was delicious. They included dessert and a salad. Now I have my own personal chefs!!! Great job Kae Lee and Jordan.

This is their delicious meal and they even cleaned the kitchen spotless when they were all done.

Thanks Jordan and Kae Lee--you are hired to come and cook anytime!!!

THE END OF 2009!!!!

2009-12-30T08:04:00.001-08:00

I really can't believe that 2009 is almost gone!!! Where did this year go? I thought that I would post some highlights from this year. It really has been a great year and we feel so very blessed.

Brynna: Had a babysitting job over the Summer that required her to take care of four children between the ages of 8 to 18 months. It was a challenge but a great learning experience for her. She got to participate in her first year of girls camp at Heber Valley Camp--she loved it. She participated in two choir concerts and decided she didn't like the dresses after all--they were a bit too revealing. She got all A's her first semester of school.

Kae Lee: Participated in her first Laurel's Camp (at Heber Valley Camp) that her mom was in charge of--what a great experience it was for both of us. Because of camp, she has found a great group of friends to hang around with. She got her braces off this year and flashes that beautiful smile every chance she gets. She works at the day care center at the high school and loves those babies like they were her own. She got her driver's license and received her Patriarchal blessing. Attended both the Homecoming Dance and the Sadie's Dance with the same young man---Jordan Cameron.

James: This was and has been a very big year for James as far as changes for him. He graduated from high school with honors. Was given a car by his grandparents. Received his Eagle Scout award. Took a seven day trip to Alabama to see his friends there. He drove to Florida and back to spend time on the beach, got his first speeding ticket. Received a four year academic scholarship from BYU. Moved into Heritage Halls on campus and experienced his first semester of college life. Working on mission papers to be turned in next month. Has a girlfriend from high school of which he comes home on weekends to spend time with---Courtney Scott.

Michael: Been working in the bishopric for over a year now. Had Moh's surgery done to remove a cancerous spot on his forehead---had to have 20 stitches put in his head. Given a job offer to work down in Provo at LDS Philanthropies. Decided to buy a more economical car to commute back and forth to Provo in----a Toyota Camry---Hybrid. Spent four days with the young men in the stake at Zion's Camp being on the cook staff.

Kae Lynn: Did much gardening and canning. Fell off parents steps and fractured knee cap. Had surgery in October and has been through hours of physical therapy. Was put in as Stake Young Women's President right before her surgery. Enjoyed having all of her siblings together for Christmas, that hasn't happened for over 30 years. Needs surgery on her shoulder in the new year.

Our highlights as a family are: We drove to St. George last April and enjoyed three days visiting Zion's and Bryce Canyon. We also got to do some baptisms for the dead in the St. George Temple--what a great experience to have all of us in the Temple. Had such a great time being together. Michael and I took off for our anniversary in July this year and stayed at a bed and breakfast and attended the Manti Temple. Then we drove to Loa, Utah and spent the night at little Hotel there and just enjoyed the beauty of Capitol Reef and being together. It was our 21st wedding anniversary--what a great time we had. We have had some sickness but nothing too serious. It has seemed strange without James at home but we see him often enough to not miss him too much. It has been a good year for us. The Lord has truly blessed our family and given us many opportunities to spend time together and make wonderful memories.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS!!!!

2009-12-18T07:07:00.000-08:00

I am ashamed of myself for not posting anything for over a month. So much has happened and it is hard to recount everything that has happened. But I will try and give a run down of what has been going on with the Blairs.
My rehab is going slowly but making steady progress. My doctor wanted to do a manipulation on my knee because I wasn't at full range of motion at my 8 week appointment. That is where they put you to sleep and just force the movement in your knee and break through all the scar tissue. Not a pleasant thought--I know. But I told him that I wasn't ready for that and asked if I could have four more weeks to get full range of motion by myself. He agreed to that and so my work has been cut out for me. My physical therapist has been going the extra extra mile for me and coming in on her days off just to work with my knee and my motion. I have to say that it has been very painful and discouraging at times. At therapy yesterday I didn't progress any from Tuesday and that got me a bit down. Susie can always get me further at each visit and yesterday was just stagnate----I am still at 123 degrees. Our goal is 130-135 by New Year's Eve. I hope we can do it. This is a long and hard process---don't ever want to do this again!!!

James has been struggling with finals. He hasn't done as well on his tests as he would have liked to have done. This was his first semester and he has learned many things about himself and about developing good study habits. He always had it so easy in high school and college has been a bit of a struggle for him because he never really learned how to study while in high school. He is a great young man and he will continue to work hard. He is getting paperwork ready to send in mission papers either next month or in February. We are excited and know that he will be a wonderful missionary. He applied for a job at the Creamery at BYU and got the job---he was pretty excited about that. He realized that his money that he had saved prior to college---didn't last forever and he couldn't find a money tree in Provo. He is excited and ambitious to have a job that starts at 5:00 am. Go James----just be sure that you clock in everyday!!! :)

Kae Lee is busy with friends and loving every minute of it. Seems that her friend Jordan likes to be with Kae Lee because she makes him feel good about himself and she doesn't talk the garbage that most of the guys in high school talk. He refers to Kae Lee as water---she is clean and pure and guys in high school are mud--they make you feel yucky and dirty. He is a very nice young man and Brynna has adopted him as her new brother---since James moved out she needed someone to take his place. She took the ACT test last Saturday and said that it was very hard and stressful. She has been struggling with Math and getting very discouraged with school. We know what it is like being in high school---homework is no fun and it seems that the teachers really pile it up on you before the break. She is a beautiful young lady with so many gifts and talents---she has a smile for everyone. We are so thankful that she has great friends to be with and to have something to look forward to. A shout out to all of her great friends!!! Thank you!!

Brynna loves school and loves to be with her friends also. She just performed in her Christmas choir concert and it was very good. She has a beautiful voice and will sing anytime anywhere--she is a chip off the old block. I was the same way when I was younger---much younger!!
She loves going babysitting and earning some money. Once that money is in her hand--she is ready to go and spend it as fast as she earned it. She loves to buy things for other people--it isn't always for herself. She just loves to spend money and so it is great when she can earn it herself!!
She is just about as tall as me and I look at her and see her growing into such a beautiful young lady. She loves to do her hair and look like she just stepped out of the salon.

Michael----ahhh the love of my life!!! He has had some changes with work and that brings us to the title of this blog today. Decisions, decisions, decisions!! He was offered a job down in Provo with the Church--it was something that he has wanted for almost a year now. The job offer finally came through and now we have some major decisions to make. Michael will be commuting to Provo about three days a week and then work in Salt Lake two days a week. That means that he will have an awful lot of driving time back and forth to Provo. So.....do we move closer to Provo, do we move this summer, do we wait until Kae Lee has graduated, do we buy a new car that gets better gas mileage, or do we stay where we are and let Michael deal with the awful commute? We are just not sure what to do right now. So many possibilities and such an impact on our girls. We talked to the girls about moving and they were not very happy about it. Brynna cried and cried---it really does impact her the most if we stay here until Kae Lee graduates from high school. Brynna will just be starting high school in a new place and we are just not sure if that is a good thing. So, we have to give this a great deal of prayer and fasting to see what the Lord wants us to do. We are really excited about his new job opportunity but it just has some things about it that aren't that appealing to us----like the commute!!! But we just have to rely on the Lord to help us with this one and trust in Him. So much to think about.....
On to another subject---Michael's head is healing up quite nicely. You can just barely see where the incision was but it looks really good. He has been a trooper through the whole thing.

We are so excited for Christmas and being together as a family. James will be with us during the Christmas break and Michael gets to take all of next week off. It will be James' last Christmas with us until after his mission. We hope to make it a special time for our family---making some wonderful memories together. Merry Christmas to everyone!!!!

BUSY WEEKEND!!!

2009-11-16T13:50:00.000-08:00

Life is just full of good things and fun things with our children. Both James and Kae Lee went to the Sadie's dance at the High School. They had activities planned for outside but it decided to snow all day. James brought his roommate Nathan with him and he went with a girl that is Courtney's friend--Courtney is James' girlfriend. Kae Lee went with Jordan Cameron. They all had a great time just being with friends. James and Nathan didn't come home until the wee hours of the morning---they wouldn't even tell me how late it was.

Sunday was definitely not a day of rest: choir practice at 8:30, Michael spoke in our ward, we attended a missionary farewell, I spoke in another ward, ate dinner, had home teachers, went to the Stake Center to practice and then perform the Stake Cantata on the Prophet Joseph Smith.
It was a full and busy weekend but it was a really good weekend. Love to sing, don't love to speak, love to hear my hubby speak, I love to see and be with my husband/kids, not so much like to see them leave. Glad that we have so much to do to keep us out of trouble.

BROKEN THINGS

2009-10-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

I have decided that the Lord loves broken things because He loves me. And I have felt very broken lately. My knee is still pretty painful for me--especially at night. I keep wondering how long it will take before I feel "normal" again. It hasn't even been two weeks yet and I expect so much of myself.

I know that the Lord loves broken things because He called me to be the Stake Young Women's President in our stake. I am excited and so humbled by this calling. I know that I have a purpose in being called at this time---maybe it is just to strengthen me spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I am working hard on putting myself back together again with His help. Physical therapy takes hard work in building back my muscles. Repentance takes hard work in building up my spiritual muscles. Both must be done and I will work hard so that I don't fail at either one.
I just get so frustrated with myself and wish that I could change things over night. I just need to have faith, patience and trust in the Lord. For in the strength of the Lord, I can accomplish all things. And I truly need His strength.

RECOVERY IS HARD!!!

2009-10-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

Having surgery is no fun and recovery is even less fun. I had forgotten all the things I really didn't like about recovering from surgery. I feel so helpless and useless. I can't sleep very good at night because I can sleep in only one position---that gets old really fast. There is just the whole process of healing that is painful and uncomfortable. But I know that I have to experience these things so that I can look forward to the days when I can bend and move the way I used to. And then there are the good things about recovery, too. It has been such a blessing to have Michael home with me. He has taken such good care of me and the girls. It was so hard to have him leave me to go back to work today. He has been such a bright spot through this whole ordeal---I couldn't have done it without him. Kae Lee and Brynna have been so good, also. They have had to do more than their usual share of things but they have done it without complaint. People have been so kind to bring us food and offer rides to therapy. So I guess you have to take the good with the bad during these difficult times. I will get through all of this and I will hopefully be better and stronger than before---in many ways.

BEING A GOOD PATIENT

2009-10-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

I have wonderful neighbors and friends who have brought over food for our family while I am down with this surgery. I have such a hard time accepting things from others. I would much rather be on the giving side than on the receiving side. I don't know why that is but I just don't like people having to do things for me. But, since I am not able of doing much for myself right now, I have to have the help of others.

I had the surgery at the Mount Ogden Surgical Center. I had to be there at 10:45 yesterday morning and we didn't get home until 4;30 last night. Everything went just fine. I just don't like getting the IV put in me---that just stings like crazy. Doctor Byck found things to be much worse than he thought once he got inside my knee. I had a torn meniscus which he repaired, my knee cap was resting on bone, I have so much arthritis in there that there isn't much cushion for my knee cap to rest on even when it is aligned in the right place. He told Michael that I will have to have knee replacement probably much sooner than we had thought. But I am going to stay optimistic, do what the doctor ordered and let Michael and the girls help me. I have got to learn to be a good patient so that I can get back on my feet and be serving those who might need my help.

PREPARING FOR SURGERY

2009-10-12T07:48:00.000-07:00

Having surgery is certainly not any fun and I for one would rather pass on having this one done. But I know that I will regret it if I don't have the doctor work on improving the mobility of my knee. I have had such angst over having this surgery and on Saturday it just consumed my thinking. I just wanted to go and run somewhere with my legs flying and feeling my body breathing hard from a good run. I have really missed my days of a good hard workout and moving my body in a way that I can't right now because of my broken body. I look forward to being free to do whatever I want to without worrying about hurting my knee or my shoulder. I just feel so trapped with the lack of movement I have. And I know those feelings are going to get worse as I have this surgery on Thursday and I am REALLY limited on what I can do.

Michael noted my emotional state and my angst about all this on Saturday so he made the day very special for me. He took me to lunch at Maddoxx's, we went to the movie with the kids, we planned a party for the girls, we had a fun fire outside with marshmallows and hot dogs, it was just a fun day together. He tried really hard to get me to laugh about all this and get my mind off of it. He is a great strength to me. He gave me a wonderful blessing last night that really brought a feeling of peace and comfort to my heart. I know that everything will be fine---I just don't like going through all of this. I wish that I could just get a shot and my knee would be fixed!!! What a great idea!!! I will have to work on that while I am layed up from having surgery--this time.

OUR FUN AND CRAZY FAMILY!!

2009-10-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

CHANGES IN THE LIVES OF OUR CHILDREN

2009-10-09T06:58:00.000-07:00

I look at these pictures of my children from last year and see so many changes in them. Not only physical changes but so much more. I had a dream last night that James was a little boy, about 2 years-old again. Maybe I am missing my "little boy".
He is growing into such a fine young man. He loves school and seems to love the college life at BYU. It still seems strange sometimes to think that he is only a visitor when he comes to visit us.

Kae Lee moved all of her things into her freshly painted room and slept in their for the first time last night. Brynna liked having the queen sized bed all to herself in her room. My children are growing up and making changes that let me know that they like their independence. They love to be together and they like to be alone sometimes--which is normal. Kae Lee and Brynna have shared the same room for over 12 years and it was just strange to see them in different beds last night. Kae Lee was the first one into her bed and I peaked in on her to see if she was comfortable in her new bed. The sweetest scene lay before me as I watched Kae Lee all snuggled in bed, Brynna sitting on the edge of the bed next to Kae Lee with her arm around her telling her a bedtime story. I hope they will always remember those quiet times together when they had all the time in the world to just talk about "girlie" things and they knew that those things would never be shared with anyone else. They are my crowning jewels!!!

Fall is my favorite time of the year!!!

2009-10-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

The girls planned our FHE the other night and we decorated pumpkins that our neighbor gave to us. We had a great time coming up with creative ideas on how to decorate. Michael is very artistic---that's where our children get their artistic ability from---he did Frankenstein. Kae Lee did a BYU pumpkin, Brynna did a scary cat pumpkin, and I did a faceless bride pumpkin. I can't do faces and so I just left her to the imagination of whoever looks at her. It was a great night and a really fun activity. You are never too old to decorate pumpkins!!!

BRACE YOURSELF!!

2009-09-16T06:29:00.000-07:00

I have a new constant companion in my life. It is called a knee brace. It has to stay with me 24/7 for the next several months or longer. After all of my MRI's and X-rays, the doctor has determined that I have fractured my knee cap. Not only is it cracked but it is also out of alignment. So, I get to wear this cumbersome brace until I have surgery on October 15 and then who knows how much longer I will be wearing it after surgery. I am trying really hard to stay positive about wearing this brace, it has to be on so tight that it really hurts my leg and makes my ankle swell. It just feels good to take it off and give my leg a break from the constant squeezing from the straps that hold it on my leg. Not only do I have surgery on my knee to look forward to, but I also need to have surgery on my shoulder. Gosh--when it rains it pours!!!!! I have what is called a SLAP tear in my shoulder. It is painful and makes it difficult to have full use of my arm and shoulder muscles. So once my knee is healed from surgery, I get to have my shoulder done. Isn't that great for me? I have decided that since I am turning half way to old next month, my body is just falling apart early. But hey, the girls have fun painting my toenails interesting colors just so that I have something beautiful about my legs. This is living the dream Baby!!!!

DOWN FOR THE COUNT!!!

2009-09-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

Why do we have to have these little set backs in life that just throw us for such a loop? I spent the whole day at my parents home making salsa. I also got to see my James and that was fun. He is doing great. We did 135 bottles of salsa and I had just finished cleaning up the kitchen and was ready to head home. I walked out their back door and tried to go down the steps and rolled my foot and lost my balance. Off the porch I went and I hit with my right knee on the cement. The thing that was really scary was that I just about knocked off the two large pressure cookers that were going on the camp stove. I hit the leg of the stove when I hit and I thought for sure that the cookers were going to be on top of me. I yelled for Ashley--my niece to help me. I was just so worried that I would be severely burned if they fell on me. I was able to steady the stove with my arm and they did not fall. I was in great pain from the way I landed right on my knee. I was able to drive back home with ice on my knee--which was a very smart thing to do. My knee swelled up to twice it's size and was very painful. I went to see the doctor about my injured shoulder ( that injury happened in June) and had him look at my knee also. They took several x-rays of both shoulder and knee. Doctor told me that I was looking at surgery for both. He drained my swollen knee--which is very painful. He gave me a shot of cortisone in my shoulder---very painful, too. He scheduled me for an MRI on Tuesday and then I go back to see him on Wednesday.
Oh, I was so upset about the prospects of having two surgeries. My knee has never been the same since my cheer leading accident when I was a sophomore in high school. Maybe it is time to get that fixed and this was the only way it was going to happen. I don't know why these things happen but I do know that it isn't any fun.

My sweet husband stayed home with me all week and took care of everything for me. It is so nice for him to take all that time off to make sure that I am taken care of and the girls also.

I don't move very fast and I am not supposed to put much weight on my knee. I am supposed to stay off of it and keep it iced. I just don't like being down. I am so used to being up and going all the time. It really drives me crazy to have to stay down and not fulfil my responsibilities. Michael won't even let me drive yet. I just keep telling myself that maybe by some miracle I won't have to have surgery for both and I can be back to "good as new" in no time. I just have to have lots of faith and keep praying. I could use all the prayers I can get.

FAREWELL TO JAMES

2009-08-26T07:24:00.000-07:00

Well, it is time to say good-bye to my son. I just can't believe that the time is now. He is ready. I know that he is excited and energized about college. I am happy for him. He will do great at BYU and I know that he will love being on his own. For me, I have had a hard time with his leaving. Not that I don't want him to go, it is just a strange feeling for a mother to have her children leave her home. I love James, I will miss him terribly, and I know that Michael, Kae Lee and Brynna will miss him so much. We will look forward to his visits home. We love you so much James. Good Luck at BYU!!!

COMING OFF THE SPIRITUAL HIGH

2009-08-18T08:16:00.000-07:00

Camp was just so amazing!!! What a great experience that was to go and spend some time in the mountains with incredible young women and leaders. We had such great spiritual experiences there---daily. It was really hard to come back home and be back "in the world". I will cherish our time at camp forever. So thankful that I have the calling that I have so that I can work so closely with the young women in our Stake. They are remarkable young women.

Saturday we spent almost the whole day doing beans. I canned 33 quarts of beans on Saturday and that took us all day and part of the day on Monday to get them all pressured. Then on Monday, I spent all day doing Salsa---I did 43 bottles of fresh salsa. Almost all of the ingredients came from my garden. The garden is doing great and we feel so blessed to have harvested so much already.
I really love my garden, it gives me such pleasure in knowing that I have grown all this food and it just keeps coming. In the winter months, it is so nice to go down to the storage room and see all that produce just waiting for you. What a blessing a garden is!!! It is so much work and so time consuming right now, but I wouldn't miss all that hard work for anything--it is just too rewarding for me!!!

CAMP AND CANNING

2009-08-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful for my garden. Once it starts producing, it just keeps coming and I can't stop it. I have bottled over 50 quarts of green beans so far and I am hoping to get about 150 more. We eat a lot of green beans. I have been so busy with camp preparations that it is hard sometimes to take the time to do my canning.
Camp is a week from Monday and I am ready to go and execute all of our plans. I have decided that camp in August is not the best time---planning camp consumes your whole summer and it is right in the middle of getting kids ready to start back to school. But I am excited and ready to go and see how the Spirit works on these great YW at Heber Valley Camp. I just pray that I have the stamina to make it through all the stress just to get there.

A TRUE VACATION!!!

2009-07-20T06:14:00.000-07:00

Last week Michael and I had a true vacation. It was just the perfect get-a-way. No kids. Girls were at the Blairs and James was in Alabama visiting friends.
Our time together was just so precious and so fun. Now it is Monday and it is back to work---darn!!! We went down to Manti to the Temple and just had such a fabulous experience there. The workers in the temple just make you feel so special and loved because you are there. It is such a beautiful temple, it holds a very special place in our hearts--that's where we were married 21 years ago. We stayed at a little bed and breakfast called the Manti House Inn. We were the only ones there that night and so we had the place to ourselves. Breakfast was intimate--since it was just the two of us and it was so delicious. Then we journeyed to Fish Lake, Capitol Reef, and we stayed at a little place in Loa, Utah called The Snuggle Inn. It was a pretty nice place but not as quiet as our previous nights stay. We took a hike through Capitol Reef and it was so blazing hot, I thought that we were going to melt and no one would ever find us up on the rocks. We drove back home on Friday and we just talked and laughed, remembering days of years gone by. It was really hard coming home-- back to kids, work, camp, and just regular life stuff that takes all your energy and time. It was a fabulous week and I am so thankful for the wonderful husband that I have. Thanks for 21 wonderful years of marriage. You will forever by my best friend and eternal companion. Love you Michael!!! Let's go again soon!!!

HIS 43rd BIRTHDAY IS TODAY!!!

2009-07-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to wish my wonderful husband a Happy Birthday today. He is so good to me and our children. I am so thankful to have him as my eternal companion. We have been married 21 years now and I look so forward to the next 100 years and eternity with him. I love you Michael Blair. I can't wait to have you to myself this week. We are going to have a great time-- just you and me!!!!

ONE ROCK AT A TIME

2009-07-01T05:32:00.000-07:00

Owning a home means that you always have projects to do either in your home or in the yard. We decided that to save money, we would clear off the area on the side of our house and put in gravel--cement was just too costly for us right now.
With the help of James, Kae Lee, and our next door neighbor, we moved 12 TONS of gravel. Wow--what a project that was. It took us all day long but it looks really good and James has a place to park his car now. When they delivered the rocks, I didn't think it looked like very much, but when we started moving it, it was too much to handle in one day. But we did it all---one rock at a time.

NO SUMMER VACATION---YET!!

2009-06-24T05:26:00.000-07:00

Brynna is taking a summer PE class so that she doesn't have to take it during the school year. It started the Monday after the regular school year ended for the Summer. She attends Monday through Thursday for 4 hours each day. After school, she goes to babysit four little kids for a couple of hours. She is feeling like she really doesn't get a summer because of her busy schedule everyday. But one thing she does like----the money she is making from babysitting. She is looking forward to when she doesn't have to be up at 6:30 and she can sleep in just like James and Kae Lee. Your turn is coming Brynna!!! July isn't that far away!!

HUSBANDS MAKE SACRIFICES TOO

2009-06-17T07:49:00.000-07:00

I was checking my email yesterday when I noticed an invitation to attend the rehearsal of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's concert tour that night. I was so excited thinking that this was a great opportunity to see them perform all the songs they were doing on their tour back East. And better yet----it was FREE!!!! I have truly grown to love the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and it is mostly because of a wonderful choir director we had in Alabama. Her name is Sarah Draughon and she was an amazing choir director. She helped me to gain a greater appreciation of this wonderful choir. I love watching and listening to MoTab---they are just so talented and they blend so well together.

I knew that Michael had much to do last night in preparation to go to Zion's Camp with James. I called him up and told him about the concert. He knew that it was something that I really wanted to do and plus--he knew that I had missed out on both of their Concerts last year. So, my wonderful husband cancelled everything just so that he could drive back to downtown Salt Lake and watch the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform--just because he loves me!!! I can not even say in words my thoughts and feelings of the concert----it was just amazing!!! I cried through so many of their songs. They sang so many of my favorites---I think it was mostly the Lord's Tender Mercies for me: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Homeward Bound, Climb Every Mountain and so on. They are an amazing choir and the spirit was so strong and I was just so thankful that I could be a part of it. Thanks Michael for making those sacrifices for me----I love you!!!

I LOVE TO SEE THE TEMPLE!!!

2009-06-12T09:02:00.000-07:00

Our family planned a trip to the new temple at Daybreak---who can spell the name of it? It was a cloudy rainy day but we didn't let the weather stop us. We have so few days and nights that we are all together especially with James' work schedule, my meetings, Michael's meetings, and other church activities that we decided that this was the day to go. What a beautiful temple it is. We felt such a beautiful and peaceful spirit once we entered the doors. I was surprised at how small it seemed once we were inside, all the endowment rooms were quite small but very beautiful. Then we entered the Celestial Room and wow----you can just feel the spirit so strong. Brynna was crying and felt such a peaceful feeling in there. We went into a Sealing Room where a sweet couple explained what took place in this beautiful room. I couldn't help but feel so thankful that we are sealed together as a family. Everyone left the room but we stood together as a family and looked at the huge mirrors placed there to see how your family just goes on and on--a Celestial moment for us---what a great blessing the Temple is to us. I love my family and I am forever grateful that I have the Gospel in my life. I couldn't bear the thoughts of eternity without them. Heaven to me is having no empty chairs.

GRADUATIONS HAVE BEGUN!!!

2009-06-01T08:07:00.000-07:00

It was James' Seminary Graduation last night. Michael's parents came up to have dinner with us and attend the graduation with us. It was a very nice evening with Michael's parents and our own children.

It was a very nice program and there were some great things said to the graduating students. They were admonished to keep going, don't stop now that you have finished Seminary--continue on and take institute--be involved.

So much emotion involved with having your children grow up----move on. It is a very difficult thing for me. I know that James is feeling a little bit of the emotion of all of this, too. I think that he is realizing that in a few months, he is going to be all on his own and there won't be a mom or dad to tell him what to do.

I think that he will do well. He is strong in his testimony and he is obedient. Seminary has been a great tool for him to learn more about the Gospel and learn how to recognize the Spirit. He has had amazing teachers--one of them including his own Dad. It has been a great experience for him to have had both Early Morning Seminary and Release Time at school. Now he appreciates what a great sacrifice it is for the youth who have Early Morning Seminary to make it to Seminary every day!!!! Someday he might be a Seminary teacher---it would be a great calling for him. I hope that he will continue to nourish his testimony through prayer and scripture study everyday.

THE END IS NEAR!!!!!

2009-05-29T07:07:00.000-07:00

I am so glad that the end of the school year is just about here!!!
James has been so stressed with class projects. I was ready to send him some
place else while he finished because he was awful!!! Brynna has continued to have
homework every night this week. She was up until 1:30 the other night finishing one of her projects. Kae Lee is trying hard to finish her suit jacket before the end of school. So much to be done and most of kids have no interest to do any of it---I think they are just ready for summer and want to be done with school. I AM TOO!!!!

James will have Seminary Graduation this Sunday, High School Graduation on June 5, and his Eagle Court on Honor on June 14. Wow---so much going on and it is all good!!
It is great to have kids that do well in school and want to get the good grades. It takes a great deal of work and time but it is well worth it in the end.
I am very proud of my kids----they are just simply amazing!!!!

MY SWEET SIXTEEN KAE LEE!!!!!

2009-05-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

Today is Kae Lee's 16th birthday!!!! Happy Birthday to my first born daughter!!!!
I remember this date all too well back on May 18, 1993. I was ordered by the doctor to go and have a non-stress test done at the hospital because Kae Lee was already at her due date and I was showing no signs of delivering a baby anytime soon. The doctor told me that he would let me go one more week before scheduling a C-section. I wanted to see if I could deliver this baby without a C-section--it wasn't meant to be. I spent quite a bit of time at the hospital doing the non-stress test and my stomach was just grumbling because I was SO hungry. They did the test twice but didn't say much to us afterwards. They told us that the specialist would take a look at it and we could wait in this room until they had the report back. I was so hungry so Michael went and got me a candy bar---a Butterfinger to be exact. I inhaled it because I was just so hungry. As soon as I ate it and threw the wrapper away, the nurse came around the corner and said "Did you just eat something?". I told her that I just ate a candy bar. She told me that they needed to take me to labor and deliver immediately and that I was having a baby today. So, I became "the one who just ate a candy bar" to all the nurses and anesthesiologist. Don't you know you aren't supposed to have food 24 hours before surgery? OOPS!!! My Bad!!!
So----they scheduled an emergency C-section for Kae Lee. She was certainly not an
emergency compared to James' emergency C-section!!! We were never told what the problem was with Kae Lee, we just knew that the doctor wanted to get her out ASAP!!!
The C-section went smoothly and we had a beautiful baby girl born to us that afternoon about 4:00pm and she was just so perfect. She was a big baby weighing in at 9lbs. 8 Oz's. and 21" long. She was just really swollen in her face when she was born. Maybe she was supposed to come sooner. Who knows? It was a very happy day for us to finally get this bouncing baby girl. She was beautiful and such a good baby.
Now that baby has grown up and she is more beautiful than ever. What a delight Kae Lee is to our family. She is cheerful, creative, very good at art,funny, loves children, kind to everyone, plays the piano, loves music, strong in the Gospel, loves her brother and sister. She is just an amazing young lady. We love her so much and we are so proud of her. Michael and I feel very blessed to have her as our daughter. Happy Birthday Kae Lee. Hope today is a special day for you!!!

A DIFFERENT TYPE OF SERVICE

2009-05-12T07:27:00.000-07:00

Last week I went and spent a couple of hours helping at the Humanitarian Center in Salt Lake putting together kits to send to Mexico because of the swine flu epidemic.
I had never been inside of that place and I was really impressed with all the stuff they do there. It was a great experience for me to be a part of that large group of people putting together these kits that would aid them in helping to stop the spreading of the sickness. I was glad that I went to give of my time.

On Saturday, the youth from our Stake had a service project out on Antelope Island. We went out there and picked up trash---there really wasn't that much to pick up.
We were literally eaten up by the bugs. Michael looked like he had a bad case of the chicken pox by the time we got home. I had bites in my hair line, on my ears, nose and the back of my neck--pretty much everywhere. But, we did a good deed and it felt good to be of service to someone.

Yesterday I spent 3 1/2 hours cleaning the Ogden Temple. It was a different type of service to do in the Temple but it was very needed. I was asked to help wash the windows on the second floor. It was cold outside at first and my feet were soaking wet. As the sun started to warm us and I got my body moving from scrubbing the dirty windows, I felt good inside for the service that I was able to render. It was actually very gratifying because we could see immediate progress.

I am so thankful that giving service is so gratifying and makes me appreciate what I have. I know that I could always do more for others. I know that I get more out of it than the ones that I serve. I just hope that I have taught my children that giving service and working hard can be fun. I know that I could be a better example for them in this area. I will try to be better.

ALWAYS SOMETHING GOING ON...

2009-05-05T07:19:00.000-07:00

James and Keegan competed in a Dutch Oven cook off at his High School and got best main dish. They had so much fun preparing their dish of Italian and Cheesy Pheasant with potatoes, tons of cheese and special seasonings with vegetables. It looked really good. I didn't get to try it but James said that the flavors were just so different but so good. They were pretty proud of themselves. These boys LOVE to COOK!!! They got so sunburned that day, they were outside for most of the day.

Kae Lee is taking a sewing class at school and she has become a sewing machine---literally. She sews every chance she gets and she is REALLY good at it, too!!!
This is a picture of her and Brynna with denim jean skirts that she made. She is going through every pattern that I have and checking to see what fabric she can use and then goes to work making whatever her little heart desires. Go Kae Lee. I told her that I was so glad that she found so much enjoyment in sewing. She helps all the other girls at school because she knows what she is doing and they appreciate her help. I know this is a skill that she will be so thankful that she has. She is a chip off the "old block"!!! Good Job---Kae Lee!

Brynna earned an award from her Math teacher for trying so hard in class. I was proud of her for sticking to it and never giving up. She is the Little Engine who kept saying " I think I can, I think I can, I think I can". Math is hard and she works so hard to get good grades. Thank goodness her Dad is right there to help her with her homework. She is a great student and she is doing so well in school. We are so proud of you Brynna. Keep up the great work, you are almost done with this school year. Yippee!!!

Michael and I are so proud of our kids---is that okay to be proud of your children?
They work hard in school and they are so good to each other. We are so blessed to have such amazing children. They must get that from their Dad. Love you kids---you are the very best!!!!

WHERE OH WHERE DID MY LITTLE BOY GO???

2009-04-29T06:54:00.000-07:00

I can feel the emotions rising as we prepare for the last days of High School for my one and only son. Gosh---how and why does it all happen so quickly? What do we learn from this very short time together? Is he really ready to be on his own at college? Is he really ready to cut the home strings that have been so attached for over 18 years?

James has been and still is a great kid. He has a wonderful sense of humor and he loves to have fun. He has great leadership skills and has been asked to use those skills throughout his life in many different areas: Teaching piano for 5 years, the "lead" at work, serving as president in priesthood quorums, Zion's camp presidency, and many other leadership positions. I hope that he knows that a great leader will always be something that the world needs right now.

James is a great example to his family and friends. He doesn't speak ill of anyone. He is very responsible and he enjoys helping other people. He reads his scriptures every day and he has shared his testimony every Fast Sunday for the last three months. He is doing what he can to prepare himself for his mission in a year.
He loves his two sisters and knows how to speak their language. He is a spiritual giant in our lives and we will miss him when he leaves our home.

I just don't think that I am ready to have my one and only son gone from me. I haven't taught him everything yet!! Where did my little boy go? I know where he went, he has grown into a handsome young man who is ready to move on with life and be what we have taught him to be, and be what his Heavenly Father wants him to be.
I just hope that he never forgets that our home is his home--always!!!
Love you James--thanks for being such a great young man!!!

SPRING=HARD WORK!!!

2009-04-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

I love the Spring--don't get me wrong. It is just that there is so much to do out in the yard during this beautiful time of year. I hauled two loads of compost to the garden from the dump ( I get it from the dump because it is pretty inexpensive).
I spread it all over the garden and my flower beds and Michael tilled it all in for me. It looked very rich and ready to be planted--I just love the way it looks after it has been freshly tilled. I actually planted some peas yesterday. My tomato and pepper seedlings are getting bigger but not quite yet big enough to plant in the garden yet---they are like my little babies. I love seeing the lawn turning all pretty and green but I despise all the wasps that swarm outside no matter where I am. The wasps must be a "Utah" thing. I have spent most of my days this week in the yard getting it ready for flowers and vegetables. I lather up with sunscreen, water, put the hat on and go outside to enjoy the beauty that Spring has finally brought me. I do really love Spring!!

SUNDAY WILL ALWAYS COME

2009-04-13T09:14:00.000-07:00

Easter morning was just beautiful when the sun rose up over the mountains. My thoughts turned to that day so long ago when the Savior rose from the tomb. How thankful I am that we will all rise and we will be reunited again with our loved ones. I love Easter and the purpose for this beautiful holiday. I am so thankful for my Savior and his unconditional love for me. I think about the great gift of the Atonement and feel that at times I am so undeserving of His great love and mercy for me. I truly stand amazed at that kind of love. I know He lives and that someday I may fall at his feet and express my great love to Him. For it truly is wonderful that he could care for me enough to die for me. I love that Hymn "I Stand All Amazed",I can't sing it without tears. What a wonderful gift to have such blessings given to us because someone loves us so much.

I think about the talk that Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin gave not too long ago about the gift of the resurrection. He talked about the loneliness of being without his sweet wife after her passing. I loved that talk and I think about it quite often when I have some struggles in life. I try to remember that Sunday will always come.

On a lighter note, we had the "BIG" Jasperson Easter, Spring, and Birthday party at our house on Saturday. Dad turned 75 on Friday and so we partied to make him feel special and loved by his family. It takes so much work to plan and prepare for those parties but it turned out great. We had 35 people and we had to put everyone downstairs because it was not really good weather outside. It as a house full but it was so much fun. I love seeing those little kids play together and just have fun at my house. The food was good. We felt bad that our turkey didn't get finished in time for us to serve it at dinner time. It was a really large turkey and it took a really long time to cook in the trash can. We shared some with everyone and we will have lots of turkey dishes this week to use up the rest. We were glad to know that we could fit everyone in our basement and that we could have heat to warm it up when it is cold. It was fun seeing everyone and getting caught up on siblings and their children. It is good to be back in Utah and we can participate more in the family activities and even host the parties every once in awhile. We love you all and thank you for coming. We missed those that couldn't come and look forward to the time we can all be together.

OUR OLDER JAMES

2009-04-02T12:36:00.000-07:00

This is James at the Clark Planetarium with a huge expandable ball on his head.

It was James' birthday on Saturday. I can't believe that I have a son that is 18 years old. He is just a great young man. I don't know what I did right to have such a great kid as my own. We spent the day together as a family. We went to the Clark Planetarium to see the IMAX movie "Under the Sea" in 3D. It was just amazing.After the movie we went to Applebees for dinner and the food was very yummy and filling. I was just amazed at how much food James could eat. The girls and I had the General Young Women broadcast to go to that night so James and his Dad just stayed home listening to basketball games.

This is James on Mars---he's still good looking even on Mars!!

We have this tradition that on our children's birthday, we have to talk about their birth and how excited we were as parents to have them finally here. James' birth was very scary--we almost lost our first child. He was an emergency C-section because he had the cord wrapped around his neck twice and a true knot in the cord. We feel so blessed to have his as a part of our family. I hope that he always knows the great love his parents have for him.
James passed his board of review for his Eagle and he passed with flying colors. So, James is legally an Eagle. We will plan the Court of Honor for a future date.
James, you are an amazing young man--we love you so much. Always be a good example.

WEEKEND WITH MIXED EMOTIONS

2009-03-24T08:06:00.000-07:00

We were so excited on Friday for James, he completed his Eagle Project. He completed 163 education packets for the Church Humanitarian Center and we went Friday to deliver all of them. Because of his hard work in earning his Eagle, his grandparents gave him a 1997 Toyota Camry. He was really excited that he will have a car to take to BYU with him in the Fall. Now James has his own wheels.

Sunday morning our great friends from Alabama came to see us and attend Church with us. It was so great seeing them. They are such great friends and we have so much fun with them. Their son, Jim, and our son, James, are best buddies but he couldn't come because he had to get back to Alabama. They were all in California for their their other sons wedding. They ate lunch with us and then we all went and attended the Draper Temple dedication. What a great day it was except for the fact that Michael left at 1:00 to go to the airport to fly to San Diego. He will be back this week but we have sure missed him. I just don't handle it very well with Michael being gone. I don't sleep and I have come down with a terrible cold. I need my spouse back home. The kids miss their dad terribly and I am no fun right now because I just don't feel very good. Hopefully all will be better once we are all reunited as a family. I love you Michael Blair--hurry home!!!

SPRING IS HERE------KIND OF!!!

2009-03-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

I just LOVE this weather!!! I am enjoying so much this weather that makes it possible to go outside without a jacket on. I love to see the trees starting to get little buds on them, the tulips are poking their little heads up out of the ground, the grass is greening up, and the birds are chirping away in the trees. I love to see how the earth comes out of it's winter coat and becomes so alive with color. During the day I opened all the windows and just let the fresh air rush into my home and fill it with that wonderful smell of the out doors. I opened our window to sleep last night and I laid there just listening to the sounds of the night, sounds that I haven't heard for a long time because my house has been so closed up. It is just energizing to me to have this warm weather back, but wait, did they say possible snow in the forecast for Sunday maybe even into Monday? I am hoping that they are wrong. I would rather have Spring here to stay and let the metamorphosis of the earth continue!! What a beautiful world we have!!!

ALMOST FINISHED!!!! YIPEE

2009-03-13T08:41:00.000-07:00

It is so close to being finished: James' Eagle Project.
He has been working really hard on this project and I think that it has been kind of fun for him. He went and passed out fliers with another friend on Monday and it was snowing so hard, they about froze. Some of the Young Men from our ward went with him on Wednesday night to do some collecting and they got less than a third of the ward done. They collected over $300.00, not bad for one night. He went out again last night to do more collecting and he is getting some great contributions which should allow him to do about 150 school kits for the Humanitarian Center. He is going out again tomorrow morning to finish up his collecting and then we can order the supplies. He plans on having all the youth help at their activity on Wednesday night and put the kits together. We will deliver them to the Center sometime the end of next week. He can have is Board of Review and it will be done---just in the nick of time--before his 18th birthday. Good Job James---we knew you could do it!!!

YOUNG AMBASSADORS

2009-03-09T07:49:00.001-07:00

My wonderful mother has such a great love for music. As a young girl, my mother started me singing in front of large groups so that I would not be afraid of performing in front of others. I learned at a very young age that being in the spotlight was a fun and exciting place. Our family had a performing group called "The Sounds of Youth" in which we sang, danced, made people laugh and cry. Those were fun times with my family. I was never scared to go out and perform my songs either by myself or with the group. I discovered that I loved being in the spotlight. Being a performer on the stage was something I loved.

I truly loved those days of performing. I make my own kids sing in Church or other places just so that they can feel what it is like to experience the excitement of
performing in front of a crowd. I don't think they have had the same feelings about it as I did at such a young age.

I have always wanted to see the BYU YOUNG AMBASSADORS perform but have never had the chance until now. They performed at James and Kae Lee's High School. When I found out they were performing so close to home, I bought tickets for the whole family and told them that this was for me. I had hope that they would enjoy it also.
Well, from the moment the production started, we were all hooked into their music, costumes, lights, and energy. They were just incredible as they performed songs from the 60's down to the present time. They even did some songs from the play
"Wicked" and it was just incredible. It made us wish that we could go and see "Wicked". We laughed, sang, cried, and just enjoyed their show so much. We were sad when the time was over and the end was coming all to quickly. To close the show, the whole crew sat on the front of the stage and sang " I Am A Child of God". Wow--what spiritual way to end an incredible performance. It was just amazing. It
literally took my breath away. Maybe if I would have kept up with my own dreams to perform in front of the crowds, I could have been part of the Young Ambassadores when I was younger. You just never know.

Bring on Spring!!

2009-03-04T07:43:00.001-08:00

I love to see the weather getting warmer and the snow melting. I am anxious to get out and wake up my yard and bring it back to life with fertilizer and some beautiful flowers. I am ready to get my flower beds in and make my yard complete.

I did plant my little garden in cups a week ago and they are already beginning to sprout. I don't know what it is about planting a garden , but I just love seeing those little seedlings come up and grow. My dad grows an incredible garden. I only wish that someday I can be as good at it as he is. I had a wonderful garden last year. It grew so much food for us, I felt so blessed to have been able to can so much of our own garden. I hope that it will do just as good or better this year. I know that they take so much time and work but I know it is worth it. We have been able to go downstairs and pick whatever we want from the shelf and I feel so good knowing that I grew that food. Let the Spring begin and I can get the rest of my garden in.

A FAMILY DAY

2009-03-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

Jared Peterson and his family on Lexi's baptism day. Lexi is the first great-grand child to be baptized.

We drove down to Spanish Fork on Saturday to attend Lexi Peterson's baptism. It takes us about 1 1/2 hours to get down there. We wanted to support Jared and his family. Plus, it gives us a chance to see all of my family in one setting. James had to work and we were missing him not being with us that day.
Since we have moved back to Utah, we have had many occasions to get together and celebrate with our families. We have tried our very best to be there and be a part of the celebration for whomever it is. We have missed out on these events for so many years, that we feel that we are here and we want to be a part of these family events. We love our families and we are so thankful for their continued love and support on our behalf. We truly love all of you and love the times we can spend together. We miss those of you who are miles away from us. We look forward to those times we can all be together again. Families are Forever!!!

THE ACHING IN MY HEART

2009-02-25T06:57:00.001-08:00

This is Master Chef James---What's Cookin'?

How did I get to the point where I am right now? I know that it was through my choices, keeping promises, having Faith, and trusting in the Lord. I hope that my children will always know what direction they are going in life. I hope that they can have good lives and be happy with who and what they are.

Michael and I have been blessed with three fabulous children. I just don't know what happened to my sweet little babies that used to keep me up all night. Michael says that we both blinked and they grew up--just like that.

Michael and I got talking about James leaving for college last night and I could feel the emotion and the impact of that settling in on me. The flood gates broke and I had to have a cry because of the aching in my heart for my son who will be leaving in about six months to go to college. I am not ready for him to leave our home. I am not ready for him to be on his own and be his own man. I have not taught him everything he needs to know about keeping house, budgeting, laundry, sewing, and the female gender. I just feel like I have not had enough time with him and now he is going to leave and only come back home as a visitor. That is just a hard thought. He will to school, he will go on a mission next year, come home, go back to school, and then get married. My heart is just not ready for all this. I love my James and he will be greatly missed when he goes to college. I just hope that as he leaves our home, he will always have fond memories of his childhood. I hope that he will miss us as much as we will miss him. I think that we will all have aching hearts when that separation happens. But, until that time, it's party time!!!
P.S. just FYI---Provo High School took first place at the Prostart competition. They have won it the last six years in a row. That is my alma mater!!! Go Bulldogs!

I AM OFFICIALLY A QUEEN!!!

2009-02-24T07:06:00.000-08:00

I got my new crown yesterday and so I am a true Queen!!! I thought it would be a very simple and quick procedure. I mean all they had to do was snap it in place and glue it in. Right!? I was there for about an hour and fifteen minutes while the dentist tried to get that crown on and make it stay put. I am really tired of having things done in my mouth and feeling so much pain that I can feel the tears stinging my eyes. Yesterday was one of those experiences. The dentist ended up giving me six shots to get me numb so that he could cut away the gums so that the crown could fit into place. The numbing medicine makes my heart just race and makes me so light headed. I felt like I was going to be sick I was so light headed. Needless to say, the crown finally fell into place, it is glued and is holding, my gums are so sore today, but I finally have a tooth where there has been a space for one year. I hope it is worth all this when my mouth is finally healed up and I can eat on that side again. Michael said that I didn't need a crown to be his queen, I have been his queen for 20 years!!!

WHAT IS YOUR MARRIAGE WORTH?

2009-02-23T10:04:00.000-08:00

Michael and I have been married for over twenty years now and we certainly love each other more now than we did twenty years ago. But we still want to have a relationship with each other that is growing and is exciting. Since our marriage means so much to us, we decided to attend a Marriage Conference at Weber State on Friday night. It was a great date night activity--Michael's planning, of course.

There were so many good points brought out in the conference that I don't want to forget and Michael and I really want to implement them into our marriage.
Here are a few of the really good points to remember--this is for both of us:

Prove your love for your spouse by spoiling them every day!!! Wow--what a concept.
Michael and I talked about this one on the the way home and sometimes it is hard to know how to do that. You have to talk about those things that your spouse does that makes you happy and makes you feel loved. Open up and be honest about it.

Remember the three "L's" and the "T"----Look, Laugh, Listen and Touch. Do these four things everyday with your spouse. Look at each other and notice your spouse: their eyes, the color of their hair, just anything that you see in them and compliment them. Laugh with your spouse several times a day--be silly. Relax and don't be so serious all the time. Listen to your spouse--really listen. Listen to what their heart is really telling you. Touch each other: either by a kiss, a pat on the shoulder or a big bear hug. Make that connection with each other through touch.

Men want to feel: Accomplished, that they are contributing, and that they can save the lady--be our knight in shining armor.
Women want to feel: Like they are seen or noticed, they are beautiful, and that they can make the world more beautiful.

There is so much to learn about relationships and how to improve upon them. I listened very carefully to all that was said and I really want to improve my relationship with Michael and our children. I really want to create a safe ground for Michael so that he feels like he can talk to me about anything and not feel threatened by me and my feelings. We have opened up our hearts and talked about some feelings that we have and we both agree that we want our marriage to be green and growing--not ripe and rotting. We feel closer and I love that feeling. I just wish that I could keep that feeling forever. I know that I need to change some things and focus more on Michael than on my own selfish needs. I married a wonderful man and I am a much better person today because of his great love and example for me.
I feel so blessed to be married to a man who is sensitive to me and my needs. Thank you Michael, I love you so much. May our days be filled with good things to contribute to our true happiness together. I love my life with you.
I promise to make you feel more loved and do my very best to spoil you every day.

BRYNNA'S BIRTHDAY!!!!

2009-02-21T21:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to our Brynna who will be a big thirteen tomorrow. I can't believe that my baby is a teen-ager. She was born on a very snowy winter day. The power was out all over the area and the roads had not been plowed. The only reason that we were even out on the roads that day was to go and have a baby. We are so thankful that she is a part of our family. She is a sweetheart with a huge heart and is always doing good things for other people. She is happy and is very talented in singing and loving everyone. We love our Brynna and wish her a wonderful day tomorrow.

WHAT A BUNCH OF PROS!!!!

2009-02-20T08:33:00.001-08:00

This was their menu: Teriyaki salmon, miso soup, wonton apple dessert.
Doesn't it all just look so yummy?

Zach, James, and Keegan--Prostart Team #10

This was the team on Wednesday. James, Keegan, and Zach. They worked very well together, in fact, they probably worked better with just the three of them than they did with four. That was a blessing for them--they worked as a team.

Michael and I went to see them at the competition. James was so surprised to see his Dad there, too. It was really hard to see anything because they were on the very back row and it was really dark in the room.

They had a great time and their food turned out beautifully. The only glitch they had was that the dessert was supposed to have some whipped cream on the top but it all spilled out of the container en route to the competition. Oh well, it looks great. They all agreed that it was their best effort ever.
We won't know the results until May.

I love to have teachers tell me how great my kids are and it was payday on the day of competition. James' teacher just told us what a very nice young man he is. She made him the "Lead" of the team because he did whatever she asked him to do, no questions asked. She has really helped and inspired these young men with her own cooking skills and her fun way of teaching. She has just been amazing at our school.
It was a fun day and those boys were quite exhausted when they were done.
GREAT JOB TEAM!!!!!

BIG DAY!!!

2009-02-18T07:19:00.000-08:00

Today is a big day for James. It is his big Prostart competition. They have already started of on a negative note, one of their team members is too ill to participate in the competition. Now they are one man short and will have to do some double duty at times during the preparation. He was so excited this morning and so ready to go and get started. We wish James and his team the very best of luck. We hope that today is their very best EVER!!!! I will keep you posted. I will be attending the competition and looking forward to watching James' team take first place.

GOOD NEWS!!!

2009-02-16T05:11:00.000-08:00

Never a dull moment at this house. With my three children and husband, there is always something good going on in our home. Kae Lee had to take her driving test on Friday and passed with flying colors. She was pretty excited and proud of herself. She still has to drive on the range at school but she passed the hard driving test.
James was notified by BYU that he has been accepted for the Fall semester with a tuition scholarship. We were so excited and proud of our James. I think that he is getting excited about going to college and living on campus. Brynna babysat three little boys all day on Saturday and lived to tell the tale. It was a long day for her.

Michael and I celebrated V-day on Friday night. We ate dinner at a really nice place where they serve you all the yummy meats you can eat. We got in on the lunch special so the price was right. Then we went to the Bountiful Temple to witness the sealing of some good friends of ours--Todd and Dana. What a great place to be--in the Temple--to celebrate V-day. I love my sweetheart and so thankful that our marriage was done in the right place, the right time, by the right authority almost 21 years ago. And I love him so much more now than I did on that wonderful day.

Saturday--Valentine's Day-- was kind of a strange day. James' team lost their game on Saturday but it was really fun watching him play--he is a good little player. Kae Lee was babysitting two children in our home while their parents went out. I offered to take on two more children so their parents could go out. What a crazy house it was with those four little ones running around and screaming at each other. Michael was a good sport and helped me entertain all those little ones. It made us realize why the Lord gives us our children while we are young. It was a long night but we had fun with those little kids, they didn't want to go home when their parents came to get them. It was a differet V-day for us-but it felt good to do service for someone else. I will plan better for next year. I love my Michael!!

WHAT A BLESSING!!!

2009-02-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

James prepared well in advance to receive his Patriarchal blessing. He fasted and prayed so that he could be ready to hear those incredible words that would be shared with him from our Stake Patriarch. Wow--what a blessing it was. I already thought he was an incredible young man, now I know that our Heavenly Father feels the same way. James has his work cut out for him as he prepares to go on a mission in a little over a year. I know that he will be a great influence on many people as he strives to serve and be obedient in all things. He is one great one young man. Michael and I feel so blessed to have him as our son.

Kae Lee had to go driving at 6:00am this morning and she has not felt well all week. She has caught an awful cold and she has rubbed her nose until it is bright red. We strongly encouraged her to go this morning in spite of her not feeling well. We knew that if she didn't go, the other girl driving with her would lose out on her opportunity to drive today also. Kae Lee was quite nervous about going driving with someone she didn't even know. She had to drive first, in the dark, and on roads she wasn't too familiar with. She called me from school and said that she was still alive. THANK GOODNESS FOR THAT!!!! I know that this driving business is scary and nerve racking---for both of us. She is gaining confidence and doing quite well. I know that she will just get better and better as she continues to drive every day this week. Good Job Kae Lee

UNEXPECTED FIRE DRILL

2009-02-09T11:53:00.000-08:00

Poor Brynna called this morning at about 9:00am and said that the school had been evacuated because the fire alarm had gone off. She told me that they had to stand outside in the snow for about 45 minutes. Yes---it has been snowing all morning today and it just so happened that all those Junior High kids had to stand out in the lovely snow while the fire department checked out the problem inside.
By the time the kids could go back inside the building, they were all soaked from top to bottom. Poor kids. Brynna was so cold and just very wet from her jacket down to her soaking wet shoes. I took her some dry clothes so that she could be warm and dry. What a great way to start her Monday. Most thankful that she was safe and that it wasn't a real fire drill. The school was a mess with all the parents coming to either check their children out of school or just to bring them some dry clothing and shoes. What a crazy Monday.

WHO SAID THEY COULD GROW UP?

2009-02-05T09:12:00.000-08:00

This is an old picture of our family---we are always changing.

I know that we raise our children to be independent and be on their own someday, but I am not sure I am ready for that stage in life. These are good days with my children and I get sad whenever I think about James going away to college in the fall. Kae Lee is learning how to drive and if that isn't a sign of growing up, I don't know what is. Brynna is developing into a beautiful young women who is very sensitive to all the "yuck" she hears and sees at school. It bothers her and she wishes that there was something she could do about it. Oh the joys of Junior High life.

I love my children so much. I just wonder if I am teaching them everything they need to know to "go out into the world". I can't possibly have a son turning
eighteen next month or a daughter turning thirteen this month or a daughter turning sixteen in May. What happened to those little babies I used to have? At times I want them to stay the ages they are and keep their sweet innocence. But, I know that is not possible so I must enjoy these precious times now. I feel so blessed to feel such a closeness with my children right now. I just hope that never leaves when they leave this place they call "home".

Getting new tooth!!

2009-02-02T21:22:00.000-08:00

I went to the dentist today and got fitted for my new crown. After almost one year, I will finally have a crown where there has been no tooth. I had to have a root canal done twice on a tooth and ended up having it extracted anyway. What a pain it has been---literally. I am tired of having work done on my mouth. Right now, I have a metal post poking up in my mouth and it looks and feels really strange. I have never had a dental implant before and this has been quite the learning experience. I am sure that it will be worth all the bother when it is all finished. But for two weeks, my tongue is just going to keep playing with that metal post in my mouth. Can't wait to get my new tooth--well--- crown anyway. Hope this lasts forever.

MY SON THE COOK!!!

2009-01-29T15:29:00.001-08:00

James is so excited about his cooking competition. Their food looks so good and he says that it tastes good too. He is having so much fun learning how to cook. I have my own personal chef in the house. He isn't at home much to cook but when he does cook, he does an excellent job. Rachel Ray eat your heart out!!!!

KAE LEE IS BEAUTIFUL!!

2009-01-28T14:27:00.000-08:00

Kae Lee was so excited for this big day, it was like Christmas for her. She got her braces off today. After 19 months of being very deligent in doing what Dr. Peck told her to do, her efforts paid off and she has a beautiful smile. She just kept feeling her teeth with her tongue and telling me how strange they felt. She smiled all the way back to school and she hasn't stopped smiling since. What a wonderful thing it is to have people who can change your total look by using orthodontics.
Kae Lee is beautiful and it was worth all those thousands of dollars to get her where she is today. She finally loves her smile and so do we.

2009-01-26T21:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my Mom!!!

2009-01-26T20:24:00.000-08:00

My Mom will be 74 tomorrow. Just wanted to wish her a wonderful day. This picture was taken at her party on Saturday night. She is not one year's old. She just didn't want to blow out 74 candles. Love you Mom!! Happy Birthday!

What a great weekend!!

2009-01-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

We did so much this weekend and it was all so good and so fun. I wish that every weekend could be so full of fun memories to look back on.

Friday afternoon we went to the Draper Temple Open House. What a beautiful Temple that is!! I was just so impressed with the beauty and the Spirit that is in that Holy place even though it has not been dedicated yet. We loved the Celestial Room and also the baptistery. We then made a trip to dinner and then on to Michael's parent's home. Michael's mom has been cleaning out stuff from under her stairs and she had clothes, books, pictures, and blankets all over her floor. Michael and the children decided that they needed to go through all the stuff and find what goods they wanted to keep. James found an old tuxedo that belonged to Grandpa Blair. He tried it on and it fit him like a glove, the pants were another story, they were HUGE on him. Michael wanted to wear his new "smokin'" jacket to church but I refused to let him go to "our" church with that on. The girls found so many treasures that Grandma was just delighted to get rid of all that "stuff".

Saturday found us down in Provo visiting with my parents and Kena Lee. It was great seeing my sister--we don't get to see her very often. It is Mom's birthday tomorrow and we got together for her birthday. Before going to dinner, we stopped in to see that new baby, Quinn. Oh, he is sooooo cute. We just wanted to eat him up. He is so sweet and he is just so new and he smelled so good. I wanted to take him home with me but I don't think Sammie would have beeen too happy about that. It was great seeing Emily. She looks great and seems to be doing well. Congrats to Nathan and Emily for a beautiful baby boy.

We ate at Prestwich Farms with the rest of the family. Mom had all of her children there for her birthday dinner. The food was yummy and the company was great. We went to Karla's house and played games and had cake and ice-cream. We are a loud bunch when we get together and play games. We had a great time and we all laughed at each other. We don't get to be together like that very often. It was great bonding time for all of us. Happy Birthday to my mom who will be 74 tomorrow. Love you Mom---hope this is a great year for you!!

KAE LEE HAS HER PERMIT

2009-01-23T07:40:00.000-08:00

We took Kae Lee to get her permit yesterday and she passed with flying colors. It's amazing how well you can do on a test when you study. Her Driver's Ed teacher told the class that if they didn't have their permit, they were failing the class. Kae Lee is so concerned about her grades and that concerned her to think that she was failing a class before it even got started. She was pleased with herself. GO KAE LEE!

James is kind of bummed about his last semester of school. School can be fun if you have a good combination of good teachers and good friends in your class. I think that James is feeling like he has neither of those this semester. He got the Seminary teacher that no one likes and that made him sad. He has had such wonderful Seminary teachers and it's hard when you have one that is not so good. I just can't believe that he will done with High School in just a few short months. He is working so hard on getting his Eagle before he turns the ripe age of 18. We know that he can do it. We are very proud of him. GO JAMES!!!

Brynna stayed home from school yesterday because she had caught a bad cold. I felt bad for her because she had such a struggle on what to do because she had missed school last Thursday due to illness. She is feeling better today and went to school. She is still congested and coughing but I am hoping that the worst is over. She even went and played basketball for our ward YW team. She said that they got beat really bad but she had so much fun playing.
GO BRYNNA!

Life is good and we feel so blessed. Michael and I just look at our children and wonder how and why in the world did we get such awesome kids. We know why----
Heavenly Father spoils us!!!!

CHRISTMAS PRESENT!!!!

2009-01-20T14:59:00.000-08:00

Michael, James and I have been working on the shelves in our storage room downstairs. They were finally finished last night and they look fabulous. I can't believe how much storage space I have in that room now. I am so excited to get my food storage off of the floor and put on the shelves. Now I can get things cleaned up and organized down there. Michael is just so smart and so good with engineering something like that to make it fit, make it strong, and give me the maximum use of my space. It was hard work and we had to go and buy some tools that made the work go so much faster. He is such a perfectionist and those shelves look like a true professional put them in there. The shelves were my Christmas present for last year but that is okay---it can be my early Mother's Day present for this year. Thanks Hon!

Our day started early with a trip to Ogden Temple to do baptisms. All of my children and two friends went with us. What a great way to start the day. We like to be the first ones in the baptistery and then we are out of there really quick. Then we came home and I fixed a big breakfast for everyone. These are such great kids and I love taking them to the Temple to do that sacred work. I hope that my children always have a desire to go to the temple whenever they can.

Emily Hollingshead had her baby today and I am so excited to see him. He weighed in at 8lbs. 14ozs and 20" long. He is Quentin N. Hollingshead. Both of them are doing well. The miracle of life----it never gets old.

Kae Lee went to take her written test to get here driving permit today. James and I told her that it isn't hard and that it was an "open book" test. Little did we know that was not the case for when you are taking it to get your permit. She had not studied the driving handbook and was not prepared for the test in the least little bit. Her first try she got 72% and the second time she got 78% and you have to have 80% to pass. She missed it by one question. We both laughed because she did really well even though she had not studied for the test. Now we will have to go back another day and give it another shot. Hopefully she will pass on the third try.
She is by no means ready to drive but she starts Drivers Ed this semester and she has to have it to drive on the road with the instructor. Watch out everyone
Kae Lee will soon be on the roads!!!!

THE SICK HOUSE!!!

2009-01-19T07:33:00.000-08:00

It was a week of sickness at our house. Brynna being first with the stomach bug and then Kae Lee followed right behind with the same thing. Kae Lee was more sick than Brynna. Kae Lee is just barely feeling like eating since Friday. She looks like she has lost 5lbs. I just feel so helpless when my children are sick. There just isn't anything you can do for the stomach bug, it just has to run it's coures. But, I saw the misery in the eyes of my daughters as they waited for the nausea to pass and the desire to eat to return. Thank goodness that none of the rest of us have gotten it, so far.

My sister is here from New York, she arrived on Saturday. We are all awaiting the arrival of her new grand son, Quinn. He is coming tomorrow with a scheduled
C-section. We pray for Emily Hollingshead that all goes well with the delivery of this new baby. We are excited to see him, hold him, kiss him, and just smell that sweet "new baby" smell. There is just something so magical and special about new babies. Good Luck Emily.

IN THE STILLNESS OF THE NIGHT

2009-01-15T09:03:00.000-08:00

Brynna was not only tired yesterday but she was physically sick. I picked her up from school and she was pretty green. She came home and went straight to bed. As a parent, when my children are sick, I feel so helpless. She slept for quite awhile but didn't feel any better when she woke up. It didn't take long before her body started to reject everything and anything she ate or drank. This continued on for several hours...the misery of that feeling. I stayed on the couch with her during the night while she fittfully tried to sleep. I can't sleep well on the couch, I don't know anyone who can, I missed my bed and my husband. At one point, I just couldn't sleep but I listened to the soft breathing of all the people in my house.
I thought about how still and quiet the night was, I thought about how much I love these people who were so peacefully sleeping---even Brynna was resting peacefully. I thought about a loving Heavenly Father who loves us even more than the love we feel for our own families. It was then, during the stillness of the night, that I felt so much love from my Heavenly Father that I had to utter a prayer of thanks for so many wonderful blessings in my life. It was a short night for sleep but I felt my time was well spent, even in the stillness of the night.

Brynna is feeling better this morning but is still very weak and tired. She will stay home with me today and just try to regain her strength. I am so thankful for the power of the Priesthood in our home. Brynna immediatly wanted a blessing from her Dad as soon as he came home from work. Maybe tonight, we can all get to bed early and have a good nights rest.

LATE NIGHTS!!!!

2009-01-14T07:33:00.001-08:00

I want my children to have the best education and I want good teachers to teach them. But, sometimes I feel that teachers just give out "busy work" to give the students something to do. Brynna had a huge project last night that just didn't seem to have anything to do with what she was learning in this class. She was frustrated because it was getting very late and she was tired but she still had so much to do. The assignment was worth 400 points of her grade. I tried my best to encourage, support, comfort, and energize her to finish the assignment. Kae Lee was working on homework that seemed to be appropriate for what she was learning in Health. Michael was helping her and they seemed to be having a great time doing it together. I am so thankful that Michael is so willing to help our children with their homework. Homework was finally finished at 12:30 and everyone was in bed by 1:00am. My mother always tells us to enjoy these times with our children because they will be gone before we know it. We are all very tired this morning, but I think that we learned something from each other last night....With family, you can accomplish just about anything...even homework.

2009-01-13T05:24:00.000-08:00

Why does time fly by so quickly? When I was a young girl, I used to think that time moved so slowly. Now that I am older, time seems to fly on wings of lightening. Sometimes it is hard to believe that I am a mother of three teen-agers and that I have been married for over 20 years to by best friend. I have just felt such a great sense of gratitude for my wonderful family. What a joy they are to me. What a great sense of loss I would feel without the lives of these wonderful people so intertwined with mine. They are my life and this life is good.

James is applying to colleges and got accepted to Utah State University. We are still waiting for the news from BYU about his acceptance. I still can't believe that I have a son going to college this fall. Once again I ask---"where does the time go"?