Thursday, December 31, 2009

Highlights of Christmas 2009

We were blessed to have Ryan, Sarah, Jeffrey, Jenn, Laura Lee, Marc, Addie, Kate, and Tanner all at home for Christmas this year. How we loved being together. Nine adults, one toddler and one baby under one roof was a houseful. One of the best highlights for me was talking for an hour to our missionary son Michael on Christmas evening. He has a humble, tender heart and we all felt it. We miss him dearly - but would not want him here. He's where he belongs and we feel so grateful that that is the case.

We enjoyed delicious meals and treats together and have new yummy recipe's to share. Everyone cooked and cleaned and I felt such appreciation for that. We enjoyed using our new dining room table where we all gathered together for memorable times.

We had some great activities including bowling, a Pirate murder mystery dinner, Christmas Bingo, Christmas shopping and watching movies.

We had some special moments including Christmas Eve night when we sang Christmas hymns and read the Christmas story. I was able to go to Kirtland with Sarah and Ryan a few days ago which always touches my heart deeply.

We were able to get family photo's of our tribe which I will cherish.

Christmas Day was filled with delight. The lit tree, stockings, presents to open, homemade gifts, Christmas music in the background, the magic of Christmas for Addie, and strengthened family ties all warm my heart and bring gladness to my soul.

Our home feels empty again but that's okay. That's how it's supposed to be and I'm grateful. I love that my children have spouses and are beginning lives of their own. I love watching them make wise and wonderful decisions. I love feeling the ever increasing admiration and fondness I have for my children including those who married into our family - and I love being a grandmother!





Christmas 2009



Tuesday, November 24, 2009

What I'm thankful for

At this season of Thanksgiving, I have overwhelming gratitude in my heart. My blessings overflow, and I feel a reverence within as I contemplate the Lord's goodness to me and my family.

I am grateful that God answers prayers, and loves me beyond comprehension. I am grateful He gives me what I need including the harder trials of life. More than anything else, my trials and challenges have helped me become more compassionate, more charitable, more meek, and more trusting in Him. I am grateful for God's mercy and for the principles of repentance and forgiveness. I am grateful for God's perfect Plan of Salvation and for my knowledge of it. I am grateful that I know that I am God's daughter and that I can return home to Him if I am obedient, faithful and wise.

I am grateful that I have a Savior who was willing to take upon himself my sins and shortcomings and pay the price for them. I am grateful that His sacrifice was infinite, eternal and universal. I am grateful for his magnificent and complete Atonement. I feel so blessed to have His Perfect example in my life. I am grateful that I can read about my Redeemer's goodness, wisdom, and kindness in the scriptures. I am grateful for his role as my advocate. I am grateful that he died for me. I am grateful for the role He so willingly took upon himself to save the world. I am grateful for the gift of immortality and eternal life He made possible for us. I am so grateful for my testimony of Him.

I am so grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost. I am grateful for The Holy Spirit's influence in my life. I am grateful for His guidance and for His help. I am grateful for this marvelous and wonderful gift of God. It is a tremendous blessing. I am grateful for all The Holy Ghost has taught me. I am grateful for His convincing influence that burns within my heart of what is real and true. I am grateful for the Holy Ghost's companionship and for the comfort He gives me.

I am grateful for my family. They are my joy. They are my love. They are everything to me. My children are incredible human beings. They have blessed my life immeasurably. The older three have married stalwart souls who have enriched my life and opened up my heart to greater love as I include them as my own. They are my children too. I am grateful for my children's choices. I am grateful for their righteous efforts. I am grateful for their goodness to me. I am grateful for my two precious grandchildren. They have brought great happiness to me and helped me further understand Heavenly Father's grand design of eternal families. I am so grateful to be a mother and grandmother. I'm grateful for the capacity to love my family so deeply.

I am grateful for my husband. He has always been a wonderful provider. I am grateful for his unselfish ways and for his love for me. I am grateful that he puts the Lord first. He has sacrificed in ways that most people will never know about. I am grateful for his sense of humor and for his goodness. I am grateful for his talents. I am grateful for the way he encourages and lifts others.

I am grateful for my parents and for William's parents. I am grateful for our siblings, and other extended family. Each person we know and love within our family is an incredible individual. We both have amazing families who surround and support us. I am grateful for their sacrifice and for their examples. I am grateful for the way they help, encourage, and love us. I am grateful for the homes we grew up in. I am grateful for our parents unconditionally love. I am grateful that our parents taught us the ways of the Lord.

I am grateful for my ancestors. I am grateful for their sacrifice. So many of them gave so much for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the lessons they've taught me and the truths they abided by. I am grateful for their lives and the heritage they gave me. I am proud of the legacy my ancestors have bestowed upon me and my family. I am grateful I can study their lives in depth. I am grateful for the closeness I feel towards them as I do. I am grateful for the time they took to record their life histories so I can relish in the joy I feel as I come to know them. I'm thankful for the Spirit's help as I research my genealogy.

I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. It helps me understand priorities, goals, and my purpose for being sent to earth. I am grateful for Prophets and apostle upon the earth. I am grateful for inspired leaders who help me understand the true way, and give and serve with all their hearts. I am grateful for those who sacrificed, so I could enjoy the gospel in its fullness today. I am grateful for the scriptures which fill me with light and truth. I am grateful for gospel principles which help me become a better person. I am grateful for the truths I love and understand. I am grateful for the programs for our youth which help them understand how to resist the adversary's temptations and follow the straight and narrow path.

I am grateful for the callings I've had in the church. They have blessed my life in countless ways. I am grateful for gifted teachers who inspire, motivate, and encourage me to become who God wants me to become. I'm grateful for other's examples, who have lived quiet, humble, faithful lives and have taught me much as I've observed them.

I am grateful for missionaries. They have a special spirit about them. I love to have them in our home. They bring light wherever they go, and I love to bask in it. I am grateful thus far three of my sons and one son-in-law have served missions. It's such an honor to be a missionary mom!

I am grateful for friends. I have been blessed with friends who have enriched my life and helped me become a better person. I am grateful for those who truly care about and know me.
I am grateful for their goodness and the pure love we have for one another.

I am grateful for my life and for the opportunity I have to live the way I chose. I am grateful for the freedoms we have in America, and for every individual who has fought to preserve this freedom. I am grateful for the privilege I have to worship freely.

I am grateful for my mind. I feel thankful for the opportunity I have to continue my education. I am grateful for the education I have thus far. I love the world of learning and gaining knowledge. I love to be enlightened, and am grateful for this fascinating world.

I am grateful for my body. She is an amazing gift and responds so well to everything I ask her to do. I am grateful I can exercise and keep her strong. I am grateful that she has the ability to heal. I am grateful for the gift of sight, smell, taste, touch and sound she affords me. I am grateful for how well she functions and how integrated each system is as a whole unit. I am grateful I will be resurrected and have my body forever!

I am grateful for the various seasons. Each is picturesque and lovely. I am grateful for what each season represents and teaches. I am grateful for the earth and her beauty. I am grateful for the colors, patterns, and shapes of the earth. God is the master artist, and his creations are exquisite! I am in awe of this earth God created for me and for his children.

I am grateful for the variety of the earth. From all of the various foods, plants, birds, flowers, trees, landscape, lakes, etc., each is amazing. I love the variety God has blessed me with.

I am grateful for inspiring art (music, dance, artwork, and literature, etc.) These arts edify and lift me. They help me express what my soul feels, or understand another's heart. They elevate my thoughts and fill my life with great gladness.

I am grateful for a beautiful home. It shelters my family and provides warmth in the winter, and cool air in the hot summer. It is a place I love to be. Even though my home is a century old, it's a blessing in our lives. I'm grateful for William's job, and our income. I have never known hunger and I am grateful for that. I am grateful for the simple things in life I often take for granted - a car that gets me anywhere I want to go, running water in my home, bathroom facilities, electricity, a fridge and freezer, ovens, etc.

I am grateful for modern technology. I love the world of computers, i-chats, telephone calls, emails, blogs, facebook, etc. They are a blessing in my life - especially if they help in the research and sharing of family history work! I am also grateful for airplanes, contacts, glasses, TV's, DVD's, ipods, camera's, video recorders, etc. which make life easier and better.

I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to teach dance while living in Ohio. I have worked with wonderful children and parents. I have loved my students! I am grateful for all I have learned and how I have grown. I am grateful for the delight dance brings me and the joy I can bring to others through dance.

I am grateful for all of these things and more.

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow"! These blessings truly all come from HIM!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! You and I are SO BLESSED!

Love,

Lynda

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

The Princess and The Pea


Here's Addie and Kate at Halloween time as "The Princess and the Pea". Laura Lee made Addie's costume without a pattern. She just designed and sewed it on her own.

As you can tell, the weather was amazing for trick or treat night.






Thursday, October 29, 2009

Fall in Columbus





We enjoy our trips to Columbus. It's so fun to dote upon Addie and Kate. Our last visit was a few weeks ago.

Laura Lee worked hard to serve us some delicious meals. Highlights were her chocolate chip pumpkin bread, and a salsa with tomatoes, avocado, corn, black beans, etc. served with tortilla chips. They were both delectable.

We made some unforgettable memories. We took a walk together and William decided to take a trail that wasn't t there, amid the tall weeds. It was hilarious and we laughed and laughed. He, Marc and Addie ended up with burrs all over themselves. I wore tennis shoes with a skirt, which looked especially silly.

We are hoping Marc and Laura Lee can stay one more year in Columbus, because we have such fantastic times together.








Granddaughters


Last night I spent about an hour writing a blog and posting about 10 pictures, only to have my blog not publish. So I'll try again, only with small bits of words and photo's.

How cute are my granddaughters?

Friday, October 9, 2009

Homecoming - Tanner's Senior Year





Tanner enjoyed attending the Homecoming dance this year. He has a group of friends from school he hung out with. He asked one of his friends girlfriends to homecoming so she could go. (You have to be invited if you are not a student at the High School). Someone else had to invite Tanner's friend to go since he graduated last year. They ate, went to the dance, had a bon fire, and went to the Waffle house only to discover it was extremely crowded, so they bought breakfast muffins instead. I'm glad he had a good time. He didn't go to Prom last year because he said it's way over rated and expensive. I'm glad he has this fun memory of High School

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Most recent pictures of my granddaughters


I love these two sweethearts. I've spend the last two weekends with them and have LOVED it. God sure knows what he is doing. When a mother's arms long to hold a baby again, and a mother desires to experience the joy of children, and nurture a little one, he sends her grandchildren. They are a marvelous blessing! God's plan is simply perfect!

Beautiful girls!


I love these girls! Being a grandma is way cool!





Sunday, September 6, 2009

Our youngest son

Tanner is now eighteen years old! Have a fantastic year Tanner.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Happy 18th Birthday Tanner

Today was Tanner's 18th birthday. I am sentimental. My baby is all grown up. I am so proud of him. It's Tanner's turn to get his tribute from me. He's waited the longest out of all of my children to get his accolades.

Tanner is a very fine young man. William looked at me the other night and said "what did we do to be so blessed to have Tanner as our son, especially with him being our last child"? One of the reasons he said this was because Tanner comes in earlier at night than any of our other teenagers did. He shows up usually way before his curfew and doesn't keep his elderly parents up at night. How lucky are we?

Tanner volunteered two years ago to work in the school cafeteria during lunch. He has received free lunches for two years. I haven't written a lunch ticket for him for that long. I just figured out the amount he's saved us. It looks like it's over $800.00. He volunteered on his own and just decided to help the school out.

Tanner is obedient. He just does what he is supposed to do. When the orthodontist told him not to have this or that, he didn't. When we ask him to do something, he simply does it.

Tanner is extremely self-disciplined. He rarely drinks pop. He likes it but he just makes a conscious choice not to have it, nor most desserts. He just wants to be sure his body doesn't ingest a lot of sugar and sweets. He doesn't want to gain weight. It's pretty fascinating that one so young can turn down all those temptations. He's an example to us all in that area. He also runs and lifts weights regularly on his own. He is strong in that area. His motivation to be physically fit comes from within. Just last Thursday he ran to the YMCA, lifted weights, and ran back home. On Friday he ran at the school track.

Tanner has figured out that when he doesn't want to do something, but knows he should, that he should work hard and just get it done. He then reflects back on it and realizes it wasn't that hard and he's glad it's done. What a great lesson for all of us to learn!

Tanner will do dishes OFTEN without us asking him to. He just gets them ALL done. It's so cool to watch him just begin doing dishes on his own. He is helpful and really knows his way around the kitchen. I think it's because he has worked in the food industry the last four years.

Tanner is self-motivated. We found him on his own studying a missionary manual called "Preach my Gospel" at a regular time every day, and writing all the answers to the questions down. He said he set a goal to do it, and he just followed through. Tanner has taken a religion class called seminary for the past three years. This is his last year in the program. It takes a great deal of time and study and we are proud of him for learning his scriptures in seminary.

Tanner is responsible. He has had a job since age 14. He currently works at Subway and for the YMCA. He has earned quite a lot of money for someone his age. Last year he had three W2 forms for his taxes. He doesn't spend his money, but saves it and has gone to "Edward Jones" to invest it. He often jokes with his parents about how much his money is earning in interest (while we watched our stocks fall). It's a wonderful thing to have a son be so responsible with his money and with a job.

Tanner has a great sense of humor. He loves to laugh and to have fun. He has an infectious smile. He is playful and funny.

Tanner is intelligent. He is especially good in math and is in the AP calculus class this year. He wants to be a mechanical engineer. From the age of three, we noticed Tanner loved to figure out how things worked. He would help his father put various things together in the home. William tells the story that when he was very young, he solved a problem William was having installing a disposal in the kitchen sink.

Tanner is affectionate. He has never been embarrassed to hold hands with his parents (or grandparents), or put his arm around one of us in public. He'll give me a kiss on the cheek often and he'll lean his head on my shoulder in church. It warms my heart. His Grandfather Davis was so impressed with this quality. It's a wonderful thing when a teenager does this.

Tanner loves technology. He is excellent at figuring it all out. Sometimes the "experts" tell William things can't be done that Tanner has figured out how to do. Tanner's older brothers will call him and ask him technology questions. He is a fast learner and just understands "how things works". He usually goes way too fast trying to teach someone else about something on the computer, because his mind is three steps ahead of everyone else's. It's been that way much of his life and I often have to tell him to s-l-o-w down.

Tanner loves children. He is a great uncle to his nieces. He has a special tenderness with them.

Tanner is kind to others. I've had the school receptionist tell me how much she enjoys Tanner and what a great kid he is. Others have given him gifts for going over to their home and teaching them computer technology. My daughter-in-law wrote a comment a week ago that Tanner is "such a good, wholesome guy and an example to her and to her husband."

Tanner is trustworthy. We as parents have let him have many freedoms because we trust him. Now to be fair to my other children, we were stricter as parents in the earlier years, but Tanner has never given us a reason not to trust him. One time I was very upset because I didn't know where he had gone. I looked everywhere and called his friends. His car was gone and he had not left a note. It turns out, he had gone to the YMCA to exercise. That's as bad as it's gotten. Everywhere he tells us he'll be, he is, and he's home when he's supposed to be. He calls when he's supposed to, and he checks in with us when he's away.

Tanner loves soccer and was quite good at it. Unfortunately the soccer program ended in our village, so he can't do what he loves the most. He is in track, and ref's soccer at the YMCA for sports. He's played baseball, basketball, and was on the diving team also.

Tanner likes to be by himself. He enjoys his own company. He will have friends over sometimes, and hang around with friends, but he is home quite a big. We love that.

Tanner likes his room clean. He keeps it pretty nice. He made a desk in shop and this desk is organized. It's a great quality. He's done his own laundry since his junior high years.

Tanner plans ahead, and doesn't mind sacrificing. I was writing a check for his Virginia Beach choir trip next year. All of our other children went. He told me he wasn't that excited to go. He said it would just be a major bus ride there and a few days of touring. He didn't think it was worth the money. I tried to encourage him to go and told him how much fun he would have. He insisted that riding on the bus (all night both ways - that's their motel) for as many days as he would be there didn't thrill him. He told me to save the money for his mission. I am so impressed with his maturity. I couldn't talk him in to it. I am hoping to take a family trip with him with that money (like $650.00) instead and create some wonderful memories together. He also didn't want to go to his prom last year. He feels it's over rated. Because of several factors, (so many girls dress immodestly, the kids drink and dance inappropriately, and it costs a lot) he just wasn't interested in it. Bless his heart!

When we were in Utah at Jeffrey and Jenn's wedding, I told Tanner I would buy him new clothes and new tennis shoes. He said "no mom, then I'll just have to carry them home in the suitcase". We were in a shoe store, and he needed new tennis shoes badly, but didn't care about them. He's been that way often. I will offer to buy him something new and he turns it down. Go figure? I think it's a combination of being frugal, using what he has, and knowing the value of a dollar. That's a great combination to have for someone his age. He "rarely" needs something or asks his parents for money.

Tanner learned to be a leader through his Eagle project. He made a pathway to the flagpole at our church, landscaped around it and put a light up so a flag can be flown at night. He had many obstacles with it, but he followed through and got it done. Yeah! He did so much of it on his own. One day after church, he informed us that he had sent information around about a date he would be having a fund raiser at church. He hadn't informed us about that date. He just took the initiative and went for it. (We had to explain that it's important to let your parents know beforehand what your plans are).

Tanner stands up for what he knows is right. Our community is not an easy one to live in for a teenage boy because many of his classmates drink. He stands up for what he knows is right, and stands tall. He is focused on his direction in life, and just puts one foot in front of the other to get there.

Tanner is sweet. He just has a good heart. He is kind to his parents.

Tanner has struggled with his health in some areas, but he has been patient and has learned about trials. I believe he is stronger and more compassionate because of this.

Tanner is in the school choir and enjoys singing. For years he played the tenor sax. I'm glad he has music in his life.

Tanner loves his siblings. He had a difficult time when Michael left on his mission. He has not enjoyed being the only child at home. He admires his older sister, sister-in-laws, brother and brother-in-law. He gets along with them all so well, and they love to be with him. Marc and his friends have invited Tanner to Columbus to go hang our with them for a get together, and he LOVED being with them. He has wonderful examples to follow and he is choosing the very best qualities to emulate from them. He continues to impress us with his choices.

Tanner is my sunshine. I use to sing "You are my sunshine" to him when he was a baby and toddler. He has brightened up my life in so many ways. Words just don't do justice how I feel about him and how wrapped up my heart is in love for him. He is a joy to have as a son. He is a pleasure to have in our home. He is an example to so many others. He loves others and serves them. He is such a blessing in our lives. Happy 18th Birthday my dear, wonderful son. You are so incredibly loved!


Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Missionary cards


I love cards - homemade, store bought, small, big. They are just one of my favorite things. I like to send cards to others and to receive them too!

I've been busy all morning making 9 homemade missionary cards. Most of them are birthday cards, but here are two cute ones I made for my son and a missionary in our branch. If you want the pattern, here 's the link to help you make the cards. They are easy and fun to do.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Tanner's first day of school as a Senior



It was Tanner's first day of school today. He is such an incredible son, but I will restrain myself and write about him on his 18th birthday which is coming soon.
He had an overall good day and even had the energy to go run after school on his own.
How I love him!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Kate's blessing





Today at church, Kate was given her special Priesthood baby blessing by her father. Kate was 6 days old today. Marc's parents from Canada were able to be there, which made the event even more wonderful. Kate wore Laura Lee's blessing dress which is now an heirloom. It still looks brand new. Laura Lee made the white bracelet for Kate to wear. Marc's mother crocheted the white baby blanket. Kate looked and acted like an angel today and we felt heaven near.


Friday, August 21, 2009

I cried today




I cried today as I drove away from my daughter's home. I cried because I am so full of joy and love having a new baby in our lives. I cried because I will desperately miss Kate. She has become part of me and it's hard to let go. I cried because I will miss the heavenly feelings associated with being with her constantly. I cried because I miss the newborn stage of motherhood. I cried because I feel so blessed by God. I cried because I am so happy for my daughter and her family to be blessed with two precious, adorable daughters. I cried because my emotions were raw with lack of sleep over the past six days.

As I drove away I realized that each member of our family who has joined us, either by marriage or by birth has been a God-send in my life. I am a better person knowing and loving you. I couldn't ask for more wonderful children (including spouses) and grandchildren.

Pure gratitude to Heavenly Father filled my heart for sending me not only Ryan, Jeffrey, Laura Lee, Michael and Tanner but also Marc, Sarah, Jennifer, Addie, and Kate. I love you all more than you know - My cup runneth over............

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Tomatoes

I have a new post on tomatoes (and homemade salsa) on my provident and healthy living post. Check it out if you are interested. :)

Go to providentandhealthy.blogspot.com

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

I am in heaven



Last night I was holding Kate while she slept. It makes me so happy to sit with my arms filled with a tiny bundle of pure love. I have noticed the feelings I have when I hold her. I feel so peaceful, serene, reverent and full of the Spirit when she's pressed against me. Time seems to melt away and I feel especially present. I feel my connection to Kate and to God powerfully. I have pondered how important it feels to hold a baby. Here she is, all 6 and 1/2 pounds, sleeping away. She could just as well be sleeping in her bed but I love these tender, choice feelings and can't get enough of them.

It's been a privilege to spend my days and nights with four people I cherish. I have pondered about the peaks of life. They are the treasures of mortality, the memories to cherish when life is hard. I have had so many joyful vista's lately. I am a blessed woman. I am so honored to share this time of transition and new life with this family. I pray I can have more sacred moments like I've experienced lately.

I have a different viewpoint from this angle and am struck at how blatant the lessons are. I am in awe of how central motherhood is to every human being. I am so aware of a mother's influence for love and goodness in her home. I reverence a mother's co-creator role with God.
I recognize more completely the immeasurable value of life, and how important one individual is. I understand with greater clarity the relationship we have with our Creator.

I am seeing with greater light. I am in heaven.


Monday, August 17, 2009

Kate Lynn


Kate made her debut on Saturday, August 15th ! She is so PRECIOUS to us and so tiny. I don't think I've ever held a baby as small as Kate. She weighed in at 6 pounds 7 ounces and was 20 inches long.

Kate has a high pitched shrieking cry and it goes straight to your heart. She has a little birthmark on her left cheek which makes her so unique.

Laura Lee had a much easier time with labor and delivery and is dealing with everything else associated with newborns in a relaxed manner. I'm so happy for this family of three to become four.

There is a deep spiritual connection that comes from holding a baby straight from heaven. I love it. God's plan is so beautifully depicted when a baby is brought into the world.

Families are so significant to God's plan for His children. The joy I feel is so real and raw. It brings back treasured memories of when my babies were just born.

The innocence, purity and beauty of a newborn is undeniable. To be so closely connected to those qualities by loving a baby is one of the greatest blessing of life.

A quote keeps running through my mind as I hold this little infant. "A Baby is God's way of saying the world should go on".

Enjoy the pictures.