FIRST COMES LOVE, THEN COMES MARRIAGE, THEN COMES BABY IN THE BABY CARRIAGE

FAMILY CELEBRATION OF NEW BEGINNINGS!

On Saturday May 30, we had a wonderful celebration for Nick, Melanie and Mason. It was also a meet and greet, since many of the family members had not yet me Melanie or Mason.

Now I know there is a saying that a picture is worth a thousand words......
Well I'm hoping that words will paint a picture, because we had an unforeseen mishap with the pictures so I only have the ones in my mind.

So let me try and paint a picture for you.

The Place:

We had the celebration at my niece Jennifer and her husband Rhett's BEE-U-T-Ful home.
My niece designed the home and her husband built it. Both did an excellent job. The floor plan was opened and spacious, they thought of so many details that were custom for them, some for now and some for the future, (such smart and thoughtful planning). Thanks again both of you for allowing us to host this celebration at your home, it was perfect, and very generous of you guys.

The Food:

Nick & Melanie's choice was a casual BBQ style buffet. With one special request from Nick.
(7 layer dip)

Pulled Meat Sandwiches, with three different meats; Pork, Beef and Chicken DELICIOUS!
With a choice of Onion Buns, Potato Buns, Sesame Seed Buns, and of course just Plain Buns.

With some of the most scrumptious side dishes compliments of my wonderful family.
To Die For - crock pot beans, Yummy!
Oh So Good - macaroni salad, delish!
Best Ever - potato salad, mmm-mmm good!
Always Popular - 7 layer dip, ahhh!
Lil in Size-Large in Flavor - lil smokies, tasty!
Fresh Fruit - fresh yumminess!
Vegetable Platter - crisp & delish!


(hope I'm not forgetting anything, going off memory here, if I have I apologize)



Now let's talk about the Desserts!

Red Velvet Cup Cakes
Chocolate Cup Cakes
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Cookies
Some type of Scrumptious looking bar (don't know what it was called though)
Animal Cookies (just the white ones though, this is a family tradition that started way back with my Sister-In-Law)


Of course there was the usual Nuts & candies around, (no sillies, I'm not talking about the guests)


We had M N M's around (Melanie Nick Mason = mnm's)

Also Mints wrapped in blue wrappers that said Baby Boy in a {Mason} jar. hee, hee, I know, I have a quirky sense of humor and probably no one even caught that one except me.


THE CAKE!

My niece made the cake, it was her first (and I think last) attempt at making a wedding cake.

Let me tell you, she did a wonderful job, it was Beautiful, and Tasty, what more could you ask for, it was just perfect.


You will have to click this link to see a picture of it; CAKE

(remember I have no pictures) {tear}

Let me just tell you, it was such a good time, the kids all played and had such a blast together, even though some of them don't get to see each other often. {Man do we have some adorable kids in this family} they played ball, fetch with the dog, soccer that even some of the adults got in on (one player even got some good kicks in wearing pink high heels, can you guess who?) light sabers, air hockey, chase, and I think the favorite of the younger kids was playing in a huge dirt pile, they loved it, their parents, not so much. Really these kids were adorable, and sweet as could be, they gave hugs good-bye to everyone, even those they didn't see too often.

We had 14 of the cutest kids you have ever seen, ranging from age 11 yrs. to 1 1/2 months old.

My family is awesome, they are so much fun, we have such good times when we get together, there is such love and support, THANK YOU, to each and everyone of you. It was so nice to get together, I really hope that we can plan it more often.

Great Family, Good Food, Fun, Laughter, Hugs, and Love = My Family

So glad we were able to all get together, Nick loved getting to see everyone, it has been a while for him, and Melanie was meeting most everyone for the first time, you all made her feel very welcome, Mason got passed around like a football in a college game, but he slept through most of it and was a little angel.

Thanks again for all your Love, Support, Help, and Contributions to the meal.

I think we should all do a recipe swap, I know I would love some of yours, maybe I'll try and organize something like that on my blog.

Sorry I have no pictures to share, but that means we just have to have another get together soon, so we can have a do over for the pictures.

Love you all!

GOOD TIMES = LATE POSTS

So, So, far behind in my posts.


So let's start with our trip to Utah in May;


We had the pleasure of spending almost two weeks with five of our Grandchildren in May. We really enjoyed having such quality time with them. Oh so fun!

It was a combined work/visit/help trip.

Robby did some work for Jason, we had dinner get together’s and daily visits, final soccer games, end of school performances and dance recitals, oh, so, much fun!
(did you just hear me squeal with delight)

The boy’s both had their final soccer games, awesome. (this was the first time we had gotten the chance to see one of Caiden’s games, too fun). Both boys played hard, made lots of goals, and their teams won, Yeah!

Caiden taking the ball down for a goal, and he made it! Far right of picture he is behind the green #6 you can just barely see him, find the blue ball.

Blaise making a goal! Yes, he scores.



Caiden had a school singing performance that Avery and I attended, it was so cute, he did an awesome job, let me tell you, this Grandma was in heaven.

WARNING; this is not a great video and it may cause motion sickness. (I took it with my small hand held CAMERA, and I had a little one sitting on my lap to boot) He is still oh so cute though.











Addison’s dance recital was absolutely adorable, she looked so, so cute in her little costume, she did an awesome job too, it was in a huge high school auditorium (balcony seating and all) and it was pretty much filled. She didn’t let that bother her, she went out and preformed like a pro. (I was quite surprised, because she is pretty shy) she got a trophy which she thought was oh, so, cool. (sorry, this was the only picture that even half way turned out, I need a better camera) I know a tear just ran down my cheek too.


Addison is the one left back, isn't she adorable, too cute!



First half of the trip we stayed at Hollie’s place, and I tried to help Hollie as much as possible, (poor thing has been so sick with this pregnancy) and give Jared some relief, he is such a sweetheart, he has been so good at helping out and taking over the household chores for her. The kids and I had so much fun, playing, reading, games, played ball, snuggling, hair, It was great.

Addison and Bama playing twister, how FUN.
YES I played, NO, Silly you can not see a picture of me twisted like a pretzel!


Some girl is going to be very lucky someday, look what a good "Daddy" he is going to make, he can vacuum while taking care of the baby too! What a sweetie.



Last part of trip we stayed at Heather’s and we watched the kiddo’s for four fun filled days, while Heather and Jason were off for his little sister’s wedding. (congrats Christy, you made a beautiful bride and you and Dallin are such an adorable couple). We had a blast, the kids were super, super good, Bapa and I were pretty good too! We went to parks, a super neat children’s museum (children’s tree house) we went to a movie, we had wonderful and silly conversations together at dinner time, sitting around the table. We did the hot tub, we read, colored, played, did hair and bedtime prayers, I even played guitar hero for the very first time, I think the kids were fairly impressed, they were very sweet and supportive, telling me that I was doing very good for my first time (sweet). I think one of my favorite things was at night we would all snuggle up on the couch and watch a movie together, what a bunch of love bugs.


Seriously, look at this face


OUR FUN FILLED DAY AT THE TREE HOUSE CHILDREN'S MUSEUMBlaise doing a fun Large puzzle

The Music Room, was a BIG hit. They loved it!



Hmmm, I'm thinking Christmas Presents...... (sorry Heather & Jason)


This was a HUGE interactive game, you push a button and the computer asks you a question and then you find the answer on the floor and stand on it, then the computer gives you the answer, we all had fun with this one.


The Oval Office, what it's like to sit behind the President's Desk


There was pictures of all the Presidents on the wall, we quizzed Blaise on them and he really surprised us, he did really well and knew a lot of them.

Our little artists. Funny story, they were a bit heavy handed with the paint, so when we were ready to leave and go have lunch their art work wasn't dry enough to take, so we said we would go have lunch, then come back and pick up their pictures. So we left, had lunch, then went to target to spend allowance money, then we headed back to pick up the art work, Caiden decides he does not want his, (I think he was excited to go home and play with his newly bought goody) any way, Blaise and I run back in to collect all paintings, well, we search, and we search and we search, we found his and Avery's but Caiden's was no where to be found, we did one final search of the entire area, nope, Caiden's was not there. So when we told him his was gone, he couldn't believe that his was so GOOD that someone wanted to take it home and hang it up on their wall. TOO FUNNY!

Bapa teaching the boys how to play chess!

Caiden taking Bapa on and Blaise putting his new skills to work playing on the large chess game with his cousin.

The Doll Room, every girls play house

We had so much fun here and there was so much to see and do and enter act with, we were there for about 3 hours and we could have stayed even longer, except tummy's were starting to Grumble. I was just amazed how much there was here for the kids to do. Super fun place!

My little Rock Stars!

Being a Grandparent ROCKS!!! Getting to spend some time with the Grandkids ROCKS!!!

It was fun to have time with them, just us, no parents. We had a GREAT TIME!

VOTE FOR HEATHER

COME ON PEOPLE, SHOW SOME LOVE AND ROCK THE VOTE ! ! ! !



ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS COPY THIS;

HEATHER GETS MY VOTE.



THEN GO HERE. . . . VOTE

GO TO {LEAVE COMMENT} AND PASTE, OR JUST TYPE HEATHER GETS MY VOTE.


EASY ~ PEASY

MENTION HER ON YOUR BLOG TOO, SO ALL YOUR FOLLOWERS CAN GO VOTE.

LET'S SHOW HEATHER SOME LOVE!!!!!!!!!

AREN'T WE ALL MOTHERS?

Motherhood is more than bearing children, though it is certainly that. It is the essence of who we are as women. It defines our very identity, our divine stature and nature, and the unique traits our Heavenly Father gave us.

There are women who give birth and raise children but never “mother” them. Some women give birth but for reasons of death or circumstances which lead to adoption, never get the chance to “mother” or raise those children. Others, “mother” all their lives yet have never given birth at all. To “mother” or nurture certainly is not limited to ones own flesh and blood.

A mother can be someone who has sacrificed, someone who has cared for and loved, someone who has taught, or taken the time to stop and listen, or given a much needed hug, all for the sake of a child.

As women we have an overwhelming obligation to be models of righteousness and nurturing, because some children may not get that anywhere else. Each and very one of us need to be an example, not just by word but also by deed. “We are all mothers in Israel, and our calling is to love and help lead the rising generation through the dangerous streets of mortality“.

Many people pay tribute not only to their own mother but also to the many women in their life who helped them to reach their potential. Through example, love and nurturing.

The subject of motherhood is a very tender one, which evokes some of our strongest emotions, both our greatest joys and heartaches.

Often times as women we put so much pressure on ourselves to be that “perfect mom” or a “super mom” who can do it all. We compare ourselves to other mothers and families, which more times than not just leads us to focus more on our failures and shortcomings. Instead we should remember not to try and compare ourselves to others, we are all unique with our own talents and strengths, challenges and problems, we need to choose the best way to form our family into a tight knit unit, that works together, who loves and supports each other.

Some mothers feel as though they have failed if their children make mistakes or stray, however we must remember that we are never failures if we do our best to bring up our children with love, teach by example, pray and care for our children.

Personally I celebrate this day more as a celebration to the Mother who raised me, and all the wonderful women who have “mothered” me during my life, and less about my own status of “Motherhood”.

I feel very fortunate to have been so blessed as to have such wonderful and strong examples of “motherhood” from the women in my life.

My own Mother, who was a total stereo-typical 50’s style Wife and Mom.
Always there when we got home from school with yes the cliché after school treat.
Dinner always ready to go on the table when my Dad got home.
She always had a pitcher of kool aid chilled for us. She made us kool aid ice cubes when it was hot, and gave us hot liquid jell-o if we were sick. She had some crazy old fashioned “remedies” when we were sick too.
She always put her children first, matter of fact, she still does that.
We had the sit down family dinners, family vacations, and the traditional holiday family get togethers, we went to church together as a family on Sunday's.
She was a great cook (however maybe not always the safest).
She was a loving Daughter who sacrificed much for her parents in their later years, she was always the caring big sister.
She taught us compassion, giving, love, prayer, and faith.
She loves to talk, a lot, and sing (even though as my Dad would say “she can’t even carry a tune in a bucket, or, what did you do with the money your parents gave you for singing lessons).
She loves Elvis, ice cream and jewelry, she hates the feel of velvet.
She has a wonderful sense of humor, she can be quite the prankster.
She loves to wear crazy things, and often sported some wild hair styles.
Once she even kept a lizard in our freezer, (don’t ask).
She saves everything, literally. She has been known to clip coupons for items she didn’t even need, like diapers when us kids were all long out of the diaper wearing age, or cat liter, even though we never had a cat, she would leave them in the respective isles at the store so that someone else could use them.
She carefully takes the label off from cans of food to use as stationary, I’m serious I’ve received several myself from her over the years, quite resourceful.
She loved doing little things for us like put notes in our lunch sacks, and do fun things like green mashed potatoes for St. Patrick’s day and red and green jell-o cake at Christmas time.
She is a chocoholic.
She used to have a bad habit of saying one curse word, S - - T, usually that would come as a prefix to my dad’s first name, I often tease her that I was 12 years old before I realized my dad’s first name was Claude and not S - - T. This same word apparently got her into hot water when I was around 6 years old, back then often times when she said it in front of us kids, she would just spell it S - - T then quickly say sugar afterwards. So one time at a large family get together, I proudly announced to my Grandmother that I knew how to spell “sugar”, you all see were this is going right? Yep, after my Grandma requested that everyone be quiet so they could hear me spell “sugar” shyly I spelled out... S - - T, my poor Grandma almost died.
Way too often when us kids would fight with one another she would make us all start singing a song called “Love At Home”, man did we hate that.
I only remember getting one (well two) actual spankings in my life time, (see kids, I told you I was an angel child) and she used one of her many yard sticks that were laying around the house, (never quite understood all the yardsticks she didn’t even sew) well she hit me just right and it snapped the yard stick in two, apparently this was her favorite and it made her so mad, she spanked me again this time for breaking her yard stick.
She can not stand to let a phone ring, she worries too much, and she can not tell a lie.
She endured through the loss of three of her babies after their birth, and found comfort in the knowledge that she could be reunited with them some day.
She taught me so many things during my lifetime that I am truly grateful for, I could never began to thank her enough for the wonderful example and Mother that she is.

I was blessed to also have the “mothering” of a sweet, gentle, faithful and loving Grandmother, as well as a feisty, faithful and a high society Great Grandmother. Both of which were truly wonderful examples in my life.

Along with countless other wonderful women who helped “mother” me during my life.
My Sister, who I really never fully appreciated until she moved out of the house, and then she became one of my best friends, my go to girl.
My Sister-in-law, who taught me how to play “look” one of the first times I met her, who is so talented and a blast to hang with.

My beautiful, sweet and fun loving nieces (which include one’s by marriage too), who are each such wonderful mother's in their own special ways.
Several of my Aunts, a Fantastic and fun seminary teacher, women from the ward I grew up in, teachers, friends, and co-workers.

My one and only Daughter-in-law for the love and "mothering" she gives to my Son and her children. For her faith, and for her fresh prospective in my life. Also for excepting me so graciously as a additional "Mother" figure in her life.

My two beautiful Daughters who have given me so much joy, who are so crazy and fun to be with, who are now loving and caring mothers, you girls have no idea what an absolute honor it is to be your mother, you make me so proud in so many ways . What a thrill it is to now watch you as you raise and love your own children, which by the way those precious, sweet spirits are one of the best present you have ever given me. You are truly examples to me.

All of these women have helped mold me into the person I am today, (so if someone doesn’t like something about me, you now know who to blame).
Some of them, not even aware of the impact they have made in my life.

To all these wonderful women, to all the women in my life and to all women every where, I want to remind you of that very important role you play in the life of children every where.

Happy Mother’s Day to you all.

(some excerpts and quotes above are from various talks and articles I found on the internet by Sheri Dew)

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet;

STERLING ROSE (OR) MASON ROSE

My rose bushes are looking a bit sad this year. I have always loved roses, a love passed to me from my Dad, plus it just happens to be my birthflower. I have always planted roses where ever we have lived, however, they just don't do to well here. I hadn't had any blooms this year until .......

The day that Mason was born, this one shabby looking rose bush had one bloom on it, so I cut it and took it to the hospital for Melanie. Man, it smelled so sweet and pungent. Well, I thought it was so cool that the first and only bloom was on the day my Grandson was born. Then, it happened again, on the day he was one week old, another single bloom on the same rose bush. Now that is amazing! None of the other's have had any blooms yet, and these are the only two blooms on this bush so far. I can't wait to see when it blooms next.

So I have decided to rename this bush to the Sterling Mason Rose.

Healthy ~ Sweet ~ Precious

INTRODUCING....................



Look at all that hair

Bapa & Mason bonding

Bama & Mason having their first conversation

What a sweet bundle of joy and precious gift from our Heavenly Father.

Melanie & Mason are both doing well. After a long, rough 21 hours.

MISS CUTIE PATOOTIE

Here is Miss Ali, modeling her $10.00 refashioned outfit! She looks adorable in it and loves it!!!

She is quite the little fashionista and model. Isn't she too cute.

Thanks so much for the photo shoot Ali and Charity, I really appreciate it. I love seeing the kiddos wearing and enjoying the outfits I make them and feeling oh so special in them. That is exactly what I want, each of them to know how very special they are. Plus they are all just so cute and adorable, I love the opportunity to be able to make something for them. It really is a joy.