Looking Back

Well, another year has gone by and I must admit that I loved doing this blog. As I look back there are a few things that I missed to talk about. First of all I forgot to mention my beautiful daughter Mandy's Birthday this year Ooop's. At the party I hadn't brought  my camera so I  didn't have any new pictures that I could post on her day, and you know me, I am a picture freak. I hope I can make up for it with a poem.
A Daughter always understands,
the things you say and do.
She overlooks each of your faults,
she finds the best in you.
A Daughter's love is a special love,
it inspires you each day.
She spreads her joy and happiness,
in her warm and caring way...
A Daughter is all these things and more,
there's no greater treasure known.
The most precious Daughter in all the world,
is the one I call my own. Happy late (post) Birthday Mandy!
Love, Mom
As the new year begins, I want to thank all the family and friends out there in cyber bloggerville. I have enjoyed looking and reading all the blogs out there and I am still enjoying more. Some have been creative, sad, uplifting, teaching, wishful, hillarious, rediculous, annoying LOL, fundamental, amusing, love, entertaining, lively, enjoyable, witty, interesting, agreeable, tasteful, yummies, high spirits, laughter and most important  family. From my family to yours, wishing you all a Happy and safe New Year....
Love You To The Moon And Back :)

Christmas Eve

 Dear Shell, As you know I have been busy making penguins for the family.

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Well Christmas Eve is here and the family loved them. It was so nice to have the family here to share soups, minestrone,  chicken noodle, ham sandwiches and home made fudge and divinity that you loved to eat.. I was taught that Families are to be together forever since I was a little girl. They are the most important people in your life. 

 I know I don't need to tell you how hard it is for me to celebrate Christmas without you. I do know that it had to have been beautiful where you are. Being able to be with mom and all the relatives and friends you have met in heaven. I am sure there were lights of celebrating the Birth today of our Savior. I can imagine the chorus angels singing and children's laughter throughout the clouds of heaven. I am sure there were no worries on fighting crowds during shopping for presents or trying to find that last gift and using your last dime to pay for it. I am sure you missed us as much as we were missing you. Shell knowing you are safe, to me is the  riches that a mom could ever ask for from above. Knowing that you are loved and have someone to give you a squeeze from their hearts.

 Your whole family Shell were there to spend time with you, grandma's, and grandparents. I hope you didn't laugh when we sang to you. My voice was crackly and it was starting to get so cold we were all a bit out of tune. But most of all we enjoyed being able to do something for the ones we love and miss most.

 I wonder if  Nan and Tap were playing their songs together. Tap on his Banjo and Nan on the piano.

As we left I could only imagine what the lights looked like from heaven because they were beautiful from here. I am blessed for at least being able to spend the short time I had with you here Shell. I hope you had the best Christmas Eve and Christmas ever!! I talked to a few friends that were there that night and their hearts still ache for their children that are there with you, no one knows but us. A place in my heart that will always be empty and another tear that filled my eyes. A memory of you and mom that will always be in my heart and last my lifetime. Till I see you again. Love you To The Moon And Back...."Merry Christmas" Love, Mom

Christmas ornaments

This year for Christmas I made ornaments for everyone. I made some of the grandkids ornaments with their favorite cartoon character. Penguins

Our nieces daughter had her baby and so we gave her a couple ornies for the little one.

Angel's

Johnny Test

Max And Ruby

Johnny Test

Back of one of the Johnny Test

John Deer

Sponge Bob

Browning Symbol. I had so much fun making these ornaments for family. Hope everyone enjoyed them. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and blessing's for a New Year!!!

Happy Birthday Parley

I didn't know what to do for Parley's Birthday this year. I talked to his mom and she said that he had picked out a piece of wood quite awhile ago and wanted an airplane made out of it. Well, anything that says creative in the sentence seems to strike my eye. I took the wood and along with several pieces of wood I had. I was able to put together 4 airplanes for him.
He had seen a airplane and thought it was so cool cause it had a bullseye on it. Well, I painted one called the flying tiger that represented the plane that was involved during WWII. He was so excited when he opened his Birthday sack and it was full of airplanes.
One was camo, one had skeleton heads, one was yellow with stars and the big one was painted like the flying tiger with bullseyes.The green airplane in the picture was one that his dad had made for him awhile ago and had me paint it for him. Geez I forgot all about it until I seen it with his little collection. He wanted his bedroom to look cool like his sister's so Now they will be hung with fish twine from his ceiling. Parley I hope you had a Happy Birthday and enjoy the planes as much as I enjoyed making them for you. These are the little things in life that make you smile. Love you, Grandma

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYSON

Kyson turned 3 yesterday. And man did he ever have a fun Birthday Bash.
I always take so many pictures that I never know which ones to use on my blog so, I will share them all with you.
His party was at the bowling alley.!!

He got so many fun presents from everyone. From drum sets, race tracks, puzzles, books, crayons, trucks, transformers, big boy pants, and a blanket that he absolutely loves.
He was a CHAMP....
He had so many family and friends that came to celebrate with him. Great grandparents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. We love you Kyson!!!
Keslee even got to bowl...
I couldn't resist taking this picture of mother and daughter. Gorgeous!!!
Mandy got a strike. Can you tell by her expression....
And for me??? Well, I got one to along with Tom and Tulson. We all had so much fun bowling and spending time as a family to celebrate Kyson's Birthday. Thumbs up to you Kyson. Thanks for making this party the bomb..And I hope you had the BEST Birthday ever!!!Love Your Grandma!!!

Snug As A Bug

To all you mother's out there. Here is a solution in breaking your child from sleeping with you. My daughter called me and said that her little one Keslee would not go in her crib anymore. She has been sleeping on the couch until Keslee would fall to sleep. Then quietly she would pick her up and tip toe to her room and lay her down in her cozy little crib hoping no sign of noise or sudden jolt would awake her. Right!! I noticed on Friday's when I babysit my little munchkins that she refused to take a nap in the playpen. Hmmmm I wondered what the deal was? Was it she thinks she is to old? Does she feel insecure? Is she excercising her vocal chords? Or is she plain out SPOILED? She is still a itsy bitsy little girl but I know the last statement is fact. SPOILED. Well, Mandy sent me a picture of true happiness. Keslee's daddy has solutions to all. He goes to sleep with her in her crib!!! I laughed when she sent me this pick wondering how in the world he crawled up and over this crib to get in and out. Well, he puts the computer chair up to it and stands on reaching over into the crib without a problem. LOL Without a doubt the solution works! Snug As A Bug In A Rug...Or Snug As A Bug Daddy..!! Good job Jake.. Sweet dreams...

Happy Birthday Tom

Wishing Tom a Happy Birthday.....
I can't believe you are 22.. Sara's parents, Paige, Mandy and Jake's Family and Riley came to celebrate Tom's Birthday last night with cake and ice cream. Tom had some help with Kyson and Cason blowing out his candles. Just want you to know how much I love you Tom. Hope you had a GREAT day!!! Love Mom

The Sweetest Spirits Ever

My grandaughter Chey has been doing volunteer work at a assistant living home here in the valley. She wants to be a CNA. She helps with the games and serving their dinner. I had taken her to work once and she mentioned to me that she needed a craft day with them. Well, she spoke to soon and before you knew it old grandma here was right on the stick. I told her I had a bunch of ornaments sitting in my art room that could put a smile on someone's face!!.
And that's just what happened. With christmas coming porcelain snowflakes would be perfect. Not knowing how hard or easy it would be for the residence I thought we could have them tie on the ribbon and place a flower which had a sticky on the backside to the ornament. We had them string the ribbon through the top of each snowflake and tie them in a knot of their choice. Then we had them put on the flower . Hmmmmm I showed them how to dip a small stick into the glue and put it where ever their little heart desired. Then explained that we would put glitter on them. As I helped the residence Chey was working on another table putting together some for residence that weren't there. We made sure that they were all included. I told them that we would be seeing glitter for a week. One resident said no, we will be shining. LOL
I had brought a sample of one that I had done and I am embarressed to say theirs were more attractive than mine. Being there with these sweet spirits brought back so many memories of my mother that had passed away from mini strokes. I will always remember your kindness mom and all that you have taught me to be who I am today. I worked at this same assistant living home shortly after my mother past and they are the sweetest people you could ever be around. They thanked us for coming and As I left I could see their smiles shine back on me...I hope I made their day as bright as they made mine. Love them all...
There were 12 total in the facility and 3 were men so I made sure that we gave the men tractor's. I know they thought that was cooler than a flower!!! They will be getting their tree up this week so we put their initials on the back with a glitter letter so they can look into the tree and say!! Hey I made that one, the one that shines brighter of them all. Thanks Chey for letting me come along with you and share one of the funnest and memorable momments with these residence. And remember they will keep shining!!!!

Thanksgiving

MiCayla came over and helped me make turkey's for table decorations. They are made out of oreo cookies, candy corn, whoppers, and miniature reeses. It was so fun to have her with me. Thanks MiCayla for all the laughs and fun we had!!!! Even if you thought they looked retarted. LOL
I made wood signs and with my cricut I wrote Give Thanks. They turned out quite nice. I gave my kids one after our Thanksgiving dinner.
We had 19 at our party. We were all able to fit at three tables throughout my house. Everyone played a part in helping out. I want my family to know how thankful I am for being able to share this day and every day with them. Shelbie, I felt you with us and want you to know that I am thankful for being able to have shared the great memories I had with you. At times I feel selfish that you were takin so early from us and hopefully one day I will understand why. My memories and love are held deep in my heart forever. Love my family!!!
Tom went hunting ducks so I had to share this picture with you all. He is excited to go again.. Hope you had a Great Thanksgiving!! Mandy invited me to go to the black friday sales, never had been. Boy! what a surprise. I never realized that sheets and women could be such a disaster. After one lady getting pushed down into the sheets, and one girl crawling under the cart to try and rip open the bottom of the plastic to get that king size sheet set causing the cart to hit into my knees as she frantically goes ballistic!! I think I may stay home next year and be thankful for the food on my table. Could you realize what it could be like if there was a shortage of food??? Any way I did get sheets for Mandy and I but, next time I think I may just go shopping online.

He'll Carry You, Hillary Weeks

He knows your heart
He knows your pain
He knows the strength it took just too simply breathe today
He sees the tears that you cry
He knows your soul is aching to know why
He hears your prayers each humble word
When you said you couldn’t face another day he understood
He knows the path that you will find
Though you felt alone he’s never left your side

Chorus:
He knew there’d be moments when no earthly words
Could take away your sorrow
And no human eyes could see what you’re going through
When you’ve taken your last step and done all that you can do
He will lift your heavy load and carry you

He’ll bring you peace and leave you hope
And in the darkest night he’ll comfort you
Until you know the sun will rise and each new day
You will have the strength to live again

Chorus:
And when there are moments when no earthly words
can take away your sorrow
And no human eyes could see what you’re going through
When you’ve taken your last step and done all that you can do
He will lift your heavy load and carry you

He hears you when you’re crying in the night
He hears you when your soul longs to find
Till the morning will come
And the light of the dawn reassures

Chorus:
That in the moments when no earthly words
can take away your sorrow
And no human eyes could see what you’re going through
When you’ve taken your last step and done all that you can do
He will lift your heavy load and carry you

Jerky Time

The deer hunt was fun this year something we all enjoy doing. Alot of driving, walking and disappointment during the first few days. Tom got his first deer this year! He had gone with Mandy, Jake and MiCayla. He felt kinda bad because MiCayla hadn't got one yet. But, excited at the same time for his trophy deer. LOL
MiCayla was hoping to get her first deer also this year. Mandy and the kids and Ed went with us for a drive to find one for MiCayla. After sitting at a hillside, we decided to drive a little further up. Mandy seen some and before you knew it MiCayla was out of the truck. As she let the tail gate down to get a better view, her mom was telling her to be quite so she didn't scare them off with the tailgate coming down. I had the binoculars scoping them out and we were telling her the one on the right was the buck. Well, It was intense as we wanted MiCayla to also have the experience of shooting her first as well as Tom did. As the little kids sat in the back seat waiting for the bang of the gun, the truck would bump and wiggle from them moving. As I looked through the binoculars holding my breath the gun went off and I seen the whole thing. WOW I screamed she got it. 200 yards away!! We called Tom and Cam and told them that it was the biggest beautiful 3 point they had ever seen. Well, I kinda counted more horns on it than it had due to the tree it happened to be standing by. Tom and Cam came and helped MiCayla get it down, not to mention her excited mom at the top of the hill by her side. MiCayla gutted the deer by herself she had watched Tom gut his and with little reminders from her two uncles, her mom, and grandpa. She did a sweet job. I would post pictures but it may not be appropriate for all viewers. Mandy got it all on video.
Tom had a butcher in charleston cut and wrap his and he made his own jerky out of the roasts.
Man oh man was it ever good.
After marinating and smoking 5 batches he was finally finished. MiCayla had the butcher do some jerky for her. She was so excited to come home from school and try it. Jerky is her favorite. When she got home her mom told her that the butcher messed up and gave her jerky to someone else. Finally after a minute of anger she told MiCayla to go get her a coke out of the fridge. MiCayla did and yelled who's jerky is in my fridge? Well, her mom got her with that joke But, that's not the end of it. Jake felt sorry for the dogs the next day so he let them in the back porch due to the cold weather. Mandy got up that morning and went out and noticed the fridge door was open. The dogs had opened the fridge and had ate all 5 pounds of MiCayla's jerky. She was a little upset but said. That's ok I will take some of my deer roasts and have Tom make me some jerky. She said she liked his better anyways. Congratulations Tom and MiCayla.!!!! Maybe next year the rest will get lucky??? Love My Family

Halloween Fun

Mandy sent me this picture of Keslee sittin on top of a pumpkin patch when they were picking out pumpkins. She is a keeper for sure.
Here is Keslee in her cupcake costume.
MiCayla wants to be a fire fighter when she gets older so she can sit at the bottom of the hill making smoores for everyone!!
Mandy's family had a army man, cupcake, vampire, firefighter. Tulson hid outside the door when they came and scared me as he jumped into the door way. Cason was so serious in his army attire.
If anyone read my blog before this one I had seen a man resembling Joe Dirt in my back yard. Well, I found out who he was. My son?? Kyson picked out Mini Mouse for his mom to be on Halloween and he was spiderman. I am surprised he didn't wear out his costume before Halloween. He loved it so much. Check out those biceps!!
Cam's family had a monkey, a nerd, two babies, and a werewolf. They had their cousin with them also. Look at Emma's face. I believe she was having fun? What a ham!! I hope you all had a Happy Halloween. I sure did. Love my family