Who? Huh? What?

Found this beautiful picture of Ashley with Grandma June.  My mom has so much love for her family, and it is always evident when she's around them.  It's been a tough week with mom, and her challenge to be still be mentally and physically all together.  I've hidden some funny post thoughts away for just today (but that means that they will show up very soon because life with Gma is outrageous)  because I need to write down a few difficult thoughts on aging parents.  I had a meltdown yesterday with my own mom.  She can't hear so you have to yell, and then she can't remember so you repeat the yell, and then you repeat it all in 5 minutes, and then you get frustrated and you just yell.  I have always tried to be kind to her - and to remember that I'm not very far off from where she is.  I'm looking for that book - you know - like the book you were suppose to get when you had children and you had no clue what you were doing?  Well, I need the book that helps you finish raising your parents when they are in their 80's and still work in the yard in the middle of the night, talk to imaginary friends, leave with people and not tell you where she's gone, lose their SS checks, again, and decide the Slim Fast is a great thing to have for dinner when you weigh 90 pounds.  I love my mom - and my heart aches to know what to do and how to help her.  I can't fix this - it's the plan of life - but I know so little about it all.  I have been sent an angel though - my Sister in Law Terri - she is the glue of the family and she is there in an instant for my mom when I can't be there.  She calms the crazies, finds mom when she's been missing for hours on end, makes sure she's at her appointments, and is mostly dressed before heading outside to get the newspaper.  I love this woman so much - she is a gift to all of us - and cannot be thanked enough.  I worry that the last thing I say to her - may be the last thing I get to say - so on my 4th phone call tonight to my mom - I told her how proud I was of her - I reminded her of how gracious of a woman she's been in her lifetime and how respected she still is.  I told her how much I loved her - and hoped to be a small portion of the woman she is.  She pretty much flew off the handle at me, and I, at that moment believed in Eternal Life - because I said - see you in the afterlife mom.... and clicked off the phone.  Whew - lost it pretty bad - but after listening to my Jesus tapes (S. Michael Wilcox) I am reminded that Heavenly Father will fill in the gaps where I lack.  So I called her back and apologized up and down the street to her - and she simply said - Oh there you are!  I've missed talking to you from clear last week.....    the after live.... I gotta get me some.  Love your parents - honor them.... make sure they have the right size depends, and that the last words you say to them are, "remember me - your daughter?"  Because tomorrow, she won't remember, and she'll get all excited again that she has one.

Love you Mom.... your only daughter.

Lucky Day, Lucky Us....

When my children were little - I would always pray for their spouses that they would find in the world in their future.  It seemed odd to some people, but it was important to me to have them know that somewhere out there, some amazing parents were raising a wonderful child that they would want the very best for them when they grew up.  I wanted them to know that they needed to live up to what those parents would want for their child.  I prayed that they would be strong in the same beliefs, want to be educated, live right, serve others, and mostly be protected and watched over until my child could find them.  I posted a post a last week - quickly and without thinking, about a wonderful event in our family that had just happened.  I pulled that post - because it deserved so much more than I gave it.  I want to make it very clear that all my prayers have been answered in so many ways, and that my life is richer because of this event.  I never knew the name of this beautiful girl, growing up in California, excelling in school, developing so many talents, staying close to the church, setting an example for all around.  I never knew that she would come to BYU and live a stones throw from my son apartment, and catch his eye with her contagious smile. I had prayed that someone like her would come into my son's life and bring so much love and joy and beauty.  I never knew that a week ago, she would accept his proposal, as my handsome son knelt on one knee and ask her to marry him.  But I know that she was meant to be.  I know that she is part of the great plan Heavenly Father has for my son.  How grateful I am that she led her life, so that when the stars lined up - she was with my son.  How grateful I am that her parents took the time to teach her love, and kindness, integrity and tenderness.  As I have come to know her more, I see the great influence her parents have had on her - and I know that my son will contribute to their family in the same way Katie has already contributed to ours. I am looking forward to the blessings that will come to the Lowrey and Hillary families because of this two amazing people. How wonderful it is that she is accepting of our family - even though she's now had dinner with us all around the table, with our loudness, and craziness, and imperfections.  I want her to know that she is so very welcome to our family.  My girls are not easy to let anyone in - we're not sure how to tell Ryan - but the girls love her so much they will beat him to the ground if he every does anything wrong.  I have watched her with Ryan - and have seen her love for him.  I have seen my son's emotions on his sleeve as he spoke of how he would ask her to marry him, and how he hoped she would say yes, and the look in his eyes of his love for her.  One of my favorite things about her is that she has the funniest laugh - when I hear it - the world is just a better place.  Long ago - a little boy came into my life.  I prayed for his future wife.  She has arrived.  So to you Katie, I say welcome.  To your parents, I say thank you.  To my family, how lucky we are to be able to have our family grow, and to imagine the wonderful things that will come from this union.  Congratulations to my son Ryan, and to Katie - who found each other - and were reminded that perhaps you promised each other in heaven, to find each other on this earth, and you did.

August 10th 2012 - Oakland Temple

QUESTION: Did you hear the joke about the Peanut Butter?

Well - today I checked out my Facebook page and THERE was YET ANOTHER posting about this chick right here     http://www.bakingwithblondie.blogspot    It's been wonderful for me to watch my daughter Mandy start this website and actually work hard every week to make it amazing.  I've enjoyed seeing the pictures of the items she makes, and the stories of why it was important, and the extra things she decided to add to make it unique to her.  She's now been featured here http://sixsistersstuff.com  and today featured here  http://www.thischickcooks.net !!  Pretty exciting - if you like what you see there - make sure you like it - and share it - but most of all try it!!  For some reason I don't seem to see any of MY recipes there??  Hum.... so you don't like the Curry you say?  You know - there are children starving... in ... ok - on in my Mission area!!  (I know - just send it there right!)  So just in case you've wondered where she gets her talent from, it was NOT from me in any sense of the word.  That my kids survived my cooking is one of the miracles of the world.  Now - I love seeing my girls heading off into their cooking talents - and making sure they are eating healthy, and making it beautiful along the way.  Some days, Ashley will post something about some massively grilled salmon with exotic veggies cooked to a tee - and Mandy posts the recipes that make my mouth water - and I STILL wonder where they got it from.  One of my favorite things I own are recipes hand written from my Great Grandmas and Grand Mothers.  My next generation being my own mom has an entire drawer full of memories from her kitchen.  My daughter in law Bethany has a few tricks up her sleeve - she's my master bread maker... so now and then we gather things together and feast.  To illustrate my abilities - I now bring you my ultimate talent - and the reason my children have survived to the ripe age of the 'day they realized people don't eat like I cook'.   Proud of my cooks... excited that Mandy was featured... hope for many more fun surprised like that again.

The Ultimate PB & J

(yes.. that's frosting on top people)
(oh no.... not homemade silly, right out of the
purchase Betty Crocker tub...)
For many years the common housewife has slaved over the

Wonder Bread package and teared up over the variety of ways

to make their children the perfect sammie.

While most children demand that the crust be cut off

of the sammie, I always created at atmosphere of fear,

and death threats if they didn't just eat and hurry because

we were usually late for something.

School lunches can became ho-hum after a while,

so I'm here to give out just some simple secrets

that will make your kids appreciate your

efforts in bringing them the best nutritional

substitute available.... er something like that.

The Motivator

you decide which kid needs THIS scrumptious

delight in their paper sack at lunch

The Baconater...

mmmm... combine breakfast AND lunch

(mmmm Ashley)

and in case you need to send a special message

to your child at school with bullies....

Thus you see - why my daughter Mandy is featured,

and I'm looking for the following items to put on my sammie:



M & M's (left over from Trick or Treating of course), grapes,

Lego's, potato chips, parts of the napkin that get stuck in it

while making it, jelly beans, hidden veggies ie cucumbers...,

sprinkles of Curry Powder (:

honey that hasn't expired,

celery, celery with pimento cheese sauce,

Fruit Loops, (yet again probably expired)

leftover cookies (wait, there are never

left over cookies)  and, of course,

lots of love.  Cook on!

ANSWER:

not going to tell you,

you might spread it around....

Bwahaahhahahhahaha!

#3 has his FIRST BIRTHDAY

Well, you know - when your ONE you can have your cake

and eat it too... even with your foot on the table!

This little one - my 3rd grandchild, has his very first birthday today!

It's been a very busy year for him....

I was in a Missionary Meeting a year ago and my phone

was turned off - at the end of the meetings I turned it on and I had

17 messages and a picture of Mandy with an IV in her hand and

a "Get here NOW I'm having this baby" look on her face.

This little boy - has dreamy blue eyes, soft blond hair, and

the silliest smile ever known.  He is so full of love.  He trusts

his mom and dad - and he lights up when his grandparents come

to see him.  Right now he's way into pots and pans and spatulas.

Soon he'll be up and running and there will be no stopping him...

a possible BYU Cross Country dude?  Perhaps!

Each time I spend time with him, I feel like I'm holding a little

bit of heaven.  He has that shoulder grip with his hand that tells you

he's hanging on and I love that.  He's well traveled... here, there

and everywhere - but he's grounded by his loving parents that teach

him the sweetest things of life.  He's a mighty warrior already.

I'm sure looking forward to many play dates, some trips for

ice cream, and many more Walmart shopping sprees.  Until

then - know you are loved little one - know that you are

a valuable part of many lives.  You are going to rock this world.

Oh Happy Day!  Celebrate!!

(wait we already did on Saturday with your freaking

amazing party!)

It was delicious!



#2 has her SECOND BIRTHDAY!

Well Little Miss - it's your Birthday and you are 2!

That means for the past 2 years I've had this beautiful granddaughter

that lights up my world.  I guess this love originates from her

mom - because I love her mom so much - and this is

Mini Bethany all the way.  There is no softer hair,

no sweeter eyes, no brighter smiles, and

they all belong to this little one here.  She's given me

moments in time when I actually stop what I'm doing

and just sigh - because I know she's mine (ok and I share her

with the other Ama that loves her too).  There is a

tenderness in this one that I cannot describe.  She's

experienced amazing things, been many places, and

enjoyed being loved by a wonderful family.  How

grateful I am that my son has a little girl in his life,

they bring out the best in a parent.  I love that she knows

how to love, and she's careful with the hearts of those

that love her.  Her eyes twinkle when you see her and you

know that they reflect all the joy inside of her.  I love

that her parents are teaching her good things - about a

Heavenly Father that loves her, created her, and expects

many things from her.  I love that she has a big brother to

watch over her, and not kill her when they are rough

housing (; when they play.  I have a lot of plans for you

and I little one - I anticipate the day when I can be with

you more, and watch you in the events of your life.

I hope you know that you are so very very loved by me,

and that you have given me the sweetest memories

ever in the past 2 years.

Oh Happy Day - and many more to come!

Nana - loves you!!

My 'PARENTHOOD' addiction commentary....

Yeah - family wedding finally!
You aren't Jewish - why do we keep making that?
You are are rose patrol
Billy will be my best man because you SOLD THE BUSINESS!
Beer throwing at the back.... OH NO!
Commercial break.....

OH NO - didn't get the baby - Mandy was right -
cleaning out the blue room ):  This is the sad part.
campain gains ten grand... and something from the bakery
but she still doesn't trust him.
How about a wedding in Ireland? 
Let's take our baby (even through you are 40 and I'm 12) and go!
Aspergers syndrome - tough one.
Uh oh - daddy talk - you are in trouble now.... you sold it?
Make up with your brother because Crazy Billy can't come to the wedding.
Commercial break......

NO TEENAGE SEX!!  This momma said NO!
teenage mom shows up and continues to destroy the mommy,
she gives the watch back... ):
oh... no.... are you breaking up with me?  (I'm 40 and you are 12)
sadness.... ):
Commercial break.....
      (there aren't this many commercials during The Bachelor)
      (but it's about as brainless)
      (MMMMMM shrimp and fries at Artic Circle.. wonder if they are still open...)
(count them..... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8..... really that many commercials)
   (I'm trying to do a commentary here folks...)

Billy show up.  Apology accepted.
Wedding begins - (I'm already tearing up)
There's the Groom, the Bride, and yo - their son!
walking, walking walking... walking some more.  Choir singing
(I LOVE these two)
winking, a lot of smiling, missing the baby they didn't get...
(Great song)
Commercial... really?  That was a 40 second part of the show folks!!
Commercial...1, 2, 3, 4, (aluette)(Mickey),5, 6, oh come on!

RECEPTION PARTAE!
Dancing - Billy is aweful
I get to go to Cornell!  (because my dad sold the shop)
More dancing
uh oh - texting the senator
teenagers blood running hot - where are the PARENTHOODS?
Paperwork - still selling.
close your eyes part - ew.... teenagers.... ew
ok - the toast...
BILLY?  Billy is Missing - Billy is gone.
New Best Man - Adam.
(why does Crosby look like Ben the Bachelor?)
ok - so now the deal is OFF - and we're keeping the shop!
Commercial.....
    (NO not the pink Charmin Bear!)(Campbells Soup)(Mac N Cheese)(I have another family?) (Listerine - way too much alcohol)(Selma Hyack milking a cow) (Got Milk) (News News News)(Will Mitt win?)

Back to the Partae
ew teenagers - guilty
OH NO AMBER ALERT - she's found the Senator!
I can't work here and be with you.  Can I be your assistant?
Back to the reception - dancing - lots of Billy and twirling.
Oh - Mark is back - (we love 12 year old Mark)
we belong together - OH - ONE KNEE?  YEAAAAAHHHH!
Wait - he was still standing when he asked - (bad omen)
Driving away in the Just Married car.....
WHAT?  A DELIVERY OF A BABY??????????????
Nope - an 8 year old - perfect..... awesome

Love this show - I'm pretty sure that I should keep my day job.

All Even Numbers.....

Well - today will mark one of those rare moments in time - all of my children are of the 'even' number years in age.  Thanks to Matt - the one on the right, turning 28 today.  This is the famous Skeletonz face we all do - I think we blame Chelsea Culpepper and Mandy for this face - never the less we always do the face.  Left to right represents 22, 24, 26, and 28.  That adds up to a lot of years of loving these kids.  I remember on that first born child, going into labor very early - and the doctor being suprised that I had missed my appointment - to deliver the child.  Matt was this cute little strawberry blonde baby - fat, and happy.  He was so tiny to me - but actually was a pretty good sized little tyke.  Matt changed my life - he wast the first of four to be kicked out of heaven.  He came to teach me love, patience, joy, and patience, and laughter, and have I mentioned patience?  I watched this child do amazing things at such a young age.  He knew all of the tools in the garage, was fearless in a boat and around water,  Played until he would just drop and fall asleep, and it was good to know the amazing parts about him because later on  - he became known as the cat killer.  Long story - different blog.  Matt was a good big brother - he took care of his siblings, and he made sure to keep all of the rules.  And if you believe that... anyway.... he had a mind of his own - still does actually, but he did take in mind things that were taught to him by me.  I've always known Matt to be hard working, finishing a job, being kind to those around him, and never never swearing... and if you believe that last part... anyway.  He was active in sports, and biking, and rollerblading, and soccer.  He went all through scouts and earned his Eagle Scout, stayed close to the church, worked hard in school, played a mean saxophone, and just enjoyed life to it's fullest. Today I found the Top Award given at Jordan High - The  Manhood Award - a rare honor given to a student voted on by the faculty - amazing.  I lost him to Taiwan for his LDS Mission... but knew that he never really belonged to me - but to the Lord.  I threatened him to not marry anyone but Bethany - because I love her so much, and I also wanted 400 grandchildren.  I'm really excited that he has 2 already - that's a great start!  I watched him work his heart out with college and get his Masters - and I just cried my eyes out to see him walk across that stage.  I marvel at his ability to still work hard, love his job, serve the Lord -Young Men's President (influencing those young minds to be the best they can.... and if you believe that..... anyway), and enjoying a motorcycle ride and even illegal picnicing now and then on the side of the road.  Could anyone Mom love you more Matt?  Ha - and if you believe that.... you would be right.

Happy Birthday Matt - you are my Sunshine

(but don't tell the other kids that ok?)

You are loved