2012

January always leaves you reflective doesn't it. This year it has me. Looking over the past

year, or few years for that matter. I have become most grateful for the family that I was raised with. Things that I was taught, things that I want to do, things I want to do different. So thankful for parents who provided me a good happy home, where I not only felt love, but safety and happiness. My siblings are all we have now. My Mom's old boss left me a message after Mom died that said..."well your an orphan now, just like me"... wasn't words of comfort like he intended. An orphan is one that is abandoned for one reason or another, I'm not abandoned. They have just gone on to a different place and I feel their presence in many ways. I found great comfort in the book called "The Message". A book describing how those who have passed on have influence in the lives of their loved ones. I sure hope so! Some days, it seems like their just on an extended trip and they'll be back soon! Wish that were true! I miss them. I miss who they were! So grateful for the plan of salvation that I KNOW they are together again and that in itself makes me happy. Dad's heart broke when Mom didn't recognize him anymore, but now, well....what ever they are doing...I'm sure they are by each other's side and holding hands! As for the 4 of us...well we have a challenge to continue those lessons taught about family. About keeping in touch and honoring that which we were given.

Pays...

9 years ago today...this little...okay...not so little guy anymore ...entered our world. He opened up a new part of our heart that we didn't know existed...and we haven't been the same ever since! There is nothing that will light up our heart or our eyes more than this little generation that he heads...We're blessed beyond measure to have such a close relationship with Pdawg. It's a joy to play with him...even when we're feeling our age or to snuggle at sleep overs and watch movies! It's so fun to watch him excel in all the sports he loves..he truly is a natural athlete and shines at all he does! He's a tender big brother, who helps watch out for the little ones. He's especially a watch tower for his little sis! It's an honor that he wants us to play and experience all the joys of boyhood with him! We hope your 9th year is an awesome one! We love you to the Moon & Back a zillion times and more! Happy Birthday Paysers! Thanks for joining our family tree and being the first to call us Gramma & Grampa!

Together Again..or "Gone Home"....

This morning I took Brent & Linda to breakfast and then to the airport...the last of our family to leave from the week of celebrating and honoring our Mom, and of course that included our Dad...they go hand in hand-you really can't honor or speak of one of them, without including the other! My mind is swimming with so many thoughts and emotions that I don't know where to begin...

I'm sad today! Not for my Mom...she's happy and celebrating the reunion with my Dad, her sweetheart, or her "Honey" as they always called one another! I'm sad because...she's gone. They are both gone! I'm sad for me, selfish reasons! I'm sad, because my parents have now became part of the generations that we have looked at in pictures now, because that is all that is left! I can say to you that I truly HATE the disease Dementia...or Alzheimer's. That ugly disease may have robbed me of my Mom for the past 12-15 years...but it did not take away who my Mom was in the end...she left an amazing legacy and love of family. I'm honored to be such a part of her family! I'm honored to be called George & Nona's daughter...and yes, I'm honored to be "their baby"! That phrase use to annoy me...I'm not a baby I would say...but I was THEIR baby...and I'm honored to say that now~

We gathered as an entire family with siblings gathering and supporting and sustaining one another. We have been gathered for the past few years, even through many miles in the support of one another in the care taking. It WAS hard, but it was an honor and I wouldn't trade those days for anything. I still ask myself if I did enough...I should have gone to visit more! But you know what...I hear a soft whisper that I did do enough, that they noticed and appreciated all.

I felt pulled to the cemetery today, all alone, wanting to go by myself. I need this for closure. I need to see the grave covered. Don't ask why, I have no idea! I went...I cried..and sat and listened to the life around that quaint little town. Heard the birds and the small city feeling that is there on that block. I know why they chose that burial. It felt like home to Mom. I felt Mom & Dad near by...I felt their soft whisper of comfort and reply to me to "get on with it"...stop fussin~they were happy! Almost felt like saying out loud, "Okay already!"

I'll get on with it alright, but I need a day or two to cry a bit. I'm told that is healthy!

summer time means lots of back yard fun!

whether it's on the grass on in the water...we LOVE the summer time. Payson cannot get enough of the kick ball and baseball. He keeps us jumping and playing hard! Love it!

We're pretty sure we have the cutest Grandkids on the planet! We feel so blessed that each one of our family is such a part of our lives, right here so close to us. We can have Gramma & Grampa time pretty much ANYTIME we want. They just make our heart smile...as do our kids, but these 5...well, they are just a bonus!

Taylorsville Days are always fun around our area. We had the boys over for a sleep over and we went to the fireworks over at the park. Kallie was not a fan at all...laid under a blanket curled into Chris the whole show. Talan was afraid they would fall on him, but when he relaxed, he thought they were cool!

I'm TWWOOO!~~ and I'm in charge! just ask me!

Preslie turned 2 on 6-18-2011. She's such a little girl, but LOVES to keep up with her brothers in any way she can. My boooys she calls them. Where's my booys...We celebrated at the splash park with pizza and cake. We had a mean game of kick ball and everyone joined in. Preslie played some, but was more interested in the splash park and Brandyn's dad took care of that with her! I love watching her little personality come alive. She's a Momma's girl, a Daddy's girl, and even a Grandma's girl. Can't deny that I just love that! She looks like Rick don't ya think! She makes me smile!