It's a Wonderful Memory

Today is December 28th the space in between Christmas and New Years. This week really flew by fast. On Wednesday after I left work at W.S. I stopped at the grocery store to stock up on cookie decorating goodies for that evening. I baked the sugar cookies & the table was laid out with everything they needed to create cookie masterpieces for Santa. I was ready for the arrival of my grandkids. They are each so creative and each one has their own style.. some are very methodical and precise and others are just fun & fast. Of course the one who has the most fun is the one who believes the most and that is Tyler. My grandson Logan was not feeling well so he gave me permission to create his cookies for him.. while he laid on the couch. We then watched the CD of "The Reflections of Christ". A request from my grandaughter Morgan, who wanted to watch something with the theme of the birth of our savior this year. It is a beautiful story presented by photographer Mark Mabry as they take you behind the scenes as Mark recreates and photographs the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. It was an early evening with kids off to their homes and beds to await the arrival of Santa.
Christmas afternoon we all gathered at my son Steve's home to un-wrap gifts from each other. It is a very fun tradition we have of sitting in a large circle and taking turns un-wrapping from youngest to oldest. Each one of my grandchildren know exactly who they come after and before and we go around the circle one at a time, sharing in the excitement and fun of each gift. Everyone was very happy with their gifts and we then had our Christmas buffet. We each bring something for the dinner. It is a Christmas evening tradition that we go to a movie together. I was really tired after working every day this week and knowing I had to get up at 4 a.m. to be at work by 6 a .m. so I chose not to go to the movies.
At W.S. the next morning I got to disassemble the Christmas displays & trees in the front windows and re- set them with the new visuals. My friend Lynn and I were a team on this project. They turned out great and we then continued to put up new visuals in the store. It was a fun morning, lots of energy as we all re-set the store and cleared out the Christmas displays.
"Girls Night In Party" on Saturday was really fun. There were 9 of us talking, eating and having a great time. We ended the evening with a gift exchange and I traded until I got my hands on the cute snowman that Charlie brought. I was the 3rd trade, so I knew that it was mine. score .. I love these evenings and I think everyone had a great time.
Now I need to get busy with my class schedule and get my samples prepared so I can start
sign-ups for January classes. I leave for Idaho to visit Judy the end of the month.. So I need to get busy.

The Forgotten Carols

Last night my family started a new Christmas tradition. We went to see the stage production of "The Forgotten Carols", at the Orpheum Theatre downtown Phoenix. Thirteen of us went together. Kristan and Don and their 4 oldest children, Jason & Jamie and their 2 daughters, my grandson Kelly and Morgans friend Trent. The Orpheum is a beautiful ornate theatre. After 12 years and $14 million the historic theatre has been completely renovated.

Our seats were perfect, about half way back center. The musical is the creation of singer, songwriter Michael McLean & the production has been performing "The Forgotten Carols" for 10 years. He plays a man who believes he is more than two thousand years old and leads us through the journey from the birth of Christ to modern day with music and words. We laughed and cried and were so touched by the beautiful music and the inspirational words of the presentation. At the very end of the evening Michael had the entire audience "hum" silent night as we ended the evening and it was to beautiful.

A wonderful way to remember the reason we celebrate Christmas each year.

We saw many friends at the theatre and know that we will make it a family tradition.

Today I am getting ready for Christmas Eve with my grandchildren. We decorate cookies to leave for Santa and have a wonderful evening together. Get them all ready to go home and right to bed to await the arrival of Santa and a wonderful day tomorrow.

Merry Christmas to each of you.

3 More Days

Last night I arrived at my son Jason's home a little early for our family get together and both he and Jamie were finishing up some last minute details, so I was entertained by my youngest grandson Tyler. We talked about many things and he made sure that I was up on all the facts about getting my stocking filled from Santa. We were talking about our Christmas Eve tradition of decorating cookies for Santa and he explained to me that I needed to decorate some this year too, and just where to put them; right in front of my stocking and then when I awoke in the morning my stocking would be filled with goodies from Santa. He layed it all out for me in great detail. I love the wonder in the eyes of children. Everyone had planned on going to the Mesa temple lights, but it was really raining hard so we had a family evening after our dinner. I read the story "The Light of Christmas" by Richard Paul Evans. It is a wonderful story about the light of Christmas being inside of each of us as we share ourselves, for the flame must first burn from within us. Jason shared a story of Christmas when he was on his mission in Ecuador, Steve shared the history of the Christmas tree and why it is used in our celebrations. Kristan had some fun riddles about Christmas songs. We all shared what our favorite Christmas song was. then my grandaughter Maddy ended the evening by playing a Christmas song on her cello. It was a wonderful evening.

It's Christmas Time

What a busy time I have had since my last post. Last Wednesday I had my monthly "All About Me Club", at my house and had such a fun time. Just love all the gals in the group. We created pages on "Shoes", "What's in our closet", and "Our Goals for 2009". then on Thursday Cheryl from the group had us all over to her house for a wonderful Christmas dinner. Her home was decorated so beautifully and the dinner was wonderful. We had so much fun talking and sharing for the evening. I have been working 5 days a week at W.S. and had a very important customer on Friday. Senator John McCain came in and he always is so nice. I have waited on him since his boys were little and I helped with the boys clothes when I worked at Merry Simmons Children's store. He is such a nice man and always says how nice it is to see me again. We have been so slammed at W.S. and that makes it so fun and the time goes by so fast. I go early in the morning and work on visual set ups and then work a couple hours on the floor. I love this time of year when I get to see people I haven't seen in a long time. Today I help a guy that I have waited on for about 20 years and he was so cute, said "well I guess I'll see you again, next Christmas". Church services on Sunday were so wonderful, it was the Christmas program and the entire meeting was music. We have some very talented people in our ward and they sang some beautiful solo's. It was so special and there was such a spiritual feeling in the chapel. Last night we had a welcome home party for Marissa at the Dahl's home. Everyone brought food and we had so much good soup and all the trimmings to go with. Marissa had brought home some things from the Ukraine for us to try, crackers, cookies and candy. Then she and Kristan found a Russian store here in town and bought some more goodies for us all to try. Marissa narrated a slide presentation on her adventures in the Ukraine. There were about 50 people there off and on and it was such a fun evening. I was at work this morning at 7am and changed out several displays and will be there tomorrow at 6 am to do the same. Tonight we are having a family dinner over at Jason and Jamie's home and then they are all going to Mesa to see the beautiful Temple lights.. I'm coming home since I have to get up at 4 to be at work by 6. Then I have Christmas Eve off, so I can get ready for my annual grandkids evening. We will be decorating cookies for Santa and watching a Christmas movie. Such fun times. I have been listening to the Christmas CD's that Steve and Karen make each year and of course have my very favorites:
Peace on Earth- Vince Gill, Believe - Josh Grobin, Mary did you know - Kenny Rogers,
Baby, It's cold outside - James Taylor & Natalie Cole, Coming home for Christmas - Jim Brickman & Richie McDonald & Thankful - Josh Grobin. I have my favorites on several CD's and just hit those numbers over and over. Have a wonderful day.

Last night I attended the strings concert for my grandson Zack. It was held at his school along with 2 other schools joining in the group. There were only 7 students so it was held in the music room, which was so much nicer, than the big lunchroom. It was like a private recital. They performed 4 songs and were quite good. It was comprised of 5th & 6th graders except for Zack and one other little girl who are in 4th grade. The strings teacher said at the end that she wanted to say something about one of the students participating and that was Zack. She explained how he had just started playing the cello this fall and was doing a marvelous job and was so proud of him. She had big tears in her eyes as she said how much she admired the support she received from his family and how he was following in his sisters footsteps. At the end of the evening she had Maddy play a piece.(since Maddy was her student last year).

Since I was under the weather on Monday evening, I delivered my special surprise last night. I had purchased these houses and trees when Judy was here in Oct at Hobby Lobby, so I painted the house and added the snow and added snow to the tree as well. It is their new decoration for the season. One more visit next Monday evening and then it will be Christmas.

It is still raining outside. . . our ground surely need this. Tonight I have my "All About Me Class" at my home and always look forward to this evening with the girls.

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas

This October when Judy was here I found these 2 hurricane lamps regular $40.00 on sale for $3.99. Loved them and couldn't wait to fill them and display them in my home. the one above is filled with sugar glazed fruit (after Christmas bargain a couple years ago), so the entire display was a bargain.This one is fill with greenery and balls that I filled with rolls of beautiful printed paper. I had a great time creating these decorations and am trying to figure out what I can fill them with to display the rest of the year.

It has been raining all day since last night and so I am staying put in the house and not getting out on those slick streets. Marissa arrives home tomorrow at 7:45 from the Ukraine, it is about 24 hours of travel time for her. So anxious to see her and give her a big hug. Tonight I am attending my grandson Zack's strings concert. He loves the cello just like his older sister. Will report tomorrow.

1921

87 years ago today my mom was born in Bates County Missouri to Charles and Alma Smith. She was one of 9 children. My mom was a twin and I always thought I would love to have twins or have twin grandchildren, but it never happened. She had the cutest sense of humor and was always happy. She was a wonderful seamstress and made most of my clothes growing up. I didn't inherit her skill.. She was a very warm, compassionate person who always saw the best in everyone. My children and grandchildren called her Grama Terry and when asked what they remember about her they remember; her reading to them, making them warm nightgowns and p.j.'s, never forgetting a birthday, having a chocolate cake on the counter and fried chicken on the stove when we would arrive at her house on vacation. Her greatest joy was her family and she was certainly a joy to us. This picture was taken in 1974 on a visit with our family in Arizona.
Happy Birthday Mom

A Trio of Concerts

A very busy week so far.
My Monday evening surprise gift this week was the new W.S. Majorican crystal candle holders and candles to go in them.

On Sunday evening I went over to my daughter's for dinner and to watch the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional. Kristan was finishing up dinner and the little boys were outside shooting baskets, so I joined them and wow, were they surprised that their Grama could shoot baskets. Logan kept telling everyone, "Grama's really good, she hardly ever misses". My grandaughter thought I had great form shooting and could out shoot her.. Was fun.

Monday I worked at W.S. in the morning and then I did some last minute Christmas shopping to finish up the grandsons. In the evening I attended the first of my three Christmas concerts for the week. It was at Arizona School of the Arts, where my grandaughter Maddy goes. She was in the strings part of the concert with her cello. It was amazing, they are so focused at the school on the arts and the music played was so beautiful. Then Maddy was also in the show choir part of the evening. Again the music was wonderful. She did a great job in both areas. Tuesday morning I worked at W.S. again and then on Tuesday evening I attended the Christmas Concert for my grandaughter Taylor who is in middle school. She is in the show choir and they were fantastic. Taylor had a solo and did a wonderful job. The songs were a wide variety of holiday favorites and the show choir had some special ones they sang.
Weds. I had the day off so I spent the day wrapping everything for Christmas.. Almost finished.Weds. evening I attended the High school Christmas Festival of music. Karleigh is in Matador Misses Advanced Choir and the entire concert was great. Mr. Ross the director put in lots of music from other countries, so all the kids really did learn a lot of music and words from other cultures. Karleigh has a beautiful voice. Great evening.. So I am really filled with Christmas music now.. and so very proud of my very talented grandaughter's and their involvement in their schools music programs.

Busy Week

Wow it is Sunday already. . . During this holiday season I have been working at W.S. 5 days a week, so it really does speed by fast. This week I worked early mornings, (I usually work 8 to 12) , but this week some mornings I went in at 7 and some at 6am.. I love my job and the people I work with. When I go in I work on setting visuals throughout the store, getting our scents going on the stove, the mulled apple cider going and prepare our tastings for the day. I got to re-set the 2 front windows on Friday morning all by myself and it was so much fun. One window is all about Peppermint Bark and the other is all about Popcorn. Both windows were stripped and re-set & the Christmas trees were changed. It was a 5 1/2 hour job of fun.. they look great and I have had so many people commenting on them.. Makes me proud to put in the extra effort and get great results.
On Weds. I taught my last 2 card classes for this year at Mad Scrappers. Both classes were full and I had so much fun with all the gals in my classes. We made 6 Holiday cards.

Got my home decorated for Christmas this week and laid out my gifts for the family on my bed in the guest bedroom. . . I have been collecting all year and really didn't know exactly what I had for who... I have my grown up kids finished and the granddaughters finished and have a little left to get for my grandsons.. this coming week I am working 5 days again and I have concerts for 3 granddaughters on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday evenings.. then shopping to finish up for those last minute gifts for my grandsons. So I will be keeping busy, which is good this time of year. And then there is my weekly visit to my kids with their surprise gift.

Marissa gets home from the Ukraine in 10 days and we are all so excited to see her and hear all about her wonderful 4 months living in Kieve. That's all my news for now.

A Wonderful Surprise

I just had the most wonderful surprise visit from my granddaughter Morgan. She and her mom came by to see me and she looks fantastic. She is so bubbly and so excited about her first date since the of middle of September when her life took a downhill turn and she was down and out of life for 2 1/2 months. The Dr.'s all said that the episodes would work their way out of her body and that the seizures she was having almost constantly would go away and they were right.. I can't tell you how happy I am . . .when we ask from our heart for help from our Heavenly Father, prayers really are answered when we truly believe that they will be. It's a great day. . .

Monday Evening Family Visits

I started a tradition a couple years ago to help me through the holiday season without Kent. On each Monday evening between Thanksgiving and Christmas I deliver a little Christmas surprise to my 3 children and their families. Last night was the first night and I had a great surprise for them. I delivered W.S. Hot Chocolate Pots and Hot Cocoa mix for their families. I have so much fun being able to spend some special time each week to visit with my family during this busy holiday season. I scout out and plan my surprise gifts for months before, so I can have different things that will surprise them and bring them each some holiday cheer.

Beautiful Music

I have been watching the PBS special Hit Man with David Foster and a tribute to his music. I haven't enjoyed anything this much in a long time. The artists who performed were amazing. Josh Grobin, Michael John, Celine Dion, Michael Buble, and many many others . If you get a chance to get this CD or DVD jump at it.. What a wonderful way to spend an evening.. Songs that touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes along with songs that I loved to sing along with..

Feeling Thankful

I have been down with a COLD and feeling pretty crummy. . . but today I think I am on the up-ward climb back to good health.. Don't you just hate to be sick. .I really don't have time for that nonsense..

I have been reading several of my favorite blogs about all the things people are thankful for and wanted to put down in print what I am thankful for at this time in my life.

*First and foremost I am thankful for my family, my children & their spouses & these 13 wonderful grandchildren, for the support they give me and the blessing they are in my life they all bring me such joy.

* My faith in God and his goodness and the knowledge that he hears & answers our prayers. The warmth and friendships I feel in my new ward at church. They have taken me in and surrounded me with love.

* Judy, who is not only my sister but also my best friend & I am so thankful that I am able to talk to her almost every day.

* My ability to work & teach & earn a living doing the things that I love to do.

* My wonderful friends that I have made through teaching my classes.

* Marissa will be coming home in 3 weeks from the Ukraine.

* Morgan is getting a little better each day.

* My home and the security it gives me.

* The beauty I see all around me.

There are certain people in our lives who just make the world a better place. They give us hope and raise our spirits simply by being the kind of people they are. Some people stand up and champion a cause, or provide the spark, or defy the odds, or do the right thing simply because it's right. They just think about being good friends, good neighbors, good people. I don't say if often enough, but I am grateful to have some of these people in my life. You are an inspiration to me and I am thankful for that.

New Scrapbook Store in North Phoenix

We have a new store opening this week in North Phoenix. It is on the S.E. corner of Tatum & Thunderbird. We are so glad to have a new store in our area. The owner is Brenda Mitchilitis and the store is filled with great merchandise for scrappers and paper crafter's. Be sure to stop by soon. Tell her Jean sent you.

Tuesday with Kristan & Carol

Yesterday morning early I picked up Kristan and our friend Carol and we headed for Tucson. Kristan was delivering pre-holiday gifts to her stores and writing orders and Carol and I went along to play at Pages in Progress . We had such a good time, Carol was working on her sample for a calendar class she is teaching and I was working on the samples for my December Card Class at Mad Scrappers on December 5th both morning and evening classes. The cards are turning out so stinkin cute. In fact the owners of Pages in Progress copied them to make in their store also.

Here is a sneak peek of one of the 6 cards we will be making in class.

Tonight I host the "All About Me Club" at my place. We usually have it at Connie's home, but her husband Barry just had major surgery and is recouping (doing well), so I offered to have it here. We are creating layouts on the following subjects: What's always in your refrigerator, Collections & Your first Crush or Crushes. I love meeting together with these gals, we really do have a lot of fun together. I'll post the pictures of the layouts tomorrow..

Busy week

It's Monday already and I just realized I haven't written anything since last Weds. My class on last Thursday evening was very fun and everyone had a great time working on their altered organizer files. On Friday and Saturday I worked at W.S. and then on Sunday I visited Jason and Jamie's ward to see the kids sing in the sacrament meeting. they did a great job. Last week I started working on a few Christmas things that I am making and they are turning out cute. On Sunday afternoon I worked on my "All About Me" samples for this weeks class on Weds. evening. Our themes this month are: "What is always in your refrigerator - and why", what do you "Collect" and "Your Crushes or first real crush".. I worked this morning at W.S. it is so much fun this time of year, I see so many of my old customers and I also get to help get the store ready for the Christmas holidays, by putting dark green bows on so many things and tucking boughs and berries everywhere.. Tomorrow Kristan and our friend Carol are going to Tucson to call on the stores there and for Kristan to write orders.. Carol and I get to play in the awesome crop rooms.. and shop.. I work at W.S. on Thurs, Fri & Sat this week..so as you can tell I am keeping pretty busy, which I love. The new shopping center "City North" just opened this weekend and so traffic has been hectic around here. It is just a couple blocks from me so I will be able to walk over there. It is being built in several stages and this was just the first one to open, great stores and good restaurants. I can't believe it is almost Thanksgiving and then just 4 weeks after that will be Christmas..

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world

in a conspiracy of love.

Hamilton Mabie

Calendar Class

This evening I taught my class on the 2009 calendar. It was so much fun and the girls had a great time too.. I only have one more class this year and it is tomorrow evening. It is the altered accordion file class.. should be a fun one too.. then I'll start new classes starting the first of the year. Love teaching classes and love the ladies in my classes..

Time Out for Women & Girls

On Saturday I spent the day with these two fantastic granddaughters. We attended the "Time out for women & girls" event at the Phoenix convention center. It was such an awesome event that was put on by Deseret Book , it featured artists and speakers who were phenomenal. I picked the girls up at 7:30 am and we headed for downtown Phoenix. When we arrived the ballroom was filled with chairs and we got primo seats in the middle on an isle so , we had no one right in front of us. We met some old friends Angie and her daughter Sarah who sat by us and we got ready for a fun filled day.

When the event started all the presenters came up on stage and introduced themselves:

Abe Mills, Hillary Weeks , Cheri Call, John Hilton , & Jenny Frogley

Laurel Christensen was the MC and a presenter.

*Abe Mills is a member of the musical group Jericho Road. I have been a fan of theirs since I first saw them at BYU 5 or 6 years ago. He has also starred on stage and television.

* Hillary Weeks started writing songs at 14 and just released her 6th Album. She has won many awards from the faith centered music awards.

*Cheri Call was raised in Mesa and has been performing since she was "3". She has been honored with several Pearl Awards from the Faith centered Music Association.

* John Hilton is a graduate of BYU and earned his masters from Harvard University. He is the author of multiple publications and is a much sought after motivational speaker. He was so much fun to listen to..he uses humor and wit to get his point across and he was awesome.

*Jenny Frogley is one of the premier vocalists in the Rocky Mountain Region, she sang for the torch lightening ceremony at the 2002 Olympics and has opened for Ray Charles and Gladys Knight. She has produced and written for several artists and performed all over the world.

*Laurel Christensen is the Director of Entertainment for Deseret Book & general manager for "Time out for women" as well as a producer of such groups as Jericho Road & The Forgotten Carols. Her inspirational talks are published on several CD's. She had such an amazing sense of humor and had everyone laughing all day.

The girls and I had such a fun day listening to the beautiful music and very inspirational words that were shared with us. What a glorious way to spend a Saturday.

After the event I took the girls out to dinner. such a great day .

Today I am going to go to 2 different wards to hear my grandchildren speak..What fun is that. . .

FALL IS IN THE AIR !

In the desert southwest where I live, I don't get to see the beautiful changing leaves of the trees that I think are so fantastic, but fall means these things to me:

* cooler days and really cool nights

* getting out my long sleeve shirts and sweaters to wear

*the colors of fall in pumpkins and decorations

* getting to wear my cute new socks

*turning off the air conditioner & opening my doors and windows

*getting into the car and not melting

*beautiful flowers blooming everywhere

*putting on my new fleece vest to wear to work in the chilly mornings

*driving with the windows open in the car

* burning the fall scented candles in my home

* waking up to a chilly morning and snuggling under the covers

* hot chocolate in the evening

*being able to bake and not heat up the house

I love this time of year, the colors, the scents, getting ready for the up-coming holidays,

baking, working on Christmas gifts, decorating the house.

Just having it cool outside when I walk out the door is so neat. My friend Charlie said she is already decorating for Christmas, because she & her family love the holiday so much and I think that is a grand Idea. My Christmas decorations are all about snowmen and I love when my home is all decorated and hate to take them down, so Charlie I just may start mine too.

Tomorrow I am attending,It is being held at the Phoenix Civic Center and is a day filled with inspiration, music and laughter, a chance to celebrate the next generation of women! TIME OUT FOR WOMEN & GIRLS is a fast paced event with contemporary music and messages geared to teenage girls and the women in their lives. Many fantastic speakers and musical performers will put on the program and it is such a fun day. I get to take 2 of my grandaughters Taylor and Madisann.

Last night I held my 2nd in home crafting class. We made 6 dry embossed Christmas cards and it was so much fun. We started at 7:00 and ended about 9:45, we laughed and talked and shared fun stories. I just love this job I have of teaching these fun classes.. I have 2 next week "2009 calendar and an altered organizer file.

I have started getting more hours at Williams Sonoma too at this time of year and I love it too. the people I get to work with are all so much fun and of course I love our clients that I get to help. I am usually scheduled to work the early morning shift, so I get to get the smells going in the store and prepare the tastings for the day. This week I made pumpkin pecan muffins, and our new cranberry pecan stuffing.. Wow was it good.. I haven't had stuffing with cranberries in it before and it was really good (added about a quarter cup of apple pie filling) too and it really was a hit with our tasters. We always have hot mulled apple cider going this time of year and everyone loves it. I was listening to my favorite talk show yesterday morning on my way to work and they were talking about Williams Sonoma and that everyone had to go in because it smells so good this time of year in our store.

Have a wonderful day...

I'm proud to be an American

As next Tuesday approaches I hope in my heart that if you have not voted already that you will make sure you take the time to exercise your legal right to cast your ballot for those of your choice that are running for office in your local and state and national elections. In Arizona I made the decision to cast an early ballot through the mail in ballot process. We had many propositions on our ballot this year and they were confusing and not always easy to understand. I studied the issues and read about those running for office in my district and state and made what I thought was an informed decision on my part. This election has the entire U S standing up and declaring their opinion and views on the many issues at hand. Each of us must decide for ourselves what our hearts tell us to do in this most important election.

The words to Lee Greenwood's song "God Bless the USA" say it all for me:

If tomorrow all my things were gone, I'd worked for all my life.

And I had to start again, just my children and my wife.

I'd thank my lucky stars, to be livin here today.

Cause the flag still stands for freedom, and they can't take that away.

And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the ones who died, who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up, next to you and defend her still today.

Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land, God bless the USA.

From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee.

Across the plains of Texas, From sea to shining sea.

From Detroit down to Houston, and New York to L.A.

Well there's pride in every American heart,and its time we stand and say.

And I gladly stand up, next to you and defend her still today.

Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land, God bless the USA.

And I'm proud to be and American,where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the ones who died,who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,next to you and defend her still today.

Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,God bless the USA

Strengthen Your Community

In every community, there is work to be done.

In every nation, there are wounds to heal.

In every heart, there is the power to do it.

Marianne Williamson

* So be sure to *

VOTE

Class was in session

Last night I held my first in home class. We created the Holiday Planners. It was so much fun and everyone completed their planner in record time. We shared stories, & had lots of laughter throughout the evening.
Good news, Kristan found a doctor for Morgan that specializes in the stress related seizures that she is overcome with. The doctor is out of Mayo clinic and close, so they won't have to drive clear across the valley for appointments. Kristan said that she had been praying for an answer and when she got up from her prayers the phone rang and a doctor on the other end said he had a referral for Kristan to call.
Dr. Jennifer Bortz is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist specializing in diagnostic assessment of patients with known and suspected neurologic conditions. Her primary area of expertise is in neuropsychological evaluation of individuals with seizure disorders, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and psychiatric imitators of neurologic illness. She provides adjunct psychotherapy for patients with primary neurological conditions as well as individuals with cognitive concerns secondary to depression, anxiety and related psychological factors affecting health and well- being.
We are so excited to finally find a doctor should be able to help Morgan recover from this nightmare she has been living this past year.. that started with her foot being run over a year ago. Your prayers are so appreciated.
http://homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/

Prayers

I am coming on my blog today to ask for a special favor from each of you who read my blog. My grandaughter Morgan is going thru a really TOUGH time and needs all the prayers in her behalf we can send to our Heavenly Father. She is still having seizures daily and needs us to be her advocates each day. I know that this may be a lot to ask of many of you who don't even know me or my beautiful grandaughter. But I know that my Father in Heaven does answer prayers and will help. She has several doctors who are researching and studying to help find answers to help her also. My daughter Kristan is so strong and is doing such an amazing job of taking care of Morgan. She needs our prayers also for strength and the knowledge to do those things she can acomplish. Thanks in advance to all of you for your continued support and your prayers .

by Stephanie Tafoya

Every Fall

This week was my annual visit to the Doctor for the "dreaded yearly physical" . I don't know why I dread it so much; it really is quick and re-assuring. My Dr. is a fantastic young woman named Lindsay Teel, she is a nurse practitioner in family practice. She is gentle and so thorough in her exam. She doesn't make me feel like she is too busy to answer my questions or any concerns that I might have. We talked for quite a while as she answered several questions I had and I am pleased that I passed with flying colors on my E.K.G. and blood work and pap test and all over physical. Lindsay was a little concerned with my level count on my triglycerides. Even though I eat lots of fish, she wanted me to go on a higher regimen of omega 3 to help lower my triglycerides, I was taking fish oil twice a day and now I have these huge capsules that I take 4 times a day.. She said many people are pre-disposed to higher levels so this should help lower them. I have my mammogram & bone scan next week..
This week is my Holiday Planner class at my home and I'm very excited to teach it. I have 6 coming to take the class, so I am getting everything prepped and cut ahead.

Balloons to Heaven

Each year on the Sunday closest to October 19th, our family sends notes and wishes to grampa in heaven. Each one of my grandchildren take a few minutes and write a special note to their grampa in heaven. They are all so special and from their hearts.. they share with him, what they are doing in their lives, what they are feeling and just share their love for him. We then we tie them on to white helium balloons and send them off skyward.. Such a tender and special tradition that I love and it helps everyone remember Kent a little more and brings his love closer to each of them.

Happy Birthday Tyler

Today is my youngest grandson Tyler's 6th birthday.

He is such a sweet boy and I love him so much.. He is in full day kindergarten and loves school. He didn't think the time would ever come for him to get to go to school..

So when this school year rolled around he was ready..

He loves to perform for the family and has so much energy.

Love you Tyler

1,460 days

October 19, 2004 is 1,460 days ago.. That is the day my sweet Kent passed away. This week I have been thinking of him almost constantly and remembering our love and our lives together. I have been remembering those happy times and the specail times

and those little quirks that made Kent who he was.

Like:

* When I wanted to get something he would say, "if it will make you happy".

* If we were going to make a large purchase he always said, "let's sleep on it",

I would be sure that we would lose the deal or it would be gone the next day,

but somehow it always worked out.

** We would be shopping or picking something out and I'd ask him

if he liked sit and he would say "it doesn't do a thing for me"..
** Starting a sentence with "like I say"..

** He would never throw a broken appliance or a golf bag out, he would say

"lets keep it just in case"..

( I never could figure out when just in case would be)

**Loved to go to those heartfelt movies and as we were walking out,

he would say "they just don't make them like that any more".

* Kent loved working in the yard and our yard was always perfect.

* He love playing golf with his buddies on Saturday and would take turns getting

up around 2 am to go get in line at the golf course to get their name on the list..

* He loved his children and grandchildren and would do anything for them

* He could never sit still for very long, so he was always doing something.

* He would yell with the TV when he was watching ASU football or a Suns game,

just like he was in the stands.. .

* He could watch the Roy Orbison Black & White TV special over and over.

.Just loved the music.

When I think of Kent I have so many wonderful memories and love to remember

those times we had together. When ever I would see Kent walking toward me I was always so proud that he was, not only my husband but my best friend as well.

My love for Kent grows stronger each day and as an eternal family I know that I will be with him again for eternity and can't wait to see him .. I know that he will have that great smile on his face and give me a kiss with those soft lips. Until that time I know that he is busy working in heaven and always watching over his family. I feel him with me so often and know that he is right here beside me, helping me every day.

To Kent

Strength and courage aren't

always measured in medals

and victories. They are measured

in the struggles that they overcome.

The strongest people aren't always

the people who win, but the people

who don't give up when they lose.

Ashley Hodgeson

Thank you for being strong even at the end..Love you forever.