http://grandmashouse.wordpress.com/
I haven't got it all planned out yet. But I think I am interested in doing another blog for my creative side. Right now it is called Grandma's House because it is the blog I started while I was sitting in the hospital when Jeremy was born ALMOST 2 YEARS AGO!!
I am thinking I need an outlet to display creations, have contests and maybe sell stuff.
Tell me what you think? Beth, do you want to help with this? Let me know.
Just pondering........
Friday, November 06, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Prop Me Up On The Leaning Side
Once there was an old man who always prayed, 'Lord, prop us up on our leanin' side.' After hearing him pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he prayed that prayer so fervently.
He answered, 'Well sir, you see, it's like this .... I got an old barn out back. It's been there a long time; it's withstood a lot of weather; it's gone through a lot of storms, and it's stood for many years.
It's still standing. But one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit.
So I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side so it wouldn't fall.
Then I got to thinking about that and how much I was like that old barn. I've been around a long time.
I've withstood a lot of life's storms. I've withstood a lot of bad weather in life, I've withstood a lot of hard times, and I'm still standing too. But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on our leaning side, 'cause I figure a lot of us get to leaning at times.
Sometimes we get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward hatred, leaning toward cussing, leaning toward a lot of things that we shouldn't. So we need to pray, 'Lord, prop us up on our leaning side, so we will stand straight and tall again, to glorify the Lord.''
Friday, September 11, 2009
Facebook Is Ruining My Blogging!
So the other day I realized checking on Facebook all the time is cutting into my Blogging. Of course, Facebook is keeping me in touch and getting me back in touch with friends from all over and from quite while ago. I just found a friend from Louisiana whom I hadn't seen in probably 15+ years. Since then her husband has passed away. All her children are married and have families. This week a brother-in-law passed away and so we were able to contact family members through facebook and email and have set up a place to stay etc through Facebook. AND I find that pictures are more interesting on Facebook too with whole albums. I don't play the games on Facebook or do quizzes very often, etc. I just spend my time sort of "interacting" with others there.
But I get to put down words with a Blog. It's a place to put down rambling thoughts a few pictures, etc. Among the things that I love are music, hands, the Book of Mormon, my family, the skies of Colorado, baby necks, Caesar salad, and words.
Books have always fascinated me. Putting words on paper, thoughts on paper, feelings on paper draws me in. I was a pretty good letter writer before email. I still write occasionally to my Grandmother. But a letter coming in the mail is a miracle these days. I have actually started quite a few books. I have them around still but get sidetracked by life and don't finish them. Probably should even if it is just to say I did it.
To wrap up this rambling thought I think I should try to Blog a little more and Facebook a little less. Maybe I can. I just hope it doesn't fall into the category of New Year's resolutions.
But I get to put down words with a Blog. It's a place to put down rambling thoughts a few pictures, etc. Among the things that I love are music, hands, the Book of Mormon, my family, the skies of Colorado, baby necks, Caesar salad, and words.
Books have always fascinated me. Putting words on paper, thoughts on paper, feelings on paper draws me in. I was a pretty good letter writer before email. I still write occasionally to my Grandmother. But a letter coming in the mail is a miracle these days. I have actually started quite a few books. I have them around still but get sidetracked by life and don't finish them. Probably should even if it is just to say I did it.
To wrap up this rambling thought I think I should try to Blog a little more and Facebook a little less. Maybe I can. I just hope it doesn't fall into the category of New Year's resolutions.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Some Thoughts and Experiences
A couple of things I was thinking about.
It was hard after falling on my face to go out into public. People either stared and looked away or they exclaimed, "What happened to you?" Or "Did Bob do that? Ha ha" "How are you today? You're are looking better."
I kept wondering what they were thinking and even though most people were very kind it got rather overwhelming to explain over and over again what had happened. Well, you get the idea.
Anyway..... A week ago Thursday our ward was having a special chapel session at the temple and then going on a session together. I wasn't sure I was up to it after explaining my face most of the day at work (9+ hours) and then having to do it all over again in the evening. Robert said that he understood if I didn't want to go. But I had this very strong impression that I should go. And looking back nothing happened or was felt in the whole evening that was different from other times at the temple. And it truly was hard to go and have people look at me and to catch that little knee jerk reaction in their eyes.
What DID happen which told me that Heavenly Father loved me and wanted me in the temple was what happened at the very beginning. I don't know that it was a miracle. Just a little gift from my Father to me.
It was when I went through to get the name of the person I would be proxy for. The sister there looked at me with a big bruise on her face. She said, "You look just like me." Then she said that she had fallen on her face, which I did also. So it was as if Heavenly Father sent the one person in the temple that night who I would identify with so he could say to me, "I know what you are going through and I love you. I am glad you are here tonight." Just a simple little gift but SO right.
Last night we went to the temple also. We almost didn't go. I have gotten used to my face and it is looking very much better. I still have a bruise on one cheek and a couple of cuts on the bridge of my nose which show up pretty bad. At least to me.
But while I was sitting there waiting I realized that going to the temple is like exercising. You know you should do it. You know it is good for you. You know you will not regret it afterwards and you will feel good about it. And if you do it you will not feel guilty because you didn't do it. It is the same for Visiting Teaching and Home Teaching. Interesting comparison.
Also, our Bishop challenged the ward to complete the Book of Mormon by the end of the year. Robert put together a spread sheet to track how we are doing. It is pretty cool because after you put in your page number it will tell you how far you are behind or ahead.
I was reading in 1st Nephi and realized that Nephi and Joseph Smith are distant cousins, I guess you could say, because they are both descendants of Joseph. Now I know that most of us are descendants of Joseph, but I wondered if when Nephi learned this if he felt a bond with Joseph Smith? Because of his concern about his family if it felt special to him that a distant relative would be the one to restore the gospel and bring it to Nephi's family again? Just pondering that.
Okay, well, just a few experiences and thoughts. I didn't want to lose them.
It was hard after falling on my face to go out into public. People either stared and looked away or they exclaimed, "What happened to you?" Or "Did Bob do that? Ha ha" "How are you today? You're are looking better."
I kept wondering what they were thinking and even though most people were very kind it got rather overwhelming to explain over and over again what had happened. Well, you get the idea.
Anyway..... A week ago Thursday our ward was having a special chapel session at the temple and then going on a session together. I wasn't sure I was up to it after explaining my face most of the day at work (9+ hours) and then having to do it all over again in the evening. Robert said that he understood if I didn't want to go. But I had this very strong impression that I should go. And looking back nothing happened or was felt in the whole evening that was different from other times at the temple. And it truly was hard to go and have people look at me and to catch that little knee jerk reaction in their eyes.
What DID happen which told me that Heavenly Father loved me and wanted me in the temple was what happened at the very beginning. I don't know that it was a miracle. Just a little gift from my Father to me.
It was when I went through to get the name of the person I would be proxy for. The sister there looked at me with a big bruise on her face. She said, "You look just like me." Then she said that she had fallen on her face, which I did also. So it was as if Heavenly Father sent the one person in the temple that night who I would identify with so he could say to me, "I know what you are going through and I love you. I am glad you are here tonight." Just a simple little gift but SO right.
Last night we went to the temple also. We almost didn't go. I have gotten used to my face and it is looking very much better. I still have a bruise on one cheek and a couple of cuts on the bridge of my nose which show up pretty bad. At least to me.
But while I was sitting there waiting I realized that going to the temple is like exercising. You know you should do it. You know it is good for you. You know you will not regret it afterwards and you will feel good about it. And if you do it you will not feel guilty because you didn't do it. It is the same for Visiting Teaching and Home Teaching. Interesting comparison.
Also, our Bishop challenged the ward to complete the Book of Mormon by the end of the year. Robert put together a spread sheet to track how we are doing. It is pretty cool because after you put in your page number it will tell you how far you are behind or ahead.
I was reading in 1st Nephi and realized that Nephi and Joseph Smith are distant cousins, I guess you could say, because they are both descendants of Joseph. Now I know that most of us are descendants of Joseph, but I wondered if when Nephi learned this if he felt a bond with Joseph Smith? Because of his concern about his family if it felt special to him that a distant relative would be the one to restore the gospel and bring it to Nephi's family again? Just pondering that.
Okay, well, just a few experiences and thoughts. I didn't want to lose them.
Monday, July 27, 2009
What Happens in Sturgis May or May Not Stay in Sturgis
So, as much as I don't want to show this, I think I better. The only thing I request is that you don't tell or show my mother. Okay?
This is the way the conversation went.
Robert: "What did you DO you yourself?!"
Janeil: "Did you go walking where I told you not to go?"
Carrie: "Did you fall? Are you okay?"
Vaughn: "Seriously, you can't tell at all."
Christina: "I have this germicide wipe. You don't have to use it on the cut, but your face is probably sticky."
John: "I like the story that you were in a bar fight."
Terry: "What happens in Sturgis, stays in Sturgis."
Christina: "We will have to start calling you Harry Potter." (Because there will probably be a scar.
Me: "I am SO embarrassed. Man, this stings! Did I break my nose? Will the bleeding stop soon? Now I will have a scar just like Andrews. Do I have to tell my kids? I definitely can't tell my mother! I just want to cry. Will this be gone before Robert's reunion? Should I blog about this? Can I pass it off by saying, 'You should see the other guy?' "
So here it comes. And seriously, this had nothing to do with riding a motorcycle. It was just me being clumsy, catching my toe on a rock and then slamming my face on another rock. All within the view of Mt. Rushmore. I am home from work for a couple of days because it looks worse now. But I am fine otherwise. Just don't let this scare you. Okay?
This is the way the conversation went.
Robert: "What did you DO you yourself?!"
Janeil: "Did you go walking where I told you not to go?"
Carrie: "Did you fall? Are you okay?"
Vaughn: "Seriously, you can't tell at all."
Christina: "I have this germicide wipe. You don't have to use it on the cut, but your face is probably sticky."
John: "I like the story that you were in a bar fight."
Terry: "What happens in Sturgis, stays in Sturgis."
Christina: "We will have to start calling you Harry Potter." (Because there will probably be a scar.
Me: "I am SO embarrassed. Man, this stings! Did I break my nose? Will the bleeding stop soon? Now I will have a scar just like Andrews. Do I have to tell my kids? I definitely can't tell my mother! I just want to cry. Will this be gone before Robert's reunion? Should I blog about this? Can I pass it off by saying, 'You should see the other guy?' "
So here it comes. And seriously, this had nothing to do with riding a motorcycle. It was just me being clumsy, catching my toe on a rock and then slamming my face on another rock. All within the view of Mt. Rushmore. I am home from work for a couple of days because it looks worse now. But I am fine otherwise. Just don't let this scare you. Okay?
Friday, April 10, 2009
I am Velma!
Last night I walked by a full length mirror and as I glanced in it I realized that.....
I was wearing a big red sweater with a BIG collar, skirt, sensible shoes, bobbed hair and glasses. And I thought....Wow! I look like that girl from Scooby Doo. What is her name? Oh yea. Velma.
The only difference was that my skirt wasn't as short as she wears hers.
If I had a choice of a cartoon character I am not sure I would choose Velma, but since I don't really have a choice, I think she/I will do.
Have you ever wondered what cartoon character you would choose to be?
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
You Know Enough
"Our spiritual journey is the process of a lifetime. We do not know everything in the beginning or even along the way. Our conversion comes step-by-step, line upon line. We first build a foundation of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We treasure the principles and ordinances of repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. We include a continuing commitment to prayer, a willingness to be obedient, and an ongoing witness of the Book of Mormon. (The Book of Mormon is powerful spiritual nourishment.)
We then remain steady and patient as we progress through mortality. At times, the Lord’s answer will be, “You don’t know everything, but you know enough”—enough to keep the commandments and to do what is right. Remember Nephi’s words: “I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.” Elder Neil Anderson, October General Conference, 2008
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Cute Grandchildrenisms
Some personality shots and captions from a week ago.
"Grammie, Grammie! We HAVE to get our picture taken TOGETHER!"
Her face just says 'Go ahead, take my picture. I will not smile. Well... maybe a little bit."
Can his expression tell it any clearer? "Oh no! Here she comes again with that camera!
Excuse me? Excuse me? It is hard to get the attention of these intense guys.
Olivia, Kim, and Alexa practice being assistants for an Illusionist.
It seems that James always requests a 'funny face' photo op after the serious one.
Say 'Cheese' Parker!
"Grammie, Grammie! We HAVE to get our picture taken TOGETHER!"
Her face just says 'Go ahead, take my picture. I will not smile. Well... maybe a little bit."
Can his expression tell it any clearer? "Oh no! Here she comes again with that camera!
Excuse me? Excuse me? It is hard to get the attention of these intense guys.
Olivia, Kim, and Alexa practice being assistants for an Illusionist.
It seems that James always requests a 'funny face' photo op after the serious one.
Say 'Cheese' Parker!
Monday, April 06, 2009
Baby Blessings
The last weekend in March we were able to fly over to Utah to participate in our two newest grandchildren's blessings. They have already grown so much since I saw them at the beginning of February! Their fathers gave them beautiful blessings. So far we have been able to attend every one of the 15 baby blessings. Sometimes we (meaning basically their parents) had to do a little juggling around of times and locations since several have come in clumps. That made it possible for us to attend them all.
Here are the baby's blessing pictures.
Ellie Jean Hoen (Look at that smile.)
Brigham Ottley Coltharp (I think he is following in his big sisters' footsteps by talking early as well.)
We will be back in Utah at the beginning of May when Taylor is baptized. Then back again at the beginning of July for James' baptism.
I think it is time to retire and move over there. Two babies born this year, two blessings this year, two baptisms this year. And the birthday parties too!
Here are the baby's blessing pictures.
Ellie Jean Hoen (Look at that smile.)
Brigham Ottley Coltharp (I think he is following in his big sisters' footsteps by talking early as well.)
We will be back in Utah at the beginning of May when Taylor is baptized. Then back again at the beginning of July for James' baptism.
I think it is time to retire and move over there. Two babies born this year, two blessings this year, two baptisms this year. And the birthday parties too!
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Reading for the last week of the Savior's life on earth.
Sunday (Palm Sunday)
The Triumphal Entry, Greek converts talk to the Savior, Voice of the Father heard, Jesus returns to Bethany (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-44; John 12:12-36)
Monday
Jesus curses the barren fig tree, cleanses the temple (2nd time), returns to Bethany (Matthew 21:18-19, 12-17; Mark 11:12-19; Luke 19:45-48, 21:37)
Tuesday
Jesus discourses on faith to his disciples, His authority questioned by chief priest and elders (Matthew 21:19-27; Mark 11:20-33; Luke 21:38, 20:1-8)
Tribute to Caesar question, marriage after resurrection teaching, great commandment, question concerning Christ’s Father answered, Christ condemns scribes and Pharisees, He laments over Jerusalem, the widow’s mite, Christ declares the purpose of His mission (Matthew 22:15-46, 23:1-39; Mark 12:13-44; Luke 20:19-47, 21:1-4; John 12:37-50)
Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32)
Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen (Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-18)
Parable of the Royal Marriage Feast (Matthew 22:1-14)
Christ’s discourse to disciples on the Mount of Olives, teaching on Final judgment (Matthew 24 (see also Joseph Smith-Matthew), Mark 13:1-37; Luke 21:5-36)
Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
Parable of the Entrusted Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
Jesus foretells His betrayal, chief priests and scribes plot against Him, Judas arranges his betrayal of the Savior (Matthew 26:1-16; Mark 14:1-2, 10-11; Luke 22:1-6)
Wednesday
No record
Thursday
Preparations for Passover meal, The Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-35; Mark 14:12-31; Luke 22:7-38; John 13)
Discourse on the Holy Ghost (Comforter), Christ and His disciples sing a hymn then depart for the Mount of Olives, Savior teaches the disciples about their relationship to Him and explains the purpose of His death (John 14; Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26; Luke 22:39; John 15, 16)
Christ offers the intercessory prayer (John 17)
The suffering of Jesus Christ for the sins of mankind in Gethsemane; otherwise known as the Atonement (Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22-40-46; John 18:1-2)
Friday (Good Friday)
Jesus betrayed by Judas Iscariot and arrested, Questioned by Annas and later Caiaphas, Peter denies knowing Jesus, The trial and condemnation of Jesus, Judas commits suicide, Christ brought before Pilate, then Herod, then Pilate again, prisoner Barabbas released, Jesus sentenced by Pilate, the journey to Calvary, the Crucifixion, the burial of Christ (Matthew 26:47-75, 27:1-61; Mark 14:43-72, 15; Luke 22:47-71, 23; John 18:2-40, 19)
Saturday
Pilate places guards at the tomb of Jesus at the request of the chief priests and scribes (Matthew 27:62-66)
Sunday (Easter)
Jesus is resurrected and appears to others (Matthew 28:1-15; Mark 16:1-14; Luke 24:1-49; John 20:1-23)
The Triumphal Entry, Greek converts talk to the Savior, Voice of the Father heard, Jesus returns to Bethany (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-44; John 12:12-36)
Monday
Jesus curses the barren fig tree, cleanses the temple (2nd time), returns to Bethany (Matthew 21:18-19, 12-17; Mark 11:12-19; Luke 19:45-48, 21:37)
Tuesday
Jesus discourses on faith to his disciples, His authority questioned by chief priest and elders (Matthew 21:19-27; Mark 11:20-33; Luke 21:38, 20:1-8)
Tribute to Caesar question, marriage after resurrection teaching, great commandment, question concerning Christ’s Father answered, Christ condemns scribes and Pharisees, He laments over Jerusalem, the widow’s mite, Christ declares the purpose of His mission (Matthew 22:15-46, 23:1-39; Mark 12:13-44; Luke 20:19-47, 21:1-4; John 12:37-50)
Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32)
Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen (Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-18)
Parable of the Royal Marriage Feast (Matthew 22:1-14)
Christ’s discourse to disciples on the Mount of Olives, teaching on Final judgment (Matthew 24 (see also Joseph Smith-Matthew), Mark 13:1-37; Luke 21:5-36)
Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
Parable of the Entrusted Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
Jesus foretells His betrayal, chief priests and scribes plot against Him, Judas arranges his betrayal of the Savior (Matthew 26:1-16; Mark 14:1-2, 10-11; Luke 22:1-6)
Wednesday
No record
Thursday
Preparations for Passover meal, The Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-35; Mark 14:12-31; Luke 22:7-38; John 13)
Discourse on the Holy Ghost (Comforter), Christ and His disciples sing a hymn then depart for the Mount of Olives, Savior teaches the disciples about their relationship to Him and explains the purpose of His death (John 14; Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26; Luke 22:39; John 15, 16)
Christ offers the intercessory prayer (John 17)
The suffering of Jesus Christ for the sins of mankind in Gethsemane; otherwise known as the Atonement (Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22-40-46; John 18:1-2)
Friday (Good Friday)
Jesus betrayed by Judas Iscariot and arrested, Questioned by Annas and later Caiaphas, Peter denies knowing Jesus, The trial and condemnation of Jesus, Judas commits suicide, Christ brought before Pilate, then Herod, then Pilate again, prisoner Barabbas released, Jesus sentenced by Pilate, the journey to Calvary, the Crucifixion, the burial of Christ (Matthew 26:47-75, 27:1-61; Mark 14:43-72, 15; Luke 22:47-71, 23; John 18:2-40, 19)
Saturday
Pilate places guards at the tomb of Jesus at the request of the chief priests and scribes (Matthew 27:62-66)
Sunday (Easter)
Jesus is resurrected and appears to others (Matthew 28:1-15; Mark 16:1-14; Luke 24:1-49; John 20:1-23)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Sawyer turned 3! March 15th
Happy Birthday Sweet Boy! We hope you really enjoyed your day!
Love, Grammie and Poppa
Friday, February 27, 2009
Happy First Birthday - Jeremy!
One year ago today we were in Utah for Jeremy's birth. We knew it would be a tough delivery due to the fact that Jeremy would be born with Spina Bifida
So on this day a year ago when Beth went into labor ahead of the scheduled C-section, Jeremy Michael Miller was born.
Happy Birthday Jer Jer!
Seeking the Spirit
"Heavenly Father does not require us to be perfect before He grants to us His Spirit. He will bless us for our righteous desires and faithful efforts to do the best we can." (Teaching No Greater Call)
"The Holy Ghost causes our feelings to be more tender. We feel more charitable and compassionate with each other. We are more calm in our relationships. We have a greater capacity to love each other. People want to be around us because our very countenances radiate the influence of the Spirit. We are more godly in our character. As a result, we become increasingly more sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and thus able to comprehend spiritual things more clearly." (Ezra Taft Benson, Seek the Spirit of the Lord," Ensign, Apr. 1988, 4.)
Bruce R. McConkie taught, "To be valiant in the testimony of Jesus is to believe in Christ and his gospel with unshakable conviction. It is to know of the verity and divinity of the Lord's work on earth.
"But this is not all. It is more than believing and knowing. We must be doers of the word and not hearers only. It is more than lip service; it is not simply confessing with the mouth the divine Sonship of the Savior. It is obedience and conformity and personal righteousness." October 1974.
Helaman 5:12 - "it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation."
1 Corinthians 13: 1-2 - "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing."
D&C 18:10 - "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God."
"The Holy Ghost causes our feelings to be more tender. We feel more charitable and compassionate with each other. We are more calm in our relationships. We have a greater capacity to love each other. People want to be around us because our very countenances radiate the influence of the Spirit. We are more godly in our character. As a result, we become increasingly more sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and thus able to comprehend spiritual things more clearly." (Ezra Taft Benson, Seek the Spirit of the Lord," Ensign, Apr. 1988, 4.)
Bruce R. McConkie taught, "To be valiant in the testimony of Jesus is to believe in Christ and his gospel with unshakable conviction. It is to know of the verity and divinity of the Lord's work on earth.
"But this is not all. It is more than believing and knowing. We must be doers of the word and not hearers only. It is more than lip service; it is not simply confessing with the mouth the divine Sonship of the Savior. It is obedience and conformity and personal righteousness." October 1974.
Helaman 5:12 - "it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation."
1 Corinthians 13: 1-2 - "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing."
D&C 18:10 - "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God."
Monday, February 09, 2009
35 years later
No, this is not a "Where's Waldo" picture. This is a "Where's Jared" picture. This is the night Jared was born. February 9, 1974. We started a tradition that night to take a picture of the mother in labor before leaving for the hospital. Jared was born in a clinic on Castle AFB. At this point I don't remember how long labor was, but I remember that at about 11:40 p.m. we ended up with a beautiful baby boy. 8 lbs. 11 oz. 21 inches long. We named him Jared (a name Robert had chosen while on his mission for his first son) Russell (because I was sure we would have a red-headed baby)
I don't remember who took this picture of us, but it is officially our first family picture.
When this picture was taken we were living in Illinois on Chanute AFB. Jared and his dad having a lighter moment.
Eight years old.
We can't see Jared's face here, but this is his Eagle Court of Honor. When Jared did something we all showed up to support him.
My boys after Jared came home from his mission.
Jared and Adrienne today.
The Jared Ottley family in 2008.
We love you Jared! You are a good husband, provider,and father.
Happy Birthday!
Friday, January 09, 2009
The Sweetness of Tender Mercies
"When words cannot provide the solace we need or express the joy we feel, when it is simply futile to attempt to explain that which is unexplainable, when logic and reason cannot yield adequate understanding about the injustices and inequities of life, when mortal experience and evaluation are insufficient to produce a desired outcome, and when it seems that perhaps we are so totally alone, truly we are blessed by the tender mercies of the Lord and made mighty even unto the power of deliverance."
Elder David A. Bednar
Last night we attended the temple. I wondered if at the end of the session the Lord was there would I recognize his hands? And if I did, what would I do?
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Bucket List
Do you have a bucket list? I saw the movie "Bucket List." Then I saw an article in the Smithsonian magazine about the Top 10 or 100 places you have to see before you die. My friend just send me an email with a "bucket list" of things to check off if you have done them. The ones with an X mean I have done them.
Here are a few:
X Gone on a blind date
X Skipped school
Watched someone die
Been to Canada
X Been to Mexico
X Been to Florida
X Been to Hawaii
X Been on a plane
X Been lost
X Gone to Washington , DC
X Swam in the ocean
X Cried yourself to sleep
X Played cops and robbers
X Recently colored with crayons
X Sang Karaoke
Paid for a meal with coins only
Been to the top of the St. Louis Arch
X Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
Made prank phone calls
X Been down Bourbon Street in New Orleans
X Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
X Caught a snowflake on your tongue
X Danced in the rain
X Written a letter to Santa Claus
X Been kissed under the mistletoe
X Watched the sunrise with someone
X Blown bubbles
X Gone ice-skating
X Gone to the movies
Been deep sea fishing
Driven across the United States alone
Been in a hot air balloon
Been sky diving
X Gone snowmobiling
Lived in more than one country
X Laid outside at night and admired the stars
X Seen a falling star and made a wish
X Enjoyed the beauty of Ole Faithful Geyser
X Seen the Statue of Liberty
Gone to the top of Seattle Space Needle
Been on a cruise
X Traveled by train
X Traveled by motorcycle
X Been horse back riding
X Ridden on a San Francisco Trolley
X Been to Disneyland or Disney World
X Truly believe in the power of prayer
Been to the top of an active volcano and seen hot lava
X Been in a rain forest
X Seen whales in the ocean
Been to Niagara Falls
Ridden on an elephant
X Swam with dolphins
Ever been to Africa
X Ever eaten just cookies for dinner
X Ever been on TV
Ever steal any traffic signs
X Ever been in a car accident
X Drive a standard shift car
These are kind of interesting trivia. I was thinking about what my really deep bucket list would be. Things that could change my life, change the lives of others, improve the world, deepen my relationships. I am almost afraid to figure out what they are. As we get closer to retirement maybe I should start working on this because I might have time to work on the list.
P.S. For those of you who read this post and saw an x by "stealing a traffic sign" that was a typo. I never stole a traffic sign. Sorry for the confusion. That is illegal. I did have a traffic sign once but I did not steal it. I took it away from someone else and gave it back.
Here are a few:
X Gone on a blind date
X Skipped school
Watched someone die
Been to Canada
X Been to Mexico
X Been to Florida
X Been to Hawaii
X Been on a plane
X Been lost
X Gone to Washington , DC
X Swam in the ocean
X Cried yourself to sleep
X Played cops and robbers
X Recently colored with crayons
X Sang Karaoke
Paid for a meal with coins only
Been to the top of the St. Louis Arch
X Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
Made prank phone calls
X Been down Bourbon Street in New Orleans
X Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
X Caught a snowflake on your tongue
X Danced in the rain
X Written a letter to Santa Claus
X Been kissed under the mistletoe
X Watched the sunrise with someone
X Blown bubbles
X Gone ice-skating
X Gone to the movies
Been deep sea fishing
Driven across the United States alone
Been in a hot air balloon
Been sky diving
X Gone snowmobiling
Lived in more than one country
X Laid outside at night and admired the stars
X Seen a falling star and made a wish
X Enjoyed the beauty of Ole Faithful Geyser
X Seen the Statue of Liberty
Gone to the top of Seattle Space Needle
Been on a cruise
X Traveled by train
X Traveled by motorcycle
X Been horse back riding
X Ridden on a San Francisco Trolley
X Been to Disneyland or Disney World
X Truly believe in the power of prayer
Been to the top of an active volcano and seen hot lava
X Been in a rain forest
X Seen whales in the ocean
Been to Niagara Falls
Ridden on an elephant
X Swam with dolphins
Ever been to Africa
X Ever eaten just cookies for dinner
X Ever been on TV
Ever steal any traffic signs
X Ever been in a car accident
X Drive a standard shift car
These are kind of interesting trivia. I was thinking about what my really deep bucket list would be. Things that could change my life, change the lives of others, improve the world, deepen my relationships. I am almost afraid to figure out what they are. As we get closer to retirement maybe I should start working on this because I might have time to work on the list.
P.S. For those of you who read this post and saw an x by "stealing a traffic sign" that was a typo. I never stole a traffic sign. Sorry for the confusion. That is illegal. I did have a traffic sign once but I did not steal it. I took it away from someone else and gave it back.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Ayla Louise turns 2 years old.
Today Granddaughter #5 turns 2 years old. Time certainly flies by! And babies change really fast.
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