Welcome to 2010

There are some people who thought I needed a little updating. What's wrong with the 70's I ask? They took me to a good friend's salon for a little ambush make-over. They bought me some sassy clothes and then told me I needed the hair to match.

They had lots of fun doing my make-up and coloring my hair. After much consulting, they had my hair cut and styled. It's a new me!

Thanks Desi, Jacque, and Camie for taking such good care of me. We had the best weekend ever. You're the greatest!

All Eighteen Together

Eighteen grandchildren together was quite an accomplishment. We spent time together off and on for a couple of weeks doing exciting things like riding wave runners at Big Bear Lake, going to the beach, the zoo, Sea World, and just having fun in the back yard with BBQ's and swimming. I didn't take too many pictures, but hopefully we'll see some of every one's favorite shots.

Surf's Up

What an exciting couple of days I spent at Newport Beach. The waves were over 25 feet high and the crowds gathered at the wedge to witness their enormity. I was fascinated by the enormity of the crowd. Lifeguards were certainly kept busy rescuing the foolish swimmers.

Families are Forever

What a wonderful time we had visiting Nauvoo, Independence and Liberty Jail. Our heritage and our beliefs are what we are always able cling to in this life. Our family is what is important now and in the life to come. The cute girls are exploring some of the little stores in Nauvoo. We tasted a little gingerbread cookie inside the old bakery.
The horses pulled our wagon as we traveled back in history along the banks of the Mississippi.

What a breathtaking view of the Nauvoo Temple. We spent some time inside reflecting on the meaning of life. It was a wonderful opportunity...especially for Emilee to go inside with her parents and do some wonderful service for her ancestors.

Paul, Natalie and Emilee in front of the Nauvoo Temple

Some Fun in the Sun!

A day in Waikiki playing at a park. Jaxon is a cute cuddly little Hawaiian teddy bear. What's Hawaii without shave ice? So delicious!

Shark's cove was a great spot for a picnic and snorkeling. Heather has some great video of the turtles we found to swim with. Maybe she'll post some pictures soon.

Ashlyn actually let me curl and style her hair for church. Getting her to pose for a picture is another story.

We had a nice day at a hotel with dolphin training. Here we stopped for lunch by the beach.

Ashlyn adores her father. She is definitely a "daddy's girl".
Heather and I posed for a picture near the waterfall.
We got up close and personal with some dolphins. There were about five being trained here.

The Funny "Fours turning Five"

I just love my little batch of four-year-old grandkids. They say and do the funniest things. Yesterday, Staci told us the story of Goldilocks and the three bears. When the three bears discovered Goldilocks in the bed, they said, "That's okay because she was their cousin."
Grace told me I can come and visit her any time but I shouldn't walk because it would take me a day and another day and a day after that. She said, "You can drive a car, or take a plane or a really big boat!"
Ryan always wants me to snuggle and watch movies. He says, "Grandma, you can put your arm around me" and then when he leaves and comes back he says, "Grandma, you can put your arm around me again."
I love hearing Riley sing, "Don't wash my blanket today" She is always so full of smiles and giggles and I can't wait to see her again soon. What a bunch of fun we were blessed with in 2004!

Dedicated to all mothers everywhere

Before I was a mom...I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got to bed. I brushed my hair and teeth every day.
Before I was a mom...I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a mom...I never had been puked on, pooped on, spit on, chewed on, or peed on. I had complete control of my mind and thoughts. I slept all night.
Before I was a mom...I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours late at night watching my baby sleep.
Before I was a mom...I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a mom.
Before I was a mom...I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a mom...I never had gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was OK. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment, or the satisfaction of being a mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a mom.
And before I was a grandma...I didn't know that all those "mom" feelings more than doubled when you see that little bundle being held by "your baby."

Thanks to my kids and their spouses for being so wonderful!

Happy Anniversary to Us

Even though it's "tax season" we managed to squeeze in some celebrating. We had a delicious dinner Saturday night at "Papaya Bay" restaurant, feasting on won ton soup, spring rolls, and shrimp with snow peas. Then Sunday the local kids and grandkids came over for dinner and celebration. We've truly been blessed over the years with such a wonderful family!

We haven't changed much, right?

Who are these youngsters?

A Sparkly Story

Yesterday I spent the day with Mike, Staci, and Kira at the Magic Kingdom. We all had our backpacks full of snacks and water and had loads of fun going on rides and seeing the attractions. I asked Staci what was in her backpack (because she had been carrying it around all day) so she showed me the contents. The only thing in it was a pair of pink sparkly shoes to wear to see the princesses. We got in line and she put them on to show Cinderella, Snow White and Pocahontas. They of course gave her big hugs and made it well worth the effort.

"I'm Going to Disneyland"

After Christmas was over, what was there left to do?

Go to Disneyland, of course!

It was a fun day with the Tangs, Taub and M&M.

Ashlyn and I are waiting to see the princesses...

in our matching outfits.

The next week, with Brooke's and Tami's family, I rode the tea cups with Ryan, and Andrew...rabbit ears courtesy of Brooke.

Caitlyn drove Kira and me on Autopia! Watch out everyone!

Caitlyn's Cookie

I finally have some pictures to share. We had a cookie decorating contest at Christmas time and Caitlyn finally finished hers. It was pretty spectacular and took much time to complete. She mixed the colors for the frosting and meticulously applied all the detail. I think her little mermaid was quite a winner! Good job Caitlyn.

Thanks for the Memories

The past few months have been great. We've welcomed new babies and many of us have been together to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. My computer is having problems so I won't be posting pictures this time. But thanks to one and all for the joyous time I have been able to spend with you and our little grandchildren.