Love Days Like These

Allan and I arrived in California--sunny, but not warm, California. In fact, when I arrived here at noon on Friday it had just finished snowing. WHAT???? I was hoping I left the cold, snowy weather behind ; )

• It has been a fun few days. Highlights:

• Dinner Friday night at Mel's Diner.

• Getting a chance to watch the BYU BB game on Saturday. (Allan and I have not had a chance to watch BYU play, so it was GREAT--and the only thing that made it better THEY WON)

• Having In-N-Out for lunch

• Playing Snorta and Yamslam. Love watching Hannah and Drew play. I know Hannah really wanted to play Apples to Apples, but we never got a chance to play.

And, obviously, the highlight was Sunday when baby Georgia was blessed. This little girl is such a beauty--look at those eyes.


We were so happy that Neal was in the area attending a Conference and was able to drive down to be there for the blessing. He came in time to have breakfast with us Sunday morning. Drew waited anxiously for his dad to make a Mickey pancake and I loved the eyes and mouth

After Church we headed outside to take a few pictures. Unfortunately it was a little breezy and not terribly warm. When we got back to the house it wasn't quite as breezy so we took some more. As you can see, everyone was having trouble with the sun in their eyes ; )

I loved her little dress--so beautiful.

I love this one of Georgia and her sister, Kiah.

Georgia, her daddy, and her grandma.


And I'm so glad we got this one.

We are heading off today and going to go visit my sisters. Should be a lot of fun.

You Know You're Old When...

I don't really like thinking about how old I am. But when i realize I was born in the 50's and we are in 2011, I realize I am old. And then when you have experiences like these there is no doubting it:

1. Every so often I catch one of those "where are they now?" things on the internet and I click on the pictures and see "how they look today" and the first thing that pops in my head is: "Goodness, they are really looking old". Then I go to the mirror and recognize THEY ARE NOT ALONE.

2. I started thinking about my trip to Utah for my half-marathon in June and can't remember if I booked a ticket for my flight. (Now, it's not like the dentist or doctor's office who are nice enough to call to remind you of your upcoming appointment. I don't think the airlines are going to call to remind me of my flight. I've checked all of my airmiles accounts and my credit card accounts so I don't think I've booked it.

3. Yesterday I went to the sports medicine clinic to have my knee looked at. (It has been over a week since I hurt it and it still is quite painful. I'm more concerned about not being able to train than the pain.) After the doctor checked it out he sent me to have it x-rayed. Well, there I was waiting for the girl to ask me the usual question about whether or not I was pregnant. SHE DIDN'T ASK ; (

But, in spite of it, LIFE IS GOOD. And as the old saying goes: You're only as old as you feel, and most days I don't feel at all like I'm so old.

Have a fabulous day.

Why Light Is Important

I have written before about the baby blanket I've been working on for baby L.

Well, last week I made a very disturbing discovery. Let me preface this by saying that I normally work on the blanket in the evening while watching TV. So the other day, I was getting ready to go to lunch with some friends, and since I wasn't leaving for an hour, I decided to pull out the blanket to work on it. I was sitting on the bed and had the shades up in my room and YIKES I couldn't believe what I saw--This was it!!!!

Now I have to tell you it wasn't until I had crocheted about 15 rows that I saw this mistake. I decided to rip those rows out. I do have to add that as I was working I kept thinking the yarn felt different--heavier. I'm sure you can see the difference--very different--not only the color but even how it looks.

I wasn't sure where I bought the yarn and couldn't find my receipt (I bought the yarn in September/October, but I decided to go back to Michaels to see if I could find the right yarn. No luck. Then Kathy and I headed to Wal-Mart. No luck there either.

When I got home, I found my receipt and the next morning called Michaels and told them I didn't understand because looking at the receipt it was apparent that all of the yarn was the same. Not only is it not the same color, it is not the same yarn. A different weight, a different look. Well, when I got there they couldn't explain it, and they didn't have anything close. So I headed to the other Michael's and bought yarn that was close, but not close enough so I had to start all over again. I am happy with the way it is looking. I'm very happy to report that I've almost gotten to the same spot I was in the other blanket when I recognized my mistake.

The other thing I realized was I wasn't doing the picots correctly, so I guess it was a good thing. I think the picots are very cute.

Now it looks like it should and I love it.

I will be going to Baby L's blessing in a few weeks and will not be done with the blanket, and that makes me sad, But I'm working on it whenever I get a spare moment, so if you don't see my out in the blogosphere, i'LL BE BACK SOON. Let me just add that through this experience I've learned some valuable lessons:

• Always save the labels for your yarn--even after you finish a skein.

• Always crochet with light--especially when you start a new skein.

• Save your receipts and keep it handy so you know where you bought your yarn.

I just hope this sweet little girl likes her blanket.

SIDENOTE #1: When my cute little DIL, Daph, sent me this pic the other day I was shocked. I thought, "How in the world is this little girl standing up already?" Well, obviously, she isn't. I can't wait to see her in a week. In fact, it will be wonderful to see her whole family and then fly on to Texas to see some of my other cute grandkids.

SIDENOTE #2: My challenges are going well. I love the one challenge I'm involved in that has a particular relationship challenge. I'm working very hard to improve some of my relationships--sure hope it helps. (And not just so I can get the points ; ) Speaking of which--the other day when a couple of my friends took me to lunch, I sent them an e-mail thanking them and said, "I was going to write you a handwritten note, but there wasn't anything in my challenges where I could earn a point, so I'm just e-mailing you." Since they have been involved in the challenges, too, they got a good laugh out of it ; )

What is Love?

Another Valentine's Day has come and gone. And just like my Christmas cards, I'm late in doing something about it--well, at least here on my blog.

That is one day where we hear so much about love.

I guess for me I think of the love:

• my parents gave me. I first learned about love from them.

• that Helen and Les showed 45 years ago today to 6 orphaned girls when they took us into their home and from that day until they days they each passed away

• I felt for Stephen the day he was born--It is incredible the love you feel the first time that baby you are carrying moves and then when he was born I was so amazed at the love I felt when they placed him in my arms. (Those feelings have obviously come with each of my children as they were born. And through the years, that love has grown and continues to grow.)

• I had for this handsome man who invited me on our first date July 24, 1982. I was so excited when he asked me out--I already had such respect for him. It seemed like we spent just about every day together until October 23rd when we started spending every night together as well ; ) It's funny how you think you are so in love and then the years go on and the challenges come and you realize how much that love changes and grows and grows. I didn't think that was possible but when I see him become an even greater man than I knew he was, I recognize how truly blessed I am.

• Each of Allan's children. When we got married, I loved his kids. And just like with the children I gave birth to, that love has grown.

• The grandchildren. I love being a grandma. It is such a wonderful experience--it is great to have them hug you and tell you they love you, or to have the chance to talk on the phone with them and hear the excitement in their little voices as they share the things they are doing. It is exciting to watch them grow up.

• The spouses of our children/grandchldren. We have been blessed to have some wonderful people join our family. It is exciting to watch our family grow. Love truly is a beautiful thing and watching love blossom is so fun.

• The love I have for my friends. I have been blessed with such great friends--great examples who have taught me so much. We have had such great times together. Some are near and some have moved away or we have moved. But it doesn't matter--whenever we get together, it's like we were together yesterday. I have to add my bloggy friends here as well--and that same thing is true about you. I may not visit your blogs or comment on every post and you may not visit mine, but when I come by and read what is happening in your life, it's like I was there yesterday. I love catching up with your lives.

So to everyone thanks for the love.

I'm going to link to this youtube video. It has really given me something to think about. If you haven't seen it, take a couple of minutes and watch it.

Every time I talk on the phone to my children/grandchildren I always end my conversation with, "I love you". I certainly hope they have felt that love--that they don't just think it's words I say--it is what I feel in my heart for them. I truly do love them.

Let me end with this quote from Helen Keller: "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt within the heart".

AND THE WINNER IS...

It's Saturday so it's time to announce the winner of my giveaway. Before my trusty assistant left for his meeting, I had him help me with the drawing for my giveaway. He had been out of town all week, so I had to wait for him to get home which is why the drawing was being held today. As I was writing down the names, I was so excited (isn't that silly). Thanks to all of you for commenting and participating. I just wish I could send each of you a CD.

With that being said, (AS YOU CAN SEE, WE DO THINGS VERY FANCY AROUND HERE) And, just to let you know, Heidi and Neal's names were not in the drawing ; )

BTW, Isn't HE cute ; )

and THE WINNER IS...

In case you can't read it, it says RANDI.

I hope you can wait until I get to Cali--I'm going to have the CD shipped there and then will mail it from there (that way there is no duty involved).

Tonight is our annual Scout Spaghetti Dinner, so I'm off to make these chocolate suckers and chocolate caramel brownies for the bake sale.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

BTW, it looks like Connie is having a giveaway and it is for a cake mix book and an apron.--GO HERE.

Thanks to My Sweet Daughter

I received the most amazing birthday present in the mail on Monday. It was the sweetest little book from my family. All of them contributed (even my little Elder) and Heidi put it together. As you can see, it is entitled "60 Things We Love About Yvonne". Heidi has never made one of these books before and I have to say--SHE DID A FABULOUS JOB.

The sweet things that were said really did touch my heart. I felt so very loved. I know Heidi felt bad that I didn't get it sooner--but it didn't matter to me. I'm just so very happy to have it now. It was the PERFECT gift. It was a reminder that things that I had done did matter. So often it's easy to think your children aren't listening or noticing, this helped me realize they were and they did.

I also have to give a shout out to Neal who has done such a great job of keeping track of family photos. It was a reminder to me of how important it is to always pull the camera out. I may not be the best photographer in the world, my photos will not be on walls, but they certainly have captured special times and that's what is important to me. I love that there were pictures of me with most of the the kids/grandkids--Unfortunately there are a couple where this is no picture with me (or maybe my eyes were closed and so Neal didn't use those ; ) I have to make it a point when we're all together next time to get a picture of me with each of them.

Sidenote #1: Remember to enter my giveaway to receive a copy of Macy's CD. I have to tell you I can't wait to get mine. If you didn't comment on my last post--here's the link.

Sidenote #2: My e-mail this week from Elder Rob was late. Allan received his Monday afternoon and forwarded it to me. In it Elder Rob mentioned something he had written in his e-mail to me. I waited and waited and NOTHING. Then yesterday morning I checked my mail and there it was 2 days late--where in the world was it???? I think there may even be another e-mail because he began this one saying, "Alright, round 2"

As Time Goes By--CONTEST CLOSED

The other night I was flipping through stations and Oceans Eleven (the remake with George Clooney and Julia Roberts) was on. When I looked at the info on it I was so surprised to see that the movie was done back in 2001--ten years ago. Had it really been ten years.

I know I write a lot about this, but I feel time is just whizzing by and I really want it to slow down. I can only put a few pics here--impossible to put everything. Time may be going by, but we sure are doing our best to pack lots of great things in along the way because in the words of Aerosmith, "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing".

Whether it is months that are passing quickly

It's impossible to me that this little girl is changing so much and is going to be 7 months in a little over week

And can I just say, that little Drew is growing up, too. He's so excited because he just lost his first tooth ; )

Or years:

Celebrations of births, blessings, graduations, etc. Too many to mention all, but here are a few:In a few weeks we will be in California for Georgia's blessing--just 10 years ago we were there for her big sister, Hannah's.

And 5 years ago for her big brother, Drew's.

In 1992 we were in Cali for Chris's baptism. Such a special day for that wonderful young man. And our little Elder was just a baby watching his nephew who he'd grow up to love so very much..

And Jason's baptism a few years later.

When Chris graduated from high school, it was so fun to be there with a lot of the family.

I remember when we went to Amanda's high school graduation. I was shocked--a huge school with something like 900 students and they finished the graduation ceremony in 2 hours (same time it took for my kids grads here with about 150 students ; )

It was fun that so many could be there for Neal's grad from BYU in 2004.

As well through the years there have been great trips together:

Like Hawaii where this guy wanted to surf

Herrington's--notice how many pictures always include food ; )

Park City, where time was spent digging pebbles out of Josh's shoulder when he decided to try and break some kind of speed record coming down the mountain. (No this is Neal who really tried to show him how to do it ; )

And several family reunions:

Great trip to Disneyworld for Christmas 1992. We had a ball.

Lots of trips to the beach and Disneyland



Or decades

So hard for me to believe these two are 20 and 19

The trampoline has brought so many fun memories throughout the years.

And I had to laugh when I was with G-man in Texas and he wanted to do the "cheers" with his glass. I assumed his older brother or sister taught him that one ; )


This is one of my favorite pictures of Neal and me.

And is it possible that these two have been married 23 years in a couple of weeks--WOW.

Or nearly 3 decades

It's so hard for me to believe are all in their 40's. They have grown into such wonderful people. I'm so proud to be their mom/stepmom.

Or ages:



I'm so grateful for photos and videos. I think it's wonderful that with most cameras today you can either take a photo or a video. I still remember years and years ago when the first "movie cameras" came out and my brother-in-law shot a movie of my sister Carol. She stood there and so it shows her for about 30 seconds just fiddling with her bracelet ; )

I'd just encourage everyone to capture video more often, especially of those little ones. I'm so grateful I have Heidi talking about Malecefent (I'm trying to phoenetically type it so you can imagine how she said it) or that we have her talking about her MAAAJJJIC. Regret: That I don't have her eating the Burger Bundles at Burger King--CLASSIC. But I think it's burned in some of our heads and will never be forgotten.

Now, in honor of my sweet daughter-in-law and my grandson's efforts to make grandma feel better by taking a picture "grandma style", I'm having a giveaway. CONTEST CLOSED

For everyone who comments on this post has an opportunity to receive a copy of Macy's CD "Children Will Listen".

I will hold a drawing this Saturday, where I will put the names of everyone who comments into a hat and have my cute little assistant draw the name. Believe me he CAN be trusted.

And FINALLY your laugh for the day. Let me preface this with a little story. When I returned home from Texas it was COLD. Allan said he was looking for a trip to take me to Hawaii. I was tempted, but then I said something that brought a dumbfounded look to his face, "Don't you think we should save the money?" I know he was thinking, "Okay, who are you and what have you done with my wife."

And after this I was re-thinking my answer to him. Some of you may have seen this on facebook. But for those who haven't this was taken Monday morning when I was out for my run. YES, I AM CRAZY.