Family Sprouts

Happy New Year - Auld Lang Syne by Sissel (Live).wmv

2011-01-10T17:31:00.000-08:00

Auld Lang Syne - Sissel

2011-01-10T17:13:00.000-08:00

Reflection of 2010

2011-01-10T16:56:00.000-08:00

Hi..This is Rich
Enjoyed retirement this past year. Glad I bought a motorcycle the previous October and I enjoyed it a lot in 2010. I built a shed and am happy my lawn tractor and motorcycle and bicycles are stored away nice and dry. Glad Kris got to go to Seattle this year to help Shane and spend time with him. Mike graduated from Suffolk U. and started Law School in Springfield, MA, very proud of him.
Hi Family,
This is mom...at the end of the year looking back at 2010 - so many things happened in the world with the Haitian earthquake, volcanoes exploding, miners getting freed, the economic issues being so severe... I was humbled and grateful to still have a home, be warm, have our health, all our children alive and connecting with us and beautiful grandchildren living happy healthy lives. The year started out normal and we did a few projects around the house and then life hit in the fall...but I am really thankful for all that 2010 has brought. I have been able to be involved as a literacy volunteer and the homeless veterans as well and it has brought me great joy.

2010-12-19T18:34:00.000-08:00

Hi,
Dad and I were sitting in Church listening to music - I had been struggling to keep the Spirit of Christmas with me this year. I had been non stop trying to catch up on cleaning and shopping and presents etc....it was hard even though I kept expressing gratitude to feel that love I was so used to feeling.
So I asked the question, it is your birthday, I want to remember you and give you a gift, specifically for Thee what could I give you....a thought came back to me of a woman I had known years ago, she had passed away, her son was in jail and I felt this kindred spirit asking me to visit her son in the jail. I could not handle others not knowing that someone loved them and was thinking about them...so dad and I went. We had a beautiful day and a beautiful visit, we had not seen this man in 28 years and he welcomed us as if we had been in his life the whole time.
One of my favorite things in the whole world is to connect - really connect to be real and giving, open and vulnerable and to communicate in a sincere and honest conversation and I realized that I went there to give him a gift but he gave us one.
It really is just another way of connecting with God. Merry Christmas Jesus! Where would we be without His love!

Reflection

2010-12-05T12:47:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

As I reflect on Jenn's word to "wonder" I "wonder" at the contrast between Seattle and our little town of Ashburnham. Seattle had overcast skies and even though they had a tree lighting ceremony the houses and yards were bare. It was the strangest thing. There is this overcast spirit there in the winter. It really is dismal there when it rains. One has to make a conscious choice to be positive, uplifting.

As I flew into Manchester last night and looked out the airplane's window I could see the trees with the lights and the individual houses all decorated. I was amazed that you could see them from the airplane. My spirits lifted as I realized I was home... and yet sad that I left a loved one behind. I wondered if I would ever have all of the family together again. The next day was blue sky and brisk fall air...go Ashburnham...but the song says "the bluest skies you'll ever see are in Seattle" that is sooooo true when they are blue - they are dynamite.. for now I will enjoy the wonder of being home and having my husband to hug and a warm fire and soon to see children and grandchildren....Christmas trees and presents and family times together. The whole purpose is to remember the love and feel the love... I wonder how much love I can give today? Does our capacity to give more increase? What helps people to feel loved...

For today, I am thankful to come home to a warm cozy fire in the fireplace and Christmas lights twinkling on the mantle and the biggest hugs from my honeybunch!

Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?

2010-10-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago as all of you know Dad shot himself by accident. One of the tender mercies of the Lord was that he didn't die, it didn't shatter a bone, it had not penetrated an artery but had lodged in a muscle. I remembered how President Eyering had asked us to write down how we had seen the hand of God take care of our family...it comes a conference talk by President Eyering in 2007.

I was so touched that I wanted to make sure I implemented it during such a challenging time. He said, and I quote:

"When our children were very small I started to write down a few things about what happened every day...I heard in my mind - not in my own voice - these words: 'I am not giving you these experiences for yourself. Write them down.'

I went inside. I didn't go to bed. Although I was tired, I took out some paper and began to write. And as I did, I understood the message I had heard in my mind. I was supposed to record for my children to read, someday in the future, how I had seen the hand of God blessing our family....

I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question: "Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?" As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened....I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done.

More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew. I became ever more certain that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. .....Did God send a message just for me?

He loves us and I testify that He loves us and it brings me joy to remember Him...

Today - there is more than one, the tender mercies of the Lord was evident in that we had been looking for over a week for Matthew's diploma. We found it today. The deadline was tomorrow.

We were able to share with a sister a ladder and a meal as she went through moving during this time in her life.

I find it a tender mercy whenever I talk with any of our children and I talked with Jenn, saw Matthew today and talked with Diana...

Jaska and Eli - How precious!

2010-09-29T05:06:00.001-07:00

Happy 6th!

2010-09-29T05:02:00.000-07:00

Go Jonah! We love you!

Fun pictures of Abby!

2010-09-28T18:59:00.000-07:00

It is always a priceless time to spend with family.

Thoughts!

2010-09-18T21:03:00.000-07:00

I am in a thoughtful mood, I have talked with some of you about LOVE and we have agreed that it is difficult to describe. Words don't seem to be enough.

I feel surrounded by love and wanted to share a story I came across as I was going through church magazines. It is from the Prophets talk in 2008 called "To Learn, To Do, To Be"

Several years ago I received a letter from a longtime friend. He bore his testimony in that letter. I would like to share part of it with you tonight since it illustrates the strength of the priesthood in one who learned what he should learn, who did what he should do, and who always tried to be what he should be. I shall read excerpts of that letter from my friend Theron W. Borup, who passed away three years ago at the age of 90:

At the age of eight, when I was baptized and received the Holy Ghost, I was much impressed about being good and able to have the Holy Ghost to be a help throughout my life. I was told that the Holy Ghost associated only in good company and that when evil entered our lives, he would leave. Not knowing when I would need his promptings and guidance, I tried to so live that I would not lose this gift. On one occasion it saved my life.

During World War II, I was an engineer-gunner in a B-24 bomber fighting in the South Pacific...One day there was an announcement that the longest bombing flight ever made would be attempted to knock out an oil refinery. The promptings of the Spirit told me a I would be assigned on this flight but that I would not lose my life. At the time I was the president of the LDS group.

"The combat was ferocious as we flew over Borneo. Our plane was hit by attacking planes and soon burst into flames, and the pilot told us to prepare to jump. I went out last. We were shot at by enemy pilots as we floated down. I had trouble inflating my life raft. Bobbing up and down in the water, I began to drown and passed out. I came to momentarily and cried, "God save me!" Again I tried inflating the life raft and this time was successful. With just enough air in it to keep me afloat, I rolled over on top of it, too exhausted to move.

For three days we floated about in enemy territory with ships all about us and planes overhead. Why they couldn't see a yellow group of rafts on blue water is a mystery," he wrote. "A storm came up and waves thirty feet high almost tore our rafts apart. Three days went by with no food or water. The others asked me if I prayed. I answered that I did pray and we would indeed be rescued. That evening we saw our submarine that was there to rescue us, but it passed by. The next morning it did the same. We knew this was the last day it would be in the area. Then came the promptings of the Holy Ghost. "You have the priesthood. Command the sub to pick you up." Silently I prayed, "In the name of Jesus Christ, and by the power of the priesthood, turn about and pick you up. Silently I prayed, 'In the name of Jesus Christ, and by the power of the priesthood, turn about and pick us up. In a few minutes they were alongside of us. When on deck, the captain...said, "I don't know how we ever found you, for we were not even looking for you. "

I leave with you my testimony that this work in which we are engaged is true. The Lord is at the helm. That we may ever follow Him is my sincere prayer.

"LOVE"

2010-09-12T19:16:00.000-07:00

Shane with his dogs.

Matthew with Emma, Zach, and Jonathan

WE BELONG TO A FAMILY THAT LOVES US!

The Power to Ponder

2010-08-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I came across this message and it touched me very deeply and I decided to post it where I could return to it and it wouldn't be lost and also so others could enjoy it.

This is from a newsletter in our church.

When Jesus Christ came to teach the Nephites, he said, "Therefore, go ye unto your homes and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again. " (3 Ne 17:3)

Moroni used this same term as he closed his record "Behold I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things,...ye would remember how merciful th Lord hath been unto the children of men,... and ponder it in your hearts." (Moroni 10:3)

Ponder means to weigh mentally, think deeply about, deliberate, or meditate. By pondering, we give the Spirit an opportunity to impress and direct us. Pondering is a powerful link btween the heart and the mind. As we read the scriptures, our hearts and minds are touched. If we use the gift to ponder, w can take the eternal truths and realize how we can incorporate them into our daily actions.

Stilless, is essential to inner peace - the peace which opens the way for the Lord to speak in our soul. God speaks more often to our souls than he does in open vision. We need to prepare ourseves to listen by being still.

Pondering is a progressive mental pursuit. It is a great gift to those who have learned to use it. We can find understanding, insight, and practical application of the gospel if we use the power we have to ponder.

Application

I know that Rich was pondering the idea to have a garden, only we did not know where in the yard to place it that would work. As he pondered - it wasn't instant - he said "I have got it". We know that where to put it did not come from our own mental working because we had done that. It was only after including Heavenly Father and pondering did it work. We are thankful and have benefited from an abundance of vegetables. We also gained a testimony when asked to do something and asking he answers.

Mike's Graduation!!!!!

2010-05-25T20:06:00.001-07:00

GO MIKE!!!!! Many years, many hours, much self-discipline. No one could have done the studying for you! CONGRATULATIONS!
It happened in Boston under the pavilion. The weather was perfect! A beautiful day all the way around.

Love and home!

2010-05-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

Angela and Diana gave me flowers for Mother's Day. I thought the color was striking. I really love flowers. I threw in some pictures of the yard and gardens that dad has been working on.

We are so excited. We have a strawberry bed with strawberries that bear fruit until fall. We planted the usual, tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, peas, spinach, squash. There is something so peaceful about being in a garden.

2010-05-25T19:55:00.000-07:00

Mike and Sara had given me a Cala lilly - I thought it would die but it didn't! One of my joys!

Abby with grandma and grandpa!

2010-05-25T19:39:00.000-07:00

We have had so much fun with Abby over the last year while Mike was in school. We had a membership in the winter time so Rich and I could swim each morning and they had a great gymn for the children. We took her there quite often. She absolutely loved it.

Winter

2010-05-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

I love Winter --- I know everyone complains. I love it. Granted I don't have to shovel it. I love the beauty, the silence, the knowledge that there is a time and a season for everything and it is the earth's turn to sleep and rest.

I love happy times with the famly. I love curling up in front of the fire with warm fuzzy pj's and a great book. I love snuggling with grandkids my husband. I love having friends over and sharing precious memories.

Random pictures over the last few months!

2010-05-25T19:20:00.000-07:00

I do not understand computers -----------I am a pretty patient person.......the reason I haven't added to my blog is because it would not let me upload pictures...so I moved forward in other areas of my life thinking I would spend some time figuring it out but never had the time. So tonight I tried again.... it will only let me upload one picture. Thank you for the one!

Vacation in Wells, Maine!

2009-12-26T17:28:00.000-08:00

Wow! How unbelievable. It struck Rich and I as being so strange the first time in 37 years we took a vacation for two weeks straight. We had so much fun. We really just fooled around and went sight seeing, fishing, exploring with our canoe, riding bikes, eating out, walking and riding along the beach, watching the sun come up, shopping, exploring. These are just a few of the pics we took. It was so much fun!

DIANA'S SURPRISE GRADUATION PARTY!

2009-12-26T06:19:00.000-08:00

Diana's Graduation from college, and Bon Voyage into the world looking for a job party.
It was a total surprise to her and everyone had a really great time. It was wonderful to spend some time together and relax.

2009-12-26T06:13:00.000-08:00

This is Bella (Jenn and Jaska's dog) on the left and Rocky, our lab on the right. They are quite the pair and have developed such a touching relationship. It is really an inspiration how they care for each other. This is taken on top of Mt. Watatic. I climb there freqently and take them along to enjoy it. I have gone with various friends and family. I love it.

Home

2009-12-26T06:07:00.000-08:00

Hi,

I have had a lot of problems uploading videos of summer events. I have decided to move on and catch up on this blog. These are a couple of shots of the view from the back deck. In August and September and some of October the sky lights up with such exquisite sunsets --they really replenish the soul.

2009-08-11T18:21:00.000-07:00

Hi, I found it! The movie with Abby laughing when we were all together. It was classified differently with this camera. Enjoy!

The Joys of Life - pictures say a thousand words!

2009-08-06T03:28:00.001-07:00

Gettysburg

2009-08-06T02:07:00.000-07:00

I don't know any Civil War music but my heart wants to have something playing as these men march into battle. Their thoughts on a much higher plane than a lot, they were thinking of freedom, unity and protection of their families. They didn't give up, didn't give in and quit....how does one resolve that in their mind and heart - a willingness to die for family and country.

I hope someday I can meet them and express thanks and give them a big hug for giving their all.

I am so grateful my task is to live for my family. I can cook, and bring the comforts of home to them. There is such a spirit of reverence everywhere at Gettysburg. I was forever changed in my heart to be more willing to not complain when something breaks, or I can't find a parking spot, or my dinner doesn't turn out the way I planned. It is a real reminder to me of choice. These men and women then and now slept on the ground, went without their favorites, gave their all and their best without complaining. I will appreciate even in times of stress what I do have.....I have a roof over my head, warm covers, a mattress, plenty to eat and plenty to do, all my choice. I have so many options. THANK YOU!

A never ending source of strength

2009-06-30T19:52:00.001-07:00

Our family has been going through a lot of challenges and I was running on empty until I decided to stop and fill my soul with strength. Everyone does it in a different way.....I had hit a wall and was feeling overwhelmed with all that needed to be done and realized how inadequate I was to do this task....My mind was drawn to a lesson in church where they showed a seed the size of an oatmeal flake, yes that small and how from that small little seed the giant redwoods grow. I had the opportunity to go to California and see the Giant Redwoods. They taught us how we are like the seed struggling to grow and to be kind with ourselves because we are just babies at learning how to apply principles....At this grand 'older' age of mine I realize more and more how knowledge and application of that knowledge impact our lives. I do not benefit from knowing that going to bed early will help me feel more rested unless I do it...and lately I have been watching too many movies:) I read in the Conference issue of the Ensign Elder Christofferson's talk and was so moved by it...

"What is the source of such moral and spiritual power, and how do we obtain it? The source is God. Our access to that power is through our covenants with Him. A covenant is an agreement between God and man, an accord whose terms are set by God. "

How are we strengthened?

"First, as we walk in obedienct to the principles and commandments of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we enjoy a continual flow of blessings promised by God in His covenant with us. Those blessings provide the resources we need to act rather than simply be acted upon as we go through life."

"When we have entered into divine covenants, the Holy Ghost is our comforter, our guide, and our companion........It is the Holy Ghost that reveals how you may clear the next seemingly insurmountable hurdle. It is by the Holy Ghost in you that others may feel the pure love of Christ and receive strength to press forward.....In times of distress, let your covenants be paramount and let your obedience be exact. Then you can ask in faith, nothing wavering, according to your need, and God will answer . He will sustain you as you work and watch. In His own time and way He will stretch forth his hand to you, saying, 'Here am I.'........He will strengthen and finish your faith. He will, by His Holy Spirit, fill you with godly power. I pray that you will always have His Spirit to be with you to guide you and deliver you from want, anxiety and distress...........

I am so thankful that there is a source of strength to turn to and fill our empty buckets.

Olympic National Park

2009-06-30T19:37:00.000-07:00

The best stress reliever......Go for a hike in nature......Olympic National Park boasts that it has the mountains, the rainforests and the ocean and it does. I climbed with a friend I met out here. There are no words....

There is nothing like water to calm my heart. It is so breathtakingly beautiful.

Seattle aquarium

2009-06-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

I love seahorses. They remind me of my childhood. We had them growing up in our salt water aquarium.

Shane and I share an interest in learning about the world around us. We had a great time at the aquarium. This fish was so funny he would come charging at Shane's finger.

2009-06-28T14:13:00.000-07:00

The bluest skies you'll ever see are in Seattle....

We love visiting Shane here. Living near a big city there are so many things to see and such a variety. We love going to the Market.

The other pictures I have of Shane and Dad are on the other computer at home so I will add them later. :)

2009-06-28T08:10:00.000-07:00

We started out in a snowstorm for Seattle from Idaho. They told us that by a certain time it would be impassable.

We were really glad we left when we did.

2009-06-28T07:50:00.000-07:00

On our way to Seattle we drove around the bend and this beautiful display of water, naturally we had to stop. We just love the water, it has such a soothing effect.

Driving across this country has just made us appreciate it soooooooo much!

Wolf Museum near Yellowstone National Park

2009-06-27T22:47:00.000-07:00

We were looking around to find things to do in the area and we came across this museum.

The interesting thing about this place was that they let small children hide the bear food all over the place and then they let the bears in. I had never seen that before.

Teton National Park

2009-06-19T12:05:00.000-07:00

On our way to Teton National Park we were driving along when dad called out, "Look at that huge potatoe!" So we stopped, it wasn't real. :) It was the advertisement for the Drive In and as you drove in to the place you were greeted with these potatoe people!

We were too early to be able to enjoy Yellowstone National Park. We were able to go to the Teton National Park. We were so glad we decided to go. We saw elk and moose and the beauty was astounding.

I am having trouble adding more pictures so I will try later. :)

Mammoth Feeding Time

2009-06-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

Idaho shots of us having fun together on the same weekend as Diana's graduation.

Vacation Time - Here we come!

2009-06-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

We loved how the homes were built using actual tree trunks!

After attending Diana's graduation, we loaded up the car with groceries and headed for a time share in upper Idaho. We could not believe the snow. There was none in Utah. With all the snow they had closed the snowmobiling rentals and trails. We were there before Yellowstone National Park opened and so we explored the area. Matthew was only able to stay with us for one day more because of classes in school.

A TRIBUTE TO DIANA

2009-06-10T14:52:00.000-07:00

Hi,
I really don't know where to begin expressing the depth of gratitude and love we feel for Diana. This is the culmination of this phase of her life. I remember so many memories of our last little girl growing up. She was always on someone's lap and loved very much.

Then...... she was leaving and Rich and I were in the hustle and bustle of packing up the car, driving her to college and signing her in. We were unable to do that with the other children, hats off to them being able to do that on their own. It was a major process. Being able to actually drive her to the school and share that with her was awesome. I wish we could have been there for the others.

This is her big day, a tribute to her - her choosing to overcome and grow in so many different areas and ways. She really blossomed. A great day of celebration. She triumphed and endured the sleepless nights, the racing to finish assignments, the hundreds of hours of doing homework. She overcame her inadequecies, doubts, fears and worked hard and never quit, she never ever quit and she did it!

She worked long hours at a job being a manager to help put herself through school. She never lost her giving spirit and her many many kind acts of service to others through her potluck dinners on Sundays will be in the memories of dozens of people as part of their college life forever. She made time for service in her callings and students. They could always count on her.

This day is a celebration of making it through all those growing pains, and blood, sweat, and tears. A teenager turned into quite a woman! You go girl!

YEAH DIANA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SHE CLIMBED HER MOUNTAIN!!!!! SHE MADE IT TO THE TOP!

We were so happy to be able to share this important day with her. We love you Diana!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Rich and Abby

2009-03-01T19:26:00.000-08:00

Hi, Oh my goodness it worked. I cannot tell you how many times I have tried to write this post and have failed. It has been wonderful to have Abby and to get to know her. Enjoy!

Yeah! It's party time!

2009-01-19T05:38:00.000-08:00

What a busy, joyous weekend. It began with.......

Right after Christmas at Jenn's we had everyone over for a very full packed weekend of celebration!

We were celebrating Isaac's SECOND BIRTHDAY!!!!! Yeah! He was quite the pro at opening presents :).

Thank you Diana for all your hard work on the cake!

Aunt Betty and Bruce were able to join us which made it all the more fun!

Celebrating SARA'S BIRTHDAY! YEAH SARA!

MIKE'S WORKING, FINISHING A SEMESTER OF SCHOOL WITH A GREAT GPA - YEAH MIKE!

BECOMING PARENTS - YEAH MIKE AND SARA!

CELEBRATING DIANA PASSING ALL HER STATE CERTIFICATIONS AND STARTING HER FINAL STAGE BEFORE SHE WALKS OF STUDENT TEACHING! GO DIANA!

CELEBRATING THE BIRTH OF OUR LITTLE ABIGAIL WITH HER BLESSING!

Celebrating Rebecca and Diana being home from school!

SPENDING TIME WITH ANDREA AT HER RESTING PLACE AND CELEBRATING THAT FAMILIES ARE FOREVER AND LIFE IS ETERNAL! WE MISS YOU ANDREA!

The End of a very full weekend was filled with a lot of hugs and love by all and grattitude FOR THE MANY BLESSINGS WE HAVE BEEN GRANTED THIS YEAR AND WE ARE SO GRATEFUL THAT AS BUSY AND PACKED IT WAS WE DID DO THIS WEEKEND!

It has been quite the year with our families!!! A year of gratitude.

I surrender to this blog :) It never comes out with the layout and words where I place them!

Precious Family Times!

2009-01-18T19:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, I cannot believe I didn't post these earlier, yes I can. Life today comes with too many issues for me to deal with at one time. December brought bittersweet experiences. During the ice storm when we lost power our fish died. I found myself feeling so sad about it. Life ending because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Then I found out that my Aunt Cora died. That was worse.....I had been really trying to go out to see her this summer and there were too many things happening and I didn't make it. Other really sad experiences happened....
Jenn had invited us to come to her house for Christmas..... She invited us in October, November - we thought it would be fun and we would be supporting her never knowing what was coming up and how much it would be a much needed lift.... We had so much fun . We just hung out and enjoyed each other, went for a walk and vegged :).

It Itwas the first time we went to her home for the holidays and her artful touches were really beautiful.
She made Christmas dinner all by herself and it was scrumptous.

One of my favorite gifts was seeing Matthew hang out and get involved with family. Thanks Matthew!

Yeah Diana had flown home after a very hard working semester and finishing all her classes!

Oh the memories of Christmas's past... I got very nostalgic when Jonah came into our bedroom in the morning and said Nanni! Nanni! We put out cookies and milk for Santa Nanni and they are gone! It's Christmas Nanni and Pepere! Come!

Memories flooded my mind of our six children being excited about Christmas morning - a wave of sadness that those years were gone went fleeting through me and then the excitement of watching everyone open presents erased that sadness and love and gratitude came in to fill the moment.

:) These were part of the pajamas I made when there was no electricity! What a riot to see how long they were on Isaac's little legs.

I love family! I treasure being with every one of them every minute I can be.

Heavenly Father knew what He was doing when He instituted the divine unit of marriage and family! We always miss those who are not with us and enjoy hearing from everyone.

Isaac with all his energy could sit in one spot and move, move and move some more on this Sit and Spin! It isn't made the same anymore. I am not sure but I am hoping that it will still give him hours of pleasure - it takes a while to get the hang of it.

2009-01-05T06:36:00.000-08:00

I wanted to end this year reflecting on how much has happened and to reflect on the many bounteous blessings we have been given. I have endeavored this past year to cultivate the attitude of gratitude and have been richly blessed because of it. I have come across music, poetry, stories, anecdotes, scriptures, and my own experiences in trying to live it.

I wanted to share this video clip on my blog and tried to upload it on you tube, I guess you tube has the power to change it at any time. I will be researching other modes of accomplishing what I want. I came across a singer Sufjan Stevens who sings a hymn on gratitude that I like. His video clip has the lion on it. I also like his song To Be Alone with You. I have not figured out how to upload it. My favorite method of sharing the folk song Come Thou Fount was with a video clip that has the picture of the family on it. If by chance you see it on the side - give it a try. The others are also great songs.

The Infamous Ice Storm

2008-12-16T07:21:00.000-08:00

They say there is beauty in every situation and one only has to look for it. Diana and I decided to consciously go out and take some pictures of that beauty. The pain and stress of the situation were just as real though.

We received many, many graces through such a hard time. Our generator wasn't working properly and Rich was able to fix it just as the temperature dropped to below 0 degrees with the wind chill factor on our lake. I was amazed at how during the darkest part there were comforting things that happened. I had my husband to watch over and protect us. Diana came flying in safe and sound. At night when we had no electricity - there was moonlight and so it wasn't pitch black. The quiet beauty was amazing. Our candles were scented ones so when it was dark it was filled with beautiful smells. Once our generator was working cell phones were able to be charged and I made hot soup in the crockpot, and even made Christmas presents.

I think what stressed people out the most were the setbacks in time, money and work, and not having the resources to cope with it. We were entering the busy season and everything just came to a dead stop. We could not shop, talk, take care of any business. The extra cost that was incurred at this time when the economy is on shakey ground. People lost food, paid for generators to survive - our neighbors drove to Rhode Island just to buy one. The additional problem was then to find gas because all the gas pumps need electricity to work. I know Rich drove awhile to find one open and Matthew waited in line for two hours to buy gas for the generator. These are just a few of our many opportunities to ?????

Our dog Rocky was sprayed by a skunk and oh how we missed hot water to bathe him in. Ughhhhhh........He was so good about staying by the door though.

It really was an awakening as to how prepared we were in some areas very ill prepared in others. We normally enjoy so many comforts on a regular basis. I was boiling water to wash my hair and do dishes. We gathered firewood from around our yard for our woodstove. We worried and kept watch that our pipes wouldn't freeze and the saddest of all was that our aquarium fish died the first night when we didn't have any electricity. The worst part was being so isolated from everyone that was going through the same thing.

Merry Christmas everyone! I won't be sending cards out.....

I went to buy Christmas Cards and other things and the shelves were empty!!!!!

The Home Stretch

2008-12-16T07:12:00.000-08:00

They were racing against time and weather. In the final days, they ended up being here after dark. The snow hit the night they left. :) Another miracle in our lives.

The long awaited famous wall!

2008-11-23T20:47:00.000-08:00

The pictures tell all!

Mission accomplished!

2008-11-23T20:38:00.000-08:00

Rich and I went to see Jonah in his Sacrament Meeting Presentation. Jenn and Jaska were getting ready and the boys looked so great in their suits that I wanted to get a picture of them together. I never laughed so hard in my life.....it was quite the escapade but at the end of all their fun they sat up and let us snap a couple.

Is there a resemblance?

2008-11-23T20:09:00.001-08:00

Check this out.....Michael with Abigail in 2008 and Dad with Shane in 1973

Our first Goguen grandbaby!

2008-11-12T16:39:00.000-08:00

She has arrived!

She's our little eskimo. Is she going to be held and loved or what! We had a great time. Sorry Dorinda, I didn't catch your face.

Jenn with Abigail

Pepere with his new joy. The first grandchild with Goguen as a last name.

Elijah and Samuel with Dorinda and Isaac.

2008-11-12T15:49:00.000-08:00

I cannot endure to waste anything as precious as autumn sunshine by staying in the house. So I spend almost all the daylight hours in the open air.
Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804 - 1864)

Just for fun dad and I went to visit Jenn and the boys and helped her out with a couple of major projects. Dad was blowing the leaves and Isaac was just laughing. The boys then had a great time playing in them. Oh the memories! They taught me to approach my work as if it was play, and have fun while I am doing it!

She also wanted to strip four chairs and finish them. We actually almost finished stripping them all. We had a great time working and being together.

Louise May Alcott

2008-11-09T13:51:00.001-08:00

Family....here it is. I connect with Louise May Alcott and her family on so many different levels. Dad accompanied me on my dream of experiencing visiting "the home"of their family.

This is called the "Orchard House" and it is situated in Concord, MA. It was remodeled from two buildings built before the Revolutionary War. It was their home from 1858-1877. This is where Little Women was written in 1868. This is where part of the movie was filmed. They also lived prior to this home right down the street.

This is their other home. I don't think it is more than two or three blocks from The Orchard House. They lived here first on this street. We drove by this street hundreds of times in all the years we have lived here. One does need to take the time to stop and explore.

Mr. Alcott said about the Orchard Home "I can have five or ten acres of woodland behind the house, the House is old, but still habitable and with some repairs might do till our means enabled us to make it what we want. All this for 950 dollars."

This was the parlor where friends such as Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson gathered. In the dining room you can see a staircase. It leads up to one of the girl's bedrooms and they would come down and make a grand entrance and put on theatrical performances downstairs. :)

This is the kitchen. They did have an apple orchard on the property.

Our guide told us that one of the differences between the book and the real life of Louise was that it was her - and not her dad that went to war! :) She went as a nurse.

This was "Marmee's " most frequented place to be sure.

This is May's room. We were also informed that there was no Aunt March that paid for May to go to Europe. Instead it was Louise who sent May to Europe with the money she made from her book. Actually, Louise even went a time or two herself to Europe. We were told that the clothes in the chest were all handmade, even the boots were made by the girls. Since paper was scarce May could not practice drawing as much as she wanted. I don't know if your computer will let you grab a close up, she drew all over the walls, and they are still there. They wouldn't let us take any pictures inside. These are all postcards.

This is the study. Her dad is below.

This is Louise's actual room. They had beautiful home made quilts on all the beds that depicted that time period.

This is where the actual book was written. In those days women were really expected to be woman and raise a family etc. Louise's dad made her a desk to encourage her in her pursuit. One would think it was the brown one - but it was not. It is the white one connected to the wall that he built and where the book was written. :) On the
top shelf of the bookshelves are translations of Little Women. It is translated in thirteen other languages and people come from all over the world to see her home.

Other facts -
Meg did really have the fever and died young.

Louise did not want to get married. Absolutely not! Her publisher made her add that piece :).

Part of the film was filmed in Canada.

Her book made over $200,000 and really helped her family.

I want to read and watch the movie all over again.

2008-11-02T12:43:00.000-08:00

Dad and I were trying to understand this technology and we were going through our home videos and we just loved this one and realized that none of you had seen it. We wanted to remember this priceless memory of our being together. Enjoy. This is Labor Day weekend.

The Battle Path of the American Revolution!

2008-10-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

"Those people who refuse to take part in the political process have condemned themselves to bad government. " (John McCollough)

Dad and I, on this beautiful Fall day decided to go for a ride and visit the MinuteMen National Park in Lexington, Ma.

We both love history and we really appreciated the opportunity to remember how this country came to be "The United States of America"

We were reminded that the colonists had no desire for independence in 1775. They considered themselves Englishmen. They wanted Parliament to listen to them. They had no intentions of 'taking on' the whole British Army. They had been governing themselves including taxing themselves for over 150 years.

They were responding to the events of the day, much like we will be called upon to do. How far do you let someone elses actions go before you set boundaries and say No!? An individual matter to be sure.

This monument represents the place where Paul Revere was stopped by the British on the night he made his famous ride to warn the minutemen that the British were coming.

One of the homes on the "battle path"

This was the tavern along the road where the British fired shots inside on their way to Concord.

At the visitor's center they gave a lecture about the American Revolution and had the artifacts on display. It was really quite interesting. Dad and I want to go for the reenactment next year.

We love New England!

Enjoying Family, Fall, picking apples and raspberries!

2008-10-15T16:52:00.000-07:00

Family Restaurant in Belchertown

Quabbin Reservoir

The ending of a perfect day.

Pregnant Mama Sara!

2008-10-15T15:59:00.001-07:00

Here she is blossoming all over, our Sara! We held her baby shower on the 11th of October at the church building. It was really great.

This is her opening Diana's gift of a monkey and baby carrier.
She also received a blanket with the Fitchburg Logo on it for football games, etc. I am tired of fighting with these pictures :)

Her cousins and aunts.

Anna and Yang (Sorry if I misspelled it)

She received quite a few nice gifts. Thank you everyone for helping out with such generous and lovely gifts.

Joyce Horne with Sister Otero in the middle, the current Stake R.S. President.

Hannah and Serena Sheridan.

Co workers with Diane Alexander.?

Dad's baby.

2008-10-05T19:53:00.000-07:00

Well, Dad was peristent and he did it! Found a little Ford Ranger to drive around town with. It is great.

The Big E!

2008-10-05T19:21:00.000-07:00

We met Jenn and the boys at the Big E! on Jonah's Birthday. They had a circus this year and it was really great. I was impressed. These are just a few pictures of the day and enjoying being together.

Beginning retirement!

2008-10-05T18:40:00.000-07:00

Rejoice! Our dream has come true. We are so thankful. It is finished. We are starting to get ready for the excavators to come. All of the gardens need to be planned for and moved. So if any of you have any ideas or longings let us know.

Labor Day in New Mexico!

2008-09-23T19:16:00.000-07:00

New Mexico, here we come! What a blessing - to be able to travel and spend time with family. I will be forever grateful. Dad and I had so much fun spending time with all of our family. To be honest, I had had such a void in my heart and having everyone there - well it disappeared. Here are a few candid shots.

Precious Julianna!
Here are Jonathan and Isaac. I love this picture of Jonathan! Angela's children welcomed Isaac with open arms and he just fit right in. It was pure joy watching all of them.
Isaac had absolutely no fear! He loves to move his body any way he can and it is pure joy. He laughs all the time. It is almost like he is making up for lost time.

This is Jason's hammock :) The children absolutely love it. Just seeing these photos again I want to hug everyone all over again. Zach could hide in it and twirl around and around inside. Emma gave me the great privilege of spending time with her teaching her how to knit. Here she is working really hard on a scarf for who else but Zachary!

I have not seen a rainbow in years! I mean years!:) We absolutely shared a great love for the wonders and beauty of the terrain in the west and it was an added blessing to be given a rainbow. All of us were so excited.

Here we are on Sunday, for Julianna's blessing.

The Goguen's and Browns The Brown family

Our three girls. Wow - together - that is a miracle! We had an absolute wicked awesome time with each other:) A daddy, daughter shot.

We had a silliness night with Emma directing! It was pure fun!

Eating out!

We went out to eat as a group. Quite an experience!!! I had forgotten what simple things entertained little ones. Jonathan was absolutely having a blast with a fly on the window!

Last but not least Emma's Lemonade Stand! She made quite a bit of money. Go girl!

2008-09-16T09:02:00.001-07:00

More Tom Rush

2008-09-14T19:15:00.000-07:00

Urge for going

Tom Rush at Oakmont 9/11/08

2008-09-14T18:51:00.000-07:00

GREAT CONCERT BY TOM RUSH AT OAKMONT

A new face!

2008-08-17T15:21:00.001-07:00

Hello,

Okay Diana - here they are. I wanted to wait until this was totally done but Diana has wanted to be part of the process even being away from home. I guess Mom and Dad can't get enough....all of you, if there is one thing that all of our children can learn from their life with us is that we are always under construction both internally and externally, striving to improve our lives.

We have slowly but surely done that over the years. We are on the road and we are facing the right direction. :)In doing that we have made a ton of mistakes. We have learned it isn't over until it's over. It is because of the Savior that there is always hope. Hope does float.

This is exciting. The old siding and roof totally ripped off. What a mess that was. Nails, boards, tools everywhere. Flowers and plants crushed, grass dying from being under the wood. It poured an awful lot and there were many delays. It is coming together and here are some pictures of the work in progress. The front is not done yet because of all the delays with the window order. We are getting a new window for the front entrance way area.

Our new roof. :) Yeah.

The siding torn off and preparing for the new siding to go on.

We also put foam board on the back of the house to protect us against the cold winds.

It's a lot of work - changing things for the better, but oh so worth it when you arrive at the end result! Do you remember how we put that paint brush at the end of the pole at right angles and hung over the roof to paint - what a riot...such peace that we will never have to do that again but how creative we were.

The greatest joy has been so far to hear Dad's reaction of joy and peace. He always lived in apartments. We have a home.....it is so much more than a building.

It really looks and will look beautiful when we are done.
Any ideas for the deck color?

We have a lot of trash everywhere in the yard and the gardens are going to be redone in the Fall when everything and everyone is gone.

A lot of celebration everyone.... Whenever you come home for a visit you will never be asked to help paint the home! :) Do you remember the paint fight you had in the front yard when we did it the first time. Oh my goodness the memories. I miss all of you. May God Bless you with making your homes the sanctuary from life's storms they need to be.

Happy Birthday Mom & Andrea!

2008-08-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

In my office I have a violin hanging...there is a story that accompanies that violin. My mom played violin and when she was older she bought this copy of a Stradivarius violin. When my mom was in her 80's she needed quadruple by-pass surgery. I was there to help her out. Some friends of mine came to help her out and around the same time her violin, disappeared. My mom is a strong lady and tried really hard not to believe the worst. She had such a generous nature and had been taken advantage of so many times, it just seemed like it had happened again.

It was a very stressful time. My friends knew they had not taken the violin, but it could not be found. We searched everywhere. My mom was so blessed because of their help that she did not pursue it but the ache in her heart was always there. A very painful time for us all. It was a real mystery to us. A couple of years went by and my mom was cleaning in her storage area and she found it...She called me on the phone and told me. I knew that truth would come out even if it had to be in the next life. Truth won out, names were cleared. (Girls, yours is just taking longer) She had put it away to protect it. She had the strength to admit it.

It hangs on my wall as a reminder that truth will prevail. Of my mom, a special lady, who let nothing stop her from learning how to do anything (including building walls) she needed to do to be successful. She stood up against evil in high places and used laws to set boundaries and protect herself. I have thanked Heavenly Father many times for the strength he gave her. She is the one who told me her mother told her to stay close to God, no matter what. It was she who led me to personal prayer. She was the example of keeping committments to God. She reached out and helped more people than I can count.

She exemplified what President Kimballs said.. "If the Lord was meek and lowly and humble then to become humble one must do what HE did in boldly denouncing evil, bravely advancing righteous works, courageously meeting every problem, become Master of himself and the situations about him and being near oblivious to personal credit." (1963 Univ speech)

The Touch of the Master's Hand

"Twas battered and scared, and the auctioneer

Thought it scarcely worth his while

To waste much time on the old violin,

But he held it up with a smile.

"What am I bidden, good folks?" he cried,

"Who'll start bidding for me?

A dollar, a dollar - now who'll make it two

Two dollars, and who'll make it three?

Three dollars once, three dollars twice,

Going for three "...but no!

From the room far back a gray-haired man

Came forward and picked up the bow;

Then wiping the dust from the old violin,

And tightening up the strings,

He played a melody, pure and sweet,

As sweet as an angel sings.

The music ceased and the auctioneer

With a voice that was quiet and low,

Said: "What am I bidden for the Old violin?"

And he held it up with the bow;

"A thousand dollars - and who'll make it two?

Two thousand and who'll make it three?

Three thousand once, three thousand twice

And going- and gone," said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,

"We do not quite understand -

What changed its worth?" The man replied:

"The touch of the master's hand."

And many a man with life out of tune,

And battered and torn with sin,

Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd.

Much like the old violin.

A "mess of pottage" a glass of wine,

A game and he travels on

He's going once and going twice -

He's going and almost gone!

But the Master comes and the foolish crowd,

Never can quite understand,

The worth of a soul, and the change that's wrought

By the touch of the Master's hand

Myra Welch

Happy Birthday Andrea!

"To be a righteous woman is a glorious thing in any age. To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth, before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling.

The righteous woman's strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times...

Other institutions in society may falter and even fail, but the righteous woman can help save the home which may be the last and only sanctuary some mortals know in the midst of storm and strife.

(Spencer W. Kimball)

No man is an island!

2008-08-04T10:09:00.001-07:00

Wow a point was driven home to Rich and I when one morning last week we woke up to find this massive amount of seaweed on our shore. We were totally shocked. We have lived here over 20 years and this has never happened in this amount before. We made some inquiries and we were told that someone did some work on the other side of the lake and it stirred and broke all the seaweed up and floated into our shore. :) Whoever did it doesn't even know how he impacted us... My children who are reading this are going to say whew! I am glad we are not at home....I remember those days when the daily chore was to rake the seaweed and pull the grass out of the sand... We would maybe have one to two at the most wheelbarrows full. Clearly this is much more than that. I decided to tackle it for just one hour and the two mounds are my wonderful accomplishments. As a treat I am going blueberry picking! :)

Seeing this sunset made any seaweed picking worth it! :)

Memories!

2008-07-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

I really love the fact that they could be such good sports and participate! Go family! These should have been with Jonah's video. Love all of you!

Robbin's Family Reunion

2008-07-26T18:20:00.000-07:00

We went to the Robbin's Family Reunion, and we enjoyed ourselves a lot. It was fun visiting with family we had not seen in years, catching up and just watching Jonah interact with everything and everyone kept my attention. There were plenty of cousins for Jonah to play with. He did fit right in and here are several shots of the day. I want you to know that I spend time laying all these photos out and arranging them just so, and they publish in a straight line and I am sorry. Here is my attempt.

Bruce, Jonah, and Dad had a thing going where true to Dad's form he tried to trick Jonah into believing that the bottle would move on his own, all the while moving it from underneath. The expressions on their faces were a riot and the talk went around the table, "How could it move Jonah?" In the end he caught on and was doing it to Bruce and was laughing so hard. What a joy to watch.

Next there was a balloon race where you needed to put your balloon between your knees and keep it there and run around the cones. I'll try and pull up the videos of it and blog it next it wouldn't work this time.

Then they had another relay race where you take your balloon and run sit down on it till it pops. I didn't quite get his expression. It did pop!

Last but not least they had a balloon toss where Rich and Matthew were buddies and as you can see there was a long line of people. The instructions were one toss to each side and if it had not broken then you take a step back. Jonah and Rich were one of the last four. Jonah had quite the arm on him and made it to Rich every time!

Pepere and the boat ride!

2008-07-26T17:46:00.000-07:00

Jaska and Jenn and the boys stayed over and we went for a boat ride with Pepere who is in 7th heaven every time he is in the boat! It was an absolutely fabulous day weatherwise. We had had thunderstorms and downpours most of the week so the sun seemed even more beautiful.

At first Jonah looked a little nervous but he acclamated just fine and Pepere was doing donuts in the water and Jonah was even willing to learn how to steer the boat. Way to go guys! Great time!

Enjoying weather and family!

2008-07-26T17:34:00.000-07:00

Jenn and Jaska and the boys stopped off on their way home from vacation to pick up Jonah's cat "Fence". We are going to miss her. She is a lovely cat and very cuddly. After a couple of days she let us into her life and she would sit in the bathroom sink, or on the toilet as we were washing up (This sounds weird I know, but it's true!)She would come visit us in the middle of the night in our beds. Matthew calls her "socks" Thanks Miettinens!.

Grandma time with family!

2008-07-20T18:23:00.000-07:00

Being off in the summer has its advantages. I called Jenn up and asked if we could take the boys to visit cousin Andy's farm. He has a 50 acre farm in Connecticut where I just love to go buy my vegetables, pumpkins, hay and cornstalks in the fall. It was threatening to rain but the rain held off and we had a great time.
They raise miniature donkeys and Andy just opened the gate and they came right to us. He has about 14 cows. It was so much fun being so close to them.

2008-07-20T18:15:00.000-07:00

Rich and I went to see Blanch Bedard and get to know her family. I am sad we caught her not smiling but talking because she was a real live wire and laughing all the time. Aunt Doris came with us. It was such a fun visit. I could not resist adding a couple more sunset pictures. It is just too beautiful not to share.

2008-07-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

Dad and I enjoying our home. Dad was able to get a little motor for his boat and everyday we take a spin and Rocky many times stands up on the seat and lets the wind blow in his face. It's a riot.

Sunsets Galore!

2008-07-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

Who can blame me for praising God and thanking Him for such beauty!

Home for the day!

2008-07-20T17:44:00.000-07:00

I was sitting at home enjoying the day when out of no where a flat bottom boat came racing by and kept doing circles right in front of our home.

More of the Cape!

2008-07-20T17:14:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed our time at the Cape so much and have such a variety of experiences.

We took a boat ride out to an Island to see the seals. They were fun to watch for about an hour and then we came back in. We began our journey walking down to the boat and enjoying a high speed ride to get there.

As we started back we stopped at another beach. It really is paradise.

At the end of the day we decided to go fishing off the pier. It was a lot of fun. We had no luck :(

I wanted to share this afterthought. We stayed in Mashpee and just drove everywhere and enjoyed it. Mashpee was having a predicament where as soon as you enter the city you could hear this loud humming. We asked what it was and they told us it was the katydids. They have been quite publicized. As we rode our bikes to the ocean the noise stopped. It was very odd to have them just in this one local. They did not bite but were quite annoying to fly into you while biking, riding in the car, etc.

2008-07-20T17:08:00.000-07:00

Dad and I brought our bikes and went riding along the canal. We saw people setting traps for lobsters and actually catching them right off shore. They said if you get a license you can get up to 40 lbs of lobster, well worth the cost.

We also came across our turtle friend who was just enjoying the day along with several loons that were perched on top of street lights. :)

Cape Cod!

2008-07-20T16:51:00.000-07:00

One of the reasons I love the Cape so much are the lighthouses. We went to the National Seashore and were absolutely shocked that the beach was so empty and it went for literally miles. It was beautiful!

More of Memorial Day

2008-07-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

Everyone had a great time. We had four canoes and four kayaks there!.

Memorial Day blurb!

2008-07-20T16:26:00.000-07:00

Hi,

We had people over on Memorial Day and oh the memories that came flooding back and how we missed all of you being home. It was a joy for dad and I to see it being used.

Mom

The Butterfly Museum

2008-06-08T19:56:00.000-07:00

Butterflies, butterflies and more butterflies!

I am having trouble uploading the video, sorry

Hi,

This is only one of the many different butterflies we saw and they had incredible flowers there also.

Matt's graduation weekend!

2008-06-01T19:59:00.000-07:00

Here is our nest again, much closer. Life is going on all around us!

Jenn and Jaska came up for Matthew's graduation.

Here is Isaac not sure of whether he likes to swing or not.

Jenn enjoying digging in the dirt and having flowers from home to add to her garden.

Rocky with his very best friend Lacey.

Isaac playing peek-a-b00 with his Dad waiting for graduation to start.

Matt and friends. Sorry I have not been able to get the video in here yet. I will.

2008-06-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

A young man was walking through our right of way with his grandpa when I saw his catch! He had caught one and his grandpa had caught one right across the cove by the buoy. The grandpa said these were about five pounds. Grandpa last week had caught a seven pounder!! I didn't know Lower Naukeag had them that big! Grandpa said he had caught 500 fish from our lake.

Spring!

2008-06-01T19:48:00.000-07:00

In all the years we have lived in this home we have never had a bird build its nest in our telephone wires. I don't know if you can see it.

Before I post pictures I look at them and they are close up and then when I post them they seem very far away. Oh well!

It is a treat to look out our front window and see this robin's family progressing right along at the same time our nest is emptying out.

May, wonderful May!

2008-06-01T19:07:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of May we had the privilege of having Jaska and Jenn's two children stay with us for a couple of days while they celebrated their anniversary.

We didn't take a lot of photos but I am glad we took the ones we did. This one is priceless to me of Jonah and Pepere walking at the track field together.

It was a joy to see Jonah just enjoy running as fast as he could. He ran just for the pure joy of it.

Matthew took some time to enjoy his nephews! :)

I love these shots, I sure wish I had more of a zoom on my camera though. We really had a good time with them.

At the VA Hospital

2008-04-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

This picture is made up of words. It is hanging in the dining hall . It is an American soldier.

Fun! Fun! Fun!

2008-03-19T16:21:00.001-07:00

One of my verrrrrrry most favorite things to do when I am in Utah is to see my brother Rodger and my nephew Sean who is nine and Katherine, my niece who is eight. Rodger took us to this wonderful restaurant which had a crackling fire going in the fireplace and our table was right next to it. I think we must have talked for a couple of hours. Families and traveling are where it's at in my book!

2008-03-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

Sorry, but these are a little out of order. Diana met me in Utah and we decided to surprise our dear Elder McDougal and his family. He didn't know we were coming and Faith - thank you from the bottom of our hearts for opening up your home to us, both of you, no all of you. We had such a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful time pouring over photos and videos and reminiscing. Just a real cherished memory. They have seven beautiful children, two of which were gone at the time this photo was taken. :) Friendships are such a blessing.

Sacred, cherished memories.

2008-03-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

Families can be together Forever....I loved what President Faust and Richard G Scott said about prayer -
"I have learned....that great is the power of prayer. No earthly authority can separate us from direct access to our Creator. There can never be a mechanical or electronic failure when we pray. There is no limit on the number of times or how long we can pray each day. There is no quota of how many needs we wish to pray for in each prayer. We do not need to go through secretaries or make an appointment to reach the throne of grace. He is reachable at any time and any place." The power to change is very real, and it is a great spiritual gift from God. (James E. Faust)
"It matters not our circumstance, be we humble or arrogant, poor or rich, free or enslaved, learned or ignorant, loved or forsaken, we can address Him. We need no appointment. Our supplication can be brief or can occupy all the time needed. It can be an extended expression of love and gratitude or an urgent plea for help. He has created numberless cosmos and populated them with worlds, yet you and I can talk with Him personally, and He will ever answer."(Scott)

Diana called me up and said "Mom, the Rexburg, Idaho Temple is finished and is being dedicated. I want you to come and we go together!" Could I say no - NEVER! When I dropped her off at school over two years ago it was just starting to be built. I wanted to see it finished and be able to go through it with her before she left. This building says so much.... it is a witness of God's love for his children. It celebrates victory over the grave and sin. No matter what happens we can make it as a family!

A group of Diana's friends joined us at the temple. We went out to eat afterwards, what fun.

We really just had a good time doing normal everyday things.

One of them was picking up some groceries. Look at this strawberry! I laughed so hard. I had never seen one so huge.... We went shopping and visited, watched movies, cleaned - it was one of the happiest times I have had. I miss hanging out with my children, I will forever thank you Diana for those good times my Diana!

A joyous vacation

2008-03-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

We went to the museum and had such fun! :)

Jonathan and Pooh!

Pooh is as big as he is. He would carry him around hugging him. Such a love bug with everyone.

Zach and I had such fun playing with his elephant and butterfly game.

The whole family was in the act.

I am on my way!

2008-02-27T16:50:00.001-08:00

Joyously two birthdays!

2008-01-25T16:47:00.000-08:00

We had such a good time just celebrating----being alive, together, having time.....I couldn't help but think of a year ago at this t ime.....so grateful.....yes, we were celebrating.

2008-01-25T15:45:00.000-08:00

I know this is a little backwards. This entry should be before Christmas Eve but I did want to post it. I don't often have videos or something to enter for Matthew. This was a big night for him. He received MVP of the year plus MVP of the Thanksgiving Day Game and he really wanted to appreciate the coach who gave him the chance. Go Matt!!!!!!!!

Catch-up

2008-01-23T17:11:00.001-08:00

Hi, Christmas Eve was so much fun. We were invited to Sara's mom, Dorinda's home. We celebrated Sara's birthday and Christmas together.

The laughter, good food, family, music and Christmas program brought back so many warm, happy Christmas memories for me of our family growing up. It was like basking in the sun for me.

This was going to be our first Christmas totally alone and I was okay with it...but being here for Christmas Eve took the edge off the transition. We really enjoyed every part of it. Family really is where it is at. I am so grateful, Matthew has a place to "hang" without his parents that love him.

Dad and Mike singing

2007-12-08T18:06:00.000-08:00

A brief look inside the store.

2007-12-03T18:55:00.000-08:00

Have a great time shopping! May your season be filled with Peace and Joy and fun filled memories!

Merry Christmas! :)

2007-12-03T17:30:00.000-08:00

The day after!

2007-12-03T10:17:00.001-08:00

What a gift!!!

The stores advertised 4:00 a.m. on Friday morning the best savings for all the things that one can give for gifts. I don't knock them....

but what a gift it was for us to not control when or where or even if it would happen and then through LOVE it all came together and Jenn and Diana and Jonah and I started making gingerbread houses after Thanksgiving.

Seeing and hearing Jonah be sooo proud of his accomplishment and watching Jenn allowing him to experience it all by himself while she stood close by bore witness to my soul of how God watches and stands by while we experience life and delights when we tell him everything that is going on - the good and the bad. JUST BECAUSE HE LOVES US!! Can there be any greater gift than the gift of time and LOVE?

Go Jonah!!!/Thank you Diana for being home!!!!/ Thanks Miettinens for staying one more day.

Thanksgiving Day!!!

2007-12-01T16:42:00.000-08:00

The day started out with going to the famous Gardner /Oakmont Rivalry Game! Jonah made the rounds and had the best view!:) Mike and Jonah.

Sara, her usual beautiful self, and Jonah very intent on watching the game!

Diana had flown home just for his game and he didn't dissapoint her! I am so glad she came, besides being able to enjoy her being home, I finally got a picture of him in full uniform!

James Rupp and Matthew after the game!

A great write-up about the game!

After the game we enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner! I didn't have any popcorn kernels so I used candied corn for our moment of giving thanks. Hmmmm a new tradition?

Isaac stole the show when we gave him a taste of mashed potatoes. He literally dove for them. What an absolutely fantastic blessing to see him so healthy and enjoying LIFE! Thanks Heavenly Father and way to go Jaska and Jenn, Thanks for hanging in there!

Here we all are afterwards - come as you are photo! Isaac was taking his nap!

Wonderful, great day!!!