New Traditions

I have a new "Grammy Date" tradition! On Christmas Eve, I took my little grand girls to Kangeroo Zoo! (Thank heavens J came, too--she was the one who ran up and down the slides carrying our littlest A girl!) It was the funnest place. There are 8 big bouncy blow-up toys that the kids can climb up, slide down, jump on to their heart's content. Big sister A thought she would be scared of the bigger toys, but she was soon jumping and sliding with the rest of the big kids. Little A thought she was pretty cool, too, but I think she liked the drinking fountain the best. This is a new tradition that I just love! Hopefully, it gives mommy and daddy a few hours on Christmas Eve day to get "things" in order, and the time to me was so precious. We spent two hours at the "zoo", then had lunch with French fries and ice cream cones, and then had some playing time at Grammy's house. The time sped by, and I could honestly say that I loved every second! My only regret was that my grand boy wasn't there, too. (He was on the road, on his way to my house!) Next time! Wheeee....

The Best Day of the Year...

Merry Christmas-Eve! This is my favorite day of the year. Now that I'm older, I just want the day to go on and on and on. The shopping is done, the family is gathering, everyone is excited and happy...it's simply the best. I like to imagine I'm there in Bethlehem, seeing the star and kneeling before the manger, to worship my Lord and King, the Holy Christ Child. God Bless Us Everyone!

It's That Time of Year...

Couldn't resist these adorable snowmen! And since we have real live icy-cold snow outside on our lawn, it must be the season! I wrapped presents today. I think J was wondering if there would be any to open or not. This year, I've had to be very creative with our gift-giving. The packages may be sparse, but I think they're going to be more specific to what everyone truly needs or wants. Above all, I hope family togetherness will be the best gift--I know that's all I want! Counting down...

Tribute

My dear father-in-law, Calvin, passed away November 29, 2008. He had suffered a stroke two days before Thanksgiving, and had come home early Saturday afternoon to spend his last hours in the place he had lived for over 50 years. He was a good, kind, gentle man, a bricklayer by trade, having put his handiwork into many, MANY buildings, homes, and churches in this valley. He loved his sweet wife, Janice, and couldn't wait to be with her again. He missed her so much. He and Janice raised four boys, and taught them to work hard and play even harder. They instilled a love of nature in their family, and spent many wonderful vacations at fishing holes, mountain campgrounds, spacious lakes, and blooming deserts. They loved to be with their friends, and had a schedule for dinners out, temple sessions, and game nights. (The day of the stroke, a dinner engagement had to be canceled.) They adored their grandchildren and great-grands. It was the highlight of their day to have a visit--watching the little ones play was more entertaining than any movie or television. We knew we were loved...and we hope they know now how much we will always love them.
I owe them both so much.
I will miss them.

Thankful!

I borrowed the cute picture from C--thanks, honey!

Tomorrow is the big T-day, and I have to say "thank you":

...for life

...for a beautiful family

...for health (even when it's wishful thinking)

...for this great and glorious earth

...for liberty

...for brave and noble ancestors

...for the gospel of Jesus Christ, a beacon in my life

...for blessings too numerous to comprehend

...for music and laughter

...for sweet and caring friends

...for the knowledge I hold dear that this life is just the beginning of eternity.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. God bless us all.

Christmas Music

I love Christmas music! It is like a lullaby to my soul. I never believed one month was long enough to enjoy the music of the season, so I'm grateful that some of the radio stations around here start playing it the day after HALLOWEEN! Yippee! One of my friends made a post about her favorite Christmas music, and as I read it I kept nodding my head: "Yep, like that one; oooh, love that one; oh yeah, that's one of my faves, too!" So, here's my own (incomplete) list of just SOME of my favorites...there are really too many to mention:

Breath of Heaven--Amy Grant
The First Noel--Mormon Tabernacle Choir
The Messiah--sung by the Utah Symphony Chorus, of course!
Mary, Did You Know--Donny Osmond
Grown-Up Christmas List--Amy Grant
Let Him In from "The Forgotten Christmas Carols"
Merry Christmas, Darling--The Carpenters
White Christmas--Bing Crosby
The Christmas Song ("Chestnuts...")--Nat King Cole
Jingle Bells--Barbra Streisand
The Best Gift--Barbra Streisand
The Grinch--Boris Karloff
Twelve Days of Christmas--John Denver & The Muppets
When Joseph Went to Bethlehem--Primary Kids
He Wasn't His Child--Sawyer Brown
Where Are You Christmas--Faith Hill
Believe--Josh Groban
Away in a Manger--Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Still, Still, Still
The Carol of the Bells
The Prayer of the Children--Kurt Bestor
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year--Andy Williams
The Gift--Jim Brickman
One Small Child
Welcome to Our World--Amy Grant

Okay, I could go on and on. Do you have a favorite?
(Special thanks to my sweet C for adding some of these favorites to my music playlist...you're the best, honey!)

Maxine Does It Again!

Well????

Family Matters

Wahoo, look at us! Aren't we a cute bunch? We were so lucky to go to Pasco for Mr. JPB's baptism a few weeks ago. (He's the handsome one right in the middle!) We enjoyed beautiful scenery, warm family fun, maid service at a nice hotel, lots of hugs and kisses, and above all, confirmation of what is truly important in this world: FAMILY and the LOVE OF GOD in our lives. Each soul is unique, each soul is valuable to our Heavenly Father. Way to go, JP...you took a big step in following Jesus. He loves you...and so do I.

VOTE!

Only in America--land of the free, home of the brave--are we privileged to use our God-given right to let our voices be heard!! I am only one, but I may be the one that changes something bad in the world to something good. Let Freedom Reign!

Primary is the Greatest Place on Earth

Yesterday was our ward's Sacrament Meeting Presentation by the Primary on the year's theme of "I am a Child of God". We've practiced hard all year, we've rehearsed and memorized, and here it was time to present. Our meeting is first thing in the morning, so I was busily collecting pictures and notes before heading to the chapel. The bishopric counselor over the Primary met me in the hall with a funny look on his face. "So," he says not-so-casually, "did you know Sister Lifferth of the General Primary Presidency is in the congregation?" Not realizing that he had said "General", I said, "Oh, yes, you mean Sister McLean, the Stake Primary president?" "No," he said. "I mean General, as in 'top of the class', 'head of it all', right up there with the General Authorities!" I think I said, "Holy Cow!" Is that bad to say in church where one of the General Primary presidency may hear you?? Yes, there she was, sitting next to an awestruck Stake Primary member, in her adorable tailored suit (can you even be a member of the General Auxiliaries if you don't own a tailored suit?). Our program was precious, as I knew it would be. The children were reverent, happy, assertive, courageous, beautiful, angelic, eager, and well prepared. I cried as they sang, "If the Savior Stood Beside Me", because He was there, standing beside them. I got goosebumps as one of our Young Women played her violin to "I Love to See the Temple". I couldn't stop smiling when some of the priests came up to sing "Called To Serve" with our older boys. I just wanted to hug them all and kiss the tops of their adorable heads. Dear Sister Lifferth came up to me after the meeting ended, and with arms outstretched, gave me a big hug. She was gushing with compliments. What a sweet woman! She said it was one of the best programs she has ever seen or heard...and I'm sure she's seen her share of them! It was one of those epiphany moments, where you wish someone was engraving your feelings and emotions on a gold tablet to remember forever. I was so incredibly proud of my kids, and I felt such an overwhelming love for everyone in Primary, from the tiniest nursery baby to their leaders to the music people to the teachers to my wonderful presidency to every single child. How blessed am I! I've got the greatest calling in the world!

A Dream is a Wish...

My cute little A family are on their way to a grand vacation, and it all begins with Disneyland! I wish I could see their faces when they have lunch with the Disney princesses on Sunday. It will be perfect. Have fun, you four cuties! And we'll see you at the end of the road in Washington...

Random Wackiness Tag!

Isn't Mary E. the best?

Okay, this is for my "wacky" daughter... You gotta love her.

Rules: State 7 wacky things about you on your blog. Tag 7 more people (I don't have 7 blogging friends though! yeah, some of us are real fuddie-duddies) by posting a comment on their blog.

1. I am the oldest of 5 kids, so my "alone" time was usually in the bathtub. As a kid, I loved to pretend I was someone else, and would play the part when I was alone. One night, I was pretending to be "Kit O'Connor"--the equivalent of Nancy Drew--and I was having "tea" while taking my bath. I had left the door unlocked and my brother sneaked in and caught me play-acting. That was the beginning of the end! But I always think about "what would Kit do?" She was brave, smart, beautiful, and rich. Oh, yeah!!

2. I sucked my thumb until I was 7 or 8. Wore out several blankets with satin trim by pulling them through my fingers while sucking my thumb. Ah, talk about comfort!

3. I'm of the "disco age" (yeah, I'm old!) and I loved to go dancing. Yes, I could boogie with the best of them. One night, I got mad at the guy I was sort of "dating" and danced with all his friends instead. As my girlfriend and I were leaving, Harry ran out to the parking lot, pounded on our car, and screamed at me, "Don't go! You're breaking my heart!", just like a nut job in the movies. I ignored him and let my friend take me to "drag State Street" instead. (How did we live past 17??)

4. I love to play volleyball. I played on all the church teams until I was past 30! I always chose the number 13 for my jersey...Lucky No. 13! Wacky? Maybe not, but I could ace a serve and spike the ball in those days.

5. When I was a freshman at BYU, I was walking across campus one day, late for my next class. I accidentally tripped a person coming the other way, and he stumbled and almost fell. Without thinking, I said, "Sorry, Charlie!"...and found myself looking right in the face of DONNY OSMOND! He kind of gave me a dirty look and kept walking. Oh well, my one brush with fame...

6. I worked in an ice cream shop during high school. We had to wash the sundae dishes (yes, we used glass ones) in those big industrial-size sinks. One of my friends and I would have water fights until we were soaked or the boss caught us. I liked the boss's son, and it seemed like he would always show up when I was a soggy mess. We also had whipped cream fights, but the boss started making us pay for the cans of whipped cream we used. Hey, I was only making $1.60 an hour--I couldn't afford that!

7. I have a group of "writing friends" who actually encourage me to do wacky things in my old age! We were having a sleep-over at our cabin and giggling in the wee hours of the morning over silly jokes. Just when it was finally getting quiet and I thought we were settling down to go to sleep, one of the girls started singing national anthems! And not just the US anthem, but anthems from other countries! Holy Cow, I've never laughed so hard. These are the same girls I have an annual Olive Garden Christmas lunch with, and we always flirt with the cute, young waiters. Yes, we're a wacky bunch!

Okay, I really had to stretch to remember 7 things. I've led a very sheltered life! But YOU CAN DO IT! Now, I tag Colleen, Joleen, Cynthia, Sonja, and Lindsey.

Photo Tag!

This is how it works: Find the fourth file of photos in your picture file, and choose the fourth picture in the file. Then write a post about it.

Chelsea tagged me...and look what picture came up!

This picture was taken on one of our visits with Chels and Rob and L-Bubby. We were trying to get L to giggle, so Chels is tickling him. Yay! We got him! Look in his hand--he found the Cinderella toy from the play house. He loves all the little toys, especially when he can shove them into the doll van and drive them around the room. I'm sure there's a ball around beside him somewhere, too. This boy has the arm of a pro! Love BOTH those smiles...

October Again

Put up the Halloween decorations tonight. For some reason, they are starting to look more tired with each passing year. Could it be? I love this little witch from my favorite artist, Mary Englebreit. Halloween will be different this year, since we'll be in Washington with my sister and family. But different is GOOD! Can't wait! Happy Halloween-ing to all.

Out with the Old, In with the...Old?? (oh, and the NEW)

Several months ago, Dean bought an old Jeep--a project! He towed it to his shop and tore it apart, right down to the frame. Every day after work, he'd stay a few hours to work on it. The guys at the shop were amazed at how it was going back together, and even though they would have liked to have witnessed the rebirth of the machine to the end, it was time to bring it home (there's a point where you just can't be too trusting anymore). Thanks to Aaron and his great truck, the Jeep that has no seats, no running engine, no hood/sides/windshield, etc. came home last Saturday. Dean had to sit on a block of wood and steer the thing while Aar towed it from Salt Lake.
I've loved having my car in the garage--besides being safer, I hate scraping snow and ice off an freezing-cold car in the winter. But life is full of sacrifices...and this is a huge one for me. Not only is the Jeep coming home to live in my little one-car garage, but now my BRAND-NEW CAR has to be outside in the elements.

Yep, after a few harrowing months of driving our usually dependable 1998 Intrigue through some undependable issues (transmission problems where the engine would stop while driving, major oil leaks, etc.), we traded her in on a beautiful 2007 Ford Taurus. Silver to GOLD! We got a great deal, and most importantly, I am not driving white-knuckled any more! I'm sailing!

Let's just hope the Jeep appreciates that nice warm garage this winter, because next year, he's out of there. And I hope Dean is ready to scrape ice off the new car every morning before he goes to work, because there are limits to my sacrifices. Have fun, honey!

Cornbelly's!

Saturday, we went to Cornbelly's at Thanksgiving Point. Thanks to L, we got in on a fantastic deal: only $0.93 per person (reg. $10) admission. Their claim to fame is a corn maze (this year's is dedicated to David Archuleta--Utah's American Idol!), but it also has lots of fun activities for the kids: slides, jump houses, pedal go-carts, pig races, a "cow" train ride, etc. It was overcast with a slight breeze, so oh, so comfortable! We had a great time. Here are just a few pictures of my adorable family. Autumn Arrives!

SOOO Big!

Who in the world is this BIG BOY?!! I can't believe how he's grown in just the past few months. Look at him, lounging with his snacks at Zions National Park--he's a man of leisure! He was ready to start a hiking trip with Mommy and Daddy, G&G S, and cousin L. I'm aching for some hugs and kisses from my little (gulp, GROWING) L-Bubby. Soon, I hope...

In My Arms

My beautiful, talented daughter made this video and shared it with me...and I can't stop thinking about it. So, you get to see it, too. Listen to the words of the song, look at the awesome pictures, and feel the love of our Savior. (You have to pause my music player at the bottom of the page first to hear the song.)

What can I say more than this...He loves YOU! He loves ME! He will hold us in His arms, always. "How can I keep from singing?..."

Thank you, my precious girl. I love you with all my heart.

Ah, Beethoven!

One of the great perks of my life is the privilege I have of singing with the Utah Symphony chorus. Even when I drag through a week of nightly rehearsals, I have to "lift up my voice and sing" praises for this blessing in my life. This weekend, we perform Beethoven's masterpiece "Ode to Joy" from the Ninth Symphony. When I think that Beethoven was completely deaf when he wrote this symphony (and after conducting it for the first time, had to be urged to turn around to acknowledge a thunderous standing ovation!), I am in awe. This is the stuff we'll hear and sing in heaven!

"Alle Menschen Werden Bruder (All men should be brothers)"

How appropriate in our world today...

Passey Reunion

Labor Day weekend is the traditional Passey family reunion at beautiful Bear Lake in Idaho. This year, A & L and girls joined us for the trip north. (C & R were going to come, too, but ended up with colds just a few days before and couldn't make it! We missed them!) I have the sweetest aunts in the world, and one of my Passey uncles looks like my daddy, so this reunion is very special to me. I always come away feeling loved and like a little girl again. Visiting, eating yummy food, relaxing in the sunshine, playing games, and even dipping our toes in Bear Lake is part of the experience. This valley is in my blood. I'm proud to be part of this family of great men and women.

Happy #5 Birthday!

I can't believe my precious first-born granddaughter is already FIVE!! Her birthday was on August 28, and we had a fun family party that evening. Her mommy and daddy had decorated their backyard deck with pretty white lights and balloons. She got mounds of presents and then we shared yummy cake. Just before everyone left, we wrote birthday messages on our balloons...and then let them fly away! Happy Birthday, princess girl! I love you dearly!

6th Grade Already?

Here's my girl with her "if you insist, Mom" grin painted on, unwinding after her first day of 6th grade. Okay, where did that time go? This morning, after dropping her off at Wasatch Peak Academy for her--gulp--last year in elementary school, I remembered that first day of kindergarten, when she was just a little thing like Miss A! I can't believe she's eleven-and-a-half. She's my baby, always and forever. And oh! she loved this first day. Her (new to the school) teacher is wonderful, everyone has a friend, she's sitting right where she wanted to be, and LIFE IS GOOD in the 6th grade. Of course it is, sweetheart...

Kindergarten Kid

Beautiful A started her first week of kindergarten yesterday! She was so excited and proud! Even though she won't be five for another nine days, she seems so grown up to me. She told me about playing recess and coloring and her cool Cheetah backpack. What a precious girl! Way to go, sweetheart...

Scentsy Sale!

In anticipation of the new Fall/Winter Scentsy catalog (can you believe it?), we are having a big sale this month. During August, all individual products are 10% off! (excludes packages) Time to stock up on that warmer you've been wanting (the price goes up a bit in September), plus the candle bars that warm your heart! Need a room spray or car "candle"? Get it this month and save some money. Call or email me with your order. I also have details about the discontinued scents that will only be available through August. AND...look for your invitation to my Open House in September to introduce the new catalog and all the fun new products and scents!!

50 years ago...

August 15, 1958

Lois and Roy...

high school sweethearts...

husband and wife...

sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls temple...

A lifetime of memories, an eternity of love.

I've Been Tagged!

Thanks to C's cute m-i-law, I've been tagged! She posted her answers days ago, but I'm just getting around to reading the blogs. She had lots of great graphics to go with her answers...me, I'll just be plain Jane here. But here goes!

1. To get to know YOU better, I'm tagging:

**Cynthia
**Sonja

(Just post your answers on your blog and I'll read them...)

2. Random Thoughts about ME:

**I'm feeling my age lately, which is quite uncomfortable. When I skipped 6th grade, I was suddenly one of the "youngsters" at school. When I was called to be RS pres at a young age, I felt like one of the babies. Now, I'm not...and it's downright creepy.

**I hate to clean tubs and showers. I'd rather clean a toilet than a shower...

**I wish I played the piano better. And I'm sad that I haven't been able to teach myself the guitar. Something about my fingers just doesn't work...

**Lately, I've discovered that when I really crave something to eat, it's pizza. Gooey, cheesy, mushrooms, green peppers, ahhhh....

3. Places I'd like to Visit:

**ENGLAND!
**Hawaii
**New York
**Caribbean islands

4. Current Obsessions:

**Scentsy!
**Summer Olympics
**Keith Urban (okay, he's an old obsession, but still...)

5. Movies I've watched more than once or twice:

**Much Ado About Nothing
**Sense and Sensibility
**Cold Comfort Farm
**Yentl
**Disney's Beauty & The Beast
**Phantom of the Opera

6. Goals I've Set for Myself:

**Get healthy again
**Save money for car/house/trips, etc.
**Go to the temple more

7. Favorite Foods:

**Pizza
**Cashews
**Grapes
**Guacamole Dip

8. Fears:

**The economy
**Mice
**Losing security

9. Favorite TV Shows:

**Cash Cab
**Burn Notice
**Lost

10. Places I've Visited:

**Disneyland
**Yellowstone Park
**Calgary, Alberta, Canada

11. Things I'm Looking forward to in the coming year:

**Getting my book out there for possible publication
**Finding a house
**Getting healthy again...

12. Joys in My Life:

**FAMILY, especially the ones under 12!!!
**Primary Kids
**Weekly Temple Visits

Happy 1st Birthday!

Is this the face of an adorable birthday girl or what? Little A turned one on August 9 and had a grand first birthday party with her family. Those big blue eyes just soaked everything in. She loves her new books, her pretty new clothes, her great toys...but most of all, this yummy cake! What a princess! I do love this littlest granddaughter with all my heart. Kisses, sweetie pie!!

Broadway Rocks!

Last Saturday night, the Utah Symphony performed "Broadway Rocks!" at the beautiful Deer Valley resort in Park City. About twenty members of the chorus were asked to provide "backup" to the soloists, and I was lucky enough to be one of them! It was a wonderful evening to sit on the grass in that awesome mountain setting and listen to fabulous Broadway show tunes. At rehearsal that morning, the chorus members were given their comp (free) tickets from the box office, but we soon discovered that there were LOTS left over. Everyone quickly called family, friends, and neighbors to invite them to this great concert. I called A&L and invited them to come join me, D, J, and Gram. L called some of her family, so we had a fun group there. The soloists were world-class, with prior gigs on Phantom, Les Miz, Beauty & the Beast, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Wiz, and other great shows. The chorus sang "doo wop" on tunes from Hairspray, Rent, The Wiz, Dreamgirls, and Aquarius. I was in heaven and couldn't keep still!

For the final number, we sang "Let the Sun Shine" from Aquarius. The director had asked us that morning to bring "hippie" costumes to change into, since all the soloists would come out on stage in their 70's attire. I raided my Halloween costume box and found this great blond wig! I looked in the mirror and said, "I look like my sister...only much fatter!" My fellow chorus members were also decked out, but I took the cake for best transformation! It was fun to come singing through the audience and stand in front of the stage, clapping and dancing to the beat. Yea, man, Broadway Rocks!! Peace Out!

Colorful World

If you ever doubted that God loves colors, just look around at our amazing world. I "borrowed" this picture of my little L grandson playing at Sand Hollow reservoir down South in red rock land last week. Beautiful sand, gorgeous sky--great picture, C! Even from the back, you gotta love that toddler boy of ours...

Park Fun

To celebrate Pioneer Day, Linds and I took the girls to the city park to the annual carnival. It's so wonderfully "small town". Mini rides, lots of food booths, pioneer games, and families everywhere. Here's my cute grands primed to go!!
Big sister A gets to ride a pony called "Moonlight". Two trips around the lawn...priceless!

Auntie J rides "Vegas", but he wanted to stop for snacks along the way.

Notice the good Elder helping to lead our reluctant pony!

We used up most of our tickets at the face painting booth...but oh, what masterpieces we got! Last year, Auntie J got "Jack Sparrow" paint. We like this one a LOT!

And look at this beautiful butterfly girl! She also won that snazzy necklace at the fish pond!

Did we have fun? Add snow cones, cotton candy, and bouncing on a gigantic slide toy

and the answer is YESSSS!