'We Wish You a Merry Christmas' - traditional Christmas carol

To help combat the 'gimmies' that sometimes appear at Christmastime and latch onto the youngsters at our house, we've done a few service activities to help them feel the true spirit of the season. We went with our friends, the Roper kids, to perform at several of the retirement facilities in our city. At first the kids were nervous and tentative, but you just can't serve and not feel the spirit. They really seemed to love it, and it made them think about life. When you're young, you never think about your parents or grandparents getting 'old.' Tonight we are going to feed the homeless at a shelter in Provo. We all have so much to be grateful for.

'It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!' - Johny Mathis

We were hoping for a white Christmas and boy, did we get our wish! This picture was taken after the first storm, and then yesterday it snowed from sunrise to sunset, and it's snowing again as we speak! We have more than a foot and we love it! The kids in their Christmas excitement are bouncing off the walls, so we neighborhood moms have been taking turns dragging them around the neighborhood behind our cars. I wear my 'grinchy grin' as I take the turns a little fast and whip my boys through a snowbank. We all love it!

'Feliz Navidad' - Jose' Feliciano

Today I was listening to Christmas music, and heard the song 'Feliz Navidad' and it reminded me of a great Christmas memory. When Sarah was about 3 or 4, the age she is in this picture, she loved to sing this song along with the radio. But as little children often do, she adapted the words as SHE heard them, and would sing out at the top of her little lungs...'Feliz Lovey-Dove! Feliz Lovey-Dove!' I never corrected her because I loved to hear her sing it that way. I still smile when I think about it. So to you, 'Feliz Lovey-Dove!'

'God Rest Ye Merry....Mothers!" - adapted Christmas carol

I know it's been several weeks since my last post. Quite frankly, I don't really have time to write this one. Usually I have most of Christmas planned, purchased, and prepared by Thanksgiving so I can spend my energy in December enjoying my family, but this year is different. Sending a missionary out the week before Thanksgiving really took it out of me - emotionally and physically. We squeezed the life out of every minute with Taylor and I'm so glad we did.

It put me behind, so I'm feeling a little more holiday stress than usual, but the little things help me manage...listening to Benji sing Christmas carols at the top of his lungs, a pre-lit tree, tylenol pm, and some extra help on my Christmas card this year - thanks Britt! And it just started snowing! Yeah! It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and I just might make it.

'Big Girls Don't Cry' - The Four Seasons

Whoever wrote that song, never had to leave their 2nd son at the MTC. It was so much harder this time. I know that having 2 sons on a mission will be a sweet blessing, but I think one of the reasons I was so sad yesterday was my reconciliation with the passage of time. As I look back on those years when Spencer and Taylor were small, it couldn't possibly have been more than 15 years ago...it feels like it was just yesterday!

The chapters in our family book when all 7 of us were home together are written and done, but I can look forward to the unknown, exciting adventures in the chapters that are yet to come. Just give Gary and I a few days to mourn and wander aimlessly about. I know when we get that first letter from Taylor at the MTC and another great email from Spencer in Pennsylvania, our hearts will be comforted and we will be grateful.

I wouldn't want them doing anything else in their lives right now, but today, I just miss my little boys.

'We'll Bring the World His Truth' - Childrens' Songbook #172

Sunday was a glorious day. My heart is so full. Elder Taylor Judd gave a wonderful, humble, heartfelt talk, and so many of his family and friends traveled to be with us, that we couldn't help but rejoice and enjoy the moment. We are trying to savor every minute we have left with him, so this entry is short, but I hope you enjoy some of the pictures from the day.

'Everything Changed' - Taylor Judd

I haven't blogged much lately. We've been busy trying to cram a lot into these last couple of weeks with Taylor. Yesterday he recorded the song he wrote about his 'Sacred Grove experience.' He wanted to finish it before his non-farewell this Sunday. If you'd like to hear it, you can go to http://www.theneighborhoodjukebox.com then click on inspirational and scroll down to Taylor's name. You can even vote if you like it. If you'd like an mp3 copy just let me know and I'll send you one!

'The Candyman' - Sammy Davis Jr.

We are all on a sugar high at our house...it was a very successful Halloween night! Warm weather and little legs that can run fast and cover a lot of territory make for a heavy pillowcase full of candy. Sarah's was the lightest of the loads, as she volunteered to shepherd several little girls in our neighborhood. Enjoy these pictures of the 8th grade Elmo and his best friend, our AF basksetball player, and our cute girly nerd and her fans.

'I Write the Songs' - Barry Mannilow

I had such a fun day with Taylor yesterday. Let me tell you why. Right after graduation, Taylor went on a 3 week church history tour with seminary students. They visited all the major and minor church sites, as well as New York and D.C. After he returned home he spent most of the summer writing a song about his experience in the Sacred Grove. He's hoping to get it added to the 'Heritage Tours CD' that is given to all the kids every summer who go on the tour. Our friend Jeff Sermon hooked us up with 2 of the legends in the LDS music industry, Mike Dowdle and Greg Hansen. We spent yesterday afternoon in a recording studio with them and they worked their magic on his song. I kept trying to help Taylor grasp what an amazing opportunity this was...Greg Hansen and Mike Dowdle for crying out loud! I'd never even gotten to meet them before, let alone work with them! Next week we'll go back in and add Taylor's vocals. It was so rewarding to share time in a studio with my son. We had a blast.

'God Bless the USA' - Lee Greenwood

I was hoping that voting early would be a bit faster than waiting until next week. I guess that's what everyone else thought too, because by the time I got to our public library at five minutes after the polls were open, the line was already out the door, and snaking down the sidewalk. I waffled for a minute, because I had a schedule to keep and kids to pick up. But I committed and established my place in line. People around me were cheerful and kind, and most seemed to be in good spirits. Perhaps it was because we got to just stand there and enjoy the GORGEOUS fall day. Though I must admit as the minutes seemed to drag on and the line didn't seem to be moving, there were a few times my 'natural man' was showing as some dared to butt in line. I didn't say anything, but I'm sure they felt my eyes boring into the back of their heads. After about an hour I started to complain in my head as my cellphone began ringing with kids wondering where I was and why I hadn't picked them up yet. But then I thought of my beloved Grandpa Parks who was wounded in World War II, and of the sacrifices made by my father-in-law while he served in the air force. Then I was embarrassed. Standing in line is nothing. My kids could wait, dinner would be something simple and thrown together, and errands are over-rated. I'm grateful to live in a country where I can vote, even if I had to wait 90 minutes in line.

'The Monster Mash' - Boris Pickett

Last night for FHE we had our traditional Halloween Ghoulish Feast. Every year I try to come up with new dishes that will gross out the kids, so this time I added zombie vomit and witch fingers. Unfortunately I didn't get a great picture of all the food, but here's a shot of our plates last year, as well as some cute pictures of the fam and our fun cousins we invited. I'm not sure zombie vomit is what Elder Uchtdorf had in mind when he spoke to the RS sisters about finding happiness in creating, but this week that's what it looked like at my house.

'Rumbly in my Tumbly' - Winnie the Pooh

I often hear myself say to my kids, 'If you dance all night, you gotta pay the fiddler.' Well, this morning, Gary and I were singing that tune. Last night our dear friends invited us to the UVU Scholarship Ball where he is a vice-president. The culinary school showcases their talented students for the black tie event. It was fun to dress up and go out on a 'real date.' We had an hour of mingling amidst tables and tables of incredible appetizers and ice sculptures. We ran into old friends, and enjoyed visiting, eating all the while. Before we knew it, we were full. Then, they made the announcement to move to our tables for the 6 course dinner! Amazing food, glorious presentation, and great entertainment. We feasted until we were physically ill! But we still managed to catch a dance or two on the dance floor before we rolled to our car. I have a rumbly in my tumbly this morning but it was SO worth it.

'Little Purple Pansies' - #244 Children's Songbook

Today I am grateful for pansies. I have always loved them. Purple is my favorite color, and I loved to sing the primary song about them when I was little. Today I was planting them in some pots and in my front planter. I love to get my hands in the dirt and work...that's when I do some of my best thinking. The pansy gets it's name from the French word pensee' meaning 'thought.' It was so named because the flower resembles a human face and in August it nods forward as if in deep thought. Because of the origin of it's name, the pansy has long been a symbol of free-thought. Maybe I looked like a pansy as I worked. It's hard not to think about heavy things these days, with presidential campaigns, the economic crisis, and the uncertainty in our country swirling about us...but as I looked at those pansies, I felt hope. Another reason I love pansies is because they not only survive, but thrive while other blossoms die as it turns colder. They must be a 'faithful flower.' They reminded me that there is much to be happy about and that an abundant life is a simple life.

'Slip Slidin' Away' - Paul Simon

"Happy Hump Day!" Spencer has been serving in Pennsylvania for a year now, and this day has brought many emotions. It's gone by so quickly, yet when I reflect on the time, it feels long as well. I am so grateful for the growth, and refining work of the spirit in his life and character. It is amazing to see him grow up so much. As parents, we knew he had it in him, and the Lord is a much better parent than we are. In his year-mark email, I think it is telling that he didn't even mention how long he'd been gone, or how long he had left. He was too excited telling us about Elder Bednar's visit to his mission this week-end for stake conference. Elder Bednar is having a special meeting with the missionaries and their investigators and we could feel the joy in Spencer's words. When folks ask how our Elder is doing, Gary and I jokingly reply that he is doing so well, we hope he can extend an extra year. I'm not sure my mother's heart could take it, but I must admit, it's been a vacation in a way, not worrying about my teenage son, but I know when he does return, he will be a man. I love you, Elder Judd. Hurrah for Israel!

'Baby Mine' - Dumbo

Maybe it's because he's leaving on his mission in a little less than 6 weeks, but lately I have been reminiscing about my life with Taylor. What a joy it has been. He came out of the womb cheerful, obedient, kind, loving, and wise beyond his years. When he leaves there will be a big hole where big brothers used to be. I was watching him the other day, patiently steering his siblings. They adore him and are going to miss him so much. Our home will not be nearly as bright and fun when he is gone. My mother heart is aching today...lots of ache where there is lots of love.

'He Found Me an Angel' - Mindi Childs

Wasn't General Conference wonderful? My heart is grateful for so many things, too many to list, but I'll share a few thoughts. We were so thrilled to hear about the temple being built near Spencer's mission in Pennsylvania. I wish I could have heard the saints gathered there when they heard it announced and seen Spencer's face and that big smile of his. I loved every song. I loved every talk, especially Sister Dalton's on virtue, Elder Bednar's on prayer, and Elder Uchtdorf's at the RS broadcast, but the one I wanted to blog a bit about was Elder Holland's talk on angels. As he spoke, I saw in my mind so many faces of people who have been angels to me. If you are reading this blog, you are one. Thank you. I am so grateful for my prayers that have been answered through other people, just doing their best to lift and serve and be like our Savior. Thank you for your example and your love. I love you.

'Under the Sea' - The Little Mermaid

Aloha means hello and good-bye. We were able to tell our kids good-bye and hello to each other when we snuck off to Maui for a week. It was glorious! We've never been there before, and were in awe of the beauty all around us. We must be getting older, because we weren't too adventurous. All we wanted to do was unwind, sleep, read, eat and watch the sunset every night. Gary loved the fresh banana pancakes with warm coconut syrup that we discovered at a little local joint. I loved the resort's yoga class, the view, and sleeping-in with my lovey. On the second morning, we laid there trying to remember the last time we were both awake and still in bed together in the morning. We usually hit the ground running in the morning to meetings, work, or kid control. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father created such a beautiful place, and such a wonderful man to share it with.

'There ain't no bugs on me.' - boy scout song

Today I am grateful for something, but only because I am COMPELLED to be grateful, and I'm not happy about it. I do not like mosquitoes. I loathe mosquitoes. I have always said that when I get to create a world, there will be no mosquitoes or morning glory. But today I learned the single, solitary virtue of the mosquito. It is the only insect that can polinate the cocoa tree, which produces...you guessed it...CHOCOLATE! What a dilemma I find myself in, because chocolate is something my world must most definitely have! Oh well. I'm hoping that the heightened sense of intelligence we may someday possess will be able to come up with an alternate plan, but until then, I will try hard not to complain. But I will still squash them if they try to sting me as I melt my marshmallow over a fire and squeeze it between graham crackers and a double layer of chocolate!

'California Dreamin' - Mamas and the Papas

Taylor loves to golf and that is something he and his dad enjoy doing together. Taylor has always wanted to golf some of the great courses in California (as has his dad), so Gary worked his magic and this week the two of them spent a couple of days golfing Pebble Beach, Spyglass and Poppy Hills. Taylor leaves in less than 2 months for his mission and I know this was something they will always remember. So when I found 13 golf tees in one load that almost jammed my washing machine, I smiled and was grateful.

'Families Can Be Together Forever' - hymn #300

My heart is full of gratitude tonight. We just got home from the temple, where we were able to witness the sealing of our beloved Grandpa Jay and Grandma Jerrie. Their sealing was done for them by their son Rick, and his wife Jean. Jay and Jerrie moved in next door after Rick and Jean moved to Highland and almost instantly became a part of our family. It took a little coaxing at first, but Jay had a riding lawn mower, and that's all our little Benji (a toddler at the time) needed as motivation to convince them they needed him. Jay and Jerrie soon became his two best friends. He was struggling to learn how to talk and didn't socialize with other kids very much because of it. But Jerrie and Jay spoke his language and he loved them for it. They were both so patient with our wild band of indians. We were devastated when Jerrie passed suddenly in July 2005. This picture of her and I was taken on Mother's Day of that year. Jay graciously granted me permission to do her temple work on her birthday the next summer. Jay was so lonely without her, but had tremendous love and support from his two boys and their families. He passed just as suddenly in the summer 0f 2007. We miss them terribly. Jay and Jerrie were two of the most honest, generous, good-hearted people I've ever known. I cannot wait to see them again.

'Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice' - hymn #21

Another reason I love fall so much, is because of General Conference. With the changing of the seasons, as leaves begin to fall, I am lifted and hopeful that I too can shed weighty matters and bad habits. I love the inspired direction and loving words of our church leaders. When our 5 kids were small, getting everyone to pay attention to conference was more difficult. By the end of the week-end, I often felt like I'd slowly been pecked to death by a duck, but it does get easier. I got a great idea from my friend Jana, and for family scripture study this summer, we tried to listen to one conference talk every day, with everyone highlighting their personal copy of the Ensign conference issue. It worked so well, that we'll do it again next summer. I love conference and I am so grateful it will be here in less than 3 weeks!

'Look for the bare necessities' - The Jungle Book

Today I am grateful as I reflect on one of the unique challenges of mothering boys. I wish I could say my subtle lid reminder works all the time. I took this picture several summers ago when our two littlest ones were more concerned with getting back outside to play than with privacy. It does make me smile. And this is a note to my future daughters-in-law, wherever they are...I did teach them better!

'I'm just a girl who can't say no!' - Carousel

What is it about Mondays? It seems almost twice as long as any other day of the week. Maybe it's because of early-out day at school. We still have to get up early and get all of our morning stuff done, then it seems the kids are home before I've even dressed for the day! They are ready for a full day of fun and play after the chores and lessons are done, not to mention family home evening fun. I often resort to one of my favorite things to help me get through the day...SEE'S chocolates! I'm weak, I know. My favorites right now are dark bordeauxs, dark butterchews and butterscotch squares...mmmmmm!

'All American Girls' - Sister Sledge

Last night I went to Highland's Junior Miss Pageant. I had been helping a darling friend of mine prepare and she did a great job, winning both fitness and interview preliminaries...way to go Cassie! Watching the program, I realized it was 25 years ago that I competed for Utah's Junior Miss. Yes, 25 years! This summer, Elayne Wells Harmer, Liz Tanner and I got together for lunch to catch up and we snapped this picture. Elayne was Utah's Junior Miss 1983 and Liz and I were her runners-up, and our theme that year that we danced to was 'All American Girls.' I wish I had a picture from way back then! I've always been involved with the Miss America Organization over the years, first competing, then coaching, judging and directing, but I've been disappointed by the direction the program has taken in recent years. But I will always love and support Junior Miss! Last night I was talking with the state director about the need for a program in American Fork, but I have too much on my plate right now to take it on myself. Maybe someday!

'Rise and Shout! The cougars are out!' - BYU fight song

Fridays are wonderful days. Not just because it's the end of the week, but because I get to spend the better part of the day on BYU campus. I recently accepted a call to serve on the BYU Women's Conference committee, and work with a handful of exceptional, devoted sisters. I am thoroughly enjoying the planning process...every Friday feels like Women's Conference! I'm definitely one of the youngest, and the only BYU drop-out I fear, but all I can do is my best and savor the moment! It's also fun just being on campus again, especially as the weather starts to change and the smell of fall is in the air. Gary and I have such wonderful memories there. He loves to show the kids the exact spot on the sidewalk next to the Knight Mangum building where we met. They recently tore that old building down. I'll have to drive by next Friday and see if the sidewalk and the bush are still there...

'Called to Serve' - hymn #249

I am thinking, breathing, reading, and loving missionaries at our house right now. Our oldest son, Spencer, has been serving in the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Mission since October 2007, and this November, Taylor will leave for the Guatemala, Guatemala Central City mission. We will have two elders serving for nearly a year and my heart is just about to burst. When I signed up to love and raise four sons, I didn't anticipate the depth and breadth of emotions their nineteenth birthdays would bring.

'Feels like the first time.' - Boston

Well, this is my very first blog entry. I was inspired by several friends and a sister-in-law who have delightful blogs which I thoroughly enjoy reading! But it took one of my sweet YW from long ago to give me just the push I needed to attempt this very scary high-tech adventure. The older I get, the faster time goes. It seems like just last Sunday we were playing hide and seek from Gary when he came home from the bishop's office. But in reality he took this picture 10 years ago. So, if this will help me live in the moment a little better, and enjoy my babies a little more, I'm certainly willing to give it a try.