Happy Birthday, Ann!

My father always said this most irritating phrase to me as a child: 

Be Thankful For Your Troubles.

Why, I thought, would you ever, ever, be thankful for hard things in your life?  I realize now that no one escapes troubles, I don't care who you are.  Troubles care not if we are rich, poor, healthy and strong, weak, mean or nice.  And we might not even recognize them as troubles at the time or they might be very blatant (I like one of the dictionaries definition of blatant:  unpleasantly loud and noisy) troubles that everyone sees.  But what my father was trying to patiently teach me was that it isn't the troubles that are the worry but how you react, how you care to see your way through, how you conduct yourself,  how you turn to God.  Well, with all that said, this is my tribute to Ann today:  She uses God's lenses to see through her troubles so they no longer can be defined as troubles but as intruments in becoming more like Him.   Two cute babes in her care:  one very sick and one very healthy, but neither one any trouble.   Thank you Ann for continuing to teach me what my father was trying to get me to understand all along! 
I love you. 

Happy Day to you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG THREE-O CHOCOLATE FACE

There was only one time when Jacob was slightly demanding.  We bought an old, white, two door Mazda for the kids to drive as teenagers.  For the first time Jacob complained.  I was shocked, actually, but I couldn't blame him.  It really was an ugly car and for this family, we don't like ugly.  But it was cheap, efficient and got the job done.  The best part?  He apologized ten minutes later.   Don't you love this guy?  Thank you,  Jacob,  for your gentle ways,  your constant desire to do what is right,  for always being willing to forgive,  your respect and patience for your mother.  I love you dearly!

Did you really want chocolate for Christmas?

Happy Birthday, Jordan!

Jordan and I have had the rare opportunity (hopefully she looks at it this way) to actually live together as mothers.  I don't always recommend two mothers for one home, it isn't the best, but in this case it has been a wonderful time for me to watch her in action.  I love how she makes a home.  I love how she cooks.  I love how she cares so deeply about her children.  I love how she loves Craig.  And I love how she has graciously allowed one more mother under her roof for just a season, with no complaints.   Happy Birthday, Jordan.  I love you!
PS  I have really bad interenet connection that won't upload pictures.

Enjoying The Mangums

Missin' This Virginian

Virginia Pie

We weren't planning on stopping but who could resist this place?

 A stone building just calling out to us to stop and have some homemade pie, sour cherry no less.

 And surrounded by falls magnificant squash.

 And what is the east coast without WHOOPIE PIES?

 So with the command to EAT PIE we bought a pumpkin pie, especially for Brendon and sour cherry especially for the rest of us.  Kurt threw in a couple of chocolate dipped coconut macaroons.

And this little cutie was the best part of all!

To Dearest Ashley!

Photo:  Ashley Thalman

One of the many joys of children is to have adult children.  That is not to say that I didn't enjoy all stages, because I truly did.

But, now I have adult children that have become more than just children but advisors, listeners, creators, examples and mothers themselves (and soon a father).  

Ashley was given much responsibility.  I, perhaps, was harder on her than any of the children.  But she only remembers the good, only sees the good, and quickly forgives.  I am so grateful for her example, her advice, her perfect ability to listen.

I love her creative spirit that come through in everyway.  I love how she mothers, patiently, kindly, forgivingly.

I love you, Ashley!

Happy Birthday.

Mom

Eataly

Eataly.  I find the name a little corny but it certainly is a little corner of that country right in Manhattan.
Actually, 50,000 square feet of Italy, my favorite being the chocolate section.  Mario Batali and his other Italian friends, Joe and Lidia Bastianich created this mega Italian store that opened this fall.  Kurt got me some lemon gelato to soothe my never ending cough.  He's always looking out after me!

What is Italy without bread?

Stuffed ravioli machine.

Fresh pasta!

Holy cow!  It is Mario Batali himself!

My Used To Be Favorite in NYC (Wording for you, Jordan)

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Oh, the yellow hue of Kalystyans.  It just gets me excited, thinking of all the culinary possibilities in one store.  It was my favorite but has sadly been replaced by Habu.  More on that later.  Enjoy a wander down the isles.

For Ann.

Here's to healthy snacking!

Kurt could have put this to good use in Tonga!

 So, if you have seen fresh tumeric you get a prize!

360 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn New York

In the 1920's my father went on his mission to the Eastern States, with B.H. Roberts as his Mission President.  Here I stand in front of the mission home.

 Kurt and I were the only white people in the neighborhood.  As we walked by some policemen, they said "you can tell they don't belong here."  Yet, there we were,  in a place where my father once walked also.

360 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn, New York.

I am sure this mission photo was taken at 360 Gates.  My father is sitting by Sister Roberts on the front row.  Such a sober group of missionaries!

Happy Birthday, Mary Deane!

We miss lounging around with you and those cheeks!  Oh those cheeks!!  Love you, Gramma.