Thursday, May 31, 2018

Happy Addison-shine day.

What happened?
 I turned around and suddenly you’re older. 
It’s been 32 years since I held you for the first time and named you Addison-shine. You are every bit of who I had hoped you would be. 
You are kind. 
You are loving.
You are smart. 
You are gentle. 
You can create something amazing out of nothing. So imaginative. So inventive. 
You sing at the top of your lungs even if you don’t know the words.
 You laugh loud and tell a great story. 
You are a caring dad, husband and son. 
You have amazing hair. 
You are magical on stage and off. 
I'm so glad you were born.


 We celebrated Addison's birthday with an early dinner at Chile Amor before Addison and Bre had to go to Hale Center Theatre for a show and rehearsal and we took the kids to our home for baby sitting and a sleep over. 

Like father in a sombrero...Like Son.
Bre spoiled this boy with clothes, voice lessons a fun swim day with Alfie and Poppy at Crystal Hot Springs and then dinner at Chile Amor.  Addison said  he read some where , "You know that you made it when the things you are currently complaining about are the things you were previously dreaming about"....and he totally gets this.    Addison is "complaining" about performing Music Man on his Birthday, having too much art work to get to and so little time and teaching at CPT Academy.  All things which are blessings in his life. 

Monday, May 28, 2018

Memorial Weekend

It has been a rainy Memorial weekend.   We got to Tom's grave in Farmington after a huge rain/hail storm.  It was great to be together and see most of Wayne's siblings and their kids and their grandkids.    It's like we have been hibernating all winter and finally get to see each other again.   Wayne talked about the importance of remembering and how passing down memories and stories is so important.  Niece Becca Welch talked about how she doesn't remember Grandpa Welch, but she does know he collected pennies, and picked one up any time he saw one.  She has a penny jar in her locker at school and anytime she sees a penny she knows Grandpa Welch is thinking of her.  Many of her friends at school give her pennies too, because they know she collects them on behalf of Grandpa.  I thought this was so sweet.  
More rain on Monday so no Swim day.  Wayne and I opted for a 17 mile bike ride between the storms, then took the family that was around us to Tony burgers for lunch then off to the cemetery.  More rain so we huddled under the tree to keep out of it.    Alfie made the cutest hearts to put on all of his grandparents graves on the Welch and Briggs side.  It was a cute thing for his parents to have him do and he really "owned" this activity.    Alfie and Tayla ran and played around the tomb stones and I just sat quietly trying to feel my people.  It gets dimmer and dimmer.  They really were amazing and I hope to be half as good as them.   It really is sad to me that Marcie is in heaven and not here holding her family.  


I remember going to the Preston cemetery growing up and Dad would have us all lay down by the tombstones to see if we fit, just in case it was our turn next.  I of course, did this with my kids and now I'm doing it with the grandkids.    It's a family tradition.
  I really am blessed to have the family that I do.....and the parents that I did.  I'm remembering..... I'm remembering.... I can see God's hand at work in my families lives past and present.  I can see how he has shaped us and continues to teach us to love and be kind and reach out to the one and help those in need and be accepting.  All good things.

“Remember” is used 167 times in the Bible reminding us of the importance of remembering. We see it both in the Old Testament and the New. Usually, it has to do with remembering events in order to remember that God was at work in the midst of those events."

We watched the Disney movie Coco today.  It really is the perfect 
Memorial day movie.  The theme song is "Remember Me"   here are the lyrics  

Though I have to say goodbye
Remember me
Don't let it make you cry
For ever if I'm far away
I hold you in my heart
I sing a secret song to you
Each night we are apart
Remember me
Though I have to travel far
Remember me
Each time you hear a sad guitar
Know that I’m with you
The only way that I can be
Until you’re in my arms again
Remember me
Poppy was all smiles and matched her dad so I had to get a pic between the rain drops.

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Be of good Cheer- May retreat


Back row:  Si, Dixie, Tammy, Karen Nickl, Kim, Connie, Lisa, Kathleen   Front row:  Melinda, Angela, Nan

My May Soul Sisters retreat is over and it was a beautiful gathering..  I’ve learned to turn this event over to the Lord and who ever comes or what happens at the retreat is His.  There is less worry and manipulation on my part and it brings me more peace as I move toward the unknown of will the ladies show up? Will they participate? Will they get along?  Will all of the “right “ things be said… Anyway, it was AWESOME.  There were 12 of us ( a last minute cancellation, that didn’t even bother me)  and it was the perfect amount for  our airbnb home.  The setting was the Dimple Dell , Sandy Utah area with open land and gorgeous mountains .  We found great walking trails each morning.

Kathleen Newman was my right hand woman…and she does such a great job making everything look just perfect.  She is a great cook and has energy for the set up and clean up part as well.  She is exceptional.  That was the word used to describe her by the other women of the retreat, over and over and it totally fits her. 


My sister Angela came  with a friend Connie Holt .  They shared a room and they have quite a lot in common.  Both married older , divorced men with 3 and 2 boys respectively.   They are strong  Red personalities with #4 energy dressing.   Angela is great at remembering my stories, so then I can tell them.  Connie is wise in her responses and a scriptorian. 

Lisa Anderson, Laura Belnaps little sister, came all the way down from Smithfield.  Lisa has had a difficult year with her husband’s health and her mom’s deteriorating health..daughter married, son moved out… So empty nest syndrome is big in her life.


My awesome friends, Si Foster, Kim Johnston came.  Both introverts who don’t like gatherings with new people..but both did great at being open and loving to all.



Nan Bruske, Jill Allsop and Carole Brown from my home ward all supported…and needed to be here for different reasons.  They were all so happy to have spent the time.


Tammy Siebert , who came to the Feb retreat came again to this one, with a different friend Dixie Munsee . Both from Mt. Green.  Both just wanting to connect, not knowing anyone else.  Such lovely women, with so much to give and so much wisdom.

Thursday night was all about great Plates and Palates salads, home made coconut cake and sharing a story.  Everyone had atleast 5 minutes to share anything they wanted, some told how they met their husband, some gave a brief run down on their life and kids, some told a lesson learned,  what their own mother was like- good or bad or a difficult time.  I shared about the power of music and that it speaks to me.  Hymns come alive and say the exact things that I need to hear and it feels like Heavenly Father is communicating to me.   I talked about when my sons came out, and how Hymns lifted me .   We laughed a lot and cried some.  It’s good to be vulnerable and this time really does become sacred.

Friday morning up for an 8:00 walk in gorgeous weather, for those who wanted to.  Others slept a bit more, or got ready for their day.  We had a wonderful sausage egg burrito breakfast with salsa, guacamole and fruit.  Plus a little sweet roll on the side.  Kathleen made it all look gorgeous.  
My friend who was coming up to teach about YOGA and it’s benefits and what it has done for her in her life, couldn’t come up at the last minute, so I took over this task.   Good thing I started my at home yoga practice in March , so I had something to talk about and refer to.  I gave everyone yoga mats and we moved furniture and all talked about the benefits of stretching and balance as we get older and how valuable Yoga is.  Then I let them to Yoga with Adrienne a popular Youtube channel, and we went through a guided beginners practice. 

Lunch time was Healthy snack ideas led by healthy Kathleen.  She is an over achiever and has fun playing in the kitchen with her girls, so she brought frozen grapes, dates with pecans, made banana- berry ice cream, hummus, edamame, roasted chick-peas, home made lara bar, protein balls,  more protein balls, a chocolate chia pudding, and avocado toast.  Everyone tried and got food on their plate, then we all settled in for our speaker.  We also talked about making every day not so every day by dedicating some task to the Lord... having it be your time to commune with Him.  I had Addison Calligraphy up a favorite scripture... "This is the day which the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."



Karen Nickl came and told all about the psychology of   happiness and how we can actually change our body chemistry by working on  10 things:  Medication when necessary, eating fresh, exercise, sunlight, music, socialize, talk therapy, laughter, power pose, thought stopping, prayer/meditation and find a passion.  She is always excellent and I was amazed at some of the insights I had while she spoke.  I really liked the thought stopping techniques and prayer parts.   A big take away for all of us was the thought of being “hot and Happy.”

Karen was gracious and hung around after to field more questions and expand on some of her points.  It was so interesting and eye opening.

Next….Game playing, visiting, helping with meals…all good things.
We had a dinner of marinated chicken, roasted veggies and an apple- pear salad from Si’s blog. Si brought her tried and true chocolate chip cookies as our dessert.  They were a hit! 





Holly Reid was up next with her Ubuntu presentation  I am- because we are.  Which is basically that we are all in this together so we  need to love and support each other.  HELP each other, speak kindly about and lift and serve one another. Holly went all out with bracelets, pictures and an Ubuntu stick to inspire us all to use the saying, “I am….” In positive ways.   We circled up on the rug and took an all feet in the middle picture like the one taken with the African children.  It was beautiful.
We told funny stories and had a belly laugh or twenty…then couldn’t leave each other but kept talking and using all of words, then we crashed at midnight.
One more sleep , an early walk, breakfast of yogurt parfaits, fruit  and bagels with home made flavored cream cheese rounded out the meal.  We had a final recap of what everyone’s take away would be.  My cup is filled. 
























Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Laila Day

"Once there were two women who didn't know each other.
One you now call birth mom, the other you call mother.
Two different lives came together to make yours one.
One became your guiding star, the other became your sun.
The first gave you life, and the second taught you to live in it.
The first gave you a heart for love, the second showed you how to give it.
One gave you a nationality, the other gave you a name.
One gave you the seed of talent, the other gave you an aim.
One gave you emotions, the other calmed your fears.
One gave you your smile, the other dried your tears.
One of them placed you up--it's what was best to do.
The other prayed for a child of God led her straight to you.
Heredity or environment - which are you a product of?
Neither, my darling, neither. Just two perfect kinds of love."

Monday, May 14, 2018

Mother's Day 2018


Well.. Mother's Day came and went and buying my own presents and setting my expectations low continues to be a great recipe for this day.    Wayne got me a face resurfacing to get rid of my brown sun spots and this cute new top...that you see in the pictures.... a garden wind object d'art, and more skin stuff.  Laila got me some handmade grapefruit smelling bath bombs, that a co worker of hers put together.  I  received a cute wall saying from Monson and Lexi , and Add and Bre gave me a fun book  with quotes and stories by famous women and a dish towel.  Plus I got all sorts of handmade cards.  My favorite!   I talked to Truman on the phone and Landon and Alex on the phone.   The Buzelli's are in London and will catch up to me later.    We had dinner together and then the mandatory take a picture with me time.     This way, If I die tomorrow..or they die tomorrow we have an updated pic!!!
 I love these grand kids of mine.  This pic really shows each of their personalities.   We have Tayla and Lady moving into our home for the next 5 months and it will be great to be around them more.  Poppy with her open mouth smile and personality continues to shine.  Alfie...is a funny face hoot!
 I'm so proud of  my bonus daughter Bre.  She was inspired to start PepperFox photo and it's really sustained their family and made it possible for her and Addison to do shows and art and all of the things they love.  Plus they have no child care and a lot of time spent with their kids.  She is smart and innovative and beautiful inside and out.
 My Addison-shine is a delight. He is tearing it up at Harold Hill in the Music Man at Hale Center.  I love watching him perform.  He is also a hands on dad and I love watching him in this role as well.   He is so imaginative and does beautiful, creative art work for so many people.  He is working on his second book.
 My Laila is an angel.  She is busy finishing up school, hopefully with straight A's again this term, and working atleast 3 nights a week at Chick- fil-a.  She dates a lot and helps so many people as a friend and listening ear.
 My Monson - with the red beard- wrote me a beautiful Mother's day poem.  He continues to write his rap music and actually has produced one official "beat."  He supports his family and works hard at VISA so he can enjoy his hobbies.
 This girl is growing into her role as Mother- superbly.  She loves her girls and would do anything for them...a total mama bear.  I'm grateful for this bonus daughter Lexi  and what she teaches me.  I'm looking forward to having her little family in my home for the next 5 months.
 My Wayne is my rock.  I'm so grateful to go through this life together.
 ...and he's a great YSA Bishop
 Wanee is the real deal as Mothers go.  Never a Mother in Law...always a Mother.  She loves and supports and listens to and encourages me and all of my kids.  She makes them all feel special.  I love her gentle ways.  Such an inspiration.   I'm so happy she is still with us.


Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Sharing Sheri



Mom died five years ago. Some days the loss  feels far far away  and other days it punches me in the gut. But I have decided it’s okay to grieve. It’s the last way we get to love people. It wouldn’t hurt so much if we didn’t love so much.  I’ll always love my mom.   Today is her birthday  To honor her  we are doing “Sharing Sheri” -13 days filled with random acts of kindness.   Send a kind text, hold a door open, bring in garbage cans, call some one and reconnect ... you get the idea. We will celebrate between mom’s birthday May 9 and her death day May 21.   
Please join us— all are welcome for that’s  how mom always wanted it.  The more the merrier. 
This quote reminds me of her:  
“There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone the light remains. “ 

Monday, May 7, 2018

May catch up

We got to see Addison again as Harold Hill in The Music Man at Hale Center. HE does a great job.  It was fun to be there with Adam and Christine, and cousin Cindy Sweeten.   I will see it four times before he is through.


This little Lady is doing great.  She is 4 months old  and she  eats and sleeps like a champ and is the best no fuss baby.  Her dimples and personality are to die for and Adelaide is just a sweetie.  She is a real cross between her dad and mom.  Her sister Tayla adores her.  Tayla is speaking more and more.

 Laila got to attend Prom #2 with her good friend Alex Evans.  Laila met Alex last summer when the cheerleaders were assigned an SBO to make sophomore visits with.  Alex is really nice to Laila and actually has a crush on her, Laila just likes Alex as a friend, so it's been hard to juggle that.  Alex wanted to take Laila to Prom but she got asked to Bountiful's before he could, so he asked her to Davis High's and they got a Davis ID and crashed the Prom.   It was fun for her.  She got to see cousins Savannah, and Abby there as well. 
 We celebrated Lexi's and Sophia's birthdays on Cinco De Mayo...with out Mexican food, because the Brazilians just don't like spicy food.  We went to a steak house instead.  Lexi is a wonderful mother and is busy getting her and Monson's Spanish Fork house ready to sell.  They have put money down on a new build in Saratoga Springs so they can be closer to Monson's work and a little bit closer to all of us.    Sophia is a wonderful 9 year old...so full of spunk and energy.  We got to see her and Andrew perform in their Musical theatre class on her birthday.  She loved that we were all there clapping for her.   Sophia is very bright in school and makes friends easily.  She speaks two languages...fluently. 
 Monson adores his little Lady.  When he is home you can find Lady in his arms. HE's a very attentive father.
Landon and Alex get to spend some Scotland- Sharkey time then they are off to Paris and London. We are so happy they were able to get away together on a much needed vacation.   We love the Sharkeys and the Gilardi families so much and can't believe what a blessing it is to know them...all thanks to mom and dad serving their Scottish mission.  The ripple effect continues to move in our lives.