{Any Profound Wisdom & Advice}

Lucky me, I get the privilege (are you sensing a bit of sarcasm here?) of speaking in Sacrament meeting this Sunday, with the Primary Presidency. I thought since I was called to the presidency a good 4-5 months after everyone else, I would have missed out on this opportunity, but I guess not. I would also think since I just spoke after Girls Camp in June, they might not want to hear from me again, guess that isn't the case either? So, I'm pleading for help here. Our topic is "The Importance of Teaching Gospel Principals in the Home". They specifically mentioned Family Home Evening, but for me I'm thinking more along the lines of teaching by example (I'm not saying I'm good at this, but I do think it's important), I also thought I may add music in, or maybe not? Do any of you have any great scriptures, talks, stories, ect. to help me out? I have thoughts bouncing around in my head, but so far I can't put them all together coherently....I know you are all surprised at that!

{Crazy Week & Tagged}

What a week! I don't feel like I've had a chance to stop and even breathe. I truly don't remember Monday and Tuesday, it feels like SO long ago. Wednesday Lis and I ran to Ephraim for eye appointments, did a quick Wal-mart run and hurried home in time to pick up the boys from tumbling. Thursday we headed to Spanish Fork to Grandma Neva's funeral. So many great tributes and memories of a special lady, but it turned into a long day. Friday was a much needed haircut, a Scout meeting for moms and the Homecoming football game. Saturday, conference and running kids around. I'm feeling like I haven't been home for ages and well, it shows. My house is messy/cluttery and I don't think there are many clean clothes to be found. I need a few extra hours, actually a few extra days to play catch up, but instead I'm sitting at the computer rambling on and on? My cousin Kristen tagged me a few weeks ago and I'm finally getting to it.

3 Joys

• My Family~ Pretty standard answer I know, but though I may complain and take them for granted, I really don't know what I'd do without them. They are my life!
• The Gospel~ Sundays are my most and least favorite day of the week~ They are exhausting, frustrating and hard, but also, fulfilling and replenishing and I KNOW it's the right thing to do, for all of us.
• 11:00 Coke runs with my sis! Sad, but true, I look forward to this everyday.

3 Fears

• Something happening to any of my loved ones, but Derrick and my kids especially. I truly don't know how I would get through that.
• Water....especially water on my face. I don't know if this is a fear, or more of a phobia. I am slowly getting better about this, I do have to say.
• The giant wolf spiders that we keep finding around my house. The worst was the one last year that had at least 100 babies on it's back! As much as it sicked me out, it was fascinating at the same time.

3 Goals

• Get out of debt and have some savings~ I know our debt is nothing compared to most, but I would love for it to be gone. Then I could concentrate on building up some savings.
• Food Storage~ I feel like I always jump on the bandwagon late, but better late than never right?
• Raising my kids right~ Having my boys go on missions and someday having all my family with me in the Temple!

3 Current obsessions/collections

• Stampin' Up! stamps~ I don't know why I keep buying more and more, I don't use the ones I have as much as I should?
• Dove chocolate with Almonds.... I really must stop eating these, it's starting to show!
• Buttons~ I love buttons; old, new, funky, fun....bring them on!

3 Random Surprising Facts

• I love to host things at my house~ Baby showers, Bunko, etc.... I totally stress, but I really enjoy playing hostess.
• I'm funny about food~I hate my food to touch, plus I'm really weird about texture....white bread, too squishy- avocados, slimy, green and mushy (my list could go on and on). I know, weird?
• I had an appointment to get a tattoo, but I found out I was pregnant with Brock and they wouldn't do it.

I'm not tagging anyone, if you want to do it go for it!

{What a Special Lady....}

Monday morning my sweet Great-Grandma Neva passed away. I'm feeling guilty for all the times I drove past Spanish Fork and didn't stop. I'm feeling happy for her to get be with my Grandpa again. I'm feeling grateful that she loved us as her own, and for the wonderful memories of her that I will cherish. There are many words I can think of that describe Grandma Neva, but the one that stands out is SPUNKY! That woman could run circles around me up until a few years ago, and I don't think anyone walked as fast as she did. She made the most beautiful Christmas gifts for us when we were younger, but the wrapping was almost as beautiful. Even as a child I remember not wanting to open my gift because it was always SO perfect. I feel so privileged to have had her in my life and will truly miss her.

Neva Mower Sanderson Johnson

(February 12, 1920 - September 29, 2008)

Our beloved grandmother, mother, and friend, Neva Mower Sanderson Johnson, passed away peacefully September 29, 2008
Neva was born February 12, 1920 in Oak Creek, Utah to Francis Marion Mower and Martha Terry. She married Ted Sanderson on August 9, 1939 and was later divorced. She married R. Dean Johnson on October 27, 1974 and was later sealed to him on December 22, 2001.
Our grandma loved to crochet, garden, and bake pies for birthdays. She loved to camp and fish, she was a wonderful dancer, and made beautiful quilts. Grandma was the best Kismet player. We always got to see the happy dance when she got a Kismet. Grandma loved spending time with her grandkids. She was very dedicated to her roses and was rewarded for her efforts by receiving the Beautiful Yard Award in Spanish Fork. Grandma stayed active with her gardening and yard work and continued walking right up until the day of her death. Grandma never let her hair fade from its vibrant red color and always reminded us of her bent and crooked fingers–they were working hands.
Grandma is now rejoicing in Heaven with her silver haired sweetheart and her beautiful little boy.
She is survived by her son, Bryant (Colleen) Sanderson, of Santaquin; daughters, Charlene (Doug) Allan, of Mapleton; Paulette (Larry) LeDuc, of Provo; and Gwen (Keith) Barney, of Salem; 21 grandchildren; 45 great grandchildren; and 33 great great grandchildren.
We love you Grandma and look forward to doing the happy dance with you again.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 11:00 a.m at the LDS Church at 310 E. Center Street, Spanish Fork, Utah. Family and friends may call on Wednesday evening, October 1, 2008 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Walker Mortuary, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork or on Thursday morning at the church from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to services.

Derrick, Monica, Grandpa Johnson & Grandma Neva

Sept. 9th, 2005

{Cold Day at the Lake}

Saturday afternoon we decided to take the boat over to Yuba Lake. We haven't gone out much lately and may not go again this year. When we left home it was nice and sunny, by the time we got there a cloud had parked itself right over the lake and it didn't move the rest of the afternoon. It would have been a nice day if we could have had just a tiny bit of sunshine. The kids still had fun playing in the sand and we couldn't keep Carlie out of the water. She would run in say BRRRR and run back out, and then do it all over again, her poor little lips were blue by the time I made her get in the boat. It was a nice relaxing afternoon just watching the kids play and reading a bit all wrapped up in my towel!

Brock building a castle (we forgot the sand toys)
What a great big brother!
I love it when they play together and don't fight!
What a cutie!

Kaleb

A long day for our little miss!

{Silly Girls}

Last week at the park Miss Kelsey decided that the girls needed some pictures & that they had to go on my blog, even Grandma joined in on the fun. Of course Kels is the queen of poses and her facial expressions crack me up. Actually, Kelsey just cracks me up, she's one of a kind.... I always tell her she's a gem! I can't even tell you how fun these girls are, I miss having them next door, Fillmore is just not close enough. You wouldn't guess by looks or personality that these four are sisters, they are all unique and wonderful girls! I can't imagine poor Uncle Rich being the only guy in a house FULL of girls, fun girls, but girls nonetheless.

{You Do Know They Have Those at the Store?}

A few weeks ago I ordered a bushel of peaches and a bushel of pears from our friendly neighborhood fruit man. Well, they came on Thursday. Of all the weeks to come that wasn't what I needed, I had Bunco that night, we had to go to Payson Friday afternoon, with Carlie's birthday, sharing time and other things, I just didn't have time. When I was trying to figure out when I could get to them, Derrick so helpfully said, "You do know you can buy those at the store, right?" Really? Since when? AHHH, a big part of my doing peaches is because he likes them! So guess what I did Monday and Tuesday......peaches & pears. I ended up with 20 quarts of peaches and 28 pints of pears. I couldn't help but think as I washed my bottles where they all had come form, and how many women in our families had used these jars. My Grandma Ainge gave me some that I got the privilege of dumping and cleaning, Derrick's mom gave me a big box, and I bet I have some from my mom that I haven't returned over the years. I'm sure some of the ones Jeannie gave me were Grandma Stevens at some point. Some of the jars have blued, each is unique and each has a history and a story. I'm tired and worn out, but I feel better when I look at those pretty filled jars on my counter, and I think they'll stay there another day or so for me to enjoy, before I take them down to my shelves. Maybe I could have bought them at the store, but where is the joy and fulfillment in that?

Isn't that a beautiful sight?

{Birthday Fun}

I just had to post some pictures of Carlie's birthday. We celebrated with our family on Saturday (her real birthday), and then we had cake and ice cream with the families that live close on Sunday. We took the crib out and brought in the big girl bed. I think Carlie played on the bed half the afternoon, it was cute. I was worried about bedtime, but she did really well. We also got her a bike. I think she was more excited with the princess tag on the bike than the bike itself. Derrick put her on it and she peddled once, and then said "my can't do it" and got off and walked away. I guess that present was a bust? I was super excited with how well the cradle turned out, and she liked it.

BIG GIRL BED, Yea!
The "my can't do it" bike!
Sleepy Girl in her BIG girl bed!

Rock-a-Bye Baby

It was our cousin Skyler's 18th birthday today, so we decided to combine cake and ice cream and have a get together for the PRINCESSES! Since there were quite a few people, we just went to the park in Meadow. Carlie talks about "Kyler" all the time, but for some reason whenever she is around, she won't go to her? It took quite a few tries, but we finally got an ok picture of them together, complete with princess crowns! I still can't believe my baby girl is 3, but I'm even more confused at the fact that my Sky is all grown up into beautiful young adult (I started to write lady, but I just couldn't?). Thank you to everyone for the gifts and birthday wishes, Carlie is one lucky little gal!

A Princess cake for the Princesses
Yippie~Barbie!
~Birthday Princesses~