Sweets for the Sweet

As our family has grown up, one of the things we do to keep in touch is to meet somewhere and have lunch together. Each person seems to have their favorite place to go. With some, the tradition is going to Sam’s Club or Costco, shopping a bit, then eating in the food court. Not the greatest atmosphere probably, but it seems okay anyway. One person in particular likes El Farol, a little Mexican place a few blocks from here. It’s been fun to meet, order bean dip appetizer, then talk and eat. Other places we have gone are pretty generic: Chuck-r-Rama (sp?), Golden Corral, Olive Garden, etc. The guys like Astroburger, just down the road and over a block. Many of us have done Woody’s, Art’s favorite hamburger and shake drive-in. Unfortunately, (or maybe fortunately!) I’ve been quite reluctant since I realized that my whole allotment of points could easily be eaten in one meal. But Sweet Tomatoes has been a good gathering place. It is also where Art and I occasionally dropped in after physical therapy. It was close to the clinic, we could enjoy fresh vegetables and it was nice to have lunch before heading home. But I think the best gatherings of all have been Family Home Evening. And even if there were no food at all for a treat, the time together is very sweet and nourishing to me.

Biker Girl

When I remember Heather at the Halloween party a couple of years ago I have to laugh. Her costume, expecially the tattoo sleeve seems so incongruous to who she is. But now that I think about it...there are some similarities with the stereotype. She is tough, strong-minded, a bit flamboyant and dramatic, ready to tackle things that others might consider too difficult or dangerous, spontaneous, holds on to her guy (though they don't have a motorcycle), is ready to adapt to whatever comes up, sticks up for the underdog, and accepts people where they are. And I am ever so glad that the tattoo effect is temporary. Heather, did you know that when you first walked through our door, I didn't recognize you? Talk about a double take! Heather is a multi-faceted person!

Grandma's Joy

“And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend (GR. Translation: Cause to stumble) one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged around his neck and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”

Why do I have empathy for children? Perhaps it was a gift from the pre-existence. Maybe it has to do with having vivid memories of my childhood. Or maybe it comes from some memories, which are cloudy and black, of having grown up the victim of incest. Whatever the reasons, this quote reverberates with me on a deep level. So much so, that recent events in the news have been extremely troubling. I won’t go into the political ramifications, the rightness and/or wrongness of circumstances as they have developed except to say that I am grateful that my growing up was tempered by genuine, healthy love from some of the people around me and that I grew up "in the world" not isolated from it. I am also glad that my great-grandfather chose to follow the prophet at the time of the Manifesto. That, too, is a complicated story. It is not a tidy package, wrapped up neatly. There are always consequences to whatever decisions are made. So why do I choose this photo today? Because, even in the midst of trials, there is joy to be found, and because May 1 is Stephanie’s 10th birthday. Her arrival and subsequent life has brought a lot of joy to this family. On the evening this picture was taken, Stephanie was ready to leave for her dance recital. The shirt was part of her outfit. It was a joyful occasion to be a part of. And this Grandma feels joy every time she sees Stephanie and other children being treated with respect. It is very hard to be a parent (or even grandparent, for that matter). Life is so immediate and the rewards of loving choices can seem very far away. The challenges now are multiplied greatly since my children were young but my memory of how hard it can be remains with me. So here’s to all the people who are making the effort to help the children of today learn how to experience deep joy, now and forever. And, by the way, Happy Birthday Stephanie! Is this the first time it snowed on your special day?

A To Z Tag--Alphabet Play

* A- ATTACHED OR SINGLE
Since we have been married for nearly 50 years, I guess you would say attached although I would say it is not “attached at the hip”. We each have our own interests and activities to bring to our marriage.
* B-BEST FRIEND
Art, because he has more to overlook and forgive than anyone and loves me anyway.
* C-CAKE OR PIE
I was going to say pie because I love, love lemon meringue, but then German Chocolate and Carrot Cake came to mind. Can it be a toss-up?
* D-DAY OF CHOICE
Probably Sunday because of the way I feel when I am at church and the spirit is strong.
* E-ESSENTIAL ITEM(S)
Paper and pencil or pen. If I can’t write it down, I am writing in my head, so I’m better off to actually go ahead and write.
* F-FAVORITE COLOR
Green. If you share this, take any chance you get to travel to the U.K.! Now I know what an incredible variety there is within the color green.
* G-GUMMY BEARS OR WORMS
Really I am partial to Swedish Fish. Thanks to Alyssa and Heather.
* H-HOMETOWN
I have two. The first one is South Gate in California where I spent the first 7 years of my life. The second one is Moab, Utah where I was a teenager. I was there at the time of the uranium boom and before it became a trendy place, so I almost feel like a native.
* I-INDULGENCES
Reading; Chocolate; bargain shopping. Hey, I’ve got lots of them. Unfortunately, most of them have come back to bite me. Figuratively speaking, of course!
* J-JANUARY OR JULY
I guess I’d have to say July because it is the month of my first grandchild’s birth. And because of picnics and other happy times, and also because there are no awful inversions to contend with. But on the other hand, I remember a January or two when we drove above the sludge in the air to find blue sky and that was wonderful, too.
* K-KIDS
What can I say? I love kids. Have six children and terrific grandchildren. I enjoy watching kids, talking to them, encouraging them.
* L-LIFE ISN’T COMPLETE WITHOUT…
…knowing I am loved by family, friends and God.
* M-MARRIAGE DATE
June 12, 1958
* N-Number of brothers and sisters.
I was raised as an only child but after my mother died and my dad remarried I had the gift of having one sister, Marilee, and four step-sisters. Love you guys!
* O-ORANGES OR APPLES
That’s a hard one. Another toss up. Navel oranges from Australia and Fuji apples.
* P-PHOBIAS OR FEARS
Anxiety when I am throwing things away or getting rid of things. Fear of losing those people I love. Don’t much care for reptiles or bugs.
* Q-QUOTE
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not on thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he will direct thy paths.” Why is it so hard to remember to do this?
* R-REASON TO SMILE
We watched American Masters DVD of Carol Burnett with Carol, Don and Aunt Fran yesterday.
* S-SEASON OF CHOICE
Autumn. I love the vivid colors on the mountains, the air that is a little brisk yet you can still go outside without a coat.
* T-TAG
Kim, Alyssa, Heather, Nae, and anyone else who may enjoy word play. But only if it is fun for you!
* U-UNKNOWN FACT ABOUT ME
I skipped second grade. No big deal—the school was crowded in California and I was an early good reader.
* V-VEGETABLE
Like Popeye, I really like spinach.
* W-WORST HABIT
Holding on to possessions I no longer need so that things are cluttered.
* X-X-RAY OR ULTRASOUND
Either one over an MRI! What noise!
* Y-YOUR FAVORITE FOOD
Another toss up between pasta and chocolate. Why couldn’t it be vegetables?
* Z-ZODIAC SIGN
Aquarius. Good thing I am crazy about water, isn’t it?

Thanks again Kimberlee for the good idea!

Daisy: Canine Grandchild #2

Our daughter Kimberly just left after the task of coloring my hair. Good job, Kim! Maybe the color is a somewhat lighter tint of Daisy's brown. At least it has a little red in it. Daisy arrived as a sibling to Kimberly's Chance as a full grown Bassett. At least physically. But she is like a youngster in some of her ways. Very affectionate. Desirous of attention. A little slow to obey. (Make that QUITE slow!) But she is so delightful and charming, a real personality girl, that it is easy to love her. Look at those soulful eyes! And that tail just ready to wag like crazy. What a good dog is Daisy.

Karaoke Night

Sometimes, as hard as you try, you can't keep the giggles inside! That's how it is with our family when we get together for a party, especially if karaoke is involved. Heather pulled out her machine and boy did the music and laughs ever begin! We enjoyed getting together at Heather and Jake's apartment in Herriman. Although they now have a home in West Point, I look forward to more happy times together.

You are Loved

How hard is it for Dorothy to love the Bride of Frankenstein (or was it Dracula)? Not very hard. Sometimes there is a bond between two people and it is not immediately obvious why. That's the way it is with Alyssa and Stephanie. Could it be because these two both have a bit of red in their hair? Or that they are aunt and niece? Or that they both like stories? Or that they feel comfortable with each other? Or is it just one of those indefinable things--something to stop analyzing and just enjoy? Why not? How blessed you are!