Sunshine

It has been a beautiful day today.  I spent most of it with my family.  Then my good friend took me for a drive up the canyon, and to South Fork and Heber.  The blue sky, sunshine, and glistening snow was so pretty.  The scenery and fun conversation was just what I needed today.  Thanks, Rynell!

Also, my friend from the library added my book on Goodreads today.  That is quite exciting and new for me.  Hopefully, it will get some reviews now.

Big day

Yesterday, Carson and Micah both received awards at Cub Scout Pack meeting.  I missed it, because I had to work (sob!), but Ray took them.  Micah received his very first belt loop.  Yay!

Today was Carson's big donation delivery day.  He's been gathering food and personal hygiene items for several weeks, and working so hard on it.  Eight families in our neighborhood generously donated. 

This morning at 10:00, we took all the donations to the Food and Care Coalition here in Provo. They were so happy that Carson had been able to collect this much good food and products.  The food alone weighed 164 lbs. and they valued it all at $305.70.  Wow!  You can see the joy in Carson's face in this pic of him on the scale with his donation.  I am sooo proud of him for his hard work, and his caring for others!  Love you, Carson!

Friends and MJ

People often tell me that my children are entertaining.  That may be the understatement of the year.  It's been a long weekend, and they have had lots of moments during these days.  Here is a little glimpse into what a weekend like this is like for me.  Try to ignore the mess in these pictures.  I missed the empty Cheetos bag on the floor and all the DVDs in the background.  Ahem!  Boys.

There were friends and Nerf gun wars, and about 1001 bullets still missing.  I usually find them in the night when I step on them.  Did I mention their older brother had to threaten them with said Nerf guns, in order for me to get a decent picture?

Thanks to our new "Michael Jackson Experience" Wii game, there is always dancing around here.  They all love him, and boogie down (and sometimes dress up for the occasion) whenever possible.

Smooth Criminal . . .

Come and dance . . . on the floor . . . in the round . . .

And then there was finally a really beautiful sky last night.  Just had to throw this in for a little peace:)

Happy Birthday, Uncle John

I need to backtrack a few days to post an important occasion.  Jan. 12th was my Uncle John's 80th birthday.  He is my mom's younger brother, and she always adored him.  Here is one of my favorite photos of them together, when they were kids.

Uncle John has always been an example of hard work and perseverence to me.  Though he has held many good jobs, he was determined to finish college, and through correspondence, graduated from BYU in 1990.  Here is a picture of that graduation.  Aunt Maurine, John, and my Mom.

Another pic of a family party at Lion's park, behind our house.  We like a good get-together.  We especially like one with lots of food!

Uncle John and Aunt Marian have been very good to me, and to my family.  They have remained an anchor of strength in my life, since the death of both of my parents.  They support everything that I do.  I'm quite sure that John owns almost every publication that I've had a poem published in:)  He always listens to me and gives me advice, when I struggle.  Happy Birthday, Uncle John!  I love you dearly.

Book title of the day

Once in awhile, while shelving books at the library, I find a gem of a title, one that makes me laugh out loud.  I'm not recommending the book, mind you.  I haven't read it.  Just saying that the title made my evening a little more fun, and I want to share.  Last night's find is brought to you from the Young Adult section of the library.  A book called, "The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things."  I'm laughing again.

My Carson

Today has been a great "mom moment" for me.  That thing I hope for... that my children will inherit my best traits, and model my best behaviors.  Although I do give my children many things, I've always tried not to fall into the "material things" trap.  Trying to teach them somehow that it truly is better to give than to receive.  It's not an easy one.  Carson, however, payed good attention, or was blessed with a seriously good talent for giving.  He has always loved to do for others, often sacrificing his own time and fun to do so. 

Today, he came up with the idea to donate to the Food and Care Coalition again.  This time, he wants to make it a bigger project.  I helped him type up some flyers and a list of their "current needs" from their website.  Together we delivered these flyers to six neighbors, all of whom were anxious to help.  After we gather the food and personal items from everyone, we plan to deliver them all to the Coalition on Jan. 19th.  He is sooo excited about this, with an understanding about how difficult Winter is for the Homeless and the needy in our community.  He is actually waiting in the other room right now, for me to hurry up and finish this blog, so that we can print out a few more flyers.  He has thought of more people to give them to.  It's cold outside, but he is giving no thought to that.  He's all warm inside with his service project:)  That's my boy!

New Year

The page has turned, the card turned over.  It's a new year, with new possibilities.  Time to go forward into it, with faith. 

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."
 
                                                         ~ Corrie Ten Boom