Sunday afternoon...

After an 8 hour day at BYU and a short visit to

my neighbor's for a baby shower, it was

a welcome relief to have the local littles

and their parents come down for dinner.

Everyone contributed, with the Jackson's providing

the main course, and the rest of us pitching in.

We made home-made strawberry shortcake

for dessert and these two little ladies had to

be right in the middle of the preparations.

Between their long stretches of sickness, my

new employment and Brad's traveling, we

haven't been together for several weeks...

and oh how we miss this group when they

aren't around to brighten things up.

The women made another trip to UVRMC to

visit sweet Lisa and Hayden while the men

watched the kiddies and the Jazz game.

All in all it was a VERY good Sunday...

busy and long...but VERY good!!

Ponderings, Performance and Pictureless Post :(

My kids have been reminding me that I have gone too long without a post. I am of the opinion that posts without pictures are kind of boring!! But just by way of documentation, this is what has been happening. First and probably most surprising to all concerned....I got a job! Mind you I have worked plenty in the past 36 years or so....you know, raising 6 children and keeping up with their 3 meals a day, innumerable loads of laundry, cleaning up after the above mentioned 6 children, attending to the countless activities and all that goes with the lives of growing children, many varied Church positions, lots of volunteer work from PTA to Primary Children's Hospital, assisting with grandchildren, etc., etc. However, circumstances are such that it's high time I try to contribute in a financial way. (Surprise!! I guess I don't get to retire after I put in my time on the home front! Silly me!) Anyhooo...I am so fortunate that Dustin's Mom had a need for an employee, as needed (PRN) and in spite of my lack of confidence in my ability to do anything worthy of monetary reward....I am working and I must admit, rather enjoying it. I'm having to stretch a bit (well, quite a bit) and learn a few new technological skills but it turns out this old dog can learn a few new tricks. So, that's pretty much where I have been. I'm still Grandma-ing and will be tending Robyn's littles at the end of the month and will be heading to California for the anticipated arrival of grandbaby #13 and assisting the new Mommy where needed in March but that's the beauty of this new job. They are okay with me coming and going as needed. Could it get any better??? I think NOT!

In other news....I'm thinking the highlight of the past couple of weeks (and maybe longer) was going with some wonderful girlfriends to opening night of Ballet West's Swan Lake. Four of us had a nice visit on the drive into Salt Lake, a quick bite to eat and thoroughly enjoyed the ballet. My buddy Jeanne's husband is a VP at OC Tanner and she had the OC Tanner box seats.....amazing!! The costuming was incredible, scenery breathtaking, choreography beautiful and talent outstanding. It's been a long time since I've been to the ballet and I have forgotten how much I love it! It was really good for me to have some girl friend time and escape to another world for a little bit. Thanks, Jeanne, for always thinking of me when you gather friends. I'm going to hate it when you move to London! :(

Otherwise, I have just been enjoying the little moments when I get to squeeze and snuggle the local grand babies. They are a very therapeutic bunch of little people and truly make my days worthwhile. And I promise to do better about remembering to bring my camera along in my life. I know, I know...pictureless posts are hardly worth it!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Miranda!!

Fourteen years ago, our entire family hovered outside the

hospital room door waiting with anticipation for this

little baby girl's first cry....and when we heard it we all

cried too. How we have all adored this little angel!

I have shared some priceless moments with her that

I'm sure she has no recollection of but which will always

be dear to my heart. She was the first grandchild on

both sides of the family and she was perfect. She was

beautiful, she was smart, she was social, and she

filled us all with such absolute joy. Just her entering the

room brought a smile to all our faces and none of us

could get enough of her. How can it have been 14 years??

I feel so blessed to have been a part of her young life.

How I wish that I were NOW more of a part of her life.

To this day I cherish every moment I have with her.

She is always the perfect companion. She is an

old soul with a heart of gold who has put others

before herself since she was a little tiny girl.

She gives everyone the benefit of the doubt and

chooses to believe the best in others.

She was meant to be the big sister and the first born

and she came with all these amazing qualities.

None of us feel like we get to enjoy her

enough but we all are so excited to see

what her future holds. She is special in

so many ways. I know from experience that these

next few years will literally fly by and before we know

it she will fly as well.

I have seven granddaughters and I love them all so dearly,

but this little sweetheart will always hold a very special

place in my heart.

I LOVE YOU, MIRA BELLE!!

HOPE YOUR BIRTHDAY WAS MAGICAL...

XOXOXOXO