This is a picture of what we think is the organ that my grandmother had out in her storage shed that us grandchildren played on all the time. It is a pump organ and was given to this museum/farm in Utah. They restored it and it is on display. It is a beautiful organ and although I don't remember how it looked I remember the times my sister and cousins played with it. This picture was taken with my two grandsons, Will and Reed when we visited the farm with my sister-in-law Paula. We had a great time and the boys were fascinated with the animals but refused to ride the ponies when given the opportunity. The day was beautiful till Reed found the bees.

Another fun picture from the farm. We listened to a few fun stories from this mountain man but the boys weren't impressed. We had a great time until Reed got stung by a bee. That pretty much put a damper on the visit so we left. Great memories though but I don't think Reed will remember anything but the sting.

Nancy's Big Day

Well, this is my first attempt at adding an immage to my post but I wanted anyone who reads this boring blog to see the beautiful card I received for my birthday. It was a great day!! I tried to do all my favorite things this year for my birthday. Had my favorite cake - Carrot Cake; went on a road trip which is one of my most favorite things to do; went bowling (haven't bowled for years but got one strike and got the same score as my 6 year old grandson); ate one of my most favorite things for my birthday dinner (Cobb Salad from Red Robin); and spent time with family. It was a memorable birthday and I hope I have many more coming but at my age anything can happen. People all around me are dropping like flies so I am trying to make the best of my mature years.
I want to thank all my children for the nice things they said about me. I couldn't have received a better present (well, maybe a million dollars would run a close second). Even though I know I did the best that I could do in raising my children, I sometimes get in this "pitty party" mood and feel bad that I hadn't been able to give my children more and feel bad for them that they had to be born into my family. I try to not allow myself these little parties very often but they happen occasionally and for those that know me, of course the tears always ruin my mascara and make my eyes puffy and red. But, after hearing what my children had to say about me, I guess life wasn't as bad as I make it out to be. There are so many things that I wished I had taught them and done differently, but I can't change that now. I did my best and I am proud of the results. I love you all and appreciate the fact that you make me feel loved and needed. Thanks again for the nice things you said and thanks to Summer and Spencer for showing me a good time on my birthday. Max asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday and it just popped into my head to go bowling. What an adventure! We all bowled, even the little girls. Maddy (the 2 1/2 year old) had a good time until she pinched her fingers then slipped and fell on her rear end. That was enough for her. Summer was a real trooper. She probably would have beaten us all if she hadn't kept slipping across the line and having the buzzer ring and not getting a score. Thanks for the memories we made!!
It was a birthday I will never forget. Next post is going to be some Christmas pictures but I have to make sure I can do this before I attempt another one.

We love you Nana!!!

Nancy is the most generous person I know. She worries about her family so much, that none of us ever need worry. She is the coolest Grandma (we call her Nana~those prideful baby boomers) ever and I know her grandkids adore her.

She provided the most wonderful home life for us growing up, even with all her struggles and trials. I cannot fathom how she didn't kill all of us at the end of every day. She never got a break from being a Mom when "the Dad" came home. She was it. I know how tiring that is, and I only have 2 kids whereas she had 4 plus all our friends, plus daycare kids.

I don't ever remember playing a game when she wasn't in the bleachers. I don't ever remember being with a sitter. I know we must have been, but I can't recall. I don't ever remember feeling poor, although I know we were poorer than church mice.

I remember having fun. Travelling and singing in the car. Big mug refills. Long bike rides. Playing in the dome running around like wild indians while she walked. I remember Mom, rubbing my legs at night when I couldn't sleep because of growing pains. I loved having crimped hair and Mom would frequently braid it in a million tiny braids just before bed. I remember her playing the piano and singing "Good night" to all of us. I remember sitting on the front row at church so we would behave. Mom sang a lot! We always had music going. I hated Neil Diamond growing up but now I can't get enough. Thanks Mom!!

Mom sacrificed tons of time for me to learn the piano and I'm truly grateful. I have beautiful teeth that the dentists CONSTANTLY compliment me on because of Mom's hard work.

I remember being paged to the front of the store when she was done shopping at Fred Meyer. I remember one time going through a check out line and she told the checker she wouldn't pay for my items because she didn't know who I was. ARGH!!! I was embarassed.

I remember so many fun things that I can't list them. Thank you Mom!!! For loving us, for sacrificing for us, for raising us without bringing a string of boyfriends through our house. I know how lonely you must have been and I am so glad you gave up a lot of your needs so we would be safe.

I LOVE YOU MOM!
You are my

story time

How boring could my stories be?

Brother Returns Home

Just a quick note on my blog. My brother Steve passed away last night and has returned to his family above. I know mom and dad were there to welcome him home. He is now able to breath normally and won't be visiting the hospital so often with minor heart attacks. Steve, you were loved and we will miss you and your cowboy songs and poetry. He asked that he be creamated and his ashes spread over the Tetons which he loved. We will have an informal memorial service sometime this summer and ride the lift to the top of the Tetons and spread his ashes according to his wishes. He asked that I write these words on paper and spread them with his ashes: "This old mountain man has gone as far as he can and now he is headed for peace in the valley." Bye bye Steve. Rest in peace.