THINGS CHANGE.......

WHY DO WE LET LIFE BECOME A CONSTANT STRUGGLE TO LOOK YOUNG....WHEN REALLY ALL THAT MATTERS IS HOW WE FEEL.  WE CAN CONTROL FEEL, BUT NOT LOOKS AS WE AGE. YOU SEE THIS PICTURE OF TWO PEOPLE WHO LOVE EACH OTHER AND PROBABLY HAVE FOR 50 OR MORE YEARS AND THE ONLY THING THEY SEE IN EACH OTHER IS TWO YOUNG HAPPY PEOPLE THAT FELL IN LOVE. I FOUND THIS POEM THAT SAYS IT ALL SO NICELY.
"A PRETTY WOMAN AND A HANDSOME MAN."
"WE MET, WE DATED, THEN OUR COMMITMENT BEGAN, I WAS A PRETTY WOMAN, YOU WERE A HANDSOME MAN.
IT WAS 50 YEARS AGO WHEN OUR MARRIED LIFE BEGAN, I WAS A PRETTY WOMAN, YOU WERE A HANDSOME MAN
IT IS EASY TO REMEMBER THE MEMORIES, OUR CHILDREN, OUR PLANS, WHEN I WAS A PRETTY WOMAN AND YOU WERE A HANDSOME MAN
THOUGH THE YEARS HAVE WEATHERED OUR FACES, AND WE DO THE BEST WE CAN, AM I STILL A PRETTY WOMAN , AND YOU, A HANDSOME MAN?
THE YEARS SEEM TO FALL AWAY WHEN YOU GAZE LOVINGLY AT ME, I LOOK AT YOU AND REMEMBER THE WAY IT USE TO BE.
NOW, WHEN YOU LOOK AT ME WITH LOVE SHINING FROM YOUR EYES, I AM STILL A PRETTY WOMAN AND YOU, A HANDSOME MAN.
ETERNITY AWAITS US, WE'LL GREET IT HAND IN HAND, WHERE I'LL ALWAYS BE A PRETTY WOMAN AND YOU A HANDSOME MAN.     (MARIAN SHELBY)
THE PEOPLE WHO FALL IN LOVE AND GROW OLD TOGETHER GRACEFULLY ARE THE LUCKIEST PEOPLE ON EARTH.  I WISH IT COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO ME..........

AHHH....FALL FOOTBALL

AHHHH....FOOT BALL SEASON.  WARM SUNNY DAYS UNDER THE BRIGHTLY COLORED MOUNTAINS. I HAVE HAD MANY DAYS LIKE THIS, BUT REALIZE THIS IS MY LAST FOOTBALL PLAYER.  WILLIAM WAS FIRST, THEN RICHIE NOW SCOTT.  MY OTHER THREE GRANDSONS DO NOT DO THIS KIND OF SPORTS.  THEIR FATHER HAS A BOAT AND A HOUSE BOAT SO THEY LOVE WATER SPORTS AND THEY HAVE A CABIN IN PARK CITY WITH SNOW MOBILES, AND FOUR WHEELERS.THE NICE THING ABOUT SIX GRANDSONS IS YOU GET A LITTLE OF EVERYTHING IN THE SPORTS FIELD.  LaCROSS, SOCKER, FOOTBALL, BASEBALL, NO ONE HAS GONE THE BASKETBALL ROUTE.  I HAVE ONE CHEER LEADER AND HAD A DANCER AND A SWIMMER.  FROM MY THREE GRANDDAUGHTERS.  TODAY WAS A BEAUTIFUL FOOTBALL DAY.....IT WAS GRANDPARENTS DAY WITH FREE TREATS , NOISE MAKERS AND BADGES WITH YOUR FOOTBALL MEMBER ON IT... MY SON-IN-LAW IS SCOTTIE'S COACH AND HIS BIG BROTHER RICHIE IS AN ASSISTANT.  MY DAUGHTER WAS IN CHARGE OF THE BOOTH AND SHE TALKED MY GRANDDAUGHTER AND HER CHEER SQUAD INTO PERFORMING AT HALF-TIME....SO A REAL FAMILY DEAL TODAY ......I WAS A PROUD GRANDMOTHER.......ONLY A LITTLE WORRIED THE COACH (MY SON-IN-LAW) WAS GOING TO GET THROWN OUT OF THE GAME.  HE AND THE REFEREES WERE NOT HITTING IT OFF! (NO WE DIDN'T WIN!!!!)
HAD THE COMCAST MAN OVER TO REPAIR MY CABLE PROBLEM......ALL FIXED GOOD NEWS. AND PAM TEXTED ME, THEY SIGNED FOR THE "BARN" TODAY.  IT'S BEEN A GOOD DAY FOR BETTY PETERSON..................

CONFORMING

WITH THREE DAUGHTERS WHO ARE WITH IT, THEY HAVE BEEN VERY DILIGENT WITH "MOTHER THAT MAKES YOU LOOK OLD." AND STEERED ME PAST SOME BIG MISTAKES IN FASHIONS.  MOST MY FRIENDS AND I ARE PAST 60......WAY PAST 60! AND WE TALK ABOUT CLOTHES JUST LIKE WE ALWAYS DID, ONLY I FIND MORE AND MORE WE ARE OPTING FOR COMFORT?  HOW SHOULD WE PRESENT OURSELVES?  WE ARE SOMETIMES UNSURE  ABOUT THE KIND OF IMAGE WE ARE PROJECTING. BUT,  ONE THING FOR SURE, THE FOLLOWING COMBINATIONS "DO NOT" GO TOGETHER. 1.  A NOSE RING AND BIFOCALS.  2.  SPIKED HAIR AND BALD SPOTS.  3.  PIERCED TONGUE AND DENTURES.  4.  MINI SKIRT AND SUPPORT HOSE.  5.  SPEEDO'S AND CELLULITE.  7.  UNBUTTONED DISCO SHIRTS AND A HEART MONITOR.  8.  BIKINIS AND LIVER SPOTS. 9.  THONGS AND DEPENDS..........FOR JUST A FEW.  I DON'T FEEL I AM READY FOR SHAWLS, COTTON SOCKS AND LITTLE PRINT DRESSES, LIKE MY GRANDMOTHER ALWAYS WORE.  SO, I AM WORKING TO AVOID THE ABOVE AND AND STILL STAY ME.
I PROMISED THE GIRLS I WON'T CALL THE NEWSPAPER ON SATURDAY AND TELL THEM I HAVE NOT GOTTEN MY SUNDAY PAPER......THEN WONDER WHY NO ONE WAS AT CHURCH.!!!!! OF COURSE BEING 80 ISN'T ALL BAD.......I DO NOT REGRET GROWING OLDER. IT'S A PRIVILEGE DENIED TO MANY.
SHERRIE AND KEN SPENT THE NIGHT WITH ME, IT WAS FUN HAVING SOME COMPANY.

DON'T QUIT......

DON'T QUIT......NEVER, NEVER, NEVER.     "WHEN THINGS GO WRONG AS THEY SOMETIMES WILL, AND THE ROAD YOUR TRUDGING SEEMS ALL UP HILL. WHEN FUNDS ARE LOW AND DEBTS ARE HIGH AND YOU'D LIKE TO SMILE BUT YOU HAVE TO SIGH.  WHEN CARE IS PRESSING YOU DOWN A BIT.....REST IF YOU MUST, BUT NEVER QUIT!"  
IF YOU HAVE LIVED A NUMBER OF YEARS THERE HAS CERTAINLY BEEN A TIME YOU HAVE  FELT THESE THOUGHTS, IT IS PART OF LIFE.  "I DECLARE I HAVE THE GRACE I NEED FOR TODAY.  I AM FULL OF POWER, STRENGTH, AND DETERMINATION.  NOTHING I FACE WILL BE TOO MUCH FOR ME.  I WILL OVERCOME EVERY OBSTACLE, OUTLAST EVERY CHALLENGE, AND COME THROUGH EVERY DIFFICULTY BETTER OFF THAN I WAS BEFORE."  I GUESS YOU HAVE THESE TALENTS IN YOU WHEN YOU ARE BORN, IF NOT LIFE EQUIPS YOU WITH THESE STRENGTHS TO SURVIVE, AND HAVE A GOOD LIFE.  SOOOO REST IF YOU MUST......BUT NEVER QUIT!  SNOWED FOUR INCHES IN THE MOUNTAINS YESTERDAY....GUESS ITS OUR WARNING WINTER IS AROUND THE CORNER.........

REDISTRIBUTION.......

GOOD TUESDAY MORNING.....I HEARD FROM MY ELDER IN BRAZIL......A DAY LATER THAN I EXPECTED. IT SO TOUCHES MY HEART WHEN HE SIGNS OFF WITH "I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH AND THINK THE WORLD OF YOU!"  WHEN A GRANDSON TELLS YOU THAT IT REALLY MAKES YOUR DAY.
SO BACK TO THE REAL WORLD POLITICS AND FIGHTING AROUND THE WORLD.  ALL OBAMA CAN TALK ABOUT IS "REDISTRIBUTION" TAKING FROM THE RICH AND GIVING TO THE POOR AND THEY DON'T HAVE TO LIFT A FINGER.  THIS IS HOW REDISTRIBUTION WORKS......BASKIN ROBBINS HAS INTRODUCED A NEW FLAVOR' "BAROCKY ROAD" ICE CREAM.  BAROCKY ROAD IS A BLEND OF HALF VANILLA AND HALF CHOCOLATE SURROUNDED BY NUTS AND FLAKES OF COCONUT.  THE VANILLA NOT NOTEABLY VISABLE BUT SURROUNDED GENEROUSLY WITH NUTS AND FLAKES.  IT COSTS $92.84 PER SCOOP...SO OUT OF $100.00 BILL YOU ARE AT LEAST PROMISED SOME "CHANGE".  WHEN PURCHASED IT WILL BE PRESENTED TO YOU IN A LARGE BEAUTIFUL CONE, BUT AFTER YOU PAY FOR IT, THE ICE CREAM IS TAKEN OUT OF THE CONE AND GIVEN TO THE PERSON IN LINE BEHIND YOU AT NO CHARGE.  YOU ARE LEFT WITH AN ALMOST EMPTY WALLET STARING AT A EMPTY CONE AND WONDERING WHAT JUST HAPPENED.  THEN YOU REALIZE THIS IS WHAT "REDISTRIBUTION" OF WEALTH IS ALL ABOUT!  ARE YOU STIMULATED?  ONLY 42 MORE DAYS UNTIL THE ELECTION.....WILL MY ULCER STAND IT?
YOU KNOW OBAMA WENT THROUGH HIS YOUNGER LIFE AS BARRY SOETORO????  OH HAPPY DAY.....BRIDGE AT JANE'S TONIGHT.

TO MY CHILDREN......

TO MY FAMILY......READ THIS AND KNOW IT IS TRUE......
A BEAUTIFUL GUIDELINE IN HOW OUR COUNTRY HAS BEEN GOVERNED AND SHOULD BE.  NEVER QUIT TRYING TO KEEP IT GOING...I AM PRAYING ROMNEY AND GET ELECTED AND TURN OUR COUNTRY AROUND!

DR SUESS'S OBAMA....

I GUESS YOU WOULD SAY DR SUESS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE AUTHORS.....SINCE PAM WAS LITTLE 50 YEARS AGO AND WE READ "GREEN EGGS AND HAM" A HUNDRED TIMES......I LOVE HIS LATEST LITTLE DITTY.
"OBAMA"
I DO NOT LIKE BARACK, THE MAN, I DO NOT LIKE HIS HEALTH CARE SCAM.
I DO NOT LIKE HIS SNEAKY CROOKS, OR HOW HE LIES AND COOKS THE BOOKS.
I DO NOT LIKE IT WHEN HE STEALS, I DO NOT LIKE HIS SECRET DEALS.
I DO NOT LIKE THAT METRO MAN, I DO NOT LIKE HIS 'YES WE CAN'.......
I DO NOT LIKE HIS SPENDING SPREES, DOES HE NOT KNOW THAT NOTHINGS FREE?
I DO NOT LIKE HIS SMUG REPLIES, DO NOT LIKE HIS CONSTANT LIES.
I DO NOT LIKE THIS KIND OF HOPE, I DO NOT LIKE IT, NOPE, NOPE, NOPE!
WHAT MORE CAN YOU SAY.....OBAMA IS A MAN FLAILING IN A DARK ROOM, UNABLE TO FIND THE "LIGHT SWITCH OF LEADERSHIP".......
TONIGHT IS EMAIL NIGHT TO MY SWEET ELDER IN BRAZIL.  SOON I WILL BE EMAILING TWO ELDERS.  SHERRIE HOME FROM DISNEY LAND TODAY AND PICK UP THE DOGS TOMORROW.  GOT ABOUT 1/2 OF MY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING DONE, GOT THE GIRLS WORKING ON THEIR FAMILIES FOR ME!!!!!

I DECLARE.....

I DECLARE IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO ACCOMPLISH EVERYTHING GOD HAS PLACED IN MY HEART.  I HAVE NOT MISSED MY WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY.  GOD HAS MOMENTS OF FAVOR IN MY FUTURE.  HE IS PREPARING ME RIGHT NOW BECAUSE HE IS ABOUT TO RELEASE A SPECIAL GRACE TO HELP ME ACCOMPLISH THAT DREAM.  THIS IS MY TIME.  THIS IS MY MOMENT.  I RECEIVE IT TODAY! THIS I DECLARE...."I LOVE THIS THOUGHT;
 MANY TIMES WE PUT OFF WHAT WE REALLY DREAM OF DOING.  I DREAM OF PAINTING GREAT PICTURES, WRITING THE CHILDREN'S BOOK THAT I HAVE STARTED DOZENS OF TIMES ABOUT "MR C." LOSE WEIGHT FOR BETTER HEALTH, REACH OUT MORE TO OLD FRIENDS WHO ARE HOUSE BOUND AND LONESOME......IT'S EASY TO TALK YOURSELF OUT OF THESE GOALS AND DREAMS.  IT SEEMS SO EASY TO GIVE UP ON THEM AND STOP PURSUING NEW OPPORTUNITIES, QUIT TRYING TO OVERCOME ALL OBSTACLES. IF GOD PUT THESE DREAMS IN YOUR HEART HE WILL HELP THEM COME TO PASS IF YOU DO YOUR PART. DON'T WORRY ABOUT BEING TOO OLD OR TOO YOUNG, YOU HAVEN'T MISSED YOUR WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY.  THE DREAM IS STILL ALIVE ON THE INSIDE. YOU JUST HAVE TO DECLARE THIS IS THE TIME AND TAKE LESSONS, PRACTICE, GO TO SCHOOL OR WHATEVER IT TAKES TO MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE. STAY PASSIONATE AND "THE REST OF YOUR LIFE CAN BE THE BEST OF YOUR LIFE!"
A BEAUTIFUL FALL DAY AND I'M OFF TO WATCH SCOTTIE'S FOOTBALL GAME WITH KARRIE AND ANNIE.  GOT A TEX FROM ROB.....HE BROKE DOWN AND ORDERED BREAKFAST OFF THE "SENIOR MENU" YES!!!!

OH YES ....SOCIAL LIFE!

FALL, BEAUTIFUL FALL.  COLORS AND COOL DAYS, FOOTBALL GAMES AND HOME COMING DANCES. LIFE IS GOOD. YESTERDAY WAS BRIDGE DAY, JOAN HAD A BEAUTIFUL LUNCH AND WE CELEBRATED MAE'S BIRTHDAY. THIS CUTE STORY KINDA EXPLAINS WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE TO SOMEONE LISTENING TO THE 8 OF US AND NOT KNOWING ANYTHING ABOUT THE BRIDGE GAME.........
WELL DEY PAID GOOD, BUT DAT WAS DA MOST RIDIKLIEST PLACE I EBER SEED.  DEY WAS DOING SUMPIN CALLED BRIDGE AND LAST NIGHT DER WAS LOTS OF 'EM DER, AND JES AS I WAS FIXIN TO BRING INDE REFRESHMENTS, I HERDED A MAN SAY TO A WOMAN....'TAKE YOUR HAND OFF MY TRICK.' IT KINDA TOOK MY BREAD AWAY, AND DEN DA GUY, HE SAY 'LAY DOWN AND LET'S SES WHAT YOU GOT! AN WORS' A NUDDER LADY, SHE SAY TO A MAN, 'YA GOT LENGTH, BUT NO STRENGTH.' I SET DA TRAY BACK DOWN ON DA COUNDER DECIDIN' WHAT TO DO,WHEN A NUDDER LADY YELLED OUT,YA JUMPED ME TWICE WHEN YA DIDN'T HAVE THE STRENGTH FOR ONE RAISE.'  SHUDDERING WITH FEAR, I HEERD A NUDDER ONE TALKIN' BOUT COVERING HER HONOR.  WELL, I JUST UP AND GOT MY HAT, CUZ I KNOW IT WASN'T NO PLACE FOR ME ......AND JUST AS I WUZ LEAVIN' I HOPE TO DIE IF A WOMAN DIDN'T SAY, 'WELL I GUESS I'LL STOP NOW AS DIS IS DA LAST RUBBER'. AND ALL THAT IS TRUE.....WE DO SAY THESE THINGS.

MISSIONARY #2

EVERY DAY I FIND I AM ADDING A FIRST TO MY LIST OF LIVING.  WELL, YESTERDAY MY THIRD GRANDSON, RICHARD BENJAMINE COOK RECEIVED "THAT LETTER" IN THE MAIL THAT WE WERE ALL WAITING FOR.........THE LETTER THAT TELLS A MISSIONARY WHERE AND WHEN HE WILL SERVE HIS 24 MONTH LDS MISSION.
MY FIRST AND ONLY OTHER MISSIONARY LIVES IN VERNAL SO I WAS NOT THERE WHEN HE OPENED HIS LETTER, JUST GOT A PHONE CALL FROM HIM.
WELL, I GUESS I WENT TO A CUSTOMARY CELEBRATION OF FAMILIES THAT SEND A MISSIONARY OFF.  THE FAMILY INVITES A LOT OF PEOPLE OVER, GET A BIG MAP AND HAVE EVERYONE PUT THEIR NAME ON A LITTLE FLAG AND STICK IT IN THE MAP WHERE YOU THINK RICHIE MIGHT BE OFF TO.  I WOULD SAY THERE WERE AT LEAST 50 PEOPLE THERE LAST NIGHT AND THE MAP WAS PRETTY WELL COVERED WITH LITTLE FLAGS. I PUT DOWN ARGENTINA, RICH WAS HOPING FOR THE PHILLIPINES. LOTS OF GOOD FOOD AND DRINKS AND THEN THE BIG MOMENT ARRIVES.......RICH TEARS OPEN THE BIG WHITE ENVELOPE AND HE, FAMILY AND GUESTS GET THE NEWS ALL AT ONCE!  THE LOOK ON HIS FACE WHEN HE READ MEXICO AND WOULD LEAVE JANUARY 30TH WAS PRICELESS......OF COURSE I WAS THRILLED BECAUSE MEXICO IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLACES.  I EVEN HAVE WITH DRAWLS WHEN I DON'T GET DOWN THERE NOW AND THEN AND IT DOESN'T SEEM AS FAR AWAY AS MY OTHER MISSIONARY IN BRAZIL.  I AM THRILLED HE WILL LEARN SPANISH.   WITH SIX GRANDSONS, I'M SURE THERE WILL BE MORE MISSIONARY CELEBRATIONS.......TE AMO RICH.  VAYA CON DIOS.

STRESS!!!!

THIS IS A STRESS TEST......IF YOU SEE TWO DOLPHINS JUMPING.....YOU MIGHT BE A LITTLE STRESSED! LOOKS NORMAL TO ME ???
THE POLITICS OF TODAY ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY.  I DON'T THINK I HAVE EVER BEEN AS INVESTED IN THESE THINGS BEFORE IN MY LIFE.  MAYBE I JUST HAVE MORE TIME TO TUNE IN NOW.  THE NEWS PAPERS AND THE TV HAVE NO GOOD NEWS ANYMORE.  THEY KEEP TOSSING OUT THE WORD "BILLION"......LIKE IT IS NO BIG DEAL.  IT IS A DIFFICULT NUMBER TO COMPREHEND.  ONE ADVERTISING AGENCY I SAW DID A GOOD JOB OF PUTTING THAT FIGURE INTO SOME PERSPECTIVE.
A. A BILLION SECONDS AGO IT WAS 1959.
B. A BILLION MINUTES AGO JESUS WAS ALIVE.
C. A BILLION HOURS AGO OUR ANCESTORS WERE LIVING IN THE STONE AGE.
D. A BILLION DAYS AGO NO ONE WALKED ON THE EARTH ON TWO FEET.
E.  A BILLION DOLLARS AGO WAS ONLY 8 HOURS AND 20 MINUTES, AT THE RATE OUR GOVERNMENT IS SPENDING. (THIS BEING WRITTEN IN SEPT OF 2012).   WHAT WILL CHANGE?  WHAT IS AHEAD FOR AMERICA?  AND NO ONE IS SUPPOSE TO BE STRESSED? HELLO?
TODAY WE ARE BREATHLESSLY AWAITING THE LETTER THAT TELLS RICHIE B. WHERE HE WILL BE GOING ON A MISSION.  I AM ALSO WAITING FOR DARREN TO ARRIVE WITH LILLIE AND MACY WHO ARE SPENDING THE WEEKEND WITH ME WHILE THEY GO TO DISNEY LAND..........

I DO BELIEVE......

I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON THAT PRAYS EVERY DAY FOR OBAMA TO HIT THE ROAD.  HE SAID IF HE COULDN'T MAKE THINGS BETTER IN FOUR YEARS HE WOULD BE A ONE TERM PRESIDENT......WELL?????
I HAVE TO BELIEVE THERE IS A HIGHER POWER THAT IS KEEPING AN EYE ON OUR SITUATION. I KNOW THAT EVERYONE OF US HAS DREAMS, GOALS AND DESIRES IN OUR HEARTS.  THERE ARE PROMISES THAT WE ARE STANDING ON. MAYBE A PERSON IS BELIEVING FOR A CHILD TO SHAPE UP, BELIEVING THEIR HEALTH WILL IMPROVE OR BELIEVE THEIR BUSINESS WILL BE A SUCCESS. BUT SO OFTEN WE BECOME IMPATIENT BECAUSE IT'S TAKING A LONG TIME AND WE HAVE BEEN THROUGH DISAPPOINTMENTS, WE GET NEGATIVE AND START THINKING THAT IT WILL NOT HAPPEN.BUT IF YOU BELIEVE AND HAVE FAITH.....IT WILL HAPPEN. IT MAY NOT BE IN YOUR WAY OR IN YOUR TIMING......BUT IT WILL HAPPEN.  DARE TO TRUST GOD THIS WILL END IN OUR BEST INTERESTS.
MAYBE TOMORROW WE WILL FIND OUT WHERE RICHIE WILL GO ON HIS MISSION!

EMPTY CHAIR.........

THE BEST PART OF THE TWO CONVENTIONS WE JUST HAD WAS CLINT EASTWOOD TALKING TO THE EMPTY CHAIR.......REPRESENTING OBAMA!  IN OTHER WORDS THE MESSAGE WAS, THE PRESIDENT SPENDS MORE TIME OUT OF THE WHITE HOUSE GOOFING OFF THAN HE DOES BEING PRESIDENT. HE HAS MADE A MESS OF THE COUNTRY AND IT IS NOW TIME TO FILL THAT CHAIR WITH SOMEONE WHO WILL GET OUR COUNTRY BACK ON TRACK! YES ROMNEY........CLINTON IS 83 BUT STILL PRETTY SHARP. AT THE PRESENT THE ARABS AND MUSLIMS ARE TEARING THE COUNTRY APART . THE CHICAGO TEACHERS ARE ON STRIKE, AND OUR ECONOMY IS IN THE DITCH.....BUT THINK ABOUT THIS. "OUR WORDS HAVE CREATIVE POWER." WHENEVER WE SPEAK SOMETHING, EITHER GOOD OR BAD, WE GIVE LIFE TO WHAT WE ARE SAYING.  TOO MANY PEOPLE SAY NEGATIVE THINGS ABOUT THEM SELVES, ABOUT THEIR FAMILIES OR THEIR FUTURES.  THEY DON'T REALIZE THEY ARE PROPHESYING THEIR FUTURES.  IT IS IMPORTANT TO SEND YOUR WORDS OUT IN THE DIRECTION YOU WANT YOUR LIFE TO GO.  YOU CANNOT TALK LACK AND EXPECT ABUNDANCE.  YOU CANNOT TALK DEFEAT AND EXPECT TO HAVE VICTORY. YOU WILL PRODUCE WHAT YOU SAY. I THINK THIS PICTURE SAYS IT ALL........

21 YEARS AGO TODAY.....

21 YEARS AGO TODAY......MY YOUNGEST DAUGHTER, KARRIE, GOT MARRIED TO RICHARD COOK.  21 YEARS LATER LOOK AT THE TWO OLDEST GRANDCHILDREN SHE GAVE ME!  ANDREA AND RICHIE ARE HER PRIDE AND JOY. ANDREA A JUNIOR IN BRIGHTON HIGH AND RICHIE IS AT THE U OF U FOR A SEMESTER WAITING FOR HIS MISSION CALL.  AND SHE HAS SCOTTIE, 10 COMING UP....."my best friend."  I HAVE HAD MANY WONDERFUL TIMES WITH KARRIE AND HER FAMILY AND THEY TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF ME.
CHILDREN LEARN BY EXAMPLE......IF YOU WERE KIND AND CARING TO YOUR PARENTS, THEN THE EXAMPLE WILL BE PASSED ON.  KARRIE'S KIDS ARE TAUGHT TO BE SWEET AND HELPFUL TO ME IN ALL AREAS.  THEY HELP ME CLEAN, DO YARD WORK AND ERRANDS.  THIS IS GOOD, BECAUSE I FEEL THEY WILL TAKE OF THEIR PARENTS IN THEIR LATER YEARS THE SAME WAY.  WHEN YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN ARE GREAT IT MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE A SUCCESS AS A MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY COOKS!

OH WOW.......

What has Obama done now????? Our world is falling apart and so maybe it is time for God to step in and straighten it out.  Our Muslim president and his Muslims around the world are all killing too many good people.Four of our wonderful American citizens in LY BIA, the Ambassador yet...... were shot and killed which set off the Muslims terrorists around the world!  Everyone is fighting and shouting kill Americans.Get the picture Obama.  He is too busy campaigning out in Las Vegas or being on LENO to stay in the White House and run our country.  This map shows where the up risings are.  I have been to EGYPT, CAIRO, MOROCCO, CASABLANCA, TUNISIA and ISRAEL.....they were all wonderful vacations with very nice people. People around the world are seeing America is weak and and easy target.....funny how this all started on our 9/11! Prince Harry is in Afghanistan and they are threatening to kill him.
Nice luncheon today at Shirleys.......our big "Mexico Train" day. Tonight is a fun night for Andrea and Brayden......home coming for my 17 year olds.  Still having beautiful Fall weather.....love, love, love it.

WHAT A MESS......

Trying to find our way through 9/11.....and the constant fighting between the politicians these past few month.  Yesterday the Libyan Embassy was attacked and four of our Ambassadors and officials were killed.  Also, the Embassy in Cairo was attacked and the flag torn down.....people do not like America.  Then Obama is refusing to talk to the president of Israel.....our good ally.
"It is hard to believe life is all for naught, Can't we take happiness when it comes?"  There is admittedly a great deal of suffering and horror in this world. But if we are to accept life's sad parts, we must also embrace its good parts.  As long as we are in this world, we must accept it all.  If what comes your way is occasionally wonderful, no one should deny our enjoyment.  We all know that every rise is followed by a fall.  Why dwell only on dread of the future?   I feel America  has lost our Respect and Trust, the two easiest things in life for someone to lose and the hardest things to get back. The world is changing on their views of American being strong. I guess all we can do is hope.
No missionary letter yesterday, maybe next Wednesday......Where will Richie be sent?

11 YEARS AFTER 7/11.......

Looking back at one of the worst days that ever happened in America in my life time.  It is still unbelievable.....every year we bow our heads and remember the many wonderful, innocent people who died that day.  "If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no  time for hate."
Bill Clinton said of the hero's that took down their own plane in Pa that was headed for the Capital; "With almost no time to decide, your loved ones gave the entire country an incalculable gift. They saved the Capital from attack.They saved the terrorists from claiming the symbolic victory of smashing the center of American government....they allowed us to survive as a country that could fight terror and still maintain liberty."  The top picture is of the towers and the light makes a cross between them.

A GOOD PRAYER......

Good Monday morning.....Love this little poem.
Dear Lord;
Every single evening as I'm lying here in bed,  This tiny little prayer...keeps running through my head;  God bless all my family, wherever they may be, keep them warm and safe from harm, for they're so close to me.  And God there is one more thing I wish that you could do; Hope you don't mind me asking, please bless my computer too.  Now I know that it's unusual to bless a motherboard, But listen just a second while I explain it to you Lord.  You see that little metal box holds more than odds and ends; Inside those small compartments rest so many of my friends.  I know so much about them, by the kindness that they give, And this little scrap of metal takes me in to where they live.  By faith is how I know them, much the same as you.  We share in what life brings us, And from that our friendship grew. Please take an extra minute from your duties up above, to bless those in my address book, that's filled so much love.  Amen
This made me stop and think how connected I am with my family, missionary in Brazil, grandchildren and friends.....old and new!  The many pictures that pop up, and the fun things they share.  My life only gets better and better.

A GREAT OPPORTUNITY....

This is the latest picture of my favorite missionary Alex Christenson....way off in Brazil.  Standing by the road he no doubt walks many miles on and in the rain which is what happens a lot in Brazil I guess.  Even though I miss him so much, two years is a very long time, but I know that is a blessing for him from our church.  I try to look at it as a two year paid vacation where you are lucky enough to learn a foreign language first hand......right from the people themselves.  I have always loved being involved in the culture of the people I have traveled around the world to visit. No, it is not like home, but they tell us as tourist, if you want things like home, then stay home.  Here these young 19 years old can grow up, become independent and gain self confidence in a good environment.  When they come home at 21, they have grown up and are ready to face the world and their future.  Get an education, a job, marriage and a good life.  It is God's plan and a good one.  I do feel sorry, every boy on earth does not take advantage of this wonderful blessing.  Richie has turned in his papers, got his hair cut and is waiting for that letter from the church that tells him where and when and then.....I WILL HAVE TWO FAVORITE MISSIONARIES OUT THERE!  Just sent Al a email he will get and read on PdAy tomorrow.

I DO BELIEVE.....

I do believe in what our prophets say most the time, but like any one, I have the right to question the many rules they put upon us and why?  Way back when the rules of no coffee and tea or caffeine were put upon us, they were no worse or better than much of our food.  Alcohol and smoking I understand for health reasons, but I haven;t figured out caffeine. The Jews won't eat pork, but my Jewish neighbor loved 'ham fried rice'!.....and she is still a good person.  I found and read it to one of my girls that the church DOES NOT condemn COKE, so if you like it, life is short, enjoy it.  Why can't this be the same with coffee and tea?  I drink both and it doesn't make me love God less! I won't accept the vote it makes me a bad person. What do I base my drinking coffee on, I enjoy it and according to an article I would like to quote says....."Coffee adds years to life.....Enjoying an extra cup or two of java in the morning has a surprising benefit;  it will help you live longer, say researchers at the National Cancer Institute in BETHESDA, MD.  Their study of 400,000 people found that women who drank four to five cups a day had a 16 percent lower risk of death than those who drank none  According to study author Neal Freedman, Ph.D., coffee contains an estimated 1,000 compounds, including antioxidants and other substances known to prevent disease-triggering inflammation and insulin resistance."  Should those who don't drink coffee, start.  No, if you don't like it and took an oath in the temple you never would, take your chance the Cancer people are wrong, but don't condemn us who have not taken the oath or feel OK about our church standing.  As Dr. Phil says: " No matter how flat you make a pancake....it still has two sides."

I KNOW YOU WILL AGREE....

I know you will all agree the older you get the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends.......
Did you ever notice;  The Roman Numeral for forty is XL?
Some people try to turn back their odometers.  Not me, I want people to know 'why' I look this way.  I am 80 and that means I have traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved, they were either muddy ....to make you slide into ditches.  Rocky........to make you detour....or full of ruts......to make you go in directions you'd rather not!  I was an exercise nut for most my life, but bad back and knees have made it no fun anymore, so my poor body is suffering......and I have given all my leotards to the DI.  Someone said "Being young is beautiful.....being old is comfortable." I agree.
There's always a lot to be thankful for if you take the time to look for it. For example I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.

LIGHTING MY FIRE...

Sometimes you just need to light a fire either inside or under yourself.....to make you think there is more in life than what you are sliding by on.
Life will never be easy.  When those difficult times come, it is up to us whether to curse God, or trust in the Lord and seek to learn what he would have us learn.
Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously.  When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more.  He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain.....This life is an experience in profound trust....You know my saying; "Things Happen For A Reason, Just Believe".  Soooo, yesterday when I got into the car to go do chores and the battery was dead.....I have to believe there was a reason to keep me off the road until I could get a new battery and get on with my chores.....Or not!  One thing I do know is that I can build a good fire!

HAVE TO BRAG.....

My  family are dog people and there seems to be a little competition in whose dog is the smartest!  Today I got a picture of one of the family dogs surfing  in Lake Powell last weekend, now come on folks.....this grandma wouldn't even do that....... so hurrah for Macy!  Talented?  Well, I also have to confess just before they were ready to load Macy in the plane to fly to Lake Powell she got squirted by a skunk!!!! She still looks a little pink from the tomato juice.  Nicci's Ollie loves TV and runs marathons.... Tiff's.Captain can jump any fence, no matter how high and Karrie's Marley is such a lover.  My Gigi and I better get in there and do some fancy training or get left behind.  Now when Lucille brags about her family I will brag about my surfing grand-dog and I have a picture to prove it!                              I have been learning to be a "yes" woman.  When you want to hear a positive response from someone start your conversation with a question sure to get you a "yes" answer.  Like, 'nice day today, isn't it?' or 'the weekend can't come soon enough, right?' Psychological research proves that once you get someone saying yes, it is easy to get them to continue!   So when my car wouldn't start this morning I said 'Betty you have a dead battery don't you?' I answered yes.  What should you do now?  Call Triple A.....or the family.  Tried again and this time it started......made it to Sears where they told me my 10 year old battery was dead for good......so I bought a new one. Yes, I have to have a car that starts whenever and wherever I need it.                                                                                              

GOD'S COUNTRY........

Those of us who live where we have four DEFINITE seasons are watching our warm green summer turn into the chilly bright colored days of fall.  Driving up to Park City, Midway and the Christenson's cabin has already seen these colors and this picture appear and it is only the second day of September....
I also have been lucky enough to have seen the beautiful fall leaves in the east several times.  I have done two cruises NYC to Quebec and St John in the fall, where we were delighted, but my favorite trip was with Leslie when we rented a car and drove through Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire, NY, Connecticut and Rhode Island in October.  Who has the prettiest colors?  They are the same, but different in that the reds back east are more vivid.  The oranges and yellows are about the same.  We are so lucky and should enjoy every minute......well, those minutes when someone has to rake up all the fallen leaves is not to enjoyable, but that,s life........Karrie and Scottie brought my chairs back and put a new battery in my smoke detector, which beeped all night!  ugh.  Beautiful fall day, I'm loving it.

SINGLE......

First of all......Welcome September.  Can you believe it?  My summer is gone and I am loving these quiet evenings with the back door open so that wonderful evening breeze can creep in.  In fact in my perfect world, I would live in a place where year around I could open the back door and hear the sounds of night through the screen door, but soon i will be too cold and Fall and Winter will be upon us!
SINGLE.....yes, single when you are young is fun and exciting, but single in your older years is not fun and exciting.   But, being Single and surviving does make a strong statement about you and who you are.  I try so hard not to depend on my sweet family to change the light bulbs, the fire alarm battery, lift and move heavy things.  But, I am facing the fact slowly, I need them.....oh yes, and keeping me on track with this darn computer. Tomorrow night I have been invited over to witness Richie being ordained an elder.....YES!  I guess we will know in a couple of weeks where he will be off to as soon as college is out. Isn't it interesting how life just keeps moving on?