Julie's Jewels

Thankful...

2010-11-25T08:14:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for so many things! I have a wonderful life and I am so so blessed. I have amazing children,that I love so much and would do anything in the world for. They teach me something everyday. They are my HAPPY DAY! I have 2 beautiful Daughters-in-Law, that I love and I love how much they love my sons. . I have a wonderful son-in-law that is always willing to help me when I need help. I have 8 (soon to be 9) of the most amazing grandchildren. They make me HAPPY...I love their innocence and enthusiasm for life. I love that every time they see me they yell GRANDMA! and come running to hug me. What could be better than that?
I was blessed to have a wonderful man as my Father. He was such an example of goodness, humilty, kindness, and patience. I miss him terribly. I am blessed with a loving mother and 2 sisters and 2 brothers that are not only my siblings but my best friends. I have a great job and great people that I work with. I love to go to work and I love my job! I am thankful for friends, and I am thankful for my knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ and I know that all things are possible through him. I hope that you all have a very very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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2010-10-07T07:32:00.000-07:00

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The Keepers...

2010-06-29T07:19:00.000-07:00

I grew up in the 60's with practical parents. A mother, God love her, who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in it, then reused it. She was the original recycle queen, before they had a Name for it... A father who was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones.
Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends lived barely a wave away. I can see them now, Dad in trousers, golf shirt and a hat, and Mom in a house dress, broom in one hand and dish-towel in the other. It was the time for fixing things. A curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress, things we keep.

It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re-fixing, eating, renewing, I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there would always be more.

But then my Father died, and on that clear summer's night, in the warmth of the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't any more. Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away...never to return. So... While we have it.. it's best we love it... And care for it.... And fix it when it's broken.... And heal it when it's sick.

This is true... For family.... And old cars... And children with bad report cards..... Dogs and cats with bad hips.... And aging parents..... And grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it. Some things we keep. Like a best friend that moved away or a classmate we grew up with.

There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special...... And so, we keep them close!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RORKE...

2010-06-07T14:40:00.000-07:00

This little guy is "2" years old today...and Wow I really need to take some current pictures of him. These are some of my favorites. He is such a cute little boy and he is so good natured and fun to be around. I Love him so much! HAPPY BIRTHDAY RORKSTER!

Grandma will take some pictures of you soon!

Happy Birthday Owen...

2010-05-27T09:35:00.001-07:00

This little boy is "5" years old today. He is so much fun! He is a peanut...and I Love him so much! Happy Happy Birthday Owen...lets go to lunch and to the toy store! Yippy!

Happy Birthday Jacob...

2010-03-29T06:45:00.000-07:00

Saturday this sweet cute little boy turned "7" years old...I am so happy that I am his Grandma. He is the sweetest kindest little boy. I took him shopping on Thursday to get him a present...he wanted motorcycle gloves and of course new toy motorcycles. We went to Plaza Cycle and then Toys R Us...I love spending time with him...He makes me HAPPY! I love you Jacob! You are the BEST!

A CELEBRATION...

2010-02-10T08:43:00.000-08:00

February 10th...My Dad's Birthday.
I miss him so much and think about him every single day! I know he is happy and I know he is in a better place...
But I miss Him!
I miss the why he always said "Hello Luv" or "Goodbye Luv"...
I miss his wonderful smile and gentle ways...
I miss his voice with his cute British Accent...
I miss his kindness...
I miss hearing him pray...
I miss him saying "Not too Bad" when I asked him how he feels...
I miss him saying "Thank you Luv" for every little thing I did for him...
I miss his determination...
I miss his hugs and his kisses...
I miss talking to him...
I miss visiting him in San Diego...
I miss his stories...
I miss him asking "How are you Luv?"...
I miss him saying "Nevermind Luv"...when I tried to take care of his beautiful flowers that he could no longer take care of...
I actually miss taking care of him and doing things for him that he could no longer do for himself. I loved being of "SERVICE" to him.
I am going to "CELEBRATE" his birth tonight...My Mom, sisters and I are going to take balloons to his gravesite, and then go out to dinner and just remember "MY DAD" and how lucky we are to have had him in our lives.
I sure do miss my Papa Daddy...
Happy Happy Birthday Dad...I LOVE YOU!

Happy Happy Birthday Cole...

2010-01-27T07:03:00.001-08:00

I call him...Coliepop, Coliepop...my little Coliepop...
Sweeter than candy on a stick
Huckleberry, Chimry or lime
If you had a choice
He'd be your pick...but Coliepop is mine! All mine...
I call him...Coliepop, Coliepop, my little Coliepop...

Six years ago today this cute little boy became part of my life...
He is the best! Cole is such a happy little boy...We used to tease him that he looked like a monkey...You know Curious George?...I LOVE THIS LITTLE BOY...
Happy Happy Birthday Coliepop!

2010 A Year Of Healing...

2010-01-07T09:29:00.000-08:00

I am glad that 2009 is over. It was a hard year! I did learn a lot about myself. I am strong and I can do things I never thought I could! Helping with my Dad and being able to serve him and help him do the things that he could no longer do for himself was such a blessing. I am so thankful that I was able to be there! As much as I miss him I know that he is now free of pain and is happy and whole...and because of the plan of Happiness that I will one day see him again!
2010 is going to be a great year... one of healing...
I hope that 2010 is a good year for each of you also!

Happy Birthday Carrie Ann...

2009-12-31T06:51:00.000-08:00

Hope you have a very happy day! I am so glad you are my daughter-in-law...I love you!I love that you are such a good mommy to Madi, Jacob and Owen. and that you are such a good wife to Ty. Thanks for being you!

Christmas Eve...The Tolman Family

2009-12-30T08:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve...The Hall Family

2009-12-30T08:06:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve...Faddis Family

2009-12-30T08:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve...Petersen Family

2009-12-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

The Polar Express...

2009-12-30T07:42:00.000-08:00

The Magic of Christmas...

Grandma Petersen

2009-12-28T07:17:00.000-08:00

Fae Petersen 1911-2009

Fae Vera Francom Petersen, 98, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2009 in West Jordan Utah. Fae was born December 7, 1911 in Salt Lake City, UT. Married Lester Leland Petersen February 6, 1935 in the Salt Lake Temple. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

We will miss you Grandma...but we know you are reunited with Grandpa Petersen...

2009-12-24T08:03:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone...

2009-12-08T09:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday My Meggie...
Today my beautiful daughter turns "26" years old. How can that be?...it seems like it was just yesterday that she was a little girl. I Love this little girl/young woman with all my heart. I am so glad she is mine! She is an amazing single mommy and works very very hard to provide for her and her two beautiful children. I love that she is such a good mommy! I love her enthusiasm for life...she is so much fun to be around...this is the first time since she moved to Portland that I haven't been there for her BIRTHDAY! Happy Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

2009-11-24T07:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving...

May your stuffing be tasty...

May your Turkey be plump...

May your potatoes and gravy

have never a lump...

May your yams be delicious...

and your pies take the prize...

And may your Thanksgiving Dinner

Stay off your thighs!...

Happy Birthday Madison Ann...

2009-10-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

This beautiful little girl is "9" years old today...what a blessing she is in my life! She is as sweet and kind as she is beautiful...I LOVE YOU MADI ANN! I hope you have a very HAPPY DAY SWEETHEART!

Happy Birthday Hunter...

2009-10-08T08:03:00.001-07:00

"10" years ago today this little boy changed my life!
He made me a GRANDMA!
I think I have said it before and I will say it again and again...
"I Love Being A Grandma"
I hope you have a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY my Sweet Hunter Hallers...or Hunter Hill or H squared...
Grandma Loves you Sunshine!

2009-09-23T07:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Fall...Ya all...

My Dad....

2009-09-18T12:47:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been a month since my Dad passed away. I Miss Him so Much!
I think about him every single day. I know he is Happy and free from pain...but still...I wish he was here and I wish my heart would stop aching.

It Was a Wild and Crazy Weekend!

2009-07-17T15:22:00.000-07:00

We had a very busy and fun weekend! Megan, Jay and kids flew in on Friday. We had Lindsey's Birthday Party that night and then early Saturday we went boating. We decided to go to Echo...we drove up there and there was a triathlon going on so there was no where to park. We decided to go down to Rockport. We found an open pavilion and Austin launched the boat. The weather was kind of crappy and it started to rain. Austin and Jay got the boat out of the water and we just sat under the pavilion and ate lunch...pretty soon the rain stopped and the sun came out. Ty and his family drove up and joined us. We had about 2 hours on the lake and the weather started to get crappy again. Austin, Ty and Jay anchored down the boat and we waited out the storm. About an hour later it was beautiful. The lake was calm and everyone else had gone home. We stayed till about 9:00 and then we went to Red Rock Brewery for dinner. Megan treated us all to dinner and then Ty took everyone to ColdStone for ice cream! I love when my family is all together and laughing and having fun. Jacob and Brayden became the best of friends...Brayden kept calling him Buddy! Sunday night we had a BBQ and Birthday Party for Brayden Lucky...he is 6 years old today! Sunday night Carrie took all the kids to her house for a sleepover! They had so much fun! Then Monday we just hung out at Lindsey's and the kids swam and jumped on the tramp. Then Tuesday it was off to LAGOON...We missed Carrie, Austin, Mariah and Rorke! Wow no wonder I am so tired!

Lagoon...It's what fun is!...

2009-07-17T15:06:00.001-07:00

We went to Lagoon on Tuesday.

Molly eating dinner...

Owen...

Luke and Nancy...
Madi...
Brayden...

Jacob...

Jacob, Owen and Brayden...

Jacob and Cole eating Cheetos...

Lindsey, Owen, Craig, Madi, Ty, and Luke on Rattlesnake Rapids...

I Guess Ty didn't want to get wet...

Megan, Molly, Jay and Brayden...

Hunter, Megan, Molly, Jay and Brayden...

Jacob on Bulgy...

Cole on Bulgy...

We had a really fun time. We did Laguana Beach too, but I lost all of those cute pictures...Oops! The kids had such a good time riding all of the rides ands swimming! It was a good day!

Lindsey's 30th Birthday Bash...

2009-07-17T14:23:00.000-07:00

So...I threw a party for Lindsey!...yep! she is 30 years old! We had a fun time! Lots of friends and family and lots of good food...and of course this:

DARLING TOPSY TURVY CAKE that Mariah Made

All the little kids getting ready for the magician...

Lindsey and the magician...
He gave her a magic $2.00 bill...

Molly was a helper...

She pulled a rabbitt out of a hat...

Owen was a helper...

He got a magic wand...

Tia was a helper...

Caden was a helper and almost lost a hand...

Brayden and Macey were also helpers...

Brayden was laughing so hard I thought he was going to wet his pants...

Macey...as Princess Leah...

Cole was the last helper...

Holding the rabbit with a bird on his head...That takes talent!

We had such a fun time and the magician (Paul Brewer) was awesome. He kept all of us entertained! Happy Happy Birthday Lindsey!

Thanks to everyone for helping make Lindsey's 30th Birthday special! Angela thanks for bringing your Snowie machine!

Yuba and Austin's New Boat...

2009-07-17T13:52:00.001-07:00

Owen...
Madi...
Owen...

Jacob and Cole...

Best Buddies...

Hunter...

Mighty Crane To the Rescue...

Rorke...

Austin and Mariah's New Boat...

Ty and Bruno...

Jacob...

Mariah and Lindsey...

Carrie...
Rorke sound asleep...
Hunter and Cole
Rorke in the car on the way to Yuba...
We had so much fun and the kids had a blast jumping in the water from the back of the boat. The lake was crowded and so not much skiing or wakeboarding happened. But we all had a good time!

California...

2009-07-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

Where to begin? I think I will just post some pictures and then explain what has been going on.
Megan, Lindsey and I flew to San Diego to visit my Dad and Mom for a few days. My Dad is very sick and the girls wanted to visit with him and try to cheer him up. We did get to sneak in some fun!

Megan and Lindsey on the beach in LaJolla...

Walking down to the beach...

Me and Megan...

Me and Lindsey...

My Girls...

2 Little Monkeys Hanging From A Bar...

2009-06-09T14:49:00.000-07:00

Madi getting ready to take off...

Hunter, just hanging out...

Madi loves the Monkey Bars...She actually has callouses on her hands because she plays on them every day at school. Hunter on the other hand got sore hands from playing on them at Rorke's Birthday Party...I love these little monkeys!

The Birthday Party...

2009-06-08T10:59:00.001-07:00

Rorke's party was an "Animal... Jungle" theme. Mariah made the cutest poster, cakes,
favors and table decorations. We all had such a good time and the kids had so much fun having a water fight.

A Year in the Life of the Rorkester!...

2009-06-06T10:48:00.001-07:00

I can't believe this little guy is "1" year old...

This picture was taken just last week at Owen's Birthday Party...Notice the Cupcake Frosting on his cute little face.

Happy Birthday Rorke...I sure do LOVE you and I am so glad I am your Grandma...

Owens Birthday Party with Flowers the Clown...

2009-06-02T12:49:00.000-07:00

How cute is he?...
He didn't want to smile for me...

Opening Presents...

All the kids with Flowers the Clown...

Owens special Birthday Hat...

Owen and Flowers...

Flowers the Clown...

Sorry this picture is blurry...

Owen had a fun Birthday Party. We had pizza and cupcakes and best of all Flowers the Clown came. It was a fun party! For a cute little boy!...

Happy Birthday Owen...

2009-05-27T06:36:00.000-07:00

Today my sweet little Owen turns 4 years old. He is so sweet and gives the best hugs and kisses...sometimes I have to chase him to get them though!
Happy Happy Birthday Sweet Owen.
Grandma Loves you very much and I can't wait to take you shopping to the toy store! See you soon!

Dance Yourself Silly...

2009-05-21T08:07:00.001-07:00

I am a little late with this post. Madi had her Dance Recital and let me tell you this girl can dance...The Theme was American Bandstand and Madi danced to "Rockin' Robin"
Isn't she Beautiful...

Madi in front of the Jukebox

Madison Ann...

She is getting so big...and growing up way too fast...

It was a fun night. Good Job Madi...I Love You!

Girls Day Out!...

2009-05-20T13:55:00.001-07:00

When I was in OR last week, Megan treated Molly and I to a fun day of pampering. We went to lunch, shopping and then got pedicures. Molly even got her fingernails done. It was such a fun girls day! Thanks Meggie and Molly!

Our Pedicures...

Molly and Grandma...

Molly and Mommy...

Molly and Mommy...

Little Miss Molly...

Happy Birthday Mariah...

2009-05-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

Today is my cute Daughter-in-law Mariah's Birthday.
Hope you have a GREAT DAY!

This is my favorite picture of Mariah and Rorke

Cute family...

Beautiful Mariah...

Happy Birthday Trish...

2009-05-19T08:16:00.000-07:00

Today is my niece Trish's Birthday
Hope you have a GREAT DAY!

Happy Birthday Ty...

2009-05-17T06:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday Dear Ty...
Happy Birthday to you!...
Hope you had a great Day! I Love you very much! You are such an amazing Father, Husband, Son, Brother and Friend!

Ty and his cute family...

This is one of my favorite pictures of Ty...

Ty and Madi did the Run for Fun ...

I love that Owen and Jacob love to be with their Daddy...and follow him everywhere...

Ty's Family...

Grandparents Day...Again

2009-04-22T06:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Grandparents Day at Hunter's school. They don't have a program like Madi's school did...but...you do get to eat lunch with them!
Hunter is probably the pickiest eater I know so I knew that the hot lunch of pizza, salad, breadsticks, cookie and milk was not something that he would want...well maybe the breadstick and cookie! So I stopped at Wendy's and got him some chicken nuggets and fries...An All American Lunch...or at least Hunters.
After lunch we had our picture taken and then he took me to his classroom to see his desk and the things that he was working on.
Thank you Hunter for asking me to share Grandparents Day with you! I LOVE YOU and I LOVE BEING YOUR GRANDMA!

ps...picture to come soon!

Airplane Rides, Sea World, and The Beach...

2009-03-30T15:16:00.000-07:00

Jacob on the way to San Diego...He wanted to sit by the window...
All of us on the plane...
Carrie and Jacob at the Dolphin Show...
Carrie and Jacob on the Beach...
Jacob at Sea World...
Isabel...My niece's daughter
Jacob loves me to take pictures of him jumping...

Jacob and Isabel playing in the sand...
Samantha...Isabel's Sister...
We had such a fun fast trip...Thanks Jacob and Carrie for including me on your "SPECIAL DAY"

Happy Happy Birthday Sweet Jacob...

2009-03-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Jacob's Birthday. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this sweet little boy. He is such a sweetheart. Jacob's mommy had this fun idea of having a one on one "SPECIAL BIRTHDAY" for each of her children this year...and I am so lucky that she asked me to go with them...so today we are leaving for San Diego...and tomorrow for his
"SPECIAL DAY" we will be eating lunch with Shamu...yes, we are spending the day at Sea World...How fun is that?
Jacob is so excited!
Happy Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!
Thanks, Carrie for including me

Grandparents Day...

2009-03-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned before...That I LOVE being a GRANDMA? Yesterday I went to Madi's school for a Grandparents Day Program. I have to tell you that I did get a little teary eyed when they sang This Land is your Land...and God Bless America! Each child in the 2nd grade spoke about Grandparents. Yes, I will say it again...

I LOVE BEING A GRANDMA!

I love sharing in my Grandchildren lives and I am so excited when I am asked to attend Dance Recitals, School Programs, Soccer Games, Gymnastics, Disneyland, Sea World, Birthdays,

Primary Programs...ETC...

Thanks Madi for the SPECIAL DAY!

I Love You!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASON ALLEN...

2009-03-20T21:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to you...

Happy Birthday Dear Jason Allen...

Happy Birthday to you...

Hope you have a great day...
Thanks for taking such good care of Meg, Brayden and Molly.
Love Ya...

Happy St. Patricks Day...

2009-03-16T13:43:00.001-07:00

Here is a fun recipe to make for St. Patricks Day. They really are good! I am not a big sauerkraut lover but these were quit good...and pretty mild!
ENJOY !

Reuben Swirl Rolls

A deli favorite, these delicious Reuben Swirl Rolls are bursting with flavor.

Prep Time: 20 min
Bake Time: 25 min
Skill Level: Intermediate
Servings: 8

8 Rhodes™ Dinner Rolls, thawed to room temperature
1 ½ tablespoons Thousand Island dressing
6 slices Swiss cheese
1 cup sauerkraut
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
½ teaspoon black pepper
1/3 pound thinly sliced corned beef
extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping, if desired

Spray counter lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Combine rolls into a ball and roll into a 9x13-inch rectangle. Spread dressing evenly over dough. Arrange cheese slices evenly over dressing. Sprinkle with sauerkraut, caraway seeds and pepper. Top with corned beef slices. Starting from a long side, roll up jelly-roll style. Using a serrated knife, cut into 8 slices. Place cut side up on a sprayed baking sheet (if they start to unroll, secure with toothpicks). Cover with sprayed plastic wrap and let rise 30-45 minutes. Remove wrap and bake at 350°F 20-25 minutes. Serve warm with extra dressing for dipping, if desired.

Happy Birthday...

2009-03-07T07:02:00.000-08:00

"36" years ago today...I gave birth to a Beautiful Baby Boy! I loved this boy from the minute I layed eyes on him. He had big beautiful eyes and he was such a good and happy baby!
Now "36" years later I still love this Boy or "Young Man"...and he still has Big Beautiful Blue Eyes...Happy Birthday Cam...I LOVE YOU!

Cam ...isn't he handsome?...

Cam, and my sisters Sue and Nancy...
Cam...
This is the car, that this cute boy drives...

Have a great day Cam...I will call you later. I hope you have BIG BIG PLANS for your

"Special Day"

Happy Birthday to My Mom...

2009-02-24T07:56:00.001-08:00

Today is my Mom's Birthday...
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday Dear Mom...
Happy Birthday to you...
"87" years ago today in Dover, England Olive Stock was born...
My Mom is amazing. She taught me and my sisters how to do so many things. She is a wonderful cook and she can knit like you wouldn't believe...unfortunately my sisters and I have not acquired this talent...not that she hasn't tried to teach us, but we just can't do it like she can!
Thanks Mom for taking such good care of Dad this last little while. Like Dad said "You are a Keeper"
I love you and hope you have a great day!
My Mom and I on the "Eye" in London...We are both afraid of heights so we stayed put on the bench...so Nancy and Sue walked around and took pictures for us. My Dad couldn't believe my Mom even went on it!

My Mom sitting in front of Buckingham Palace...

My cute Mom in front of our cottage at Hever Castle...

Good Golly Miss Molly you are "4"

2009-02-19T06:39:00.000-08:00

Molly eating her Birthday Pizza...The sun was in her eyes so Mommy gave her some sunglasses...

Molly in her Cinderella Dress about to blow out her candles on her Ice Cream Sundae...

Singing Happy Birthday to Mo...

Happy Birthday to Molly...
Happy Birthday to Molly...
Megan had an "Ice Cream Sundae and Pizza Party" for Molly...the sun came out just long enough for the kids to eat on the deck. It was a fun party and Molly loved all of her presents. She gets so excited when she opens her presents. She screams...it is just the reaction I want! When I asked her what she wanted Grandma to buy her for her "Birthday" she told me..."I want a real phone, Grandma so that when I call you, you will really answer it"...Oh my gosh! do you know how close I came to buying a real phone for her? Then I thought I can't do that!...she is only 4!
So I had to settle on a Cinderella phone and hope that her mommy will let her call me whenever she wants on her cell phone! (Right Mommy).
Anyway we had a good trip and it was so fun to see my cute Brayden and Molly and hug and kiss them! I hate when I have to leave! They are growing up so fast...Molly is 4! I really can't believe it...wasn't it just yesterday that I flew up to Oregon for her Birth?
Molly is a "Spitfire" she has a great personality and she is such a good singer and dancer!
She always has her microphone in her hand...Look out American Idol here comes Mo...
I Love you Molly May...Call me anytime you want, and maybe one day I will get you a phone of your own!

Happy Birthday Carrie Ann WW...

2009-02-19T06:37:00.001-08:00

Hope you have a great Day! Thanks for being my good friend and always listening to me!

Love you!

Molly and Hunter...

2009-02-17T14:54:00.000-08:00

Molly and Hunter on the Glider...

Good Golly Miss Molly...You are almost 4 years old!...

Happy Birthday My Friend!...

2009-02-17T13:06:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Debbie!
Thanks for being my friend!
How old are you today?
"29"

Happy 89th Birthday Daddy-O...

2009-02-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday Dear Daddy-O...
Happy Birthday to you!

Hope your day is extra special and that start feeling better soon...Love you!

Happy Birthday!...

2009-02-04T10:06:00.001-08:00

Happy Happy Birthday Greg Hill, Roger or aka Craig...I hope you have a Great Day! Thanks for being you! Thanks for everything you do for our family! We Love you!

My Dear Sweet Friend Vicki...

2009-01-30T07:35:00.000-08:00

Lyman, Vicki, and Ryan

We got very sad news yesterday that Vicki's son Ryan passed away while they were on a cruise through the Panama Canal. My heart is broken for Vicki and Lyman, and yet I also can't help but be happy for Ryan...he is now free of the pain and is reunited with his brothers Brad and Marc and also his Grandparents.
Ryan and Brad had Muscular Dystrophy.... Marc passed away a few days after he was born.
How much grief and pain can one family have? If you know Vicki, you know what an amazing selfless, loving, giving, woman she is. My son Ty always says "There is a special place for Vicki Kranwinkle in HEAVEN"..and I agree! She has devoted the last 27 years to her children. She has always been there for them! Helping them do everything as that horrible disease took all of their strength and ability to do just everyday basic things...She did all of this with such an amazing attitude. I have such admiration for her...and I hope she knows how much I love her and that she is my dear sweet friend!

Brad

Marc

Vicki and Lyman made sure that Brad and Ryan had full and happy Lives...they took them to so many different places and always made sure that they got to experience new things...like the cruise through the Panama Canal...and many other memorable vacations. Marc, Brad and Ryan are now on a different adventure...My prayers and thoughts are with Lyman and Vicki at this very difficult time!

Happy Birthday Cole!...

2009-01-27T06:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday my little Coliepop!

Today is Cole's Birthday and he is "5" years old...

What a great kid! He is a very special little boy! He is always HAPPY and so much fun. I LOVE him very much! I hope you have a Great Day my SWEET LITTLE Cole!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHLEY...

2009-01-22T06:51:00.000-08:00

Today is my cute niece ASHLEY'S BIRTHDAY!
Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday to You!...
I hope you have a great Day! It was so good to see you and thanks again for having us over for a Barbecue...the hamburgers were so yummy! Thanks for being there for Grandma and Grandpa...You are awesome!
Now start your blog so everyone can see pictures of your cute family!
Have a GREAT DAY!

Quick Update on my Papa Daddy...

2009-01-22T06:46:00.000-08:00

He is doing great! After a horrible night of waiting to see if he was going to live! He is an amazing man! I LOVE you Dad and I am so glad that a MIRACLE happened!

My Father or Papa Daddy...

2009-01-11T11:52:00.000-08:00

Wednesday January 14th my Dad will have surgery to repair his broken heart!...
My Dad is the best man in the whole world! I know some of you probably feel the same way about your own Father...but those of you that know my Dad, know what I am talking about!
He has always been an example of goodness to me! He is kind, gentle and loving and just a good good man! I respect him so much. I respect his choice to come to the United States and leave everything he had so that he could provide a better way of life for his family. I am proud of his choice to join the Church and to be such a good example to all of his children and to have such a strong Testimony. I love to hear my Father PRAY! He has such an amazing voice...(what with his cute English accent and all). It is hard for me to put into words just how much
I LOVE this man! I am a little worried about his health...he has always been so active! But he soon will be "89"... He told me the other day that he hates feeling so tired and lifeless, that this isn't the kind of life he wants! So I am asking you my FRIENDS and FAMILY to REMEMBER my Father in your PRAYERS...

My Dad and Mom

Lindsey with her Grandparents...

Megan with her Grandparents...

My Mom and Dad on the beach in LaJolla...

My sisters and I will be leaving soon so that we can be there with my Dad and Mom! I will keep you posted! Thanks for your concern and well wishes!

Happy 2009

2009-01-02T14:37:00.000-08:00

I hope 2009 brings you...health, happiness and peace of mind...I know that is what I am hoping for...Mostly...

PEACE OF MIND!

Happy Birthday Carrie Ann...

2008-12-31T05:40:00.000-08:00

Today is my Daughter-in-law's Birthday! Yep, she is a NEW YEARS EVE BABY! Happy Birthday Carrie! I hope you have a great day!
Carrie is a wonderful Mom, Wife, Sister, Daughter and friend. She is always there for me, and I love her so much!

Carrie and Madi...

Carrie at Book Club...

The whole family...

Carrie and Madi at a Fundraiser...

Carrie and Madi...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SWEET SISSY!...

2008-12-22T09:53:00.001-08:00

Today is my sister Sue's Birthday!
Happy Birthday Susie Q...Hope your day is wonderful! You are the best!

Let it Snow...Let it Snow...Let it Snow...

2008-12-21T19:49:00.000-08:00

The other day I dropped Lindsey off at her house and I got these cute pictures of Cole and Hunter playing in the snow. I took them from my car!

Happy Birthday Meggie...

2008-12-08T07:58:00.001-08:00

On This Day 25 years ago my baby girl was born...It was one of the happiest days of my life! Happy Birthdy Megan! I Love you!

More Pictures at Gardner Village...

2008-11-30T12:50:00.000-08:00

We went to Gardner Village on Saturday so that Rorke, Madi, Jacob and Owen could visit Santa and Mrs Claus. They all had their pictures taken with Santa and they turned out so cute...we get them next week, so will post them later. Then we walked around and ate lunch at Archibalds...yummy Fried Green Tomatoes!

Rorke and Mariah waiting to see Santa...

Still waiting...

Mariah, Austin, Rorke and some ELF...

Mariah, Rorke and the ELF...

Same as above...

Rorke checking out the ELF'S nose...Freaky but cute...

Mariah and Rorke...

Thanks guys for inviting me, it was a fun day!

Gardner Village...

2008-11-30T06:20:00.000-08:00

Have you ever tried to take pictures of 2 little boys, that really do NOT want their pictures taken? Madi is always good about having her picture taken. Here is what I got! Sorry there are so many...but I really wanted you to get the feel of how the morning was going. Owen hates to get his picture taken!

This is actually a good picture of Owen... This is probably the best picture I got...
Jacob was apparently in pain...
Still in pain, or is it his smile?...
Owen, with his ARE YOU KIDDING ME LOOK...
Seriously?...
Let's keep trying...
Getting Better?...
Not Yet!...
Still not yet!...

What's the point?...

I'm Out!...

I will try again tonight!... Now do you see what I am talking about?

Thanksgiving Day...

2008-11-30T04:59:00.000-08:00

We went to my Sister Sue's house for Thanksgiving. The Food was yummy and the company was great! Mariah made sugar cookies for the kids to frost...I got pictures of all the little kiddo's except Ben...I am not sure where he was...Sorry Jill!

Jacob...

Owen...

Madi...

Cole...

Hunter...

Macey and Belle...
Jack and his famous smile...

Maryn...

Ally...

Mckayla...

Collin...

Luke...

Gratitude and Thankfulness...

2008-11-26T16:24:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year. I love the smells the food and the togetherness. I am so thankful for so many things, and I am not sure if I can mention them all...but here are a few!
MY FAMILY
My Husband who gave me...
My 5 Healthy Happy Children (2 beautiful girls and 3 handsome sons)
My 2 Beautiful Daughters-in-law
My 1 Handsome Son-in-Law
My 1 Handsome soon to be Son-In-Law (will you hurry that up?)
My 8 Gorgeous Grandchildren (6 grandsons and 2 granddaughters)
My Parents
My 2 Beautiful Sisters
My 2 Handsome Brothers
My Sisters-in-law
My Brother-in-law
My Nieces and Nephews (too tired to count them all)
My Grand Nieces and Nephews (Way Way too many to count)
My Extended Family...Aunts, Uncles and Cousins...(Not so many of them)
My Friends (I hope you all know who you are)
My Faith
My Love for the Saviour
My Health
My Home (the Alzheimer Center)
My Job
My Freedom
My Car
A Good Belly Laugh...I Love to LAUGH!
Spending time with my family! camping, boating, 4-wheeling...
I Hope that you all have a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Happy Thanksgiving...

2008-11-23T19:49:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Turkey Rolls

2008-11-21T10:42:00.001-08:00

This delightful roll can be used as a dinner table place card as well as be eaten.

2 Rhodes Texas™ Rolls or 2 Rhodes™ Dinner Rolls, thawed but still cold
1 egg , beaten
sliced almonds, slivered almonds, chopped pecans, pepper corns

Flatten one roll for the body and place on a large sprayed baking sheet. Cut a narrow piece out of the remaining roll to be used as a head and neck. Roll it into a rope shape and place on one side of body to form a slight curve. Cut head piece on an angle and pull down against neck to form a wattle.

Flatten the rest of the roll into a half circle. Cut about ten long slits to form feathers. Place on body opposite head and neck. Brush with egg. Place peppercorn on head for eye and push a slivered almond into the head for a beak. Decorate body and tail with nuts as desired. Let rise 15-30 minutes. Bake at 350°F 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Zoo...

2008-11-17T06:50:00.000-08:00

Saturday was such a beautiful Fall day! Carrie asked Lindsey and I to go to the Zoo with her and the kids. We had a good time! Thanks Carrie for asking us to go with you and for getting us all in on your pass! We will have to do it again.
Carrie, Lindsey, and all the kids!...

Lindsey and the Kids...

Hunter, Madi and Sami...

Jacob, getting a drink from the lions mouth...

Carrie, Owen Hunter, and Madi...Madi looks sad about something!

Hunter, Madi, and Sami...

Hunter and Sami...

Miss Madi on the carousel...

2008-11-14T12:48:00.003-08:00

Tagged...
Tagged!

8 Favorite TV shows:
1. Amazing Race
2. Lost
3. Dancing With the Stars
4. House
5. Survivor
6. Grey's Anatomy
7. Brothers and Sisters
8. Eli Stone

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. Carrabba's
2. Asian Star
3. Macaroni Grill
4. Stone Ground
5. Cafe Rio
6. Olive Garden
7. Java Jo's (for my fix) I have got to stop!
8. Cheesecake Factory

8 Things that Happened Yesterday:
1. Worked
2. Worked
3. Talked on the phone
4. worked
5. worked
6. Talked on the phone
7. worked
8. worked

8 Things That I look Forward To:
1. Buying a new Condo
2. Spending Time with my Grandchildren
3. Going to Meg's
4. Going to Disneyland next year
5. Going to England again
6. Going to visit Cam again
7. Wicked
8. Spending time with my grandkids...oops, did I already say that?

8 Things I love About Fall:
1. The Smell
2. Cool Nights and Mornings
3. Fall Colors
4. Fall Pictures
5. Children playing in the leaves
6. Pumpkin Pie
7. My Birthday
8. Sleeping with my window open

8 Things on my wish list:
1. New Condo or Townhouse
2. Go To Hawaii
3. Go to the Bahamas
4. Alaskan Cruise
5. For my Children and Grandchildren to be HAPPY
6. To Loose Weight (to look like Carrie W.)
7. Good Health
8. World Peace

8 Friends I tag:
Kim
Megan
Mindy
Caity
Lindsey
Amy H
Angela
Nancy

Birthday Fun at FAT CATS...

2008-11-09T07:55:00.001-08:00

Here's a look at how we party!...

Madi and Hunter getting their Groove on...

Jacob and Cole, just being Jacob and Cole...
Mr Rorke...
All of us at Dinner...Lindsey is behind the camera...

We (family in UT.)and cute Kenzie went to Fat Cats for my birthday. We ate yummy pizza, salad, pasta, and of course twisted breadsticks. Then we went bowling. We had lots of fun and I think Ty or Cole won the bowling game! Thanks everyone for making my BIRTHDAY SPECIAL. I love my new necklaces (2), watch, bracelet, candle holders, wall plagues,
and lots and lots of LOVE! MY FAMILY ROCKS!!!!!

Madi, Hunter and Rorke...

These 3 make me a little scared!...What's with Coles eyes?
Mariah, Rorke and Austin...Rorke was so good and even slept through the loud music...
The Bowling lanes...DUH

Fall Pictures...

2008-11-08T07:09:00.000-08:00

How Sweet is this face?...

I think he is up to something...

Cole was really nervous about the Geese...

Are they looking at me?...

Lindsey and Craig were out of town when the rest of us took fall pictures. So here are some of the boys. I really want to do pictures in the snow next! Who's in?

Thanks Danielle (Crazy Daisy Photography) I love the pictures!

Why...

2008-11-05T09:34:00.000-08:00

Why is it that you have to wait so long to see the Dr. I had an appointment this morning just to renew my prescriptions. I had the first appointment 9:00 am thinking that they wouldn't be running behind...WRONG! They had a staff meeting and didn't even let us in the office until 9:30! I get so bugged, my time is just as important as their time! Is it just me or does everyone have to wait at the Dr's Office? And if you do, are you as bugged about it as I was? No wonder my blood pressure was elevated!

Are they all smiling because they love to make their patients wait? Especially the one in the dark pink scrubs!

VOTE...

2008-11-04T05:37:00.001-08:00

Madi's Special Day...

2008-11-02T11:31:00.000-08:00

Madi and Her Daddy ...

Madi and her Family... What are those boys looking at? Not Grandma!

Madi with Grandma Benzon and Me...

Madi and her Grandparents...

Miss Madi and Her Mommy...

Madi and Her Family...

It was a beautiful and happy day or should I say night for Madi, she didn't get Baptized until 5:00 p.m. After the Baptism we had a yummy dinner. It was a fun and spiritual night!
I am so happy for Madi and the choice she made to get Baptized!

Dragons, Hulks, Ninjas, and Bats...OH MY!

2008-11-01T05:33:00.000-07:00

Cute Children and Costumes...

The Hulk...

Niftie Fiftie's Girl...

The Grimm Reaper...

A Ninja...

Jacob was a Bat...

With his Bat Ears...

My Little Dragon Rorke...

Joe Dirt and his Pirate Wench...

Happy Birthday Beautiful Girl...

2008-10-27T06:17:00.000-07:00

My Beautiful Miss Madison Ann is "8" years old today!

I Love... Love... Love... this picture!...Honestly I love all these pictures!

Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday Sweet Madi...
Happy Birthday to you!
I Love you Sweetheart! I hope you have a GREAT DAY! I will see you tonight!

Happy Birthday Jill...

2008-10-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hope you have a great Birthday. I am so happy for you that you get to spend it with Dana! Have Fun!

4 and 4...

2008-10-22T06:50:00.000-07:00

Carrie and Jill did this on their Blog...4th folder...4th picture.. Megan and Molly on Molly's 1st Birthday! It was fun! Everyone should try it!

Outlaws...

2008-10-21T05:08:00.000-07:00

The Wash Sink

My Beautiful Niece Erica...

My cute Niece Erica and her friend Lindsay opened their own Hair Studio...Called Outlaws. I am so happy for them, they are both really young to have their own business...and business is really good! With the help of Tom (Erica's Dad) and Peter (Erica's Boyfriend) they did all of the remodeling themselves...tile, wood flooring, painting, etc... So if you are ever in Frisco Colorado, and find that you need your hair done, this is the place to go...OUTLAWS!

Austin, Mariah and Rorke...

2008-10-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

Ty, Carrie And Family...

2008-10-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

Jacob, Owen and Madi...

2008-10-19T19:25:00.000-07:00

Miss Madi Ann...

2008-10-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

Miss Molly May...

2008-10-18T14:01:00.000-07:00

It Works...

2008-10-17T12:47:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make my pictures bigger...and I did it!
Hip Hip Horray!

Locked Doors...

2008-10-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

Do you lock the bathroom door when you are in the shower? Do you lock it when you are the only one home?

HALLOWEEN IDEAS...

2008-10-09T14:30:00.001-07:00

I wanted to share with you some fun ideas for Halloween. I will be blogging other fun ideas that you can do using frozen dough. Please try some of these and let me know how they turn out!

Do You Think These Two Look Alike?...

2008-10-09T06:16:00.001-07:00

I think Hunter and Rorke look alike! I really never saw the resemblance before, but now I can see it! Austin and Mariah have a picture of them holding Hunter when he was a baby and if you didn't know it was Hunter you would think it was Rorke! What do you think?

Happy Birthday Hunter!...

2008-10-08T04:50:00.000-07:00

How Cute are you?
Boating...
Driving the boat...
Hunter loves to swim...He is a little fish in the water!

If there is a tree around, Hunter will climb it...

Snowmobiling...He has his very own snowmobile!
Climbing another tree!...
Happy Birthday my sweet sweet Hunter! I can't believe you are "9" years old today!
I hope you have a very Happy Day and that you get lots of presents and eat lots of cake and get lots of hugs and kisses. I love you very much sweetheart and I am so glad that you are my grandson! You make me HAPPY! I will see you tonight.

More of DC...

2008-10-02T04:45:00.000-07:00

Me and Cute Cam...

The Chart House...
All Of Us...

Cam took us to Old Alexandria and to the Chart House. It is a really fun restaurant on the Potomic River...We had a great lunch with a window seat of the river... while we were eating it started to rain really hard! We waited until it stopped and then walked around and took some pictures.

Pictures from DC

2008-10-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

Us in front of our Hotel...
The Hotel Lombardy...

My cute Cam...
Sue, Nancy, and Cam...At the Chart House in Old Alexandria...Yummy Food
I will post more pictures later!

Washington DC

2008-09-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

Soon I will be here...
and here...
and don't forget here...I may need to lend them some money...
I'm getting there on this...
I am excited...mostly to see my cute son Cam, and to spend time with him and my sisters Sue and Nancy!

Luke...

2008-09-19T08:41:00.001-07:00

I haven't picked a name out of the box for a while! Today I picked Luke! Luke is my nephew and I don't think he could be any cuter or sweeter! He is a great kid! He is always happy and polite and just a nice nice boy! Luke's brother Jake and Sister Erica love him so much and are always looking out for him.
Things I Love about My Lukie...
1. His smile
2. His Eyes
3. His kindness
4. His politeness
5. His laugh
6. His ability to adapt
7. His LOVE for Skiing...Good thing because of where he lives!
8. His willingness to help
9. His patience with the all of his little cousins that think he is the GREATEST!
10. His LOVE for his Family

I Love you Luke and it was so good to see you last weekend! I hope it snows so you can hit the slopes soon...See you at Thanksgiving!

HomeAgain, Home Again...

2008-09-16T12:54:00.000-07:00

Got back last night from a fast trip to Breckenridge Colorado to visit my sister Nancy.
We (Sue, Nancy, and myself) always have a good time together...we all love to shop, eat, laugh,
play games, talk, eat, shop, eat, shop...so you know how the weekend went!
We played Domino's, and Scattagories...
Thanks, again Erica for coming to the airport with your Mom and driving us home in the rain and snow, yes you read it right SNOW! We got to Nancy's house at about 2:00 in the morning because our flight was late and then because of the weather! Friday was pretty cold and rainy still but then Saturday, Sunday and Monday turned out to be beautiful days. Breckenridge is a beautiful place!
We are going to try and get all the girls together for a weekend in November (Thanksgiving Weekend)

Another Restless Night...

2008-09-11T06:21:00.000-07:00

I had one of those nights last night when you just toss and turn and can not shut you brain off! So I started thinking about the things I need to change in my life! So you my dear family and friends get to hear all about it! I got some really sad news last night (Which I may or may not share at a later time) anyway it made me think! I kept hearing this song in my head!

Lord, I Would Follow Thee...

The second verse is

Who am I to judge another When I walk imperfectly?
In the quiet heart is hidden, Sorrow that the eye can't see
Who am I to judge another? Lord I will follow thee.

I am guilty of judging others! I am going to try really hard to stop. WHO AM I? I have no right to do that, and most of the time I find out I am wrong! I have listened to someone else or I have jumped to the wrong conclusion or I judge someone because of how they look or act! I am really guilty of this!

Case in Point:

A long time ago we used to go to Lake Powell with a group of people from our ward. Every year there were about 10-12 couples and we would rent a Houseboat. One summer a couple invited another couple who wasn't in our ward. We had a meeting to discuss the food and who needed to do what and who was in charge of what...anyway this couple came. She was teeny tiny and very cute and bubbly...he was nice looking (a lawyer) and was pretty quiet. I thought they just didn't fit in with this group! I think I was also intimidated by them! They had brought 1 of their little boys with them and the guy (we will call him Mark) was not really being a part of the discussions he was just playing with his little boy. I thought he was weird! and I remember thinking "Why do they have to come?" She is too cute and tiny for heavens sake and I make about 10 of her and he is just plain weird! I can't believe they are going to come and ruin my trip! I thought to myself I will just ignore them so they don't ruin my fun! I am not sure exactly what happened, and why I was stuck on the houseboat alone with them, but we started talking and I found out that he was really funny and she was as cute on the inside as she was on the outside!
Long story short (too late you say)
I ended up loving this couple...we became really good friends. We have lost track of one another and I am going to make it my goal to find them and get back in touch...I miss them! I need to find out what is new in their lives!

So my dear sweet family bloggers and blogging friends I am going to look for the good in everyone! How can we be like Christ if we are judging?

Night Out with The Girls...

2008-09-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

Last night a bunch of us from work along with Lindsey, Carrie, and Brenda went to the Taste Of Home Cooking School at Thanksgiving Point. We had a good time and best of all I won a door prize! Yeah Me! I had just said to Lindsey "I never win anything" whine... whine...when they called my name! What's funny is that right after they called my name they called Julie Holman...she was sitting 2 rows in front of us.

This is the bowl that I won...

This is the bag I got...
The Recipes came from this book...
My bowl had this dish in it. We had it today for lunch. I thought it was good...mixed reviews!
Fragrant Indian Butter Chicken

2 tbls. butter
1 cup chopped onion
2 tsp. minced garlic
1 tbls grated fresh ginger
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 can (14 1/2 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tbls tomato paste
1 tbls brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 whole rotisserie chicken, skin removed and cut into large chunks
1/3 cup half and half
1/4 cup light sour cream
1 tbls minced cilantro
Hot Cooked rice

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and onion cook until onion is tender. add ginger, chili powder, tumeric, and cinnamon. Cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Reduce heat cover and simmer 10 minutes. Add
chicken, cream, and sour cream. simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro. Serve over rice.
YUMMY!

Rose and Barb...

2008-09-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

Two 90-year-old women, Rose and Barb, had been friends all of their lives.

When it was clear that Rose was dying, Barb visited her every day.

One day Barb said, 'Rose, we both loved playing women's softball all our
lives, and we played all through high school. Please do me one favor: when
you get to Heaven, somehow you must let me know if there's women's softball
there.'

Rose looked up at Barb from her death bed and said, 'Barb, you've been my
best friend for many years. If it's at all possible, I'll do this favor for
you.'

Shortly after that, Rose passed on.

At midnight the following Friday, Barb was awakened from a sound sleep by a
blinding flash of white light and a voice calling out to her, 'Barb, Barb.'

'Who is it?' asked Barb, sitting up suddenly. 'Who is it?'

'Barb -- it's me, Rose.'

'You're not Rose. Rose just died.'

'I'm telling you, it's me, Rose,' insisted the voice.

'Rose! Where are you?'

'In Heaven,' replied Rose. 'I have some really good news and a little bad
news.'

'Tell me the good news first,' said Barb.

The good news,' Rose said, 'is that there's softball in Heaven. Better yet,
all of our old buddies who died before us are here, too. Better than that,
we're all young again.

Better still, it's always springtime, and it never rains or snows. And best
of all, we can play softball all we want, and we never get tired.'

'That's fantastic,' said Barb. 'It's beyond my wildest dreams! So what's
the bad news'

'You're pitching Tuesday.'

Life is short...

So remember to live well & laugh often!

Happy Birthday Brent!

2008-09-05T16:17:00.001-07:00

Today is my Brother-in-Law Brent's Birthday! Have A Great Day Brent! Thank you for everything you do for me and my family! You are a great guy and I love you very much!

The Tale Of The Cracked Pot...

2008-09-05T07:35:00.001-07:00

A water bearer had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole
which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it,
while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water.

At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked
pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily,
with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his house.

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect
for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own
imperfection and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of
what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke
to the water bearer one day by the stream.

"I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you. I have been
able to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes
water to leak out all the way back to your house. Because of my flaws,
you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said.

The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers
only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side? That's
because I have always known about your flaw, and I planted flower
seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you've watered them.

"For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to
decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there
would not be this beauty to grace the house."

Moral: Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots.
but it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives
together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take
each person for what they are, and look for the good in them.

Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
Remember to appreciate all the different people in your life!

To all the crackpots in my life, thanks for being you and for your flaws... and accepting me and all my flaws!