Friday, February 18, 2011

Belgium

Yeah..I'm going to see my kids. Hope Belgium is ready for this grandma

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Frogs

So, I like frogs, real ones, cutesy ones, yard trash ones. They make me smile. I have a couple on my desk. I'd like to get some live ones and have an aquarium for them. Last year I made a frog quilt-all flannel, lime green and hot pink-kind of sassy...like me. This has no great meaning-just one of God's creations that I find fun and cute. Have a hopping good day!!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

FAMILIES MATTER MOST!!!

2011 and a new goal to post more often

So, here it is February 2011, Blake just turned 27 and I'm wondering why life goes by so fast. Seems like just yesterday I was dressing him in tiny levis and cool t-shirts, watching him play soccer, eat pizza and tease his sisters. I miss my "mommy" years, when the kids were all home each night, we'd eat together, talk, play games and just be. They were years of trials, ups and downs, mostly ups, sacrifices. They were years that we made some great memories together and some memories I chose to forget. And now, they are all gone from the nest, living their own lives in many different locations. My four beautiful daughters and my good looking son. And that is how it should be. And I will be content, missing them, but content.
We have been blessed with ten fantastic grandkids-five guys, five gals. They are the joy of my life, the laugh lines around my eyes, the snuggles my arms crave, the secret sharers, the giggles, the people who get me through on hard days. They are a continuation of who I am...my posterity. And I am grateful for each of them. Having a teenage grandson is killing me though-he was just a little boy dressed up like Blue and singing to us. Once again, where did the time go?
Last flew by on wings of lightning and I feel like I missed parts of it. I vow this year to live each day more fully, love more freely and laugh until I cry more often...not hard to do, I'm surrounded by fun friends, family and co-workers. I want to get into better shape physically, spiritually and mentally. I'm teaching yoga twice a week- not as a professional, but I'm learning. I start piano lessons this month-a dream I've had since I was a small child, I want to write more, enlarge my home business 'Fancy That', and attend my 40 year class reunion confident int he woman I've become.
Oh yes, it's gonna be a good year a real good year!!!

Sunday, July 11, 2010

My aha day

So I had a great week. Busy but so rewarding. I went to the farmers market in Paradise and sold a few things, I was asked to bring items into a new business call Violet Hill for consignment, they took all I had, plus my antique hats. It's a cute shop run by two twenty something girls. I also am selling stuff at Cox Honey, a shop in Tremonton, and hopefully at Beadles in Logan. It's a fun hobby, not getting rich, but enjoying keeping busy.
On Thursday I tool the red hat ladies to a cabin in Blacksmith Fork canyon for a picnic. We ate, laughed and had a fun afternoon. I took a few moments and walked down to the river. I waded in , then sat on the bank and watched black and white butterflies..they were about 2 inced wide. The flowers were gorgeous, the river was amazing to hear as it flowed over the rocks, the sky was blue and the sun warm. Then a green backed hummingbird came right by me and skimmed the water and dipped its bill into drink for several minutes I just sat fascinated and enjoyed it's beauty. It was the perfect moment...clean mountain air and all of the above. I could have stayed all day in that spot.
Thank you Father in Heaven for that wonderful, perfect moment of pure peace and bliss. It filled the oil in my lamp to overflowing. It was what I needed most in my life to rejuvenate.
I loved being with Shawna and Wendy on Friday and Saturday. It was healing to see Becky and Paul and know see for myself that they were ok. It is truly a miracle that my brother in law is alive and going to be ok-he has a long haul ahead, but he can do it. I have to say though, that being mooned by him wasn't anything I ever thought I'd experieicne in this life...I have the photos to prove it. Hope they get home soon.
Our lavender field 5K was fun, I was worried I'd be too slow or hot etc. but I had fun, saw lots of people, enjoyed the purple fields and the fresh air. We did it in 40 minutes, next year we will do it in better time and hope to run at least a mile of the race. I have to say it got into my blood-I
loved the feel of the racers running by and the finish line. Girls we did it-not a hard feat, but after Shawna's fall, I wasn't sure she could walk another mile...way to grit your teeth and cowboy up sis. Next year I'll be in better shape and have stronger knees.
A good week, a good Sunday today and now we start all over again. Hoping for some hammock time tonight with Al. Life is good and I'm grateful for my family, freedom, my faith in God and gratitude for his love. Love to all, Vic

Sunday, July 4, 2010

July

Happy Freedom Day. I love this holiday-red, white and blue, waving flags, singing, cookouts and it's warm. I'm so thankful to be free and live in this land. This summer has been crazy busy, but so worthwhile. I've been walking each night getting in shape for a 5k walk in the lavendar fields in Mona, and to keep in shape. Since I had the heart stress test, I've been trying hard to eat healthy, walk and let things og-it's a long process, but will happen. I had a fantastic summer reunion with the Campbell Clan in Rupert, Idaho...close by our old dairy. I had fun trying to karaoke with my sisters, we made watch bands, talked, played and had fun being together. We missed all who couldn't come. It was the perfect family place. Thanks Becky and Paul for the work and fun, you rock!
Thanks Jen and boys for coming with me and for the talks, laughter and fun while you were all here. We cooked out, played Payday and cards, lounged, played in the water and shared memories. I love my family. In June, I also got promoted to director at the senior center-more hours and pay raise..I'm pumped! Al's here, but we don't get tons of time together awake, at least we are under the same roof.
I've got my Fancy That business going..selling head wraps, wire rings, It's and pillows. It's slow, but picking up a bit. I have to be busy and it;s fun to create. I love skypeing with the kids and I'm so glad for the technology that allows me see my families faces while we talk.
Sweet Victory--arm wrestling Jen and Clar and I beat them both-Clar called me a tough broad-not sure that was a compliment, but it was funny.
Glad to be alive...I got caught up in waves while on araft at Hyrum Dma and got way out of my comfort zone and I couldn't see Al, my anchor. I yelled until my throat hurt and prayed so hard that I wouldn't tip over. I was so scared...yes, I'm a non swimmer and I didn't have a life jacket on. Thanks to Surf for alerting the others I needed some help and to the life gaurd who came and otwed me in on a jet ski...I admit I was embarrassed, but too glad to get out of the water to care. I had nightmares for two nights.
I'm loving the flowers, heat, fresh morning air and want summer to slow down and stay for a long long time.
Grateful to the Lord for preserving my brother in law's life after his cycle accident...heal fast Paul. Thankful also to two soldiers in my family who just got sent overseas...I love and appreciate you both. Love to my siblings. More love and hugs to my kids and grandkids. Even more love thoughts to my honey. Happy Fourth, Vic

Monday, May 17, 2010

A little bit of everything

So, here it is May 2010 and I've been a slacker about writing on my blog. I have such a demanding schedule and social life....whatever. Actually, I do keep busy. I'm ready for spring and warmer weather, enough of this 50 degree stuff. I've loved some new experiences this spring: using a chain saw, teaching myself how to run the tiller, I'll pay for that one with a sore arm, watching dozens of hummingbirds in our apricot tree...up close, like within 6 inches of my face, enjoying the dozens of Holland tulips we got when we were there...they have mass produced and are gorgeous, having girl time with my neighbors, having my Al back home...it has been an adjustment and all I can say is it's a good thing he loves me, is patient and forgives easily...because I can get witchy. I admit I got very independent while he was on the road and I like things my way-I'm learning how to share my time, work and life again and it's been harder than I thought it would be. Some advice...don't let your man drive truck, unless you are with him. It's hard to adjust. Babe, it's good to have you home.
We lost Al's dad on March 1st and too late I realized I didn't express to him how I appreciated him. He was an amazing man, funny, caring, a tease, smart, humble and faithful. He tolerated alot this past few years and he kept his dignity and sense of humor...I'm sure he's having a joyous reunion with his family. Thanks dad for being part of my life. I've had three dad's...mine own, whom I miss more than words could tell, Al's dad and Gordon Luke, who filled a part of my heart when my dad died. Three great men, whom I admire and love.
I've been asked to join a literary club ,it could be an interesting experience, these are the elite ladies of the area....No, I'm not hoity toity. I do want to meet new people..I love meeting people and learning from them and I hope I teach others as well as learn. Tonight, I sang camp songs with Braden and Ryan and planted potatoes with Kolby...see, I have fun neighbors, we laugh alot and have some fun times.
I'm looking forward to summer reunions, laying in the hammock, growing my garden, writing, doing more humanitarian projects, and spending time with Al. I had a great time with my sisters this month...thanks. I'm loving my new crochet passion-headbands and wraps. I'm donating part of the money I make to the cancer foundation in honor of my mom who didn't survive and my daughter who did. I admire them both for their courage. I now have a daughter who is a nurse and I'm proud of her sticking out the tough years. Of course, I'm proud of all my family and I love them so much and miss them all...oh to have the dream of my heart and be close to all of them. I am happy they are having new and exciting experiences. My love, thoughts and prayers are with them at all times.
I have some amazing friends, who I have learned to trust and rely on...thanks Tina, Jodie and Shannon and families....you have pulled me through some tough times and buoyed my spirit more than you will ever know. I love you all.
I've learned alot this last year about being prepared for emergencies, storage, spiritual preparedness and trusting in the Lord. He has been by my side always, but I have noticed it more this past two years being on my own. I have learned to rely on him and gain strength, to turn my fears and tears over to him and to trust that he will take care of my family...for they were his first and always will be. I love the senses he gave me to enjoy the creations of this earth. I am so thankful for fresh air, blue skies, color, music, nature, the taste of food and the coolness of water as it soaks my throat. I am so blessed and I acknowledge God's hand in all that is good in my life. I love my family far and near, those who are here and those who have gone on. Thanks for being mine. Love to all, Vic