April

April 1 - sunshine

The sun is shinning and flowers are springing up from the earth. The bright pink petals on the flowers make me sunshiny happy!

April 2 - natural

It is Spring Break! Audrey and I took the kids to Tree House Museum in Ogden. Creative spaces spark imagination where little minds play and explore. Emmy is naturally drawn to the red barn where a cow is ready for milking! She was not given any prompts how to do it. What is more natural than that!

April 3 - in my home

I'm decorating for Easter. The rabbits are placed to guard the egg shaped candy dish. 

Dave asked me why I keep candy in a dish on the table all the time. I told him it was to create a "memory" for the kids. They know they can come to grandma's and there will always be a treat in a candy dish on the dining room table. Just like my mother! The candy dish on the dining room table is one of my most treasured memories of home.

April 4 - underneath

I'm standing just outside my bedroom door on the second level of the house. Overlooking the balcony I can see underneath me grandma Bates' painting. Underneath that is a bird house, a ceramic rabbit and plant that sits on an old hallway table. Underneath the body of the table are a few throw quilts and a watering can. Underneath that are some old wooden Dutch shoes. Underneath the Dutch shoes is a rag rug. 

Some of these are treasures. The painting was done by grandma Ida Bates and I am thankful to have it. The plant is from mom's house. Her little ceramic blue bird sits in the pot with the plant (where she always kept it). The old table was bought at an antique store in Colorado. I've had it for about 30 years. I found the Dutch shoes at the DI, but love them because they remind me of Holland. I will remember that trip forever!

April 5 - blue

It's a blue day! Blue is my favorite color. The skies are pretty blue outside. It's also a very special day. 

Today is Dave's birthday! Today he turned 57 years old.

Today is Easter!

Today is General Conference!

This is the first time that April 5th, Dave's birthday, has fallen on Easter Sunday. The last time was in 1953. That's 4 years before he was born.

I wanted to make his birthday extra special for him. I found a blue 2-gallon water cooler and used it for an Easter basket. I filled it with some treats, clothes, a watch, outdoor thermometer, and some rubber ducks. I think he liked it!

6. water

I watered the houseplants today. I make my rounds throughout the house using mom's stained pancake pitcher... just like she did! This is Shaniel's plant. It sits in my Master sitting room and brings me sweet reminders of her every time I pass by.

7. landscape

The landscaping is shaping up, thanks to Dave! He doesn't like yard work at all, but he can't stand to have it not looking good. I am so thankful for him. He has a green thumb and is an excellent gardener. Now... if I can just talk him into doing a garden this year. I miss it so much!

8. brand new 

Oh... I love geraniums! I waited almost a year for these beauties. They are not real, but they are ideal for the window box overlooking the breakfast room. I don't have to water plants. I don't have the mess. These plants are going to look bold and vibrant all year long. They are a show stopper. I got these brand new potted geraniums at Tia Pan last week. They are a seasonal item and I have anxiously awaited their arrival.


9. a sign

Stepping on the scale is a sure sign I need to lose weight!

10. extreme close-up

It's almost thyme (time) to plant herbs. I hope I have as much luck growing them as I did taking this extreme close-up shot of a potted silk thyme plant.

11. friend

This is a little blurry, but if you look close you will see an earth worm in the middle of the picture. Dave and I planted some new trees this morning and when he dug a hole, an earth worm crawled out. We love these kind of friend's!

Dave is not only my husband, but my friend! He was especially kind today and got up on the pergola and pruned and trained the vines to cover the top. Oh! I can't wait to see how the wisteria grows this year. Shaniel's garden is going to be beautiful!

12. A favorite place

A favorite place is any place with family! It was James' blessing day today. We went to the park afterwards and enjoyed a scrumptious and filling picnic, hosted by Audrey and Mike. A very enjoyable day to be with family and visit. Mike's family was there. Out of my family... Dave and I, Audrey's family, Kelsey's family, and Steven and Ann and their children. Greg brought his family and Shaniel's kiddos. Gary Oliver and Connie came, too. The sun was out but was it ever cold!

13. flat

The flat surface of the sidewalk is wet and shiny. It is starting to snow. Yep... Spring in Utah!

14. texture

The sky is filled with huge snowflakes and it isn't taking long for the snow to build up on the plants and lawn, changing the texture of the landscape. It's so pretty outside! Tomorrow... Spring in Utah will be a different story. There's so much to love about our beautiful state.

15. modern

I can't think of anything more priceless than having access to modern day scripture. I treasure the inspirational messages from our living prophet, Thomas S. Monson and his apostles, through the Ensign each month.
 
16. an animal

This is our neighbor's cow enjoying the nice Spring weather. The grass is greening up, the sun is shining, and the temperatures are climbing... giving the young heifer plenty of reason to relax. This scene brings back many fond memories of home and our life on the farm. It makes me so happy to be able to look next door and watch the animals. It puts a smile on my face every time!


17. colorful

Today I went to Alia's first grade end of year school program. It was so dang cute... the kids singing and dancing. But what was even more cute... Alia in her colorful Chinese dress. Fancy chopsticks were placed in her hair bun and when it was her time to dance, she shined like a star as she waved her colorful fan from side to side, bowing, and stepping in time to the music.

18. fun

Alia is following the ducks as they waddle in a row through the grass. It was a fun day watching the kids feed the ducks and seagulls at the pond in front of Lee's Market.

January

1. new

A New Year's surprise! James M. was born on December 31, 2014 at 7:36 a.m. He weighed 9 lbs. 6 oz. and was 20 inches long. He wasn't expected for another eight days but decided to make his entrance into the world just in time to make the tax deduction. 

There's nothing more sweet and precious than a new heaven-sent baby. James is the 4th child born to Audrey and Mike. It's amazing how much your heart expands when a new baby comes into the family. One more to love. And... oh! I do love him. 

Thank you Shaniel for looking after this precious spirit in heaven! I have no doubt you were there every step in his journey to earth.

2. change

A big change is coming to this little family. There are big plans in the making for this little guy. Ben said he is going to play with his new brother all day long! Alia is going to be such a big help to her mother, and Emmy is already showing some possession of him. I love watching the kids love all over this newcomer. 

5. clean

First sponge bath for James went very well. His bath seat was set in the sun on the kitchen cupboard. He seemed to like the warm water over his head and body. I love the soft, clean feel and smell of newborn babies. Yummm....

7. dark

It brings me a sense of security when the lights, lining the driveway, come on when it gets dark.

December

1. red and white

A red wooden garland and a large white wooden snowflake on the tree.

2. errand

I chose to feature errand of Angels, since this is the year of Angels at our house. Angels do good deeds, are kind, and watch over us.

Shaniel, our Angel in heaven, watches over us! We wanted to bring honor to her name by being earthly Angels. When the kids all came up for Thanksgiving and the Christmas party, I gave each person a stack of cardstock Angels. Each person needed to do a service, write a note of appreciation, or other kind deed to each member of the family and then leave the cardstock Angel where the service had been rendered. It was nice to see the love shown throughout the weekend by some members of the family.

On Thursday, Audrey's family and Dave and I went to dinner at Pizza Pie Cafe. Afterwards, I had the kiddos help me tape quarters to the bouncy ball and candy vending machine with a note You've been RAK'd (Random Act of Kindness). 

Friday I donated a dollar to Burger King who has chosen a family in need to help this Christmas. 

We'll be doing kind acts all month long. Can't wait to see what's next!

3. candle

Every night after dinner, Dave and I light a candle and read from the scriptures about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It helps us keep the true meaning of Christmas in our heart and home. We follow an advent calendar so it makes it easy. 

4. silver

I love shiny silver balls. I especially love blue and silver together. I have silver balls hung on the Christmas trees and arranged in crystal bowls adding sparkle and glitter all around the house. 

5. ornament

In the show, It's a Wonderful Life", it ends with a ring of a bell and the old saying.... "every time you hear a bell ring, an Angel gets (her) wings!" This vintage bell goes perfectly with our theme of Angels this year. The bell is one of my favorite ornament's.

6. sparkly

Dozens of sparkly Whoville looking balls adorn my favorite Christmas tree. Audrey's kiddos came up and helped me decorate the heavily flocked tree with the colorful bright lights. Oh... so much fun! I left the balls and ornaments just where they hung them. I love it!

7. dinner time

8. new

Every year, starting December 1, we count the days down to Christmas. I try to change it up every year on how we do it. This year I found an old-fashioned fabric pocket garland at Deseret Book. I was thrilled to bring my new  advent garland home and hang on the upper balcony overlooking the front entry. Hung with twinkling lights and garland and draped low enough for the littlest ones to reach in has made it not only beautiful, but fun! Emmy and Ben came up and counted the pockets to today's date. Surprise! A candy cane and reading Christmas stories with grandma. Fun day!

9. weather

It has been unseasonably warm this year. Mid to upper 50's in the day time, and upper 30's at night. So... we have Christmas candles lining the sidewalk and green grass! I'm not complaining, but it's been crazy, weird weather this year.

10. cozy

Love my little Raggedy Ann and Snowman. I have her sitting on an old chair surrounded by cozy pillows.

11. blessings

Family is the best blessing of all! And that makes a lot of blessings!

12. stocking

I bought these comfy warm wool socks from Germany at a Christmas Market. I love the colors and pattern. I should have bought more.

13. tree

This is my favorite tree. It's so colorful and fun. I bought some new balls for it this year that come in funky patterns and bright colors. Audrey's kiddos came up and helped me decorate it. I left it how they did it and love it... most of the balls are on the bottom! Alia said the balls reminded her of Whoville on How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
 
14. handmade

Audrey's been getting ready for her little guy that will be coming in a few short weeks. She crocheted these cute little caps to match a couple of outfits. Audrey is very talented. She is always making something homemade and special. Cloth diapers, nursing pads, wipes, blankets, etc. She amazes me!

15. enjoy

What can I say! Who wouldn't enjoy treats of the season! For the treat exchange this year I made flavored butter. Garlic and herb, sweet pepper, cranberry, and orange marmalade. They were delicious and made quite the scene. I came away with a ton of goodies. My favorite - the mixture of oreos, pretzel sticks, m&m's, and sprinkles covered with white chocolate. The homemade peanut clusters were a close second. 

16. bundled

This year for our family service project, I made each family a bunch of Angels out of cardstock and bundled them together. Kindness Angels to do good deeds for each other and Random Acts of Kindness to friends and community. I hope they are doing good deeds!

17. gift

I've been wrapping gifts today!

18. happy

Makaela's Christmas orchestra concert was tonight. She is becoming really good at playing the violin. She is second chair and was chosen to perform in a quartet tonight for one of the numbers. It was beautiful! I love music. And I love the happy smile on Makaela's face!

19. decorations

Christmas is the best holiday for decorating. I love mixing old decorations with new... but mostly old. Dave brought home some antique ice skates from Germany, which I love! I put a little greenry in an old wooden tool box, tied a new lime green ribbon to the skates and handle, and set out my trusty old black lantern and snowman bird feeder (front is all that's left), and set it on my favorite old gray bench. It makes a nice Welcome to our Home statement for the front porch.

20. mail

Hummm..... wonder what this could be? We are getting unusual packages in the mail!

21. front door

Inside front door... the jingle of the bell lets us know when we have company.

Last night I was coming home from Meriam's wedding and had just come to the stop sign on Hwy. 89. I was waiting on a long line of cars so I could cross the road to our lane, when all of a sudden all the lights went out. Spackman's house, all lit up, was suddenly dark. I looked up and down the highway and it was pitch black. Eerily pitch black. The only lights that could be seen were car head lights and some blue and red lights blinking, on either an emergency vehicle or a construction vehicle, that was a half mile down the highway.

When I could finally get across the highway, I went up our private road and the driveway in utter darkness. I parked the car outside the garage since the garage door opener couldn't work without power. I got out of the car in the cold wind and rain, and knocked on the door, hoping Dave would hear me. He soon came with a flashlight to let me in. With that as our only light source at the time, and no way to cook dinner, we decided to go out and eat. 

We mistakenly thought the power would be back on after 2 1/2 hours away from the house. It wasn't. And, when we got to the front door, it was wide open! We cautiously walked inside and yelled to make sure no one was in there. There was no sign of an intruder, at least not human. I was the last one to leave the house... I guess I didn't shut the door tight enough. The house was cold! We lit some candles, put some extra blankets on the bed and snuggled in for the night. The power didn't turn back on until 4:00 a.m. 

22. shopping

I went Christmas shopping today and bought the store out of finger nail clippers. Why? Because Dave can not seem to hang on to the dang things. He went to Las Vegas and took mine! And, I was not too happy about that. I do not like sharing my clippers! I bought him a clipper for every month of the year and put them in a jar and labeled them. Here's hoping he will hang on to these until next year!

23. baking

This is what I call easy Christmas baking! Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees. Place square pretzels on a baking sheet. Top each with Candy Cane Kisses and Rolo's. Add an M&M or pecan on top of each Rolo. Place in pre-heated oven for 5 minutes or until slightly melted. These Pretzel delights are delicious!

24. loved ones

We had Kelsey's family up for Christmas Eve. We ate our traditional Christmas Eve dinner. We had ham, funeral potatoes, green salad, green beans with onions and mushrooms, rolls, Christmas jello and Clam Chowder. This year we made homemade peppermint ice cream and had brownies with it. Kelsey also made home-made cranberry sprite. 

Audrey was sick with the flu and miserable with impending delivery so they came up and picked up dinner. 

After dinner we did Elf, a traditional gift giving activity and then finished the evening reading the Christmas story. 

Celebrating Christmas and the holiday season would not be the same without loved ones around us. I especially look forward to spending Christmas Eve with the family every year. I am thankful to have Kelsey and Audrey close by and often wish Amie and Steven lived a little closer. 

25. aftermath

We got the best Christmas gift ever... SNOW! And lots of it. We woke up to a winter wonderland. The fresh white powder was bright and beautiful! And Ben got his Christmas wish! 

Dave made himself busy cleaning up the aftermath of the snow storm. Oh... it's so nice to have him home!

26. busy

Audrey is going to be busy! Alia asked Santa for a knitting kit, and was she ever excited to get it. She wants to be just like mommy. Knit and sew and make beautiful and useful things! Her first project... make daddy a scarf for his birthday, which is only a few days away. Think you can make it happen mommy!

27. relax

When I want to relax I head to my office and turn the computer on to blog, edit pictures, journal, facebook, pinterest, and dabble in some family history. I keep my trusty day planner layed out in front of me to refer to important dates, appointments, write quotes and notes to myself. Oh... this is the life! I love it.

28. fresh

Fresh fallen snow is so beautiful! It is quiet. It is calm. I love it!

29. early morning

Just outside my bedroom door is the balcony that overlooks the front entrance. I love the early morning with the door ajar and the sight of miniature twinkling lights intertwined with the green garland. The old-fashioned advent fabric pockets add a touch of magic and fun. Early morning is quiet and calm. It's a good time for me to ponder and reflect on all my blessings.

30. smiles

Why does this picture make me smile? Because I love watching my daughter be a mother and a homemaker. And I love watching the smile and anticipation on Ben's face as she prepares the bowl for her little munchkins to stir the cookie batter. 

And.. see the kitchen towel Audrey has flung over her shoulder? She always does this and that makes me smile, too. Mom did the same thing, too. She always had a kitchen towel hung over her shoulder. That's a sign of a very good homemaker! 

Audrey made each of the kids their own reversible aprons and put together a cookie making kit complete with bowls, measuring cups and spoons, whisks, and six different jars of pre-made cookie ingredients. The kiddos all put their aprons on Christmas day and made Reese's Chocolate cookies. They were yummy!  Christmas day was full of smiles all day long.

31. celebrate

Today, we had a celebration! In a big way. Audrey's little one decided he was going to enter the world today! At 4:30 a.m. Audrey called and said she was in labor and was getting ready to go to the hospital. I quickly got dressed and drove to stay with the kids. 

James Michael Mecham was born at 7:36 a.m. A big, bouncing, healthy baby boy that shares his birthday with his daddy. Mike turned 32 years old today. What a birthday gift!  A birthday to share with your child is quite remarkable and unusual. 

The kids made cards for baby brother, daddy, and mommy today. Alia wrote her baby brother a letter. It is funny and clever, just like her.

Click HERE to see the new baby and get all the stats.  

Happy birthday James and Mike!