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!