MO's MOMENTS

CATCH UP?

2011-08-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

It has been over a year and a half since I have written here. This last time I wrote I was either delusional or on crack because my world is not that wonderful at this point! I am doing what has been asked...my heart is shattered.

TENDER MERCIES

2010-02-28T13:13:00.000-08:00

Recently some one called me a religious zealot! OK stop laughing because we all know that I am not that good or religious enough to be a zealot! But with that said I do have an extraordinary relationship with my Heavenly Father. He has never failed me. He has never once not heard or answered my prayers or request. And no not always the way I wanted but certainly the way he needed!

The Lord loves us and one of the ways that we know this is through his Tender Mercies. He has given me one of the sweetest tender mercies ever for the next couple of years. I am humbled by his love and confidence in me and I pray that I will be equal to the task. This opportunity will provide not only for my spiritual, mental, physical, emotional and what ever else I may need growth but for the others who's lives I will touch. There will be more joy in my journey the next couple of years than I will know what to do with. My mission will be so special! I am grateful for a kind Heavenly Father who loves me!

Democrat or Republican?

2010-01-23T12:56:00.000-08:00

Democrat or Republican...hum..probably neither. For me it has always been difficult to choose a party side. Since I can remember I could never get the hang of politics because I always felt that they were all a dishonest, manipulative and self serving group. A friend of mine's father held a Supervisor seat for Orange County. They didn't have lots of money or fancy things but he seemed to be a good man, however his counterpart and fellow Supervisor from another district had money and lots of very nice things...then the reality was pointed out...one took and the other one didn't. I asked my friends father one day why he put up with nothing when he could certainly have lots more? His answer was that at the end of the day he had to talk with his Father in Heaven.

At the time I didn't fully understand what all that meant but now I do.

As I watch the politics in this country I am amazed at what goes on. One party talking about the other party and really nothing nice is being said. I would think that we would all want to pull together and work on solutions that were best for everyone. I tend to think on an issue like Health Care Reform that something must be wrong with the bill if we have to bribe Senators to vote on it with pork for their state. If we have to put a push to hurry and get this passed makes me wonder what are we not really looking at that will affect us in the long run...as a kid my parents always said... nothing is free...or if it seems too good to be true don't believe it! These have been good words for me as I question life's challenges. So when we look at this great country of ours do we question enough...do we really want the government in our business, do we think that government can do it all? Another thing my parents taught me is that if you don't have the money don't go into debt...seems logical enough but when we have our country in so much debt that makes me uncomfortable and they want to pass another stimulus bill...wasn't that basic business management 101...if you don't have the money going deeper in debt might not be the answer?

Well it scares me that we are drawing lines in the sand instead of looking to see what is really best and working toward a solution...sometimes the Republicans have it right and sometimes the Democrats have it right but neither side is really willing to look beyond their own party's views enough to say yeah we ALL agree on this!

So that is why I hate politics...kinda like 2 religions arguing over who's God is the best...hum seems to me He is the same...Truth is truth. The Lord is Lord!

Getting into the New Year

2010-01-20T08:17:00.000-08:00

So I thought that I would have more time to write....wrong! Seems like so many things still pulling at me and some days I get a little tired of it all. Larry has been really sick for the last couple of weeks...Monday he said he was feeling lots better started on the treadmill and then yesterday he was so sick again...I am worried but he is insistent that he is not going to a Dr. so there you have it. Oh well what better act of kindness can you do than be nice to your husband when he is sick? (oh I see some of you are gaging after that statement!) I know that you are feeling my pain and thank you!

We are getting ready to have some work done to the house and that carries its own stress to it...so much prepare work before they come in...lucky us we will leave for St. George and they will come in while we are gone to do the work..so that is a blessing.

Life is good though and I don't mean to complain so maybe a few days in St. George will take my mind off of this everyday grind. Funny now that I am not working I can't seem to get everything done that I want but when I was working seems like I got so much more accomplished. Although I would have to admit that big "L" is high maintenance and the fact that while with him I still get things accomplished is amazing. And the good part is that he is amazed at what I get done so always good to be in his minds eye that way.

Remembering When...

2010-01-02T07:54:00.002-08:00

So my first memory of life was when I was probably around 2....I remember having my diapers changed and looking at out bathroom ceiling and marveling over the wall paper on the ceiling. It was a black design...after that I remember just little things with my brothers, my crib and how all of us shared a bedroom...4 of us to a room...so I was in the crib a very long time it seems...I can remember climbing in and out of it so it seems like I was maybe 3 almost 4 when I was taken out...my 3 older brothers were not very kind to me...always hiding my things and teasing me. They thought that it was appropriate that they scare me about the boogie man and that torture went on for years. One time when we were traveling we were stuck in a motel room watching the mummy (I was about 4) and when they saw I was scared I became the brunt of their entertainment. I still have issues at night 50 some plus years later....and watch any kind of scary movie I just can't.

I loved the house that I grew up in. My maternal grandfather owned a lumber yard so our home was custom built. We didn't have any furniture that wasn't a hand off or a cast me down but it was a nice house and wonderful neighborhood. We spent a lot of time in our back yard and in our neighborhood playing. Since we only owned 1 TV we didn't watch it very often and when we did watch it was controlled by my father. When he wasn't in control... well ... I was way down the line in the pecking order! But I had a playhouse that my grandfather had built for my mom and now it was in my backyard and my little house to run. It was quite roomy for a playhouse and many fond memories of tea party's and school and house were had there!

I lived in a neighbor hood that I knew almost everyone that lived on our street. To the left of us was the Reynolds (he was a vet of WWI), next to them the Characters (she lived up to her name) Across the street in the cul-de-sac was the Wells, Smiths and Halliwells, across the street was the Stricklands on the corner, next the Debois (had a real crush on their son who was many years older) Waltermans (10 kids) to the right of us the Chapmans(taught at Fullerton Jr. College) , the Helveys...and the list goes on and on...I even knew most of the people on the street behind us...it was a great life and very simple...not much expected becasue we lived so simple.

Happy New Year 2010

2010-01-01T13:21:00.000-08:00

So one thing I have decided to pursue this year is some personal development...I am not one to make New Year goals because I think we should be consistently reevaluating ourselves and always adjusting our guide to stay on course...now with that said one of my goals is to write more! I spent most of my school years in the corner because I didn't read well and was not at the same level as the rest of the class...putting what was in my soul/head on paper was so much of a challenge that most of the time I would rather take a poor grade than to attempt exposing my feeble heart. It wasn't until about 15 years ago that I got some help and am now able to sound somewhat intelligent and enlightened on paper. The computer has opened up a whole new world to me and for that I am grateful. Even though the stigma still sticks of being the outcast in the corner I gain confidence each and every day that I am an able and capable person. So this begins my time to write my thoughts and practice transferring my feelings of the heart to understandable words that will touch someone's heart hopefully....someday!

Like I said I spent most of my educational experience in the "slow" group. When I showed up at first grade I thought that the world had just become huge for me. Kindergarten was for babies and now I was a big first grader. It took just a couple of days before I found that my world perception was different than it really was!

My first grade teacher was Sister Eileen Therese...I don't think that she was much older than us...maybe 18 or 19 years old. We expressed our welcomes by putting worms and snakes in her desk drawers...that would be the first of many "nice" things that I would do for my teachers! Although somehow those pesky boys got all the credit, I mean blame, for the shenanigans we all paid the price of losing part of our recess time.

First grade at St. Marys Catholic School was both fun and fearful... being pigeon toed I was put in orthopedic shoes that would help me turn my toes outward and not trip over myself so much...seems right and for the most part the shoes worked the only problem was that they were brown and tan saddle shoes and everyone else got to wear the "normal" color ones of black and white...well as you can guess having to wear uniforms everyone looked alike except for my shoes that stuck out like a sore thumb! Kids are mean, I was timid and lets just say cried a lot for the first few weeks. So I walked funny, couldn't get this alphabet thing down, and yeah kinda had a speech problem and couldn't always pronounce words like everyone else....oh did I mention that kids are mean!

So that is it till I write more of my adventures...

Happy B-day Mary!!!

2009-07-07T13:29:00.000-07:00

Ok Mary you need to visit more often...This pic was from last year when you were out for Katie's wedding. So Happy day today...Mary is Larry's grandaughter. Mary and her sweet husband Jordon and 2 and 1/2 kids live in Yuma, AZ...so if we think it is hot here...Mary hope you are feeling well and we look forward to the new little spirit for our family...have a great day!

Lots of love,

Grandpa and Anne

GROUP HUG

2009-07-06T23:37:00.000-07:00

I love group hugs and today was a big one. Sometimes having friends is like having group therapy with the best crazies you can find...we laugh...we tease...we talk trash...we cry...we bear our souls...we hurt for the other...we feel purged and satisfied at the same time...we feel uplifted...we feel lost..we feel spiritually uplifted...we feel like sisters in Zion...we feel trusted...we feel exhilarated...we feel loved...we are one...we have our testimonies challenged and refreshed...we talk politics...we laugh and cry some more...and then we have to leave each other till the next group hug....but in the leaving we know we can make it in this world....we know that our souls will not be betrayed to the real crazies outside our group hug...a small moment of peace is stolen in this other wise challenging world...I love you guys...here's to the the "GROUP HUG"!

Happy B-day Keri!!!

2009-06-25T01:59:00.000-07:00

Yeper it's the b-day girl today! Her family has the swine flu and hopefully she will not get it today...that would be a bummer ;{ Keri is Larry's daughter and my friend...she is funny and a great friend...you can always count on Keri to liven up the party...So Keri between the upchucking family enjoy the day! Happy Birthday and we love you...

Dad and Anne

Happy B-day Deidre!!

2009-06-09T07:22:00.000-07:00

Happy b-day Deidre girl! Deeds is sweet, cute, funny, helpful and a wonderful person...she is always great about helping her brother with babysitting her 3 nieces...she is dating a fun guy named Thomas who just graduated from HS and is getting ready for a mission...we love you Deeds and have a wonderful day!!!

Grampa Larry and Anne

Take me out to the ball game!

2009-05-29T23:27:00.000-07:00

Tonight I went to the ball game with my nephew Jack, sister Janet and brother-in-law Ben...Giants vs the Cardinals...the Giants stadium is marvelous...here is what I liked best about it all...while watching the game Ben is keeping up on Twitter with the Nuggets vs the Lakers playoff game on his crackberry...so soon all the stadiums will come equipped with a screen on the back of every ones seat so that you can watch something else will eating your dog, with a side of garlic fries, juggling your beer...good thing they have banned smoking that would be disastrous to try and juggle that!

Ethan's it's great to be 8 B-day!!!!

2009-05-21T02:07:00.000-07:00

Another double birthday today!!! (and will these May b-day's ever end?) Ethan is 8 today and soon to be baptized...so 8 is great!! We love Ethan and his sweet smile...he is the youngest of 4 brothers so he can pretty much do all the things that they do! He is great at sports and of course video games...and he is always full of energy...Have a very happy day today Ethan...We love you...

Grandpa and Anne

Happy 11th b-day Skylar!!!

2009-05-21T01:59:00.000-07:00

Skylar is the big 11 today...but probably more like 11 going on 20 would be better!! Sklar has lots of energy and a very active imagination...She is Pattianne's significant other, LeJon's daughter...we love her sense of adventure..we miss you Skylar and have a great 11th b-day!!

Anne and Larry

Happy B-day Jordon!!

2009-05-20T01:50:00.000-07:00

This is a double birthday day!! Jordon is married to Mary, Jake's sister...Jordon is a fun loving guy, great dad to his 2 kids (plus another on the way)! We miss Jordon and his family since they recently moved back to Yuma, AZ...they love it there(a little hot for my liking)!! Have a fun day, lots of love from way up here!!

Grandpa Larry and Anne

Happy B-day Jake!!!

2009-05-20T01:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Day Jake!!! Jake is Larry's first grandson...Jake is a wonderful father to 3 active young girls...and a super husband to his wife Angie...he has his own business which he does quite well with...we love hanging with Jake and his cute little family! Have a super day Jake, Love you!

Grandpa and Anne

Happy B-day Ali

2009-05-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

Ali is Larry's granddaughter...she is married to Zach and has a 9 month old son Franky...Ali can do it all..she has a couple of part time jobs, does fancy nails, soon will be running after Franky, church callings, and runner...she is just one busy woman...and always smiling...we love her energy! Have a fun day Ali, we love you!!!

Grandpa and Anne

No b-days today

2009-05-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

Well can you believe it there are no B-day's today!!! But the next couple of days coming up there are a few...When you have lots people in your family there is bound to be a few now and then...June and July we don't have very many and then BAM August hits and there they are again!!! It is fun having so many to celebrate!!!

Happy 17th B-day Kate!!!

2009-05-16T01:41:00.000-07:00

I know Katie dear you are thinking that ole Gramie is crazy posting this picture of you...but I like it because it shows your fun side and I posted your glamous ones for Prom!! Kate is amazing...she is a wonderful big sister to her younger siblings...great at her job, good student, fun friends and all that goes with being 17. She is always thinking of her siblings...last summer she was here for a couple of days and I took her shopping...I was amazed when every time she choose something she would say...Britt or Haley can wear this also...or Becca would look cute in this...I was so impressed with her giving attitude that she thought of her sisters also...Kate we love you...have a wonderful day!

Happy Sweet 16 Miss Brittany Anne!!!

2009-05-15T01:33:00.000-07:00

Well you made it to 16 my dear granddaughter!!! You are beautiful and so talented...nothing is going to stop you at achieving what you want...Britt is a wonderful student and has talent beyond measure...she is sweet (well when she wants to be) and a great big sister to her younger siblings...she is a great friend to her older sister Katelynn...today Britt and Kate are both 16...tomorrow it all changes again...We love you Britt!!! Enjoy being sweet and 16!!!

Happy 9th B-day Tanner!!!

2009-05-10T06:19:00.000-07:00

I have a difficult time getting Tanner to smile for me or even pose for a picture for me...so this one is out of group picture...Tanner is a fun kid...have a great day today...we love you!!!

The Colson gang at Prom

2009-05-07T06:35:00.000-07:00

All the girls in this picture are sisters...they are all in High School and they are all my Granddaughters... I posted Kate's picture last week...she went to her boyfriends HS prom...this week it is their HS prom, the school that these girls all go to is a Charter School call Jefferson Academy in Westminster, CO ....Brittany and Kate will be 16 and 17 next week and the twinies, Haley and Becca will be 15 soon after that..(yeah mom was a little busy a few years ago)...I am not sure how many sisters will be able to remember that they all went to prom together and all the fun stuff that goes along with it...this will be a very rememberable experience for all of them.

This is Brittany and her date (they are just friends) although he doesn't like like a junior in HS he looks more like he is in junior high....

This is Haley and Becca (blue dress) with their date...this young man couldn't decide which one to ask so he just took them both...

Kate and her boyfriend opted to go casual since they did all the big stuff for prom last week and just go for the fun this week.

I guess the night was a sucess...dinner, prom, after prom and almost made it to breakfast...everyone was soooo tired they opted to head home and get some sleep...yes in years to come as they are gathering for holidays they will talk about this night..remember when we all went to prom together?

Happy B-day Jack!!!

2009-05-04T07:35:00.001-07:00

Happy B-day Jumping JACK Flash!! This is my nephew...Jack is the all around guy...piano, soccer, good grades, reads, funny, video games well you name it Jack is your man...He lives in San Fransisco and goes to a great private school there. We love you and miss you Jack!

Anne and Larry

PS..this picture was taken of you at Pattianne's house last June as you were jumping on her trampoline...that is why you are refereed to as Jumping JACK Flash

Happy 10th B-day Marshall

2009-05-02T01:38:00.000-07:00

10 years old Marshall!!! This is the funniest kid ever...Marshall has the best sense of humor...I have a difficult time remembering that he is only 10...trust me he is lots older than his years...he is great at football and video games, good in school, has lots of friends...he is a great babysitter for his new nephew Franky...this kid can do it all...we love you Marsh and have a wonderful b-day!!!

Larry Udate

2009-05-01T01:51:00.000-07:00

This is day 11 and looking really good...

Happy B-day Zach!

2009-04-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is Zach the man! Zach is married to Ali, Larry's granddaughter...Zach is a wonderful husband and father...ambitious (he is working on his masters), funny, kind and just over all a good person...we love hanging around this guy!! so happy b-day today Zach, we love love!!!

Gramma's got to brag!

2009-04-28T19:34:00.001-07:00

From this to this...in 7 short years!!! Katelynn (I call her Katie) has come of age...this is from Prom this last weekend...she went with her boyfriend Casey to his HS prom...I understand that Casey was a real trooper he had a little flu bug that night but hung in there so not to disappoint Katie...Kate darling you are beautiful and getting way to grown up for Gramie...it was just yesterday that you born!! I am glad that you had fun and enjoyed this traditional HS experience..I miss you so much Katie girl!!! Wish I had been there to see you all in person! I love you!

LARRY UPDATE

2009-04-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

Things are looking better and better every day...and pleased to say that Nurse Ratchet aka Annie Wilkes didn't stay long for Larry's sake!!

Happy 7th B-Day Zack

2009-04-23T06:08:00.000-07:00

Happy b-day Zack! Hope that you have a good one and get all the things you want...Zack is a fun loving kid...I love his freckles...one more year and then it will be your turn to be baptized! Have a fun day...lots of love!!!

WHEN YOUR HUTS ON FIRE!

2009-04-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

I love this story...and from personal experience my hut has burn more times than I would like to discuss...the difference is now I embrace the rubble...

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, "God! How could you do this to me?" Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island. It had come to rescue him! "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

The Moral of This Story: It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

Larry's Skin Cancer Procedure

2009-04-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

Starts off as a little spot that won't heal...
They removed about a silver dollar size and a little over a 1/4" deep to create this crater..and they got it all first try!
With the Dr's magic touch he sews him up...actually he sews 3 different layers to make it look this way...

It takes a couple of weeks to heal...so watch for updates!!

From this to this in >60 seconds...She's BACK!!!

2009-04-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

Ok it just did not take long today...we had JUST step foot out of the Dr's office and the transformation took place...from my normal sweet kind compassionate self to yes you got it good ole Nurse Ratchet..more to come tomorrow...I will have today's pictures of the surgery...as the day progresses I will probably be more like the character that Kathy Bates played in the movie MISERY...Annie Wilkes...Larry is in for a fun day...

Happy ? B-day Rod

2009-04-15T02:48:00.000-07:00

Ok I know what the question mark is but you don't seem thaaaat old!!! Rod is the tax day baby...he is married to Larry's middle daughter Keri...we love Rod...he is always happy, calm, easy going Rod...a great dad and a wonderful Grandpa (just had his first grandchild, Franky)...thanks Rod and have a very happy day...we love you!!!

2009-04-12T02:13:00.000-07:00

2009-04-11T09:25:00.000-07:00

So I think that we see a theme here...it is all in the mind how you feel about life...we can't stop our bodies from getting older but we can control the mental approach to gathering more and more wisdom...I am not afraid of my body getting older..I don't like all the changes that take place however I do so dread being an old thinking and acting person...I DO NOT want to sit in my rocker all day long and twiddle the time away...I want to be a ZOOMER BOOMER and enjoy life...I still want to be able to roller skate when I turn 70 and go places when I turn 80...I want others to see me as an interested old person...not cranky and belligerent... and that can only start in my mind NOW!

My Grandmother had a friend (we called her Aunt Mary)...I loved Aunt Mary because no matter how old she got she was happy and always interested...when we would tell her about the latest dance craze she would insist that we teach her...when we would tell my Grandmother about it she would scold us and tell us we were evil to do such things..(good thing she doesn't see how they dance now!) So I always wanted to have Aunt Mary's ways when I grew old...It is not easy to constantly think happy, and how wonderful but I know that it can be done...each day I have to push a little more to maintain this attitude...but I think in the long run it will be worth it...this is just advice from a young at heart zoomer booming, but pushing 60 woman!

Happy 13th B-day Shelby!

2009-04-05T01:13:00.000-07:00

Miss Shelby is 13 today and is now an official teenager!

Yahoo!!

I have to admire her she has to put up with 8 brothers! She is beautiful and smart...Have a happy day today Shelby girl!!!! Hugs and love to you.

Happy 12th B-day Matthew

2009-04-04T03:15:00.000-07:00

Matthew is the big 12 today...once again it seems like yesterday he was a toddler...Matt is a smart young man, great grades in school, excellent imagination and can do just about anything he sets his mind to do...he has lots of friends and I understand from his sisters he has some girl friends also!! ; He is musicial, funny and great at video games (I guess most 12 year old boys are)...here is to you buddy happy 12th b-day...we love you and miss you lots and lots!

Ho Hum

2009-04-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

Not that I can't think of anything clever or fun to blog about it is....I just haven't been in the mood. I have been watching American Idol and I guess I can talk about that...there is some real talent this year...my top pics are Adam, Danny and Alison (she might spell her name different) she is the 16 year old rocker....but the only way I can watch this show is to DVR it...too many commercials and when I don't like a singer or a judge comment then...BAM...fast forward through that baby and save me the pain...anyway.... any comments?

Happy April Fools Day

2009-04-01T02:25:00.000-07:00

This use to be such a fun day each year when I was working...so many jokes that we played on our bosses and co workers...I am sure some of them are happy that I am not working anymore..I had one employee that use to call in sick on April Fools day because he just didn't like the jokes...there is always a party pooper in the group! Have a fun day and make someone smile!

Ah...Church Saturday Morning Ball Games

2009-03-21T11:51:00.000-07:00

Since we have been down in Orem staying with our 17 year old grandson we had the opportunity this morning to attend his church basketball game...one thing about the church we can count on...some things never change! Well there was one thing that did and the boys now read the rules of behaviour before the game..(quite honestly Larry and I thought that maybe it should have been the parents reading the rules) so as I say some things never change...for years I attended Saturday morning games at the Church building...mine was young women's and my youngest played all the sports...I was the coach for many years so it was my home away from home...luckily the girls sports are not as brutal as the boys but we still had some sideline coaching and friendly "ref suggestions" parents that were faithful to their cause in life!
Here is Garrett making his free throw! He is an awesome player with tons of talent!

Here is the champ after the game they won...He looks heads taller than the others...we determine that it is his hairstyle that makes him look taller...where the "mohawk meets the mullet!" I told him that even though no one may be wearing this particular style it may be one of those that as years pass and he sees a picture of himself he may just say "what was I thinking!"

Happy 2nd B-day Scout!

2009-03-19T10:17:00.000-07:00

Scout is 2 years old today...she probably looks a lot different than this picture which was taken last June...my how they grow at this age...Scout is cute and happy...unfortunately we don't get to see her very much since her parents moved back to Yuma!! So enjoy the cake and candles Scout...We love you and miss you!!

TOP OF THE MORNIN TO YOU

2009-03-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

I love this day...being part Irish helps...but now that I am older and wiser I no longer celebrate this day with green beer or green bagels or green anything like I use to....I had this friend Jim that I worked with and every year we would go to Maggie's Pub on Bandini Blvd in Vernon, CA and play darts...eat fish and chips and drink green beer...I have to admit sometimes I miss those days...not so much the beer but being young and having the ability to enjoy!

So here is to my wonderful Irish heritage and to the wonderful land of Ireland (where I will visit again someday) and all the fun that this day can bring!

HAPPY FRIDAY THE 13TH!

2009-03-13T09:02:00.000-07:00

So happy day...good luck to all you who are superstitious! Try not to walk under too many ladder's!

MAMA'S GOT A NEW PAIR OF SANDALS

2009-03-10T12:50:00.000-07:00

Seems strange getting excited about new sandals when we just had a foot of snow but I love this particular brand of sandals...

1. they remind me of The Huntington, Laguna, Newport Beach areas in So Cal
2. they are so comfy
3. love to wear sandals, next best thing to bare feet!
4. the REEF brand is kinda a surfer brand..reminds me a days past (ok.. be kind...I got it...lots and lots and lots of days past)
5. I feel cool when I wear them...what else makes a women pushing 60 feel cool?
6. this new style I got are way cool and will really come in handy when I want to pop a cold one...(yeah I know only in my dreams, got it!!!!) (please let me dream though!)

So you may need to zoom in so you can see..where the red REEF logo is on the sole there is a metal piece...this is where the "church key" is located... and they even include instructions on how to use...I like how they only guarantee results for steps 1-3...not a bad bonus with Mama's new pair of shoes...sure beats the ones that light up!!

NICE SNOWY DAY

2009-03-09T14:27:00.001-07:00

Another great snowy day here in the wonderful city of Perry, UT! (and I was just bragging about signs of spring a couple of days ago in my blog) Hope we have another couple of these before spring is official...
As I was taking pictures around the back of the house I kept hearing this tapping sound...I couldn't figure it out until I finally spotted the culprit hidden in this tree...
A cute little woodpecker that wasn't going to give up today...he had work to be done!!!

Happy 14th B-day Preston

2009-03-08T07:24:00.000-07:00

Wow Preston I can not believe that you are 14 today...it really was only yesterday that you were born...and to think 2 more years and you will be driving! Preston is a great kid with lots of talents...great skateboarder, snowboarder, bike rider, football player well the list goes on. He is a tender hearted kid. Not to mention good looking...judging by all the girls that call him I guess that is not a secret! I am sure that he has grown since this picture was taken last Oct...even then he was taller than me! Have a great day buddy...we love you!!

BREAD...THE STAFF OF LIFE

2009-03-03T19:34:00.000-08:00

As Randy from American Idol would say "OK now get this dawg"...Bread has been around from the beginning of time. Bread has been a vital food source for humans around the world. In the Old Testament we hear about how Manna fell from Heaven to feed the Israelites while they wondered in the wilderness...bread has long played an important part in our history as mankind.

One of the biggest roles bread plays in our Mormon culture is one of love, sharing, "how ya doin?", wanted to drop by but didn't want to be empty handed (really I want the gossip of whats going on, cause I have been hearing things) and one of the most important is I was prompted by the spirit...thank goodness for the pure of heart and those that listen to the spirit. Today was a day that I needed a friendly smile and hug from someone that I know that I can trust and loves me for just me...I don't need to be anything different around her and what ever I tell her and she tells me...it just stays in our hearts and where we divulged these "life happens" moments.

As a loaf of homemade bread (and this was excellent folks!) feeds and brings nutrition to our physically bodies what fed me this day was a kind friend that I know listened to the spirit and fed a part of me that was feeling empty...in life little things can mean more and are bigger than ever when done with humility and pureness of heart.

So bread will continue to be a mainstay in our lives...it is such a big part of our history and heritage...so here's to the friendship that shares the bread with another. I hope that we incorporate that into our history and our part of survival , that we simply share with one another.

Thank you my bread making friend!

First signs of spring in the Garfield garden

2009-02-28T10:27:00.000-08:00

An actual blog today!

2009-02-26T05:53:00.000-08:00

Well can you believe that there are no b-day's today, no special events, no nothing (unless you count that it's dusting day). We seem to have so much in our family that goes on...never a dull moment. Larry has gone fishing today with his brother-in-law Paul so I will have a few moments to myself to play catch up. I thought that it would be fun to actually write some profound something in my blog today...but now that I am here I can't think of anything for the life of me that would be very important let alone profound!
Perry and Brigham are both very small towns...so not much new happens except for things that may be big for those who live here...for example: McDonald's has finally opened after demolishing their old building and raising a new one...may not be a big thing for you all but we are excited here in this little old town...also DI got a face lift and that is complete now...not to mention that the local pizza joint has redone their menu and now includes homemade burgers! Call's drive in has put on a new canopy and hope to open next week. And of course Maddox is almost done with all of their remodel! Gas prices seem to be a few pennies higher here than SLC and next week is the community spaghetti dinner (no not really just threw that in) It just doesn't get any better in this little town of ours. Anywhere you go in this country change is happening all over. The thing about here is we probably notice it more. Life is a little slower for us and these kind of changes are just a little more noticeable for us. Having been raised in So Cal and then moving to Denver for my adult years this is a slow pace. Also I live in an association where I have 90 year old neighbors (that still drive!) So life is very much on the slower side for me. At first I didn't know if I would survive but you tend to grow accustom to your surroundings. I do love it and am glad for the change that brought me here.

Happy Birthday Mattie!

2009-02-25T03:05:00.000-08:00

Mattie the college student....she is smart and beautiful and very hip. Currently attending college, working at a Sushi Bar and grooving on life. Mattie is Larry's granddaughter. Have a fun day Mattie girl!! We love you...

90 YEARS YOUNG TODAY!!! MIMI, ANNE'S MOTHER

2009-02-24T03:16:00.000-08:00

This last Saturday we celebrated our Mother's birthday in Santa Rosa California. Mimi turns 90 years young today. What a blessing to live that long and still be happy and gracious as ever. It was a wonderful day...she was having a good day. With Alzheimer's one never knows and there were times that day she did not know. Her last name is Eimers...funny how you get a disease with your name in it.
We sang happy birthday to her and she was so happy and gracious about it...scanning the crowd and smiling.

There were 5 cakes and all 90 candles to show off...thank goodness she had the help of some grandchildren and great nieces and nephews..
Mariam, one of her caregivers enjoyed helping her blow them out.

R to L (oldest 64 yrs to youngest 44yrs) John Jr, Peter, my brother Jim, Tom, Mary. Stu, Anne, Jane, Liz, Nancy, Leslie, my sister Janet, Joe and Maggie....
This was one of the highlights of the day...these are some of my first cousins that attended...what an honor to watch each of them take time to sit by my mom and talk with her so gently. My mom got to know all her nieces and nephews over the years and always seem to remember to send a B-day card to them...Another wonderful thing about my cousins we all know each other and enjoy being able to talk and play catch up ... These cousins came from all over just to honor my Mother...CT, OR and all over CA, one of my daughters came from CO...so she must be pretty special to travel that far for!

Over the years one of my Mom's signatures were needlepoint Christmas stockings for everyone. She started in the early 70's and made her last one in about 2000 or 01. (I think she did so out of self defense, my Father was a remote control hog and he always wanted her to watch TV with him) All total she made 133 of them. For all her children, nieces, nephews, spouses, significant others, grandchildren and god children...today there were 77 on display!

Each girl got an Angel and each boy got a Santa, she did a marvelous job on each of them. The comment that I seem to hear most that day was that it really wasn't Christmas till the stockings were hung...they are growing to be more and more special each and every Christmas. Especially when you see all the work represented here.

It was a beautiful day...the rain held off until later that night. Jim, my brother and his spouse Rob put this wonderful tribute to my Mother together and held it in their beautiful home in Santa Rosa. Everyone enjoyed the Day.
So here is to you Mother today on your 90th Birthday. You are a wonderful person and Saturday was certainly a tribute to that!

I love you,

your daughter...Anne

Happy 2nd B-day JiaLin

2009-02-21T02:21:00.000-08:00

Wow JiaLin the big 2nd B-day! JiaLin is so full of energy that when I take pictures of her I have to set my camera on sports settings and even then she sometimes comes out a blur...she is so sweet and so good natured!(well at least when we are around) JiaLin is Larry's great granddaughter...We love you and have a fun day today!!

Our Mountains

2009-02-19T14:48:00.000-08:00

This picture does not do the mountains out our front door justice..but here it is.

We live in a beautiful area.

A Valentine (Fairytale) Wedding

2009-02-14T07:19:00.000-08:00

There is no better way to spend Valentine's Day than at a Wedding...especially one that has somewhat of a fairytale ending. Today Michelle and John married the person of their dreams...it just doesn't get any better than that!!

Congrads you two...

With Valentine hugs and kisses,

Anne and Larry

The Nose Knows Day- 3 weeks later

2009-02-11T16:59:00.000-08:00

It is amazing how fast the body can heal...3 weeks later and almost no sign of the surgery...so now he is cancer free on the nose and will be able to walk in the sun again...well with a little sun block and a hat that is...

Happy 12th B-day Shane

2009-02-10T02:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Shaner!! Sorry Bud couldn't resist the picture. This is totally you. Shane is Anne's grandson. Over the years we have stories about him that we call Shanerisms! There is never a dull moment when Shane is around. He is a great kid and we love him! Shane is my b-day twin so have a happy one Shaner, I will be thinking about you!

BABY BLESSING'S

2009-02-08T16:49:00.001-08:00

Baby blessings are a wonderful thing. They give a child an extra shield against this world of ours and help enrich their lives. Mark gave his daughter Ryleigh a beautiful blessing, heartfelt and full of strength, softness and compassion. We were blessed to be in attendance and a witness to this pronunciation of love from our Heavenly Father. Mark is Larry's nephew and Ryleigh is the proud daughter of Mark and Cami Newey. Thanks for including us in the celebration!

Happy 17th B-day Garrett

2009-02-07T02:00:00.000-08:00

Happy 17 Garrett!! Wow seems like yesterday when I first met you, you were only 15...time does fly...Garrett is Larry's grandson. Garrett has more talent than one person should be allowed...he plays all sorts of musical instruments, sings, writes, has his own band, there isn't a sport this young man can't play, artistic well the list just goes on and on...enjoy the day Garrett and enjoy being 17! We love you!!

Happy B-day Angie

2009-02-06T01:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Angie. Angie is married to Jake, Larry's oldest grandson. They have 3 girls and are very busy family!! Angie is sweet and kind and we love her. Always smiling and so positive and a great sense of humor! Hope you get a little break today and able to put up your feet a little...We love you!!

The Nose Knows Day- 2 weeks later

2009-02-04T11:07:00.000-08:00

As far as I am concerned looking really good...this next statement may not come as a shock to some of you but Larry doesn't think that it is healing properly...he is on the phone to the Dr. as this is being posted...I am feeling like Nurse Ratchet is about to rear her ugly head!!

Happy B-day Sklyer

2009-02-02T01:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Skyler. Sklyer is married to Larry's grand daughter Katie. They just got married last June. We love him!! He is just perfect. Very happy and loves Katie and is a wonderful addition to the family....have a great day and we love you.

The Nose Knows Day 11

2009-01-31T13:12:00.001-08:00

Do you have to take pictures nose....
Ok just one picture nose....

Look at me nose....

Up close and personal nose...

Totally serious nose...

I'll smile when I want to nose...

The Happy Nose...

Sisters in Zion

2009-01-28T20:58:00.000-08:00

My gratitude goes to all of my sweet sisters that I know. I am not just talking about church members but all the women I know that are remarkable. When we can break the barrier and share moments with each other, when we really bare our souls or peal away a layer or two because of someone else...these bonds formed are priceless! So here is to all of you that I know and have shared life with. Thank you for taking the chance on me, sharing your soul with me, trusting the sacredness of your plight with me. All these things give me the courage to keep going. This life is wonderful...just some days it's more wonderful than others...(that's my way of saying ok today is absolute crap but tomorrow can be ok). But with out each other to turn to where would we be. The men in our lives are a necessary evil (ok not the best compliment but come on you guys really challenge us and bring out an evil twin we really didn't know we had! Sometimes we even make Freddy Kruger like like Mother Theresa our behaviour is so out of control!) But without a sisterhood we would be very lonely...we love to talk, we love to compliment each other, we love the diversity that all our women friends bring...we love the beauty and individuality...we admire each other...we snipe at each other, we meow at each other but in the end we hold on to each other and are fiercely loyal to that bond that we have created. So thank you is inadequate to express the passion that I feel toward all my wonderful women friends. Just know that even though we may not talk every day and some we may not have spoken in many years...I know what you did for me...and that will always be close to my heart and treasured.

The Nose Knows Day 6

2009-01-26T11:47:00.000-08:00

Looking better and better everyday...

Actually it just looks bad...coming along nicely...Larry is doing well and walked a couple of miles today...so you know that he is feeling lots better...sad to report though, Nurse Ratchet now has an evil twin sister...

Happy B-day Casey

2009-01-24T00:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Casey!! Happy 14...2 more years and you will be driving....Casey is a great student, loves baseball, basketball and video games. Around us he is a little shy but very sweet..when we stayed at his house we rented his room from him! We love watching him play because he is a wonderful athlete...Casey hope you enjoy the day...lots of love to you and hugs!!

The Nose Knows Day 3

2009-01-23T13:09:00.000-08:00

What a difference a day makes... looking better and able to take the bandage off...
Looks a little Frankenstein here!

This man loves to have his picture taken!!

Serious Larry here!

Doesn't feel so much like Quasimodo today...but I am happy to report that I am still feeling like Nurse Ratchet! Larry is one rucky dude!

The Nose Knows Day 2

2009-01-22T10:56:00.000-08:00

Not as pretty as day 1 but all part of the healing process. Really I didn't hit him (well not very hard at least!)

He was feeling a little like Quasimodo here. All is going well, a little tired but coming along nicely...

The Nose Knows

2009-01-21T13:11:00.001-08:00

The nose is a great thing...except when you have to have surgery on it....ou wee (haven't a clue how to spell that one)...Surgery went well to day and thanks to Dr. Summers he got everything on the first try...as you can see with the crater that Larry had on his nose..

This is when they were getting ready to stitch it back together again...seems impossible with this big of hole but it looked pretty good when the Dr. was done. Larry will have a nice character scare.

The Dr. didn't use any grafting or patching...he just pulled the bottom layer of skin together and stitched and then pulled the top layer over that...the stitches will self absorb in about a week and in a month all should look fine...I will probably give a daily pic on my other blog so look for updates...

Larry is now home and resting comfortably (thanks to 2 lortabs, a foot massage, 1 large diet coke and 2 hot chocolates) and of course the ever kind and loving Nurse Ratchet!

Happy B-day Adam

2009-01-19T00:56:00.000-08:00

This was Adam's picture from his 45th b-day last year...I think he even looks younger if that is possible...Ad is Larry's youngest child....Adam lives in Orem, UT with his wife Julie and their 4 boys....Adam owns his own CPA Firm and has a very interesting blog not to mention very entertaining...here is a link AdamGarfieldCPA. Read it you really will enjoy it...So Adam... have a happy B-day we love you!

CONFESSIONS OF A CRACKPOT

2009-01-14T07:50:00.000-08:00

Because the internet has been around for a couple of years now ...stories tend to cycle or recycle through your email. Reminds me of the jokes we use to tell as kids...so "Whats black and white and read all over?" Answer a newspaper (and if you went to Catholic school the answer was a Nun falling down the stairs) Little changes... because I still hear from my grandchildren this joke...so we will be seeing some of the same stories up until the time we die (good thing is... the older you get the chances that you will remember the story are slim...and thus you will be a story virgin once again). So today I received a story that I have received several times before and I was glad for the reminder that I am a crack(ed) pot...I know that I am not perfect and I think this is what drives me crazy...the feelings of being inadequate consume me at times and my ability to achieve anything. So I was glad that this story reminded me that even though I am not perfect I have done some good along the way...the only problem is where I was nurturing flowers others wanted a forest and that I simply can not provide...so I will just continue in this life to do the best that I can, love the Lord and my family and friends to the best of my ability and recognize that the crack (ed) pot that I am is OK...here is the story:

An elderly Chinese woman had two Large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream. 'I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.'

The old woman smiled, 'Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?'
'That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them.'

'For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.'

Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding.

You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them. SO, To all of my crackpot friends, have a great day and remember to smell the Flowers on your side of the path!

Happy B-day Ron

2009-01-10T00:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Ron! I think that he is 37 today...so correct me if I am wrong...he is married to Megan my middle daughter and they live in Colorado Springs, CO with all their children...Meg has 3 boys and Ron has 5 boys and 1 girl...their house hold is busy to say the least...Ron is a great guy and works as the Finance Manager for the largest Subaru dealer in Colorado Springs...I am glad that he and all his brood are part of the family...Happy Birthday!! (sorry this is the only pic I have of you)

Christmas is officially over at the Garfields

2009-01-06T16:56:00.000-08:00

This is always a sad day for me...when all the Christmas decorations have been taken down and put away for next year...I try and stretch out the Christmas lights and glitter for as long as I can...Day after Thanksgiving to a couple of days after the New Years...in my house that is about all I can get away with...I know that really is a long time and yes I am thankful for that. There is just something magical about the lights and the decorations that I love to have around...the pine boughs (fake) but none the less green and festive, house lights, decorated trees, scented candles, Santa saying ho ho ho...people being nice, carolers at our door...the nativity scenes...the list just goes on...so I will be sad today and then tomorrow happy counting the days to the season next year...here is to the spirit of the season may it be in our hearts all year long.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

One good thing about living in a condo association for senior citizens is that when it is time to celebrate.. say like midnight on New Years with the loud clanging of pots and pans and horn blowers, fireworks, gun shots and echoing voices well...I would say that most of the condo owners are all tucked away in bed, teeth in the glass, hearing aids turned securely off, positioned on their nightstand and the Geritol has lulled them asleep long before midnight...so we didn't feel so bad...blowing our horns, clanging our pots and shooting off our guns (ok that didn't happen but we talked about it) and shouting Happy New Year!!! Because chances of them hearing us were slim to none...It has been a few years since we have actually been up to do all that and we did so enjoy it...It was a great way to bring in the new year....Larry and I had a memorable experience! So lets all make this a great year!!! Happy New Year everyone!

Happy ? th B-Day Rusty!

2008-12-29T00:52:00.000-08:00

He doesn't look ? that is for sure!

Rusty is married to Kami Larry's oldest. Rusty is a great guy with a funny sense of humor. What makes it funny is that he is a Lawyer and sometimes Lawyers and senses of humor don't like to be in the same room...but not in this case...so enjoy the day and so something fun! We love you!!!

Larry and Anne

PS this is a great day for a b-day...this is my Grandmother Ganahl's birthday...but you are not even close to her age...so that narrows down what age the ? is...

I CAN'T BELEIVE IT IS ALMOST 2009

2008-12-28T19:35:00.000-08:00

10 Years ago I was with my brother and sister and Mom in Europe. What a wonderful trip we had over the Christmas Season. We were celebrating my brother Bob's life, he had passed earlier in the year. It is amazing what 10 years brings to your life. Mine has certainly been up and down but for the most part it has been good. I have had a saying that every day is a great day, some days just a little greater than others! If we raise the bar high on our worst days than it can only go higher from there...In the early 90's I couldn't imagine what the new century would be like...it was so unreal to me....now we are almost starting our 9th year into the new century and I am saying where did the time go....I still feel 20 but I know that I am looking on the short side of coming up on 60....I could possible see 2040 or 2050...(the way the women live in our family anything is possible). So here is too another wonderful year...here is to hope for the best for all those that I know. Find joy in the journey...if you believe in the eternities then we all know we will never have a finish line...so we may want to consider enjoying the journey more in 2009 than we did in 2008...here's to counting the days to the New Year!

The Day After-The Attitude of Gratitude Day

2008-12-26T08:02:00.000-08:00

So the presents have all been opened, the eggnog drunk (or gaged down depending on your eggnog desires) the carols all sung, back from Gramies house we went, Merry Christmas greetings all said, shopping a distant memory, and maybe last night one actually got a good nights sleep...so now what? Well this is a great day for an Attitude of Gratitude...often times in this modern world we forget to really say "thank you" for what has been given us...yes we said thank you to Aunt Marge for the beautiful set of slippers she so lovingly crochet for us...(who knew that barf yellow was back in fashion oh wait it was white but the yarn may be a little old) and we gave the obligatory thanks to Uncle Sebastian for the 2 quarters he put in our hand and said "don't spend it all in one place Sony" (Humm...don't think he has heard of inflation...at what age can you really say someone is old?) Anyway the point is because they went to some efforts on our behalf that is what we should show our gratitude for...maybe a special phone call after the day to again thank someone for what we were given...maybe a note dropped in the mail (yeah old fashion, does anyone have stationery any more?) but something that shows that we are truly thankful for what was done for us. This might be a great opportunity for parents to have their children sit down and write a little thank you to Aunties and Uncles, Gramies and Grampies, even brothers and sisters for what was given them. There is nothing better than on the receivers end to have a little hand written note that shows their efforts were noticed. Not to mention how we can teach our young ones to really appreciate what is done for us...so let's make this the day of Attitude of Gratitude and make Aunt Bertha's day by thanking her for that fruit cake that she sent you..(looked familiar...maybe the same one you sent her last year?) No matter, gratitude is for the thought and efforts that are displayed. Gratitude helps us realize that things are nice but the love that we have for one another is priceless!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2008-12-25T07:50:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! We love you and hope you had a very happy day with loved ones and family today. Here is a link to a great article by my friend Elia Gourgouras and with a super idea on celebrating Christmas. What will I give Jesus for Christmas.

THE CHRISTMAS LETTER

2008-12-19T10:03:00.000-08:00

So I guess now that I have invited everyone to read our Christmas Letter on line I should actually write one since many of you will receive our card soon.

We have had a very blessed year. It started out a little slow with Larry having a couple of surgeries...but after that we were in great shape.

We had a couple of trips to Colorado and one to Southern California, Northern California and St. George twice...so we did have opportunity to leave this wonderful town of ours.

Here is a run down of all the kids

LARRY'S:

Kami and Rusty Mahan enjoying life in Farmington, UT...

Their oldest Jake and wife Angie enjoying their 3 children (all under 5 yrs). Hollie, Jialin and Alyssa. Jake is recovering from a bad infection and several surgeries in his foot/ankle...he is doing lots better now...and Angie is recovering from doing it all!!

Kami and Rusty's second child Mary and husband Jordon moved back to Yuma(sniff sniff we miss them). They have 2 under 4yrs ...Xander and Scout ...these busy parents!

Katie married her sweetheart Skyler (and he is a sweetheart) in June.

Deidre their youngest just graduated from HS. And is dating the nicest young man ever...good choice Deeds!

Next child is Keri and Rod Tate in Murry, UT.

Their oldest Ali and Zach just had their first child this year and named him Franky. (he will not be bullied on the playground!)

Next oldest Mattie is attending college in Logan and loving the college life! (who doesn't when they are away from home)

Mitch made the basketball team for Murry High and plays all the time. Dating probably the cutest girl ever...

Marshall is bringing up the rear playing football and video games and video games..oh did I mention he plays video games!

Last but not least is Adam and Julie in Orem, UT.

Oldest Garrett, junior in HS and has his own band...very musically talented.

Casey...cute and growing an inch a day..playing baseball and basketball.

Terrell quiet but I have gotten him to at least say hi to me! He is Mr. Baseball and I am sure the big league scouts are taking a close look for the future.

Ethan...smiling all the time...and being the youngest in the family doing what he does best to his older brothers!

OK now for ANNE'S family:

Aimee still lives in Broomfield, CO.

Katelynn driving, has a job,boyfriend and junior in HS.

Brittany wanting to drive, wants to have a job and likes being a sophomore in HS.

My twinies, Haley and Becca, turning from tom boys to tom girls, and loving being freshman in HS.

oh my gosh what was this child thinking...4 girls in High School? Yikes!!!!

Matthew smart, middle schooler that plays video games, and plays video games and oh did I mention he plays video games.

Megan and Ron Smith live in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Meg and Ron got married this year...so, well I am just going to name their brood-

Megs boys: Preston 13, Shane 11, Carson 8

Ron's boys and girl: Ronnie 17, Taylor 15, Shelby 12, Hunter 10, Tanner 8, Zack 6.

It is a house full! We have enjoyed getting to know everyone a little better every time we go out there....Our best to Shelby who has to put up with all those boys and to Megan who is forever saying "Put the seat down!"

My baby(she hates when I call her that) Pattianne ( I think she hates that name more) and significant other LeJon living in Fountain Valley, CA (her house is just 4 miles from Huntington Beach Pier) tough life!

LeJon has a little girl named Skylar who is 10....

Also want to recognize my step son and his wife

Tracy and Penny Jensen, Monument, CO and their adorable children...Ali, Lindsey, Karissa and Matt. It was great to see them again this year!

Our family comes in all shapes, sizes, ways of life and we love them all...we are so blessed to be a part of their lives and so enjoy the times that we are able to be together....

So this next year enjoy each other in the marvelous journey that we call life! We love you all and miss you...

Anne and Larry

PS we get asked a lot "So what do you guys do all day," well one thing is that we have contests on who can remember who belongs to who...let alone coreect spellings and heaven forbid all the correct ages!!! it's enough to keep us busy the rest of our lives.

Garfield Family Christmas Party

2008-12-13T23:01:00.000-08:00

Tonight was the Garfield's annual Christmas Party. And it was amazing. I love the traditions that they have. Dinner always includes Pizza that big L buys...then we have the reading of the Christmas story from Luke with songs interwoven with the reading...then some games, opening of gifts and then the all telling Kazoo fest. Everyone has a kazoo and each person gets to choose a song and lead with the kazoo...well with 27 people that can take awhile...so much fun and laughter with all of this...I can see they really enjoy this tradition and I am glad to be a small part of it.

But my favorite memory of the night will Jake holding Alyssa at the end of the evening...I am not sure who is more tired? Jake or Alyssa...Jake has recently had foot surgery and just in the last couple of days able to walk a little bit...so he and Angie all evening have been chasing Alyssa (about 15 months), Jailin (about 22months) and Hollie(big 5 years) around...just sums up what a wonderful party it was...Dad tenderly holding a very tired little girl that had fun being part of the party. And a very tired little girl snuggling up to her fathers warm safe embrace...

OUR VISIT WITH SANTA

2008-12-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

My brother Tim who is 2 years older.

Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in the Catholic Church..now before you go all crazy thinking that I have turned back to my roots...not to worry..Our Sacrament time is going to be 9am this year (I thought it was going to be 1pm) so I have decided to stay with the Mormons for 2009 at least...OK back to the feast stuff...Every year on this day we went to visit Santa...we as Catholics attending Catholic schools always had this day off because it was a very important feast day...we had to start off with Mass (mandatory) and then we went to visit Santa later in the day..my mom loved it because it wasn't busy and she did not have to fight the crowds...sometimes after visiting Santa we got to pick out a new ornament for our Christmas Tree....here are a couple of pics that I found...I think I was about 5 one year and maybe 6 the next...when I was 6 the magic was kinda gone...with 3 older brothers and all of them evil they could not wait to be the first to tell me about Santa...I can remember being on the side of the building at school for the older kids and my brother Tim making fun of me for believing...then the others confirmed the true but sad news...my brother Jim tried to then tell me they were just kidding, but by then the damage had been done...the trauma and scaring had sadly taken place...my mother when I got home just said that they were being mean older brothers and playing a trick on me...not to believe a word they were saying...So in the black and white photo I was in awe of Santa...but in the color one I had that smirk on my face because I knew what was going on...what a difference a year makes..for my mothers sake I had my picture taken for many years...then when my sister came along when I was 10 she got to visit Santa and I was off the hook...

My brother Jim who is 5 years

older and my brother Tim.

So here is to all who visit Santa...enjoy the magic! And smile pretty to make your Mama happy!

I ENJOY A GOOD CORN DOG AS WELL AS THE REST OF THEM..

2008-12-07T08:14:00.000-08:00

So you may need to zoom in on this to see everything. Last night my sweet husband treated me to a cultural event that was wonderful...the man is thoughtful! Glen Beck was brilliant and his story so heart touching and tearful...I think it even made me think outside myself...it was wonderful!
But...I do have a few comments on the ECenter and those that were in attendance....if I offend anyone I truly am sorry...but remember I am old and come from another time...maybe another world...who knows!

Ok...I love a good corn dog, bucket-o-popcorn, churro and lets not forget those nachos dripping with cheese with all those hot belly poppin jalapenos...yes yum yum yum to all that...but well I think they have their place and when you attend a cultural event such as we did last night well not sure of the mix...kinda like attending something very spiritual at the conference center or the Dorthy Chandler Pavilion in LA and having someone yelling...POPCORN - PEANUTS anyone...you see the big picture here...carnival just doesn't go with spiritual...well maybe if you are a traveling gypsy evangelist..maybe then...but that is another story for another time...

I was so surprised of how many people were still coming in well after the performance started (what about it starts at 7:30 did they not understand?) we probably missed about the first 10 mins of the show because of the heavy flow of traffic up and down the isle...then when the woman with the baby..yes baby came in and sat in front of us several seats in I thought that I was not going to be very nice...(I love babies, absolutely love them but this just isn't the place for them)...well a few mins later a second mom with small baby climbed over the people in the row in front of us and sat herself down. Now... I realize that being a young mother and getting out can be difficult... but this isn't church and just isn't the place for small crying fussy babies at 8 o'clock at night...sorry call me old fashion! So throughout the night these young mothers were up and down as those in their row were doing the wave to accommodate them. While others were just out and out loudly visiting in the isle ways...while others were trying to juggle the popcorn, peanuts and crackerjacks with mungo size drinks down the isle...when it cleared for a moment and we could actually see the stage I wasn't sure if I was going to see Hulk Hogan or what...then I remembered oh yeah this was kinda a cultural event, not the WW Smackdown...er...ah...is that the wrestling?

What ever happened to manners? Didn't their mom's tell them it wasn't polite to talk when someone else is talking...mainly the guy on stage that we all paid pretty decent money to come listen to? What about staying in your seat until the break in the performance when you can go take care of all your needs...we paid (what we think, now remember we are old) good money for these seats...plus taxes, plus ticket masters charge (need a little Vaseline for that one), plus $10 for parking(another Vaseline moment) to watch people with ill manners walk up and down the isle with sports fare food, talking loudly and not really paying attention to the spirit of the moment and young babies crying...hum...

Well all in all we enjoyed the show...we do suggest that you read the book because it is a very touching story and one that does make a person think outside of themselves...one that will touch your heart completely.

Larry and I will remember this evening with not only a smile in our hearts for the message of the show but a smile on our faces for the wonderment of human nature!

Friday Fill in's

2008-12-05T22:13:00.000-08:00

Another idea I stole from Ali! Called Friday Fill In's...so here it is...feel free to follow this is idea here.

1.Snow where is it?
2. I'm looking forward to so many things...Christmas, seeing family, snow, playing cards with Paul and Elaine, shopping Monday with my friend, teaching my Primary Class and just staying home enjoying my man!
3. Coke(the real thing) is the best soda pop ever!
4. One of my favorite old TV shows is Night Court, still funny after all these years.
5. I'm done with Christmas shopping....NOT!!!!
6. The most enjoyable thing around the holidays is lights, food, family, Christmas trees, decorations, Temple Square and the celebration of Jesus' birth. (OK I said that because I need some points from above...I do mean it but I am transparent at times and this is one of those times!)
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to cards with Paul and Elaine, tomorrow my plans include Glen Beck's performance at the E Center (really though we have to go to West Valley? I feel about West Valley like I do Aurora in Colorado...when you have to have a token to use the rest room at Mickey D's it's got to be telling you something) and Sunday, I want to make it through Sacrament without sleeping! Amen!

HAPPY B-DAY LEJON

2008-11-28T00:47:00.000-08:00

LeJon or LJ is Pattianne's(my daughter) boyfriend, significant other, house husband, mate...well I am not sure of the PC way of how it is suppose to be said...but we love him...so Happy Birthday to LeJon! How many is this for you...Son?

THANKSGIVING 2008

2008-11-27T22:42:00.000-08:00

THANKSGIVING 2008

Great food!!! Yum Yum...

Wonderful family and friends to share

it with...

Our newest turkey munching member...Franky
Sisters enjoying some alone time..

The guys doing what they do best...
Thanks for a wonderful day everyone!!!
I miss my children and grandchildren today so thanks for filling in the void...Love you all!

Hope all the CO and CA loved one's had a great day...hugs and kisses to all!!

Attitude Gratitude

2008-11-23T08:15:00.001-08:00

We are in the season for being thankful...today in church we heard some great talks on gratitude. To list all that I am grateful for would take days...however I haven't always felt this way. It took some heart wrenching changes to find gratitude in my life. So count your many blessing one by one and enjoy this season of the year with an attitude of gratitude. Each day you can make a difference!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2008-11-22T07:19:00.001-08:00

OK so it's someones birthday in the world.

Today is the anniversary of JFK's assassination...for those of us that are old enough to remember...it was one of the saddest days of my life to think that we experienced a President getting assassinated...and for what reason? We lived in a land that was suppose to be safe from this craziness...it was so difficult to understand. Our teachers must have cried for weeks...JFK was a Catholic and it probably didn't matter what his view points were the Nuns were elated that there was a Catholic in the white house and now the whole world could be saved...

So I have chosen to think that because that day JFK died a new spirit was born into this world. So every year I think of all the special ones that came into this life on Nov. 22...they have a memorable day because they were born and because they were born on a day that changed this nation of ours. A sacrifice was made that day. Sacrifice can pave the way for opportunities.

So Happy Birthday to all who have this day as theirs. You were given many opportunities by your mom. Here is wishing the best for you... whoever and wherever you are.

CHURCH CALLINGS

2008-11-19T22:31:00.000-08:00

Well it finally happened...the Bishop called and asked if they could stop by for a "quick moment" (may be quick but it always stings)...so he and Brother Perry came over and extended a calling to me...and after a 10+ year layoff from Primary I have been called as a Primary worker...he said that it was either the Valiant's or the Sunbeam's and I sure as heck hope they call me as the Valiant Teacher...in this Ward things are different ...they have 2 teachers to a classroom and you switch off each week teaching. It use to be that you were the only one teaching a class so when you needed a substitute and made that call...well everyone avoided your call because they knew you were calling them to be a substitute (I know this because that is what I use to do!) Also they keep the class sizes manageable here...I have had the 15 kid class where I was wishing that the parents weren't so diligent about coming to church EVERY Sunday!

Over the years I have had some of the most inspiring Primary moments and also some pretty darn funny ones...One class that I had was one that no one would accept being the teacher for...it seemed like there were some pretty high strung spirits the Lord sent down that year and all in the Standley Lake Ward. Some days I would think that it made the ward on One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest look sane and even reverent! I ended up loving those kids so much...it was the most diverse class that you would ever see...several had some learning disabilities, one was ADHD (and the parents were in denial and thought that little Johnie would just grow out of it, wasn't he so cute! NOT!) and one had some major emotional hangups. In Colorado our Wards take in a large geographical area so it was not uncommon for kids to come from 4 or 5 different schools...that always helped in the mix of things. At least with all in the same school the pecking order has already been established. Each Sunday we had a contest for who was going to be lead dog...because we had a class full of lead dogs! One young boy who challenged my patience (A LOT), must of heard one of our lessons on kindness and each week started carrying my church bag to primary for me...we had another lesson on manners and another young boy started to hold the door open for me, one young girl started to help me clean up after class each week, we must of had a lesson on helping, and one young girl would save a seat in Primary for me...this class turned out to be a very special class that touched my heart and made me realize that the scriptures have so many great life lesson stories...I think that year it was based on the New Testament...anyway the point is you just never know what is going to happen when you accept the Lords calling. This was a win win for all of us...I learned to believe in the Spirit, Prayer and the possibility and potential that each young spirit holds. In turn these sweet young spirits learned that they were loved and were children of our Heavenly Father.

When the Bishop and Brother Perry extended the calling my heart sank...I really wanted to be in Relief Society...but I accepted on the faith that my experiences will be the same as they have been in the past. I have already heard about the Valiant class and I do believe that I am ready for the challenge. The most difficult thing about being called to Primary in a Ward that I haven't been in very long is that I really don't know the children. In my other Ward and Stake I had been in them for over 20 years...so most of the children I taught I knew them before they were a twinkle in their parents eye!!

OK one of my funniest Primary moments was when I asked

" Does anyone have any questions?" We had just had a story from the Book of Mormon and a hand shot up from one of my 10 year old boys. I was pretty excited because he was not one known for participation let alone to be so forward as to ask a question. My joy sprang forward, I beamed to feel that perhaps I had inspired this young man through the spirit to be so bold to have a question. So here was the question..."Hey has any one ever seen the hair in a girls armpit?" "You know they shave it don't you?" What can you say to that...but Amen!

And yet another day in Perry, UT

2008-11-15T17:10:00.001-08:00

It's maybe a bla day. I probably am not feeling very well..Larry is watching football, I am doing wash...Larry is watching football...I am scrubing toilets...Larry is watching football...I am changing the bed...ok so you get what is going on in my exciting life...they say that it won't be easy but it will be worth it! Ok... so open me a can of this "Worth It" that everyone is talkin about!

Look what I learned in school today...CRAP BOOKING

2008-11-13T19:06:00.000-08:00

Wow taking a class at school can really help...I am taking a graphics arts class and today we learned how to do a crap book page...I thought that I would learn other things but since we live in the land of Molly Mormon I guess all the other class members want to do crap booking...OK the principles are the same but you all know how I feel about crap booking...just not going to happen...so all of my posterity please do not look for those cute little paper torn, embellished, cute little sayings and picture books all dolled up under the tree this year..it just ain't happening!!! I still love you but ...hum...but..not that much!

Keeping promises and Trusting each other

2008-11-11T17:20:00.000-08:00

Larry and I spend a lot of time talking about trust...my mentality is that I would rather hear the truth (even if it might hurt a little... OK even a lot) than hear something that he thinks that I want to hear...for example: that age old question that women seem to test the men on..."does my back side look fat in this moomoo?" (Just like a cow...moo moo) I would rather hear from my husband that the south side of my body going north is not so good looking in that outfit ...than from someone else...cause we all know there is someone out there just waiting to tell us the truth..."not to hurt your feelings honey but I would rethink that out fit because you look like you have all of Santa's presents in THAT trunk of yours.!" ... come on ...you know that person...we all have one in our lives...So I would rather hear this news from someone that I trust and love other than that ...well...mean girl (or you can substitute any word that fits for you...after all I have to keep this family friendly) ...On the other hand my husband feels that telling a little white lie once in awhile is a survival tool that he won't part with...it simply is not a lie to him...this is why men are from mars and women are from the superior Venus. We all know that trust is one of the core foundations for a lasting and healthy relationship. It is what Faith is to your religious beliefs and water is to survival...we must continue to trust each other and build on that trust even when it hurts!

A friend of mine has started writing for the Mormon Times. His first article was on Keeping Promises (all part of the Trust issue) and well written. Elia is a kind and wonderful person so I would like for all of you to read his article and watch for him. He has some talks published on CD's and has a book coming out...anyway read his article and go to his sites...he is one of the best people that you will ever associate with...here is the link keeping promises.

The day after the elections

2008-11-05T18:29:00.001-08:00

I am not sure that I am seeing this all correctly....BUT Robert Kirby my favorite writter has said it best....click here for the wonderful article

Franky's Blessing Day

2008-11-02T18:50:00.000-08:00

Mom, Franky, Great-grandpa Larry, and Auntie Mattie

These were some of the 50 some people that were at the church and more showed up at the house...it was a crowd on a very rainy day.

Today was a great day! I love baby blessings and today's was wonderful. Franky Tate Sumsion was blessed by his father and 50 plus family members to share in this event. What a sweet sweet blessing that his father gave him. Thanks Zack for being in tune with the spirit!

Halloween years past

2008-10-31T16:05:00.001-07:00

Years past Halloween has been fun for so many reasons...when I was a teenager going trick or treating was so much fun...we would bring our sheets and knell down, ring the door bell and say "boooo tick or treat" we would get the "oh how cute" then the doling of candy and promptly stand up and say in our deep grown up voices 'Trick or Treat" ha ha and fun off...we did this for many years.. well as long as we could get away with it...then we graduated to taking our martini glasses around to our friends and well you get the picture on that one...then kids came along and it was fun to dress them up and take them out...and even more fun to glean our favorites from their bounty after they went to bed...that was in the days when you got chocolate you really thought you had scored! One of my most vivid times was when it was pouring rain...the 2 older girls were 6th and 7th grades and after two houses in the rain decided their hair was getting too messed up and headed home leaving Pattianne and I to enjoy the night...we were freezing as the rain turned to wet snow but the pay out was tremendous...since most of the tricker treaters were taking cover most houses were so glad to get rid of their candy...we almost filled a whole pillow case full...it was glorious. Persistence pays off!

As the grand kids came along it become a time where they would go to gramie's house to take advantage of my neighborhood. We would always have the customary pictures, some food and go out to have fun in the neighborhood. For years I had some bats eye's that lit up and pumpkins that lit up in our front windows...they always knew that it was Halloween when those decorations got put up...I miss those special times!
So happy halloween to all the grand kids that share these memories!

Halloween is a time to have fun even if it is only for a few hours. It is part of the fall which transitions to Thanksgiving and then Christmas...one of those package deals...

Jake update

2008-10-29T14:33:00.000-07:00

Since I have been so bad about getting to everyone via email maybe this will help on the communication...Jake was scheduled to have surgery today but the Dr. called early this morning and told Jake that they will have to wait until next week to continue on with the next surgery...bummer for Jake and Angie...the lab results show that the infection is still in his system and the levels are to high to do surgery...so sometime next week they will schedule it...as always please continue to pray to Jake and Family...thanks for the support! Our best to them...we love them and want the best...

77 YEARS YOUNG TODAY

2008-10-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

WOW!! Another year older...Happy Birthday to a wonderful man, great father and grandfather and great-grandfather, super friend, perfect companion...thanks for all you do...lots of love from your family.

Seeing old friends

2008-10-27T10:13:00.001-07:00

At Carson's baptism I had the pleasure of seeing some old friends from school. Celia and I went to an all girls private school Cornelia Connolly in Anaheim, CA. I met Celia through my cousin Louise. There was a group of brainiacs which Louise and Celia belonged. I can remember sitting with them in awards assembly...they would empty the row for every subject (I was the designated bench warmer for them, that was my talent). They were all so smart and Celia has done very well for herself working in the aero technology field, space station just small stuff like that ...she is now working on a huge project for the Antarctica...she has always been way up there on the smart scale! Larry was my friend from somewhere around 8th grade or maybe earlier...I was talking a summer school class at Sunny Hills High School when I met him. I was walking to school and his Grandmother was taking him and she stopped and asked if I wanted a ride...she lived across and down 2 houses from my Grandmother...so trusting an old lady I accepted the ride. Larry and I became great friends instantly. For some reason we clicked and from there on spent a lot of time together and attended summer school every year together until we graduated. After 2 years of the all girls school I was uninvited to attend and signed up at the local high school where Larry and I spent our last two years being nerds. Larry looked 12 when he got his driver lisc in November (I was a Feb b-day) so he got to drive all the time...I can not begin to tell you how many times he got stopped because they thought he was 12...it was pretty funny. At first Larry dated my cousin Louise and then after high school she introduced him to Celia...well the rest is history..they have been married for over 33 years now.

So when I was able to see them again this last week it was wonderful to be able to talk and play catch up. Right now they are living in Colorado Springs waiting on Celia's job to be awarded a contract for the Antarctica project. They happen to live right down the street from Megan...such a small world!

So here is to old friends and good laughs and remembering old times...always makes you feel young again...love ya guys!!!

Carson's Baptism Day

2008-10-25T19:21:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful day in Colorado Springs for a Baptism and a family gathering afterwards. Carson and his winning smile...I know that I have talked about family before and how we are all connected by the spirit one way or another...our family is made of many different spirits and not all of them are blood related...but they are all wonderful people. I was so glad to see all that attended today. Here is how the line up was: Megan and her 3 boys (Preston, Shane, Carson), her husband Ron and his 6 children (Ronnie, Taylor, Shelby, Tanner, Hunter, Zack), Megan's nephew and my grandson (Matthew), of course Larry (my husband) and myself...Megan's step brother and my step son from a previous marriage, Tracy aka Mike and his wife Penny (Meg also works with Penny) and their children (Ali, Lindsey(with friends), Karissa and Matt), Ron's mother Jennifer, Megan's ex husband Jason and his new wife Liz and Liz's daughter (Gabbie) (got to take a breath here to finish) and my highschool friends (whom I have not seen for over 17 yrs for Larry and 27 years for Celia) with their son's (Jimmy and Robert)...ok that is what I am talking about..family comes in all shapes and sizes and emotions...it definitely is one of those enjoy the journey moments!!!

Getting ready to travel

2008-10-21T13:53:00.001-07:00

Well once again we are getting ready for another trip to visit with family and attend Carson's Baptism in CO. The drive is about a 9 hour drive which in the old days that was nothing...but now since I don't get to drive much it is way to long to sit and just look out the window...I can tell you exactly how this will work...we will plan to leave at 8am but Larry will be ready to leave at 7am so we will leave...we will listen to Rush Limblablabla and all the other right wing talk shows across Wyoming, (can we say hostage situations?) we will eat Triscuts along the way and heaven forbid that we stop extra for the bathroom..."gee can't you wait till I get gas next?" The car can travel for about 450 miles before it needs refueling...eh that's kinda a long wait for even a camel! Anyway it is always fun (OK kinda) when we travel...we will have some great adventures and it will be wonderful to see all the kids and grand kids!

Marble Family Reunion

2008-10-17T21:13:00.001-07:00

Gotta love family reunions...on the outside everyone looks happy, content and all is right with the world...well as Paul Harvey would say...now for the rest of the story. All families are alike, dysfunction comes in all races, colors, creeds, white collar, blue collar, white trash, redneck and what ever else you want to call it...but at the end of the day we are all still family and we have deep roots to each other. In my case my roots for the Marble family are to Larry who was married to Leanne who is a Marble....so technically I am truly the outsider. Leanne has a wonderful family. I love her sisters, Jenae, Linda and Emilee...Leanne was lucky to have such nice sisters to grow up with. From them are super spouses, awesome kids and wonderful grand kids. I loved being with all of them and watching everyone catch up with each other...family is family and whether we are getting along or not, whether we like someone or not, well the list goes on... at the end of the day we are family and we are all bound by the spirit.. whether we are same flesh or by marriage we are bound by the spirit and will have the opportunity to enjoy each other as our time progresses whether here on earth or in the eternities. So it is always best at these functions to make the best, to think the best and to be the best so we can enjoy the best in the life to come.

So thanks to all those that made me feel welcomed and part of the family...I feel touched and honored to be a part of this group!

Jake and Family

2008-10-15T21:53:00.001-07:00

Larry's grandson Jake had surgery last Friday and again emergency surgery last night. So please say your prayers for him that he gets better. He has a serious staff infection that apparently he has had for awhile which has affected his bone in his leg and foot. So he will need another surgery within a week or so and he will be on a PICC line for a couple of months. We love Jake and his family and know that this is a serious situation so please pass on a prayer for all of them. Angie now has 4 to take care of so she needs all the prayers that you can spare...Hollie is 5, Jalin is 20 months and Alyssa is 13 months...Angie is one busy woman...

HAPPY 8TH B-DAY CARSON

2008-10-11T09:24:00.001-07:00

WOW...can not believe that our grandson Carson or CJ whichever he is going by now is 8 today. He is Megan's (Anne's middle child and yes she has MCS) youngest and what a sweet kid. He has the prettiest eyes, shy smile and freckles...I am a pushover for freckles...I love this kid! We are going to be there on the 25th when he gets baptized. I am happy for him that he has chosen to do so...it's great to be 8!!! We love you Carson!!!