DECISIONS ANDF REGRETS

"It is one thing to see your road, another to travel it" Anon
You need to learn you can win from whatever decision you make. You can learn, grow and develop yourself on which ever road you take. Remember there is no such thing as failure......only feedback. When you think this way, your life can change and become more understanding, growing and peace of mind occurs.
I am trying to live without regrets and believe every decision I have made was the best one for me at that time. Regrets come from thinking you know what life would have been like "IF ONLY". Yet, the truth is that you can not know. There will always be hills and valleys in our life travels. No matter which road we chose originally it would not protect us from these hills and valleys. There are no perfect roads in life. The downs are there to teach us and help us discover the truth and better way. Wouldn't life be boring if we lived constantly on the hills? There can be more ups than downs, if you learn your lessons well.......You know "no such thing as failure, only feedback."
Utah is still wrapped in the arms of winter, the mountains are beautiful to look at and very cold. Park City is in the middle of it's Robert Redfords Film Festival, every year we enjoy the world coming to our doors. Lots of snow yesterday, today fog and much warmer. Shirley and I took in a movie and lunch today, that Ashton Kutcher has the prettiest brown eyes!

LOOKING BACK.......

I have been doing some New Years cleaning and ran across a note book where I dutifully journaled what was going on in the family. It was 10 years ago for the first part, we were facing the millennium year 2000.

WOW, 10 years ago......time really flys. This is history, my history, my children's history. I do love history! Check the following:

Love is family and family is love. A wonderful year is celebrated by the big new Millennium. Everyone on hold and we feel we should stay home, with tourists threats for travelers.

The Christensons......Sherrie busy with scrapbook business, "Sassy Frog." Darren sneaking in a little snowmobiling and his other many interests. Alex turned 8 and was baptised, he is getting tall and knows cars inside and out. Brayden, my wire wizard. He is such an interesting fellow. My Kennedy, happy following big brothers around and being mama's baby. Beautiful blond curly hair.

The Cooks......Karrie invented lights and cut outs in paper and joined Sherrie's interest in her "Cookie Cutters" and scrap booking. Karrie is still praying for one more little one. Richard loves Sadie and has lots of new projects. Annie takes dance lessons and is mighty feisty. She loves dolls and friends. Very independent with an attitude. Richie B. is into soccer, swimming lessons and sports. Bicycle, scooter, roller blades, basket ball, TV games. Sadie dog keeps them all in good spirits.

Panniers.......Pam and Rob are too busy. We never see Pam with her two jobs, and new member of the family "Sir Charles." My Tiff went off to Appleton, WI to college to swim.....(they didn't ask me if she could go that far) and I miss her. Nicci winning a dozen dance awards and into her school marching group. She drives next year! Will is a great baseball player. His passion but also a good swimmer. Lots of friends and good grades in school.

WE ALL LIVED THROUGH 2000 AND MOVED INTO 2001..........

The big news is the Cooks presented us with a new family member. Scott Calvin Cook, born Oct. 19Th,five weeks early. We needed a new member in our family. Richie B. turns 8 and will be baptised. Annie is learning Violin and had a great dance review. Richard has many projects and Kar made us a new baby. Both busy with church.

The other big even, The Christensons bought a new house and moved in a couple of days after baby Scottie was born. In between selling the old house and moving into the new one, they lived with grandma Betty 6 weeks. Alex is learning to be a wall climber and taking ski lessons, art lessons and is a good swimmer. Brayden is busy wiring everything in sight, and has learned to swim. Beautiful blond curly hair Kennie loves pudding, rolly polly on TV. He gives us lots of love and fun. Mom, Sherrie goes 100 miles an hour in every direction and daddy Darren finds time to 4 wheel, snowmobile and river run.

Panniers spend many hours watching and helping Will with baseball games and swim meets and lots of school honors and programs. Nice having Pam around more all fall, but she keeps busy, busy. Rob sneaks in a little duck and deer hunting. Our talented Nicci dances 24 hours a day, at school and competition. A junior in high school and got her drivers license. My #1 granddaughter is in her second year at college swimming and enjoying college.

And as for me.....In January I started the year off with a 25 day cruise from Istanbul, Turkey to Cape Town, Africa. Stopped in Tunisia, Malta, Morocco, Senegal, Benin, Togo, Namibia. Very, very interesting part of the world. Then Leslie and I had a cruise from Stockholm Copenhagen, Finland, St Petersburg Russia, Gdansk, Berlin and back to Stockholm. Had a great summer with the grandchildren and the pool with a trip to Chicago in July with my "Scrapbookers". Did some remodeling. All new hard wood floors, tile baths and a new banister Oh yes, new stove. dishwasher and pots and pans. It was a good year and next years travel plans in January is a cruise to New Zealand, Australia and Tasmania. In March will be off to climb the wall in Beijing,China and Xian. Does life get any better? Fun to look back, but only for a review. I just want to keep looking forward in my life and watch the accomplishments of my great family.

PEARLS OF WISDOM

On this beautiful sunny Sunday morning my heart is full of love for my wonderful family. I just talked to my sister and shared her love. I found this wonderful poem which says it better than I can. A message to my wonderful grandchildren. The picture on the left was many years ago, but I still see them as my 9 "little darlings."

"GRANDMA'S PEARLS OF WISDOM"....author unknown

I've traveled paths you've yet to walk, Learned lesson old and new

And now this wisdom of my life, I'm blessed to share with you.

Let kindness spread like sunshine, Embrace those who are sad,

Respect their dignity, give them joy, And leave them feeling glad.

Forgive those who might hurt you, And though you have your pride,

Listen closely to their viewpoint, Try to see the other side.

Walk softly when you're angry, Try not to take offense,

Invoke your sense of humor, Laughter's power is immense!

Express what you are feeling, Your beliefs you should uphold,

Don't shy away from what is right, Be courageous and be bold.

Keep hope right in your pocket, It will guide you day by day,

Take it out when it is needed, When it's near, you'll find a way.

Remember friends and family, Of which you are a precious part,

Love deeply and love truly, Give freely from your heart.

The world is far from perfect, There's conflict and there's strife,

But you still can make a difference, By how you live your life.

And so I'm very blessed to know, The wonders you will do,

Because you are my grandchildren, And I believe in you..............

THINK ABOUT THIS........

These days there are so many people struggling to keep things together.......many people's businesses, families and worlds are falling apart, thanks to Obama. When you think you have nothing left to give, ask yourself.

Would I trade the use of my hands for 10,000 dollars? A hundred thousand dollars? A million dollars? No, No and No. So I guess I am a millionaire! My possessions (my hands), are worth a million dollars to me, I must be a millionaire.......

True happiness, wealth and success lie within ourselves. You can travel the world over looking for it while all the time it lies within you. It's not what you have in your pocket, but what you have in your heart that makes you rich. There are some very rich people who are not happy. The reasons vary from poor health, unable to have children, unfaithfulness, dishonesty, divorce etc. Money can't seem to buy these rich people happiness. The richest people are those grateful for what they have, two hands, good health, strong happy children and a supportive mate. "So much of the time all we have is all we need, and all we need is awareness of and gratitude for what we have."

Today I am very grateful for everything in my life. A wonderful family that are there for me. A warm, safe house to live in with enough food and money. I have two hands that can and do everything I need them to. Yesterday my sister was in town and we spent a fun day together with other family members. I am greatful for my sister and her love. Today. I'm off to lunch with my oldest daughter and look forward to another great day in my life......"It's not what you have in your pocket, but what you have in your heart that makes you rich!"

BIG FAT CHOCOLATE DOUGHNUT

Last year my New Years Resolution was: a big fat bank account and a slim body. At the end of 2010 I found I had a slim bank account and a big fat body.........so this year I stayed away from that skinny body stuff. I just realized my sweet tooth goes out and celebrates without my permission.......I can see a big fat chocolate doughnut and while I am trying to decide "if I will or if I won't"...I find the sucker is mostly gone, and I have hardly gotten a taste. It seems my cravings for chocolate doughnuts and my conscience aren't on the same page. Candy bars I can walk away from, most pies and even cheese cake at the Cheese Cake Factory...... which my family goes bonkers over, I can say "no", I'll take a bite of yours. But, there is something about a big chocolate doughnut that my sweet tooth is stronger than my conscience.

I have realized today is the oldest I have ever been and yes,the youngest I will ever be, so enjoy this day while it lasts. If it makes me happy to eat desert first.........why not?

I think my family have just given up on me and I find lots of fun chocolate doughnuts floating in and out of my life. I have been busy looking for a new chandelier for my dinning room. Yesterday we shopped for and I made my youngest granddaughter a "minkie" blanket to snuggle in, we had fun picking out the material which she bought with her baby-sitting money. The weather has finally opened up and we have been getting sunshine and good air, but more winter is forecast for Wednesday............Oh well, that's life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY SISTER....LESLIE

Boy, have the last 68 years flown by! It was a cold winter day and I remember anxiously waiting to hear if I had another baby sister or maybe a baby brother.......You were born a block up the street from our house in Grandma's Goff's bedroom, where your three big sisters were born. I was 11 and so excited about having a new baby to play with. Daddy was working in Tooele, Utah and not with mom. She sent him a telegram and said she and the baby were doing fine. His friends commented she forgot to tell you what the baby was, but he knew it was another girl.......making four now. Pictured on the right are the four sisters at a family reunion at Dixie's ranch a few years ago. We are all so different, but the same because of our wonderful parents and fun years growing up together. We are sad and lonesome for the two sisters that have passed away. I thank you for all the fun times we have had together, sharing our kids and traveling around the world and the United States together. I am looking forward to a few more years of fun times together. Oh yes, to anyone concerned, we did get that baby brother when Leslie was three. Jimmy Dick was the icing on the cake for my father.

EAT SMART

When you have children....you don't eat smart. We were taught in my generation......to clean your plates......not waste anything. So, in my adult hood I have to admit I helped myself to the last bit of room temperature casserole, just because I didn't want to throw it out. I have robotically nibbled my way through a bag of fast-food fries, even though they were soggy and cold. You eat stupid things, just because they are there. We were taught "waste not, want not."

Do you realize it's the clock that can sabotage your eating habits in ways you never realized. It's breakfast.....eat....it's lunch.....eat, you know finish off the left overs from last night. It is dinner time, gotta eat! Have you ever eaten dessert after a massive entree even though you were full?

Now, in front of the mirror especially after the holidays you say, "that can't be me!" Suck it up cake......you are five pounds heavier. So now I get back to the oat meal and cranberry juice. I didn't mention the word diet in my New Years Resolution. But, in my heart I knew I better get serious for my heart's sake. I can say that now after my two dear friends came over to coffee this morning and between the three of us almost polished off a box of a dozen mixed doughnuts.

We had a good time, eating and talking and it all ended up with us feeling we could conquer the world again........so what the heck. Tomorrow is the day I get serious........well kinda sorta.

DAFFODIL PRINCIPLE

I think the only ones happy in this weather are the many snowmen I see sprinkled around the neighborhood........It is cold! This cold weather just goes deep in your bones and my arthritis hates it. It is also very hard on Karrie who has fibermialgia,(not sure how to spell it), she has been hurting so bad. January is flying by and hopefully February will warm a little. I have been very busy and that is the answer I guess. Sherrie was in town yesterday and Pam and I met her for a quick lunch, then they were off to Vernal again. There is so much I can do to help make others lives more happy. I heard a story about one woman with two hands, two feet and a normal brain who over many years planted one bulb at a time on an obscure mountain top and "created something of indescribable magnificence, beauty and inspiration" for many to enjoy. "50,000 bulbs woven together in a beautiful, colorful pattern......one at a time. Hey, don 't we have two hands, two feet and a normal brain.....kinda sorta? There is so much we can do.

To me this is a great methaphore of the women all over the world. Every day of our lives we are planting one seed at a time of love, knowledge, information, helpfulness, kindness. We feed, drive, make clothes, clean and care for the ones we love, young and old. Our mission on earth is to plant seeds that make our children grow into wonderful human beings, who will indeed continue to plant seeds.....one at a time.

Each day look, see, be aware of your "crops" or (accomplishments) and enjoy them to the fullest. Wear your good underwear, use your best china, light your candles, eat desert first......do it all for you. And, continue planting those bulbs (seeds) till the day you die, others will see and enjoy your good works.

EAGLE #3

Things just keep getting better in my life. Today Brayden (Christenson), will get his Eagle Scout Award. This is the third grandson so far to receive this outstanding award. The boys work very hard to prove they can do all the things required of a a young man........and it seems the parents are also awarded honorable mention, after watching the work they do to keep things moving. On the left is the invitation his mother made for tonight's party. I wish I could be there but Vernal in this weather is not easy for me to get to. The invitation shows Brayden in Africa building desks for a new school that was dedicated while he and his mother were there last summer doing volunteer work for the charity "Koins for Kenya." This was a pretty big step for someone 14 years old. Brayden is a hard worker, is so good to his grandmothers and lots of fun. The picture on the left is a fun memory to me. Brayden drove me up to the petroglyphs in back of their house in this funny little buggy they call a razor.......it is a ride I will never forget! I had three daughters and no sons, but now I am repeating the rewards through my six grandsons. Congratulations Brayden, your grandmother is very proud of you!

"ON" and "OFF'

Oh how I miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch.........Nothing had to be recharged, cell phone, lap top, camera, kindle etc. My poor brain can hardly remember to turn off the iron and lock all the doors every night, now I have a list of things I need to check and see if they are recharged so I can use them tomorrow! Would my life stop if when I got up in the morning these things just laid there and looked at me? I don't think so, but life wouldn't be as much fun I guess. Your brain is the greatest thing ever, but some times it goes on strike and says, you don't have any more room in your files, if I don't get it to my files then I just forget how to use these things and have to be told again, and again, and again! I know how to tex.......kinda, but not really. It doesn't come automatically, but I finally figure it out. My phone can tell me who is calling, so I can choose to answer or not. I shudder when the girls suggest a new car. Theirs have bum warmers, GPS's, back up mirrors that practically talk to you, they hit a button in the house and go out and their car is warming up, movies can be played to entertain the children. My last car was 11 years old when they talked me into this one and now this one I own is about 6 years and I am finally feeling comfortable in it!!! My poor brain just can't figure me out.........The things I used to care to do, I no longer care to do, but I really do care that I don't care to do them any more. I think my get up and go just got up and went..........Oh well, tomorrow I'll work on my poor brain some more.

ALMOST BACK TO NORMAL.......

Yes, I finally found a place for all my Christmas stuff and they are tucked away till next year. Think about this......what other time of the year can you sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of your sock? Holidays have got to be the greatest! It's nice when they get here and nice when they are over.

I can't believe how fast January is moving in on us. Today is January 4, 2011 already. It is freezing cold outside and I love sitting at my counter watching the little birds delight in finding lunch at my bird feeder. I am lucky to have a nice warm house and plenty to eat, so many people are not so lucky. I inherited a new room mate this week end. Kortney will be staying with me a couple of weeks.........and guess what she knows her way around the computer. I try not to miss my sweet Tiff to much because I know how happy she is with her new husband and life. She kept me young, as will Kortney. There is so much I need to be doing but all I want to do is curl up with my new "Kindle" and read , read, read. My kids always come through with the greatest gifts each year. Picture this.......I am in my recliner, in front of my Amish fireplace (the kids gave me last Christmas), bundled in my Sherpa throw (the Christensons gave me for Christmas) reading my "Kindle" (A Christmas present from the three families) and it's about 17 degrees outside. The perfect winter scenario.........but, I guess I better finish mopping the floor first. Hope you all are having a great day..............

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011

Happy New Year from Gigi and I. Don't you just love our mother-daughter matching outfits???? I get the feeling Gigi isn't to thrilled. It is a freezing cold New Years Day, but I don't care.......it's good to just be here to enjoy it.

Have you noticed how life is one long series of changes? Just when you think you have gotten things under control something changes and off you go again. You get married, you have children, they grow up, move away into their own lives, grandchildren, death of parents, siblings, friends. You gain weight, hair gets gray, you get aches and pains. Do you give up? Never, grin and bare it and keep going.
As the years pass and I begin to enjoy and cherish more than ever the years I have left in life I become more at peace. In my many years of traveling and the thrill of learning some thing new every where I go,I see life is an adventure. Enjoy it! Think of yourself as a tourist in your own life. Look at everything, listen to everything and get emotional to really feel it.

I have been very lucky traveling to around 120 countries in the world. Each place I have been has added another layer to the person I am now. These new experiences and wonderful people I've met have all had a hand in making me the person I am today. Of course, no one gets through life without some devastating crisis in their lives-----like divorce after 30 years of marriage, the death of my mother at 58 from cancer, two younger sisters going before me. But, with the right attitude things go on and in some cases even get better. I am looking forward to 2011 taking each day at a time and filling it with thanks for whatever God has for me.