Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Interview with Myself


1. What did you do in 2014 that you’d never done before? Traveled to Michigan to see Monson's mission and attend a summer BBQ Wedding shower for Monson and Lexi. We got to meet Lexi's loving family.  Also.........Traveled to upstate New York to see the Hill Cumorah Pageant.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?  My resolution was to wear my seat belt in the car-EVERYTIME... and I did that. It was also to have more courage and talk about and face hard things.  I like resolutions...so I will do it again this year, and every year.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?  Add and Bre on Jan. 15th.  We have our first Grandbaby boy Alfred Lyle Welch in our lives and he is a joy! 
4. Did anyone close to you die? Yes...Grandma Ruth Bentley on Dec. 26th. She was 93. She was always so loving and kind to me.  She attended many of my shows and knew how to hold a hand tightly and really listen.
5. What countries did you visit?  none...Does Disney Epcot count?
6. What would you like to have in 2015 that you lacked in 2014?  More patience with Laila
7. What dates from 2014 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Jan. 1st--Elder Monson Welch returning from his Michigan Mission.  Nov. 21st...the day Monson and Lexi got married.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?  Being in 3 shows... haven't done that in a long time.  It felt so good  to do Sound of Music, 9 to 5, and 5 Carols.
9. What was your biggest failure?  crashing my YELOCAR... I left it in drive and got out of it and it rolled across the street and crashed into the neighbors garage.  Yikes. Good thing we have insurance.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?  Not really.  A pulled achilles that kept me from riding my bike for all of  June.
11. What was the best thing you bought?  a new Iphone 6 plus... I can finally see my texts and Instagram pics.  The screen is so big it's beautiful.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Laura Belnap for having the guts to run for State School Board and then actually winning the race.  She is a mover and a shaker and I'm proud to be her friend. Wayne for finishing his BearPA-200 mile bike ride in 2 days from Bear Lake to Park City.  It was really grueling, and took time to train and determination and grit to go up Mount Baldy....but he did it!  
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?  Alex's ex-wife.  She is bitter and confused and spouts poison to her children.
14. Where did most of your money go?  Home, food, cars
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Having our grandbaby move back into state..and being with us more. Monson and Lexi getting married!
16. What song will always remind you of 2014?  John Legend's All of Me
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? happier    b) thinner or fatter?  same    c) richer or poorer? same
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?  Painting.  I lost my muse..and mom supporter so it was hard to want to go down to the paint room and paint.  But I'm recommitted to this pursuit.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Time spent in the hospital /care center with my dad.  That doesn't sound exactly right.  I wish he wasn't there either.
20. How did you spend Christmas? With  almost the whole family having a sleepover at our house, wearing matching PJ's, eating good food and making music videos.  Just missed our little Andrew and Sophia. 
21. Did you fall in love in 2014?  Yes with Alfie!  
22. What was your favorite TV program? White Collar, Brooklyn 99, Parenthood
23. Do you dislike anyone now that you didn’t this time last year? no.....vandals, terrorists, mean people.
24. What was the best book you read?  The Lincoln Hypothesis.  Such an interesting theory that could have really happened.  End of your life Book Club--so many books recommended and such a sweet story of a guy who's  mom is dying of cancer. I could relate.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?  I really do like Taylor Swift.
26. What did you want and get?  A new mattress 
27. What did you want and not get? to go to NYC with my girlfriends...and it all got cancelled and put on the back burner.  
28. What was your favorite films of this year?  100 Foot Journey, Gaurdian's of the Galaxy, The Good Lie, Into the Woods (except for Johnny Depp and his costume)
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? 52 years, and we went to Palmyra NY to see the pageant that Add, Bre and Alf were in and to go to the Scared Grove for my first time ever!
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?  a million dollars... I put this down every year.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2014?  Just trying to fit in what's in my closet.  I lost weight and gained weight....what I seem to do every year.
32. What kept you sane?  Going to the Temple.  I love doing initiatories!
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?  Chris Pine... the Prince in Into the Woods.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?  The rioting that took place because of police brutality across the country, but especially in Fergason, Missouri.
35. Who did you miss?  My mom of course.
36. Who was the best new person you met?  Lexi Jewell...met her in January, and she became a part of our family in November. 
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2014.   Action cures fear.  I have known this, but it was manifested to me again this year as I spoke, shared my thoughts and supported my  gay family members and friends and gay marriage.  Also.......My little girl is growing up and it's hard to know boundaries, and what she likes and dislikes now...and how to support and talk to her.  Need to keep working on this relationship and make it a priority.
38. What are you looking forward to in 2015? Family cruise to the Western Carribean  in 18 days!!
39.  What else?  Making more travel plans...and memories.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Let Life Unfold

This has been my year of courage.  It's been my word that I focus on.  My mantra.
I wanted to have the courage to face and talk about tough things.
I wanted to have the courage to be strong for my dad and help him through his remaining time.
I wanted to have the courage to stand up for what is truth.
I wanted to have the courage to be a more open, loving person.
I wanted to have the courage to face my fears and take on new challenges.
I wanted to have the courage to try new things.. and to say no to other things.
I wanted to have the courage to have the difficult conversations.

Monday, December 29, 2014

Monson's 1st Happy Day

This was my first glimpse OF Monson.... the flash in the camera didn't work, so we got this great pic..all arms and legs and ready to TAKE on his world
The boys were so excited to have a new baby brother.  Truman just keeps kissing his head, he doesn't know what else to do.  Monson is named after Pres. Thomas S. Monson.  The boys came to the hospital just minutes after Monson was born, thanks to Grandma Sheri.
Monson's birth story (recorded Jan 1993):
Monson was an easy baby to have--easiest yet.  We checked in the hospital and we were started by 9:30am.  I never really felt a hard contraction.  Infact the monitor never really registered any.  I received my epidural anyway, just in case.  By 12:00, I pushed twice and out he came.  Dr. Doucette lay him on my belly and I got to wipe him off and keep him crying while Wayne cut the umbilical cord.  The baby was crying and I was crying and Wayne was crying and mom was crying and Grandma was crying.  It was all very exciting!  I had no stitiches, nothing, and really felt better than ever by the next day.
Grandma Sheri and Great Grandma Butters were in on the birth and boy was it ever special.  Really spiritual, it amazes me every time.  I am filled with the wonder of God's everlasting love and his infinite plan.
I got to share a hospital room with Tami Welch Madsen.  (Wayne's sister) That was neat too.  Tami was having her first son and I was having my last.  The two boys are almost exactly 12 hours apart born on the same day.  The nurses couldn't believe that we were sister in laws and we wanted to share a room.  It was great!  I really have such great love for Tami and Rob--they will always hold a special place in my heart. 
Wayne looking like a DAD IN 1992
Grtandma Welch who is a twin...finally had "twin" boys...Tyler and Monson...they shared a lot, including red hair and reflux.
Monson has had a whirlwind year!  He came home from his 2 year mission.  Dated, engaged and married his Lexi Jewell.  Started his College years...and a "real" job as runner at a law firm.  He is a rock in the gospel..and always sweet to his mom.  I love this GUY!   Oh Happy day...Money is 22!




Friday, December 26, 2014

Christmas Morn



This was the year for pajamas. We got matching ones for the girls and matching ones for the boys because we were having a big family sleep over Christmas eve night. We were all going to sleep in until Alfie woke up, but he woke up pretty early so we were opening presents by about 8:30.
Laila and Alfie burst into the living room breaking the wrapping paper open. Alfie didn't like it too much. But he was excited to see toys on the other side.

It was fun announcing the cruise that we're going on to Ft Lauderdale, Cancun, Grand Cayman and the Florida keys as a whole family Jan 18-24. They all were so excited about it. 
We all got wonderful presents but it was just good being together. 


I got the big Guatemalan  bag I wanted and an amazing watercolor print that Addison did of all the family. 
Alfie got many cars including a remote  control one from or for poppa  Wayne. His favorite gift was probably the giant giraffe pillow pet stuffed animal that is bigger than him.

Alex and Landin treated us all to Mexican Hot chocolate !

One of the highlights of the morning  was our Christmas dance wars that Tru put together. We drew teams and music then we had to do choreography and videotape what we came up. It was a hoot. 


Thursday, December 25, 2014

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Annual Jingle Cole Bowl

We had Christine, Adam, Jenna, Rachel, Becca, Casey, Fernando
Preston, Paula, Tru, Alf, Landin, Addison
Angela, Bre, Wayne and Laila 
Landon and Momma Melinda just cuddled and played with this little guy while the others bowled 
Addina, Aunt Laura, Breyonce, Whayne and Skiggles all bowled beautifully. We like to make up new bowling names to help us bowl better. The best throw down the alley was Laila going into the splits while her ball sailed down and got a Strike!  We all cheered 

It's a Wonderful Life

I just watched It's A Wonderful Life  for the umpteenth time...and fell in love with this movie all over again.  It just speaks to me and tugs at my heart each year.  It's my favorite. Christmas movie.
I appreciate the ordinariness of it.
I can relate to the family life, struggles and putting off what you think you want.
I get the sacrifice made for others....and where true happiness is found.
Here are some things I like about it:
I love how the movie starts with prayers going up to heaven on someone else's behalf.  All of the prayers are from players in George's story...all people who care about him....worry about him...pray for him.

I appreciate how upbeat George is...most of his life.  He looks at the sunny side of his situations and doesn't grumble, but is practical and postive.  He sees a need and fills it, everytime, putting his own wants on the back burner. 

When George and Mary get married on a rainy day...as they drive out of town, there is a run on the bank, and I yell at them, "to keep driving....Don't turn around....Stay in your car"...but George gets out every time, and helps every demanding person. George gives out his own honeymoon money to keep the people happy. He asks them to take just what they need but many are angry and are demanding all of their money. A woman finally understands how to help and asks only for $17.50. George reaches across the counter, grabs her and kisses her forehead. George makes it through that day and is so happy when he has only 2 dollars left as he dances and sings it into the vault.
A couple of scenes make me cry every time.... when George is falling apart and yelling at his kids...he goes over and destroys his model bridge and work area in a fit of rage...then turns around in horror and sees what he has done, and the scared looks and tears on his children's faces and he apologizes to them all.   And when George is crying and praying at the bar it's just so heart wrenching. 
 
And then there's the end when everyone comes in and gives what money they have to "save" a friend, because beautiful, Mary, the patient, practical, supportive wife  puts out the call that George is in trouble.  

The message of the movie is pretty obvious.  It's actually written down in the book that is placed on the money pile in the end.........it's not hard to miss.
"Dear George, remember no man is a failure who has friends." - Clarence
What a wonderful message and one all of us need to continue to remember.  To have a friend you have to be a friend.

I feel so blessed for my Wonderful LIfe.  I'm so grateful I married my best friend.  I'm so grateful to have so many sister friends, and couple friends, theatre friends and ward friends and family as friends who love on me,  care about me ....and who pray for me.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Christmas activity round up

This week has been a whirlwind of Christmas fun!!!
We trekked to see the lights at Temple Square for family night.  We were waiting for the snow to come, because it just makes it that much more magical, but alas, we are still in no snowville.  Lexi was a good sport and came even with her bronchitis and lack of breathing ability...and Monson walked around almost shoeless because of his burned top of his foot. We ended up at Hire's for rootbeer, fries and burgers.

We took the kids to see Juanito Bandito's Chrismas Carol.  It was so funny.  We love the schtik and improv in this show. All on stage are so talented and it's just low brow humor...but we love it!  

Welch Family Pajama Party at Terry and Cyrrena's home.  We had Breakfast then did a drawing for prizes for those who came in their jammies.

We played bingo with breakfast cereal for prizes and then acted out, read scripture and sange hymns for the Nativity.  This was Alfie's year to be a baby Jesus!

 Holly and Wanee came in twin jammies.

I got these Rudolph pj's for Wayne, but they were too little, so I ended up wearing them.  Now we have a Santa outfit and a Rudolph one.... who know's what "reindeer games" we can play?!?


Thursday, December 18, 2014

a year later....

It's been one year since my family was turned upside down with Truman's "I'm gay" announcement.
We were blind sided by this, having not seen any "clues" along the way.
So a year later we have reached a new normal and this is what I know....
I know I love my Tru and all of my children...no matter what
I know I'm a momma bear and I'll protect and stand up for my boys!
I know day to day family life is pretty much the same
I know I find peace and added amounts of love by going to the temple
I know I will be okay when Tru starts bringing a boyfriend around
I know having children who are gay gets easier and easier to talk about
I know God is good and merciful to all of his children...no matter the sexual orientation
I know LDS church meetings are not equipped to take in gay members....yet
I know my Wayne is the best husband and father and I'm so happy to be going through life with him.
I know my faith has it's ups and downs...but I would rather be in the church than out...and I'm all in.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Cookie Exchange -3


We had a delicious holiday cookie exchange. 21 different cookies were shared along with a lot of gabbing and friendship.  
Si and Di helped a ton with a wonderful salad and hot homemade rolls. Such great friends 
This years cookie makers were Kathleen Newman, Jessica Barlow, Angie Smith, Christina Barlow, Amber Crane, Mel Evans , Jo Cash, Diane Lake, Si, Me, Joanne Murdock, Nan Briske, Cindy Brown, Candy Madsen and daughter Dani, Sarah Porter, Karen Smith, Barbara Schwartz, Jill Allsop and Peggy Rinehart
We enjoyed Cookies of every type and had enough left over to share with neighbors.  

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Andrew turns 8!



 We Celebrated Andrew's 8th birthday with a fun party  including a clown who performed tricks and made all kinds of balloons for the kids. Andrew was in heaven!  We all went out to support.  Andrew was his loving, kind, grateful self.  What a sweet boy.  He is really in to legos right now and also got a new bike!   His Grandma Sonia did all of the traditional Brazilian food including a Bolo Salgado...  a salty cake which is really chicken salad on white bread covered in cold mashed potatoes and dressed up with veggies on top to look like a real cake.  It was delicious.   As per Brazilian tradition the birthday boy gives the first slice of cake to someone special in his life and akes a wish...well we didn't know this...and Tia Bre kept telling him,"no you eat it.. it's yours." Andrew was pretty sad that Bre didn't take his cake.  She didn't know. Next year we will have to be reminded of this sweet tradition.  
 





Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Neighbor gifts.

I was teasing Wayne that this year for a neighbor gift I was thinking of a pack of straws with a cute note that says..."Hope your holidays don't suck!"   Wayne said NO.   Or I was thinking a Water bottle with a note that says... "Water you doing for Chrismas...Hope it's merry!"  I know.....LAME.

Neighbor gifrs are kind of a funny thing.  We live around these people.  We wave in our driveways and shout hello when we are coming and going.  We watch over houses when they are on vacations. We borrow an egg or  take out their garbage can.  We see some of them at church.  We wonder what is happening when there are police cars parked  out front, or an ambulance. We have summer get togethers...sometimes. But we always give Christmas neighbor gifts.  Or atleast Wayne and I have since we moved here 24 years ago.
Some years we are more clever than others....along with the obvious cookies and treat plates, we have also given extensions cords and a note... "Extending you a happy holiday. "  Sparkle brand Paper towels..."Hope your holidays Sparkle."   2 litre of Sprite..."May your days be merry and Sprite."  Box of tissues..."We tissue a merry Christmas."  These are just a few that come to mind.  We just want to give a little su'em su'em that shows we appreciate living around good people like you.
Anyway.... I know that these are looked at, used up, eaten...the notes quickly discarded.   It's all good. Well.... Wayne went over to help our single, elderly neighbor and to his surprise and mine, found many of our neighbor gift notes over the years, lined up on his counter.  He keeps these and is appreciative that we think of him each year.  Who knew?  Don't take for granted the little things we do for other people.  It could make someone's day.   Love on everyone....you never know.

So this year we are giving out toilet paper rolls dressed like a snowman. The nite says "something to use, something to share. So bottoms up, Just cuz we care"

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Christmas Soap Box


I love this time of year.  I love that Thanksgiving gets our minds and hearts in a grateful spot so we can welcome  in the Christmas season, and it’s wonderful that it is a Season and not just a Day.
 I’ve been on my soap box lately about getting Christmas to be “The favorite“ holiday again.  It seems to have lost its place and I think ol’ Lucifer is pretty happy about this.  Too much commercialization, too many trappings to occupy us, to much money spent, too many cranky crowds…..   I think Satan rejoices when he hears.. “Ugh, Christmas again?”  or “What’s the big deal about Christmas?” or even, "I hate Christmas"  Many people say Thanksgiving is their favorite holiday now because there are not worrisome gifts involved.  We eat, we thank.    Or Halloween is  for the younger set because it’s just costumes, candy and fun.   Don’t get me wrong, I love these two Holidays…but really they are kind of selfish holidays, because we don’t have to reach out and think of others at all.  Christmas is really the only one that begs us to be more Christ like.   This does take some effort.  It takes moving away from the “natural” man and moving toward spirituality .  
Christmas should be the favorite because it celebrates the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ and all that is wrapped up in that….love, charity, faith, the atonement …..it’s so, so important.
 I don’t want to be caught up in the material side and get all worked up and worried about enough gifts or are the decorations just right or any other natural man stuff.  I don’t want to buy into the commercialization of it.    I just want to be in a heightened  spirit of generosity, togetherness and love…that’s why it’s wonderful that it is a Season and not just a Day.

 So …I will get off my soap box now and enjoy

I adore this painting of the nativity by Brian Kershisnik so much. I know Angels are all about us and we were the Angels on this wonderful night over 2000 years ago.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

5 things I am loving right now.......

I am loving this quote by Pres. Monson...


I am loving my 5 Carols for Christmas  time....but it is different this go around.  The Midvale venue is less than perfect, and the Jacks show is "interesting",  but the time I get to spend on stage and off with my ladies is wonderful. My character, Ms. Q., is like me in so many ways....she has disappointments in her life but just keeps going putting on the show...staying positive...and she looks a lot like me too.
 I love the message of this show..."Christmas isn't about perfection, if anything it's about imperfection...it's about letting the people around you know that you love them whether they're perfect or not.   It's about  picking others up when they fall and being able to laugh at our own foibles and follies."
 I am really looking forward to sharing the stage with Bre this weekend when she takes over the Kitty part for Julie Blatter.  Bre is a star and can just do any part in this show. This will be the first time we get to share the stage.
I am loving my  Christmas decorations.  I paired down the decorations last year and it felt so good.  I love my simple tree with Jesus quotes from my sweet friend Paula Carlson placed on it.  I love all of my nativities...even the broken ones. I still keep my older, sentimental ornaments and decorations, and I enjoy opening up the boxes and lookng at, handling, and remembering past Christmases, but I don't feel the need  to get all of my stuff out. I am going to put a smaller tree in the family room this year with all of the old "kid" ornaments on it.  I will put it up on a table so Alfie can't get to it...and speaking of Alfie......

I am loving this little guys hair.....and really just all of him!

I am loving this Duck Dynasty app that puts a beard on just about anything....we all look like we are ready to be in the next Hobbit movie.