Gratitude changes the Heart

November is the month that ushers in the festivities of the holidays. It is a month of thanksgiving. We think of all the things we are grateful for. For the blessings we have received throughout the year. For the bounties of the harvest. It is a month of reflection.

Being grateful changes the heart! It allows us see others in a new light. We show more kindness. We consciously look for ways to provide service. We smile more. We forgive more. We give more. We are more thankful.

A couple of years ago, on a Thanksgiving weekend, we had our family Christmas party. Out of town children stay the entire weekend so I like to plan something a little extra special.This particular year I made "service angels" out of card stock and had family members go on a treasure hunt until they found the treasure trove of angels at the end of the hunt. Each received a stack of service angels and were instructed on how to use them. The weekend was to be spent looking for opportunities to serve each other. With that service, they could either leave the angel secretly at the place of service or write a note of love and appreciation with the angel. 

It was fun watching the focus of the weekend center on service. Heart's were turned to each other as thoughtful words and acts of kindness were heard and seen throughout the next few days.

One morning I made pancakes. A grand daughter asked if she could help. 

"Did you hear that bell ring? Every time a bell rings, an angel gets her wings." 

 I was delighted that Nicole offered her help. She poured the batter on the griddle. I cooked the bacon and scrambled the eggs. After all were served and I was about to sit down and eat, I was given a plate of heart pancakes and a note of love and appreciation from this grand daughter that had just so willingly helped her grandmother out. 

It made my heart swell and I loved her even more!

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop

Witch Apothecary

I was scanning Halloween ideas on Pinterest and saw a mask submerged in a jar full of water. It was creepy, yet intriguing. It gave me a decorating idea. 

The grandkids and I put this skeleton head jar together in record time. Two minutes.

I bought a skeleton mask for $1. Found an empty jar in my pantry and filled it with water. Added several drops of neon green food coloring and let the grandkids stir it in. I then submerged the mask in the water, molding it to fit the jar. And there you have it... A creepy green skeleton head sitting among Witch Apothecary.

the love it!

This was definitely a Pinterest win!

More pictures. Same spot.

Picture of a grand daughter in her Witch costume. Edited in Picmonkey. Another fun site to visit.

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop

Witches or Vampires?

I am definitely for witches! Vampires are creepy. They come out at night and prey upon unsuspecting victims. They have fanged teeth and suck blood. That's just not right!

Witches can be frightening and ugly and cast spells on you, but they can also be nice and pretty. Take Be-witched, for example. All she needed to do was wiggle her nose and all would be made right! I loved that show when I was a kid. I always wanted to wiggle my nose and "poof!" my bedroom would be clean just like that!

I love to decorate my home with witches. I collect them like I collect angels and nativities at Christmas. I buy a new one every year. Witch hats are becoming more and more creative. Have you checked out Zurchers? It is the ultimate party store. You can find anything you want there. We bought witch hats, a cape, stripped leggings, and green makeup for a cute little someone in our family wanting to dress up like a witch this year. 

Here are some of the witches I have had over the years. My favorite is a little someone dressed up in witch attire dancing foot loose and fancy free. 

One year for our annual Harvest Fest we took the little kids on a "Spooky Hollow" Forest Walk through the orchard where they met a black cat, skeleton bones, ghosts, spiders, bats and a witch. She stood in the shadows of webs and spiders, enticing the kids to grab the pumpkin before she snatched them. A daughter-in-law dressed up as the witch and played the part to the hilt! 

A new witch hat this year. We'll be putting a witch together and placing her outside the front door. Pictures to come.

Cackling witch. Her eyes flash as she laughs. One year she hovered over a cauldron filled with flavored milk and treats. 

A friendly witch sits on the bench in the foyer greeting guests as they enter.

Two of my favorite witches. Dressed fancy and ready to treat.

This witch flies through the air on her broom in the light of the moon. She is on a bench on the front porch.

There is broom parking for witches who come to the house. The pumpkin sitting in the pot will be made into a green ghastly witch face (I found the tutorial on Pinterest). Pictures to come.

A witches shoe sits on the front porch telling visitors if this witch is in or out.

This witch is frightening!

This witch is nice! 

Even though she looks frightening, she talks to her guests as her eyes flash green and entices them to take a treat. She is this year's new witch.

This witch is cute!

All dressed up in grandma's witch costume. Ali is now 5 years older and is dressing up as a scary, but friendly witch this year for Halloween. 

Which is your favorite witch?


Here are my responses to all the questions, Halloween This or That. Now, you play along.

1. Chocolate candy or fruity? Chocolate, of course! 

2. Witches or Vampires? Witches. I buy a new one every year to add to my ever growing collection. 

3. Trick or Treat? Treat. I like to make treats, pass out treats to little spooks, and eat treats!

4. Halloween Party or Scary Movie? I do not like scary movies, but I love a good Halloween Party at my house when it involves the grandkids. Harvest Fest has been a traditional favorite.

5. Skeletons or Zombies? Skeletons. We all have bones. That makes them real. Zombies are just plain creepy and unreal.

6. Trick-or-Treat or Hand Out Candy? Hand out candy. We are lucky to get a few trick-or-treaters at our house so that means candy for me all night long!

7. Hay Ride or Corn Maze? Corn Mazes. I love going with oldest daughter's family to the old barn in Elwood. You can sit around a fire, drink hot chocolate, watch a scary movie and get lost in the corn maze. There are plenty of creepy sounds and spooks hiding among the field of corn to give you a good scare. I hope I never outgrow it!

8. Scary Costume or Funny Costume? Either one, as long as it's not too scary. Anything that has sign of blood or zombie is too much for my liking.

9. Pumpkin Seeds or Pumpkin Pie? Pumpkin Pie. Anything pumpkin for that matter. I love pumpkin chocolate chip bread, pumpkin cookies, and pumpkin turtle pie. I want to try a new pumpkin recipe this year.

10. Bottle Feed A Baby Zombie or Walk Alone Through A Dark Forest? I'll take my chances and walk through a dark forest... or our orchard at Harvest Fest.

11. Bats or Black Cats? Not fond of either, but I'll take the black cat over a bat. Maybe he will catch some mice.

12. Pumpkin Spice or hot Chocolate? Chocolate!!!!

13. Celebrate in your neighborhood or at the mall? Since I don't live in a neighborhood or near a mall, I don't do either. Although our town does a trunk-or-treat and near-by Brigham City designates a night for spooks to walk up and down main street, gathering treats from all the stores. It's a fun tradition for families. We also like to attend a "pumpkin walk" at Smarty Pants Preschool and a farm in Logan.

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop

A Day in Pictures

I was awakened by the doorbell. It's "cold season" at our house and last night I needed some relief from headache, nose sniffles, and sore throat. I took some NyQuil and it knocked me out! The sound of the doorbell was not what I wanted to hear first thing in the morning, but... I was glad to greet my visitors.

...Visiting teachers from church. They came by and brought me a birthday gift (it was on Sep 21). These ladies are so sweet and thoughtful and have become some of my best friends. I love the glass leaves and tea lights. Perfect for Autumn time!

10:00 a.m. - Breakfast. Raisin Bran is a favorite and is full of fiber. 

Dishes from last night and this morning.

The day's are not complete without a call from my daughters. I like that!

Hot shower. Ohhhh... felt so good!

Afternoon - Watered flowers. My Zinnia's have been so beautiful. They are State Fair quality for sure!

I picked up some dried purple leaves to put in my "Magic Spells" potion bottle for Halloween. I'm keeping my eye out for natural remedies.

As you can guess, I've been on Pinterest! Looking for Halloween party and decor ideas. I've found some real good ones.

Beware the ghasty green witch! I can't wait to make her.

4:00 p.m. - The Mr. and I went to a movie. Even though we have an amazing theater room, we still like to support our local theater. Once a week, on cheap nights, we choose a movie to see. Tonight we went to The Magnificent Seven. If you are in the mood to see a wild west show, this is the one for you!

Evening - Dinner at home and Survivor (love DVR!)

Life is good!

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop

Son...

Seems like yesterday you were playing at one of your favorite parks with your sisters, rappelling out trees, fishing in the river with your stick and string, riding bikes with your friends, catching frogs, playing in the mud with your trucks, and incubating chicken eggs. 

I loved being your cub scout leader... making birdhouses and derby cars and cooking with tuna cans in the back yard. Oh... you were such a delight!

It was not uncommon to come home from school to find you in the kitchen with my apron on cooking up a batch of brownies. You loved to cook!

You had the ability to entertain yourself for hours... whether it was building extraordinary things out of legos, playing with matchbox cars, swimming in the river, or riding the LTD bus. 

The innocent years of your youth went by way too fast. You grew into a young man before I knew it. 

I watched you enter adulthood when you got your first job and bought a jeep with your own money. I watched, with pride, the way you took care of things and people. 

Making a family of your own brought a newfound joy all its own. I loved watching you be a father and see the love and concern you had for your children.

You always had an adventure going on in your head it seemed. I loved all our family trips together. You were just one of the kids when it came to snowball fights, sledding, exploring gardens and other places of nature. You never outgrew the "fun" of doing. All the kids... nieces and nephews, often thought of you as their favorite uncle. 

Thirty two short years on earth wasn't long enough, but I don't think about how or why you left us. There was too much good about you. Labor Day will be forever changed. Today we will celebrate your life... forever.

I will always think about your soft, calming voice. Your laughter. Your funny personality and the hilarious way you had with words. Your phone calls that could last for hours, but only seemed like minutes. The unique droop of your lip when you smiled or cried. Your love of nature, gardening, and animals. Your kindness. Your gentleness. Just you... you as a glorious and worthy son. 

Steven Greg Oliver - January 29, 1983 - September 7, 2015

I especially loved that you always addressed me as "mother".  

From your mother... I love you son!

Profile Picture

This has been my facebook profile picture for the past year. It is a picture of two of my children. Shaniel and Steven. Shaniel was my third child. Steven, my fourth. They were just about three years apart in age... but close enough to be the best of friends.

Shaniel and Steven have both passed away. I keep a picture of them as my profile picture to keep them constantly visual... just as if they were here.

Shaniel was murdered by her husband on February 10, 2013. She was 32 years old and left behind four children. Her husband killed himself as well. Steven died by suicide on Labor Day last year. September 7, 2015. He was also 32 years old and left behind a wife and two natural and two step children. Both have been very hard deaths on our family. Never would I expected this to happen to them, to me, to their siblings, and children.

Shaniel's death was extremely difficult on all of us. Steven shut down and never talked about it. I believe if Shaniel were here today that Steven would be here too. I can't believe what one person's choices and actions can do to change the life of so many people. Our's is forever changed. 

The picture of Shaniel and Steven were taken at Thanksgiving Point during the Tulip Festival in 2010. We have always gotten together as often as we could to do things as a family. To make memories and strengthen family ties and for cousins to become good friends. 

All but one of my girls were there for the picture. I am thankful for so many good and wonderful memories of my children. For those left behind, I consider each day I am with my children and grandchildren a cherished gift. A gift I never take for granted. To see them, hear them, hug them and love them is more precious than anything. 

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop

Childhood Neighborhood

When I think back on my childhood neighborhood... it brings a smile to my face and conjures up sweet remembrances of home, family, and friends. 

Our's was not a typical neighborhood of houses. We were not even considered a town. Rather, we lived in a rural area... a green little valley surrounded by pastures, ponds, and cedar. Our little place of heaven was called Spring Glen... located in Carbon County, Utah. The only green place in the entire county. It was home to less than 1000 people. 

I knew our place as Rural Route 1. We lived on the south side of the mail route... Haycock Lane, on approximately 3 acres of land. The route was in a rectangle shape, about 3 miles around. Houses loosely dotted the single lane, surrounded by pastures, a dairy, ponds, a dry wash, canal, and the cedars. Our closest neighbors were our farm animals. Horses, cows, dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, sheep, rabbits, and sometimes pigs. 

We were hidden from the highway... far away from traffic and noise. There were no street lights, only an occasional light from a barn and a night sky filled with millions of stars. It was the perfect place for growing up.

Here's a sketch of my neighborhood.

In the summers, we played neighborhood games such as hide 'n seek, annie-I-over, kick-the-can, softball, and red rover red rover. We slept out underneath the stars on the front lawn. We swung from the branches of the willow tree. We climbed trees, ate fresh fruit the orchard and vegetables from the garden. We played in the neighbor's pond... swimming, building rafts and catching poly wogs and frogs. We made boats out of twigs and leaves and floated them down the ditch bank that ran in front of our house. We rode bikes and roller skated. We played in the barn, chicken coop, and made secret passages in the haystack. We swung across the canal on a tire swing. We rode horses in the cedars and even to neighboring towns. We played in the dry wash for hours. After daily chores in the morning around the house and barnyard, we packed up a lunch and headed for the outdoors... not to be seen until dinner time. There were no worries in the 1960's. It was a great time to be a child. 

There was only one store in our neighborhood. It was called the Blue Cut Service. You could get gas for .25 cents, penny candy, and candy bars for a nickle or a dime. After earning a dime or two from chores, us kids would run down the lane, about a half mile, and buy a treat. My favorite candy bar was "Zero". Still is to this day!

There was also only one church house in our neighborhood, and our family attended faithfully every Sunday. Primary, Scouts, and MIA were held on other days throughout the week, which we also enjoyed attending.

I attended school at the Spring Glen School House up until 6th grade. It was an old building, but I didn't know any different. I loved my teachers and loved to learn. Spelling Bee's and having Ms. Rowley read stories to us were my favorite things about grade school.

In the winters, the green pastures gave way to a blanket of glistening white snow. We found many opportunities for play in the winter. The neighborhood kids came together often to play fox and geese in the snow, go sledding and ice skating. One of my favorite things to do on a sunny, cold day was to knock off ice icicles from the roof's edge of the house and suck on them like popsicles. 

Our weeks were filled with school work and neighborhood activities and plays centered around church and school. We gathered as a community to celebrate the birth of Christ every Christmas. Having a part in the Nativity was the highlight of the Christmas season. It was common to activity participate in acts of service for neighbors and those who were in need all through the year. 

Reminiscing about my childhood days and the place of my neighborhood heightens all my senses. The sight of my childhood home, the sound of a bird's song and the clanging of the cow's bell, the smell of lilacs and the sweat of the horse, the touch of an ice cold icicle and soft bunny fur, and the taste of freshly picked fruit from off the tree makes me aware of just how lucky I was to live in the neighborhood of my childhood days. 

Years have passed, but they have never dulled the memories of the place I call home. The little green valley, in the heart of Castle Country... Spring Glen.

Rural Route 1, Haycock Lane

My childhood home in the 1960's - 70's

Orchard of apple, pear, and apricot trees. The barn has long since been torn down. It sat directly behind the orchard and berry patch.

My Shetland pony - Stormy, grazing in the front yard underneath the Weeping Willow tree.  My sister's dog - Pottyeta, holding on to the rope!

Our neighbor's pond

Cows in the pasture with the cedar hills in the background.

 Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop

Pioneer

The month of July is not only America's birthday, it is also my state's birthday. Utah was founded on July 24, 1847.

Every year gives me an opportunity to pause and reflect on the sacrifices my pioneer ancestors made in order for me to have the ease and comforts of life I enjoy today. 

The history of my pioneer ancestry is one of remarkable courage and faith as they treked across the great plains from Illinois to the Rocky Mountains to escape religious persecution and settle in a land that would ensure peace and prosperity. After 111 days on the trail and over 1000 miles later the first band of Mormon pioneers, consisting of 148 members, reached the Salt Lake Valley. 

When the pioneers entered Immigration Canyon, Brigham Young, the church's leader... also known as the great colonizer of the West, was in a wagon where he lay sick. When his wagon came within view of the Salt Lake Valley below he sat up, looked it over, and said... "This is the right place. Drive on!" 

After months on the trail, the Mormon settlers were finally home. Their arrival changed and defined the region forever. It is the place I love! It is the place I call home. 

Faith was the driving force that pressed the pioneers onward and to find refuge. They walked, pulled and pushed handcarts, rode in wagons pulled by oxen, and rode on horses. Most came with only the bare necessities for survival and left everything else behind. They were not only pioneers... they were refugees! They were driven from their beautiful city Nauvoo. They endured the harshest of elements where many perished on the trail. It is a story of my ancestors. One that I am proud of and humbled by.

I love to share the stories of my ancestors, especially with my grandchildren. Their stories start at their birth place... overseas. Reading about their conversion inspires me to live in such a way to bring honor to their names. It took great courage to sail the seas to a foreign land and trek across the plains to a new home on the western frontier. They were brave in every sense of the word. 

We see pioneers all around us... every single day. Refugees are fleeing their homes for places of safety and peace. They are coming to seek a better way of life. They are paving the way for others to follow. They are courageous and brave, just like my ancestors were over 150 years ago. 

How are we pioneers today? Think of all the firsts' you have done and the example you have set for others. I have never met you in person... but I see it and know it as I read your stories. What a privilege it is to know you!

In July of 2008 I introduced my grandchildren to our pioneer heritage. I filled a suitcase full of maps, books, trivia questions, bandannas, journals, and a bonnet and hat. 

The suitcase became known as "the traveling suitcase" as it would be the keeper of many wonderful and exciting adventures going back in time. 

On this particular day, we mapped our ancestors' journey from Liverpool, England, to the states. Then followed the Mormon Trail from Nauvoo, Ill, to Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Now it was time to start to the "traveling suitcase" adventure. We loaded up in the car and headed 50 miles south to This is the Place Heritage Park at the mouth of Immigration Canyon in Salt Lake City. I read stories of our ancestors as we traveled, creating a visual re-creation of life as a pioneer on the western frontier. 

By the time we arrived at the State Park, excitement was at an all time high. Pioneer life was seen everywhere and the kids were able to experience hands on activities such as weaving, wool spinning, gardening, rug beating, blacksmithing, newpaper printing, school work, and other arts and crafts and responsibilities of the day. They even got a shave at Brigham's Barber Shop and cracked the safe at Zions Bank. Most of the old cabins and buildings were brought from their original places around the state in order to create the pioneer village. 

Oxen and other animals roam the State Park. Taking a wagon ride or hitching a ride on the train got us from place to place easily. Relaxing under big shade trees and eating ice cream cones was a welcome relief from the heat. Entertainment of the early days were re-enacted for enjoyment and encouraged participation.

Living in the past for a day and participating in our ancestors' heritage was a trip back in time that was both rewarding and educational. It connected us to our ancestors in a very real way. It brought their stories to life as we interacted with the "pioneers" in the village.

This is the Place Heritage Park is an experience that will leave you with a clear understanding of life as a pioneer. It's very enlightening and gives the visitor a greater appreciation and perspective on what it means to be a pioneer of the past. 

Overlooking the Salt Lake Valley from This is the Place Heritage Park, Immigration Canyon.

Traveling Suitcase

We can all be pioneers! Past, Present, and Future.

Entertainment

This is the Place Heritage Park is friendly, interactive, and gives you a glimpse into the past that will truly enlighten and renew your faith. Hope you come for a visit!

Get started on your own family history search HERE and HERE.

 Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop

Pinkie Promise Wish

Have you ever experienced a deja vu? Or, in other words, had a feeling of already experienced the present situation? 

I have. They happened more when I was younger, but they still happen on occasion. I came across an article that was not only fascinating, but it also resonated with me.

About space and time. Not as we understand it here on earth, but before and beyond. Eternity. Could our deja vu's be connected to that place, that space, that time, that we don't understand?

If I had one wish here on earth, I would wish for the absence of time and space... just for a day. I could recall the past and be in the present. I don't think I could look on the future. Not yet.

But... I would turn back to the days before my children left this earth life. I would not only watch, but I would live with them! 

I would be brave enough to get in the jeep with my son and climb the big rocks, instead of standing outside the adventure looking in. 

I would jump on a tube and fly down the slopes, wind and snow blowing in my face, racing my son to the bottom of the hill... instead of capturing the thrill on his face whizzing down the hill.

I would jump over obstacles and land on my feet, showing my daughter I could keep up!

I would go on another adventure with her, anticipating the surprise behind the next door... or curtain... or....

Just one more time... we'd walk through the tulips, play in the fountains, roll down the hills, feed the fish, gaze at the stars, and hike the canyons. And so much more.

Then, we would make our "pinkie promise", just like we did on our last camping trip together. And promise to carve in a trip every year to strengthen family ties, create memories, and share our love and friendship with one other. We would never be too busy for that. Not ever.

If time and space were irrelevant, I would bring back every single moment, every single memory, and re-live them just one more time. But I can't. Not here. Though, one day, when I am reunited with my children, I am certain we will re-start our adventures with a "pinkie promise", never, ever, to be broken again!

                             Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop