Thursday, April 28, 2011

Thankful Thursday

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS.........
1.  I am thankful Wayne is back from a 9 day China trip.  There is always a piece of me missing when he's away.  I am glad he's back even though he is tired and dizzy and reeks like chinese food.

Laila as JoJo,    Aubrey Monson as Cat in Hat and Hayden as Horton the Elephant

With Paige Maxfield and Lana Wilson in "Wonder"
2.  I am thankful Laila loves to perform.  She danced beautiful in last weekend's MASTERPIECE show for Creative Arts Academy.  She smiles and is on the beat and really shines on stage.    She has her SEUSSICAL show this weekend for CAA at Centerpoint Theatre's new Black Box space.  It's fun to be there. It has dressing rooms, and a green room, lights and microphones.  It feels like a "real" play.   Laila is a mah-velous, sweet JOJO...and it's good to have her perform with her big cousin Hayden Call and little cousin Preston Brown.






3.  I am thankful Add and Bre made it safely to London.  Bre had to go through some tough airport- pat- down times....but that's just part of the adventure.  They are seeing 30 shows....my dream come true...touring the historic sites, writing papers and getting college credit....plus they will have sidewalk views of the Royal Wedding.  WHAT FUN!!!  I want to be a mouse in Addison's pocket...except he hates mice and would be screaming if he saw me there.....so maybe a butterfuly on his shoulder would be better?  

4.  I am thankful for Skype.... I can keep in touch with my Londoners.... and my missionary is calling me on Mother's Day!!!

5.  I am thankful Landon completed this semester of school.  He jumped back into UVU in January and it has been a good struggle for him-- his headaches have kept him away from many class days.    He had quite an experience trying to get his writing portfolio turned in.  He took the 3 hour final in the morning, then went back to his house in South Jordan to get his portfolio...it was due at the professor's office by 5:00 --- no exceptions.  He had all sorts of trouble with a  traffic jam and printers and email etc....fast forward.....he is now racing to where he thinks the professor's office is at 5 minutes to 5.....it's not there.  Landon has had it, is breaking down, when who should pass by him, but this same professor.  He asked why Landon was so stressed and  Landon explained.  The professor accepted the portfolio and walked him to his office for future reference.   Talk about a tender mercy.
Bre and Add in LONDON...preparing for the royal wedding!!

6.  I am thankful for other mercies..... My sweet Sis in Law Tami burned her legs last weekend with boiling easter egg water.  She was carrying the eggs to the sink when the pan handle broke and water spilled all down her legs.   She was in screaming pain....  I know this pain and I truly feel for her.  This experience is so much like my own years ago with the au jus from the Sunday Roast.  The boiling water hit both her legs, but where her garments were there is a distinct line of burn/no burn.  She was protected.  Even in the burning devastation .... testimonies were strengthened.

7.  I am thankful we only have 5 weeks of school left.  It's a struggle to get Monson out of bed in the mornings but he is making it.  He is getting excited for his next chapter at Dixie State.

8.  I am thankful for the Royal Wedding.  It's great to have something joyful and beautiful and "fluffy" to think about and hear about and watch on the TV.  I can't wait to watch the pageantry and the dresses and the pomp and ceremony that is sooooo British!

9. I am thankful for the Special Mutual Show.... Holly was a terrific Tulip....and I also enjoyed 4 other ward members:  Nick and Jake Carlson, Nick Uzelack and Paul Barnson.  It's a good reality check for me every year.  It gives me perspective of what's really important in our world.  It was so tender to watch Steve Carlson with his son, Jake...both being a frog....while the song I love you just the way you are  played.   Tears.

10.  I am thankful.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Good Times....

Remember that one time when Bryan Bowles took all of the chaperones on the choir trip to dinner at Pagliacci’s...in Victoria, British Columbia, and we all ordered Italian food............. and the restaurant was really noisy........... and Billy Joel’s Piano Man came on the speaker over head and Melinda, Larry and Laura started singing it softly at the table, and pretty soon all of the chaperones were singing and laughing and conducting with their forks....... and the other restaurant eaters were looking at us and the waitresses were smiling and  when we got to the chorus, Melinda shouted out to the entire restaurant...”everybody”....and Everybody  in the restaurant sang the chorus to Piano Man  with us, at the top of their lungs, swaying back and forth to the rhythm.....like in a movie...and then we all clapped and high fived as we got to the end...and then the wait staff wanted to know what else we wanted to sing.....so we all sang Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline ........ and some students, who were also there, videoed it and showed all of the other choir kids and they couldn’t believe their chaperones were being so crazy and having so much fun and none of them were even drunk.... and as we left the restaurant many patrons were sad to see their entertainment go...........remember?
Yeah.....?
 ..............Good times!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

IF I were setting an Easter table I would want it to look just like this one that I found on one of my fave sites.....House of Turquoise.  Ahhhhhhhhh .....I just want to live here for awhile.....and eat!  Happy Easter!

Friday, April 22, 2011

Signs of Spring

Spring is finally here!!!!
 I love driving around town seeing the blossoming trees, and many shades of green.  
I awoke to birds singing out my bedroom window the other morning... at 5:30......
Note to self:  get new windows.
I'm  dreaming of pedicures.
Sandals are on sale!
I love kicking Laila and her friends outside to play.
There are baseball sounds coming from the fields by my house.
Reese's Peanut Butter  eggs and Cadbury eggs are calling my name.
My calendar is filling up with spring sports and end of year recitals and school activities.
Spring is in the air!
With these thoughts filtering through my head, I knew it  was time for a really good shave.....  after all, I need to be able to wear shorter skirts, capris and sandals..... so I bought a new shaver.... a new blade after shaving or not shaving with the old one all winter.
The results:
 `
7 Bandaids later...............I am ready!

I love the bloody signs of spring.  (Good thing I'm not British)

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Egg-stravaganza




Our EGG-stravaganza family night was Egg-cellent!
The grandparents and Holly joined us for this Easter celebration.
We..........ate Ham and Potatoes, Mac salad, Fruit and Feta Salad.....and.....Hot Rolls!  Mmmmmmm
Then we had an indoor easter egg hunt because it was RAINING outside.  The eggs were filled with candy and questions...some lighter questions like.... "What's your favorite season?"  or  "What would you do if you had a million dollars?" (Holly would buy Steve Earkle DVD's....just so you know) ...........to some more spiritual type questions like..."Share your thoughts on the Atonement."  or "What does Joseph Smith mean to you?"  It was interesting and inspiring to hear the different answers as we shared around the family circle.  I feel so blessed to have my parents and Wayne's mom join with us on these family nights.  It's so good for my kids to hear their grandparent's testimonies and see what great examples they are of goodness in their daily lives.
We watched the Easter video messages found on LDS.org, then Wayne gave an inspiring mini lesson on Christ's ministry and the atonement.   HE is a good preacher.
Coloring Eggs and Frosting egg shaped sugar cookies topped off the evening.  The sugar cookies were a delish dessert!!


 As a parting gift... I made up the Easter M&M poem and put it together with bags filled with m&m's.
I found the poem on line..... I don't know who made it up originally.
"As you hold these candies in your hand,
and turn them, you will see
the "M" become a "W"
an "E" and then a "3"

They tell the Easter story~
I'm sure it's one you know
~It happened on the cross, 
a long, long time ago.

The "E" is for "Easter"
a time for us to ponder!
The "M" is for the miracles.
Jesus performed signs and wonders.
The "3" is for the third day
when Jesus rose again.
"W" is for worship
He cleansed all sin for men!

So, as you eat these candies
or share them with a friend,
Remember the meaning of Easter.
It's a love that never ends!”

Monday, April 18, 2011

Monson- Eagle Scout

My Monson received his Eagle Scout on Sunday.  It was great to be together and honor him.  
Monson presented his scout mentor pin to Eric Belnap

The sibs...Bre, Add, Mons, Lan, Lindz, Lai
 I tease that out of my 4 boys I have 2 Eagles and 2 Turkeys.......but I love them all the same.  My Turkeys did everything in the scouting program except their projects.  My Eagles did everything...and then were pestered so much, that with only days before their 18th birthdays, they finally finished their projects..    

As anyone will tell you .... I don't really like the whole scouting program.  I look forward to the day when the boys just do Duty to God..and there is no more scouting- merit badge - sitting in the Eagle's nest pressure.  
 I am proud of Monson for his follow through on this though.  Wayne was able to give Monson the "Eagle Charge."   I was able to share a few thoughts about my boy at the Court of Honor.
Monson with buddies..Jordan Bell, Morgan Willis and Jordan Parkinson
My talk:  When Monson was born, we took one look at this mischievous, smiley, red headed baby and knew we had our hands full.  4 boys will do that to you.  So we gave it some thought and, we  named him  after our prophet,  Thomas. S. Monson.  We hoped the name would serve him well through out his lifetime…..and be one that  he would want to honor.
Monson has had many other names………… 

When Monson was 3 he said his name was “Monson Cole Welch, Popsicle Boy Allsop.”  He spent many days sneaking into the popsicles at Jill Allsop’s freezer.

We called him Monster…..Brother Belnap still does.  Monson lived up to this, because he would growl, and tackle any one.  He is in our  family  folk lore for being a 1st grader and taking down a 3rd grader who was picking on Truman…Monson told the kid to “kiss the dirt.”   It was a proud brother moment.  He still likes to tackle—in football…..and growl at me when I ask him to pick up his room.

Another nickname Monson has is Money.  This was given to him by his little league coach, Russ Swanson.  It’s because Money…is the go to guy.  He is the money.  He will bring in the money…he will make the money play.  Monson loves athletics—he has played basketball, baseball, soccer,  wrestling……and especially loves football .  He loved taking the championship in 8th grade.. and he loved playing in the semi finals for football this past fall at Rice Eccles Stadium.  It was great to hear the announcer at BHS say….”Tackle made by Monson, Money Welch!”  He is off to Dixie to play down there, this fall…..and when he returns from his mission.  Monson is very competitive…..when he wants to be.   But….if he’s not going to be the winner…then he doesn’t even want to try…why be 2nd, he might as well be last.   

Another name that we give to Monson is White…he is a White personality, this is from the Color Code. He is the most like his father…This means he is silently stubborn, easy going, not too opinionated, empathetic, wants peace, loyal, a good listener.  All things that Monson is.

Monson is also called…Baby.  His brothers affectionately call him this, because he is the youngest  brother, but ironically…he could take them down at any point…not a baby at all.   

A name that I hope Monson takes on in the future is  Elder…as he becomes a missionary for our church.   He will be on a mission next time this year….to Idaho?      

The  most important name he can take on himself is Christ.  The scriptures tell us in Mosiah 5:8   “There is no other name given
whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take
upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the
covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your
lives.”
It’s been good to see Monson grow in his church callings, and leadership positions.  He magnifies and lifts.  He serves without complaint…why just today he had a 7:30 BYC meeting, 9- noon church, 2:00 ward choir practice, 5:00 Court of Honor and 8:00 mission prep meeting.  He is learning to work in the Lord’s kingdom.  As he does this, he will  continue to learn to be more and more like Christ and take on his name.

Tonight…we honor Monson with another name—he’s an Eagle.  This signifies  his commitment to service and  shows he is obedient to his father and  his leaders.  Monson is an Eagle Scout. 

I love you Monson… no matter what name you go by, I have your name written on my heart.

Melinda, G-pa Lyle, Monson, G-ma Sheri, G-ma Welch, Wayne

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Butchart Gardens.

Butchart Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia was SOOOOOOOOO Beautiful. 
 It was showing off it's Spring gorgeousness while we were there with the BHS  Choir Trip. 
Pink and White  blossoms on the trees and so many different shades of green-- you couldn't put a name to them all. 
 I can only imagine when all of the flowers are flowering in the summer.........and the fragrance  and the colors!!!!!!  Anyway....Butchart Gardens deserved it's own post.  
I took these pics with my little point and shoot.
SO gorgeous.... I thought I would use it as my blog header for a while.
        



At then end of this pathway is a hidden lake and fountain.  We-- Me, Laura and Lisa -- Gasped when we saw it.  


Monson and JBell on a distant hill.....



Part of the Japanese Garden.... I wish I could have taken more, but my batteries were shot.  
             Now I'm getting excited to wander through the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving point!  Some day my yard will look like this............if our garderner ever gets on the ball!!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

conversations, questions and comments

Laila:  I have been laying off the caffeine.  I haven't had a Dr. Pepper  for 3 months now...it's really helping my immune system.
_______________________________
Laila:  You have to get a job and work before you can play xbox...just like you have to eat your dinner before you can have dessert.
_______________________________
Laila:  ( Burp--)  That was just a Burp.  A Belch comes from your core.
Monson:  You are so weird.  Why is she so weird?
_______________________________
Wayne:  You need to atleast hide the cinnamon bears so it's a challenge for me to find them and I might burn off a few calories.
Me:  Okay...turn your head and I'll hide them.  ( As I stuff three in my mouth)
Wayne:  Maybe you should let me hide them...that way you won't know where they are and I'll forget where I put them.


Life at the Welch house.................

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Monson's Choir Trip 2011

The BHS Choir went to Seattle and Victoria, British Columbia during spring break.  We had a glorious time with great weather.  It was fun for me to share this experience with my Monson...and my BFF Laura.    This is my 7th choir trip in the past 8 years.  I have enjoyed them all...and I have even figured out how to survive hours and hours on a bus without my knees "screaming" at me.
Heading out on a "U" bus....Monson loved that.  It was cold in Utah...but Spring in Seattle and in Canada!

Choir ate at Bucca DiBeppo with the crazy Italian motif...
University of WASHINGTON workshop with Choir teacher...it was more like therapy.  THe blossoming trees were amazing.

Seattle Temple....with the Angel " Moronee" on top....that's what the tour guide called it.
Cathedral singing at St. Johns...it was big and beautiful and the sound was glorious

The View from the Space Needle was fabo....we watched the sunset.

Butchart Gardens in the spring with bulbs a blooming...and a surprise waterfall just around the bend.
Safeco Field was the real star of the night...the Mariners lost 14 to 1

Sining at St. Mary's cathedral.....great reverb.  I love watching my smiling son sing.

Team Canada jackets for the chaperones....we teased that we were on the olympic curling team.  No one believed it.  Lisa, Laura and I had a blast though.
Tilicum island with fresh salmon and a native american show.

Victoria--- Parliament building in British Columbia.   The kids sing on the steps and draw a crowd.

Music Project museum's Guitar Tornado sculpture, Parliament bldg at night...and the famous Nanaimo bar- a coconut and chocolate treat.

Singing on the Whirligig stage..."Lord I know I've been Changed"  "Nelly Bly"  "Every time I feel the Spirit"

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Book Review

I like to read and I read a lot.

On my nightstand I have the following books/mags:
The Sacred Sisterhood of Wonderful Wacky Women by Suzy Toronto
German Saints at War   by Freeman and Felt
Coastal Living Magazine
Of Pigs, pearls and prodigals  by John Bytheway
LDS Living Magazine
The Silence of God by Gale Sears
Happiness for Two by Alexandra Stoddard
The March-- Ensign
Kindle book....John Grisham's newest Novel....The Confession




I really enjoy human psychology type  books......The Color Code, 5 Love Languages, Energy Dressing.  The thoughts and truths  found in these books have helped me a lot.

I have been diving into Church books lately.

 I loved and highly recommend Gerald Lunds, Divine Signatures.   It has inspired me to look at my tender mercies more closely and to attend the temple more often.
My latest gospel read is

When Times are Tough
by John Bytheway
 This is an excellent short book that really got me thinking.
It features 5 scriptures that will help you get through almost anything.  Bro. Bytheway put these thoughts together after the Columbine shooting.   It also has 5 scriptures for marriage, for family relationships, for faith and for motivation.   It speaks to me about the power of the scriptures over self help books.  There is a power in the scriptures!

One thought that jumped out at me is creating a HOPE paper.  Writing down Scriptural references, hymn lyrics, excerpts from my patriarchal blessing, prophetic quotations that will buoy up my Faith.

Then............ If I ever need a little lift during the day I read through it.
__________________HOPE  SCRIPTURE SUGGESTIONS   ___________________
Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God. (Ether 12:4)

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.  Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.  (2Nephi 31:20)

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.  (Mark 11:24)

Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him, and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth.  (Mormon 9:21)

And after that he came, men also were saved by faith in his name, and by faith, they become the sons of God.  And as surely as Christ liveth he spake these words unto our fathers, saying.  Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you. (Moroni 7:26)

All flesh is in mine hands, be still and know that  I am God.  (D&C 101:16)

Be thou humble, and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers.  (D&C 112:10)

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.  (James 1:5)

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.  (Mark 9:23)
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.  (Matthew 19:26)

Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.  (D&C 123:17)

Therefore, be ye as wise as serpents and yet without sin, and I will order all things for your good, as fast as ye are able to receive them. (D&C 111:11)

Be not afraid, only believe.   (Mark 5:36)

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Winston


Monson got a stuffed ball-Bear for Christmas, during the White elephant- but no cheap crap- exchange. 
I thought he would be rolling his eyes and stashing this treasure in the next garbage can.
I was wrong.
 He was thrilled and immediately named his bear, Winston.  
Monson treats Winston like his own son.    
He seat belts him into his car............and...... 
 takes him to school..........
I'm sure his teachers are thrilled. 
 Monson assures me they all love it, and when Winston comes into the room he gets a holler...."Winston!"  (Just Like Norm from Cheers)
Apparently Winston is more popular than Monson.

Winston has participated in numerous photo shoots.
Winston likes to work out.
He is a "bear" around town.....picking up the Ladies
He gets sick and has to get his nose wiped.
                                                    Winston works on his homework.

The other night we sat down to dinner and Monson brought Winston over...got him a little plate and set him up on a stool at his side. 
 It was comical. 
 My big, tough, son helping out his stuffed animal. 

Winston even has his own Facebook page

He is going on the Choir trip too........ ( did you see my eye roll?)

_________________________________________________________
On a Non-Winston Note...........Laila continues to make me laugh.  My friend Annett reported a recent conversation exchange she had with Laila.

L:  Annett, will you get me a drink of water?
A:  Laila, You know where the cups are, you can do it yourself.
L:  Hey.............When did I stop being a guest?


Saturday, April 2, 2011

April Goal

I love the picture I am using for my  April  Blog Header.  Wayne took this picture almost 4 years ago on our family vacation to Hawaii.  The Sunsets  there were glorious.    I love the Sunsets in Bountiful too.  Sunsets have got to be one of my favorite things in nature.  It's the Lord reminding me to think heavenly thoughts.  
 _________________________

My March goal of being delightful was.............. good....
Being Delightful is really about choosing a positive attitude and keeping it even when things aren't so great. 
 It's always good to have some over riding thought/goal  to think about as I'm laying in bed going over my day. 
 "Was I successful?  Do I need to try harder?"  

Jan--  a health/weight goal
Feb--  28 days of Nice goal
March -- Delightful positive attitude goal
April --.it's going to be a spiritual one. 
 This entails................
 Going to go to the temple more.
Feasting on Conference
Scripture study
Doing my church calling better
Consistent Morning and evening prayer...
I am excited about APRIL!!!
_________________________

"Fear Not.  Be of Good Cheer. The Future is as Bright as Your Faith."  Pres. Monson

(Laila piped up during conference, "It's so great that our prophet has 3 first names, "Thomas, Spencer and Monson."  )

Friday, April 1, 2011

FOOLISH APRIL FOOLS

Who are these people ....and what are they doing?
                                Who are these people and why are they smiling so BIG!!!!!!






                                                                Who are these people?

FOOLISH APRIL FOOLS!!!