The Magpie Bunch

Unto us a child is born

2011-12-02T21:40:00.005-07:00

I truly love this time of year- so many good wonderful and warm memories. I love to bathe myself in all of it- I am so grateful to my wonderful parents who made my childhood happy and safe and who taught me the true meaning of Christmas.

SO THANKFUL FOR 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF BEN-HUR

2011-11-08T20:41:00.007-07:00

NEED I SAY MORE? I AM ORDERING 4 COPIES OF THE BLU-RAY FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS

CAN HARDLY WAIT TO WATCH MY ALL TIME FAVORITE- AND TOTALLY THE BEST TALE OF CHRIST

WHAT A GREAT WAY TO GET INTO THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT!!

THE THINGS THAT REALLY MATTER-FAMILY

2010-11-26T07:53:00.001-07:00

THANKSGIVING ON THE MOUNTAIN 2010

GIVING THANKS FOR ALL WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH: EVERYTHING

June 8, 1920- HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM

2010-06-08T05:22:00.006-06:00

Happy Birthday to you , Mom. 90 years old!! I wish we could celebrate today with you- but we can all remember you today and smile. You are a wonderful mother and human being and we love you. Thanks for all of the great memories and all that you taught us!!

Joseph Hyde Heath

2010-03-21T10:37:00.026-06:00

Born August 13, 1916 to Arthur Roy Heath & Urania White

Died: March 16, 2010

" Oh my Father, thou that dwellest In the high and glorious place

When shall I regain thy presence, and again behold thy face

When I leave this frail existence, When I lay this mortal by

Father, Mother, may I meet you In your royal courts on high?

Then, at length, when I've completed All you sent me forth to do

With your mutual approbation Let me come and dwell with you."

Thank-you Grandpa for being such a wonderful example to our family. You were a wonderful Husband, Father,Pilot, Bishop, Grandfather and Great- Grandfather! We love you and will miss you so...until we meet again.

HE DID IT AGAIN!! OUR CHESS CHAMPION!!

2010-02-21T14:54:00.002-07:00

The Monument Chess Champion- 2 years in a row!! Way to go Jacob!! We love you so much!!

My newest little Valentine

2010-02-10T08:00:00.009-07:00

Welcome little Travis Emmett Roberts!! We are so excited to have you here with us!! Born on February 2, 2010- what a sweet little Valentine you are!! Grandchild # 10 to Hyde & Gail and grandson # 8!! My goodness- lots of stripling warriors!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD- JANUARY 16,1920

2010-01-15T09:15:00.026-07:00

90 years ago today my dad was born- I only got to spend 21 years of my life getting to know and appreciate this wonderful man- it's amazing to me that one person can leave such a lasting impression in such a short amount of time, but he did and I will always love and thank him for what he taught me- so much to list but I will try:

If it isn't true- don't say it

If it isn't right- don't do it
America is a blessed country and we are so blessed to have been born here

The Gospel is true

Family is so important and he loved each of us so much- "All of this feeling is brought into such sharp focus and transcends everything else, when we're together as a family, in that historic Tabernacle on Temple Square, listening to that incomparable choir, it's just impossible to express!" Ivan L. Bates , Oct.21, 1969

Education never stops - "the best thing that I can do, is help my loved ones make something of themselves." Ivan L. Bates. Jan 22, 1970

There is always room for improvement - "You also have the same impatience, that I do, with some kinds of people- we'll have to overcome this, sweetie." Ivan L. Bates, Oct. 1969

Music is truly the universal language- i.e. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir- Rigoletto- The Sound of Music - etc., etc.

Hard work is hard- but very necessary! "I've been asked to be the Instructor for the Elders' Quorum in our ward, in addition to my other duties. Guess I'd better get on the stick." Ivan L. Bates, Sept. 1969

Heavenly Father loves me very much

I was important to my Dad- he always made me feel special! After being gone for several weeks on business, I would be in class and turn around and there was my Dad beckoning me to come here so he could give me a hug!! I can still feel the excitement at seeing him!!

"There is so much to learn, so much to be done, especially for those less fortunate". Ivan L. Bates, Oct. 1969

The mountains and pine trees are truly God's Country

If you can't be anything else- be Dependable!

Be sure when making a statement to be short, sweet and to the point! And on that recommendation I will end my dissertation!

IVAN LORENZO BATES-1929

MOM & DAD- 1945-ISH

1957

1960-TEMPLE SQUARE

1970- IN GOD'S COUNTRY

Can't we just stretch it out a little longer?

2009-12-27T10:02:00.005-07:00

I don't know about you- but it seems as though my life is going at warp speed!!! I am so sad that Christmas has come and gone! Time to take down the decorations, the tree, the lights, put away the manger, the wrapping paper, ribbons, gift tags, box up my ornaments.... What a wonderful time of year - time to think of all we have and all the Saviour has done for us- time to think of others and laugh and be merry!! Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and I hope this coming year will bring much happiness and growth into all of our lives!!

Amanda- we are so glad to have you back home!! We have missed you!!

YOU BETTER WATCH OUT!!

2009-12-03T06:49:00.008-07:00

SHE'S MAKING A LIST....

AND CHECKING IT TWICE....

THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THE LIST KEEPS GROWING!!

THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR KIDS GROW UP AND HAVE CHILDREN OF THEIR OWN!!

OH!! AND WE CAN'T FORGET OUR ANNUAL TRIP TO ST. NICK'S AND SEE'S!! I JUST LOVE IT!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST... AMANDA'S COMING HOME ON CHRISTMAS EVE DAY!!

RAMMING SPEED!! 50 YEARS AGO TOMORROW!!

2009-11-17T15:17:00.006-07:00

Can you believe it's been 50 years- November 18, 1959 -since this great movie opened in theatres?! I'll say it again- they don't make 'em like that any more! What's really hard to admit is that little number 50 really shows my age!! Oh well... I loved that guy!

Winter Wonderland!!

2009-10-29T14:32:00.004-06:00

I think Fall is over!! This is the view outside my front door!! Oh my gosh!!!

"RENDEZVOUS WITH DESTINY'

2009-10-28T14:33:00.004-06:00

45 years ago today a very wise man gave a very incredible speech- his name was Ronald Reagan- such a good man and such a man of principle. I wish we had more like him. Just a few quotes from that speech- they ring true for this time in our nations' history.

"The Founding Fathers knew a government can't control the economy without controlling people. And they knew when a government sets out to do that, it must use force and coercion to achieve its purpose. So we have come to a time for choosing."

"If all of this seems like a great deal of trouble, think what's at stake. We are faced with the most evil enemy mankind has known in his long climb from the swamp to the stars. There can be no security anywhere in the free world if there is no fiscal and economic stability within the United States. Those who ask us to trade our freedom for the soup kitchen of the welfare state are architects of a policy of accommodation."
"They say the world has become too complex for simple answers. They are wrong. There are no easy answers, but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right."

"Realize that the doctor's fight against socialized medicine is your fight. We can't socialize the doctors without socializing the patients. Recognize that government invasion of public power is eventually an assault upon your own business. If some among you fear taking a stand because you are afraid of reprisals from customers, clients, or even government, recognize that you are just feeding the crocodile hoping he'll eat you last."

This speech was given 45 years ago!! Some things will never change- especially the truth!

REMEMBER WHEN?

2009-10-16T08:51:00.007-06:00

Remember when it was okay to say- Merry Christmas?

The Pledge of Allegiance?

A Prayer?

God Bless America?

Remember when we studied about George Washington, The Declaration of Independence, Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Christopher Columbus, The Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving, Lewis and Clark, Paul Bunyan, The Star- Spangled Banner, The Civil War, The Gettysburg Address, Johnny Appleseed, Remember the Alamo, The Erie Canal, Thomas Edison, Daniel Boone?

Remember when it was okay to put your hand over your heart when you saw the American Flag?

Remember when it was okay to say "I'm proud to be an American?"

Remember when asking if someone was "gay" it meant are you "happy"?

Remember when you could read "Little Black Sambo"?

Remember when it was okay to be heteorsexual?

Remember when Castro, Kruschev, Hitler, and Mao Tse Tong were considered evil and not heroes?

Remember when George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln were considered heroes and not evil?

Remember when we were taught in school how to read, write and do arithmetic? And now we are taught " Barack Hussein Obama-mmm-mmm-mmm-' and " I Have 2 Daddys"

Remember when there was no "Christian Right" just Christians?

Remember when it was okay to "call a spade a spade"?

Just a few things to ponder...

Fall on Magpie Lane

2009-10-01T08:52:00.003-06:00

It's time for a pot of Potato Basque soup- some hot homemade rolls w/ butter- a nice warm fire in the evening.... I love our mountain in the Fall- I so enjoy the leaves changing colors, the crisp feel of the air, the bright blue sky and puffy white clouds and the changing of colors on the big mountain west of us! It's so beautiful!! Just had to share with all of you- it's too gorgeous not to! Oh- and I can't forget apples and soft caramels!! Mandy- I'm really not trying to make you homesick!

TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON

2009-09-18T06:37:00.005-06:00

Time to close up the cabin- so many fun and happy memories here- it's always very nostalgic when we put everything to rest for another season- but we will be back next year for lots of fishing and family fun !!

THEY SAY IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!

2009-09-09T06:03:00.012-06:00

RED LETTER DAY!! SEPTEMBER 10, 1988

Amanda Gail Heath - 21 years young! Our youngest of 4- our biggest surprize- always happy and smiling- Blondie- so anxious to get here, you came 8 days early- we love you so much and miss having you here- especially on your 21st birthday- We'll be singing to you and thinking of you and missing you!

"They told you that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What they failed to tell you is that it is best seen with the eyes closed. What you look like isn't important. What is important is who you are inside and the choices you are making in your life." We are so proud of you Amanda- you have truly been a joy to your family and all of those who know you.

Where Can I Turn for Peace?

2009-08-21T08:02:00.004-06:00

I can think of two places to turn for REAL peace- first - on my
knees- second- the Temple- I am so thankful for having a Temple close to home- I can't imagine having to travel for hundreds of miles!! Oh the many things I take for granted!! It is such a blessing to be able to go and an added blessing to go with your sons and daughters!! On this occasion it just happened to be with Katie!! What a beautiful day!! We went to lunch at the Lion House Cafe and of course we had to top it off with a trip to See's!!

Fences

2009-08-15T09:16:00.007-06:00

I love the look of beautiful white fences that go on and on for miles!! There's nothing quite so pretty!! But, you know me- I always have to go to the next thought- such as- " who paints those fences?"or "who mends those fences? " or " who can sit on those fences?" or "who can jump over those fences?" or " who built that fence and why is it covering so much land?"and I'll bet it cost a fortune in material! Or here's one more "don't fence me in"- Oh well... just a few random thoughts- I was originally thinking about being a fence sitter and now you all know where that thought led me!!

Freedom is Worth Fighting For

2009-08-01T07:27:00.003-06:00

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children what it was once like in the United States where men were free." Ronald W. Reagan

I guess my way of fighting for freedom is passing on information to friends and family members so they can also choose to fight- if I have offended any one I am truly sorry- I only meant to inform and give you the chance to respond. I truly love this country and only want to preserve the freedoms I have enjoyed for my children and grandchildren. I pray that Heavenly Father will watch over this nation and its people and that none of us will be embarrassed or afraid to fight for our freedoms.

Sometimes you just have to stop and smell the roses! or daisies!

2009-07-15T07:47:00.009-06:00

My daisies finally bloomed!!

He was checking out our home- he's at the top of our driveway.

It's so easy to get caught up in the every day political chaos- especially if you're me and listen to talk radio and Fox News- I really have to watch myself or I can get a little crazy!! So I know when I start feeling anxious that I need to turn off the radio or TV- walk out my front door- sit on my glider - take a look around- take a deep breath and count all of my blessings and realize that Heavenly Father is in charge and very aware of what is going on in the world and He will deal with it in his own good time! There- I feel better already- I'm not crazy (hmmmm?) maybe dangerously unbalanced?? I don't know- what do you think??

Beam me up Scotty- there's no sign of intelligent life here!!

2009-07-03T08:59:00.011-06:00

" A people free to choose will always choose peace"

"I've always had deep faith that there is a Supreme Being, there has to be. To me that's just a normal thing to have that kind of faith."

" Dad always used to say the only causes worth fighting for were the lost causes."

" Here's my credo. There are no good guns, there are no bad guns. A gun in the hands of a bad man is a bad thing. Any gun in the hands of a good man is no threat to anyone, except bad people."

Is anybody listening? Does anybody care what's going on in Washington? Is there anyone in public office that has any gumption, integrity or backbone? All of the above have left this planet and I miss them!! I guess it's all up to us, our husbands, our sons and our grandsons to fight for our freedoms that are so QUICKLY disappearing! God Bless America and shed his grace on thee!

Til We Meet Again

2009-06-27T07:19:00.002-06:00

May the good Lord bless and keep you Bishop Schaub- I'm sure he has welcomed you with open arms. Your family and loved ones will miss you greatly- but what a wonderful example you set and what a wonderful life you lived!

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE!!!!

2009-06-26T17:23:00.006-06:00

Wow!!! What a whirlwind of a week!! First of all, I am so grateful to Katie & Travis, and Holly & J.Hyde and Miriam, Jacob, Livia, Joey, and Josh accompaning me to the Bates Reunion!! It was so good to see everyone and share lots of laughter and fun as a family- very short, sweet and to the point as my wonderful Father would always say! I'm sure he was amazed at all of the little ones running through the park and inside the church and so much talent all in one family!! I truly wish he and Mom could have been there to enjoy their posterity- but somehow I think they know how much they have been blessed . I know how blessed I am and all of my family to have such a wonderful posterity. We all have much to be grateful for- we have been given so much... Whoops.... here's a nice view for you- it's what I see when I look out of my dining room window!! Thanks for the beauty of this earth!

Columbines galore and my daisies are just about to bloom!!!

Seems Like Old Times

2009-06-16T16:01:00.004-06:00

5 reasons why I would rather be sunning myself on Kailua Beach

It's so relaxing
It's peaceful
It's quiet
It's easy to forget everything
It makes my blood pressure lower

5 reasons why I am here and not at the beach

My 2 weeks were up
I ran out of money (green cash)
My return ticket couldn't be changed (at least not without a price)
Hyde needed me to go to the store
The party has to end sometime!

So , here I am at home- I love home- but I hate dial-up- I've been trying to update my blog since the 8th of June- I finally gave up and decided just to write instead of uploading pictures- I couldn't wait any longer- I have to pack for the family reunion- and check into a satellite dish for my computer!

Countdown....2 more days of paradise

2009-06-03T13:17:00.003-06:00

Had to get a shot of this- somebody worked really hard!

All of us at the Polynesian Cultural Center- our last night with Amanda- very hard to let her go...

I never get tired of looking at this.... too bad you can't bottle it!

It's a long long way for to tote the weary load..... you had to be there...

Tora-Tora-Tora and Some Enchanted Day

2009-05-31T17:18:00.005-06:00

Part of the USS Arizona Memorial- makes one very humbled to know these men gave their lives for our freedom

An aircraft carrier docked at Pearl Harbor

Amanda & I with a beautiful and magnificent backdrop of Mighty Mo!

Amanda & Allyssa on my favorite beach for swimming- Kailua Beach- my favorite beach for just the pure beauty of it is Waimea Bay

Had to get the girls with these towels- they are the same colors as the water!!!! just shimmering and oh so enchanting!

How Far Away?

2009-05-29T13:06:00.013-06:00

Amanda & Allyssa at Ko'Olina- prettiest swimming pool I've ever seen!

Allyssa checking out all of the beautiful lotions at Lanikai- all natural scents-yum!

Hammerhead shark at Ko'Olina

Allyssa & Amanda at Ko'Olina resort- so beautiful

Sunset at Ko'Olina- can you believe how pretty?

Sting Ray at Ko'Olina- Jacob how do you like this picture?

Banyan tree on our way to far away

Ko'Olina again- it's just so gorgeous!

Absolutely Hawaiian Time-8-ish

2009-05-27T11:56:00.008-06:00

My favorite beach in Hawaii- Waimea Bay -the different colors of blue in the water are just too beautiful !!Alyssa & Amanda in front of the Flame Bush tree in Haleiwa!! Unbelievable!!!
The beautiful Laie Hawaian Temple- they are remodeling the entire place- it is so gorgeous!!

Amanda & I in front BYU-Hawaii- what a beautiful campus!

The National Cemetery of the Pacific- this was so awe inspiring- we saw three jets fly-by and it was very emotional and made me so proud to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Amanda & I in her dorm room at BYU-H
The fly-by I described above- just breathtaking!

J.Hyde- this one's for you- can you guess who this is? Remember Abraham Summers? We had dinner at their house on Sunday- he was there with his wife and 4 kids- also Benita was there with her kids(remember her? she used to babysit for you and Mary Ann)
My best bud- (besides Hyde) we are having such a wonderful time!!! It's just too beautiful for words!!

How Come I Always Get All of the Good Jobs?

2009-05-24T20:00:00.006-06:00

This is totally unacceptable! You wouldn't think something this gross would be in such a beautiful place!! I had to kill it or none of us could have slept - you've never heard such screaming and shrieks!! YUK!!!!!

Some things just cannot be tolerated!

you are going to die!!

THE NO SPIN ZONE

2009-05-22T23:29:00.004-06:00

So we are in Honolulu at Duke's @ the Outrigger and Alyssa, Amanda & I get up to go take some pictures and who do I walk right into?!!!! You're not going to believe this!! Dick Morris (for those of you from Rio Linda) he's on Fox News!! He even took a picture with me!! Alright!!

True to form- my eyes are closed!! Oh well....

I'M LEAVIN' ON A JET PLANE!

2009-05-21T06:22:00.004-06:00

I DON'T KNOW IF I'LL BE BACK AGAIN! YES I WILL- BUT FOR NOW IT'S ALOHA!! BEACHES- SUN-OCEAN AND FUN!! I'LL TRY TO KEEP BLOGGING BUT YOU NEVER KNOW- SOMETHING MIGHT COME UP -LIKE LAYING ON THE BEACH OR LYING ON THE BEACH- I CAN NEVER REMEMBER WHICH ONE-OH WELL- WHAT CAN I SAY?

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T06:28:00.004-06:00

Dear Mom- Happy Mother's Day to a wonderful mother! Thank-you for being my Mom- for telling me stories of Jesus when I was growing up- for teaching me to pray- for your examples of service and caring to so many people- for your sweet and forgiving nature- I love you Mom and I miss you- you have been a great influence to me in my life.

It's been quite a party, Woodrow!

2009-05-06T07:02:00.011-06:00

Happy 59th to the love of my life! Gosh- we're getting up there aren't we? Thanks for being my hero for 38 years- thanks for always being loyal-for making me laugh- for your kind heart- for your patience - for being able to fix anything- for your logical mind- for coming all the way home from work to make me drive up and down the mountain after I slid off the mountain so I wouldn't be afraid to drive on the mountain- for loving our children and grandchildren so much and spending time with them and cooking for them and taking care of them- for not being jealous of Charlton Heston and watching Ben-Hur with me thousands of times- for loving John Wayne and Cary Grant and James Stewart and all their great movies-for all of the hugs you give me when I cry for no particular reason-for forgiving me for all of the dumb things I say and do- for being able to admit you're wrong and teaching me to do the same- for all of the many wonderful moments you have shared with me and for all you do for me- Happy Birthday

This is it! I have had Enough!!

2009-04-28T08:30:00.008-06:00

GREAT QUOTE FOR OBAMA'S FIRST 100 DAYS-"HERE COMES OBAMA- RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!"

BUT WE ALL KNOW THAT THERE WAS NEVER A THREAT TO US ON 9/11- THEY WERE JUST TAKING PRACTICE DIVES OR WHAT DID THEY SAY IT WAS? OH YES- A PHOTO OP- NO NEED FOR ANYONE WHO LIVES IN NYC TO BE CONCERNED!

IS THIS GUY FOR REAL? I THINK I AM LIVING

IN AN ALTERNATE UNIVERSE?

FUTURE CEO OF GM AND CHRYSLER- I CAN HARDLY WAIT TO SEE WHAT KIND OF CARS OBAMA DESIGNS! HE IS SO WISE!

" IF WE'RE NOT CAREFUL, INSTEAD OF CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE CHANGES IN WHAT WE BELIEVE." NEWT GINGRICH

And it snowed for 40 days and 40 nights!!

2009-04-19T11:17:00.005-06:00

Right about now I can truly say- I've had it!! We have been without power since Friday night- quite the challenge for this country bumpkin! But I did manage to start our generator ( Hyde was stranded up in Denver) and the lights came on and the TV and I had water!!!!! Thank goodness for water!! I found that with all of our food storage, Hyde & I had not managed to stock up on H2O - and without power - your well does not pump- alas- we have learned a valuable lesson and one I hope we will not forget! Mandy- I'll bet you wish you were here instead of on the beach in Hawaii!! Ha! Ha!

Long may our Land be Bright

2009-04-16T13:36:00.004-06:00

Alma 46:9- Yea, and we also see the great wickedness one very wicked man can cause to take place among the children of men.
Alma46:11 - And now it came to pass that when Moroni, who was the "chief commander of the armies of the Nephites, had heard these dissensions, he was angry with Amalickiah.
Alma 46:12 - And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it- "In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children-"
After last Novembers' election and everything that has transpired since then- I believe I truly understand what Captain Moroni must have felt- how sad to watch the land that you were born in- the land that you love- the freedom and liberty which we as a nation have always known- to be so swiftly and boldly trampled upon!!
I understand what all of the TEA PARTIES are about- I only pray that all of the good people who love this country as I do will continue to fight for our FREEDOM and LIBERTY and never be afraid to say what we know to be true!
God Bless our Country and our Families and our Freedom!

ALOHA AMANDA- SHE'S ON HER WAY!!

2009-04-15T07:45:00.011-06:00

Amanda & Mom
Amanda & Dad

Holly, Amanda, Katie & Miriam

Jacob & Amanda

Amanda & Livia

Amanda & Joey
Josh & Amanda

Travis & Amanda

Amanda & J. Hyde

So our little sweet Amanda is on her way to BYU-Hawaii- she will be sorely missed by her parents, her brothers and sisters- and her nieces and nephews. We love you Amanda and will see you in September- some of us will see you sooner- ha!! ha!!

Merry Christmas!- Whoops- I mean Happy Easter!

2009-04-13T13:26:00.002-06:00

Can you believe this? Easter Sunday in the Rockies! We didn't even get to go to church!! They cancelled it because of the weather!! Oh well... we still had a wonderful day and I am so grateful for everything that the Saviour has done for me and my loved ones.

Happy Birthday Clayton! 9 Years Old!

2009-03-13T14:14:00.031-06:00

March 31, 2000- A very important day in history! Our very first grandson, Clayton Rand
Jenson was born! The years have flown by and he is 9 years old today!! Happy Birthday to a wonderful young man!

Chess Champion of Monument, Colorado!!

2009-03-10T07:16:00.010-06:00

Our grandson, Jacob Benjamin Heath- 8 years old- was in a chess tournament in Monument and he beat all of them!! Right up to and including the 8th graders!! Way to go Jacob!! So Poppy Honey and Gramma decided to take him to Texas Roadhouse to celebrate!! He got to order his favorite dinner- Steak and mashed potatoes w/ gravy and for dessert strawberry cheesecake!! We love you Jacob!! Keep up the good work!!

Yikes!!! The pressure- I've been tagged!

2009-03-07T09:33:00.004-07:00

Amanda and her Dad at Christmas time 2008- actually this is the 1st picture in my 7th file- I only had 5 pictures in my 6th file- I hope that's not cheating.... hmmmm? I tag: Jacey, Jenna, Alyssa, Bethany, Natalie, and Donna! Instructions for tag: Take your 6th folder of pictures and pick the 6th picture in the folder and then publish- sorry Jacey- I had a momentary loss of memory!! Love you guys!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NONNA!!

2009-03-04T07:34:00.005-07:00

Happy 55th Nonna!! My goodness we are getting up there!! This is just to say "thank-you" for being you- for always being there for me- for always making the effort to keep the family together- for our many sister reunions- for the love- laughter- tears- for the sharing and the caring- for all of our many sister talks- for working out with me- for listening to me when I know you have so many other things on your mind- for understanding when I call you crying about Charlton Heston- for so many countless ways you have made my life more meaningful- thank-you Nonna for being my sister and my dearest friend. I love you! Happy Birthday Sweetie!

The Partys' Over

2009-02-22T14:09:00.003-07:00

All good things must come to an end.... so we had our last lunch at Jordan's and bid farewell to one another until we meet again.. We -have been going to this restaurant since we were little sisters in Phoenix and the tradition continues every time we are together. Thank-you to my beautiful sisters for their sweet, fun-loving, kind and wonderful ways. I have been so blessed to be able to spend time with them and continue to share many memorable experiences with them. Here's to next year and many more fun times together as sisters!

"Most People are as happy as they make up their minds to be." - Abraham Lincoln

2009-02-05T08:54:00.007-07:00

Today is my 58th birthday!! Happy Birthday to me!! I am so thankful for my life- for my parents who gave me life and taught me so much- for this wonderful, free country that I live in- for the restored gospel and the HAPPINESS it has brought to my life- for the blessing of motherhood ( J.Hyde, Mary Ann, Katie and Amanda)- for the added blessing of JOY in my posterity ( my beautiful, sweet, strong, grandchildren- Miriam, Clayton, Jacob, Livia, Soren, Holden, Joey, Anden, and Joshua- For my sweet, kind and unselfish husband who helped me become a mother- for the blessing of a sense of humor and being able to laugh at life and all of its' many unexpected events- for the beauty of this wonderful earth that was created for us- for the blessings of the Temple- for the Atonement and all that it represents to each of us-for all of the many lessons and trials the Lord has blessed me with because of his love for me and wanting me to return to him- for my wonderful sisters- Donna, Betty and Sandra- who have shared so much with me and supported me in so many facets of my life- I am so grateful and happy to be alive and witness all that is going on the world. I can keep going - but the list is getting a bit long- and as my father always said " keep it short, sweet, and to the point!"

What happened to January?

2009-01-30T08:18:00.007-07:00

Answer- I don't really care- I'm just glad I don't have to relive it!! Things I have learned so far for this new year:

I was right about Obama- he is a left-wing radical

I was right about Reagan- he is gone but we should never forget him or his wisdom

The prophet was right when he said things will be okay- they will- it'll just take alot of faith

Don't pay attention to anything that an old person says to you (at least an old person who's brain is fried!) They forget about it in 5 minutes

Learn to laugh- Amanda and I have been watching Cary Grant movies- Jack Lemmon movies- etc., etc. I love them and they are so refreshing!! It feels so good to LAUGH! Especially accompanied by SEE'S. mmmmmm

Mothers- appreciate your children- what a wonderful blessing to be surrounded by people who know you and they still love you!!!

Goodbye 2008- Hello 2009!!

2009-01-01T08:26:00.002-07:00

What a year!! Something tells me 2009 will be a year to remember too! Amanda and I ended the year on a relaxing note- we went to the Broadmoor Spa with Aunt Sue and her daughter Elizabeth- we had a 70 minute massage and then a Chardonnay Sugar Scrub!! What a treat!! The toilets had heated seats and a front and back rinse and dry!! " A bit of patte'- I drink it every day!" The height of elegance!
Wishes to all of you for a very Happy New Year and the time for us all to count our many blessings!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2008-12-20T07:18:00.001-07:00

Thought for the coming week: "In our busy lives, with ever so many others competing for our attention, it is essential that we make a conscious, committed effort to bring Christ into our lives and into our homes." Pres. Monson 7 Dec. Christmas Devotional
As I sit here at my computer pondering the next few days and all of the preparations- I could easily be overwhelmed!!! Discharging Hyde's dad from the nursing home- arranging for 24 hour care- Christmas Eve up here at our home- dinner- 5 excited grandkids- Christmas day- 5 excited grandkids and 7 sleep deprived adults- Christmas dinner- picking up Hyde's parents and bringing them here for dinner( weather forecast is clear skies). But- I really feel at peace- I don't know if it's just being tired and having a cold - no- it's not- I really think it's a gift from Heavenly Father- I am looking forward to having everyone here together and I plan on enjoying every moment of it! I am so blessed to have the people that I love and that love me here at our home and we really do have so much to be grateful for!
So the quote from President Monson really made me stop and reflect how Christmas is really about bringing Christ into our homes and loving one another. Merry Christmas to all of you !

TRADITION

2008-12-15T06:17:00.001-07:00

We have a tradition in our family - every Christmas Eve we open a new Christmas ornament- for the last 30 years I've been going by myself to St. Nick's ( a wonderful Christmas shop with a million different trees decorated with every kind of ornament! So much fun!!) This year , Holly, Katie and Amanda came with me- but first we carried out another tradition- our annual stop at See's- can't think of a better way to spend an evening! I had so much fun watching my girls' faces when they walked into St. Nick's- they finally knew where all of their many ornaments had come from!! Of course they were wired from our stop at See's but who cares??? It was worth every bite and moment!!

Oh the weather outside is frightening....

2008-12-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

Let it snow- let it snow - let it snow... As if I could stop it!! I think we got about 12 inches!!!

"Come what may, and love it."

2008-12-04T06:50:00.000-07:00

How do people get through this life without the restored gospel? I am so grateful for this wonderful gift in my life.
It's amazing to me how the Lord will remind us of how much we have and what's really important in this life just at the moment you think you can't bear one more thing!
I am so grateful for wonderful men like Elder Joseph Wirthlin and his simple advice- "Come what may, and love it."

If you can't make it better, you can laugh at it

2008-12-03T07:58:00.000-07:00

"Getting out of the hospital is a lot like resigning from a book club. You're not out of it until the computer says you're out of it." Erma Bombeck

We are now headed for a skilled nursing facility-hmmm? I thought that's what a hospital was - oh well- it goes on Judah- the race it continues!!

Sing Choirs of Angels

2008-12-02T06:20:00.000-07:00

" ...not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with- here, now, everyday. Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind." Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Thank-you Amanda, Katie, Travis, J.Hyde & Holly for all of your help this past week- and thank-you Amanda for bringing the Christmas Spirit into our mountain home!

Out to lunch...

2008-11-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

I have been out to lunch for the last week in the hospital cafeteria. Mmmm, nothing like that hospital food! My father-in-law has been in the hospital, and is doing much better thanks to many prayers and wonderful doctors.

Where the Magpies Roost

2008-11-19T09:07:00.000-07:00

Our little piece of Heaven....
It's a little dicey in the winter,but I have learned how to plow my way out!

49 Years ago today!! November 18

2008-11-18T04:44:00.000-07:00

I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT IT HAS BEEN 49 YEARS SINCE MY FAVORITE ALL TIME BEST MOVIE "BEN-HUR" OPENED IN THE THEATRES!!!!!

CHARLTON HESTON- YOU WERE THE BEST! TOO BAD THEY DON'T MAKE THEM LIKE YOU ANY MORE.

It's A Wonderful Life

2008-11-17T12:18:00.000-07:00

Hyde and I have been together for thirty-seven years! My how the time has flown by! We have gone from 2 to 16 of us! It has been a long and winding road. But, for the most part it has been a joyful journey.