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....