Merry Christmas!

I think the wind blew all night. It's Christmas morning and all is bright. Our home is so quiet. With just the two of us Christmas morning is very different. We opened gifts and had a nice breakfast. After getting ready for the day we went to Jim's parents home to take them their gifts.

Keith and Sara came over to our home about 12:30, and I couldn't wait to hold Kate. We opened gifts, and we had to take pictures of Kate wrapped in her new blanket I made her. It doesn't matter how old your children get you still want to spoil them.

We enjoyed a ham dinner, and visited a while. Since Kate has gotten her internal clock turned around, she slept the whole time they were there. She yawned and tried to open her eyes, but no go. I didn't want them to leave, but they all looked very tired.

Later in the day we had a young girl from Cleveland Ohio, over. Crystal is the daughter of one of Jim's best friends when he lived there. She joined the church a few years ago and moved out to Utah. She has no family here and we didn't want her to be alone on Christmas day. She didn't stay long, but I'm glad she came.

Joy called and invited us over for dinner with all the Beattie family. We had already eaten our fill, but we went to visit with everyone. It was fun seeing all the children running around and so excited about opening gifts. Haven insisted on having our picture taken together and then I knew why. Take a look at the top of my head. She is such a cutie. It was a wonderful day. I'm so grateful for family, and especially this year an addition to our family, Kate. It's great being grandparents.

Our Beautiful Little Grand-Daughter is Here!!

She is here -We are Grandparents! Kate Hadlow came into the world today, Dec. 20, 2008, at 1:50 pm. She weighted 6' 10 ounces, and was 21 inches long. She has dark - very curly hair. Her eye's are definitely her father's. She is the most precious little child. I can't express the joy I felt as I held her.

Tears filled my eye's as I watched Keith bounce her as he feed her. He spoke to her softly and it brought back so many memories of when I held him in my arms.

Our little Kate straight from heaven. I am very grateful that she is healthy and that Sara is doing well. Keith, Sara - You will be Great parents - We love you!

Awsome Broadcast

This morning I went to the "Music and The Spoken Word" at the conference center. It was thier special Christmas Broadcast. President Monson and his wife were there. The special guests were - Brian Stokes Mitchell and Edward K. Herman. They also had, the Orchestra at Temple Square and the Bells on Temple Square. It was an amazing performance.

After the regular broadcast they had a mini concert for us. They sang songs from the Christmas show performed that weekend. It was so powerful. It was a wonderful way to ring in Christmas.

At the end of the show President Monson presented Mitchell, and Herrmann with a special gift, and then Mitchell sang "The Impossible Dream".

I was so grateful I braved the snow and was able to be there. It was truly wonderful. I felt the spirit of our Savior there.

Thank you Sharla for the Tickets.

I DID IT!!

I passed! I got my final back from my English 1010 (college writing) and I couldn't believe my eyes - A+. It took me completely by surprise. It's been a long semester, but I have to thank a few people who have answered questions and helped me along the way - Sharla Fillmore, Becky Johnson, Sara Hadlow, Kim Staker, and my husband for putting up with me.
I have learned a lot these last 4 months. College is amazing and overwhelming at times. I am truly grateful for the opportunity I have to go back to school. It will be a long road to my degree, but I will do it. I look forward to time off, and welcoming my new grand-daughter into the world. Thanks to all for your encouragement and to my Heavenly Father for the blessings.

Hadlow Christmas Party

Tonight we got together with the Hadlow's for our Christmas Party. The family is getting so big we met at the Elementary School. There was plenty of room for the little ones to run and play. We had soup and salad, corn bread, and lots of yummy desserts.

The children put on the Christmas play and we sang songs. They are quite the characters.

We had a great time. Thanks family for all the fun.

Haacke Christmas Party

Sunday, was the Haacke Christmas Party. We gathered together at our house all nice and cozy. We had a great meal thanks to everyone. After dinner the young ones re-enacted Luke 2. This was always Grandpa and Grandma Haacke favorite. We sang "Silent Night" and told our favorite Christmas memory.

I don't know if Jana will remember this, but mine was the Christmas when she and I stayed up all night Christmas eve, and made up dances to "West Side Story" and "Sound of Music". My father had an old real to real tape player and we played it over and over again. We had so much fun.

Anyway our family party was a success. It was so nice visiting with everyone. It's too bad we live so close and only see each other a few times each year. We really have to work on that family.

Thank you everyone for coming and making my Christmas season special.

Jana, Lynn, Jackele, Jared, Lexi, Elder Joshua, Elder Jesse, and Bobby, we miss you and wish you a very Merry Christmas! We Love You all!!

Three Years

This is a day late because of problems with our Internet. Saturday, Nov. 29th is the 3 year anniversary of my mother's passing.

Oh how I miss her. Mom was a great listener, and always kept your secrets. I think one of the greatest things our mother practiced, and taught us, was that she never judged anyone. She loved and excepted you for who you are. She understood that everyone had faults, but it didn't make them a bad person. You could always depend on my mother for a hug and the knowledge that she loved you.

She was a very talented women. She loved to paint, write poetry, loved the performing arts, and was a caring nurse.

I miss our trips out to lunch, and this time of year when I would take her Christmas shopping. Even when she couldn't walk the malls I would pushed her in her wheel chair. They were long nights, but we would usually end them with dinner. Her favorite place was Tony Roma's. She loved the BBQ ribs.

I will always be grateful I was with her when she passed. I love you mother.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I stumbled out of bead this morning not to sure I wanted to get out of bed. I put our 25 pound turkey in the oven before I made my way back to the bedroom and got ready for the big race.
It was the second annual South Davis Recreation Center's Thanksgiving Day 5K. I ran last year with Keith and Sara but with Sara ready to deliver I was on my own until Lesley Leger registered. It was a fun run. I made my goal and ran the whole way. Not very fast but I kept moving. This was Lesley's second race and she did great. Sharla and Max Fillmore and a few of their children were there running. TJ Benard from Meadowbrook was running by himself. I was so impressed with him. What a great kid.

I finished in 38.03 minutes. What a great way to start the day. I think I'll have an extra piece of pie today.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Wow! What a Day! Nov. 26th

My morning began at 3:45 am. We met over to the Johnson's home. After prayer we divided up into cars and headed for the Salt Lake Temple. It had been a long time since I was at the Salt Lake Temple. There was a great turn out. I was so impressed with the youth in our ward. Here it was a no school day and 5:00 am in the morning, and that did not stop them. There was a sweet feeling as I watched them settled down as they entered the temple. There reverence impressed me as they waited patiently to do the baptisms.

After we met at Mark and Yvonne Preece home for breakfast. Yum!! It was very tasty. I could have eaten five of the sweet rolls. Thanks Mark and Yvonne.

Jim and I went home, changed our cloths, and headed for Layton. We got a little shopping done, and it was back home for a marathon night of baking. I baked 10 pies, and got some other dishes ready for turkey day and by the time I climbed into bed I was exhausted. My feet hurt so bad I didn't know how I was going to run the next morning.

Happy Birthday Son!

28 years ago today I gave birth to a beautiful red headed boy. He weighted 7 pounds 9 ounces. He was born at 8:01 pm, and I got back to my room just in time to see who shot J.R. - (you know the old TV soap opera. )
From day one Keith you were a perfect child. Always happy and full of it. You grew up so fast.

It seems just like yesterday, and today you are 28 and soon to be the father of a beautiful little girl. You will be a great dad Keith.

We love you.

Happy Birthday Keith!!

Time to Give Thanks!

This is my favorite time of the year. I love the fall. The colors, smells, crisp cool air, and the joyous holidays approaching. But, every year it seams that Thanksgiving is some what over looked. I have a lot to be thankful for. I want for nothing, and feel that I need to express gratitude for things that are overlooked.

I found a poem that sums it up very nicely.

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

Dear family and friends, thank you for being you, for loving me unconditionally, for overlooking my mistakes, and most of all for being there when I needed you. I love you all and wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!!

Gifts for Little KATE!!

Last night we had a baby shower for Sara and Keith. It was given by the Hadlow side of the family and was at Aunt Joy's home. They had lots of yummy food, and it was fun talking, and enjoying one another's company. My family. Carol, Audra, and Ashlee were there. Sara's mom, Kathy, sister in law Jamie, and the Hadlow family, Aunt Joy, Breanne, Haven, Michelle, Jamie, Aunt Nancy, and Grandma Nancy was there.

They received so many darling things. Little baby dress' and bow bands for Kate hair, a bathing tub, a dirty diaper genie, picture frame, stuffed animals, baby bouncer, a white blanket crocheted by Keith 100 yr. old great grandmother, and much more.

It's hard not to buy them everything I see. Jim and I can't wait to be grandparents. It's getting close and it's exciting to think about our son holding a sweet little daughter. They are going to be great parents.

Star Valley Trip

It was "Sister's Weekend" in Star Valley Wyoming. We had so much fun. We laughed and laughed. We watched scary movies and talked till the wee hours of the morning. We slept in each morning then went for a long walk.

I love to play tricks on my sister's so I brought up some fake rats and cockroaches. I got a few screams and a few threats so I was satisfied
On Halloween we dressed up like witches and went out to dinner. We were ready for a party, but the town of Thayne Wyoming was not ready for us. Talk about a boring town. They didn't know what to think of us. Oh well we sure had fun.

Thanks Jana for coming up and getting the cabin for us.

5 Years

It's been five years today that dad passed away. He was 78 years old. I miss him so much. His wonderfully dry sense of humor. He had a saying for just about everything. His pleasing smile and quiet demeanor. I miss the apples he took such great care of. He loved Halloween just as much as my mother. They would dress up for the kids. I can still picture him putting the speaker in the pumpkin on the front porch and he and mom looking through the kitchen drapes talking through the pumpkin and scaring the children. There were always donuts and cider there for us.

Dad you are loved by everyone who knew you.

I love you and miss you.

Family Night Fun

Keith and Sara came over for dinner, and afterwards we carved pumpkins. Keith carved the witch, and Sara and Jim carved the bat. Sara cleaned the pumpkin, and out lined the bat, but needed a rest, so Jim finished the carving. I carved the cat with the spider and pumpkin. We had a fun time.