SNOW FUN!!!

THERE IS A LOT OF SNOW HERE!!! Heidi and Andy's home is beautiful. It now has two snowmen out front. Nicole had so much fun playing with Drew and Jesi and of course Heidi. I did the Sharon thing...I went to the mall. Yes, Lori and Peggy, we have the same survival skills!!!

We made our traditional gingerbread houses with Heidi's family. What an adventure?!? I started that tradition when my children were quite small. We do it every year. I used to bake the gingerbread. Then I got REAL!!! I buy the kits and enjoy the process with my kids. Nicole has to have a nicco roof. She is a perfectionist. Fun Times!!!

TRIP TO SALT LAKE!

We were suppose to fly out on Thursday. I picked Nicole up at school and then we ended up canceling our flight and rescheduling till Friday. We went to the Spokane Airport on Friday on some pretty rough roads and marginaly weather. We waited at the airport for 6 1/2 hours till they finally let our plane land. We got on the plane to find out that we couldn't take off for an hour because Salt Lake was closed. Finally we were deiced and got into the air. The engine sounded like it was going to seize. I tried not to get to excited...however my bugged eyes were probably a give away...and the thought kept going thru my mind "WE ARE GOING TO DIE!" We flew to Salt Lake to find out they closed the only open runway for a plane wreck. We circled for 1/2 hour and had to fly to Boise because of lack of fuel. NOW THAT'S COMFORTING!!! We sat at Boise Airport for an hour and they decide the captain had to many hours to keep flying. OH, JOY! Finally they found another piolet and we waiting another hour while they calculated fuel in Las Vegas for our flight extension. When we flew into Salt Lake it was after midnight and we didn't get to my daughter's home till 2 AM. It was an incredible test of patience and I think I passed. We didn't have lunch or dinner except for pretzels. I almost broke out the gingerbread house kit I had in my carryon! The best part of our one day delay was I got to spend some time with my Dad. I got to show him the progress on the PowerSports building I am working on. You gotta see it! We have windows and doors!!! He is in Moses Lake for Christmas and we were going to miss him. Hopefully he gets back to Arizona so we can hang out some before flying back to Moses Lake on January 3rd. He has a beautiful home and is providing us with his car. My Aunt Nilace has planned some fun things for us to do and we are headed across the border to Mexico. I will post more on that journey! I am ready for some warm weather.

OKAY...I AM NOT SUFFERING ANYMORE! We are enjoying Heidi's new home! It just happened to come with a hot tub! So we were making sure it was safe?!?! Getting to the hot tub in freezing weather was a bit of a trick but once we got in...we didn't want to leave. Fun times!

Okay...this is Nicole's History Teacher, Mr. Mullen; I hope she asked him for a solid A instead of an A-!!! Her friend Gracie is with her in this picture! Merry Christmas everyone...Nicole and I headed to Utah, Arizona and Mexico for Christmas! We fly out tomorrow! We will try and soak up some extra sunshine and bring it back with us! I better pack now!!! Fun Times!!!

THAT WHICH WAS LOST...IS FOUND!!!

Okay...I found it!!! The day after Thanksgiving, Nicole's phone was lost. Nicole looked everywhere. I looked everywhere at least 3 times. I called all my children since there were 27 souls here for the Thanksgiving holiday. They looked through their minivans and cars. No Phone!!! Today, I decide I need to do something with the bag "My Stocker" left. In the bag is a box of candy, a stuffed teddy bear and a gift certificate for Starbucks. No name was in the package but I am assuming it is the guy that showed up with a dozen roses. Not someone with a temple recommend which is a minimum standard for dates. The Starbucks certificate was a sign that he doesn't really know me. He must not know I have a 6'3" son who is my personal pit bull. It was thoughtful but a little disconcerting. Well I pulled out the box of candy and low and behold the missing phone was in the bag! It has been missing since November 28! I had resurrected Nicole's old phone that is cracked and pretty rough. You could have heard her scream a mile away! Nicole and I both prayed for the return of that phone...who would have ever guessed it was in the bag I was hiding in a dark corner...trying to forget!?!?!??!

SPIRIT WEEK AT CHEIF MOSES MIDDLE SCHOOL

Haley McConkie (Granddaugher)

Nicole McConkie (Daughter)

Paul McConkie (MY HONEY!)

There is nothing quite as interesting as SPIRIT WEEK! Through the years I have watched my 6 children leave the home dressed in incredible outfits...all in the name of SCHOOL SPIRIT!!! I have seen my son dressed as a "female school teacher"! I remember how Paul stated "No son of mine is going to leave this house dressed like a woman". Now Paul underestimated my memory. I quickly pulled out a photo of him dressed like a girl for a school activity. Paul quickly retreated and said maybe it would be okay. He had forgotten that photo and even the event. Once everyone got through laughing, including Paul, it was all good. I wish I had a picture of David too!!! David was a hit in that outfit and won the honor as one of the best costumes! This year I have Nicole in 7th Grade and my granddaughter Haley in 6th Grade. Yesterday was retro day. She wore a sweatshirt that had Stacy's photo from 1993 on it. Guess since it was an old sweatshirt...that made it retro ?!? I have learned not to ask!!! Today is color day. Nicole planned her outfit right down to the bows; at least a week in advance. She is so funny! Haley is wearing her Grandfather McConkie's tie. Too much fun!!! (I am sooooo thankful that Paul can't publish any of my "interesting photos"! Now, is it jut me or is that skirt a little short and holy cow...those are "SOME UGLY KNEES!". :)

My daughter, Tamara was a Molahiette from 9th grade through her Senior year. This is one of her Senior pictures. Celeste Merrell was in with Tami. It is fun to see the different costumes. Fun Times...lots of Great Memories!!!

FIRST YEAR OF MOLAHIETTES!!!

Lori tagged anyone that was on the Molahiette Drill Team...I just couldn't resist...I was on the very First Team in 1970. We made our own costumes. Cut our letters ML out of felt. Yes we have kneesocks and pom poms on our tennis shoes! I was an officer along with Cheryl Dodgen Robbins. It says in the annual...The drill team is a new organization at Moses Lake High School. Those were the days!

ALL BY MYSELF

I can't help think about the strength of this child. Nicole had just turned 3 years old. She wanted to build a snowman. I told her there wasn't enough snow. She quietly gathered a few sticks, buttons & the hat from our Fall Scarecrow. She slipped on her thin raincoat over her thin pajamas and my hat & scarf and snuck outside. I cried when I saw her through the window. Notice...NO GLOVES! Her hands were frozen but she could only smile and say "I did it all by MYSELF!" She had built this little snowman and was so proud of it. I don't think she even felt the cold. Nicole amazes me. She doesn't complain even now. She just quietly keeps moving forward. I am thankful for everyone who gives her an occasional hug. She needs that!!! I think we all do. Love Ya...Consider yourself hugged!

McConkie Christmas Pageants!

STACY AGE 4 (MARY) MERRY CHRISTMAS...I LOVE YOU!!!

All the years of Christmas pageants with my own children have exploded into the homes where my grandchildren are growing, learning and dawning their occassional halos! I loved this little video. It softened my heart and sent me back to Christmas long long ago! We used brown paper bags to conceal the contents of the costumes. Each child would grab one and find out what their role was. I will never forget the year David was Mary! I will try and publish some family photos later. Just like this video...there was never perfection in the process but oh, the laughter and feelings that were generated by that simple Christmas pageant!

BUSY GRANDMAS!

We are looking for a better name for our group. It is one of those Relief Society Enrichment groups. Let me tell you...we have some real enriching activites. Kathy Perrins is our team captain (sorry Kathy; I didn't know what your title is but WE MISS YOU!!!) We meet every month and do fun stuff! Last month we had a progressive dinner. Dessert was at my house. This month we did a cookie exchange, made plates for friends and neighbors and delivered them while caroling. We have had a pedicure night...but we mostly just sat and talked and giggled. We also went out to dinner. We really have a lot of fun. You don't have to be a granny. I noticed that I am the only one in both photos. Okay...I have NO SOCIAL LIFE! :) Fun Times!!!

This is a picture of us at Michaels on the Lake...

THOSE WERE THE DAYS MY FRIEND...

I have been getting a little heavy on my post. I am going to try and (as Nicole would say) BE HAPPIER! Tis the season of reflection. Yes, I am the one with her eyes closed (no digital checks back then) Growing up I had a best friend named Patti Cobia. She married a young return missionary named Greg Hughes who originally lived in Moses Lake. I have so many good memories of our friendship. We still keep in touch and those friendships are precious. Our dance instructor was "Nancy Vernon" who lives in 6th Ward. Marvin and Nancy Vernon moved away for years. I am so thankful they are back. Marvin is one of my Dad's close friends. I loved what I learned from dance. I learned to work together as a team. I learned discipline and grace(still working on that one!!!). Okay, I won't bore you with the details but I did love dance. Now, with Today's Generation...I get to see my daughter learn and grow with the jazz team. I am grateful that Peggy, Lori & Janet have made it possible. Fun Times!!!

I LOVE TO SEE THE TEMPLE !

Dave and Sara took this pictures for me to hang in the Genealogy Library. I love our temple. I have so many good memories of Paul and I spending time there. My daughter Michelle went there her first time. It is a place where my heart rests.

COLUMBIA RIVER TEMPLE

HAPPY B-DAY ASHLYN

Oh, my goodness...you are a TERRIFIC TWO!!! Grandma sends a big hug and will see you at Christmas.

Ashlyn is a carbon copy of Stacy with a little Ryan mixed in. She is happy most of the time. She is a talker! We just can't get enough of her. Last time she was at my house I bought her a princess nightgown. She loved it but it was no where to be found when they got home. I looked everywhere and couldn't find it. Then for Thanksgiving she went right to the dolls diaper bag (belongs to Nicole) and pulled out the nightgown. She didn't forget even though it had been months. Look out for that one...she is a busy one. Ashlyn will be a big sister in April. Fun Times!

PASSPORT MADNESS!

Thank Heavens...I know the Bank Manager for Bank o America in Moses Lake...he took our passport pictures for us. Then it was onto the post office where they make you swear with your hand raised that you aren't lying about the information you wrote down. Then I had to prove that Nicole's father was really dead through 2 sources. I couldn't help but wonder if illegal aliens had to do all of that to cross from Mexico into the United States; it wouldn't happen. If a terrorist who swore he was telling the truth...would mean anything? We soon will have our passports and it is off to Mexico. Fun Times!!!

DO YOU THINK I COULD BE IN THE JAZZ CLUB?!? I know...nice try!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

I love being a Mom and a Grandma. I love being a teacher and even a contractor. The one thing I can't seem to manage is being "Paul". My Aunt Nilace lost her Dad when she was Nicole's age. It was a really hard blow to her life. She has helped me try to soften the edges for Nicole. Sometimes I think I am doing really good and then in the quiet moments I realize it is probably not enough. I reassure myself that a loving Heavenly Father knew Nicole would be okay when he took Paul but often I worry about not being "enough". I am thankful for everyone that lifts her and helps her on a difficult journey. Nicole and her Dad were buddies. There are times that are much harder. Christmas is really a mixed bag of joy and sadness. Last night all she wanted to do is watch movies of her Dad. I love the nuturing she gets from her dance teachers and friends. Peggy, Lori and Janet, I want to thank you for the way you challenge Nicole to be better and take the time to make her feel like she belongs. It is so much of what she talks about. Danielle has always lifted Nicole and made her want to try harder. I guess my purpose of this blog is a thankful heart for all of those who touch my daughter's life...and a reminder that behind those blue eyes and smile is a heavy heart looking for a hug. I would also love some ideas on how to be "more" and how to fill in the gaps left by a missing Daddy.

CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST

Our Ward (10th) does a Christmas Breakfast with all the fixin's and Santa too. It is a lot of fun for the kids. We are all kids aren't we?!? Anyways...you can wear pajamas. Nicole gets up, showers, puts on her makeup, styles her hair and wears fresh clean pajamas. It's all about the look you know. Dave and Sara were getting ready for the BIG BANK OF AMERICA staff party in their home; so grandma stole her Grandkids for the event. It really was a lot of fun! The blurry picture is the Young Women showing everyone how to exercise doing the "running version of the cha cha slide" whatever the heck that is. Nicole was up for dancing...I think that kid dances in her sleep. Fun Times!!!

WORK A REFINING TOOL!

This is a photo of Paul's backhoe. My father hid it behind a haystack for the first year. Paul was found sitting at the wheel of this backhoe when he slipped through the veil. We have decided that it is a symbol of a hardworking man. It makes me smile and of course miss him but it doesn't hurt like it used to. He loved running that piece of machinery. I love remembering him working on C&V's landscape those last few days. I know he would love that I am working with my Dad and learning how to complete my Father's dream. I can't wait to tell him everything but then...he propably gets a peak from time to time and KNOWS.
As I navigate the business world; I have found my skills as a Mom to be very helpful. I write this for all the stay-at-home Moms that don't think they have marketable skills. Motherhood is an incredible teacher!!! There are 15 separate county agencies you have to work individually with. They don't like the city agencies of which there are just as many. They don't play nice and they don't play fair. You have to be patient (something I am working on) and maintain a smile when truly wanting to scream. On the work site we have a dozen personalities. Everyone wants to be acknowledged (sounds like motherhood?) and everyone wants money (familiar). Then you have all the subcontractors...lights, heating and air, cement workers, brick layers, window installers etc... (the list goes on and on). Getting them where they are suppose to be, when they are suppose to be there is challenging to say the least. Sound like something we mothers do?!? I am telling you Mom's that you are getting the best training available in the home. I often revert back to the skills of raising my 6 children to settle disputes. I do really enjoy my new job. I have lots of new friends and my organizational skills really come in handy. I get teased about all the paperwork being organized in plastic sheets, tabbed dividers and binders. I would go crazy with 3 separate buildings going on at the same time if I wasn't organized. Who knows maybe someday I will build a house. I didn't think I could do it before but after these commercial buildings...a home would be a piece of cake!!!

GIRL'S STILL AHEAD!

Stacy is having a GIRL!!! I love my grandsons, there are 5 of them but they sound more like an army of 1,000 warriors when they get together. Of course when I got them all Nerf guns, the wars began. Thank heavens for garages!!! This spring we will welcome another Granddaughter into the McConkie (Graham) family! Being a grandma is the BEST! My favorite part is "one on one time" when I can listen to them individually. They are spiritual giants in little bodies. I love them ALL!!!

TURKEY DAY 2008

THANKSGIVING 2008

It was everything I could have dreamed of and more. I really mean the and more. I bought Christmas gifts for all 15 grandchildren and let them open them on Thanksgiving. Yes, I was probably the most popular Grandma at that moment. Nicole and I are headed for Utah, Arizona and Mexico for Christmas break. It was my chance to share a little Christmas with all of my family. The Nerf guns were deployed in the garage. The Hannah Montana dolls were dressed and redesigned over and over. The baby dolls were diapered and fed. It was fun to watch the different personalities. Yes, it does make me miss Paul. I hope he gets to peak down and see how good we are doing. True happiness comes from good friends and families...I am thankful to have both.

NICOLE'S B-DAY

Yes, the little turkey turned 13 on Thanksgiving! Sara took her to Twilight as a birthday present! She received a Twilight jacket and shirt. Let me tell you, "Hot Topics" is an interesting store. It took all that was in me to go in and make the purchases. Thank goodness Stacy was there to help me. She also got the soundtrack to Twilight and the remaining books. There was an few of her favorite music CD's, jewelry, etc... We had her favorite icecream cake. It is always a challenge to eat birthday cake on Thanksgiving with the variety of pies and desserts. Nicole said the best thing about having your birthday on Thanksgiving is that everyone comes from all over the United States for her birthday.
We had David & Sara (3 children) from Moses Lake, Tami & Travis (5 children) from Idaho, Heidi and Andy (3 children) from Utah, Michelle (3 children) from Texas, Stacy and Ryan (1 1/2 children) from Idaho.

My Little Miracle is Growing Up!

Nicole turns 13 on Thanksgiving Day! I went into labor on Thanksgiving Day putting up Christmas Decorations. It was a day to remember. My Son and his new wife were at the house as well as my daughter (Tami) who was in college and a daughter who was the current Junior Miss (Heidi). Michelle and Stacy were enthusiastic cheerleaders. I insisted on showering and having the house in order before I left. Paul never looked so worried and frazzled! We had to drive to Spokane and I was having a scheduled C-Section and not suppose to go into labor. He was driving over 90 miles an hour. I told him we should time the contractions. He said okay. I told him I had a contraction. Then shortly after I said that I was having another one. He said okay. I asked him how far apart they were. Paul, who is always calm, said "DO I HAVE TO FIGURE OUT THAT TOO...I CAN'T DRIVE AND FIGURE OUT HOW FAR APART THE CONTRACTIONS ARE TOO!" I had to laugh. Nothing ever upset Paul, but he was pretty uptight about the thought of having a baby on the freeway. The contractions were less that a minute apart. He stopped at a phone booth in Ritzville to call Dr. Maughan. When we got to the hospital everyone was ready. Nicole was the healthiest baby I had delivered. She was the only baby I had that stayed in my room. The other 5 went to ICU or at least to the nursery for observation. That little miracle has blessed my life for almost 13 years.

I am so thankful for my dear friends that shared my joy of that "late in life" (43) baby. Many said they were thankful it wasn't them...I am thankful IT WAS ME! I call Nicole "An answer to a prayer, long since forgotten." I am thankful for all those who reach out to Nicole. Especially I am thankful for Lori Baker, Janet Bergeson and Peggy Earl for the love they give Nicole through Today's Generation Jazz Club. It is amazing what love and tender care they give to these girls. What a blessing to have an environment where young women and girls can stay physically fit, develop their talent and have fun doing it all. THANK YOU!!! I am thankful for Nicole's piano teachers...Gracie Payne and Tami Bleazzard. I am thankful for Carrie Welty and the vocal lessons Nicole was able to take. I love hearing Nicole sing. I love hearing Nicole play the piano. I love watching Nicole dance! I am thankful for the tender mercies of a Heavenly Father who knew he would be taking Paul home and loved me enough to send that precious gift of a child to warm my heart and keep me going. I am truly blessed. Now to get ready for more of MY BLESSINGS that are coming this week for THANKSGIVING!!!

COUNT MY MANY BLESSINGS...NAME THEM ONE BY ONE!

1 BLESSING
FAMILY! FAMILY! FAMILY!
I am thankful for 6 children and their spouses. I am thankful for 15 grandchildren and one on the way! I am thankful that they love me and treat me so good. This week I injured my knee pretty bad. I was suppose to pick Stacy up from the Spokane Airport. When Dave and Sara heard (from Nicole) that I was in trouble...Sara went to Spokane and got Stacy and baby Ashlyn. David insisted on taking me to the doctor. I am now in a knee brace. It doesn’t slow me down much. Too much to do to be hurt. I am thankful for a son who lives nearby and honors his priesthood. Huge blessing in my life. I love my family. EVERYONE OF THEM!!!

2 GOSPEL
I am thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thankful to know why I am on earth and why bad things happen to good people. I have faith in a loving Heavenly Father that tests me to teach me. I love my brothers and sisters in the gospel. They make me laugh and they are willing to cry with me. I love that we care and nurture each other in the gospel. I love teaching family history and learning new things. The gospel gives me a reason to get up in the morning and often wears me out so I can sleep through the night.

3 HOME
I am thankful for a home that is cozy enough for Nicole and I but able to expand to hold my big family during special times like the holidays. I am thankful for the spirit that is in our home. If is a refuge in the storms of life.

4 FRIENDS
I am thankful for friends. I have some incredible friends. They make me laugh at myself while reminding me that they are laughing with me and not at me. I do some really stupid things that even amaze me. Learning to be a single working mom has been a struggle. I have learned to survive. I have a whole network of support behind me and standing with me. The Lord did not leave me alone...even though it felt that way for a long time.

5 DAD
My Dad has always been my buddy. I have always enjoyed being with him. He has encouraged me all through my life. He reminds me of what I can be. His smile makes my day. He has a sweet wife that everyone loves. She is a peacemaker. She cares for my father in such a sweet and tender way. I always thought that someday my father would pass through the veil and Paul & I would have to find a way to let him go. Now, as I stand on this side of the veil, missing my eternal partner...it is my father who has helped me find a way to survive the pain of loss. For today I am thankful that I have my Dad in my life.

IT'S IN THE AIR!!!

You can feel it coming. It's in the air. THE HOLIDAYS!!! It means my kid's are coming home. We are putting up the "breakables" and filling lower shelves with things that are more lovable. We are washing all the guest bedding. We are stocking up on groceries and toilet paper! Actually we have tons of toilet paper...I have a hidden phobia of not having sufficient TP in case of an emergency. :) We are having an early Christmas while we have all 15 grandkids home. Stay tuned for photos cause it is going to be a Zoo! I love it and wouldn't have it any other way. I ran across this statement and need to put it up in vinyl letters..."GRANDMA'S HOUSE...A PLACE WHERE COUSINS BECOME FRIENDS!" I love that. This year 3 new babies joined our family. They are all at the curious stage. So up with the tiny things and down with the soft friendly things.
I need to get our passports for Mexico. Nicole is pretty excited about our adventure this Christmas...so am I!
I just got a phone call to teach a 45 minute presentation tomorrow in 3rd ward on the New Family Search. I love seeing people light up and get excited about the new program. I spend a lot of time repairing work people have messed up but it is always worth the effort. If you have gone to www.new.familysearch.org ,you need to! There are tutorials to get you started. It's addictive!

Witch for a Day!!! THANK YOU MARION!!!

Marion Wyman put together an amazing party for a bunch of us witches. Guess she could just tell who might "BE A REAL WITCH"? We met at Marion's home and gathered our "powers" together for the broom ride to Dana's restaurant. We were escorted to a banquet room and had a wonderful lunch. Marion made us "Goodie Bags" & Little Treasures TOO! It was just plain FUN!!! Susan came as a "Good Witch?". We cackled and told tales for a spell. It was one of the best Halloweens I have had in a long time. The plan for next year's gathering is already in the works. :)


Front row; left to right: Telsie, Elaine, Sharon, Pat, and Susan.
Back row; left to right: Melanie, Holli, Shaila, Brianne, Marion, LaVoy, and Marion's Mom.

HALLOWEEN FUN 2008

MY BABY!

This building has become my job! I love working through the processes. Well, most of the time I love it. I have been challenged to learn new things FAST! It is so interesting to learn permitting and developing a huge project like this. I have got to hire workers and follow through on estimates. I love learning! I have met lots of helpful people and I have met some down right mean spirited people. You have to work with all of them and keep a good attitude. I am indeed learning patience! Most of all, I love working with my Dad.
When Paul was building C&V Auto, he would get so excited about each part of the process. I remember him coming home and saying "You gotta come see it Sharon". I would go out to the site and he would introduce me to everyone and make sure they knew how much he appreciated all they do. I try to do that too! I get excited about every new step we take. There is so much behind the scenes stuff to do. It really keeps me running. I appreciate my Father's trust in me. It has given me something else to smile about. I will always look at that structure and smile!

Sundays are the Best!

I remember one day asking Nicole which day of the week she liked best. She said Sundays, because that is when Daddy doesn't go to work and we spend the whole day together. Nicole wasn't here when Daddy was an Biahop. He did have a lot more time with her. We figure she got double Daddy time...and that will have to hold her. She has such wonderful memories of her Dad. I am thankful for that.
Today Nicole and I went to 6th Ward with my Dad and StepMom. It was a wonderful experience. It seemec like each topic was hand picked for us. My Dad had some insights on the Second Coming that were quite impressive. I love my Dad.
Nicole, Aunt Nilace and myself took hot cinnamon rolls and dinner rolls to Grandpa(my Dad). We saw his new little pup, that he named "Cookie". It is teacup size. It is a terrior mix. Oh my goodness, is she cute!
Life is Good!

WHAT IF???

Last night I went to bed right after reading about the Gay Rights Protest in front of the Salt Lake Temple. Probably not good sleeping material. I am thankful for prayer. I can talk to Heavenly Father about my concerns...he always listens and I always have more peace when I crawl into bed. I had this prompting during the night. Now, I am not a visionary person, but I do think this was inspiration for me. All my life I have worried about "What if?".
I worried "What if"
I wasn't ready for the first day of school. (mostly about clothing!)
I wasn't ready for the birth of my first child. (continued thru all 6)
I wasn't a good enough mother.
I wasn't a good enough wife.
My husband died. I worried about that one a lot!
...the list goes on and on!

My prompting was..."What if"
I got it right
"What if" I was ready!
"What if" We had prayer at least twice a day, family home evening, and studied and pondered the scriptures.
"What if" We followed every word of the Prophet.
"What if" My food storage was complete (including water jugs I need to fill TODAY!!!)
"What if" I magnified my church callings.
"What if" I cared for my family (including extended members that get forgotten)
that list goes on too!

"What if" I was prepared to meet the Savior and be with my husband again. Ya know, I have plenty of really good things to focus on. It will take me till the Savior comes or my time is up to work on me! I don't have to worry about the President of the USA. I don't have to worry about gay marriage. I just have to be a little better today than I was yesterday. I woke up feel renewed committment and energy to be a better ME! Tomorrow my father is going to church again. IS AN ANSWER TO A FERVENT PRAYER OF MINE! Nicole and I are going to 6th Ward to be with them. They leave for Yuma this next week. THAT It isn't about all the big things that worry us...it is all about the little things that accumulate into a life dedicated to the Lord. I choose today to be happy & try to be a little better! :)

Yes, I live with Hannah Montana!

Today, Chief Moses Middle School announced that Nicole was officially voted the most likely to become Hannah Montana or Miley Cyrus! How funny?!? I know she sings like her...dresses like her...has hair like her. I would have voted for her too! Some boy was voted the most like Brad Pitt. Nicole doesn't know him. They got their picture taken for the annual together. She wanted to have it taken dancing on top of the table. I think Lori, Peggy and Janet get the credit for the "loose hips"! :) She said they had a microphone ready for her. She did sing at last year’s concert. It was a song from High School Musical. I LOVED IT! I might be her Mom but I do love hearing her sing. She has put together a concert for the family for Thanksgiving. She has her own stage and complete set up in the garage. Her nieces, Haley and Alissa are her back-up singers. They practice several times a week. It is fun to listen to...that was so smart of me to set it up in the garage. Listening is optional and by choice. :)

HOLIDAYS!!!

I love them all ! Some how it doesn't seem so lonely when we are busy getting ready for parties and family gatherings. I feel more like I belong. Like things aren't so different and there is so much to look forward to.
All 6 of my children, 4 out of 5 spouses, and all 15 grandchildren are coming. I have decided to decorate for Christmas a little early. Nicole and I will be gone for the Christmas break. This is a time to enjoy. Stacy is flying in a week early. We have way too much fun. The other families will be coming in at various times.
I used to wish it would snow so high that we couldn't get out of the house. I would have my sweet husband and all our children under one roof. We could close off the world and just be together. The "noise" and distractions of the world would be silenced. I have always loved being with my own family. Now, Nicole and I try to make a family by ourselves. We have a lot of fun together but the quantity does matter. I will so endure the chaos to be enveloped by the giggles and joy of having most of my family here. Little Ashlyn and the 3 new additions that came this year (all girls) will be so fun to watch. Nicole is the "cruise director" again. She is looking in Oriental Trade magazines and preparing gift bags for each child. She is amazing!
Nicole and I are going to Provo to be with Heidi's family for Christmas! We are going to do temple square and all the festivities of Salt Lake. Look our Quilted Bear! Ya know that new charge for baggage on the airlines is a real bummer. Then we will fly to Yuma, Arizona to stay with my Dad & Babette for a week. He has a ATV that Nicole and I can play in the sand with. We are getting passports to go shopping in Mexico! It will be a different Christmas but then it hasn't been the same without Dad anyways. I think different is good! We love being at Andy and Heidi's for Christmas! We have spent a couple with Travis & Tami and that was great! Dave & Sara are just a couple of blocks away and I LOVE IT!!! Soooo if ya see a Christmas tree through my windows...you will know...I LOVE CHRISTmas AND Yes, we will be decorating early!