Wednesday, December 29, 2010

MONSON is 18!

Monson has been in my life for 18 years.

 It has been a definite roller coaster ride being his mom.  I love him for keeping me on my toes.
Being the 4th boy is rough.
Being the baby boy can be tough....except Monson is tougher.

Monson was a scheduled delivery.  I knew I was going to the hospital on Dec 29th..checking in at 8 am and hopefully delivering around noon. This is exactly what happened.  No problems.  The fun part of the story is Wayne's little sister Tami was having her first born and went to the hospital a day earlier...she delivered Tyler right after midnight...12 hours earlier than I did with Monson.  Tami and I shared the same hospital room at Lakeview Hospital.  She was miserable with her first delivery.  My body was stretched and I knew what to expect and I was fine.
The nurses couldn't believe that we were related and wanted to be in the same room....it was great to be there together and get double the visitors.
Both our boys share a birthday.  Both of our babies have red hair.    Both our babies also had reflux and had to sleep on reflux boards for awhile.  (What are the chances of that?)
Monson actually looks like he belongs to Tami.  It's spooky.
                 Tyler and Monson wearing their birthday buttons around Disney land.....so cute
                        (Monson holding Laila, and Melinda all watching the Disneyland parade)


Monson is a lot like his brothers in many ways.  He has many friends, he is funny, he is adaptable, he is spiritual, he does well in school, he isn't easily embarrassed, he is kind, he loves to sing, he is a good dancer, he is so sweet to his sister and his grandparents, he is a sleeper.
Monson is also, very different from his brothers.... he has red hair, he is built totally different..stocky and muscley...he is quiet, he is an athlete, he is tough, he has always been a lady's man, he taught himself the piano and guitar, he loves to pull a face for the camera, he masters video games-guitar hero etc., he consumes large quantities of food--pizza, hamburgers, chicken nuggets and fries being top on his list, it's difficult to tell what his moods are or what he is thinking about, he's not much of a talker.


We are celebrating his big day by being in California....Disneyland all week!
Today we let him sleep in.
It's raining and now we are deciding a plan B.... Sleep, Shop, Movie and Dinner and do the Land on Thursday and Friday when the weather is supposed to be drier.  
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONSON!!! What a great boyfriend!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Gifts

Speaking to your missionary son on Christmas day is the best gift!! It's even better when it' a SKYPE call and we can hear and see Truman and he can hear and see all of us.  FANTASTIC.  Technology is grand.  He looked so good.  He sounded great...a bit of a british accent.  He was "lovely" and "right proper" and "well good."  He laughed about the 2 inches of snow that closed down all of England, the crazy driving he has to do a ton of and what his plans were for boxing day.  Tru bore a strong testimony and laughed and cried a little. I just wanted to reach through the screen and give him a big hug!!! LOVED IT!  Merry Christmas to this missionary momma.

I made and gave away 2 quilts this year.  One to my sweet Lindsey and one to my new DIL-- Bre.  I love cutting up fabric and sewing it back together in new and interesting shapes and designs. Lindsey's is black denim with 3 different black, green and pink flannel patterns.  It's soft and I love how my cousin Laurie did the machine quilting with flowers and leaves.  So gorgeous.  In pink thread of course.
Bre's is yellow and purple.....her two favorite colors.  It's mostly creamy white with windows of pink, purple, green and yellow showing through.  3 large flower shape come up from the bottom on the left hand side.  It also has beautiful stitching, thanks to Laurie, and a soft butter yellow backing.

I put together a HARMONY family picture book of our family from 1986 to the present day.  I made one for all of the kids, and our 2 grandmas.  It's 24 years of Wayne and Melinda Welch family life... our family motto, how we looked, where we lived, grandparents, traditions, our bear lake tree, family song, scripture, rings, banner.  All of the stuff we have established as a family.  This was a good year to do this culminating book.  We had 5 kids...and now we are adding more.  We have a new family direction starting with Add and Bre's wedding. We are excited to be extending our family tree.

We have kidnapped Laila and Monson for the week...from Christmas to New Years and we are spending it in California at Disneyland and Universal Studios with the Madsen, Mark Welch and Terry Welch families.  There are 22 of us on this epic adventure.  
This was the big gift for this year!
This morning Laila and Monson opened alternating notes that read : "Get Ready. Get Set.  Is it sunny? You bet.  Pack your bags.  We are leaving today.  Going to DISNEYLAND...hip, hip, hooray!"
 Laila squealed with delight...Monson looked quizzical..."Really?!?"
Two hours later our car was loaded and we were off.  
Trying to find food on Christmas night in Las Vegas...means smokey Casinos.  We have eaten, swam in the hotel pool, and we are off to bed; ready for church and the rest of the drive to Anaheim on Sunday.
I am thrilled to have Monson to myself for a week.  Had we stayed home, I probably wouldn't have seen him much.  He will celebrate his 18th birthday with cousin Tyler and all of us, in Disneyland.  I am excited about this thought.  My baby boy is turning 18...wow.

Family vacations are always fraught with stress and anxiety....laughs and fun, fun memories!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010


“Our prayer this Christmas season is that the light and testimony of the Savior's divine mission will come into our hearts and be reflected in our lives and in our homes.”  


Find JOY in the everyday!!
First Presidency message 2010

Saturday, December 18, 2010

This is what I know.....life is sweet!

Laila made a graham cracker/gingerbread house at school.  Her class christmas party.  This was a huge endeavor on her teacher's part.  Especially since she has only one arm, because of a recent shoulder surgery.  Many parents had to pitch in to make this work.  It was fun for me to be there and watch the process and fill baggies with royal frosting.   There was candy and frosting everywhere--including Laila's shirt, bum and  hair.  WOW.  I really enjoyed Preston's conglomeration house with added graham cracker  extensions and 5 roof tops.  It was impressive, if you are a redneck.
I left and the kids were still crafting.
 
When I picked Laila up her nice, peppermint and gummibear decorated  house had turned into a candy storage bin.  IMPRESSIVE.
We are calling it the Bishop's  candy store house- for needy families with sweet tooths.
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                                              Monson's Elves......
Monson did his Eagle project today.  He got 56 gift bags put together for the Detox Center in SLC.  Our good friend Bob Lake is involved with Volunteers of America.  He clued Monson in on the possibility of this project.  The gift bags have gloves, hats, deodorant, candy, a nice christmas card, more candy, notebooks, pens, underwear, socks, a hygiene kit, razors and chapstick.  He had to get all of this donated and then he had his friends gather this morning to put them together. It looked like Santa's workshop full of assorted athletes.  It made me smile.  Monson will deliver these 56 bags on Monday. My Living room is full!!!
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We haven't heard from Add and Bre....which is as it should be.  Add has texted an occasional picture of them on a ride, screaming or smiling.  They have had 3 days of rain, rain and rain.  In his last text he wrote:  "Happiness equals a pair of dry socks."    Can't wait to see them on Sunday!!!
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School is officially out for 3 full weekends. I love it when it works out this way.  We have some fun plans for the holidays that I am really looking forward to.  I want to see a few movies.   Go to the live nativity at Liberty park.  Help with Sub for Santa for 5 families in SLC. We have the Welch family party and my own children party with new ornaments presented.  My kids also really love that we go bowling every Christmas Eve after a fun Cole family breakfast.  I am really looking forward to my Truman phone call on Christmas morn.  I love my missionary!
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Laila said as she was putting on her pink, wool, winter coat, "I love wearing this coat.  It makes me look so rich."
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My Cole Sibling party was last night.  We gathered at JOY LUCK and feasted.  Then up to Mom's house for more goodies, laughter and talk.  Mom and Dad gave each of us a Christmas Ornament that Grandma Butters put on  her Christmas tree for over 50 years.   I have always loved these ornate ornaments...and the story behind them.  Mom and her sisters all crafted these with Grandma Butters on her bed.  Pins everywhere.  The bed was a nightmare to sleep in for awhile and the carpet was  difficult to walk on with out getting poked, but the end result was worth it.
 Mom had them encased  and the presentation is beautiful.  What a thoughtful, memorable gift.
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Wayne renamed his Jaguar -- "The Beast"  This is because his odometer reached 66666--- he actually pulled over to get a picture of this.  He makes me smile.
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Really enjoyed Monson's choir concert.  The Christmas music was beautiful.  I love watching Monson sing... I know I say this way too much, but he is a joy.   The orchestra joined Acapella with  "Oh Holy Night" and another Tab choir one....then at the end all of the choirs sang "The FIrst Nowell"   So pretty!!! To top it all off Larry Smith wants to start a new tradition of choir, orchestra and audience all joining in to sing the Hallelujah chorus.  It was so awesome.  I loved singing my soprano guts out.

This is what I know.........Life is sweet.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Wedding Good Idea...Bad idea

Costa Vida catering the luncheon....Good Idea
Serving 110 people with 2 workers and taking one hour to get through the line...Bad idea
Happy people eating good food...that we all didn't have to make and bring ourselves....Good Idea
Awesome family and friends who did the dishes and helped set up and clean up.........Good idea

Waking up at 4:30 to let the dog out of Laila's room...Good Idea
Whacking your face on the door causing an almost broken nose and a swollen lip just hours before your first son's wedding and a day filled with pictures.....Bad idea
Ice packing face at 4:35...Good idea

Finding the perfect Peacock motif shoe for the peacock motif wedding....Good Idea
Wearing the perfect Peacock shoe for the next 13 hours .......Bad idea
Bringing pink slippers to wear, to help with the clean up and put away at the end of the day .....Good idea

Giving the mother of the groom a special Silver sticker to wear at the Temple....Good Idea
Not having the sticker and getting hassled to check my purse while there.....Bad idea
Flashing the sticker the rest of the morning to get anything I wanted......Good idea
Having the photographer ask me to take off the well earned sticker.....Bad Idea
Taking it off cheerfully so the pictures wouldn't be weird.....Good idea











Fabulous Spring weather on Dec. 13..........Good Idea
Traffic and road construction leading up to the reception center........Bad idea
So many people coming out to the far away reception center because of the great weather.......Good idea
Packed, crowded, no place to sit reception center...........Bad idea

Wanting Elder Truman to be in the Wedding pictures.....Good Idea
Making a "creepy cardboard cut out " with his face glued on.....Bad Idea
Thinking about having a Fabio cut out with long hair and a bare chest with Truman's face glued on...even Worse idea
Not doing any of this, because he isn't at the wedding, he is serving a mission in England...Good idea


Not having to stand in a formal reception line........Good idea
Peppermint cheese cake..........Bad idea
Singing at my son's wedding.............Good idea

Addison and Bre getting married at the Salt Lake Temple........Good idea

Addison and Bre changing clothes in the same dressing room at the reception center..........Good/Bad/weird idea.  ( cuz I'm the Mother)

Making boutinere's and centerpieces and aprons and cake toppers, etc because your son is so creative....Good idea
Messy house and dining room table and stuff EVERYWHERE........Bad Idea
                                          SUCH A MESS

 Add and Bre  honeymooning in Disney Land.........Good Idea

Monday, December 13, 2010

Tribute to Addison, on his Wedding day.

The wedding day is here.
The one I have been dreaming of since the day Addison was born, is here. 
This day, my heart is with my Addison,  my first born.

What can I say about my Addison-shine?
We have made every  text book mistake that can be made on a first born….and he survived it all.

I have so many memories flooding my thoughts….
Addison as a toddler, smearing white eucerine on his entire body, and the walls, and his crib.    Doing his stinging dance….with his bad eczema.
Addison ‘s first day of school…he was so little, skinny, big questioning eyes…a  bear back pack, huge glasses.
Addison  with 3 little brothers….he had to do everything first…he was my biggest helper.  My most empathetic child.
Addison with a squished hamster in his hand…tears in his eyes.
Addison on stage with his little singing group….cousins involved too….and clogging competitions.  Playing "show" in the basement.  Making movies.  Costuming and make-uping brothers.
Addison— my homeschooling him in 6th grade.  Just trying to boost his self esteem….and get some mom time.
Addison in Jr. High training a guide dog.  Taking Stephi-dog to school and church and every where with him.
Addison in speech and drama in High school.  Competing and excelling.....a wet pants experience!!
Addison so proud of his  new little baby  sister.  Showing her off to his high school friends.
Addison playing Joseph in the high School production.  He was the most sincere Joseph ever.
Addison off to Louisiana for his mission.  A joyous, spirit filled time.  He came home a man.
Addison performing at Weber State….Icabod Crane.
Addison’s engagement day….. and here we are……


I like this quote about marriage: 
I want to share what kind of person Addison is.

 I asked around to neighbors and  friends what do they think of when they hear Addison’s name….these are the qualities mentioned…..
Kind, lanky, great story teller, awkward, sweet, creative, gentle, sensitive to the Spirit, charming, faithful, innocent, musical, talented, funny, easy to talk to, cheerful,  dreamer, great dancer, loyal, trustworthy….  Spiritual……full of Faith and Optimistic.
This last quality I would really agree with.  He has immense faith. 
I was  reading in Isaiah…41: 10 and 13…it just reminded me so much of Addison. 
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will up hold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.  For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not: I will help thee."


Any advice I could give on this day?  Love, Laugh, Pray....together , always.
 Don’t focus on each other’s faults

I am reminded of this Grapefruit story….probably because I peel grapefuits just like the way that bugged the wife in the story……

My husband and I had been married about two years when I read an article recommending that married couples discuss truthfully and candidly the habits or mannerisms they find annoying in each other. The theory was that if partners knew of such annoyances, they could correct them before resentful feelings developed.
It made sense to me. I talked with my husband about the idea. After some hesitation, he agreed to give it a try.
As I recall, we were to name five things we found annoying. I started off. After more than 50 years, I remember only my first complaint: grapefruit. I told him I didn’t like the way he ate grapefruit. Instead of cutting it open and eating it with a spoon, he peeled it and ate it a section at a time. Nobody else I knew ate grapefruit like that. Could I be expected to spend a lifetime, and even eternity, watching my husband eat grapefruit like that? Although I have forgotten them, I’m sure my other complaints were of similar importance.
Then it was his turn. It has been more than half a century, but I still carry a mental image of my husband’s thoughtful, puzzled expression. He looked at me and said, “I can’t think of anything I don’t like about you.”
Gasp. I quickly turned my back, not knowing how to explain my tears. I had found fault with him over such trivial things, while he hadn’t even noticed any of my peculiar and no doubt annoying habits.
I wish I could say this experience completely cured me of faultfinding. It didn’t. But it did teach me early in my marriage that we need to keep in perspective, and usually ignore, the small differences in our spouse’s habits and personalities. Whenever I hear of married couples being incompatible, I always wonder if they are suffering from what I now call the grapefruit syndrome.

I am thankful that Addison has lived a virtuous life. 
I am thankful for  his great example to our younger siblings. 
I am thankful he has chosen a kind, faithful, wonderful daughter of God to be his eternal mate.
This is truly a day of rejoicing.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Thankful heart Thursday

My heart is full.


I am thankful for Weddings.
We have 4 days to the wedding and it is getting a little crazy around here.  Lots of last minute to doings.  I work best under pressure, so I am glad for this.  I would feel bad with nothing wedding-to- do. We have peacock boutonnieres to put together, dresses and garters to fix, a tie to buy,  food to order, cookies to bake and package, centerpieces to figure out, table cloths to iron and table and chairs set up at the church on Sunday night.  WOW.  
I know this is all extraneous wedding trappings, that we all buy into.
The important part is the temple ceremony.  I am so happy for  Addison and Bre.
I had a special sacred experience at the temple on Tuesday.  Bre took out her endowments, and I was so blessed to be there.   I cried a lot....   I know Addison and Bre are meant to be together, and will be for this life time and into the eternities.
I am so happy to be adding her in as a Welch girl!!

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I am thankful for nativities.

We are focusing on putting Christ into Christmas at our home.
We are using the book by Emily Freeman, "A Christ centered Christmas" as our jumping off point.
I really like this little book with many good ideas and themes to discuss.
It suggests taking the characters of the nativity and talking about one a week, up to Christmas.
You really could do one a day or even all in one night...if you wanted.
We are doing the one a week plan.

The first family night we talked about Mary and how she  "pondered it in her heart."  Our challenge as a  family was to ponder the true meaning of Christmas more, and to be more thoughtful this time of year.

Last week we discussed Joseph.  His theme is all about small acts of service and being in tune enough to the spirit to really listen.  We decided to listen for "the bell" this holiday season; the Salvation Army Santa bell, and do our best to give something every time we pass by.   It was good for me to give my change at Smiths, Shopko and Walmart as I went in and out. I would have done this in the past maybe once or twice during the holiday season.  The challenge this year is EVERY time.

On Monday, we read about Angels and the GOOD NEWS they bring.  We sang our favorite christmas carols and shared why we liked them.  The Angels were all about the Joy, the Song and the message of Christ's birth.
We were all there on that holy night.  We were the Angels.
I like thinking that everyone in Heaven can sing-- beautifully.  No monotone, off pitch, non singers there.
Everyone sounds angelic.
Mmmmm....my idea of heaven.

We have the Wisemen, the Shepherds and lamb, and the Christ child left to talk about.

I have a thankful heart.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Last Night's Note



I got this as I was getting Laila to bed last night.....late, again, as usual.
She wanted to read earlier in the evening.
I was supposed to remind her.
She forgot.
I forgot.
I told her she could read after school....she said " that didn't sound fun at all."
She asked me to remind her  to read any way....she needs AR points.
I said...."that didn't sound fun at all"...she would just yell at me.

Hence the note.
I love this girl!!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Random ramblings....


We are at the rodeo with a group of friends in Las Vegas.  The National championship finals opened here last night.  The city is filled with rhinestones, huge belt buckles, hats and boots.
I really like the timed events...it's easy to tell who the winner is on steer wrestling,  team roping, tie down roping and barrel racing, but the judges events I could never really tell what was what?  Fun to watch though.
The BULL riding was amazing last night.  IT was a wild ride as the bull riders did their 8 seconds and many almost got  trampled.  A rider's spur got caught in the rope and he couldn't release from the bull.... I screamed a lot  and the clowns had to really do their distracting job.  CRAZY.
It was fun last night.
We have Cowboy Christmas today.....booth after booth of cowboy and ranch gear.  Then to the "O Splash" show tonight....all under water.  I will hold my breath through the whole thing.  Landon has seen this show and he promises me this is true.
Can't wait!!!
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Going out of town is always a little tough.  I have to organize Laila's life and get her here, there and everywhere.  I am grateful to have grandmas and friends and relatives who pitch in.  Laila is great at being shuffled around as long as she has a schedule in her back pack and knows what is supposed to happen next.  I am sad to miss her Festival of Trees performance.  I hope someone video tapes it and I can see it eventually.
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So proud of my almost daughter BRE!  She received an Irene Ryan nomination for her performance in Five Carols for Christmas.  She played Carol Ling....and sang and acted beautifully.  She is a joy to watch on the stage.  I am so happy that she is being recognized for her talents.

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We have 10 days to the Wedding..... wow.  I can't believe how time is flying. I got to go to two showers last Saturday.  It was good to meet more of Bre's relatives.   Addison is happy because he is now counting down on two hands.  We have luncheon plans to still figure out, and some last minute stuff to take care of, but I am so looking forward to December 13!!

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Monson got named to 2nd team ALL STATE for football.   ( First team All Region)
We are so happy for him and his accomplishments on the football field this year.  He has hopes to play in college, so this nomination will help him towards this goal.

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I got the Velma Von Tussel part in RMT's production of HAIRSPRAY.  This opens in February and I am so happy to be in a show again. This will be the first show in the new theatre in Centerville.
I love playing a villainess...... ( wicked cackle)
I had many relatives that tried out for this....half of us made it.  Theatre is difficult because you come to the audition with your puzzle piece and if it doesn't fit into the director's vision of the puzzle, no matter how talented you are, you are not going to make it.  That's the business.    I also think that when you don't make a show, your life ( Heavenly Father)  has other things that are more important that you need to be doing.  It works out how it's supposed to. 

I am done rambling...............see a great day!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Thankful for theatre

I had one more thing on my mind that  I want to be grateful for before the month ends...... live Theatre!

I really could see a show or more a week.
I love to go, talk about it, talk about going, talk about the show, take apart the show, put it back together in a new way, love the show, hate the show, try out for the show, be in the show.............all good.
This has been the month for theatre at our house.
We have seen show after show and loved it.
Crazy For You-- (Cousins Jenna and Hayden  are in it at Bountiful High)
Curtains -- (Cousins Shelby and Tyler are in it at Davis High)
Drowsy Chaperone -- (Friends are in it at Hale Centre)
Five Carols and Jingle Jacks -- (Bre, future daughter in law is in it at Weber State)

Laila is my best show buddy.  She can sit through a matinee in the afternoon and be ready to go again that same night.  I have already trained her well.

I am thankful.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving

It's been good for me to count my blessings for the past 25 days......

I am thankful this day to watch the Macy's thanksgiving day parade.  I enjoy the snippets from Broadway shows before the parade passes by.   I love watching it in my jammies.  I have a new goal.  I want to be in New York on this day and have a hotel room on the parade route...watch the parade, live in New York...and eat at a restaurant in New York, and see a show the next day, in New York.   Yep-- it's my new goal.  I'll take Wayne and any one else who wants to come.

I am thankful for the 40 pounds of potatoes that are waiting to be peeled and mashed.  We are good at this--it's our family's calling.  We are celebrating with about 40 Welch's at Terry and Cyrrena's.  IT's great to have so much family, so close by.   We are doing potatoes again for our 2nd Thanksgiving at Grandma Sheri's house on Friday night.........can you say potato?  or do you say potahto? :)

I am thankful for emoticon punctuation.....:)  ;(     How else will you know what I am feeling?  ;}

I am thankful Elder Nelson Call is home safe and sound from his mission in New Zealand.  He had a great mission.  It was good to sit with him, and listen to his stories and share in his fun sense of humor.

I am thankful for movies.  It's a movie holiday weekend for us.  We saw Tangled yesterday; it was darling.  We are seeing MegaMind today and more movies on Friday and  Saturday..... Yeah!

I am thankful half of my Christmas decorations are up.  I stopped decorating before I got to the kitchen/dining room because of the pie party....but now there's no stopping me.  One more Christmas tree to go.  It's fun to find new places to put old things.  I got rid of 3 walls in the remodel, so I have many decorations that aren't going to find a home....maybe the DI?

I am thankful for heat and heaters.  It's 7 degrees outside.  What's up with that? What's up with that?

I am thankful for family and friends and missionaries and pie and parades and potatoes!

I am thankful.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Thankful for Pie night

I love the idea of eating dessert first, so having Pie the night before Thanksgiving is a great idea.
 We have been celebrating this way for years.  My mom's pie nights are legendary and have reached Epic status.  Her "one-of each" serving, or Russian serving...as she called it, because it sounded like you were speaking russian if you said it fast enough, will go down in family history.  We have had so many people celebrating pie night with us, that many of us had no idea who was eating our pies.  The more the merrier is Sheri's idea of a good time.
  (We all remember the night the Schwann's man filled his plate with pie. )

Tonight, I am looking forward to bites of many different kinds; pumpkin, coconut cream, apple, berry, chocolate, banana cream.............mmmmmmm delish!

I started a new tradition......drum roll please.......... Pie night before Pie night before Thanksgiving!!!!
I cooked up an apple cranberry pie from my friend Si's blog during the blizzard of 2010, last night. It was wonderful.

PS....I will take a BLIZZARD  any day over a regular, good old fashioned SNOW STORM.  6 inches of snow is nice and helps us to still get around Thanksgiving weekend.

I am thankful.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Thankful for hunkering...

The storm is approaching and we are hunkering down.
Christmas Carols are playing.
Two rooms are decked out in Christmas finery.
My children are all gathered and accounted for.
I have gone to the grocery store.
We have gas in the cars.
We have cancelled all of our nightly plans.
We know where our snow clothes and  shovels are .
I am in the mood for baking......
I am thankful for hunkering!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Thankful for Family night

We like Family night at our house.  Sometimes we even love it.
It's really not a whole night though....more like an hour....if we are lucky and everyone is trying to make it work.
We had a good one tonight.
We are using the book by Emily Freeman ( A speaker at Time out for Women, by the way), A Christ Centered Christmas as our guide for the next 5 weeks.  She suggests taking one character from the nativity a week, and talking about and pondering what they bring to the nativity.  It really is fascinating.
Tonight we talked about Mary.  We were challenged to ponder the true meaning of Christmas and be more heart felt.
We also went around the room to find out what character in the nativity each of us would want to be.
I chose Mary--she is strong, and faithful, and obedient and did I mention strong?  She had birth in a stable, which I could totally do if I had an epidural.
Laila chose Mary-- she likes that she is pretty and sweet.
Landon chose the Angel Gabriel, because he is incredibly good looking, is shiny and brings good news.  He also likes to sing.........all angels do  too.
Addison chose a wiseman.  He wants to be a king, rich, and wear cool clothes, and carry expensive stuff. The Wise men gave Myrrh...which is really random, and Addison is random.  But seriously, they kept seeking Christ, never giving up and knew to honor a small babe.
Monson chose Joseph-- he is a man and could withstand the pressure of those around dissing on his wife.  He could take it.   He knew Joseph was faithful and strong, and if he couldn't be Jesus ( our rules for the nativity game) then Joseph was the next closest.
Wayne chose a shepherd.  He likes that they were the first ones told, and they came with haste to worship and then share the good news.  He likes how excited they were and how obedient.
Bre chose a lamb.  Soft and cuddly with a manger-eye view of the baby.  A follower of Christ.
It's an interesting idea.
Who would you be in the nativity????

I started decorating for Christmas and got our nativities out.  Some are really worse for wear.  Heads and limbs glued back on; missing parts and pieces, but I keep them.  I like how the people ( we ) are broken, and worship the Christ Child, who heals all our wounds.  Well.... tonight, Laila killed a wiseman.  No gluing this poor guy back together. Now this nativity has only 2 wisemen....the 3rd guy must be in the bathroom?!?

I am thankful for Family Night.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Thankful for Sunday

I love Sundays.  I look forward to them.  I love being spiritually uplifted.
I love being with good saints who are all trying to do a little better.
I love visiting the grandparents.
I love a break from our daily routine.
Sundays are blessed.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Thankful for time outs!

I had my own time out this weekend...at the Salt Palace with 4000 other women .  It was fabulous; filled with  thought provoking talks and music at Time out for Women.

 I  really enjoyed Virginia Hinkley Pearce's thoughts on what makes a succesful life, and how to measure it.  She used the Succesful missionary paragraphs in Preach My gospel...pg. 10-11 for this.  She suggests we replace missionary with mother, or woman or parent and  "people" with children.  I came right home and did this, and was greatly comforted with how my parenting, children and family are measuring up.

It was also good to hear from Heidi Swinton about her recent book on the life of our prophet, Thomas S. Monson.  Her stories about how this came about, and Pres. Monson as a little boy were priceless.  I can't wait to read this book now.

Brad Wilcox  shared  about his book, "The Continuous Atonement."  I read this book last spring and was inspired by it. I like the part about Grace..and.."after all we can do."  He breaks this apart, tackling each word and what it really means or how it applies to our life.  It's fascinating and helpful.
The "we" is really the important part....I always put that  we as ....you, me, my children...all of the people on earth.  But the "we" is really  Christ and me.   I like this "we."  We are unstoppable.  We make a great team!

I also liked his thoughts about heaven.  He talked about his nephew who was really in trouble spiritually and with the law.  He ended up in and out of prison many times.  But as a teen ager...when his parents were trying to "save" him, Brad suggested that they send him to EFY.  "It can change lives."    The family scraped the money together and sent him.  The kid called his mom after the first day and demanded to be taken home. He just didn't "fit" and felt so uncomfortable being there.    Bro. Wilcox related this to heaven and God's presence.  Yes, we will all be resurrected and "make it," but will we want to stay there?  Will we fit and be comfortable?  The goal of this life is to prepare ourselves so we can not just go to heaven, but want to stay  there.

Women's conference was excellent.  I am thankful for this time I spent with Wanee, Tami, Jill, Jane, Cyrrena, Bonnie and Trisha.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Thankful #19

My sweet Wayne.
I know I can't say enough about how awesome Wayne is, even with dizzying adversity in his head.  I don't know how he does it?!?
He is opposite me in so many ways; yet we  are alike in all of the things that really matter-- family, gospel, and testimony.
I love him and I am so grateful that he has been in my life for 33 years.
He is in charge this weekend as I go play with the Welch women at the Women's Conference--Time out for Women-- in SLC.
I am looking forward to spiritual talks, lots of laughter and a renewed commitment  to motherhood.
I am grateful.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Thankful this day....

....that the wedding plans are moving forward!!
We got the announcements today and the couple pic and darling picture stamp.  What a fun idea.
Now I just have to get everything stuffed and mailed out.  This is the weekend for that.
Life is good.
I am thankful my oldest is getting married!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Thankful for Music

I have Christmas music blasting through my house today.
Josh Groban's Noel CD is stirring.  I love how majestic sounding it is.  I love that I recognize all of the songs/hymns and sing them along with him.
I also really like Natalie Cole's, Gladys Knight's, Mo Tab's,  Harry Connick Jr.'s, The Carpenter's and Kenny G's Christmas collections.
I love Christmas music.
I really enjoyed the many years my sisters, mom and I would go around performing as the "Cole Collection" at Christmas time.
It was  a "most wonderful time of the year" for me.
 We sang so many jingle bell versions, silent night tunes and fa la la la las...that one would think we would all be sick of these; I still love them.
We started singing together when Landon was 6 months old.  I sang through 3 more babies,  then when Mom went on her mission to Scotland, we all called it quits.  We sang together from 1988 to 2002....wow.
I can still hear Mom and Liz hanging on the bass/alto notes; Christine and Angela singing 2nd soprano--the hard part; Marcie and I joining in on the high notes.  Sometimes Grandma Butters would join us--she was great at this from her sweet adeline days.  As everyone got older,we added in niece- Megan and then Adam's girls; Jenna, Rachel and Becca.

I found some old pics..... our costumes were "less" than inspiring, but our harmonies were GREAT!
                                                                        
                                                              

                                                      


In my world I would play Christmas music year round.
What is better than a song about Christ's birth?
It was the beginning of everything good.

Music fills me up.
There is so much to be thankful for...

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Laila's thankful list

    Laila brought home her Thanksgiving assignment from school.  I am always amazed how her mind works, and what she is thinking about.
   This list covers a variety of things we all can be thankful for.

Assignment:  USING THE LETTERS IN THANKSGIVING.....LIST THE REASONS YOU ARE THANKFUL...

T--is for Teacher that is very nice to you
H--is for the Heavens which shine above us
A--is for Apple that tastes very, very good
N--is for Nicknacks that I like to see
K--is for Knives that we can cut with
S--is for Stove that we can cook on
G--is for Goodness that comes from forgiveness
I--is for Igloo that keep people warm
V--is for a Vet that helps animals
I--is for Indians that hunt for food
N--is for Next that we do after anything
G--is for Gum that you chew

Monday, November 15, 2010

Thankful Bro

My brother finally got a job after 22 months of scrambling to make ends meet.  He has been a real good sport about this.  He has substitute taught at the high school, built playhouses, did yard work, served papers in really scary parts of SLC and Ogden..., set up computer systems.....and many other odd jobs to make ends meet.
Adam  is very talented and schooled (MBA-BYU) and always in the final interview, but never catching the carrot.  So frustrating.

But......We feel so blessed this day.

When I was telling Laila  about Monson's football team losing, but the good news was Adam got a job, she replied, "Adam got a Job!  Well, no wonder Monson's team lost....our family would have had too many blessings!"

I am thankful for my Brother, Adam.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Thankful for the Belnaps

I am so thankful this day for the Belnap family.  We have been through thick and thin together and all of the spaces in between. It's great to be "adopted" into their clan.
It was awesome and teary to listen to their Baby boy, Ben, give his farewell mission talk today.  I can't believe what a man he has become. He is courageous!   He will be a great missionary in Columbia.

The Belnaps have been such great examples to us and great strengths for our family.

I really feel blessed to be their neighbor and rub shoulders with them, on a daily basis.

The words I have to describe this family are kind, giving, welcoming, spiritual, funny, irreverent, accepting, crazy, resilient, lifters, testimony bearing and gospel loving.

I am thankful this beautiful day for my sweet friends.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Thankful for Eulala

My Grandma Butters would be 95 today--- she died a year a go, and I have thought about her almost every day since.  She was a huge impact on my life, my attitude, and my testimony.
 I am so grateful for this sweet association.

I am so glad I have her name sake - Laila- running around my house.  She is a bright spot.  SHe is opinionated, funny and spunky...just like grandma.
Laila was listening to "The Christmas Song" by Mel Torme.  The Christmas lyric is....."...for kids from one to 92."  Laila piped up, "No wonder grandma died, she couldn't have Christmas any more...she was 94!"

She makes me laugh.

I am delivering Ginger Cream cookies to brothers, sisters and extended family in remembrance of Grandma B.
Grandma taught me how to make and perfect this cookie.  It was fun to learn from her and see her smile when I would bring her a ginger cream cookie.
The circle of life.
SHe would bake for me when I was growing up, then I would bake for her, when she couldn't.

Grandma liked that she was born on Nov. 13th--- it was her lucky number.  And we all felt lucky having her in our midst.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Thanks for Monson

Monson's high school football career came to an end today.  It was a glorious fight.  It was great watching him on the field and hearing his name announced week after week.   It was great talking about fooball, and watching football and cleaning football uniforms--(ok that part wasn't great).

He made it to Semi Final play at Rice Eccles Stadium.  Dream come true.  He got to be in the U of U locker room, and run out onto the Ute field.  He really liked this part.   He would have liked the whole experience more, if BHS had won.  We lost to Mountain Crest 42 to 35.  They scored with one minute to go.  We had a chance, but a long pass was tipped and intercepted.  Devastation.

It was difficult watching Monson at the end.  Head hung down.  Walking slowly.  Spent.  He didn't want to leave the field knowing this was it.  He waited in the corner of the end zone for his buddy since preschool--Dillon Salazar.  They hugged and cried and were the last ones off the turf.  So bitter sweet.

It was going to be his last game either this week, or next week.
Just sad they didn't make it into the finals.

I am thankful for my Son and his drive to be a football player.  He is tough!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Thankful for Power

We were without electricity for about 5 hours today.  Nothing like having no power, no microwave capabilities, no computer, no lights and no heat to make me really appreciate it.
I love modern day conveniences!!!
I love power!!!

The sad part, is this is the day when I really cook.  I look forward to November 11th-- every year-- as the one day when I plan and cook and sweat over the stove and oven ALL Day...so my family can sit down to a Nov. 11th Fabulous- Feast.
Oh well.
We had to go out to dinner instead.
I will try it again next year.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Thankful for.....

....my health and strength.
 "To run and not be weary and to walk and not faint."
Although I am weary of walking and I do faint when I run...
I am thankful for exercise cohorts who keep me going to the gym or on walks out in the cool air.
I'm thankful for  my muscles and my joints and my tissues and my cells....well you get the idea.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Thanks for Babies

I am thankful for babies.....straight from Heaven.   They bless our lives and teach us to be better people....to serve and to love.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Thankful for change of Seasons

Wow......my back yard.  Am I ready for this?

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Thankful for Testimony

I am thankful for Fast and Testimony Sunday.
I was quite teary today....fasting for some special people in my life.  Every speaker and lesson really touched my heart.  I have had to repair my make up job twice now.  Some Sundays are like this.

I am thinking a lot about my missionary, my fabulous brother and his family, my sweet Addison and Bre,  my blessings and my trials. All are close to my heart today.

I was grateful to be able to get the courage to bear my testimony today.  I didn't say much...can't really remember what I said actually.  I have a hard enough time just keeping it together, so I don't just stand up and cry for 10 minutes.  I am not a pretty crier, so it's good to keep it together.
But.....
I have a testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I feel my Savior's love. I want to be more like him.  I want to be more loving, more forgiving, more gentle, more charitable, more.....
I know Joseph Smith was a prophet who spoke to God the father and Jesus Christ, and helped to restore the gospel. I know the Book of Mormon is true. It is scripture written by ancient prophets for our day.
I know families are forever.  I know the sealing power of the temple is real.  This knowledge strengthens me and gives me perspective with my own children.
I am so grateful for the power of Christ's atonement.  I know he loves me and suffered for me and I feel his love daily.
Life is sweet.
This is what I know.

I am thankful.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Thanks

I am thankful for clean toilets. It only happens periodically in my house....but all 4 bathrooms are clean at the same time.  I actually may be too late in acknowledging this.....maybe they're not still clean....but they were clean, once up on a time, at some point today.

I love the smell of amonia.....and I love no spots on mirrors.

I am thankful.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Thanks for Football

So grateful for a gorgeous afternoon and BHS football.
 It was great to be in the quarterfinals, even greater to beat Spanish Fork 31 to 12.

Monson played so well.  I am always a bit nervous.  I want the boys to play hard, do their best, win and not get hurt.  My thoughts are a bit obsessive -- it's like a tape that plays over and over in my head all day....all week.

Today was bittersweet.  I cried in celebration with Money.  I cried when I thought that this is the last game he will ever play on the Larry Wall field and stadium.  The last time I will hear, "Tackle made by Monson, Money Welch"  echoing through those loud speakers.
Wow.
Where has the time gone?

We all went out on the field when it ended and got pics with Money.  He was soaken wet.  He Stunk like....a football player.  We all hugged him and cradled up to him any way.  Big Smiles all around.

We are off to Rice Eccles at the U of U, next Friday, for Semi final play against Mountain Crest.  Who knows what will happen.

 It's been a glorious season.

I am thankful Monson loves football.....and I love Monson.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Grateful today

I am thankful for "Opening night....break a leg" cupcakes!!!!
Laila insists on making these for the BHS musical cast.
She has done this for the past 3 years.
She is getting pretty good at it, and even the craziest looking one still tastes delicious.

We have CRAZY FOR YOU opening tonight.

 Cousin Jenna is a lead in this cast. We will have to make another batch I am sure for the other cast's (Cousin Hayden) opening night.

I am thankful Laila loves to plant her self on the front row and watch the musical, night after night.  She is a great audience member.  She has had this attention span since she was 3.  Amazing.

 I am thankful.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

My thankful door

Along with my daily thoughts on what I am grateful for, I am making my family get in the mood by writing on our chalkboard door something they are thankful for.
 It's fun watching it fill up.
 Rules:  No more than one a day...write small....be thoughtful...
SO far we have :
Family Night
Colorful Trees
Summer
Football
Egg Nog
Tonga
My Hot Mamma....( thank you)
My ability to be so deep
My man:  King Money
My beautiful Fiance
To be HOME

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Boyfriend is Back

"My Boyfriend's back and he's gonna be in trouble
Hey now, Hey now....My boyfriend's back"

I have been singing this all morning.
Wayne is coming home after a 12 day China trip.
I am so excited.
He'll be exhausted....jet lag .....and I'll be wanting to flee this coop......hence the trouble part.
I am thankful for Wayne's return.
I have really missed him.
I am okay with his 8 day trips.  But by day 9 I have had it....and so these last few days have been torture for me.
I am tired of wearing my pajamas to bed because my heater is in China.
I am tired of making all of the parenting decisions....bed times, sleep overs, scripture study, family prayer, what's for dinner, what time to wake up in the morning, yard work,  what to pass out to the trick or treaters, what's wrong with the cars.....etc.....( I know this list seems trivial and I am thankful for not any bigger, more major decision  making....I just felt the need to whine a bit)
I am not good as a single....I am so much better as a couple.
I am thrilled to have Wayne in my arms again and to smell his neck!!!
I am thankful!

Monday, November 1, 2010

25 Days of Thanksgiving

Nov 1st....before we know it, Thanksgiving will be here.
I am committing now to 25 days of gratitude.  A thankful post for the next 25 days.

1.  I am thankful to live where I live.  I was out walking this afternoon in the beautiful autumn sun. I couldn't believe how blessed I felt, and how comforted by my surroundings.  It amazes me that my mom was raised in Bountiful, I was born and raised in Bountiful, and now my children are enjoying the same.  The circle of life.....

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Which Witch?

Family Reunion?  A Cousin's party?
My school's faculty?
Miss Frankenstina is in the house.....
The one day I don't put on makeup I get my picture taken over and over again.....

I don't know who this is.... most likely an ancestor of mine.
I am Monson's football Ghoulfriend.
It was great when he got his name announced because of an awesome tackle, I followed up loudly with, "I hear his mother is a real witch!"
It brought the house down.....so much chuckling, so little time.


Like Mother, Like Daughter........(loud cackle!!!)

 I passed out Top Ramen to all of the trick or treaters at my house.  Not to the littlest ones...just the kids I thought could handle it.  It made my night!  I told them it was "instant brains" ....ooooo.......in a very moody voice.  They bought it.  
Laila LOVES candy!  More Halloween Pics:

Add and Bre 
Monson and Landon being Monson
and
It's a bird, it's a plane, no...it's Super Missionary!

Thursday, October 28, 2010


1.  I am thankful that wedding plans are coming along.  We are all looking forward to Dec. 13th around here.  We are crafting boutinere's, cake toppers, ruffle aprons and trying to find stripey socks for the men.  Addison has even created the wedding announcement.  We are still waiting for the 3 piece wedding suit to be ready at the tailors so Add and Bre can get their bridals and groomals taken.....pray for sooner rather than later.

2.  I am thankful for the end of the first term.  45 days into Monson's senior year. He sang in the Fall choir concert these past two nights, and he was a joy to watch.  He loves to sing and it shows. 
                                                        (Monson 3rd in from the left, top row)
 His choir sang one of my favorite spirituals, "Lord, I know I've been Changed."  I gave my own standing ovation when it ended. The concert made Laila sick.....literally.  

3.  I am thankful that BHS took first  place in Region football.  So exciting!  Not excited for the rainy game scheduled on Saturday against Orem.

4.  I am thankful Wayne is being safe and having a good China trip.  He didn't lose his luggage, Bob did.

5.  I am thankful I REMEMBERED to get my mammogram done.  Boob-squishing is not fun, but it's worth it....and Lakeview gave me a pink water bottle for my efforts.  I like doing this in October, Breast Cancer Awareness month, because I get prizes!

6.  I am thankful for  living prophets, past and present day....Pres Monson, and his willingness to act in the name of the Lord.  
 I will close with these words:  "You can be smart and happy or stupid and miserable. . . it's your choice"
- Gordon B. Hinckley