Day 21 - Conner, My Buddy!

Well when you are the first grandbaby and the first great grandbaby I guess you can imagine how much you are adored! It was a little tough at first, learning what "Bommas" are suppose to do. What a joy he has been to me in my life! He came and visited my kindergarten class last week. I wish he lived close enough to come every week. He was so fun! I figured he would probably be one of my biggest critics, you know, family and all - but - he wanted to stay for the second grade class so I guess I do something right! He always knows how to give great big marvelous hugs! Just the kind a grandma needs!




AND....he is an awesome big brother! Matthew will have so much fun with him!

Day 20 - Our Precious Bella Anne

Not a day goes by I don't think of Baby Bella and how she brought to earth the angels and a chunk of Heaven for us to experience even if only for a moment! I will never forget Conner at the moment she was escorted back to heaven. I know there were angels in the room and this grandma believes a little boy saw them. We were not able to keep Baby Bella in this life but she is a huge part of our family and inspires us daily to live righteous lives. Not a day goes by we don't think of her and the impact she has had on so many lives. How blessed I feel to be chosen to be the grandma of a perfect spirit who didn't need to go through the test of this life. What she must have taught us in the premortal existance - how truly blessed we are.

Day 19 - FAMILY BLESSINGS!

Well I am a few days behind in my gratitude posts. I have been busy being a grandma! It's always so sad to have to leave and let them all get on with their own life - I so love being able to have the health, strength and finances which allow me to help my children with their children. There are so many blessings you recieve as you watch them learn and grow. I was going through the Christmas Decorations and found a picture of Rachel. As I was holding her new little one, Kallie, I was reminded of my children. I felt like she was the spitting image. I was thinking Rylie was reminding me of her dad, but when I found this little picture of Rachel, she seems so much like her little Rylie. I will post the pictures - Let me know what you think? I am always sad to leave Hurricane, because it's not like an hour away so I can go whenever I get an urge. BUT in the spirit of Gratitude, I am so grateful we are able to see them as much as we have. Emily told me yesterday (I am hoping it was in jest) she and Steve were interested in moving to Twin Falls, and my heart stopped for a moment, because now I can see them quite easily - but as I pondered the possibilites, I was reminded my Heavenly Father has always blessed me with opportunities to see my children. As Jordan, Alisa and Nate grow, who knows where life will take them, but I pray I will continue to be blessed with opportunites to be part of their families lifes!

Day 18 - Rylie Sue (Elizabeth Rylie)

I am a little behind because I have been busy helping Rachel with babies and trying to get ready for Thanksgiving. But... I have been thinking of all the people and things I haven't taken time to give thanks for yet. Rylie who came into our life 2 years ago is pretty special! She has a strong will and a tender heart! She totally has a connection with Randy, but that's okay, because Rachel thinks she is Randy's favorite! (We've really accomplished our mission if every child thinks they are the favorite - but I think we are still working on that!) Rylie called me grandpa and now poppa, so I guess I have an identity crisis, but as long as she will hug and kiss me, that's okay! She is an independant spirit and very determined. She hasn't quite figured out why I didn't bring Conner with me. Everytime Randy calls she sees his picture holding Conner and thinks she needs to kiss my phone.
One of the choicest blessings as a parent and grandparent is to see the love exhibited between siblings or cousins! It thrills me to see they enjoy seeing each other!

Day 17 - Matthew Coey - What a Joy

What a fun child to have in our lives. He smiles almost non stop. He just seems happy to be with you. Of course, everyone thinks the world of their child, or grandchildren - but I must say we are truly blessed with this child. We felt so excited when Emily and Steve used my dad's name for his middle name. I feel like I am understanding what "joy in your posterity" means as I watch my children raise their children. Grandma Dorothy tells me it is even better with great grandchildren! Guess I will have to wait a while to find out about that!

Day 16 - Kallie Christine Simpson!

So I think it is time to offer gratitude for the sweet blessing of being a grandma! I will start with newest granchild since she is the one I have the most pictures for at Rachel's computer! I felt so sad last week when I couldn't come the second she was born, but I am so grateful for modern transportation which allows us the opportunity to come and visit!
When I held her, it took me back at least 20 years! She looks so much like Alisa did. All the dark beautiful hair, beautiful skin and cute little round face!
There is something so peaceful about holding a sleeping baby. IT can help release all the stresses in your body!

Even Rylie thinks so! It is such a blessing to watch the circle of life! I am so grateful for family and the joy it brings! Kallie Christine represents the fifth grandchild. I now have as many grandchildren as I do my own children. I wanted to call her Christy, just like I wanted to call Rachel Christy. Rachel tells me I can, but no one else is, so I will conform and call her Kallie, however, she like Rachel will be my little Kristy belle!

Modern Tech....Awesome! Day 15

Well I feel pretty fried tonight. I got a little taste of my kids life. After a two in a half hour class review, I took my 3 hour test - I Passed - YEA! But if it weren't for computers, I am sure the test would have taken as least double the time, so today I am grateful for technology! In fact, with the current tax laws, it would be pretty difficult to get all the computation right done by hand! So funny, because up until about 10 years ago, I always did written returns! I also appreciate the interaction I am able to have with so many people thanks to technology. The cell phone, email, chat, blogging, facebook were all introduced to me as a way to keep up with my family but it has opened so many other doors! However,I am still a total ANTI text msg person! I imagine there are times when it is very helpful, but I think it has really decreased people's ability to engage others in worthwhile conversation as well as keeping people from concentrating on the moment they are in. Now, I know all you supporters will tell me it just increases your ability to dual task, but in my observation - - it just takes people's attention away from whatever event they may be in. My biggest pet peeve is when I see them at church. Okay, I could go on, but I will get off my soapbox, this is intended to be a gratitude post, not a complaining post! So for today, I am grateful for the ability to do so much more thanks to modern tech!

Music, Music, Music ---Day 14

I am so grateful my family introduced me to music. From my cradle, my mother would sing to us at night. We all got to choose our favorite songs. As I recall, I would always choose Jumbo Elephant, my brother Drew liked "It's a big Black Train, and my sister Sandra would inevitably choose, "Tall Giraffe". My parents provided piano and dance lessons for me. I am sure it was a strain on their budget but how grateful I am for the opportunity. I still remember Stan(Yes my dance teacher was a man with his sister Miss Ruby) My thanks to June Roper, my piano teacher. I know I never wanted to use the right fingering, but June, if you ever watch over your piano students, you need to know I understand now!!! Of course, I would be totally remiss not to acknowledge my High School Choral teacher, Dan Bowman. I am sure there are hundreds out there who can say he helped to shape their life. Music always brings comfort to my soul. I was determined to have a Partridge Family or Osmond Singers. My kids weren't as determined, but I appreciate the times they humor me and let me show them off. They all have lovely voices and a great sense of rhythm, so I will feel a success if they are able to find comfort from their music opportunities. I know the older I get, the more I rely on the comfort I find from just sitting at the piano when I am stressed or when I feel joy or just when I want to chill! There have been times when the music in my soul has literally carried me through experiences. Thank goodness for the great artists out there who share with us. It is my goal to write at least one song before I die. I'm getting there, but not there yet!
So you Abba lovers, (certainly not my children) ...So I say, thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing. Thanks for all the joy they've given....

Oops, I kinda got slammed! - Day 13

Yesterday was a rough day for me. I was thinking all day about my friend Molly. I totally felt in shock. I can't imagine what her children must be feeling. Anyway, as a consequence I didn't post yesterday. Instead, I went downstairs and searched through my photo albums just for a memory of her. I did find some of her children, but we mothers sometimes are camera shy. But...that led me to what I am thankful for today. MEMORIES! I am so grateful for the many blessed friends in my life, I have had so many people touch my life. They continue to do so! I truly feel blessed to have had the opportunites I have had and to have a clear mind to remember them all!

Don't put off til tomorrow what you can do today!

Wow! I don't know where to start. I just received an email from my friend in Kentucky asking me if I had heard about a mutual friend of ours in Magna that had been murdered. It turns out she was stabbed several times in August. I still feel in shock to know something this terrible and violent could happen to someone so full of life! I think the greatest sadness to me is she lived about an hour from me and we kept putting off getting together. We kept talking about getting together for lunch. She invited me to her children's weddings and life just got in the way. She was such a special friend to me when we lived in Oklahoma. When Alisa was born, she kept my children at her home and let Randy stay there so he wouldn't have to drive back to Dugway each night. We have written to each other every Christmas since the 80's. I feel so devastated I didn't even know to attend her funeral. But, as I was searching on the internet to find verification that this had happened I came across a blog her children have created in her memory. www.rememberingmolly.blogspot.com It was so impressive to see them pay such wonderful tribute to their mother. She didn't live her life in vain. It really puts life into perspective! We are only here but a moment, but for today I will shed a tear for my dear friend, Molly and today, I will remember it's about people, not busyiness!

Last but not least... Day 12

I remember about a month before I realized I was pregnant with Jordan, my aunt asked me if I was having any more children. I told her I was probably done, because my patience was about gone, little did I know Jordan Ryan Lowe had other plans for me, Thank Heavens! I wasn't sure I was able to mother another child, but I will never forget his birth when he was a blue baby and I thought Heavenly Father was going to take him back home. My heart lept for joy as I watched them hold the oxygen over his little blue body and he just pinked right up! The next moment of great joy came when the kids came to the hospital and Nathan just held him for the longest time. It was then I knew this little baby was not only a great gift to me, but also a wonderful gift to his big brother. His sisters doted on him as well. Jordan was quite a shy little boy, but he watched his older siblings like a hawk and tried to do everything they did. To include jumping down the stairs at the ripe old age of 18months and breaking his wrist.
Jordan has been a favorite of the grandchildren. Conner and Rylie always ask for Jordan and Tina the minute they come in the door. It has been fun to see him interact with them. Jordan has a huge love of the Jazz and because all the kids are gone and Randy has no interest in sports, I have tried to get involved with Jordan. He can tell you every call and every stat. I have been so grateful for his responsibility at school. He keeps his grades up and tries hard to to his best! I also enjoy listening to him play the piano or sing - - but I have to work extra hard for that blessing. He does play the piano for priesthood and I know that took him out of his comfort zone, but I am so grateful he is willing to try!As I come to the end of feeling gratitude for my kids, I can think of lots more to say about them, but hopefully as they read this they will know how blessed I feel to have had them in my life! I count them among my greatest treasures!

Day 11 - Oldest OR Youngest! - All are precious!

Well, I have decided now that I have highlighted my middle children I will go with Ladies first on the last two! Emily Anne Lowe was born while we were still trying to decide what direction our lives would take. I must admit she was a calming yet directing influence on Randy.
I didn't get morning sickness, but Randy did. The reality of providing for a family came quickly and we both had a strong desire to keep "mom" in the home. At that time I had a job I really enjoyed and not a care really in the world, however, from the moment of conception we felt our lives changed and blessed for the better. It was our first real introduction to faith with such magnitude.We really never questioned what this would mean to us, because we knew this was a gift from God. As we have gone on to raise our children, I think the times we feel His hand the most are the situations which deal with our family. Emily always tried hard to do what was expected of first children. She had lots of pressure on her, but always came through. As I began motherhood, I decided I wanted my children to be my best friends - - NOW - -I know Dr. Laura says that we can't always be their friend, which I have learned to be true, but I am so grateful for my children now as they are the ones who call me the most, look out for me and share with me. (Actually the single ones are still a little bit afraid to share with me, because according to them I get too excited and share with to many others)
I am so grateful for my daughters husbands
and their ability to share their wives with me. I hear all the in law jokes, but I feel so blessed with the boys Rachel and Emily have brought into my life. Steven, being the first son in law was probably raked over the coals a little at first because it was all so new to me and I wanted to be so sure my daughter would be taken care of. I think he paved the way for Brad and whoever the other kids decide to marry. Growing up I always felt like my dad would accept whatever friend I brought into our home and I have tried to maintain that quality with my children.
I remember when we pulled out of the driveway in Idaho on our way to Alabama - Emily only 2 1/2 and Nathan not quite a year old - pretty traumatic for me and my parents, but the next year when we drove straight through from Oklahoma and pulled into the driveway in the middle of the night, Emily ran into my mom's room and jumped right into bed with her. She was so aware of everyone around her. I see that trait in her mothering skills. I know sometimes her siblings harrass her for her mother hen instincts, but I know she loves them with all her heart! I appreciate her sharing her brief moments with Bella Anne with us. It was a most horrific thing to watch my child go through, yet also one of the most spiritual times of my life. A day doesn't go by that I don't think of the influence little Bella has had on all of us and I
pay tribute to Steve and Emily for the life they have chosen to lead in order to have her in their arms again. I want them to know that I know they will have her. In this world of turmoil and everyone thinking the world owes them and we shouldn't have to follow God's laws, how grateful I am for children who understand that God's laws only bring happiness!

Day 10 - Hurrah for ADD - No I mean ABL

Alisa often suggests she has ADD BUT her parents were never big on coming up with disorders to explain behaviors - therefore, we look at her as someone who just has a lust for life and if she sits still to long she might miss something important. Now I don't doubt there are many different behavior and mental situations we all have to deal with, but IF Alisa has the problem, I believe it has only enhanced her life as she discovers herself. What a joy it has been to be her mom! I still remember the first day of school in Alaska. We walked the kids down to the bus stop. She had her little backpack on and tears streamed down her face as she watched the kids get on the bus! She always wanted to be where the action was, so she was lucky enough to volunteer with me at the school. She also was my rock while Randy was mobilized after 9/11. Sometimes I think I probably put a lot of pressure on her, but she was so good to help me through one of the darkest times of my life. She is always such a good sport. You can hear her giggle anytime someone teases her. Each child has brought different blessings to us, but I think Alisa's blessing was to teach us not to take life too seriously! After all, life happens! You might as well have faith and get out there and live
!

...and Puppy Dog Tails....That's What little Boys are made of...Day 9

From my earliest recollection of Nathan, he wanted a puppy. I remember when he was very small he said to me "Mom, what's a boy with a puppy?" I responded "What?" His response, "A Happy Boy" He has always had a sense of adventure. In second grade I used to love going on his field trips and helping in his class, because this was the year of jokes and riddles. He seemed to thrive on being the entertainer. Of course, later on when the girls were in Sunshine Generation in Alaska, he was not going to be pulled into it. Luckily, he found his voice again in High School and joined the high school swing choir and participated in the plays. He tells me it was because of the cute girls. Which I would have to believe, because, from Kindergarten on he had a "girlfriend". The somewhat charming aspect, was as he grew older, he didn't really have a clue about all the crushes girls had on him. One thing I always appreciated about Nate was his sense of right and wrong. I never worried about what he was doing in High School because he just seemed to have it together. His desire to serve God and his country has set a great example to his family. We have missed him over the years as he fulfilled mission and army responsibilities, but my heart overfills with pride as I watch him try to be a responsible young adult. I just wish some little princess out there would see what a "Prince" is waiting. OR Maybe the PRINCE just has to kiss a few frogs! As I have raised my boys, I have come to understand the tender nature of men that we as women sometimes overlook. Our society expects them to be tough and sturdy, but their hearts are in there working overtime! Thank heavens for my opportunity to raise sons!

Motherhood (Parenthood)...what greater blessing - Day 8

Every day as I contemplate my gratitude and what I want to post, motherhood comes to my brain and I always push it aside thinking I'll post about that later...partly because I don't know what child to post about first - since it is common to go youngest to oldest or oldest to youngest, I decided to start in the middle! Could it be because I am the middle - I often felt like I was to old for one group and to young for the other, as a consequence, I felt picked on on occasion. In my older age now, I realize I was actually very blessed because I had an opportunity to live with both groups of siblings. Anyway, Rachel, this is why I chose you! All of my children know one of the best ways to get my goat is to tell me I have a favorite child - BIG PET PEEVE! But just for today....I am going to concentrate on the Blessing of Rachel Christine in my life! Rachel has been my roller coaster child, when she is up, she is really up and when she is down she is down. In other words she has a tender heart. She always was willing to bring her friends into our home. As a young girl she was very outgoing and friendly to everyone, as she entered adolesence she became much more shy. Of course, I guess she couldn't have been to shy considering she loved being a cheerleader. She was always very into boyfriends. From the time she was two years old she was planning her wedding. She brings joy into my life daily as she wants to call and share her day with me. She is a caring and doting mother. AND...I have told my son in laws I appreciate them, but I think Brad knows he has a jewel as well. He has been good to help her express her feelings. I am so proud of their little family and their hard work to keep their relationship growing! How blessed will be the little Simpson girls! Rachel, I love you! Thanks for choosing me to be your mom!

Good Neighbors - Day 7 - a little late!

I really didn't forget my gratitude yesterday, but as I was sitting down to post, my neighbor called and reminded me of a Relief Society Event last night. ( I had totally forgotten all about it!) The group "One Clear Voice" came and performed. They were so talented and spiritual. It was a very wonderful evening. It was such an uplifting evening for me. AND....they were so totally down to earth and approachable! They did a number about gratitude and shared a comment from Pres. Monson. One of my Favorite talks is An Attitude of Gratitude, by Pres.Thomas Monsongo here to read it - http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=cac194bf3938b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1
Now I am sure there is a better way to post this talk, but I am still learning.... but the name of the talk will help you find it.
Anyway, thank goodness for my good neighbor who reminded me of the event. At every turn there is something to be grateful for!

Out of order maybe - but Hurray for Inlaws! - Day 6

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I had a discussion with Rachel yesterday about how lucky I was my daughters married good guys who didn't abuse their wives. I have been thinking alot about that today. I think one of my first experiences with that was my sister Shannon's husband. For the past nearly 20 years he has supported our family. At any family party with food, he is right there digging in and helping in the kitchen. Of course, my brother brought someone into the family that is also very helpful whenever there is a family gathering. I remember at Rachel's wedding Christine helped the whole day, of course she reminded me when her kids got married, she would have it catered!
I do feel such gratitude for the good husbands and fathers my son in laws are. It has been such a choice experience to observe their priesthood observance and watch their young families develop!


They to bring new life to our family! It is so fun to see how the Lord's plan of happiness affects us as we take it full circle!
I would be amiss not to include Don and Dorothy in my gratitude! They helped in grain many good qualities in Randy and they have been so loving of our family! Dorothy continues to teach us about a "get 'er done" attitude and there's no need to complain. One thing I learned from her was she might get disgusted with how somebody does something, but she keeps on loving them!
As for Grandpa Don, he has supported us in to many ways to name. One thing Jordan and I have discussed is he has never missed a birthday and the interesting thing about that is somehow he always manages to get the card there right on the exact day!
I can think of many more times where in laws have blessed my life, but these are just a few highlights! Our family may have a few skeletons lying around here or there, but I feel so blessed to have the family I have been blessed with! (watch out when I start bragging on my kids or worse yet, grandkids!