Remembering Grandma....

We seem to get so caught up in living, we fail to remember and contemplate what we have learned from significant people in our past. As we go about our lives, we are continually thinking, whether it's about what is for dinner or how much we need to accomplish that day or remembering what it was like to have our Grandma hug us. We seldom take to time to reflect on what those special memories meant, let alone write them down for others to use in their journey through life.

My sweet Grandma Wilde always wore hearing aides. She had the old kind that tucked into her bra and had a cable running up to her ear. When the cousins would arrive for a visit, she would discretely reach inside her clothing and turn the volume down! Grandma was a "no nonsense" kind of grandma. She was always busy. Grandma and Grandpa Wilde lived in Kamas, Utah. My family lived in Idaho so when we visited so did everyone else. Lots of cousins, lots of noise, lots to eat, lots of games, and lots of work for Grandma. She had nine kids and thirty-one grandkids.

I guess what started all this reminiscing was thinking about the lessons I learned from my Grandma. She lived in the same three bedroom house where her nine children were born. x Grandma loved her dogs (all Pomeranian named "Tinker") and raising African violets. Grandpa built her a violet stand out of rebar that I use for my Family History books.

Grandpa passed away when I was twelve leaving Grandma raising my cousin, Mike. Mike's mother, Effie, had passed away when Mike was five. Grandpa had insurance but it was an accident only policy. Grandpa died of a heart attack. Grandma supported herself and Mike by working for the school lunch program. Her married children helped as they could but were raising their own young families. Grandma was a hard worker and determined to make a good life for Mike.

I guess what started all this reminiscing was thinking about the lessons I learned from my Grandma. She lived in the same three bedroom house where her nine children were born. Grandma loved her dogs (all Pomeranian named "Tinker") and raising African violets. Grandpa built her a violet stand out of rebar that I use for my Family History books.

Grandpa passed away when I was twelve leaving Grandma raising my cousin, Mike. Mike's mom had passed away when he was five. Grandpa had insurance but it wad accident only. Grandma supported herself and Mike by working for the school lunch. Her children helped as they could but were raising their own young families. Grandma was a hard worker and determined to make a good life for Mike.

Grandma never had much money but it never mattered. She made do with what she had. She took care of her things and made them last. Grandma shared whatever she had.

Grandma made me an afghan when I graduated from high school. I have a handkerchief Grandma and Grandpa gave me one Christmas. She croqueted a lace edge to make it pretty. Grandma always wore an apron and made the best cookies out of old bottled fruit. I remember enjoying her fruit cocktail  cookies even when I was in college.

Mostly I remember her hugs. I loved her humor - a little sarky -. She had a fascination  with unusual names she would find in the obituaries. Maybe that's why Uncle Jim had a goofy name for everyone!!  I loved her and I knew she loved me. That's what my Grandma was all about........

Another special day. . .

Today is Amy's birthday. Aside from being Thad's wife, and Tabby and Ike's Mom, Amy is an amazing person. She 'thinks outside the box' in so many areas. She uses barkless logs for end tables, takes phenomenal photos, uses texture in her home it innovative ways. . . I could go on and on.

Every time I go to their home, there is a new project in the works to make it better and more beautiful. Amy can take a $20 KSL finds and turn it into a $500 look alike. She is not only creative in her home but in the community as well. Amy helped with the PTA fundraisers last year and doubled their dollar intake. (Darth Vader visited the library Book-fair).

I am so glad Amy decided to join our family. She is such a kind and generous person and so willing to share her talents with us all. Happy Birthday, Amy. . . We love you!!

September Events

I promised I would try to write each month. . . Best laid plans!! September seemed to fly by.

My mother had open heart surgery early in August so I took Family Medical Leave from work to be with her until the end of September. Each weekday I drove to Ogden in the morning and home at night. My sister had night duty. Basically Mom and I visited at first, but as she began to feel better she had jobs that needed done. I cleaned the fridge and freezer, trimmed the Magnolia tree, put away the patio furniture, drove her to rehab, etc. Mom was back to her old self!!

On August 21st, our oldest grandchild turned twelve. We went to St. George to see Josh ordained. He is such a good guy! Josh's enthusiasm is catching. He loves life and sports just like his Dad. We are so proud of him and the choices he makes.

On the 20th of September we discovered a pipe had broken in the basement. The water was in three of the four rooms. Luckily it was house water, but never the less required disaster clean-up. We found it within twelve hours so no mold or any of the bad stuff. So the adventure of basement remodel begins.

On Tuesday, the 21st of September, our little Tori turned 2. The next day little Ruby was 2, two cousins birthdays in twelve hours. Then we skipped a day and Melvin, Tori's Dad, had a birthday. What a blessing these people are in our life. The joy the children bring into the family is priceless. Watching them grow and their personalities develop is so fun.

Melvin is so talented. He finished the basement in both his first home and second home. Thad actually spied down the wall to see how straight it was!! The wall was perfect. He has put in grass in back yards, planted trees, got Gaby off to school, tended kids during holiday breaks, and works nights. Melvin helps out everyone including Grandma Weez and Moo. He is an amazing man. Our daughter, Leah, really scored when she married him. We

are so lucky to have him in the family.

All in all, August and September few by and grew together. Once again, I am grateful for family. Even though it is a busy and crazy life, I'm so glad I'm here to enjoy it. I'm grateful for the health of my Mom and the joy family brings into my life!

Sixty-five Years Ago Today

Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband !! Lots of new things happen when you turn 65. You start to get all kinds of mail regarding medicare and their supplements. You get tons of stuff from AARP for additional life insurance. The clincher for Kurt was a letter from the Scooter store!! He didn't even open that one, just threw it in my lap and shook his head!

We have been married for 42 years but it seems like blink. We have been married twice as long as we were single. We still laugh, enjoy the smell after the rain, discuss ideas, and have a great time learning new things.

Kurt supports me in all I do - from helping with classes I volunteer to teach, cooking and cleaning if he thinks I've had a bad day, and tolerating huge messes when I am quilting. His attitude is "What can I do to help". Kurt has a positive attitude and believes you can change your life by changing your attitude.

He has been there for the birth and rearing of six kids, one with special needs. He has weathered adolescent children, paid for college and missions, tolerated more dents in cars than I can count, soon to be sixteen grandchildren, and still has a smile and a joke.

I really love him. Can you see why? Happy Birthday, my wonderful sweetheart!!

My Eldest Daughter

Today is Sarah's birthday. I remember how happy I was to finally have a daughter after two wild little boys. I thought I would dress her in ribbons and lace but she had other ideas. Absolutely NO LACE!! She had to be tough to survive with her brothers.

From the beginning, Sarah had a mind of her own. She wasn't the easiest child to raise but I've found the very qualities that exasperated me as her Mom, are the ones I admire most in her as an adult.

She has a wonderful sense of right. At age five, s

he informed me that if I would make the boys go outside to use the bathroom, I could keep the bathroom cleaner! And by the time she was seven, she would call me if I was later than I anticipated, because she was worried. She told me I needed to be more responsible and call if I was going to be late. Sometimes I wondered who was the Mom!

She is strong. We had a neighbor that was not very tolerant of Andy. He told his children "if that kid comes in our yard, I'll shoot him". I don't think he expected a kindergardener at his door the next day saying, "Mr Steed, we love our brother, so if he comes in your yard just tell me and I'll bring him home. Don't shoot him." Then Sarah came home and told me she had taken care of the problem.

She is focused. When she wanted to go to Israel, she made it happen. She will work hard for the things she wants. She wanted to make a quilt for college. She stuck with it until the quilt was finished and I think she hated every minute of it. Sarah would only write in her journal in Italian so she learned the language quicker. Sarah had twelve journals completed before her mission.

I admire her persistence with exercise and healthy living. I love her humor. She is a wonderful Mom. I love how Gavin refers to "Sarah Law", I wish I had thought of that!!

I love her thoughtfulness. She observes and remembers. Once I came home from a trip and Sarah had orchestrated new counter tops in my kitchen. Her Dad would have never thought of that on his own!

Sarah is kind, strong, humorous, creative, determined, loving, focused, loyal . . . I could go on and on. I am so proud of her and of the marvelous woman she had become. I love her more as each day and year passes.

Have a wonderful Birthday, Sarah. I love you

Three Years Ago Today. . .

Three years ago today Jace Hamilton was born. He joined the Arnett family, Sarah and Gavin, plus Aubrey and Lincoln. He had big blue eyes that took in all the busyness around him. He didn't like baths at first, but now it's one of his favorite times.

Jace is an exuberant little guy that still likes to cuddle in the morning. He is growing up too fast. I only see the family once or twice a year, so one visit he is pointing and the next he is talking. One time his run is wobbly with his arms pumping far more than his legs and the next he is chasing a soccer ball.

We are so glad Jace is in our family. Right now, he is in Florida at Disney World. Sarah doesn't tell the kids when they are going on vacation. (Too many questions. . .Are we going today? How many more days? or too much help packing their suitcases) Anyway, she told Jace because " if he told the others they wouldn't believe him anyway!"

I hope Jace is having a wonderful Birthday. We love him. . . Happy Birthday Jacerooney!!

Isa's Birthday

Happy Birthday to Isa!! She was born in April along with all the April 8th men. She is such a vibrant little girl. She loves to run and twirl and turn cartwheels and jump and laugh. You get the picture!

Isa has many faces that make us laugh and bring us joy. We love you. . . Happy Birthday!!

A Lesson from my Children

I continue to be amazed at my children. They certainly did't get their love of exercise from me.

This month, Zac completed his first Ironman. His goal was to complete it in fifteen hours but he crossed the finish line in thirteen hours twenty-four minutes. I have never seen anything like it. the average age was 41. There were several competitors over 70. One guy had done an Ironman in South Africa the weekend before. I was blown away by the determination of these people and so proud of my son.

The next weekend, Thad ran in the Race for the Cure to honor his mother-in-law's battle with breast cancer. The whole Miller clan participates in this activity every year.

The following weekend it was Leah's turn. She finished a 5K in Ogden that she had been training for most of the winter. She just found out she was expecting her fourth baby, but had worked too hard to skip the race. She finished under thirty-seven minutes.

Sarah has been running for years. I don't know how many marathons she has finished. She ran the St George and a Marine Corp one to honor Bill Jacobsen, a soldier killed in Iraq, that she knew in high school. She also ran one in North Carolina when she lived in Washington DC. She says ten mile runs are relaxing to her. What?

Jake is a hiker and mountain climber. He goes to Moab at least once a year. He has taken Ruby on various hikes. I've seen pictures of her high on a mountain trail and I know Jake and Aimee have carried Ruby up there!!

I am amazed by their desire to be healthy. . . So far I am just a spectator watching them but am inspired to do more to improve my overall fitness. I have children who set an example for me. I am so proud of them!!

Where is Spring?

Usually in late March we are all thinking winter is over and spring is here. We look forward to warmer days, early blossoms, and GREEN. Well, this year we had the green alright due to the rain/snow until mid June, but April and May weren't really Spring. These are photos from April and May at the Weilands.

I noticed if we had a clear day forecast the nurseries were humming. I have (notice the present tense ) a lot of grass in my flower beds. I bought some stuff that was supposed to kill the grass and leave the flowers alone. The trick was, I had to have three days of 70 degree weather and no rain to use it. Meanwhile the grass in the beds is getting taller and thicker.

I waited the months of March, April, and most of May before I could apply it. We had rain, snow, hail, and sleet. Never three days over 70 without moisture. Now it is 80+ degrees and I have to dig out grass (partially dead). I don't know if I will ever get this gardening thing!!

The Production

Every year Andy performs in the Special Needs Production at the regional center in Bountiful. It is a play that is especially written for the mutual.

Andy LOVES being on stage, getting laughs and applause. Each year the leaders make an attempt to corral his enthusiasm but he usually finds a way around them. You never see the same show twice, even though the lines are the same. The kids just do their own thing.

Andy has been Elvis, a Maori warrior, and a fire dancer to name a few. This year he was one of the stripling warriors. The name of the play was the "Warriors of Light". It is really an amazing thing to see over a hundred people with special needs singing, dancing, and, above all, teaching us.

They always close the evening with singing "I am a Child of God". They always have a soloist sing the first verse then the mutual joins in on the second. The audience joins for the third verse, and then they mutual sings the fourth verse.

I am so proud of the Bear and so very glad he is a member of our family.

My Life in April

April 8th is a significant date in my family.

When I was a baby, we had wonderful neighbors. The Adams family had no children of their own so they became Grandma and Grandpa to me. I have many pictures of me being loved by them. Grandpa Adams was born on April 8th.

The next important man in my life was my dad, Fred Jacobsen. He was kind and loving. I could talk to him about anything. He made me feel important, like whatever I said was of value. He usually supported me in my decisions and gently advised me when he disagreed. He could fix anything and set a high standard for my future husband. Dad was born on April 8th.

My first son, Andy, was born on April 8th. He has been a wonderful addition to our family. All the kids have learned lessons from the Bear. . . patience, tolerance, looking out for the underdog, acceptance of those who are different, crazy clapping, appreciation of health in mind and body. . .so many lessons.

When Sarah met Gavin, we knew he was the one. Gavin was born on April 8th. What a fine husband and father he is. He makes Sarah laugh, plays wii with his sons, takes his daughter on dates and quietly provides for his family while making his dream of being a doctor come true.

There must be something magical about April 8th or I have just been incredibly lucky to have four such wonderful men in my life that share the same birthday !!

Crazy, Busy March

March is such a busy time at work, end of year IEPs and kids transitioning to kindergarten. I seems there is barely time to think, let alone write on the blog.

In our immediate family, we have one March birthday. Tabby was born on St. Patrick's Day. Tabs is such a joy to be around. She is creative and a real negotiator. This year her Dad helped to build a leprechaun catcher. It was really quite a contraption, but that is how Thad and Tabs think!

We also celebrated her brother's birthday at our family dinner since he was sick in February. We lit the candles on the cake several times so all would have a turn to blow them out. Ike was thrilled to have another birthday. Grand kids are so great!!

The end of the month, my memory went back 50 years. I was at Primary when word came that my mom had a new baby. I had a sister. I remember running home and being so thrilled that Janet was here. She was such a beautiful baby. . . it was like playing with a live doll. We have had lots of adventures over the years. I am so thankful I have a sister.

February Happenings

We have three birthdays this month, Shauna, Aubrey, and Isaac. Shauna celebrates with her family in St George, probably making her own cake. Zac has quite a history with cakes, but that is another story!

Isaac lives in Salt Lake so we recognize him at our third Sunday family dinner. All the local families get together once a month at our house for dinner. The cousins play, the adults talk and we all have a good time. This year Ike was sick so he joined his sister in blowing out the candles in March.

Aubrey lives in Washington. This was a very special birthday for her. She turned eight and was baptized. Aubrey wore the dress I made for mom's baptism. I think she made a deal with Sarah that if she wore the "old" dress, she could choose any dress she wanted for her confirmation.

We flew to Seattle to be there and give Aubrey her scriptures with her name engraved on the cover. Aubrey looked so beautiful and happy. I was and am so proud of her. She was baptized by her dad. What a great month!!

Promises. . . Promises. . .

I had a comment on my blog in April from one of Zac's friends that read, "Isn't it time for another post!!!!!"

Did she mean,"Are you still alive or did you die?"

I also have a good friend that writes in her blog just everyday fun stuff. . . . grandkids birthdays, days she feels proud, days she feels introspective, funny incidents, you get the idea. Well, I promised myself I could do that too. I even went so far as to make it a New Year's resolution. As you can see, it is June and my last blog was in December. So much for promised good intentions.

The pace that starts escalating after Thanksgiving keeps right on going through January in our family. Grandma Weez has a birthday on New Year's Eve, followed by Thad's on January 3rd. My birthday is on the 9th with grand-daughter, Ally, on the 10th. Jake's is on the 14th and Kurt's mom was born on the 18th.

While I think a lot about these wonderful people in my life and, usually, call them on their birthdays, I didn't blog. I love who they are and what they have become. Thad and Jake are such fine men. They are husbands and fathers of the greatest caliber. (They learned that from their Dad) Our moms, both named Louise, taught us values and principles that have shaped the direction of our lives. Grandkids are just the blessing you get from raising their parents.

So January passed with lots of love and memories, but no blogging. Maybe, with time, I will be more like my friend, Sheila, and recognize events as they happen. But for now, I'll play catch-up!!!

Christmas Memories 2009

As I went back to work yesterday, I reflected on my Christmas break. I seemed so packed with activity that it was over too soon. We were able to see ten of our thirteen grandkids, as well as their parents.

Zac's family came early Christmas week so we

were able to go on an elf hunt in Gardner Village, visit the Children's Museum, and experience a Pioneer Christmas at Heritage

Park. One of the highlights of the day was dancing in the schoolhouse and, of course, the visit with Father Christmas.

Christmas Eve we draw names in the family and

exchange homemade gifts. This year Jake and Amie got Kurt and me. Usually we open the gifts after the nativity play by the grandkids, but Jake requested we open their gift before.

He had constructed a stable complete with a star!

Amie had made a donkey, a camel, and a sheep costume to add to the collection. Suddenly we had no disappointed little girls who all wanted to be Mary. What a wonderful addition to our Christmas tradition!

On Monday after Christmas we left for California to attend an 80th birthday party for Annie.

When Kurt lived in Germany as a child, his parents hired a nanny/housekeeper

to care for Kurt and his sister, Linda. Annie

came back to the states

with the family and has been a part

of their lives ever since.

It was great to see her and as a special

bonus, visit with Linda as well.

All in all, it was a very busy but great holiday. . . now back to work

What came next. . .

Right after I finished the blog and was trying to upload the video, Leah called. The conversation went like this. . .

"How are you doing, Mom?"

"This is not a good day to ask!"

"Why? What's wrong?"

I then told her the story of the tree fiasco, how mad I was, and pretty discouraged. A few minutes later after lots of laughter, she told me how to upload the video and I left for work.

When I got home an hour and fifteen minutes later, Leah's van was in the driveway. Troops had arrived to help with the decorating.

I am so grateful for a caring family that takes me with all my warts and loves me anyway. This is what things looked like when Leah took her three little girls and went home . . .

Ho. . . Ho. . ..Ho. . . "Tis the Season

I got up at 5:00 AM to get ready to put the 8 foot tree up. It needed to be fanned out and the three sections put together on the stand. Beautiful!!

By 7:30 I knew that out of seven strings of lights, I had one that worked completely, three that half worked, and four that were dead. I took Andy to catch the bus to work, counting out sixty cents for a drink as I was out of drink boxes. Then to the drugstore that is open 24-7 for lights.

I bought 800 lights and spent the next two hours meticulously placing them on the tree. Back to front, equally spaced, just a touch of color. . . . As my kids can attest, Christmas is my baby. . . Kurt is not a big fan of the whole thing so each year I spend days decorating, etc.

Well back to my story. It is now time to move the wonderfully lighted tree back into the corner. I is now after 10:00 and I have to go to a meeting for work at 11:00 (By the way, Friday is my day off!!) I crawl under the tree, grab the stand, and push. Nothing happens. . I try again.. . . still nothing. It's just too heavy. I decide I can lift it into place so I grab the trunk and lift.

You guessed it - i pulled it apart. The top was too heavy to hold with one hand so it fell, taking me to my knees. I just came up here to whine and left the whole mess. When I get home again and calmed down I will start over. Hope I finish by 4;30 as I have guests coming for dinner

HO......HO......HO

,

Andy's Ears

Andy has always had a tough time with his hearing. He has small ear canals. Periodically as the wax builds next to his eardrums, he gradually loses his hearing. We make an appointment with the ENT doctor and clean out the problem.

We began to notice it was time for another appointment about three weeks ago. Andy wouldn't answer us or respond when we called/yelled up the stairs. He also was cranking the music and TV up. The final deciding note happened when I found him watching a Disney movie for over an hour in Spanish and he didn't realize it!

We made the appointment and the wax was removed. Dr. Stoker recommended he see an audiologist as well. The result was a mild/moderate hearing loss in both ears so Andy got hearing aids.

He calls them his ears. He is only adjusted to fifty percent now and will gradually increase to the level we normally hear. I can't believe how much quieter it is around here! Andy actually came into my "office" yesterday and wanted to shut MY door. It seems my music was too loud for him!

A Very Special Day

I'm such a slacker when it comes to blogging. I think I will catch up or something funny happens and I say to myself, "That would make a fun Blog" but I never seem to take the time to do it. Life is crazy busy during the school year so I say, "When the summer comes, I will get back to blogging as well as family history stuff, scrapbooking, organizing and scanning old photos. ."

Then summer comes and my best made plans fade with planting flowers, painting Andy's room, babysitting grandkids, refinishing furniture . . and I don't even remember the funny blogging stories I didn't write.

I do however remember what I was doing about this time thirty-one years ago. I was shopping with my mother for wallpaper for my kitchen and daughter's room. We found what we wanted and left the store because I had an appointment with the doctor.

I went home and quickly made four loaves of bread before the appointment. Little did I know that before the bread was out of the oven, I would have a beautiful new daughter. She was born just thirty minutes after my appointment. The appointment was at 2:30 and Leah was born at 3:05.

I was thrilled to have another daughter. We named her after Leah Adams, a dear neighbor who I called "Grandma" growing up.

My Leah has been and continues to be a blessing in my life. She helps me each year with the most time consuming tasks I do; planting flowers and decorating for Christmas. This my not sound like the job it is, but I have five flower beds in the front of the house and over sixty nativity sets to display at Christmas.

Leah is a wonderful wife to Melvin and mother to her three little girls. She enjoys many of the same things I do. We have taken a quilting class together with Jake's wife, Amie. We both read a lot of books and compare notes. We both enjoy Harry Potter and have tickets to see the latest movie on Friday.

Leah and Melvin live the closest to my mother so are often there helping when needed. She tends Andy when I need her. She works full-time and manages to meet her own family's needs as well as her calling in the Primary.

I am so proud to be her mother. Leah is a wonderful daughter and friend. I am so glad to have known her for thirty-one years!

It went like this . . .

Gaby wanted to play a reading game on my computer and asked me to set it up. I went upstairs with her in tow to get the job done.

Gaby, "Who's that?"( looking at my screen saver)

Grandma, "That's me."

Look of wonder at the screen. . . back at me. . . thoughtful expression. "Oh, you weren't old when you were young"