Tuesday Tales - Memories with Grandma Carolyn

Today is my mother-in-law's 75th birthday. I've been remembering some of the things that have happened in the past with her and my kids. Here's some memories:

When Michael was born, Carolyn and Dick came to visit us in New Jersey. They were so nice to stay with Michael while Rick and I took Granter to the zoo. We both felt bad for Grant - going from an only child to a big brother! It was a fun day.

Once, when they visited us in North Carolina, Rick and I went with Carolyn and Dick to tour Biltmore. It was so much fun spending time with them.

When we lived in Pennsylvania, and Alex was born, they visited again. We drove down to Washington DC and visited all of the cool tourist attractions. I remember walking up to the Lincoln Memorial with them. It was on that trip that Carolyn broke her tooth and we had to find a dentist!

I seem to remember there was an episode with her white pants and an "accident" with one of the babies on the ferry in New Jersey/New Year, but I can't remember the details!

One of the fun times my kids had when they were little was when we went to Knoebles amusement park with Grandma and Grandpa Herron. Alex stood at the top of the bridge above the log ride, and got completely soaked!

Here's one of the fun stories Carolyn shared with me about Rick:
"When Rick and Kara first moved to New Jersey, Rick called me one day and was so excited. He said that they were in New York City and at the top of the Empire State Building. He just wanted to share the adventure with me. He told of all the things he could see from up there. I was very touched that he wanted to share his excitement with me."

I've known Carolyn for more than 28 years, and it's been a privilege being part of her family. She's got wonderful kids, and great grandkids - I'm sure she is proud of the job she has done as matriarch of this family. Happy Birthday Carolyn! We love you!

A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief

Today, in church, the subject was "What is your favorite hymn?" There were several speakers who shared their favorites, and then we sang each hymn as they shared thoughts about them. As I listened, I flipped through the hymnbook, trying to decide which was my favorite. There were so many hymns that have touched my life in one way or another. Because I Have Been Given Much, The Spirit of God Like A Fire Is Burning, As I Search the Holy Scriptures, Each Life That Touches Ours For Good.. and I could go on and on. So, I can't really pick a favorite, but I wanted to share one hymn today. This hymn has special meaning to me this Christmas. I've been helping my sister's foundation - The Four of Hearts - trying to provide Christmas for 16 families this year. My whole family got involved: Rick helped set up and clean up at our last sale, Michael helped load and unload boxes and clothing at several of our sales, Alex and Matthew helped unload, wrap gifts, and deliver, and Grant helped gather donated gifts from the community. Helping Kris's family was a great opportunity to teach the kids about love and charity. I'm very proud of all of the boys who participated this year - not just my own kids, but my nephews and their friends as well. The following hymn is a reminder that as we "love one another" and serve and help those who are less fortunate than us, we are loving and serving the Savior, and becoming more like him...

A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief

A poor wayfaring man of grief
Hath often crossed me on my way,
Who sued so humbly for relief
That I could never answer nay.
I had not power to ask his name
Whereto he went, or whence he came;
Yet there was something in his eye
That won my love; I knew not why.

Once, when my scanty meal was spread,
He entered; not a word he spake,
Just perishing for want of bread.
I gave him all; he blessed it, brake,
And ate, but gave me part again.
Mine was an angel's portion then,
For while I fed with eager haste,
The crust was manna to my taste.

I spied him where a fountain burst
Clear from the rock; his strength was gone.
The heedless water mocked his thirst;
He heard it, saw it hurrying on.
I ran and raised the suff'rer up;
Thrice from the stream he drained my cup,
Dipped and returned it running o'er;
I drank and never thirsted more.

'Twas night; the floods were out; it bles
A winter hurricane aloof.
I heard his voice abroad and flew
To bid him welcome to my roof.
I warmed and clothed and cheered my guest
And laid him on my couch to rest;
Then made the earth my bed, and seemed
In Eden's garden while I dreamed.

Stripped, wounded, beaten nigh to death,
I found him by the highway side.
I roused his pulse, brought back his breath,
Revived his spirit, and supplied
Wine, oil, refreshment - he was healed.
I had myself a wound concealed
But from that hour forgot the smart,
And peace bound up my broken heart.

In pris'n I saw him next, condemned
To meet a traitor's doom at morn.
The tide of lying tongues I stemmed,
And honored him 'mid shame and scorn.
My friendship's utmost zeal to try,
He asked if I for him would die.
The flesh was weak; my blood ran chill,
But my free spirit cried, "I will!"

Then in a moment to my view
The stranger started from disguise.
The tokens in His hands I knew;
The Savior stood before mine eyes.
He spake, and my poor name He named,
"Of Me thou hast not been ashamed.
These deeds shall thy memorial be;
Fear not, thou didst them unto Me."

Lots of things have been going on in our family. I haven't posted for quite awhile!

Recently, I worked with the Four of Hearts to have a sale to earn money that we can use to provide Christmas for 10 families. The sale didn't go as well as we'd hoped, but we are still going to try to help all 10 families.



I just had the Sister Survivors Breast Cancer group Christmas party at my house last Thursday. It was so much fun! Really enjoyed the evening.


Almost everyone in my family has been sick... me, Michael, Alex, and now Matthew. We've got this crazy cold/flu thing that's been going around. Wish we could just get better.

Grant was in an accident on Saturday! Someone rear-ended the car behind him, and they were too close to him, and slammed right into his car! Such a bummer. It's probably going to be totaled by the insurance company. I'm sad for him - he loves his car.


I've been reading the Pendragon books this last 2 months. There are 10 in the series. Amazing books! Michael was ready them too - he finished the last one just a few days before I did. I'll do a book review on them soon.


Rick got me a Nook from Barnes and Noble for Christmas. It's kind of like a Kindle - an electronic book reader. It's so cool!


We got our decorating done for Christmas. The 12 foot tree is up for the first time in 4 years. The kids helped, and that made things so much easier. I got 2 smaller trees to go in the arches leading into my family room. All in all, I decorated 5 trees in my house this year. I love Christmas.

Rick just got back from a business trip. He was originally scheduled to go from the 12th to the 23rd, but had to go somewhere else last week. So, his boss said he doesn't have to go for the rest of the month. This is a good thing! He would have missed our 25th anniversary on the 17th!

We finally got a new back door. The one we've had for 10 years has been falling apart for 3 or 4 years. So, now we have one that has blinds inside of the window. It's pretty cool.

Well, that's all for now. One of my goals for the coming year is to keep this blog updated. I've been spending time each day updating my Sister Survivors Breast Cancer Support group blog, so this one has kind of suffered. And my Incredible Women blog has suffered even more. I'm just trying to fit too much into my schedule.

LOVE this man! What a WONDERFUL life! (Betty - this is for you)

BLUE

This background makes all of the guys in my family look blue. I need to change it, don't you think?

Today, it's "letter" day. The idea came from Barb's blog, Barbaloot Suit.


Dear Democrats (snicker),
Neener, neener.

From,
A family that loves their country



Dear Teachers,
STOP. GIVING. GOBS. OF. HOMEWORK! I am so sick of my kids never having time to be kids. Stupid homework. Physics, AP US History, AP Music Theory, Chemistry, English, AP Spanish, Calculus, Science, Algebra... chapter tests, IDs, calculations, papers, science projects! Ugh.

From,
A Fed Up Mom



Dear Simon and Garfunkel,

Thanks for making such great music. My son just discovered you and he LOVES your songs. You are amazing...

Slow down, you move too fast.
You got to make the morning last.
Just kicking down the cobble stones.
Looking for fun and feelin' groovy.

From,
One of Your Biggest Fans



Dear Breast Cancer,

You suck. And you are going DOWN!

From,
A Survivor



Dear Dust,

Where do you come from?! Why do you never show up at anyone else's house? I really don't like you, and I wish you would just go away and stop making my house yucky. I think you a in cahoots with Pledge and Swifter. I bet they pay you to lay it on thick.

From,
A Housework Hater



Dear leftover Halloween Candy,
I'm asking Rick to hide you. You are trying to kill me. And stop showing up at Costco 2 months before Halloween!

From,
A Chocolate Lover


Dear Kids,

What is it about "Don't slam the doors" that you don't understand? What did I ever do to you to deserve being treated like this? I'm the good guy - I take you places, let you ride in comfort, provide you with a DVD player, MP3 hookups, and leather seats. Please be careful with my doors, or I'm going to "break down" and not be able to go anywhere, especially to pick up your friends, take to you to fun places. Be careful, or I'm going to introduce you to your feet.

From,
The Herron Car



Dear Computer,

I'm pretty sure you have magnets in you that attract people like me, who should be doing lots of other things besides playing on the computer. Goodbye for now!

From,
Kara

Did I Really Complain?

Hmmm. Well, that last post made me sound like a really mean momma. I'm not! I actually love it when my kids need me. That doesn't happen very often anymore. It's nice when Grant calls me and just wants to talk and tell me how his day went, or what things he's been up to. The deep talks with Michael are one of my favorite things - and sharing his love of politics. Alex is so funny - he makes me laugh every day, especially when he calls from the park (about 200 feet from my house) and asks if I can come pick him up, because it's SO hot. *snicker*. And Matthew - what can I say about him? I'll go get him from school anyday.

In a few short years (we're talking, maybe 6), all my kids will be gone, and I'll wish I could be interrupted at work with "rescue me" phone calls. Just sayin'.

Be Careful...

It seems like now that I'm a "stay at home mom" again - my kids have decided that they don't need to stay at school when their stomachs hurt, or they don't have to put their homework in their backpacks because Mom will bring it to them. (!)

So, the other day, my youngest called me from school - it was the stomach ache trick. I went over to the school to get him, and while I waited for him to get his "stuff" from the locker, I noticed a cool quote on the wall. Yep... I went through that whole explanation, just to lead up to this:

Be careful of your thoughts - for your thoughts become your words
Be careful of your words - for your words become your actions
Be careful of your actions - for your actions become your habits
Be careful of your habits - for your habits become your character
Be careful of your character - for your character becomes your destiny.

LOVE IT! Oh, and by the way, kids, I'm working from home - remember?! I do have a job... I'm not just sitting around, waiting for you to call with problems! Geez!

A Colorful Sky...

We've had some weird weather the last two days here in Utah. Two night ago, our house filled with a warm yellow/orange light and we all went outside to see what was happening. This is what the sky looked like...











Matthew jumping on the trampoline - looks cool with the background color!

Just to contrast - this is the sky yesterday afternoon. What a difference!!!

Isn't nature absolutely stunning?!

New Furniture!!

YAY!!!! We just got new furniture - we ordered it on the internet. I know - scary, right? We did a bunch of measurements of our old furniture, ordered swatches of some of the different leathers they offered, and made our decision. That was on April 11th. Yes. You read that right. APRIL 11th. It was made in Brazil, with a seating system from Italy, and shipped to Florida. Then shipped here. It took forever. But, it's HERE!!!!! We decided to replace only the sofa and loveseat. We kept the tapestry chair that is still it good shape. I think it looks fine. What do you think?

Citizen Cope - "Sideways" (with Santana on guitar)...

I was watching "Ghost Town" and heard this song. Fell in love with it immediately! Citizen Cope singing "Sideways", with guitar by Santana. Oh yeah...

Words of Wisdom

It has been FOREVER since I posted here. I've found, once again, that my life is getting crazy busy, and when that happens I tend to neglect the things I do for myself - like update my personal blog. ;-)

Just wanted to share with you a video that my son, Alex, showed me tonight...
Please take the 6-7 minutes to view it - it could change your life.

Advice From Elder Busche

Here is the talk written out for you...

Elder F. Enzio Busche – Quorum of the Seventy – BYU Devotional 14 May 1996

“Unleashing the Dormant Spirit”

I want to share with you a vehicle, an instrument, that I developed some time ago for myself and for my family.

It can assist us to reach our focus as we read the suggested vision of true discipleship as a Latter-day Saint.

It helps when, from time to time, we ponder and seek identification with the following thoughts:

Embrace this day with an enthusiastic welcome, no matter how it looks.

The covenant with God to which you are true enables you to become enlightened by Him, and nothing is impossible for you.

When you are physically sick, tired, or in despair, steer your thoughts away from yourself, and direct them, in gratitude and love, toward God.

In your life there have to be challenges. They will either bring you closer to God, and therefore make you stronger, or they can destroy you. But you make the decision of which road you take.

First and foremost, you are a spirit child of God. If you neglect to feed your spirit, you will reap unhappiness. Don’t permit anything to detract you from this awareness.

You cannot communicate with God unless you have first sacrificed your self-oriented natural man, and have brought yourself into the lower levels of meekness, to become acceptable for the Light of Christ.

Put all frustrations, hurt feelings, and grumblings into the perspective of your eternal hope. Light will flow into your soul.

Pause to ponder the suffering Christ felt in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the awareness of the depth of gratitude for him, you appreciate every opportunity to show your love for him by diligently serving in His Church.

God knows that you are not perfect. As you suffer about your imperfections, He will give you comfort and suggestions of where to improve.

God knows better than you what you need. He always attempts to speak to you. Listen, and follow the uncomfortable suggestions that He makes to us – and everything will fall into its place.

Avoid any fear like your worst enemy, but magnify your fear about the consequences of sin.

When you cannot love someone, look into that person’s eyes long enough to find the hidden rudiments of the child of God in him.

Never judge anyone. When you accept this, you will be freed. In the case of your own children or subordinates, where you have the responsibility to judge, help them to become their own judges.

If someone hurts you so much that your feelings seem to choke you, forgive and you will be free again.

Avoid at all cost any pessimistic, negative, or criticizing thoughts. If you cannot cut them out, they will do you harm.

On the road toward salvation, let questions arise but never doubts. If something is wrong, God will give you clarity but never doubts.

Avoid rush and haste and uncontrolled words. Divine light develops in places of peace and quiet. Be aware of that as you enter places of worship.

Be not so much concerned about what you do, but what you do - do with all your heart, might, and strength. In thoroughness is satisfaction.

You want to be good and to do good. That is commendable. But the greatest achievement that can be reached in our lives is to be under the complete influence of the Holy Ghost. Then he will teach us what is really good and necessary to do.

The pain of sacrifice lasts only one moment. It is the fear of the pain of sacrifice that makes you hesitate to do it.

Be grateful for every opportunity to serve. It helps you more than those you serve.

And finally… when you are compelled to give up something, or when things that are dear to you are withdrawn from you, know that this is your lesson to be learned right now. But know also, that as you are learning this lesson, God wants to give you something better.

Thus, we prepare all the days of our lives, and, as we grow, death loses its sting, hell loses its power. And we look forward to that day with anticipation and joy when He will come in His glory.

This video just makes me happy!

Happy 16th Birthday, Alexmeister!

Oh my word - I forgot to post this yesterday on Alex's birthday! How stupid of me. Well, Alex, my third rugrat, just turned 16! Wow, I just simply can't believe it. He promised Rick that he'd always stay 4, but each year he breaks that promise, and grow a little more, and then a lot more, until... now he's 16. It breaks my heart. But, as Grant pointed out, my kids are way cooler now that they are older. Cooler, as in, more knowledgeable, funnier, able to drive and go do my errands for me, etc. But, I will admit, that on Sunday, while watching the little primary children up on the stand at church singing Mother's Day songs, I got really sentimental and really wished hard that my kids could be little again. Because when they were little, they were dang CUTE! Which brings me back to Alex. Alex was the cutest. Sorry to my other fairly cute sons - really, I do think you are all adorable. But, seriously, Alex was the CUTEST little boy I've ever seen. He was cuddly, and soft, and oh my... just wait till you see the pictures below. But first, let me tell you what I love about Alex...

Alex is cute. Oh, I already said that - sorry. Alex is so very talented. He is an artist (drawing and photography). He is a musician (trombone and guitar - and now, the ukelele, because that's what he got for his birthday). In fact, I asked him last night to bring his guitar to the piano, and make up some music to a song I played. No problem - he did it! Alex is smart - he, like all of his brothers, GETS math. Seriously, where did these kids come from? Oh yeah, their dad is a math whiz. Well, lucky them, they got his math genes. Alex is hilarious. Really - when he was little, he wanted to be a comedian (or a football player) when he grew up. He jokes around all the time. I seriously think he could be the class clown if he really tried. In fact, I predict that he'll be voted "Most Likely To Go To Clown School" his senior year! One of my favorite stories of Alex is when we took the kids to Virginia Beach. We had never been to the beach with the kids, and when Alex saw the water (which was, by-the-way, extremely COLD!) coming up onto the beach, he thought it was after him. But, then it went back into the ocean, so he thought it was funny. Up it came again - to GET him, and he cried! Pretty soon he was laughing and crying and laughing and crying, and you couldn't tell which was which. Snot was running down his face and he was hiding behind me. Hilarious! I'll share that picture with you in a minute. Another story - we were riding the "Heber Creeper (a train in Utah, which does exactly what it's name says it does), and Alex had his best friend with him - his binky! I was standing at the rail with Alex, looking out at the landscape, when Alex pulled his binky out of his mouth and chucked it over the side. "Bye-bye binky!", he said, waving goodbye. It was so funny, but later, on the way home, it wasn't funny, as we tried to explain to a screaming 18 month old that it was HIS fault that his binky went bye-bye! We had to stop at the store and buy another one, just so we could make it back home. I remember almost losing Alex one day, when we lived in Pennsylvania. Grant and Michael went to play over at their friends' house. To get there, you had to either go through a corn field, or walk around the corn field - which put you on a main road. I told Alex he had to stay home - he wasn't old enough to follow his brothers. He was 3. A very determined 3, it turned out... a while later, it was pretty quiet. I thought he was watching tv. The doorbell rang, and when I answered it, some strange man was standing there with Alex! He had found Alex walking down the busy road by himself. He was pretty upset with me. He said, "You are very lucky that I'm a good person. You might not have ever seen him again if I wasn't." I think I waited YEARS before I admitted to Rick what had happened. It scared me to death. Alex is just a complete joy to have around. He's never made me disappointed. Well, maybe those times when he's mean to his little brother, but that happens between all brothers, I think. Alex towers over most of his brothers - he grew over a foot while Grant was away on his mission. I think Grant didn't recognize Alex when he came home! And, have I mentioned that Alex is adorable? Don't believe me? Just look at these...

















































Don't those eyes just melt your heart?! Alex, I love you to death, kid! Happy Birthday! Love, MOM