THE WORLD HAS NEED OF WILLING MEN

Yesterday was the funeral of our darling Dick Avery. He has been a part of our ward for over 20 years, and he died peacefully in his sleep last week. Many of us thought of Dick as the father of our ward. Gary Baugh, one of the speakers, used the words ALWAYS THERE to describe him. I've never been to a more uplifting, joyful funeral. The talks by Gary Baugh, Bishop Grant Lyman, Mark Raps and Bishop Bob Hansen were just right. Everyone was smiling and nodding their heads in agreement with each speaker. The opening song was perfect: The World Has Need of Willing Men. The closing song was just as good: Called to Serve. Both songs describe Dick Avery to a tee.

Everyone loved Brother Avery. The Valley View Ward was so blessed to call him ours. There were many members of the stake in attendance, as well as former ward members. Friends of Dick & Joyce's as well as Susan and Arline were there to support this great family. It was especially wonderful to see our sweet Lyman family there (who we miss so much)! If you asked Dick to do something, he did it yesterday, and he always went the extra mile. When I taught seminary, we had priesthood take turns being in the building, and when it was Dick's turn he would arrive well before us (early class started at 5:30 a.m.) and the building was warm, all the lights were on and there were roses he cut for us in our room. When I served on the enrichment committe, he was a frequent sign up to be the priesthood, and often particiapted with us. He was always the first one to help, the last one to leave. Who will turn on the heat or A/C for us now at the drop of a hat? Who will drive to girls camp, and catch mice? Who will give us keys, change locks, help us with lights or a microphone or say, "you didn't hear this from me. . ."? Who will say, "Let me show you something" and then take us on adventures around the building or point out the best dish to eat at a potluck or which pot of chili is his? He was a perfect example of love and service. Always happy. Always smiling. Always ready to serve. I will miss him so much and I am so inspired to try to be like him and serve gladly and often with a kind, willing, happy heart.

HOLY MOMENTS

Have you heard the Trace Adkins song, "You're Gonna Miss This"? It is a sweet ballad about people wanting time to hurry and not savoring the moment they are in. This is an email I recieved today from Flylady, my hero and lifesaver who can be found at flylady.net. It is a perfect message for all of us, especially for those of you with little ones:

Young@Heart
By Pam Young

I was at Michael's (the craft store) in the late afternoon when I
heard a conversation in the next isle between a mother and her
six-year-old child.

"Oh, Mama, look at this!"

"Uh huh."

"I love this!!"

"Uh huh."

"I have one don't I!!!"

"Uh huh."

"You made it for me didn't you Mama!!!!"

"Uh huh."

As I listened to the excitement and love for her mother in the child's
voice and the drone of her mother's responses, tears welled up in my
eyes. I thought about how many times I'd done the same thing with my
children when they were young. After all, I had a centerpiece to
make, a decoration for the coffee table to think about, colors to
consider, people to impress and not enough time! At that moment in
Michael's I would have given anything to go back to just one time in
the isle of a store, hear my child's voice and not miss what was
really happening. Love, joy adoration. The stuff of Christmas!

My kids are grown now and I'll never again hear their little bell
voices exclaiming their joy over something. That time is gone forever.

I had to get to the next isle and see the child! With tears streaming
down my cheeks, I peeked around the corner and looked at the child's
happy little face. She had a dress on and her hair was dark brown in
shoulder-length curls. She was holding a Christmas stocking with a
Santa Claus on it. She looked up and smiled at me. Then I looked at
her mother. She was tired. I could see it in her eyes but when she
looked into mine she smiled seeing my love for her child and the moment.

I told her what had gone through my mind listening to their
conversation and with misty eyes she said, "Now you're making me cry."
She dabbed her eye with the back of her wrist, "Thank you, I needed
to hear this. I get so busy and it's easy to neglect her natural
enthusiasm." I told the mother it was obvious that the child had not
been neglected, because she was such a happy child, and that I
understood how easy it was to get wrapped up in our own thoughts and
miss these holy moments.

I left Michael's knowing I wanted to write about this. Your children
adore you and they are like little joy dispensers, especially during
this time of year. Since it is also an especially busy time for you,
it can be so easy to miss those gifts of love and joy your children
are eager to give to you. They are gifts that can't be wrapped up
with festive paper or charged on American Express. Stay awake! This
is a holy time.

Merry Christmas!
Pam

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS (INSTEAD OF SHEEP)

Even though this isn't really a Christmas Song, I love it when it's included on a Christmas CD. One of my favorites are all 4 of Amy Grant's Christmas albums. This year I was so excited to find a new one, "The Christmas Collection" that has 4 new songs and 14 of her favorites. She has the sweetest Christ centered music in addition to her fun carols. At any rate, #7 is "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep". It's a great version. I tried to find it for my playlist, but no luck. So listen to Diana Krall's version, it's such a sweet song.

To make a long story short, I have had a heavy heart for lots of different reasons this past month. Then on Tuesday during preschool I was hit with a terrible intestinal virus. I have never had the stomach flu so bad. Rebecca took over preschool for me and I literally slept for 2 days. I even missed our preschool Christmas party for the first time ever. Yesterday I finally felt better after 3 very long days and nights. I felt like Rip Van Winkle, it was very weird. It's finally cold here in our southern California desert. We are having a "retro Christmas" this year, due to the fact our two little granddaughters, almost 4 and 18 months are here with us 24/7. It has been fun to use the child friendly ornaments I made when my kids were little. I've kept my decorating to a bare minimum and Paige loves playing with the Fisher-Price "LITTLE LORD JESUS 'TIVITY". (How adorable is that?) We got a real tree for the first time in 4 years and it's been such a treat. Rebecca even helped me get the popcorn and cranberries done. So I am a happy camper. We lost a dear friend in our ward this week. We think of Dick Avery as the father of our ward. He was the most dependable, funny, wonderful man. So between that, the holidays and our sweet family, I've had lots of tender feelings.

I felt so grateful when I woke up to the cloudy, cool, dark morning snuggled under my warm quilt when these lyrics popped into my head. I promise if you listen it will make you smile and lighten your heart. I'm recommitted now to write in my gratitude journal each day --- just 5 items --- quick, bullet journaling phrases or simple sentences of the things you are thankful for. It makes the most difficult days better, and before you know it, instead of feeling lack, you feel extremely blessed.


COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS (INSTEAD OF SHEEP)

When I'm worried and I can't sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep, counting my blessings

When my bankroll is gettin' small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep, counting my blessings

I think about a nursery
And I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them
As they slumber in their beds

If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings.

So if you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings.

By Irving Berlin for the 1954 movie “White Christmas”

And now in honor of my darling daughter-in-love, Jamie, I'm going to watch White Christmas.

IN THE FACE OF HATRED

This article left me speechless. Please pass it on

http://meridianmagazine.com/ideas/081110hate.html#top

TOLERANCE???

I was so hopeful when the polls started looking up for McCain-Palin. Then watching the returns come in and seeing those states fall to Obama was the absolute worst. I was heartbroken. However, I have heard on the news that the large turnout for Obama also helped pass Prop 8. I was just beginning to reconcile with the fact that my team lost for the greater good of passing Prop 8 when the news flash hit about the protests at the LA Temple. It just makes me feel so sad. The proponents of Prop 8 insist that the vote was "too close" yet it is the same margin by which Obama was elected. Melissa has a great post on her blog about this with definitions of tolerance and bigotry. Good one, honey!

Craig shared this quote with me today by Bishop William Weigand, head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, California. He says it beautifully:

"Catholics stand in solidarity with our Mormon brothers and sisters in support of traditional marriage - the union of one man and one woman - THAT HAS BEEN THE MAJOR BUILDING BLOCK OF THE WESTERN CIVILIZATION FOR MILLENIA.

The ProtectMarriage coalition, which led the successful campaign to pass Prop 8, was an historic alliance of people form every faith and ethnicity. LDS were included - but so were Catholics and Jews, Evangelicals and Orthodox, African-American and Latinos, Asians and Anglos.

I call upon the supporters of same-sex marriage to LIVE BY THEIR OWN WORDS AND TO REFRAIN FROM DISCRIMINATION AGAINST RELIGION AND TO EXCERCISE TOLERANCE FOR THOSE WHO DIFFER FROM THEM. I call upon them to accept the will of the people of California in the passage of Proposition 8".

[Deseret News, Nov 8, 2008, Prop 8 protest draws thousands in Salt Lake City by Jared Page and Clayton Norien]

THREE GOOD BOOKS!

It seems like it's been a really long time since I've been able to sink my teeth into a book that I've really loved. I liked the Twilight series this summer but I didn't love them like I hoped I would. (sorry) This past month I've been able to read a lot, but nothing has been very satisfying or fulfilling --- just okay. Finally I found a new author I love, and also read two favorite authors that were wonderful:

"Sister's Choice" by Emilie Richards is #5 or #6 in the "Shenandoah Album Series". They are great books set in a small town in Virginia, and each title is a classic quilt block or design. You can read these books in any order and they are still just as good. I read her first few books and then I met Emilie Richards at a quilt show a few years ago. She was so normal and warm and down to earth, so now I buy her books in hardcover. My philosophy is that I want these great author's to keep writing, so I can't wait for the paperbacks. I wasn't sure if I would like this one, because the main character is a surrogate for her sister. It was surprisingly a great story and I highly recommend it.

"Thank You For All Things" by Sandra Kring is out in paperback now. I read about it in a magazine, and it sounded interesting and was blurbed by Luanne Rice, who is another author I enjoy, plus the title intriqued me because I love the topics of autumn and gratitude. I haven't read anything by her before. I LOVED THIS BOOK AND THIS NEW AUTHOR! It was such a great read it sucked me in and I could not put it down. I've been yearning for a good book like this that I could sink my teeth into. The story is told by an 11 year old girl, and the characters are so quirky but so realistic. I really loved it. (She drops the F-bomb towards the end which I hate, so beware, but I still think it's worthwhile). I fell in love with the characters, especially Oma, and I loved the ending of this book. I hope her other books are just as good.

I love Debbie Macomber's books. Sometimes her older novels are pretty sappy and romancey, but her recent books just keep getting better. She writes a new Christmas book every year, and they are such sweet stories. I first was introduced to her years ago by my friend, Cassandra Nightingale. At the time it was a cute Christmas series with 3 angels as the main characters whose names are Shirley, Justice and Mercy. Then I started reading more and more of her books. She has two series that I dearly love. One is about an area of Seattle, called the Blossom Street Series and the other is set in a small town in Washington state called the Cedar Cove Series. The Cedar Cove series is my favorite. Each fall she publishes a new paperbook, and the Title is an address, like #1 is "16 Lighthouse Road" #2 is "204 Rosewood Lane, etc. . . and the current #8 is "8 Sandpiper Way". "A Cedar Cove Christmas" is one of the sweetest Christmas stories I've ever read. You don't have to know the series to love the book, but knowing the setting and the characters made it even better. They have this all over at Costco, Sam's, Target, etc so you can save money on it. It's a small hardcover. Treat yourself to this one!

So, now that I've rambled on, what I'm trying to say is read these books and these wonderful authors. I'm always on the look out for a good new author so hopefully someone will read this post that feels the same! I am also realizing that I am enjoying historical novels much less than those that are contemporary, set in the present time. Am I just getting old?

HAPPY AUTUMN!

I love autumn! It's my favorite season. Just another month before the NBA season begins, preschool is underway, the good TV shows are on (Chuck, Heroes and especially The Office) the new James Taylor CD is released tomorrow and here come the holidays. I can't wait to go to Disneyland, Oak Glen and the Pumpkin Patch with the grandkids and enjoy all the Autumn decorations. Maybe it will even cool off and I can make some soup. I love all the decorations that are already up in the stores. Plus, I am riveted by the presidential campaigns! Even though it still feels like summer here in Moreno Valley, autumn gives me great hope! I love this quote from Sunset magazine:

"Autumn creeps softly in southern California gardens in November. No startling blaze of golden-red foliage or sudden heavy frosts mark the change of seasons here---just subtly cooler days and nights, perhaps a touch of rain and an occasional Santa Ana wind. . . " November 1992

I loved Janae's post about autumn last week, and I copied the questions down and have them all ready to go and I am looking forward to a quiet moment to answer them in my journal. That's the problem. My quiet moments have become few and far between. Although, there are many blessings that are filling up those formerly quiet times: (this might get wordy)

Mark, Rebecca, Paige and Claire are all settled in upstairs. I've survived the trauma of packing up my beloved sewing room (that I waited 27 years for) and guest room and storing my treasures in a storage unit. Mark and Rebecca have rented their home and most of their worldy possessions are in another storage unit 8 doors down (what were we thinking when we thought we could share one storage unit- they are both overflowing)! I am so glad that they have a little bit of privacy with 2 bedrooms and a bathroom of their own. The plan is that they will be here through "the holidays" but I am on the 6 month plan. You never know what can happen with the building process. It is a special time because we just got the happy news that they are expecting baby #3 in April. Yippee!!! They told us the day after we found out Ben and Jamie's baby #2 is a boy!!! `I think their move to Idaho will be such a good one for their family, but I am in complete and total denial that they will be 20 hours away instead of just 20 minutes. I will wait and deal with that when the time comes, especially since Nick works for the same company Mark does, and he and Renee will also be moving to Idaho. Rats!

In addtion to the fun of having the kids here full time, one of my favorite things is having Paige and Claire come in my room every morning to watch Little Einstein's with me. 15 month old Claire sings and "pats" right along with them, it is so adorable.

We spent this past weekend in Lake Elsinore with 2 1/2 year old Luke and 14 month old Dylan while Greg & Melissa got a fun weekend away. They are such sweet, and adorable little boys, and they were so good. Why are we still tired?

Craig has his shoulder surgery (rotator cuff) scheduled at long last for Thursday, October 2. He is anxious to get on with it and get better and back to his life. It is an outpatient procedure but because it is such an extensive injury they cannot do arthroscopic surgery, so the recuperation will not be easy. I think having the Bryant's here right now will be such a blessing for us in so many ways.

Dear Mr. Obama

I recieved this email link to the perfect political ad. Enjoy and pass it on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

Thank you John McCain!

I stayed up way too late Thursday night getting ready for my preschool open house, and then once I got to bed I could not sleep. My biological clock is so messed up from being sedentary for so long plus staying up late watching those darn Olympics. I finally got up and turned the TV on at about 5:00 a.m., just as they were beginning to close in on Seantor McCain's running mate. It was so exciting to hear the LIVE reports. I had been hoping if McCain didn't select Mitt Romney that he would choose a strong woman and I was thrilled to hear it was Alaska's governor, Sarah Palin. I taped her acceptance speech (I know, I'm a news junkie) and I just bawled. I don't know if it was exhuastion, or relief at having the preschool room done or the fact that this woman could make a difference, or a combination of all of the above. I was so impressed with her in so many ways. The more I learn about her the more impressed I am. For the first time I think the Republicans just might be able to pull this off. Speaking of my news junkie problem, I taped the Democratic National Convention, then fast-forwarded through the speeches and went right to the play-by-play after. I love The FOX News Channel! I must admit I did listen to the entire speeches of both Biden and Obama. It seemed like it was nothing new or different, although Obama is a great speaker. The Hollywood hype seems like it should make the choice even more simple and clear. I hope so. I am way too old for those all nighters! After her speech I had a glorious 4 hour nap. After my nap I ordered McCain/Palin bumper stickers and key chains!

Cuckoo's Nest, Cuckoo's Nest!!!

I CANNOT BELIEVE IT'S SEPTEMBER!!! I guess it's my turn to update my blog, although I'll warn you ahead of time this might be a long one and could be unsettling. I spent the better part of August recuperating from my fall in the tub. I was really fortunate not to have a more serious injury. It was basically a very bad sprain. I had the gnarliest bruise that was black and purple, the size of a basketball on the back of my thigh. I wasn't woman enough to have a picture taken of it, and now I wish I had! It was huge! As long as I laid on the couch or in bed, I felt fine. Standing and walking were okay, but the worst thing was sitting in a chair or having to turn or reach. So that ruled out scrapbooking, sewing or time at the computer. Driving was impossible for 4 weeks. It is amazing how your body uses all your muscles for the most basic movements as well as balance. I now have a greater understanding of how limiting a leg injury can be. After all, you think it's just a leg, what's the big deal. It's a huge deal and I'll never underestimate anyone with a leg or arm injury because you feel so helpless. The good news is that I am finally feeling back to my old self but the bad news is it took a such huge chunk of time to recuperate that I lost so much momentum and feel stressed out of my gourd.

Hence, this post's title of "cuckoo's nest, cuckoo's nest" (one of our family's favorite quotes from the movie The Wedding Singer) because that's basically my state of mind. After being down for 3 weeks I feel like I am in a constant state of emotion and turmoil. I loved watching the Olympics but between staying up late, and my stress at not accomplishing anything, I found myself reduced to tears more often than not! Now don't get me wrong, I am well aware that I'm more emotional than most people and I have embraced that. But it was getting a bit much even for me. Combined with my injury was the news that Craig will need rotator cuff surgery (it's been 4 weeks and still no date) a visit from my sister from New York, Preschool begins Sept 9 with a new curriculum to plan and on Sept 13 Mark, Rebecca, Paige and Claire are moving in with us for a few months before their move to Idaho. In order to accommodate them, I had planned to spend the month of August gradually packing up the guest room and sewing room and turn that space over to them. Since I had tons of sorting and filing to do, it seemed like the perfect motivation to reduce and simplify.

Last week I finally got the bulk of the packing and sorting done and filled up the storage unit. The tricky part was carefully labeling everything so that I would know where to locate it so I could access it the next few months. And it was a project I alone, had to do, so that I would know where to find stuff. Thanks, Melissa, for saving the day. The preschool room looks adorable and I'm ready for a new year. My sister Dana and niece Katie were here for a modified visit that included a glorious trip to the beach with the kids and grandbabies. (I'm so ready for a beach house or a condo if anyone has any tips or hints on that) Still no surgery date for Craig, but I think it will be a blessing to have Mark and Rebecca here during that time. It will be great to have them here for many reasons, and I just can't think about when they will be 12 hours away instead of just 20 minutes. I'm in denial and proud of it.

THE LANDES GIRLS
Lissa, Dana and Suzy

GRANDCHILDREN . . . make days shorter, nights longer, home happier and love stronger. . .

While Jamie and Kaylee were here we tried, once again, to get pictures of the cousins all together. Kaylee still does not enjoy the experience. It was pandemonium, with her screaming, Luke not wanting to sit still, Dylan tired and Claire taking off her headband. (notice the girls adorable matching bows) Paige was a trooper! Here's another picture with Dylan smiling and Luke sitting up a bit more, and this cute one of the Bryant girls. Of course, Kaylee was adorable the minute we were done. Her hair looked so cute after her first time with sponge curlers. If you scroll down a bit on the right, there are new pictures of Luke, Claire and Kaylee with curls and a smile.

FUN WITH EARTHQUAKES

I don't know what's worse. Doing the splits in mid-air without planning to, or being unable to put on pants and shoes so that when there's an earthquake you are only wearing a night shirt? TRUE STORY: Yesterday at 11:42 we had a 5.4 earthquake, centered in Chino Hills. I was upstairs on the bed (where I've lived the past 3 days) so it shakes ten times as much upstairs! I was trying to decide whether or not to reinjure my leg by putting on a pair of capris, make a "run" for it in my night shirt and bad leg, or just let the earthquake get me. The earthquake seemed like a big one to me, but fortunately, it was all okay. Today, however, I have managed to put on some baggy capris and I know right where the shoes and purse are. . . This summer is just getting better every day!!!

I ALWAYS WANTED TO DO THE SPLITS. . . . .

I just didn't think I would be 52 years old, stark naked, and in the shower shaving my legs. . . I know, this may be way too much information for most of you, so you might want to stop reading now!

We have a tub/shower combo and I was just finishing up my shower before church Sunday morning, when I slipped while shaving my legs. All of a sudden my leg that was down slipped out from under me and the leg that was up stayed there! Not only did I do the splits, but I did it in mid-air. HOLY IT HURT LIKE CRAZY. I hollered for Craig, who thankfully was in the bedroom and came to my rescue, and has been taking good care of me. He hurt his shoulder at work 4 weeks ago so with his one good arm and my one good leg I managed to get out of the tub and hobble to the bed. It was actually funny. Fortunately, it didn't feel like I'd broken anything:I could rotate my ankle, wiggle my toes, flex and point my foot, there was no swelling. My knee, hip and head seemed okay. So, I've been icing it ever since and it is still so sore I holler when I have to move. I can walk, cautiously, but I can't sit down, turn or do anything that involves using my right thigh and glute muscles. ARGGGHHHH!!!!!! It has taken the phrase "pain in the butt" to an entirely new level for me and I have learned that is much greater than a slight irritation as I previously thought. A pain in the butt and thigh is brutal!

I called the advise nurse just to make sure that I was doing the right thing, and after she asked all her questions she advised me to go in and get an evaluation. I asked her what the treatment would be that would be worth the agony of going down stairs, and in and out of a car. Not to mention getting dressed. The nurse said she didn't have a magic wand so I figured I would tough it out with ice and tylenol. ( I have a kidney condition so I can't take motrin or advil, or the vicodan that was so lovingly offerred by not one, but two of my friends at church when Craig shared my exploits with them. It's good to have friends!)

Anyway, so here I very carefully sit 36 hours after the fact thinking what the heck am I going to do about this? I've already read 2 books and watched HGTV until I could probably win Design Superstar. I can always look forward to "SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, DANCE, DANCE" on Wednesday night and finally vote for Twitch --- I'm so glad Will went home instead of him. Tomorrow my goal is going to be to figure out how I can sit and scrapbook with my leg elevated? It might not happen. Good times.

MRS. ROGERS NEIGHBORHOOD PRESCHOOL

It's that time of year to firm up my preschool list for fall. (Did I say fall?) Summer is zipping by much too quickly. I still have a few openings, so please spread the word and/or contact me with any questions. This year I will have just one class on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00-12:00. The only prerequisite is 100% potty trained and bathroom independent. Preschool will begin on September 2.

This will be my 16th year teaching preschool, and I am a firm believer that play is a child's work, and that preschool social skills are vital to being successful in kindergarten. Learning how to take turns, share, work with a group, and follow directions are big challenges for preschoolers. I also feel strongly that we can have many wonderful learning experiences while we are playing and singing together.

Give me a call or email me if you have any questions or concerns.

Love,
Mrs. Rogers

STILL CRAZY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!!!

ALL BECAUSE TWO PEOPLE FELL IN LOVE . . .

Today is our 33rd anniversary. It's hard to remember not being part of Craig and Lissa Rogers. Craig is the greatest husband, father and grandfather. For a man that wasn't old enough to be a grandfather or, sleep with a grandmother, he is the favorite of 4 of our 5 grandkids! (Dylan thank you for still liking me the best) Craig has always been so patient and supportive and laid back. He is so calm and easy going. He will never have a heart attack unless I finally push him over the edge! It is interesting that over the years he has toned me down quite a bit (huge understatement) and I'd like to think that I have helped him be more expressive and self confident. Best of all, we have 5 wonderful kids and we love their spouses and our 5 grandkids (with Ben and Jamie expecting #6 in Feb). The joy of our life is to just be with our little family. One thing that we are most proud of is that our kids are friends and they are good to each other. It will be fun to see what adventures we have in the next 33 years!

HOORAY for the CELTICS!!!

We have had so much fun watching the NBA playoffs the past 6 weeks. It was especially gratifying to watch the Lakers go down in such a lovely defeat! With a score like 131-92 even Phil Jackson can't whine. I think now the Boston Celtics are my second favorite team (of course the UTAH JAZZ are my favorites). The only sad thing was having to listen to the dopey announcers on ESPN and ABC. I miss Ernie, Kenny and Charles from TNT. It's as much fun watching them as it is watching the games---and sometimes even better. It has been so enjoyable to watch every dumb sports announcer have to eat their words since they were so biased towards the Lakers until last night. I love this game! Go Celtics!!!

It has been a crazy, busy summer since Josh got home. He is working hard selling pest control 6 days a week. It is hard work but he has a great attitude. It just doesn't leave much time for a social life. He left his heart in Mexico, and he still misses his mission so much. I'm hoping to update this blog in the next day or two.

HOME AT LAST!!!

Josh arrived home Monday, May 12 after 2 years and 2 days as a missionary in the Mexico Monterrey East Mission. He flew from Monterrey to Dallas/Ft. Worth, and after a 5 hour layover he arrived in Ontario at 2:55 that afternoon. He's still our Josh, just all grown up with an amazing testimony. It is so good to have him home.

Josh will be speaking in our Sacrament Meeting next week at 9:00 a.m. on May 25. He will also be speaking Friday night, May 16, at our ward Father-Son campout.

ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING

Melissa wanted to celebrate her 27th birthday by having a spa day at Glen Ivy with Rebecca. It was all planned that I would watch the Gargalis boys and Rebecca's mother-in-law, Carey, would watch her girls. Plans changed when Carey got really sick this week. Melissa was more than willing to go on her own, but I knew they were both looking forward to a day off. So. . . I volunteered to watch all 4. Rebecca brought her girls to Melissa's house and it turned out to be a breeze. Who knew? It was a busy day, but the kids were all so good and usually one of them was napping. Last week while I was in Utah I watched Kaylee so Ben and Jamie could go out on a date for the first time in 7 months. Kaylee was an angel, just like her cousins. I must have the sweetest, best, grandchildren ever! I realize now that I should have done a slide show to fit in all the cute pictures of everyone, but it's late, and since I've come this far, I'm going to go ahead and post this. Baby-steps!

ABC'S of LIFE

A-Attached or single? Attached almost 33 years! YIKES!

B-Best Friend? Ruthie

C-Cake or Pie? Texas Chocolate Cake

D-Day of Choice? Monday, the day we get emails from Josh!

E-Essential Item? A diet pepsi with extra ice and a straw; chapstick; lotion; something good to read; paper and pen so I can make a list; a little chocolate chaser

F-Favorite Color? Right now I’m liking buttery yellows, reds and brownish-golds

G-Gummy bears or worms? Yuck on both--- G should be for Grandkids, the 5 loves of my life!!!!!

H-Hometown? i'm a California girl, but we moved around a lot. I was always so proud of the Beach Boys song: I Wish They All Could Be California Girls! I went to high school in Santa Rosa and Riverside, and we've lived in Moreno Valley since 1980.

I-Favorite indulgence? Grocery shopping and not counting every penny; getting my nails done; reading a good book from cover to cover

J-January or July? July because I love the 4th and it’s my birthday and anniversary month. However, I do adore the cooler winter months!

K-Kids? 3 boys and 2 girls, the joy of my life

L-Life isn’t complete without? My husband, kids and grandbabies.

M-Marriage Date? 12 July 1975

N-Number of Brothers and sisters? 1 younger brother and 2 younger sisters

O-Oranges or apples? Apples, thinly sliced

P-Phobia and fears? Probably my kids or grandkids getting sick or hurt.

Q- Quote? I love quotes. Right now my favorites are: “Grandkids are God’s reward for not killing your kids” and “Parenting isn’t so bad after the first 40 years”

R-Reason to smile? A smile from Craig or a bear hug/slobbery kiss from one of the grandkids.

S-Season of choice? Autumn

T-Tag someone? Ruthie, Rebecca, Melissa and Jamie

U-Unknown facts about me? I’m pretty much an open book. I always wanted to be a hippie, but I was born too late!

V-Vegetable? Fresh tomatoes or sweet potatoes (that rhymes!)

W-Worst Habit? Self doubt, too quick to judge.

X- Xray or Ultrasound? X-ray

Y-Your favorite food? Mexican or a good steak

Z-Zodiac sign? Cancer

PAIGE and GRAMPA'S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE

While Mark and Rebecca were in Seattle for a 3-day business trip, we watched Paige (while Grammy watched Claire). We were excited for some fun, one-on-one time with Paige, but on Friday she started to get a cold and by Friday night she was a sick little girl with congestion, a croupy cough and a fever. It's been a long time since we had an all-nighter with a sick child. I guess that's why you have your kids in your 20's and 30's! Paige was a sweetheart, even though she felt crummy. This picture pretty much sums it up! For the man who wasn't really very interested about being a grandfther 3 years ago, he seems to have come around. The big question is, who has who wrapped around their finger? It truly is a mutual admiration society with these two! At Disneyland last month several witnesses heard Craig Rogers say, "Since I couldn't spoil my children I'm going to spoil my grandchildren!" Who knew?

JOSH IS REALLY COMING HOME!!!

It's almost as exciting as the call. . . Josh's travel itinerary came in the mail today and he arrives home MONDAY, MAY 12 at 2:55pm! It will be here before we know it. He leaves Monterrey at 6:55 a.m. and travels to Dallas/Ft. Worth. He has a L-O-N-G layover in Dallas from 8:30 a.m. to 1:45p.m., and then he flies into Ontario. The timing is perfect for most of the family to be at the airport that afternoon and celebrate that evening. Hopefully I'll have more updates soon.

DISNEYLAND & 5 ADORABLE GRANDKIDS!

Just us girls took the kids to Disneyland one last time while Kaylee and Jamie were here from Utah. We scored and only had to wait 30 minutes for the Nemo ride and we got to have the strollers in line. Thank you Disneyland!

We stayed for the parade this time, and the cousins were all so cute!

Dylan and Claire slept through the whole parade, and Luke wasn't feeling well this time, but he was such a good boy.

2 Great Quotes:

"I may not be rich and famous, but I do have priceless grandchildren!"

"Grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your kids"

Okay,the second one is a little extreme, (although it did make me laugh out loud) because our 5 kids were all pretty wonderful. However. . . they all hit a wall at age 18 and got a little weird, but then they snapped out of it after about 6 months. And they have truly been the joy of my life, even through those crazy 18 year old months! Now they and their families are my favorite people of all time.

Under Construction

Okay, Jamie and Melissa have decided I need to join them and Rebecca in the blogosphere, so here we are. The good news is that you can click on the girls blogs to see cute close ups of our darling kids and grandkids. Be sure to check out the slide show of our little Joshie and enjoy the excellent music! One reason I ddin't want to do this is I knew it would be one more thing to side track me from being responsible, and I was right. This is addicting!