Happy New Year

To all my family and friends......

I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

I will be seeing you soon!!!

Hugs and Kisses

With Love!!!!

Winter Beauty

A winter wonderland.

The last 2 days have been so beautiful.  Highs around 34 but the sun has shown off the snow making it look like millions of diamonds cover the valley.  I still won't say that I like Montana in the winter.....that might take a while....like years.  But it is beautiful and serene.

In Memory Of Aaron

A child who's eyes showed that he had the spirit of the angels with him.

A teenager that still held the angels within.

A young man trying to find his place in the world.

A man that lived by his own code of life.

This is my son Aaron.  He was and is such a joy to have shared even a moment in time with.  You could feel the heavenly spirit that was always with him.  He never seen the bad in life but rather what he could do to make life better for someone else.  He touched more lives that we will probably ever know.  He gave all that he had to ease the suffering of another even though he suffered untold inhumanity himself.  He loved life and he loved his family.  This Christmas marks the 2nd year anniversary of his death.  I know that God had a greater plan for him and for his sister Sara, that meant they were needed in heaven more than here on earth.  It still feels like yesterday and I miss him and Sara so much.  I have been told that perhaps I have no right to call him my son or to feel the way that I do.  To that I can only say that I love all of my children more than life itself and would have traded places if it were in my power.  Aaron blessed my life in so many ways as have all my children...there are just not enough words to say how much.  I carried each of you under my heart and had the privilege to give you life.  I will carry each of you every minute of every day in my heart and love you forever.

Aaron, my first born son, I miss you and love you always.  Take care of your sister Sara in heaven and be with those who love you here on earth in spirit.

Friends of a Different Feather

It wouldn't be Christmas without dressing up the cat in a Santa suit.

And of course his favorite pal Chico had to get in on the action as well.  Who would have ever guessed that these 2 would become the best friends in the world.  They spend their days chasing each other all over the house, sharing food and water, and sulk when the other is on days off.  I guess we all need a friend no matter what color or species they come in....LOL

Happy Birthday Jason!!!!

Happy Birthday Sonshine!!

I love these blue eyes!

Let Jason know that it is his special day.

Some of our kids and grandkids are alone for special occasions and holidays and they need to know they are thought about and loved.

Jason Wallace

1330 Indian Hills Drive #8

St George, Utah  84770

435-632-5911

I hope your day is as special as you are.

You are loved more than you know and missed terribly.

I wish I could be there with you.

Mom

An angel for my Dad

Dad I hope today as well as everyday that you know how much I love you and that today my heart and prayers are with you as you go through this journey. You have given and taught me so much about life and helped me to be a better person through your example and wisdom.

My prayers are with you especially this day Dad

I Love you with all my heart!!!

Remembering Pearl Harbor

Today is when Pearl Harbor was attacked and the US entered World War 2.  Take a minute and remember all those who gave their lives for our freedom.

Happy Birthday Nikki

I love this picture of Nikki and Sara.  It was a day of memories!

Happy Birthday Nikki

Hope your day is filled with joy and that all your wishes come true.

I love you!!!

Will There Ever Be Enough....

Snow to make enough snowmen???  I wish I knew why I love them so much.

Weather update:  high of 9 today and low of -10 not counting the wind chill.  Its trying to snow but it is probably to cold.  It is beautiful out tonight though...a light fog is covering the valley putting rings around all the lights....you can smell the wood fires and it smells like Christmas.  Miss you all so much already.  Post more so I feel like you are close!!!!

Sadness

Today I am so sad.  First Kevin had to go to the funeral of his mother and that is so sad to lose someone so important to you.  I miss him and being able to just toss thoughts against each other because when you say them out loud sometimes it helps.

Second....I just found out that I may have to look for another job due to the economy and the  lack of guests staying with us.  We have already had to let Kelly go, Kevin is next and then me.  I really hate having to look for another job and especially this time of year.  For me it will probably be after the first of the year if we can't work out a compromise but never the less it still weighs heavily on my mind.  Seems like every time I find a good job, something happens somewhere between 6 and 9 months no matter how good a job I am doing and it is getting really old.  Welcome home I guess.

So yes this is a bitch session but have to get it out somehow.

And for those who may ask.....no it didn't have anything to do with me coming down for a week!

It all has to do with the almighty dollar and how  people are spending it right now and they are just not spending it on vacations in the winter.

Whew....maybe I feel better....will let you know!

Thanksgiving to Remember

Thanks all of you for the wonderful memories over the Thanksgiving holiday. Thanks Jason for taking your time to pick me up and take me back to Vegas and for sharing so much of your time with me. Thanks Mom and Dad for sharing your home with me, feeding us and for making more memories of Zion. Thanks Ann and Bruce for sharing your home with us for the meal. And thanks Karen and Ann for making it all happen...I know that it wasn't easy. Thanks Becky and Tanner for making the trip to be there with us...you rock! I am thankful for my family and for the effort put forth to get these wonderful pictures, for everyone getting along, and for the gift of being able to be together again as one family....that will last a lifetime in our hearts.

The Power of Choice

"Every experience that you have and will have upon the Earth encourages the alignment of your personality with your soul."
Gary Zukav, The Seat of the Soul


Each of us face challenging circumstances, often unexpected, and often brought about by the actions of others.

We each possess an incredible force and privilege - our own free will. We have the right - perhaps the duty - to choose our response to each circumstance or opportunity, and the sum of our choices is equal to the quality of our life.

Remember that your life is no accident. Each experience brings you the choice to react based on your personality, or the opportunity to look deeper at your perceptions, your hopes, and your fears.

If you choose to respond, rather than react -
- choose growth and healing over stagnation -
- choose forgiveness over bitterness -
- choose a kind word over a mean one -
- choose gratitude over resentment...

- the quality of your life cannot help but improve.

I am incredibly grateful for the power of choice, and the will to exercise it.

This week I will pause before I react to circumstance
or the actions of others.
I will consider what I want my life to be,
and choose accordingly.

Today I Am Thankful

I am thankful for the opportunity I have to live my life.

I am thankful I have a predominantly healthy life.

I am thankful that I am surrounded by people who love me.

I am thankful I have no real lack in my life.

I am thankful that I am not hopeless but I am hopeful for a better future.

I am thankful that I have a relationship with God.

I am thankful that so many people have accepted me for who I am, warts and all.

I am thankful that I am forgiven.

I am thankful that I am not alone.

I am thankful for gifts and abilities.

I am thankful for grandmothers who prayed for me.

I am thankful for grandfathers who showed me the way.

I am thankful for a mother who has never quit.

I am thankful for a father who has taught me so much.

I am thankful for my children. Each holds a special place in my heart and each though different, have given me precious memories, unconditional love, and a reason for my life.

I am thankful for life.

I am thankful for a boatload of opportunities that I have had and taken advantage of in life.

I am thankful for friends, far and near, that I love and that love me.

I am thankful that my sin did not destroy me before redemption took hold in my life.

I am thankful for praying in the Spirit.

I am thankful for grace AND mercy.

I am thankful for healing – spirit, soul and body.

I am thankful that my children feel they can be honest with me without losing my love.

I am thankful for music that soothes the soul.

I am thankful for good friends all of them.

I am thankful you are reading this and I would like for you to write me one or two sentences to say hello.

I am thankful for having the capacity to thank.

I am thankful.

Thank you, Father God.

I've Been Good This Year....Honest!!!

Will someone please tell Santa to put one of these under my tree this year....or at least in the garage. PLEASE SANTA PLEASE!!!!!
These are a couple of the new concept cars from the Frankfurt show. The yellow is Ferrari and the white and blue is a BMW.

The Evolution of Age

These pictures are from Summer 2002 to November 2009. Often I look into the mirror and don't even know the person who is looking back at me. I hate getting old.

Winter Fun

In case you didn't know.....snowmen are my favorite things in the world next to Tigger. The one thing I love about winter is being able to bring out the fun decor. They always bring a smile to my face and heart....I hope these do for you as well.

Snow Day

I got a few pix tonight. We have had 18 inches in the last 12 hours and more on the way....More when the sun comes up. (You will love this....I knocked the snow off the truck about 1pm and this is what piled up after....LOL)

Ft Hood and Remembering

When I was in the military, this was my unit....based out of Ft Hood, Tx. The tragedy of the last 2 days has really hit home with me and makes me very sad. Ft Hood is like a city and one of the biggest bases in the world so I know there will be a lot of support for those killed, wounded, and their families. Fly you flags half mast from now until veterans day, in support of all service men and women and for those affected by this tragedy.

New Veteran Flag Protocol

Flag Honors

INFORMATION FOR VETERANS ON RENDERING HONORS TO
THE FLAG AND TO THE NATIONAL ANTHEM


It is now
appropriate for Veterans who are NOT IN UNIFORM
to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering,
or passing of the United States Flag, and during
the playing of the National Anthem.


With regard
to hoisting, lowering or passing of the United
States Flag, the National Defense Authorization
Act of 2008 amended Title 4 of the United States
Code as follows:

All persons present in uniform
should render the military salute. Members of
the Armed Forces and veterans who are present
but not in uniform may render the military salute.
All other persons present should face the flag
and stand at attention with their right hand over
the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress
with their right hand and hold it at the left
shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Citizens
of other countries present should stand at attention.
All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column
should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.

In
recognition that rendering honors while playing
the National Anthem was unintentionally omitted
from the prior year legislation, the National
Defense Authorization Act of 2009 amended Section
301(b)(1) of Title 36 of the United States Code
in the following manner:

(A) individuals in uniform
should give the military salute at the first note
of the anthem and maintain that position until
the last note;

(B) members of the Armed Forces
and veterans who are present but not in uniform
may render the military salute in the manner provided
for individuals in uniform; and

(C) all other
persons present should face the flag and stand
at attention with their right hand over the heart,
and men not in uniform, if applicable, should
remove their headdress with their right hand and
hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over
the heart;

Question of the Day!!!

How do you ever cook for one person without having to eat leftovers for a week or eating out of a box. All suggestions are welcome. I just can't get the hang of it and right now I have enough ham and beans leftover to feed an army.

If Wishes Were Fishes...

I love this house and all of the 10 acres that go with it soooooo now if wishes were fishes this would be my home. You have to love the back yard....the beautiful mountains cloaked in white.

Update on Blaze

My baby is growing up way to fast. He got an Elvis costume for Halloween. He's not sure if its his thing or not. It is cute though!