A Glance Back At Year End Memories From 2009

I'm not sure why I have allowed myself to get so far behind in my blogging, but my daughter, Mary, has motivated to me to get caught up. Her Christmas gift to me is to print out my blogs so I felt inspired to finish up 2009 so I can get started on 2010.

Every year I look back with amazement at the blessings that I have enjoyed during the past 12 month and my heart fills with gratitude. My mother was always going to take me to New Orleans, as it was one of her favorite places to visit. Unfortunately, we never made the trip before she passed away. Once she was gone, I added a trip to New Orleans to my "bucket list". I was curious as to what she enjoyed there.

With Mary living in Lake Charles, Keri Beth and I flew down to Louisiana to celebrate Mary's birthday with her and then we took the opportunity to head to New Orleans as it was only 3 hours away. I can't speak for the anyone other than myself, but I had a blast. Below are just a few of the memories.

Hudson, Mary and Keri Beth in front of the pond at Mary's condo in Lake Charles just prior to us leaving for New Orleans. Mary was pregnant and we had all just come from the doctors office where Mary had had her ultra sound that showed that she was having a girl!

A friend of Mary's and Cam had told us of a place that we needed to stop and eat so that we could experience authentic southern cooking. Here I am sampling my first ever bite of frog legs. To me it tasted much like chicken.

Keri Beth and I were enjoying the atmosphere, but I felt bad for Mary. Being 5 months pregnant the smell and food were more than she could handle. We actually had to make a stop at McDonalds on our way back to the freeway to pick her up a hamburger so she wouldn't starve to death.

I'm not sure how much time I would want to spend in New Orleans, but I could understand what my mom found fascinating about the city. We took off for a stroll not knowing that in a few minutes the heavens were going to open up and send down one of the worst rain storms I have ever been in. By the time we got back to the hotel we were quite wet. Mary and Cam stopped and bought an umbrella while Keri Beth and I used bags to cover our heads. After arriving back we got our car and headed out for dinner. We found ourselves driving in what looked like rivers. When Cam stopped to let us all out before parking the car, we literally stepped out in knee deep water. Fortunately, while we were enjoying our dinner, the rain past and the roads cleared up by the time we headed back to our hotel.

We couldn't help but enjoy the opportunity to purchase Mardi Gras masks as a memory of our time in New Orleans.

If you look closely you can see the many Mardi Gras beads hanging from the trees and wires along the celebrated parade route. Apparently they are just left there from year to year.

I am always fascinated by cemeteries and this one was definitely unique to me, but not to the people of New Orleans. Obviously, due to the high water level they are not able to bury bodies in the ground so as you can see their cemeteries are much different than what most of us are accustom to.

Once again we come to the Mississippi River. I have crossed the Mississippi in Missouri, Illinois, and now in Louisiana. While we were enjoying the sunshine in this picture, the rain started again and by the time Mary and Cam dropped Keri Beth and I off at the airport it was a down pour again. Before we left town we made our way down to the neighborhood where hurricane Katrina caused so much devastation. While many homes have been rebuilt, many are left in shambles.

Once back home we turned our focus on Thanksgiving and Christmas. As our family grows it becomes more and more difficult to get everyone together. Keri Beth was so sad when Mary told her that she would not be coming home for the holidays. What she didn't know was that we were flying Mary home between Christmas and New Years. I'm not sure how we managed to keep it a secret for so long, but Keri Beth walked into her room after church the Sunday after Christmas to get the biggest surprise of her life. There stood her baby sister Mary with Hudson in her arms. The first thing she saw was Kerry holding the video camera and she was trying to figure out what was going on. As she glanced around the room and laid eyes on her sister, she burst into tears!

The joyous reunion!

What a wonderful life! Seven beautiful grandchild and number 8 on the way. Kerry and I love being grandparents.

Grandma taking time out from cooking to enjoy my two youngest grandchildren, Drew and Hudson.

I think this was the first time that we have all spend New Year's Eve together. As you can see, we took the time to celebrate the end of a wonderful year and to usher in 2010.

With each passing day I thank my Heavenly Father for the gift of life, for the blessing of family, for my good health, for the comforts that I enjoy, and for the privilege of living in the United States of America.

As we face troubling and unsettling times, I pray for all mankind that we can join our faith and prayers and together weather the storms that come.

A Most Memorable Weekend!

Every once in a while I experience something that truly just feels like I have received a gift straight from God. This past weekend was one of those experiences.

It all began several months ago when I received an invitation via Classmates.com to attend my 40th high school reunion. Other than a couple of close friends, I had not seen any of my classmates since graduation day. My mind had occasionally wondered back to the days of my youth and I would find myself wishing and praying for a way to reconnect with those that I shared high school memories with. However, having moved to Utah I had no idea where or how to start the process. This invitation was truly an answer to my prayers.

As the invitation went out, little by little through the internet we began to find classmates and began communicating one with another. We shared pictures and short biographies of ourselves. Plans were made and airline tickets were purchased. As the time grew closer and closer I was so excited that I felt like a young child anticipating my first trip to Disneyland.

To meet with those that I hadn't seen in 40 years was a most unique experience. We arrived at a party thinking we would know everyone, only to find out that we didn't recognize anyone. Thank goodness for name badges and pictures! It's still mind boggling to think that so many years have come and gone, a shocking reminder to cherish every moment. And cherish the moment I did!

The next day my youngest brother Wayne, my twin sister Cheryl, and I went for a ride down memory lane returning to the neighborhood where we grew up, visiting the ball field where we spent hours at Little League games, walking the halls of our elementary school, visiting the church that our family attended, and ended the journey visiting long-time friends.

I called this weekend a gift because it was a time for me to reflect upon my life, the good things, the hard things, the lessons learned, the blessings bestowed. My heart overflowed with gratitude as I came to recognized once again just how blessed I have been. I grew up in a wonderful family surrounded by great friends. For the last 33 years I have been married to a wonderful man, had the opportunity of raising 4 great children who have given me 7 beautiful grandchildren with one on the way. I still enjoy the companionship of wonderful friends and felt truly blessed to have reconnect with those that I have missed throughout the years. I enjoy good health, and have money sufficient for my needs. What a blessing it is to live in a country where we can gain an education, worship as we choose, work, and associate with those we love. As I pondered all of these feelings and looked back over years past it was obvious that life hasn't always been perfect and I acknowledge that I have made many mistakes. I am especially grateful for the tender mercies of our Lord who has seen me through the rough time and has helped me to overcome faults and weaknesses. A long-time friend made the comment to me that "he was a work in progress". I responded, "aren't we all". And I truly believe that we are, thus the need to be patient and tolerant one with another. This weekend reminded me how important the gift of forgiveness is and how vital it is that we extend that gift to others including ourselves.

The pictures below represent the memories that I will forever hold dear to my heart. Thank you to all who helped in anyway to make this weekend a reality. It was indeed a gift!

Classmate and close friend Sharon (who lives by my sister Cheryl) and Jean (our Drum Major)who flew down from Idaho, along with Cheryl and myself met at Cheryl's house for our own mini renunion on Friday night.

My friend Candice, Sue (our Homecoming Queen) myself and Cheryl .

Cheryl and I reuniting with our friend Ann who used to spend time with us at our grandparents house in Oceanside.

Good friend Sharon, Joan (voted in our senior year " best sense of humor") myself, Cheryl, (we dressed alike thinking it would make it easier to remember "the twins" )and Vickie one of the very first friends we made in high school. We were so excited to see Vickie as she wasn't going to be able to make it. It was the highlight of my night when I turned around and saw her there.

Vickie, Debi, Linda, Cheryl and myself talking over old times while making new memories.




Cheryl and I found the thether balls that we used to play on as children at our elementary school. I was out to have a good time, Cheryl was out to win!

Here we are standing in front of the ball diamond where my brother's played countless hours of baseball. I believe that these moments hold a special place in all of our hearts.

This is the first home that my parents purchased ( I think for around $10,000) and where I lived until we were 8 years old at which time we moved in with my grandparents 4 blocks away while my parents built a new home on the lot next door to this house.

This is the home we moved into, however, they have made so many changes with the yard it hardly looks the same. My mother always had the most beautiful yard and the big edge up front was not there. I must add that the color doesn't do much for the home either and they have removed the nice brick planter that went across the front of the house. Nevertheless, when I think of home as a child, this is the home that fills those memories.

This is Rosemead High School 40 years after I graduated and it hasn't changed much.

This is my long-time friend Val who will always hold a special place in my heart. She still has a picture that she took of me (at about age 20) with her 4 children on display in her home. Oh how young we all looked. Oh for the days of no wrinkles!

Val is 90 years old but she still remembers me and I will always cherish our friendship.

We gathered with family Sunday evening to celebrate Cheryl's and my 58th birthday that was just day's before. The time together was not long enough but I appreciate everyone's efforts to make that evening happen. Cheryl's roomate Beth went the extra mile by preparing all of the food which made it possible for us to visit without the worry of cooking.

As I left the next morning for home, I left with a heart full of gratitude for the opportunity I had to share a few days with family and dear friends. I pray that until we all meet again that the Lord will watch over and bless all those that I know and love so much!

Memories From Our Third Annual Shirley Family Vacation!

O my, it has been such a long time since I have done a post I'm not sure I remember how. I can't believe the summer is just about past.

A few years ago our family decided that instead of buying each other birthday gifts, we would save the money and put it towards a family vacation. We feel blessed that we have been able to do this for 3 years now. We are sad that Cam, Mary's husband, has not been able to join us for the last 2 years as each time he had just started a new job and hasn't had any vacation. We appreciate that he has allowed Mary to leave him hard at work to join us.

This year we spent a few days at our cabin at Bear Lake and then headed for Island Park which is about 1/2 hour south of Yellowstone. I can't tell you how much fun Kerry and I had being with our 4 children, their spouses, and our 7 grandchildren for those few days. Marlon also brought his girlfriend Daniella. It was so hard when it all came to an end and everyone had to go back to the "real world" of work and other responsibilities. Below are pictures of just a few of the many wonderful memories that we hold dear to our hearts.

For me, Bear Lake is one of my favorite places to be, especially when the kids are all there. Some enjoy the experience more than others. Mary, Hudson, Keri Beth and Marlie were having a great time.

Dave just doesn't seem to enjoy the beach as much as others. On this particular day, he was a good sport however and came along just to be with us. He's the only person I know that gets sunburnt sitting in the shade!

Marlie checking things out. She's just not sure if she's ready to get wet.

I couldn't decided if this was a smile or tears. Keri Beth said it's a smile.

Mason is so cute with Hudson and the two of them had great fun playing together no matter where were. Here they were enjoying the water at Bear Lake.

This is one of my favorites of Mary and Hudson!

Grandpa is always such a good sport to go swimming with the kids.

Last year Addie hated the water, this year it is hard to keep her out of it!

Is this a cute face or what!

I think Drew decided she's more for sunbathing.

She wasn't too much for swimming in the lake.

Tim, Addie, Kim and Drew at Bear Lake. By the time this picture was taken Addie was ready to go home. I think she had literally worn herself out playing in the water.

Keri Beth and David had been to Bear World before and suggested that we stop there on our way to Island Park. We were a bit nervous when the bear began to sniff out the food in the cooler on Dave's flat bed trailer.

Tim and Addie enjoying the train ride at Bear World.

This was the beautiful cabin we stayed at in Island Park. It was just perfect for our family. Plenty of room and right on a lake. Couldn't have asked for anything more!

This was the view that we woke up to every morning.

And this is the view at sunset. As you can see we had a fire pit in the back and enjoyed an evening of roasting marshmallows.

We had to take a poll to see who liked thin or thick pancakes. I think thin won.

Kerry and I just thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with our grandchildren.

Grandpa Kerry and Hudson having some bonding time!

The grandkids all love their "poppa".

Mary with Hudson, Kim with Drew, Daniella and Marlon just "hanging out".

The kids, along with the adults had a great time down on the dock catching frogs and crawdads. I'm grateful they decided to set them free instead of bringing them home!

Marlon and Daniella in Yellowstone. Don't they make a cute couple!

David, Keri Beth, with their children, Marlie, Mason, Madison at Island Park all sporting their new Yellowstone sweatshirts!

I never knew it could be so hard to get 7 children to all look at the camera and smile at the same time. I wish I had a picture of Keri Beth's attempts to pull of this picture. She was a riot! At any rate, these are our beautiful grandchildren that we just enjoyed every moment with.

On the way home we stopped by Mesa Falls which as you can see is absolutely beautiful.

Thanks everyone for arranging your schedules so that we could all spend some time together. We are already looking forward to next year.....date and location to be announced. We love each of you so much!

Love, Mom and Dad

Grandma and Grandpa (Poppa)