Spelling Christmas

C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S

When I was but a youngster,
Christmas meant one thing,
That I'd be getting lots of toys that day.
I learned a whole lot different,
When my Mother sat me down,
And taught me to spell Christmas this way:
"C" is for the Christ child, born upon this day,
"H" for herald angels in the night,
"R" means our Redeemer,
"I" means Israel,
"S" is for the star that shone so bright,
"T" is for three wise men, they who traveled far,
"M" is for the manger where he lay,
"A"'s for all He stands for,
"S" means shepherds came,
And that's why there's a Christmas day, And that's why there's a Christmas day.

Reading Lynn's H-O-L-I-D-A-Y account has helped me remember this old song that was always sung during the Christmas season. Sometimes we do get much too involved with the holiday aspect but we can remember that it can also mean HOLY DAY and that puts another perspective on the debate of using "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". I personally don't see anything wrong with wishing another person a pleasant greeting especially if it is given in the spirit of good fellowship. We keep Christ in our hearts anyway no matter what greeting we give. Just my opinion!

If you want to see more Christmas carol lyrics - just type it into Google! It is amazing what you can find!

New Snowblower

Well, after Wednesday's heavy, wet snow and our old snowblower's inability to move it, we purchased a new one today! I ended up shoveling most of the snow last week. The machine simply clogged up with clumps of icy snow. We have had that one since the boys left home so it has been a while.
Dad looked online and studied Consumers' Reports and then we went to Ace. It was going to be our first stop and then we were going to go to Sears, etc. We had a knowledgeable salesman but he got called away. Another man who was a customer in the area came over and told us that he had been to all the other places and this was comparable to them. He sold us on it! (Or was it the fact that Dad hates to go to the mall?) So anyway, the salesman came back and had a sale right away! We brought it home and Dad assembled it while I went to get some gasoline. It works! Of course, just as we were about to start it up, our neighbor comes down the sidewalk with his. It was very nice of him but Dad had to be content with just doing the pathway to the door.
Tonight we are supposed to get more snow but it is to get to 37 tomorrow so it will melt. Anyway, we are prepared for winter (watch it not snow heavily again!).
We hear Utah is having a lot of snow today so we hope you are all safe in your homes.

Changes

Today was the day! We packed up our contributions for the last feast for the YSA (rolls and pumpkin pie dessert) and were at the church about 45 minutes early. We actually both rode together in one car! Lots of old members who have married started coming in with babies and it was so fun to see them all. Then we watched to see who came who might be in the new bishopric. We saw the Snapps and the Glassetts but no others. The meeting started and after the announcements and sacrament, the Stake President announced that John Clements would be the new bishop! He has been the high councilor and so we were used to seeing him there and didn't suspect him. Steve Snapp will be the counselor from Joliet Stake and Joel Glassett from the Naperville Stake.
They then had Bishop Taylor and his wife speak. Judy Taylor had gone the whole 5 years without giving a talk. She said it is hard for her but she did an excellent job - so sweet. And Bishop Taylor urged everyone to get beyond the tithing commandment. He promised that it will make your life easier in every way if you can just obey that one tiny commandment. It was a powerful last plea from someone who loves them all so very much. Dad then gave a beautiful testimony and thoughts that were inspired. He has been such a fun but powerful presence in this bishopric. And then Bro. DeWitt told that he felt like when he sent his sons on missions. He wanted them to go but he didn't want them to leave home! Next Sunday will be hard for all of us. Then they had the new bishopric speak and they will be great. Pres. Peterson then spoke a bit and it was finished.
We then went to the kitchen to prepare the turkey dinner. Everything went very well and we had 10 tables set up and all were full. We came out fine on the food. There were lots of hugs and tears and it was hard to leave the building. We loved being a part of this wonderful venture and wish them all the best in continuing onward and upward!

Hot Hands

Yesterday was our YSA trip to Chicago. There was a winter storm WARNING (more serious than a WATCH). All was fine in the morning but snow started as we were driving to Woodridge to meet the bus. The wind started up and the snow was swirling. It was a very wet rain/snow and the roads were getting bad. We ended up waiting for a few people to come and one girl missed out all together. We drove (slowly) into the city and saw many cars that had gone off the road and a few crashes. We were supposed to be at the Cadillac Palace Theater at 2:00 but with the conditions, we were a few minutes late. So then we had to watch the monitor until they would let us in. By then, there were people sitting in our seats and they had to be rousted out before we could be seated. Finally, we could settle down and watch. Phantom was terriffic and we really enjoyed the music and the acting.
After we got out, we had an hour and a half on our own to go to the German Christmas market or Macy's (Field's) or anywhere else as long as we met the bus at 6. We walked (very slowly because of the ice on the sidewalks) to the Daley Plaza where the market was set up and enjoyed a bratwurst sandwich with sourkraut. The rain/snow was just pouring down and freezing as it came. Our coats seemed to lose all of the waterproofing and Dad lost a glove trying to help me get my hood tied. We walked around for a little while and then made our way back to where the bus was to come.
Now for the handy hint of the day (see the title) - Hot Hands! One guy had brought handwarmers (little packets that you activate by squeezing). He was passing them out to anyone who wanted them (and most of us did!). They were wonderful! They had to be squeezed when they started to cool but heated right back up again. This morning, they are still warm! I would recommend buying some for winter outings. He got them at Walgreens but I am sure they sell them everywhere. Perfect for boy scouting or carolling, or just for fun in the winter. Dad was teasing me saying that they were the best part of my trip!
Anyway, the bus came and we drove around trying to see the lights and skyline but it was hard. We did stop the bus and get a picture with the skyline in the background. It was freezing and we made it quick. We will see if it turned out.
We drove then to Brookfield Zoo where we had free passes from a member of the ward who volunteers there. We noticed that there were very few cars in the parking lot. Not many people ventured out in the storm. We slipped and slided (lots of fun for Dad and his foot) and saw a few things - the lazor light show was cancelled because of high winds. Mostly we looked in the gift shop and tried to stay in buildings. However, the buildings closed at 8:30 and we weren't supposed to get on the bus until 9. And they had sent the bus to another lot far away so we couldn't even go wait on it! So, some of us went in the restrooms and waited until the bus came. It was warm in there and we could turn on the hand blowers to warm us up. It fact, that was a fun part of the evening! Lots of laughs and memories were made in the bathroom!
Finally, we all crawled on, wet and soggy and made our way back to the church. All the lights were out for quite a stretch on 75th to 53. When we finally arrived, we got to de-ice the cars! There was a sheet of ice covering everything and it was hard to remove!! Dad & I were so glad to get home!! It was so icy on the driveway, that Dad backed back down to the mailbox! It was to dangerous to try to walk down it.
Now today, the temperatures are to get into the upper 40's!! The storm went through the midwest quickly and it did have to be the day of our last Chicago trip with the Ward. Oh well, we did have some fun times and I am sure that lots of memories were made - good and bad.
So much for our adventures yesterday. Now come the events of today. Dad and the whole bishopric will be released. I will write about this later.

Carpet Fluff & Stuff

Kim & Steve are getting new carpeting today! Since we recarpeted this summer, I will tell you that it is a huge task - and we didn't even move our own furniture or pull up our own carpeting like they did. Anyway, it will be great when it is done and they have moved everything back in. One thing that I would suggest is to thoroughly vacuum before you do move things back. Also, take the hose and go down in the vents to get any loose pieces that may have gotten down there. As Lynn & Dustin found out after their remodeling, the vents and furnace filter can get clogged and interfere with the airflow. It probably won't be like theirs because you didn't have so much drywall dust blowing around. But it might be a good idea to clean the vents and change the filter. Enjoy it all - in about a week!

You Missed Me!

Well, at least Kim wrote that she missed reading my handy dandy hints! I just got lazy and took a few days off but I here I go again!
David & Jan were here with Brian on Sunday night on their way to Michigan from Emily's in Minnesota. They spent the night and I was showing them my blog.
David mentioned that he uses spray wax to coat his shower walls. (Of course, they have to be clean and dry when you do this.) He says it works like a charm but you have to be careful and not spray on the floor or it may be slippery. I think I will try that next time. He says you just buy it in the automotive section of WalMart, etc.
I was making rolls today for our big feast on Sunday for our last meal together with the YSA. I remembered that I wanted to tell you that I always take off my rings for kneading the dough and put them in the same place each time. I put them on the paper towel holder - there is a dowel that sticks up where you can tear the towls off and I put them on it. I try to always put things in one certain place because I know I will be searching forever if I don't.
Yesterday, I took out my recommend at the temple from the pocket where I always keep it. But I put it back behind my driver's license. When I went to check to make sure it was in the right place, it wasn't there!! I knew I had just used it and he had given it back to me. I ended cleaning out my whole purse with about 10 pockets to finally find it!
I always keep my keys in one pocket too. I learned the hard way not to leave them around. I have searched for them too many times. Once at church, a little guy took his mom's keys and put them in the baby seat under Jill! I had to drive the mom home. I found them later when I took Jill out of the seat.
I also have learned from David that FedEx is a good way to send packages. I have been using the postal service but he told me that when they went to send things home from their mission, he had checked and Fedex was cheaper and faster. So I used them this week. I do believe it was cheaper and it only took 3 days to get them to Utah!!! I just checked on them (tracking is free- you pay extra for tracking with the postal service) and it looks like they are all to be delivered today. I sent them on Tues. I sent two packages by mail on the 19th to Kim and they are just arriving today (the 30th). David said that FedEx is cheaper than UPS or any of the other delivery systems. Chris may know better since they send a lot of packages. Let us know if there is a better way. I checked to see if I needed to get an account. David said if you print your own labels it was cheaper but I guess they don't do that any more for ground transportation.
Well, that is the extent of my wisdom today. Love, Mom

Freezer Secrets

I was talking with Lynn today about Thanksgiving preparations. I mentioned a secret that I have used for years and thought I would share it with all of you. She asked if she should throw away the gizzard, neck, etc. from the turkey. I told her to put them in a plastic bag and freeze it until the next garbage day and then throw it away. I also told her to do the same with the turkey carcass (unless you boil it down and make soup like I do. Then I freeze the bones, skin, etc. for disposal on garbage day.) I do this with melon
rinds, fish bones & skin - anything that is smelly. It is especially good to do this in the summer when it is so hot and smells in the garbage can get awful. You have to have a special place in the freezer for this purpose - otherwise, you might try to take something out for dinner and be surprised when you open it!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. We will be thinking about all of you.

The Kitchen Sink

Here is another thing that has helped me to keep our stainless steel sink clean. I sprinkle just a little bit of dish washing granules in the sink and then use a damp paper towel ( I always keep towels that aren't very dirty and use them again as Lynn has told you) to wipe around the bottom and sides of the sink. You will be surprised at how much grime you see on the paper towel. I even go in back of the faucet and underneath it and down into the garbage disposal. You may have to use a couple of towels. Rinse thoroughly with the sprayer and dry with another towel.
Also, dish washing granules made into a paste can be used for scrubbing out stains in clothes - probably not colored ones as there is bleach in it. This also works well for scubbing the stubborn stains on the bottom of the bathtub. Just rub gently so that you don't scratch the surface.

Hairy Situations .

As I was washing my hair in the tub this morning, I thought of another tip to pass along. Buy two or three hair traps (they fit over the drain hole) - use them wherever hair is washed. All you do is place it over the hole as the water is draining and it catches all that hair that would normally go down and clog the drain pipe. When the water is gone, use your trusty cheap tissue to remove the hair from the trap and then dispose of hair and tissue together. Believe me, I am thinking of giving these traps as wedding gifts. They would save a lot of plumbing bills and aggravation. Of course, you still need to use Draino once in a while. If you have slow running drains right now, here is another tip. Get a crochet hook - a metal one with a fairly small hook (not too small or it will break off more easily). Grasp it on the flat part and put the hook down in the drain and pull up - you may be surprised to see the gunk that comes up. Just don't drop the hook down the drain! If your plug will come out, you can use an old tootbrush to get the gunk out.
Another use for your tissue is to use it to pull the hair from your brush. Yes, you need to do this!!!! If you have ever had a lice problem, you will want to keep your combs and brushes as clean as possible. Once in a while, soak the brushes in hot soapy water and use an old toothbrush to clean the old hairspray, gel, etc. out. Rinse in hot water and let dry on an old towel.
If these are the only "hairy situations" you have to worry about, you will be blessed indeed!!

Winterizing

Well, it is nearly Thanksgiving and we KNOW that the snow is going to come and winter will be here for a few months.
Yesterday I blew the leaves to the street for pickup. I have been mowing them, but our big tree dumped all at once and it was too much for the mower. Usually, the leaf pickup ends the week of Thanksgiving so I hope they get them. I have seen people have piles of leaves on their curb all winter and it kills the lawns and the snowplows don't appreciate them.
I also have pulled up all the annuals by the roots, the tomato vines, and brought in the geraniums that I will baby over the winter. I have coiled up the hoses (after getting the gutters cleaned last week - by a handyman) and brought them to the basement. Leaving them out with water still in them is not a good idea as the water can freeze and break the faucets.
I have made sure that the outside lights are working - don't want to change them in the winter.
I have made sure that all outdoor furniture is brought inside to the basement or covered. I haven't covered the air conditioner but some people do. Any tools or equipment have been brought in and the garage is ready for the cars so we don't have to scrape windshields. The snowblower has been checked out and we will see if it lasts another winter. We have the snowshovels and some salt for sprinkling on the walk.
The car has a blanket, boots, & first aid kit in the trunk. We make sure that we don't let the gas get below 1/4 tank in the winter. We have checked the tires and had the oil changed. I also had each car waxed and made sure the windshield wiper fluid was filled and that we have more on hand.
When we come for Christmas, we will leave a drip from a faucet going in the basement so the pipes won't freeze. We will make sure not to leave the heat too low, cancel newspapers, make sure the neighbors (who have our key) know we are going, stop the mail and get our hometeacher to drive in and out of the driveway a few times if it snows so it looks like someone is here. We also have lights that are on a timer so that the house isn't always dark. (Last year, we had a spotlight on the house and it was on the timer - it blew a fuse and we lost the food in our freezer as it was on the same circuit.)
We have a house humidifier on the furnace and we have changed the filter. The furnace filter needs to be changed. Dad usually drains a bucket of water from the waterheater to get the sediment out. (There is a little faucet at the bottom of the heater.)
If you don't have a whole house humidifier, you need some portable ones in the bedrooms with clean filters (have to wash them out very often to get the scum off them). When you do the dishwasher, open and let the moisture out into the room instead of letting the dishes dry all the way. They will air dry quickly and you will get extra moisture in the air. If you have a lot of static electricity, you need more humidity in the air. You can even boil some water on the stove (make sure you don't let it boil dry) to get more moisture in the air.
Of course, the beds need to have more blankets on so that you can turn down the heat at night. This will help so the air doesn't dry out as quickly and save on heating costs. Get out the flannel pj's, slippers, sweaters, boots, mittens, scarves, hats and coats and make sure they are clean and have all the buttons/zippers (that work). Plan on meals that use the oven, bake lots of cookies and cakes, have hot cocoa on hand and lots of mini marshmallows. Maker sure you have candles, matches, flashlights & batteries, extra food, manual can opener - all the necessities in case the power goes out. Always keep the phones charged and have a charger that you can use in the car too so that you have a way to charge it if there is no power.
"if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear"... It is good to know that you have done all that you can to prepare for emergencies. Happy Winter!

Lunch Helps

I just finished making Dad's lunch (yes, I have done it most days now for 42 years). I have had it easy because he likes the same thing every day. I have learned a few hints that I will pass on as most of you have years of lunchmaking ahead of you.
My most wonderful discoverey (sometime last year) was that after you make the sandwich, don't cut it until you slide it halfway into the baggie. Then you can cut it in half and slide it in so much more easily. I must buy the cheap bags because they are all barely big enough and this really helps so I don't crush the sandwich trying to get it into the bag. I always buy the fold down type instead of the ziplock kind because they are cheaper and they get thrown away anyway. I save the ziplock ones for things that I store in the fridge so they stay fresher longer.
I have a drawer in the fridge devoted just to lunchmeat, cheese, carrots, apples, etc. That way I can pull everything out at once.
While you have everything out, you may as well make up a few sandwiches for later in the day. It is a lot more effficient to just get things out once. Then, when noon arrives, you have lunch all made and don't have to get things out again.
Try to put things back in the fridge before you leave the kitchen. I don't like to walk back in and still see things on the counter.
Write little love notes on the napkin or on the sack. Dad & I have been doing little poems that go back and forth each day. It is just another way to say that you are thinking of them.
Have fun while making lunches - listen to the radio or hum a tune. Remember, you are nourishing someone you love (and saving money so they don't have to buy their lunch). Love you all!

New Use for Car Wax

Well, you will never stop me now! Here is another bit of wisdom learned over the years.
Buy a can of car wax. Open and use the sponge applicator to wipe a small amount of wax on your clean counters, table top, bath tile (not floor tile - too slippery and not cupboard doors as the wax gets in all the crevices and is hard to remove). Let wax dry then buff with an old towel or soft cloth. Your surfaces will shine and it will be easier to wipe off water spots. You don't have to do this very often but it really makes the surfaces shine. Repeat if you see that it has worn off or things are looking dull again.

Speaking of which (water spots), the bathroom counter tops usually have this problem especially where you lay down your toothbrush, cup, etc. Buy a cheap box of tissues (doesn't matter if they are soft for this use). Keep on your counter. Then, if you see scum in your sink, water spots, hair, toothpaste leavings, etc., wet a tissue slightly and go over the area. Then before throwing it away, lean down and rub a clean side over the edge of your floor and in the corners and baseboard. You will be amazed at how much hair and dust you can collect with one tissue! I do this several times a day as I think I am shedding. I can't see the dust or hair on the floor but it is there!!

Trying to Blog

Well, I am trying to blog tonight at the suggestion of Paige. She thought she would be interested in some of my " mom wisdom" and so I am going to try to write a little of what I know after all these years. Of course, I can't write it all in one blog (or maybe I could) so I will spread it out and you can take what is valuable to you.
So here is the hint of the day - buy some of the clay type caulking in the color of the frames of your windows (usually cream or wood colored). Pull off pieces (it is in a coil like a rope) and press them into the cracks where air leaks through. If you have big cracks, use a lot! This will save you on heating bills and also air conditioning bills. Of course, the caulk can get brittle when it gets too cold so you may have to warm it up (roll it in your hands like you are making a clay snake) and repress it in or use a fresh piece.
I guess one thing I can tell you tonight is that this communication is so vital. I am thankful for e-mail and blogging. I learn from you!

Grandma's Original Stories 2007

Story to Scottie- May 3, 2007

Once there was a boy who wanted to be a superhero. He loved to think about flying and saving the world from the bad people. But he was just a boy and didn't have superpowers. So he just went to school and played with his friends and took care of his brother and sister.
When he was nearly eight years old, he was out riding his bike. He was going to cross the street to go to see his friend when he nearly ran over a turtle that was in the middle of the road! He stopped quickly and looked down. The turtle was moving its mouth! He picked it up and went back to his own lawn. He sat on the grass. Of course by this time the turtle had pulled its head into its shell. The boy was patient and just sat and watched until the turtle peeked out. When it saw that the boy was not going to hurt him, its head came all the way out and its mouth began to move again! The boy gently picked up the turtle and put its head by his ear to see if he could hear any sound. Sure enough, the turtle was talking!!! The boy tried to understand the language but it was turtleese and he couldn't figure it out.
He was about to go into his house when suddenly he could understand the language of the turtle! The turtle was thanking him for saving its life and said that he would grant him three wishes because he was a magic turtle. The boy was so surprised!!! He said he would have to think about that. The turtle said that he could have until the next day to think about it. And could he please have some water and a little food because he was so hungry and thirsty. So the boy took him to the backyard and put him in a nice cool place under the stairs and ran up to get a bowl with water in it. Then he wondered what turtles ate. He thought maybe it would like some nice lettuce so he took some from the fridge and ran back out under the stairs. The turtle had moved to a corner and called out, "Here I am"!
After the turtle had eaten, he told the boy that he would stay there overnight. The boy was to have three wishes ready by the morning.
Then the boy's mother called that it was time to come in for dinner and so he had to leave. Then he had to do homework and go to bed. He wondered if the turtle would keep its promise and still be there in the morning.
When he woke up the next day, he ran down the outside stairs and called to the turtle. The turtle answered and the boy ran over. The turtle wanted more food and water before they could talk about the wishes.
So he ran up and filled the bowl and got more lettuce and ran down. "I have decided what I would like to wish for", he said. My first wish is ---
but then his mother called that it was time to get ready for school!!! The turtle promised to wait until after school so the boy left him.
All day, he daydreamed about the turtle and even got in trouble at school because he wasn't paying attention. Finally, he got home and raced to the backyard. "I have my wishes!", he shouted. "All right", said the turtle. " What are they?"
"My first wish is that my brother wouldn't have coughing spells every night", he said. "My second one is that I could always be brave, even in the dark". "And my third one is that I could be a superhero!"
The turtle thought for a minute and then said, "You have made very good wishes and they will be granted".

The magic turtle that the boy had found had just told him that his wishes would be granted.
"Your first wish that your brother won't have such awful coughing spells will take a while to happen. He will have to grow a few more years and his lungs will develop and get stronger", said the turtle. "Oh, that is what happened to me", said the boy. "And the second wish that you can be brave all the time even at night will take a while too", said the magic turtle. "But each day will be better and by the time you are eight, you will be much better".
"Now about the third wish to be a superhero", the turtle said. "You already are my hero for saving me from the road and bringing me food and water. But I know that you want to be a real superhero. Do you want to be a Ninja Turtle? Or how about a Superspider or an Aquaman who lives in the water?" The boy thought about it for a while. "Could I be a boy superhero?", he asked. "I would like to be an ordinary looking boy who has secret powers and who can help people when they are in trouble".
"That is possible", said the turtle. "You can still live at home and go to school, but when you see someone in trouble, your heart will beat faster and you will feel yourself getting stronger. You will have thoughts come into your mind that will tell you what you need to do. You will be able to move very quickly - but not fly. If you flew, your secret would be out and people wouldn't leave you alone. They would want you to do all sorts of silly things like jumping off buildings. Your superpowers will be invisible but you will have them and be able to be very strong when you need the strength. You will be able to solve difficult problems very easily. You will be able to see things clearly and know what needs to be done. BUT if you every use these powers to hurt anyone or to show off, they will be taken away from you. You must use them to help people."
The turtle was gettig tired and wanted to pull its head in and take a nap. "So, do you understand how your powers will work?", he asked. The boys was very excited and said he did but wondered when he would start getting the powers. "You already have them! But now that you know about them, you will be able to respond to trouble very quickly. But you must keep learning new things like how to swim and first aid and all about animals. Everything you learn will help you and when you need the information, it will be easier to use. Your superpowers will get stronger as you grow. When you are a man, people will say, "That guy is a super man! He always seems to know just what to do and he is so strong!"
Then the turtle said that he needed to rest. The boy had to go in then too. "Will I see you after dinner?", he asked the turtle. "Well, I am tired and can rest here for the night. But tomorrow, could you take me to a place where there is a little pond? I used to live out in a field but they are building new houses there now and I had to leave. It took me so long to just get to the road where you saved me. I would like to find some more turtles. My whole family got separated."
The boy said that he would do that for the turtle. So the next morning, he got up really early and brought more food and water to the turtle and then put him in his lunch box. He took the turtle to school. He took the turtle over to the edge of the playground and let him out. There was a field there and a little stream. "How is this?", the boy asked. "This is perfect. And once in a while, I will come over by this rock to see you. It won't be every day because it takes me so long to get places. But if you come every day and just look, sometimes I will be here", the turtle said.
And so the boy said goodbye to the magic turtle and went into school. At recess, he ran over by the rock and thought he could see the turtle moving in the tall grass. He concentrated and squinted his eyes and he could actually see the turtle through the weeds and grass! "My superpowers are already working", he thought. He didn't want anyone to know so he pretended that he was just looking for a ball.
In school, he had a chance to use his superpowers again. He heard someone say something mean to a smaller child. He just looked very hard at the mean boy and started walking very fast towards him. The boy was surprised and ran away.
When they were outside playing in the afternoon, he saw the same mean boy push another boy. He glared at him again and started towards him. He felt his heart beating faster and faster. He could feel his strength and knew that he could have punched the bully. But he just kept walking towards him and suddenly the boy just started to run.
And so, he used his powers for many good deeds and helped people and animals. He grew up with many friends who didn't know that he had such strength. He was careful to use it for good. And people did say, "That guy is a super man!"

GRANDMA'S ORIGINAL POEMS 2007

I need my nose to breathe and smell,
But sometimes it doesn't feel too well.
It gets so dry and starts to bleed,
I'd like to pull it like a weed.
But what would I do without my nose?
Do you think I could just breathe thru my toes?


Dancing Samantha,Dancing Samantha!
I'll come a dancing, a dancing with you!


It's 8:00 in the morning and Samantha is still in bed.
It's Saturday and time to play but her blanket's still over her head!
But soon she'll get up and stretch and yawn,
Then she'll go out and play on the lawn!
And after that, she'll help with the work,
Her duties she surely never will shirk.
And when all is done and Mom says ok -
Samantha will again go out to play


Samantha, Samantha - lived under the sea
And she was as happy, as happy could be.
She swam like a fishand needed no air,
She was so content and had not a care.
One day she looked down at her legs and her feet -
And they were not there - oh, what a treat!
Instead of her legs and her feet there were flippers -
Now she would never again need her slippers.
She'd turned into a mermaid - what do you know!
Now she can swim forever below.
She visits her family just in her dreams-
And longs for her own legs and feet, so it seems.
She wants to be back in her home and her school -
And swim once again just in a pool.
So she wishes real hard and lo and behold -
She turns back into a girl - at least so I'm told.
And now when she dreams of life under the sea,S
he says, "I'd really just rather be me!"
So now though she still swims like a fish,
She will never again make a Mermaid wish!
She wants to run and jump and play -
And doesn't want to swim all day.
She says it was fun just for a time -
But now, she has a swingset to climb!


Another Silly Poem

Once a girl swallowed a seed,
Yes, oh yes, she did indeed.
It grew and grew each passing hour,
Until it turned into a flower.
Soon her mouth she could not close -
She's lucky it didn't come out through her nose!
And now she's known as Samanthamum the Chrysanthemum!


There once was a girl named Samantha
Who met a big, black pantha.
It growled and growled,
She howled and howled.
And that was the end of Samantha and the pantha!


There once was a princess named Belle
She was so pretty as all can tell.
She danced with a beast and had a great feast
That's all about Belle I can tell!


Once a little funny girl
Asked a question about a squirrel.
I thought and thought but was in a rut -
Just what exactly is a squirrel nut?
And then the answer came so clear
And so I reply to Samantha dear,
To a squirrel a nut is a very fine dinner!
(And this poem is definitely a winner!)


What if a car jumped over a bunny?
Wouldn't that just be so funny!
That car would have to jump so high,
It might go up into the sky.
While it was up, the bunny could run -
Wouldn't that be great Easter fun!


Ty was swinging on the swings,
And thought that he was growing wings,
When his mom pushed him high,
He thought that he could really fly!
That wasn't true for soon he found,
That he was lying on the ground.
He tried and tried but still he fell,
But it finally worked and he did well!
Now when upon the swing he goes,
He hangs on both with both hands and toes.
He keeps his bottom on the seat,
And then he the ground he doesn't meet!


Ty, Ty went to the zoo,
Samantha and Braydon went along too!
Natalia, Paige and Uncle Dan,Karyssa, Mom & DJ Man,
The zoo, it seems, was quite a ball-
A "zoobadeedo" for one and all!


What fun if things could move around anywhere they wanted -
The car would be way down the street, the whole world would seem haunted!
We never could depend on things to ever just stay still
Things would move around and round according to their will.
So I am glad for order and things that stay the same -
But sometimes it might be fun if only just a game.
Poor Braydon is ill -
and can be a pill.
We hope he gets well very soon -
After he watches a cartoon.
Then maybe he will smile
And be well for quite a while!


Here's hugs and kisses for someone who misses
Her Grandma and her Gramps!
She's as sweet as sugar most of the time
Unless she has the cramps!
She's brave and true and helpful too
With Braydon and Karyssa
And Grandpa and I love her to death
And want to hug and kissha!
(How's that for a rhyme?)


Good night, dear Ty,
It's time for bed,
The night is dark and
I'll lay down my head!
And when I wake
I'll look and see
On Ty's Tblog -
Maybe there's a message for me!


The little sack that tried so hard
To live another day -
Still sits upon the kitchen shelf
Yet to be thrown away.

Another sack is being used
This week for Grandpa's lunches.
And yet he misses the old one
With all its rips and crunches.

We'll compromise and let it stay
Although its work is done.
But use a new one every week
And say we both have won!!

As long as Grandpa has his way
With things so old and tattered,
I guess my life with him is safe
And that's all that really mattered!


Kayla, Kayla, Kayla
You write so very well -
We love to hear and read your thoughts
They have so much to tell!

The little sack you wonder about
Still has not been thrown away -
Because of you and others
It has lived another day.

But I am sure that before you come
To visit us in June
That little sack will long be gone
Maybe to the moon!

For every thing there is a season
A time to live and die
And for that little sack, I fear
This Grandma will not cry.
It served its time
And did its best
But now it's time
For it to rest.

Maybe it is tired
Of travelling to and from
Full of sandwiches and stuff
And is happy to be done.

And so our little game is through
We had a lot of fun
And Sack will have a resting place
Somewhere under the sun!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Dear Mom,

I wanted to make you something special that you could look forward to reading each day. I wasn't sure about the colors or design you may like, but I made sure to include yellow in it. Hopefully this will be a treasure to you compiled of your writings, your Grandchildren's writings, pictures, and memories.

My hope is that our family will be able to view it often and let their creativity shine as we share random life moments with you. Being so far away from your children and grandchildren, this may be a fun way to fulfill your desire for a close-knit family connection. Anyone in our family (children and grandchildren and even Dad) is welcome to post a question, idea, memory, experience, thought, etc. on this blog to Grandma so that we can give you another glimpse into our lives. Hopefully it will be an uplifting and positive compilation of things that "make Grandma glad." You can post any of your memories or thoughts of the day on it also, and we can make comments. So when you wake up at the crack of dawn like you always have, you can have something to check and look forward to each day!

Thank you for all you have done for us throughout your motherhood. You have given us life, memories, happiness and hope. We love you and Dad so much and want to enjoy our moments with you as long as we can. (Not to say you're getting old or anything...)

Let me know if there is something you don't like. I will email you the password and sign in name.

HAPPY 64th BIRTHDAY! Your memories are coming as soon as possible... :)

Love,

Lynn