Monday, December 31, 2012

Bring on 2013

It's been an eventful year in the world and also personally. Many wonderful happenings and some terrible sadness. I'm choosing to recount and remember the wonderful things.

My lovely daughter, Cheri was married to her sweetheart, Daniel Kahn!
Whitney and Ben have a new daughter, Adeline Olivia.
Taylor graduated from high school and finished a semester at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah.

My work is interesting and I continue to have unique and spiritual experiences accompanied with assisting families in their time of need.

I have an incredible family and a great circle of friends.

Happy 2013! I'm ready!

Monday, December 24, 2012

Out to Eat

It's hard to get out when you have a new baby but Whitney and I were able to spend a little time at Chilis on Wednesday evening. She needed a steak and I had a gift card. Perfect match. She looks good as a mommy!

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Enjoying Whitney and Adeline

This past Wednesday thru most of today, Sunday, I was privileged to have Whitney and Adeline stay with me. Today I was saying goodbye.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Adeline Olivia Foote

December 16, 2012 - Sunday

Today Ben gave a name and blessing to Adeline, the daughter of Ben and Whitney. Taylor and Adam were there to stand in the circle. Grandma Great Nielsen, Grandma Barbara Lambson, Adam, Jessica, Hailie, Natalie, Ethan, Wyatt, Ashley, Luke and Madison McDaniel were there to witness this wonderful event.  Below are some photos. Adeline is a cutie but I think her tummy was hurting! Congrats Ben and Whitney!


Jesus Loves the Little Children

I have a lot of thoughts about the recent senseless shootings. But here I'm just going to say that I'm so sad. God knows my feelings.

Friday, December 14, 2012

My New Heirlooms


Some time ago, I asked Frank's son-in-law, John LaFazia, if he would make me some pottery. This is the wonderful result! They are also microwave and dishwasher safe. Thanks, John

Friday, November 16, 2012

Little Bitty Whitty

I have few photos in this file of Whitney when she was little. Here's a share and comparison to her daughter.



More Changes

By this time, Daniel and Cheri are well on their way to Palm Springs. They left this morning after spending a few days in Hanford with Daniel's family. Palm Springs will become their home for the next while and (yay for me) gives me another vacation destination! I'll give them time to scope out all the sights they can show me when I visit!

Last Friday, wow, already a week ago, my latest grandchild was born to Whitney and Ben. Her name is Adeline Olivia and she is a doll baby! I drove up to Rexburg, Idaho last Thursday afternoon and the next day, Whitney's labor was induced and by 5:05 p.m., little Adeline entered the world with the cutest, sweetest cry! She weighed in at 7 pounds, 12 ounces, 19 1/2 inches long. She has light brown hair and beautiful features. I was lucky enough to witness her birth. It was amazing! I feel so blessed! Whitney was so kind and allowed me to cuddle her daughter often and for long periods of time. Whitney, I'm so proud of you! You'll be an incredible Mom to your sweet daughter. Below are some pictures of Adeline and her family.






Monday, October 29, 2012

The Holiday Season Begins

Every year our mortuary on 9th East in Murray sponsors a Trunk or Treat for anyone who wants to participate. This year businesses were asked to sponsor a "trunk" and brought goodies for the kids. It happened on Friday, October 26th beginning at 6 p.m. By the time 7 p.m. rolled around most of the treats had been distributed. I was glad that Adam & Jessica brought their babies to the party! I watched the boys inside while they walked the girls around. Below are some memories!





Monday, October 15, 2012

Always in Transition

Why does my life revolve in my head around the lives of others? I feel like my life is always in transition. I work to pay my bills but is it really what I want to do? I'm always asking myself these types of questions. I delight in the lives of my children and grandchildren and what they are doing. What am I doing? Well--let's make a list.

I exercise. Why? Because after more than a year of doing this on a consistent basis, I am seeing results. I feel better (sometimes) about my physical being.

I TRY to eat well. Sometimes my bad habits sideline me for a time but I always get back in the saddle. Right now I'm struggling with figuring out how to eat well without always picking up a $4.00 salad at Target for a meal. It's been a challenge. Grazing is not a good idea but sometimes I don't feel like making a meal just for me.

I read, crochet, watch some TV, walk in the park, visit Adam's family, talk to my mother and my children, etc.

Work has been stagnant and boring lately. I want more out of my life. I'm not saying I'm jumping into something yet, but I'm pondering and contemplating what it is that I want to do.

More to come.....

Friday, October 12, 2012

Happy Birthday, Natalie Grace!

Today commemorates the 3rd birthday of Natalie Grace Lambson. Her entrance into this world was tremulous and we're so happy she is a part of our lives. I love it when she says "I need you Samma!" The photo below taken by her parents exemplifies her personality!

LOVE YOU NATTY!



Sunday, October 7, 2012

Happy Birthday, Cherilyn!

Twenty-Six years ago, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. I had two sons and wished for a daughter. I wanted her to have dark hair and her daddy's eyes. I received my wish! Now she is is all grown up and is an independent woman recently married to a wonderful man!
Happy Birthday, Cheri!











Sunday, September 30, 2012

Observations

I just read Cheri's recent post and it inspired me to update my blog. I didn't realize I hadn't written since September 4. Maybe it's because we were busy with Cheri and Daniel's wedding and all the family and the fun. Maybe it's because I've been trying to (and finally did) finish Jessi's blanket for her baby shower yesterday. (It was fun!) Maybe it's because I don't think my life is very interesting.

However, after contemplating it a bit, my life is very interesting. I love thinking about relationships and how they affect us and how we need them. Even though I come home to an empty house each night, I know that I am connected to many people. I have my co-workers. They are a big part of my life because I spend most of my time at work. They share insights with me and I learn a lot from them. I also have the opportunity to work with families who are grieving. Last week I had a family come in to work on their program but then they started asking me about playing some favorite songs during the viewing. The songs were on several cds so I told them I could rip the songs and put them all on one cd. (umm 2 years ago I didn't even know what "rip" meant in the context of media.)  That way we wouldn't have to keep switching the cds. It wasn't much work but the family was THRILLED. I hope it all went off well on Saturday. It's these little extra touches that makes me want to get up each day and go to work.

The relationships I prize the most are those with my children, my grandchildren, my mother and my siblings. Today all of us who could, got together and went to church with our mom. Then we gathered at her home and shared a meal, laughs, a silly game (orchestrated by mom) and memories. Don's family had just returned from a week in Portugal and it was wonderful to visit with them and hear about their adventure. Adam brought his family too and that was nice for me. I enjoy showing off my children and having them know my family.

I had a bonus and Taylor called. Then I had a chat with David about their upcoming weekend at the Tuff Mudder and the time I'll spend with Luke. Oh the fun we'll have!

I had a chat with Whitney yesterday. It was great to hear her voice and share a little of her life.

I read Cheri's blog and felt a closeness with her.

I'm so blessed. I think I just need to remind myself of that everyday when I'm tired and noone is here to hear about my day and fix me dinner. I'm re-learning how to self-soothe (as in when babies figure out how to go to sleep on their own). I'm crocheting more and trying out new recipes. I'm exercising and watching a little more Netflix--I'm busier at my night job. (That's good and bad.) I'm looking for ideas to update my little home and make it more "me".

So life is good. Some days are better than others, but that's the way it is.

Belly laughs are also welcome!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Life Changes

These past 2 weeks have been hard. I realize I don't like living alone very much--ok, not at all. But don't jump the gun--that doesn't mean I want a roommate.

I'm very happy my children are doing great and are well adjusted. I guess I'm the one who isn't. So this week, I'm doing a re-evaluation of my life and trying to fill in the empty spots. My mom says I will be able to do this, that it will come in time.

I've discovered I'm very people-oriented. I like to be around people and learn about them. I adore my grandchildren but I don't want to be a busybody grandma.

So...I don't really know what the answers are at this time, but I'm going to figure it out.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Ramblings

First of all, can I take it back that it's great Taylor is at college? Well, can I take it back just a little? I'm not good at changes but when Taylor called to talk to me about his first day of classes, I decided I need to put on my big girl panties and be happy (honestly be happy) for him! It's time for him to move forward with his life and I am!! happy for him, really!! (no my fingers are not crossed) Blessings to you Taylor for growing up such a good person.


Now, Cheri and Daniel went to Maine for a cousin's wedding. They had a lot of fun and I just love this photo!



Thursday, August 23, 2012

Big Move Big Changes

The last seven years have been full of changes-good ones--and not so good ones. But today was a GREAT one! My Taylor has gone off to college! I wish him the BEST of everything! He's ready! I'm so proud today!

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Yes Sir!

My eldest son, David, is a member of the National Guard Reserves and is currently at his summer training camp! He sent me this great pic of him! So proud of you David!



Feeling Good!

Feeling' nice today!


Saturday, August 11, 2012

Happy First Birthday, Ethan & Wyatt!!!

The twins will celebrate their 1st birthday, Monday, August 13th but because of work schedules, we celebrated their day today with hamburgers and yummy cake. We took the boys outside in just their diapers and a bib in the highchairs and they each had a great looking cake of their own. Ethan dove right in but Wyatt was a little more hesitant which is indicative of their personalities! Everything was going well until Ethan rubbed his eyes with his cake-covered hands. Then it was into the bathtub, which they also love!  Happy birthday, boys! BTW-a personal friend of Adam & Jessica made the cakes! Go cowboy, go!








No Viva Las Vegas!

My dear friend, Mijken Ashton, is celebrating her 40th brithday this month and has invited me to go with her to Las Vegas to see "Phantom of the Opera" on stage at the Venician. She asked me last year so we've been anticipating it for some time. The play was excellent. The singing incredible, but....I DO NOT LIKE LAS VEGAS! The atmosphere is so decadent! Don't think I'll be visiting there again!  Below is Mijken in our room and then our view from our room. Glad to be home! Love you Mijken!




Sunday, August 5, 2012

Repentance and Forgiveness

The picture above didn't show up very large but it is of Jesus washing the feet of his apostles shortly before his death and resurrection. He was trying to show them how they should treat others. They should be the servant.

This past week our mortuary hosted a service for a man, a man with whom I had a lovely visit about one year ago. I remember his story being one of happiness and sadness. He had married in the temple and he and his wife had a family of 7 sons. Unfortunately, the man had strayed on several occasions. Eventually, he and his wife separated and then divorced. Neither had remarried. He had repented and was in a good place when he passed.

I was so touched by the former wife and her ability to see the good in him and forgive. I was pleased that the sons, if they had not also reached that point, they were working on it. They wanted to love their father and I think for the most part they do.

We are all sinners. We all have things in our lives we are working on to better ourselves. It's so easy to point fingers and easy to become embittered. I've been working on forgiving for some time now. There are moments when it comes easier than others and I believe even if, in your heart, you want to be a forgiving person, it takes daily concentration and work. It just doesn't happen overnight.

When I'm in a less forgiving mood, I try to think of the good qualities of that person or think of something I could do to be a better person. It doesn't always work but I try.

I'm so indebted to my Heavenly Father for this earthly experience. The older I get the more I realize that if we want the heavenly associations with our loved ones that we are taught about then we need to have the earthly associations that will show our Heavenly Father we are capable of serving others and loving them and want to be a part of His kingdom.

I have a blessed life. Yes, sometimes I'm lonely. Last night I was in a cooking and baking mood with noone to share it with. So I called my Mom and went up there to visit and share 2 new recipes with her. We both served. I felt connected and loved.

Let's be grateful each day for one another and for what we can give to this world of tears and sorrows. Let's be a giver not a taker. Let's share the love we have for each other.

 

Friday, August 3, 2012

Is that a Cricket? Is there a Bird in my Room?

So, I came home last night from a removal and went into my bedroom. I turned to go into the closet and I was startled by a chirping sound. Oh no, I thought. It's a cricket or a bird in my room. I started freaking out. Where would I sleep? I know, crazy! I finally figured out that it was the smoke alarm needing a new battery. Geez! I know they are good to have but they make me crazy. Why couldn't it just say, "Hi, this is the smoke alarm. I need a new battery." I bet there is one like that.
The Culprit!?!


Sunday, July 29, 2012

Taylor Photo Shoot & Other News

This afternoon, Frank, Jr., ordained my youngest son, Taylor an Elder. I appreciate him so much. I am very humbled that Taylor is worthy to accept this calling of service.

Frank also brought the disc of photos he took of Taylor in May. Enjoy a few of my favorites.





Hot Summer Movie Days

Saturday afternoon I picked up Hailie and Natalie and took them to see the new Ice Age movie. We got strawberry soda per Hailie's request and the biggest popcorn offered. I put the popcorn container on one side of Natalie's chair where she and Hailie could reach it and the drink between them with 3 straws. Natalie was by far the biggest eater. Toward the end of the movie she had the drink between her legs. I could hear that she'd reached the bottom of the cup with the noises coming from the straw. When the popcorn was nearly gone she tilted it up to get the last pieces. She is So funny! I had a very good time. I hope they did too!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Happy Pioneer Day July 24, 2012

Monday Adam invited me to stay with his family in the Plaza Hotel where he works. He was able to get a room with a king bed, a queen pull-out couch, a roll-away and 2 cribs. It was a good thing the room was large so we could all fit. The girlies went swimming with mom. Adam had to work until 11. I went to bed. Up at 7 and on our way to the parade. We found a nice spot and had a lot of fun. We even saw Cathy & Carlton and they saw us! Afterward we checked out the new Harmon's grocery store downtown. Pretty fancy! It was a wonderful day! Thanks for inviting me!



Ethan in the red shirt and Wyatt laying on Adam's shoulder. Good times!