Stephenson Family Ties The Barn Burnt Down
And Now I See The Moon
Showing posts with label Family News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family News. Show all posts
We dont go to God as a way to ignore our 
 pain.  We go there to give Him our pain,
that we might soften around it as we relax
 into our trust in Him.  We then become bigger
than the pain and thus able to absorb it.
from: Illuminata
by: Marianne Williamson


(Mom's Obituary, written by me)
Pauline Burnham Sharp, age 80, passed on Feb 21, 2015 in St George Utah with many of the 4 generations of her family surrounding her in love.  Pauline was born in Washington DC to Paul Franklin Burnham and Ida Schofield Burnham on April 19th 1934.  She married Joseph C Sharp in the Salt Lake temple on June 7th, 1956, after having completed her nursing degree at the University of Utah.
She lived in Washington DC, Maryland, New York, Northern California and Utah, all places of which she enjoyed and made a better place for having been there. She enjoyed the adventure of exploring, walking, traveling and to take any willing child, grandchild or great grandchild in tow with her…all of whom had a hard time keeping up with her along the way. 
‘Volunteer’ should have been her middle name.
“How can I help” -her most common mantra.
Pauline was creative, selfless and an untiring example of service.  Her greatest joys were found in her family and in service to others, whether it be in the temple or holding the hand of a  neighbor or sitting quietly knitting the countless warm hats, scarves and sweaters for the needy.  People from Russia to Korea to St George, Utah benefited from her talented hands and needles. She was generous beyond description and wouldn’t hesitate to literally give someone in need the very shirt off her back.
She loved to learn new things…and could whoop most anyone at Jeopardy.  Pauline truly enjoyed new ventures as she traveled the world with her good husband and her family. It was especially sweet for her if she could do humanitarian work along the way.
Pauline practiced what she preached as she nursed, toiled and searched for ways to help others. She served often and faithfully as a Relief Society president 5 separate times and as Young Woman’s President 3 separate times both in California and in Utah.
Pauline is survived by her husband Joe and her 2 children, Cindy Sharp Stephenson  and her husband W Robert Stephenson  who are currently residing in Logan Utah and her son Joseph Clemensen Sharp and his wife Debbie Filler Sharp living in Highland Utah, and her 8 grandchildren and their families,  Robert John Stephenson, Joseph Val Stephenson, Anna Christine Stephenson Sherwood, Clark Vernon Stephenson, Brian Romney Stephenson ,  Joshua  Joseph Sharp, Meagan  Melissa Sharp, and Amber Alyse Sharp.  She found great joy and pride in her 12 great grandchildren as well.

In lue of flowers please feel free to make a humanitarian donation to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Welcome Jaycee Sharp!!!

When we ask for God's blessing, we're not
asking for more of what we could get  for
ourselves.  We're crying out for the wonder-
ful unlimited goodness that only God has
the power to know about or  give to us.
from: The Prayer of Jabez
by: Bruce Wilkenson



 Joshua, Jordan and Jaycee Sharp
Blessing day
December 21,2014


While eating dinner together the other night, My Builder, my Rock, my wise one, summed up our new life in our tiny home perfectly. He said, "I think we're comfortable in our cozy tiny house, but we're not yet satisfied."
 I agree with this statement...because I am indeed grateful for what we have right now...our tiny home in our tiny mobile home park. It is a blessing, for now.  (more on our tiny home to follow)  BUT...on the other hand we must remain convinced that there are still better things to come for us in the future.  We live and breathe hope.
(How's this for a long-winded preamble to last Sunday's blessed event?)
One of the very best things about living in Utah happened again last Sunday. My Builder and I traveled south for an easy hour and 45 min drive to Highland to take part in the blessing of the newest baby Sharp!!  Chubby, cherubic  Jaycee was given a name and a blessing by her newly devoted and darling daddy!! It was a momentous occasion for dear Joshua. First time Mormon daddies dream of the day they will someday bless their children.  It a beautiful tradition we have...blessing and welcoming babies into the world and into families by pronouncing blessings that they wish for their children upon their sweet, innocent heads.  Asking for God's watchful care, protection, and guidance on divine little spirits that are entrusted to us to care for and nurture  while here on earth is a wonderful thing. What a joyous occasion...having dozens and dozens of family and friends surrounding you and you small infant to supplicate God for His richest blessings on a newborn!! It is a beautiful thing indeed!!! We were so blessed to be apart of it!!
Merry Christmas Jaycee!!
Welcome to this world and to the family!!!
 Bro Joe...the newest Grandpa in the family!!

If I just concentrate I can walk into memory's store
and find the right shelf with the right film and 
disappear into it and still feel in my body that ride...
from: Out Stealing Horses
by: Per Petterson





While lounging by the pool with Lachlan the other day...(more on that occasion later) he asked me a question.  "What's your favorite thing Mimi?"
I ran thru several responses in my mind before replying.
Artichokes
Pizza
Good sheets
Which are all good things, but things I could live without  if required of me.
But my answer to Lachlan and the true answer is this:
Its family vacations and family occasions.

A week ago we had a wonderful family occasion. It was Evelyns blessing day!! She is a blessing and a gift...and this was the day to bless her back with wonderful  promises from her father and God.  Its a wonderful tradition we Mormons have...giving our children and name and a blessing with priesthood power from on high.
This particular Sunday began with a delightful 2 hour drive from Logan to Lehi. And the morning only got better as we sat strategically placed to view all the folks streaming into the chapel.
First was-
Anna and David with Ben and Will.
Then came Brian and Mericar. (such a cute new couple!)
Next..
My brother Joe and Debbie with cute Amber in tow.
Then came the Andersons, Steve and Jenny and their handsome boys and sweet Daisy.
By now Im thinking, "Oh my,  how blessed I am to be a a part of such a magnificent, supportive, darling family."
Then in comes Kelly and Jace and Aly!
And then we see Paul and Ben and Matt too!!
Wow!! Its true! Our family really is the best!! And Im so lucky to be counted among such a fine group of people!

I should have counted how many menfolk stood and walked to the front of the chapel to "help" Joe bless princess Evelyn. I didnt count.  But I do remember wondering if there would be any room for all of them to stand shoulder to shoulder around that sweet baby girl as her father pronounced a blessing.  I believe they ended up standing 2 deep...a double ring around sweet girly...for of course there were plenty of good men from Natalie's side of the family too!!  Im also happy to report that Evelyn didnt squeak or cry during any part of the blessing. What a girl!!
Joe's blessing was beautiful, eloquent, from the heart and sweet as can be.  I dont remember many of the words..but I remember thinking and realizing once again how lucky Evelyn's going to be to have a daddy such as Joe.  Joe is so calm, cool and collected. He never causes a ruckus.  Im afraid he's a master of being overlooked.  We all know how blessed those dear kids are to have Natalie as their mommy...but Im guilty of not remembering the quiet goodness and power that Joe has in his possession ...all the way down to his toes.  He's a rock. And I loved being reminded of this at  special family occasions..which are indeed my very favorite things!!
If you know its going to be a slog anyway,
why not choose to slog your own slog rather
than slogging someone else's slog?
from: Put a Cherry On Top
by: Ben Behunin 
    

Change is inevitable. And things are ALWAYS changing. Clark woke up one morning this week and said it was time for a change. ...that it was the day for a hair cut.
Many, many people are so pleased by Clarks 'transformation'  I love this mug no matter what.  I loved his long curly locks...and I now love this GQ look too.  And I love imagining their future... the changes that are in store for them as school begins soon..in far away Kansas City.

Big changes are in the works for me too.  They feel like big changes...again.
Im packing my bags..saying good-byes...and will be heading north again on Thursday.  I tell people that Im either landing in Salt Lake or Logan this time.  But deep in my heart I think Ill find myself back in Logan with my Builder...where I belong. (NOT in Logan...but with My Builder.) The 'experiment' of long distant relating didnt work as well as I expected. Marriage is hard enough..putting 600 miles between us was just not healthy or helpful. Im hoping for what wont feel like a step backwards, and find myself residing in Logan again..but if its necessary I will find a way to be happy about it!! There are two adorable grands there..and people I love very much.  There are probably 2 more months of decent weather in Logan...I should take advantage of that. But  I'll be doing my best to find our way to Salt Lake before winter hits in any way I can too.
If I 'feel' it in my future...it'll happen.
“You loved ferris wheels more than roller coasters
 because life shouldn’t be lived at full speed,
 but in anticipation and appreciation.”
from: Making Faces
by: Amy Harmon





I know Im terribly partial...but these babies are adorable...both inside and out, both old and newborn.  Their hearts are made of gold. Truly they are rejoicing in their little sister...know how happy their mommy is to finally have a little girl!! Life is good!! We are all so blessed. Our family grows...in numbers and in blessing.

Happy Happy Mothers Day!!!

“The homemaker has the ultimate career. 
All other careers exist for one purpose only
 - and that is to support the ultimate career. ”
― C.S. Lewis

Ok...now we know for sure where the handsome genes come from!!
 Mothers Day at the Stephensons!!!
 We finally pulled off a fun and simple get-together!!
(we know too, where the crazy genes come from.)
 Oh Jax...you've stolen all our hearts!! We are completely whipped!!

 This moving target wanted his picture taken with me!! Quick?? Snap the pic before he's gone again!!!
 Flowers, chocolates and good times for these two remarkable Moms...whom we love to the moon and back!!
 Sorry Scott...sweet Olive took this pic...but we can still tell what a handsome pair you two make. Happy Mothers Day Trisha!!

 Knox..hugging one of his favorite girlfriends...dear Mayci!!

 Good looks run thick through this family!!
Love these men!!
 Lachlan has less then 10 days of 1st grade left.
How does this happen??
How quickly they grow...into fine young people.
 Cousins are the bomb!
Oh how we love it when these two play!!
 She whispered softly in my ear..."Mimi...can I take your flowers home?"
Who can resist this face!!?? Not I

 This Mamma  was so happy to have a house full on Mothers Day!
So many handsome men!!

Grandpa Sharp with his oldest grandson! 
Hard to believe he's now a great grandpa...several times over!!


Mayci, the most beautiful and enthusiastic jungle gym ever!! These dear grands adore her!! And so do I!!

Those who move forward with a happy spirit
will find that things will always work out.
from: A Cherry on Top
quoting: Gordan B Hinckley
by: Ben Behunin


Dear Dan,
When I first start  writing about the people I love, I start a list in the margins of whatever notebook I have nearby. My list about you began like this...
1st...he flies under the radar. (note #27 below)
2nd...he's the youngest child..thus #1
3rd...teenage pranks and a drunk neighbor caused parents grief.
4th...feeling bad that we dont know each other very well..if we did, I think we'd discover that we have a lot in common.
5th..you can drive a car, a jet ski, and a huge houseboat....and most certainly many other things that I havent thought of.
After the list was started I quickly became fixated on the 'youngest child' thing. The youngest Ehlert child.  That is you. I have a youngest child. He is Bri. Its interesting stuff..this birth order theory.
Just think of it...
A newborn never came home in your moms arms to rocked your world. You will always be the baby.  Do you feel babied? I can guarantee that your siblings think you have been. I've also heard that the youngest child tends to always appear youthful..throughout their lives. Lucky you!!
Can you still hear your brothers and sisters complain, "He's spoiled! He's pampered and indulged!!?"  But Im thinking thats going to work in your favor as well. Because you were protected and cottled, you will just expect good things to happen to you all your life...as you should...and Im a whole hearted believer in the self fulfilling prophecy thing!! Im guessing you're going to be one of those lovely men whose glass is always full.  Thats a wonderful quality in a person.  Also...how could you not have watched and learned..just as I know Brian did..that charming your way to something you want is a whole lot more effective than being a pill.  I see charming in you already..plus a knock-out smile!! The world will find you charming Dan. Lucky you.
Did any of your siblings run for student body offices...I guess I dont know the answer to that...like I should..but I know you have...using that charm and friendliness and easy going attitude. Yep..Im willing to wager you enjoy the 'easy going' gene.  Embrace it my friend.

I googled "birth order" and found this fun list for your amusement!!

Here are 28 signs you're dealing with a youngest child:

 1. Entitled to nothing. Really. Not even a seat at the dinner table is guaranteed.
 2. Happy to sit in the back seat of the car well into adulthood. The way, way back? Totally fine with that, too. 
3. Buys used cars, second -hand clothes and "vintage" furniture. What is this thing you call "first-hand?"
 4. Will never make fiancée sit through the traditional post-engagement evening of Going Through the Family Photo Album to Look at Pictures of Childhood because there are no pictures of childhood.
 5. Answers to almost any name. Literally, any name.
 6. Constantly surprises older siblings with references to "playing on the high school tennis team" or "going to college," as older siblings have no recollection of any of these events.
 7. Has photographic memory of every event that happened to older siblings, including what they were wearing and what Mom yelled.
 8. Rarely expects a bed at large family gatherings. Prefers futons, couches or tent in the backyard, just like childhood.
 9. Has a record collection that includes four copies of Boz Scaggs' "Silk Degrees" inherited from older siblings.
 10. Has a book collection that includes seven copies of The Catcher in the Rye and four copies of Go Ask Alice.
 11. Never expects to be served first.
 12. Does expect to do have to do the dishes anywhere, anytime, at any event.
 13. Occasionally stuns family with competency...
 14. ...But still treated like 14-year old.
 15. Pleased as punch to finally make it to the Grown-Up Table in mid-thirties.
 16. Personal motto: I wasn't born yet.
 17. Will never bore you with stories of family trips to national parks because the car wasn't big enough for the entire family, if you know what I mean.
 18. Barely got a word in edgewise until age 15. Now a very good listener.
 19. Enjoys being decades younger than siblings in adulthood. Really, really enjoys it. Like not in a healthy way.
 20. Leaves the room when older siblings reminisce about "the Christmas we all got new skis."
 21. Keeper of all the family high school yearbooks for some reason.
 22. Thrilled at spacious college dorm room and awesome bunk bed.
 23. High levels of proficiency in laundry, sandwich-making, entertaining oneself and waiting.
 24. Large vocabulary.
 25. Never even reaches for the remote. Why bother?
 26. Learns from others' mistakes.
 27. Stays under radar.
 28. Gets away with murder.
found here

Enjoy the journey Dan...and stop denying that you're not nor never have gotten away with murder!!
I'm old enough to be your Aunt..so I know!!
Love you handsome!!
Taking joy in life is a woman's best cosmetic. 
-Rosalind Russell

Dearest Lois,
You've just had a birthday..and if I were a bet'in lady..I'd wager a huge pile of cash that NOBODY could   accurately guess your age...due to that darling face!!  For a woman who's visited deaths door and back...you could and do fool us all!!
Always a hip hair style, a closet full of cute shoes, the latest fashions adorning your trim bod, and an ever present smile, plus that contagious laugh, with the wit of a well paid comedian, all lend to your youthful appearance. I doubt we'll ever see a time that you'll be found just standing on the sidelines of life.  You're creative, resilient and enjoy a  feisty spirit that will forever keep you young my kindred spirit friend.
Your gift is seeing and building a life full of inspiring and fulfilling adventures. You are full of love and you spread that love wherever you go. When you're in a room full of people, EVERYONE  feels of your love and your exuberance for life.Your radiance is contagious...and all that speak to you come away feeling happier and appreciated. What a gift you have my friend. What a gift.
This one is for you Lois!!
May you always be your luscious self with a cherry on top!!!
Love you!!

MORE WHIPPED CREAM PLEASE

I have a new delightful friend, 
I'm almost in awe of her.
 When we first met I was impressed, 
By her bizarre behavior.

 That day I had a date with friends, 
We met to have some lunch.
 Mae had come along with them, 
All in all - a pleasant bunch.

 When the menus were presented, 
We ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups. 
Except for Mae who circumvented,
 And said, "Ice cream, please. Two scoops."

 I was not sure my ears heard right, 
And the others were aghast.
 "Along with heated apple pie,"
 Mae smiled, completely unabashed.

 We tried to act quite nonchalant,
 As if people did this all the time. 
But when our orders were brought out,
 I did not enjoy mine.

 I could not take my eyes off Mae, 
As her pie ala-mode went down.
 The other ladies showed dismay, 
They ate their lunches, and they frowned.

 Well, the next time I went out to eat, 
I called and invited Mae. 
My lunch contained white tuna meat, 
She ordered a parfait.

 I smiled when her dish I viewed, 
She asked if she amused me.
 I answered, "Yes, you do,
 And you also do confuse me."

 "How come you order rich desserts 
When I feel I must be sensible?" 
She laughed and said, with wanton mirth,
 "I am tasting all that's possible."

 "I try to eat the food I need, 
And do the things I should. 
But life's so short, my friend, indeed, 
I hate missing out on something good."

 "This year I realized I was old," 
She grinned, "I've not been this old before. 
So, before I die, I've got to try, 
Those things for years I have ignored.

 "I've not smelled all the flowers yet, 
And too many books I have not read. 
There're more fudge sundaes to woof down, 
And kites to be flown overhead."

 "There're many malls I have not shopped, 
I've not laughed at all the jokes.
 I've missed a lot of Broadway Hits,
 And potato chips and cokes."

 "I want to wade again in water,
 And feel ocean spray upon my face. 
Sit in a country church once more, 
And thank God for His grace."

 "I want peanut butter every day, 
Spread on my morning toast,
 I want un-timed long distance calls, 
To the folks I love the most."

 "I've not cried at all the movies yet, 
Nor walked in the morning rain.
 I need to feel wind in my hair,
 I want to fall in love again."

 "So, if I choose to have dessert, 
Instead of having dinner,
 If I should die before nightfall, 
You'd have to say I died a winner."

 "That I missed out on nothing, 
That I had my heart's desire. 
That I had that final chocolate mousse, 
Before my life expired."

 With that, I called the waitress over, 
"I've changed my mind, it seems." I said, 
"I want what she is having, 
Only add some more whipped cream." 

 Virginia (Ginny) Ellis Copyright, 2000
Blessed be thy brain
              that you may conceive of your  own power.
Blessed be thy breast
              that you may give sustenance to those you     love
Blessed be thy knees
              that you may bend so as not to break
Blessed be thy feet
               that you may walk in the path of your highest will.

                                                                     -Robin Morgan

Love you cousin!!
There is no need to fear big.  The only thing to fear is living small,
and thereby robbing yourself of hope and opportunity. Living 
small often leads to desperation, starving our lungs of oxygen and
making it difficult for us to belt out that song we have to sing.
from: Put a Cherry on Top
by: Ben Behunin

Families are  amazing and such a vitalizing and fruitful thing!! Everywhere I turn I see beautiful people that I love!!
THis week I've been thinking about you Stephen, my dear nephew-in-law. Its been fun to ponder your life...what little I know of it..and to come up with lists of things I love about you.  Granted, I dont know you well...but yet my list has grown.
First off Im going to rant a bit about those that profess that living in California might make one soft.  Whatever does that mean!!!!?? I thought soft was a good thing is this tough, hard knock world!!??
Just because its temperate...
because you dont have to fight the elements...
because plants spring up and thrive all year round...
because the ocean is close by to loll one into a state of Zenful peace...
because windows stay open and breezes ruffle the curtains..
because anything goes..and no one cares ....which I believe is a good thing...
Anyone who wants this, dreams this, is this, longs for this, is alright with me. And I happen to know that you do indeed want this again. Who knows if we'll ever have our desires fulfilled...but California dream'in is alright with me!! Anyone who loves the beach as much as I..is also alright with me!!
You are a California beach bum without the bum, but with added  panache!!
You are a man who'd give you the shirt off your back, plus your wetsuit AND  throw in your  surf board too..if I needed it. You'd bend over backwards to be sure I was  happy. Thats just the way you are!!

Stephen, you're a teenager in a mans body...with a heart as big as California. Please do not be offended by this comparison I make of you resembling a teenager...for in your  case its  a great thing!! Your spirit will never grow old! Oh what a blessed gift that is. I read book after book on how to help this be in my life...and to you it just come natural! Oh how I envy this in you my  friend.
Should anyone  be lucky enough to watch you in the kitchen...bare footed and blissful as you make breakfast or the best Lasagna I've ever eaten, they'd know what I mean by teenage spirit!!  You love learning how to make food healthy and delicious and sharing it with those that visit!! In fact, I learned something from you that we now apply in our own kitchen...instead of using Mozzarella for melty deliciousness...use Monterrey Jack!! Its so much better!!!
You are the most empathetic man I know as well. You seem to easily place yourself in anyone's shoes and feel what they are feeling...and then know how to help. I've seen you do this with your beautiful wife, and with your gaggle of boys and dear Dasiy. You've done it to me and to most of my family...and you and they may not even know that  thats whats happened...but its there!!  What a gift my friend!!
Oh how you try and try to get 'it right' my friend. Please know that you already do have it right!!  Please let your Peter Priesthood complex wash away with the Pacific tides. There is no such thing as perfection...thank heavens!! Continue to be just you!! You is what we love best!!! Peter Priesthood is boring. You are not!! Let Peter Priesthood look down his perfect nose...and you keep doing what you do best..and thats being you with a heart of gold!! We are all so very lucky to call you family my friend!!
You and beautiful Jenny are my version of perfection...with all the imperfections that none of us can escape...but you are  making it into something wonderful and better than the 'norm.'
If I had to reduce my remarks about you down to a few sentences, I would say...you lead a creative life and for that I will envy you till the day I die!! I will be looking to you for inspiration, for this is what I love the most about you and people like you...to be young and vibrant at heart...no matter the age or circumstance!!
Keep living the dream my friend...whether in California, Utah or wherever the tide takes you!!
Love YOU!!!
Stephen...Jenny said that you dont like this picture!! Are you nuts!!!??? There is no better smile and no better hair on the planet earth!!!  GQ should be banging down your door!!! Love you!!
"I'm touched by the idea that when we do things
 that are useful and helpful - collecting these shards of spirituality - 
that we may be helping to bring about a healing."
 - Leonard Nimoy


Dearest Brother in Law, healer, physician and friend,
We all have the notion that doctors receive phone calls at all odd hours, and at times of inconvenience...but now that we have a patient, loving doctor in the family...I see that the same applies to calls from family members. (Im sure that My Builder and I are not the only family members  that feel free to pick up the  phone to ask you medical questions?! ) If I think about it too much Im sure I  should blush at the personal things you know about me. 
My gratitude for you and your beautiful family knows no bounds. The support and encouragement you lend to  my family seems limitless. You and Kelly are the hosts with the mostest!! And oh how I love your beautiful children...like my own.
Your gentle ways, your warm and calming smile are gifts to all that know you.  There's no judgement  found in your heart...only encouragement for the betterment of all.  Plus you are a well-spring of good advise to all that ask. Your quiet testimony is more powerful than any speaking from a pulpit can convey. Do you think I could someday grow up to be like you?

Go Cougars!!!

Love you!
Fear is strange soil. Mainly it grows obedience like corn,
which grows in rows and makes weeding easy. But
sometimes it grows the potatoes of defiance, which flourish underground.
from: Small Gods
by: Terry Pratchett




There's nothing like a loved ones trial to smack ones self across the head and give one perspective.
My dear brother in law has a T-R-I-A-L.

I feel unfit and powerless to help.
Then I had an idea.
What better way to encourage  and show love  and support than to share with him loving words from people who love him!!?

I had an opportunity this last week to be with a lot of family in Salt Lake..so I conducted some interviews.
Here is what I heard  about our good brother...Spencer.

Kelly: "He's gentle, open and always willing to talk. He's grounded in the gospel and the salt of the earth."

Brent: "He's calm, and when he speaks its well thought out. Plus he's a BYU fan!! That cinches the deal!!

Lauren: He's funny.  He has very strong values. He knows what he's doing.

Clark: Spencer is an excellent listener, really! He's super charitable and disposed to help.

Jenna: He's kind and friendly, a strong priesthood holder who has raised  amazing kids!! Supportive, loving, genuine and interested in our lives. He makes me laugh!! I appreciate your hugs! All in all an amazing dad and uncle!

Bob: he's dedicated to his family. Dedicated to his work, and is a good example of a team player. He's a sincere and thoughtful brother in law.

Anna: He's very observant and kind. And he seems very tender hearted too.

Me: What I think I know about you: First--You've been gypped all your life...for you were born on Christmas Eve. Enough said. (you definitely should have half birthdays...officially!!
You hate the heat as much as I love it.
I know I would have loved having you as my bishop.
You have a laugh that lights up a room.
You love me...with all my crazy foibles attached.
You are the quintessential family man.
Grandparenting is your gift.
With all your tests and trials...you are the pearl to be cherished and have so much to share with the rest of us dust mites. Though you'll never preach.

Dearest Spencer, I cant imagine what it must be like to be you right now. The thoughts that must go through your head as you lie in bed before sleep.....
May knowing that we love you help in some small way I pray.

Hang tough my friend. I cant wait to hear what you've learned from yet another curve ball that has come your way.

Love you!!!

Mimi Monday

I've been to see a doctor about the cessation of
my monthly illness... Then he asked a number of
questions.  Are my breasts knotty (No!!) Have I
experienced a feeling of fearfulness? Anxiety?
(Yes! Yes!) Do I suffer from toothache? (All my
adult life) Do I desire to ear loathsome and 
unwholesome foods such as carrots, raw turnips,
roast pig? (I confess I loved carrots)  Do I fear
dying? Do I have forebodings and gloom? Am I
overtaken by a fear of undefined evil?  Do I suffer
from heart burn? 
"Excellent, you will carry to term," he said,apparently 
satisfied with my answers.
from: Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe
by: Sandra Gulland


Just when you think it might be some time before another adorable grand will join the family...we receive grand news!!
I referenced this news earlier ..here...but I want to make it official!!
Logan, Liam, and Beckham and their fine parents are expecting a baby!!!
Another Stephenson will be joining us come July!! ( a girl is in order...but it never really matters...they are perfection any way you look at it!!)
Oh happy, happy day!!
That'll make 11 grands!! How wild!! How wonderful!!
How blessed we are!!
How grateful we are...for Joe and Natalie are wonderful parents. And all we do is reap the benefits of all their hard work and the dedication required in parenting, as we easily love and adore their offspring!!
Life is good!!
no...Its GRAND!!!


Let there be music.  Let there be a bountiful feast.
 Let there be dancing in the streets. Let the misbegotten
sons of peasants who inhabit this dreary
 place pay homage to a Princess.
from: Papa Married a Mormon
by:  John Fitzgerald



My Builder and I took a lovely 24 hour jaunt to Salt Lake on Friday after work.  Saturday morning was the baptism of  and celebration for Amber.  We weren't  going ;miss that happy occasion!! And oh what a joyous event it was! Amber is 8 yrs old going on 15. A wise and beautiful soul with the tenderest of hearts. Her parents have raised her well; as she has raised them well too. I am blessed to have such a tender niece. I am blessed to belong to such a wonderful family. Im so grateful my mom and dad would travel up for this occasion as well.  I miss them.
Baptism is a big deal. Its a lot to take in and understand for 8 yr olds.  But I feel certain that this particular 8 yr old understands more than most.  Her big brother, Josh, gave a beautiful and personal talk on the importance of baptism.  And her dad gave a thought provoking talk on the gift of the Holy Ghost.  I plan on remembering some of the things he said- Like when you want Gods advice in your life, all you need to do is ask and then get up off your butt and go serve! In the process of serving others, that is when our answers will come.  Genius!

I spent a few tearful moment on the phone on Sat with my son Joe. He and his family are moving back to St George...lucky them...and Saturday was the first leg of moving day. They loaded a trailer with a  load of things and headed out. I had been hoping to see them and see the boys before they left...but it didnt happen, and it broke my heart.  Natalie and the boys will be back...for a while.  Joe needs to find a place to live down there and then they will join him.  And I will make every effort to get back to Salt Lake to see those boys...and perhaps kidnap them for a few days and bring them back here with me before they all leave for good. But on Sat. I was just plain sad about it all...and Joe heard me cry.

Its amazing to me how much fun one can cram into a little over 24 hours of time though. Friday night was spent with Clark and Jenna and Brian and Mericar.  I wanted pizza...and boy oh boy did I get pizza and a good time.  A favorite place of Clarks is The Pie...up by the University.  So we all piled into a borrowed mini van and headed up there to satisfy my need.  Can I just say...YUM!!!
Then we rented a James Bond movie-Skyfall- and went back to 'Hotel Ehlert' and watched it on their big screened tv and ate popcorn.  FUN!!



Saturday evening I landed 2 tickets from a very generous lady...you know who you are ...mother of Jordan...Ms Margo!!...for the Relief Society general Meeting in the Conference Center downtown. I looked over at my mom and just knew I needed to take her down there with me and attend. The 3rd ticket materialized...and so I called Brians girlfriend, Mericar...who is thankfully a spontaneous soul, and she joined us too!! We were all spiritually fed ...and the train ride home was a fun adventure. Way to go mom for jumping in and going along with the craziness!! It'll go down as a most memorable night.

Happy Sabbath