Wisdom from Shirlee.....

....."this too shall pass" was her motto and she was always so mature for her years. She was my BFF, Shirlee Esplin that was taken away from us way too soon....36 years ago this month as she was heading home to say goodbye to her folks before heading up to Montana to be a nurse on an Indian Reservation she was killed in a terrible car accident. She was an amazing girl and signed up to be a Candy Striper at the hospital before I was even considering putting away my Barbie dolls and roller skates. More often than not, we would have to wait for her to get off work at the hospital before we could start the party. In this picture, she is in her working whites (far left) as we're celebrating something with our fake champaign. She always knew who she was and what she wanted in life and had boys following her around clear back in elementary school. I'm sure she was proposed to at least a dozen times and had actually broken up an engagement to pursue her dream of being a nurse and going to practice her craft where it would be meaningful. She was an amazing person.....we all knew her favorite colors, purple and yellow and her motto ('this too shall pass') and she always lived life to the fullest and didn't let anything pull her down. She had goals and fulfilled them....Rodeo Princess then Rodeo Queen. I got to accompany her to many parades and she had an amazing confidence that I always admired. She knew her animals and participated in stock shows around the area from a very young age. While the rest of us went to Dixie College, she headed to BYU where her nursing program was waiting for her. She was a beauty, inside and out.....gone too soon but left a legacy. Shirlee, I miss you. Come visit me again. (I used to have vivid dreams and feel like I'd had a wonderful adventure only to wake up and realize it was just a dream). If anyone happens to read this entry that has memories of Shirlee, please e-mail me at wells@infowest.com. Thanks.

The reunion fun did end.....

.....aw, it was such a great week-end. I've talked to several of my class-mates and we've all come to the conclusion that it's hard to put into words how much fun we had together. There's just a comraderie in our class that puts a smile on your face whenever you see one of your friends from long ago....so, today I've been thinking a lot about my classmates, feeling like I just didn't get to spend quality time with enough of them to satisfy me. Actually, I'm feeling empty and pessimistic today.... (a little sleep deprived as well and I'm sure that doesn't help).So I got thinking about the concept...."is the glass half full, or half empty" as mine's feeling pretty empty right now when it was so full this past week-end. I ran across this little "half empty, half full" test online that I took and found out that I'm in-between. These are my results:

You can be optimistic, but you may let pessimism get in the way of achieving your goals at times. You want to see the good in people and situations, but there is a part of you that is distrustful and afraid that things will not turn out the way you hoped. Practice making a conscious effort to be more optimistic and good things will happen. Realize the power of positive thinking and try to see the bright side of every situation.

I'm going to get a good night's sleep tonight and practice my "positive thinking" exercises tomorrow. How about you?

The fun never ends......

.....and I couldn't resist putting this picture on of our "mini-reunion" of all the girls of the old 5th and 6th wards. Our boundaries were quite big then and took in the whole east side of town and one time or another we were all in one of these wards.

It didn't rain on our parade.....

As part of our class reunion, we rode in some old cars in the Dixie College Homecoming Parade. I've added a few pics. My mom was on the Bookstore float for her 29 years of working there. Also, some random pics from the play at Tuacahn that we attended on Thursday and our Ice Cream Social last night. There's not a one of us that feels as old as we really are, especially when we get together and talk over the good times we had at good ol' Dixie High School......Class of '68...When Comes Such Another....

One Wild 'n' Crazy Kid......

......is the proud owner of a dental practice in Hurricane. How could I have ever guessed that this little baby that came 3 weeks late, had the cord wrapped around his neck in my womb and was supposed to be watched throughout his life for "brain damage" would now be a dentist.....but...he is and I'm proud of him. Thirty years ago this very night I was bawling my eyes out wondering if he would ever be born. I suffered through one more day (which will be tomorrow) and then the next day, October 10, I called my ultra-conservative religious (Seventh Day Adventist) doctor and told him something had to be done and something was. They did an amniocentesis and found out this kid was almost a month old and rushed me in for a c-section. He survived, wrinkled and blue, and my #3 boy would live to wear that number on his basketball jersey and baseball uniform many a time. So, Mason.....I know 30 seems old but it's not....it's just that "real life" is a little tougher than that dreamworld you've been livin' back there in Kentucky so just know that you are well on your way now and can't turn back. Is that encouraging? Probably not and when you think life is really tough and little McKay is bein' a pill, just come on over and read some of my journal entries. That shirt we bought for you way back when tells the true story of what you put me through but it's all worth it and you've given me some really good times....many more than those tough ones. Happy Birthday on Friday. Enjoy the journey.....exciting times ahead. From your ever lovin' Mom.

Just tell me.....why do people run marathons?

I go every year and I'm totally amazed every year and every year I find myself thinking "Maybe I could do this....." then I realize....I wouldn't want to do this. But really, deep down inside, I wish I wanted to do this. So, I wonder why the thousands that I saw today, killing themselves in the pouring rain, really want to do it year after year. I wish I could have asked every one of the thousands that I saw. But, I can only wonder. Maybe it's the attention they get when they are done....remember when you were little and you played baseball or soccer in the heat but it was all worth it to see what the treat mother brought.....Kyle and Joel seemed to like their treats. Could that be it? Or is it the medal? They are pretty cool and it would be quite nice to see them accumulate year after year....or maybe it's because it's a family thing....it really does bring the clan together in a big way.....or maybe they do it just because everyone else is doing it and they don't want to be left out. I know Mason is thinking he wants to do it next year. But why, I ask why? If there's anyone out there that can give me a heartfelt answer, just maybe....I'll consider it.....no, I won't but dang,I have to admire those who do it.

October is here and with it comes.....

.....a lot of birthdays. Mason has his big three oh and Kyle his big three five......I'll pay tribute in later posts to these boys but want them to know that even though they were both born in October, they'll always be my "boys of summer".... Nothin' I love more than watching my boys play ball. I was able to catch one of Spencer's games while in Kentucky this past week. Best of all was the game they all played together this past summer during the softball season while Spencer was visiting with his family. This post is not about softabll though, it's about birthdays, October birthdays and along with Kyle and Mason, I lost a little son David in 1980 and I always remember him during this month as well. Mine, of course is at the end of the month and as I always do, I'll wish myself a happy birthday and celebrate my mother for giving me life in a later post. I hate halloween but I love my birthday so watch for more about me later. But on this day, I want to acknowledge my friend Cynthia. She is my good neighbor and friend. She feeds me and listens to my whining and has all the answers. She lets me go to her Oregon beach house and there is much more that I can say about this good woman but let's just say, Happy Birthday Cynthia and leave it at that.

On this day 6 years ago a good man was called home.....take a moment to remember my good dad, Hal Sullivan. Not only was he my dad, he was my children's grandfather and my mother's good husband who loved life and hated growing old. So, have some nibs in his memory and use one of his "grandpa-isms", tell one of his jokes or be on time in his honor. He would love that. We miss you dad.......

Home again, home again, jiggity jig.....

It was a fun 10 days with my Kentucky family and I've put together a few pictures to show what we did. I mainly went so Shana could chaperone Laynee's 4th grade trip to Pine Mountain for 5 days so I was in charge of the 3 boys while they were gone. They had a great trip and I had a good time with the boys. On Saturday, we packed in a yard sale, a soccer game and a carnival. The weather was great after they had the wind the week before and were without power for a week up until my arrival on Saturday so everyone appreciated their time outdoors enjoying the coming of Fall. All is well in Kentucky....they are all happy, busy and doing good things. If you get a chance, ask Spencer about his new church calling. He's pretty pumped.....

Just hangin' out with Jack.......

....and I'm wishin' I had somethin' interesting to blog about but I'm just here hangin' out with my Kentucky family watchin' the little ones while Shana and Laynee are off to the mountains on a 4th grade field trip. Spencer's got a bit o' pink eye so they won't allow him at the hospital, oh darn....so we've been chillin' and grillin'....no, not really grillin' but Seth and I have been doing rhyming words this mornin' so I just thought I'd throw that in for him. They are off havin' lunch with Drew right now so Jack and I thought we'd send our greetings out to the blogging world. I got here Saturday after they had 6 days with no power.....except the generator that Mason left behind, but it came on again at 4:00 so it's as if nothing ever happened....so it seems to me, but as I walk down the streets I can see the trees that have fallen in the harsh winds. The weather is great though and I've enjoyed sitting outside watching the boys play.

Happy Birthday, McKay.....

Just wanted to share this serene scene that I saw looking over the William's deck yesterday at McKay's birthday party. I'd like to be a swan and just float in the water all day and look pretty. I swam for 4 hours yesterday and became "one" with the water and it was really hard getting out and getting on with life.....and when I did get out, it was anything but pretty....so what does that have to do with anything? Nothing except a swan is in the water and I was in the water and I like the water so maybe it would be nice to be a swan, that's all. Take it how you wish....just my random thinking on this Saturday morning as I head to see my loved ones in Kentucky. Today is McKay's actual 4th birthday. We celebrated in fine fashion....as I said earlier, at the pool, in the water. So, that's it. My blogging brain isn't working well these days. Hopefully, I'll get more inspiration as I have some "thinking" time on the plane. Have a great week-end......whomever may read this. Go throw some bread to a swan today.

Count your blessings....name them one by one....

My family in Kentucky is feeling the effects of Ike. They are without power and have been since Sunday. No rain but big winds.....thank goodness for the generator that Mason left them. They are able to power their refrigerator and freezer and a couple of the neighbor's refrigerators as well. They are reaping the rewards of being prepared and they have been doing a lot of grilling. I talked to Drew and asked him what they do. He says they go to the Dollar Store (so apparently some businesses have power) but sounds like a lot of the gas stations don't. Apparently the hospital does as Spencer has been going to work but the schools don't because the kids have been out for 2 days and sounds like possibly another week or two. I asked Laynee what they do and she says they put candles on the piano and she and Drew entertain every night. She says they are living like pioneers. I also have talked to Lauri a couple of times and her circumstances are about the same but that's the norm for where she is but I'm sure she doesn't sit and play the piano at night. She is going to appreciate some very crucial American amenities when she gets home. We all have lots to be thankful for and sometimes we don't know it until we are left without it. In these dire times, may we appreciate what we do have......and follow our prophet's counsel to get prepared.

I enjoyed the week-end with Diana. She came Saturday and I also tended Miller. He was good and we were able to go to dinner. We went to church then enjoyed a fun practice for our high school 40th reunion that is coming up. We're both sorry we didn't take pictures but it was fun to see some classmates again and get ready for this fun event. Monday morning, we drove up to the Ledges to show her the development up there then headed to Frei's Fruit Market and the gift shop next door. It was fun to have her here for a couple of days.....

Random thoughts.......about Fridays and hats....

I just feel like blogging but don't really have too much to say today other than it's a Friday and I've always hated Fridays.....seems like all my life I get anxiety when the week ends. I think I like the order that comes with the week-days and when I was young, I would wonder what to do because Fridays should be fun and if I didn't have something "fun" to do, it was a waste and then when I had kids I knew they felt like Fridays should be "fun" and they would always ask for sleepovers and I hated sleepovers because, once again, it was getting outside of my "order" box and I didn't like that so I'd try to think of something that would be "funner" than sleepovers but most of the time I would just give in and let them happen. Anyway, it's Friday and I guess I am having a sleep-over with George, Emily and Evan so I am looking forward to this Friday night. So, what I'm really writing about is that I'm still knitting but needed to have a diversion from socks for a little while. Since my sock give-away is about here, I decided to take a break and work on some hats. My loved ones up north in the really cold country need something to keep their heads warm so I decided to try all different sizes. You never know if they work until the winter is over and if the hat got worn, it was good, if not, try something different next season. Ya, I know, you could just go to Old Navy and buy a hat for a few bucks but here's a quote that tells how I feel about that.
"My mother didn't knit a stitch; she taught me that it's cheaper, easier and faster to buy a sweater. Her lesson, therefore, is that I don't knit to make things. I knit to make myself happy." --Annie Modesitt
Hats off to anyone that reads this....happy Friday night!!!!!

9-11!!!! Where were you 7 years ago?.....

I was getting a new refrigeration unit and anxiously awaiting the arrival of Andrew Scott, son of Spencer and Shana to arrive the next day. Happy Birthday, tomorrow Drewby. Now, 7 years later, I'm anxiously awaiting a week from now when I can go and see Drew and his siblings again and take him out for his birthday dinner....but the business at hand has been getting Lauri off to Mexico. And that we did....yesterday. 'Hasta la vista, Lauri. I will miss you. Lauri has a blog and you catch her weekly journal by clicking on these "Goodbye" pictures.

Orange you glad it's soccer season?

Last Saturday we had non-stop games......Sorry, Maycee. By 12:00 it was too hot to get the camera out and take any more pictures. I'll get you next time. We started with McKay's, then Emily's, then Maycee's. In a couple of weeks I'll get to see Drewby's. I love watching my grandkids participate in anything, sports, music, school, playing..... I try to get to their schools at least once a year to see them in action. Good kids doing good things. Love 'em, love 'em, love 'em. I'm going to try to get my grandma blog caught up one of these days.

Who needs a Pumpkin Spice candle when you have tomatoe soup.....

I wish there were a gadget that would let me post the smell on my blog that's in my house right now. I think I'll just keep a pot of tomatoe soup simmering all winter long. I wanted to post a picture of the beautiful bottles filled with this "gold" but I lost my camera (I actually found it but it's at Mason's) so I'm posting the original recipe from Mrs. Ludwig's cookbook and you can see how well used it is. It has been one of those recipes that everyone in my family would eat so every fall, I would hunt down lugs and lugs of tomatoes and spend a few days cooking, squeezing and bottling this tasty treat. My kitchen is a mess but it's a beautiful mess. So, I got these tomatoes from JoEllen's dad, Joe Shelton in Lehi and it's been great to be able to fill up a few jars again. This is just one of those smells that brings me back to a wonderful time in my life, raising my kids, seeing them off to school, then welcoming them home to tomatoe soup and homemade bread. Aw....the memories. Some days that's all that keeps me going.....Mrs. Ludwig's tomatoe soup forever. When I was just 16, Scott took me to Ludwig's German Restaurant up by Leeds for my birthday and it soon became our favorite place to go, so these great recipes from her book bring me even more warm memories of yummy food and good times.

Welcome September......

My birthday boys this month are Drewby and McKay....Drew will be 7 and McKay will be 4. Oh my how time flies. I've spent a lot of time with these two when I would visit them in Kentucky and they have been good little friends. Drew loves sports and is involved right now in soccer but also loves baseball, basketball and Nintendo DS, does well in school and has a kind heart. McKay is a "live wire" and loves to be active, makes friends easily and loves to play. He's in pre-school and is doing great. He loves his super heroes and always wants to watch Power Rangers. He builds with legos and loves my motorcyle. Happy Birthday, boys.....your B-amma loves you both.