Time to be Creative

Some of the other fun time with Ethan was helping him be creative. He seemed to love the hour or two, depending on what we were working on. It was easy to have some focus with the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas, so we made decorations by drawing, coloring, painting, gluing turkeys, cornucopia's, fall leaves, and ornaments. Each time trying to make it a new creation.
Like his daddy he enjoyed helping me with the cooking.
Play-Doh time also gave him time of be very inventive with making fish, pyramids, ships, and many other amazing things. After spending more than an hour with these masterpieces the dough would dry out, then it managed to be crumbled into a million pieces on the table and floor. I only wish I had taken a picture to capture our surprise. It certainly wasn't something we wanted him to repeat. That is what happens when creation time is left alone for any length of time with a three year old.

A Time of Graditude

Since I am flying home today, we had our Thanksgiving feast yesterday. Yes, the food is something we look forward to each year, however I have so many many things to be grateful for.
Just thinking back on this amazing year of time spend with my sweetheart away, as well as with family it has helped me to focus on how blessed I am.
I have been able to enjoy time with each one of the children at various times, though they all live far away. What a miracle it is to have transportation that can allow you to go from one side of the world, to the other in a matter of a couple of days.
I feel so blessed to live in this country, and for all the many that are willing to fight to keep that freedom, sometimes we may feel like that is our right, however it is a privileged that I really want to be preserved.
I'm grateful for the opportunity I have had to attend various meetings to build, and uplift my spirits that help to deal with the challenges of life.
I'm grateful for my Savior who loves us all so very much that he died for me, as he did for each of us so that we may return to live with him someday.
What a beautiful world we live in. I hope and pray that all will reflect on what marvels are all around us, and go out of your way to lift and help someone that is struggling to stand on their own.
Make this Thanksgiving a year of reflection, a year of Gratitude, of year of Giving Back. Learn to recognize the many blessings all around us, then get down on your knees more often to give thanks to him who has given all to us.
Have a "Happy, Grateful Thanksgiving!"

Mother - Baby Bonding

I know Chelsea really doesn't care to have her picture taken, however she consented to a few precious moment pictures to be shared.It has been so much fun watching Parker respond whenever he see's, or hears his momma's voice, or when Chelsea gives him kisses.
He will respond with cue's, smiles and laughs. It is so adorable.

Today I witnessed when Parker was less than happy, then Anthony called, so Chelsea put the phone on speaker. Parker stopped crying instantly when he heard his voice and started looking around. Ethan also came running in the room to say "Hi" to daddy.
Parker seems to enjoy looking at the family picture on the wall. It has a calming comfort to him that he tends to talk to, or just stare at.
What a joy it is to be around and see this wonderful bonding that goes on between a mother and child, and the recognition of a daddy's voice from far away and not being forgotten .

Parker days!

Meet our little Parker man. The newest of our 5 grandchildren.


It is always fun to meet our little grandchildren for the first time. Those precious little ones that so recently were in the presence of our Heavenly Father. Even at such a young age they have so much expression, and love to share.
It's amazing how much fun I have just watching this little one sleep, or with his ever changing mood that brings a smile to everyone's' face.One of his favorite time of the day is bath time with his legs and arms moving & kicking. I'm sure he will be an amazing swimmer as he gets older.

Parker seems to resemble his daddy so much, that it has caused me to have many times of reflection of years past. Wow did it ever go by quickly.
Ethan is so good to assist with his needs as much as he can, and really doesn't like it if he is crying. What a wonderful big brother.

Thank you....to all Veterans !!

I have been blessed in my life to have great examples of those willing to serve our country and feel the importance of Patriotism. Shortly after Tony and I got married he joined the Air Force and we were off on our first adventure to Utah, serving at Hill AFB.
My Papa served in the Marines 70 years ago.

Our Sons serve in the Marines, Army, and Air Force.

and nephews
are both serving in the National Guard, and Army.
There are many other friend and acquaintances also that have dedicated there lives to protect mine.

I want to take the time to Thank all our service men and women both past and present.

Thank you for having faith in this great nation, enough to put your life on the line each day.
Thank you for realizing the importance of standing up to preserve our freedoms,
Thank you for the many sacrifices you give , as well as your loved ones.
I appreciate you, honor you, and will continue to uphold your many efforts.
May God continue to watch over and protect you, and your families, especially while you are separated from them.

"Time Out For Women"

Every other year I have the opportunity and privilege to attend a special woman's conference here in Portland on a Friday evening, then again most of Saturday. It is a time for a wonderful Spiritual feast. A time to refill my much needed reservoir.


This year was even more great since I was invited to assist as a staff member, therefore enjoying the hype for the last several months. My assignment was standing at the door to greet the very excited sisters that would come 2 plus hours before the event just to stand in line to get the best seats. It was all part of the enthusiasm.

When I first starting attending TOFW it was eight years ago, three of which were shared with JoAnna. A wonderful event for mother/ daughter that made it even more memorable.
I'm grateful JoAnna was here with us at this time to enjoy this once again.

It is so exciting to me to see so many family groups making this event a fun tradition. I also enjoyed the company of my sisters, and looked forward to sharing it together. For some reason it made it all the more special.
I do still have Cathy close enough to continue this tradition, as well as her daughters, and daughter in laws.
A marvelous example of love and unity.
Mikel was a special Priesthood guest for today to assist with any blessing that might be needed.

These are just a few reasons this event is so enjoyable, but the Spiritual feast, and medicine of Laughter that is shared by the amazing speakers that have sacrificed their time to travel around the country to the various states to share faith promoting stories of trials they have experienced, and how they have triumphed through them.

If it did anything these past couple days was made me so very grateful for the trials I have had in my own lives. I wouldn't want to trade with anyone.
The Theme this year was on "Infinite Hope". A very appropriate topic for the times we are living in now, to help all of us be comforted and strengthened for the future. The Lord truly knows our concerns, as well as our pains, and has his arms are outstretched to each of us to help all along the way. Our part is to exercise Faith & Hope in Christ, and know that he will help us.

Even the music was a feast. So many lesson can be taught and lives touched through music. Friday Michael McLean shared the evening, then Saturday Hillary Weeks. Two different styles, but both have been inspired with the music they write.

I was very emotional while listening to this dear sister, Mariama Kallon as she shared her story of living in Africa, and the war that took her parents, and siblings, yet her great courage as she was determined to live. Her message was to "Rejoice in the Lord", "The Lord will bear us up", He has taken upon him our challenges through his atonement, but with our Faith in him we will be lifted up and feel his great love.

Each time attending Time Out for Women I try to encourage others to attend, especially those that never have.
Then comes the real joy in watching there lives be touched, lifted, and changed. I feel every person needs those internal batteries recharged to continue dealing with the everyday life.