The end of the year

We've had a fun holiday season.  Spent time with our kids and grandkids.  That is always so much fun, being able to see them.  I miss the Eastern Gang and always wish they were here among us.  But Jim and I are all ready planning a late spring trip so we can watch some good baseball.  I'm looking forward to little Dylan joining our group during the days that I spend with Jake and Sam.  It's nice to have a rest, but I miss the business of their days, their hugs and hearing about Jake's "mysteries and abentures".  Today Jim and I had dinner with dear friends from our Utah State days.  It was as if thirty years was yesterday.  It was a fun way to spend an afternoon.  We are blessed with good friends.  That is one of my most valued blessings, after my family, is that of wonderful friends. 

This has been an interesting and eventful year.  My wish is that we can go forward in 2011.  To continue with the good health that we have enjoyed these past few years.  To be able to work and enjoy our family and friends.  What more can I ask for?  I have my lovely home, my garden, my husband, children, grandchildren, family and friends. 

 I am truly blessed.

Christmas Is Over

It's been a lovely holiday. I got sick on Christmas Eve and for the first time in about 20 years had to cancel my Christmas Eve party. I felt really bad that I couldn't welcome my loved ones into our home. My dear brother stepped up and had everyone over to his home and of course all was well. Everything goes on regardless. Christmas came and went this year with all the joy of the season, as it always does. I am grateful for my family. They are full of love, unselfish, and kind. They made my Christmas a happy season. Which is what it should be. Giving so others are happy.

That is truly the best gift of all.

Just a Little Choir

Our ward choir has something of a reputation. We have been together over 30 years. I would say mostly because of the love and dedication of our pianist, Pat. She can play anything you put in front of her and she has such a feeling for picking out beautiful music for us to sing. But it is more than that. It is her heart. Her love of music and the people she serves. That comes through as she plays, as we practice, as we sing. Because of her we want to sing. We want to bring people joy through music. Our little choir has seen better days. We don't have as many tenors as we used to. But the few that are remaining sing with great heart. Some of our voices aren't as strong as they once were, and we might not be able to hold out our notes like we once did. But we continue to serve through our love of music and touch lives as our little choir has always been able to do.

Betty is our choir leader. She continues to encourage us to look up from our music, so that we will all end at the same time. We can't see as well as we once did and sometimes it is difficult to see words, music and conductor while trying to get used to tri or bifocals. Even as hearing goes, we don't hit those notes quite on pitch, which is why I stand next to another Betty who has perfect pitch. I will follow her forever. I've been singing next to her since we began, 34 years ago, and I'll sing next to her until she sings no longer and then I too will no longer sing.

It is interesting to me, that with the many negative things happening in this world today. Just taking the time this weekend to sing a few Christmas songs with these lovely people, who are simple, sweet, kind and good, warms my heart.

Makes me realize that Christmas is about the Savior who was and is simple, sweet, kind and good.

Merry Christmas my wonderful ward choir.

Merry Christmas Maude

Another Christmas Card going out to my dear mother-in-law. She has been gone for about 11 years now. Never was there a sweeter lady with a right merry old laugh! Just like St. Nicholas himself. She was even blessed with his twinkling brown eyes. They twinkled when she was just visiting with you. But if she started laughing then they really got twinkly and bright. The best part about her eyes is that, even though she may not be with us anymore - she left her twinkle as if by magic on some members of her family. Of course all 3 of her children have those beautiful brown eyes with that same twinkle. Different grandkids and great-grandkids have received her eyes. Her grandson Eric and a few of his daughters, Tristin and Kendra have their grandmother's eyes. My son James and his son Hogan, who never met his great grandmother have the twinkle. Her gift to us was her unconditional love, her kindness, her welcoming arms whenever we walked into her home. Our gift to her, especially those that were touched by and given her magical brown eyes, is to keep that twinkle, that love of life that joy and love of family alive.

Merry Christmas Maude.

 Love you, Paula

Merry Christmas

I'm sending some Christmas cards this years to a few people who amaze me with their unselfishness and kind acts. The man in this picture is my brother in law. He has been fortunate in his business life, but unlike many in this world, he seems to get more humble and more grateful. It seems to me that this man wants to give back and not just by writing out a check. You see, he has a village in Mexico, where he is as good as Santa. And, the best part is, he doesn't just come once a year. He goes and visits them several times a year. And, if he can't get there, I'll bet you anything he makes sure his elves make it to the village. He loves those people, he cares for them and others that he has helped along the way. I admire Kevin for his giving spirit which goes on regardless of the time of year, and want to wish him a Merry Christmas.

Daughters

Yesterday I went to a yoga workshop my daughter Whitney taught. It made me think about my amazing daughters. I am constantly astounded by their talents, their creativity. The way they work so hard, love and care for others. They have and continue to accomplish so much. What a blessing they are to me.

Whitney my beautiful youngest child. She used to be so shy and quiet. She didn't like to leave my side when she was little. She has grown into such a self-assured woman, who is brave and knows she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to.

As I watched and participated in her yoga class yesterday, I thought, "could this be my little Whitney?" Of course it is. She is so graceful and sure of what she is doing as she teaches.  I admire her as she has grown into this woman who is a loving aunt, friend, teacher, wife and daughter.  She is so creative.  She takes tasks head on, climbing mountains with confidence as well as anything else put in her way.  

Abby has always had a mind of her own.  Always knowing what she wanted and usually figuring out a way to get it.  She was like that from the start.  She has grown up with that personality and used it in a positive way.  Going from a single business woman to a married business woman, to a married with two children business woman.

She is sure of herself.  Respected in the business world.  Loved by her two adorable boys.  Always coming up with beautiful patterns for quilts and quilting them for others.  She keeps her family going with her love, her compassion, her drive.


How am I so blessed to have such wonderful daughters?  
I love them dearly.
Wishing them a Merry Christmas and the best for this New Year.

Happy Birthday Nick

Nick doesn't like me to blog about him. So I normally honor that. But it is his birthday, so I have to show a picture and wish him a Happy Day. He has always been such a kind, unselfish, loving child. One that can always make me laugh. I'm happy that he is spreading these great qualities to the students he teaches. I hope they appreciate him. Have a great year - can't wait to see you at home for the holidays. Love, mom

Flower Pendants for the Holidays

I've had some requests to show my flowers. Are you looking for a gift for someone? These look lovely with a string of pearls, pinned on a hat or scarf - or just added to the lapel of your jacket or coat.

Can be made in pretty much any color and size. I use them mostly as a pendant, but a hair clip can be added on request.

I've got some fun Christmas fabric, so it isn't too late for something to spark up a holiday outfit.

If you are interested, leave a comment or contact me at Pollydespain@yahoo.com. I've just done up some really fun winter plaid. I'll post them later!

A Quiet Gift

"A Christmas candle is a lovely thing;

It makes no noise at all,

But softly gives itself away."

Eva Logue

What a lovely thought.  To give and give, just quietly with no noise.  It's a hard thing to do.  But the glow lasts so much longer for the giver and the receiver. 

Jack of All Sports

My grandson Jack reminds me alot of his Uncle Tyler. He has a real knowledge of what's going on in the world of sports. He loves all sports, especially baseball, which he plays very well. He's been coached by his dad, and plays along with the rest of his brothers.
He's started a new blog. Not writing about the goings on in his own life. But commenting on what's going on in the sports world! It's really fun to read and helps me keep up!

So visit Jack at Jack5sports.blogspot.com. I'm sure he'd love to hear from anyone in the family who loves sports as much as he does!

A Lovely Weekend

We've had a busy, lovely weekend. Thanksgiving, with everyone together. Saturday Luke got baptized along with his cousin. It was a big gathering with both families. A very special Day.

And then, of course the BYU-Utah game following. Grampa had a party for all the Dads and their boys. Little Dylan was quite upset with the outcome! Love to cook and clean up and watch all these kids interact. Nothing's better than family together. Laughing, enjoying one another's company, watching football on a snowy afternoon. Hopefully they are making memories that will last.

Thanksgiving Day!!

We had a crowd! We ate, we played, we had a great time. How nice to have everyone under the same roof. To have all the little grandsons here.  Jake was in his glory with all those big boys ready to play whatever he wanted to play. All of the older cousins were so good to play with the little ones, wanting to hold baby Dylan and take care of Jake and Sam. I think the only fights were when Jake and Sam wanted to play with the IPad at the same time! Can't believe that they know how to actually operate it!? It's a new world. I can't keep up. Just very grateful to have all the family together. To have Ty healthy here with us. To have the Eastern gang here this year, to have Nick home, for all the help from everyone who brought food and helped clean up. A lovely lovely day.

And now, we move on to Christmas!!!

Thanksgiving

The table is set and ready for all the guests.  We're having quite a few this year.  Can't believe that all my kids and grandkids are coming to dinner this year. I've forgotten the last time we were all together for this particular holiday.  The house will be bursting.  Lots of talking, laughing and memory making.  I am grateful for all my blessings. 
Happy Thanksgiving.

Simple Things

Jim's had a lot on his mind lately. He usually has a serious look on his face, and he seems a bit down. Last night we picked up about half our family from the airport. I saw that twinkle in his beautiful brown eyes. I know his fondest memories are hunting and fishing with his dad. He has told me that not a day goes by that he doesn't miss his dad. I know and understand the feeling.

I think Jim is the happiest when he is with his family, just hanging out in the backyard, hunting and fishing with the nephews, watching football with all the boys, talking to the grandsons about their baseball. His face lights up and any worries or problems just fall away from his whole demeanor. Isn't it funny that those simple things make a life important. Experiences and memories with our family bond us together forever.

Being Home

I've been a little down this past week. Illness does that to me. We had a scare with Tyler's health, and I've come down with a flu bug that I can't shake. I guess bad health scares me, because you can't do much about it, but wait it out and pray for the best outcome. So I get down. I forget to think of my wonderful blessings. One of which is, Tyler is doing better and will hopefully be home from the hospital in a few days.
I have been home in bed and looking around, so very grateful for my surroundings. Nothing brings me more comfort than my beautiful home. I do not live in a large home. It is actually quite small. Not very grand. But full of warmth and memories of my family and friends. I can count the pieces of furniture on one hand that Jim and I have bought. Most of what we have is hand me downs or shall I say "antiques" from past generations?!? I say they just add to the charm and to my memories. My dining table is my mothers. I think of her when I walk by it. I see my grama whenever I look at her portrait which hangs in my living room.

As I look at these pictures and reflect upon the seasons that have past I remember good times. My "upper garden". I poured the cement myself the summer after mom died, so I could have a quiet spot to read and reflect. Jim planting the garden with Jake this summer.

Family parties in the backyard, Nick home, fireworks, celebrating our country's birth under our beautiful mountain.

Enjoying the fall colors and welcoming a new one into the family.

Getting ready for those snowy days that always come to our part of the country. The driving can be messy, but when you are inside looking out with a warm hot chocolate, oh, it's lovely.

These things I am grateful for. There are always trials and bumps in the road. But the days and the seasons come and go and I am grateful for my home that shelters me and gives me peace and comfort from the storms.

Peace - that was the other name for home.

Kathleen Norris

Veterans Day- Never Forget

This morning Jim left for work really early. About 20 minutes later I heard him come back and wondered what he forgot. He came in, looked at the calendar and said it was Veteran's Day. He had forgotten to put the Flag out. I'm glad he came back. We should never forget our soldiers. The ones who are out there now and the one's who have been out there in the past. They should always be honored and never be forgotten. For what they give up for our freedom. For this beautiful country. So I can live safely under this beautiful mountain. So I can enjoy my life. How unselfish those men and women are that are over there right now.
 For me.

Whenever I think of my grandparents, I am in awe at their strength and courage. Just before World War II, they lost a beloved son to a heart ailment. He was their oldest. He was 18 years old. Not long after the war began and they watched as their next two sons enlisted and went off for the next four years. There was no internet or phoning them. They had to wait months for letters. I can't imagine having lost one son and then sending two sons off to war! But they lived through it and were blessed to have those sons return.

Many were not so blessed.

My mom met dad just as he was ready to leave. Their romance was through letters. I've received letters from both of them and they are great letter writers! So their romance was off to a great start. So happy mom waited for dad!

Can you imagine being away in foreign countries for all those years? Away from everything and everybody you loved? These guys were so young. It's hard to imagine Dad being that young. He looks like my nephew Benji when we used to all work together.

Years later my little sister and I went with mom and dad to Washington DC. We toured around and saw all the usual sights. My dad never showed emotion much. But when we got to this monument I remember him having tears roll down his cheeks. He was embarrassed. I don't think at the time I realized how this would have struck him. But he was actually apart of this fight. He had friends who didn't come home. He gave years of his life for the freedoms that we enjoy today. He never forgot. I am grateful and will always be mindful of those who have served and continue to serve us. Thank you for the beautiful day I am having. I will never forget.

Grandmothers

"Grandmothers have the time they never had as mothers - time to tell stories, time to hear secrets, time for cuddles."

Dr. M. DeVries

I had two such grandmothers. They always were happy to see me. My grandmother on my mom's side always liked to visit. She really seemed interested in my thoughts and what I was doing. When I got married and was living away for awhile, she and I would write letters to each other. I loved getting her little notes. She had such a funny sense of humor. My grandmother on my dad's side taught me to bake sugar cookies, carmels, and chicken noodle soup. She tried to teach me to knit, crochet and quilt. (Didn't take). But I loved spending time with her and feel that I inherited her love of gardening.

I get to spend lots of time with two of my grandkids, with another one joining this little group soon. I love watching these little ones grow. Not worrying about the household cares that I had when my own were small. Little Sam is getting to the point where he can actually, kind of, play with Jake. He watches everything his older brother does and wants to be right there in the middle of everything. I love being there, able to see them interact. I love to read them stories, hear their secrets and especially to give and recieve their cuddles. What could be better than that?

Miracles

What a lovely week! It started with the birth of our newest grandson. Another healthy child entering our family. What a blessing. I have been home this week. The two other little ones have been off on vacation. I miss their cuddles and smiles, but will see them soon, as they are arriving home today. I feel the need to stop for a moment and recognize the miracles that happen daily in my life. Not just the wonderful miracle of birth, though that is something so great I don't know how it can be topped! But maybe?! The miracle of living. Just day to day. As I have been home this week, spending time with my dear neighbors and friends, I see miracles almost on an hourly basis. We have quite a few people having struggles here in this wonderful neighborhood that is my home. Many have serious illness. The service and love that goes on here is incredible and so heart-warming, because each act of service is given out of love and concern. Sometimes people are healed by those prayers and sometimes not, because that is not in the plan. The miracle is the love, service and the pulling together. The feeling of oneness. As I drive through the neighborhood and gaze at the beautiful fall colors that cover our majestic mountains as they protect our little valley, my senses are saturated. The miracle of my life, my surroundings, my family, my neighbors. How very grateful I am.

Pollys Garden

Welcome to Pollys Garden

My online Shop.

Thursday, November 4th my talented niece Marta is having an online Boutique and I am welcoming any of you who are here visiting from her shop.  Please take a look at the flowers from my garden.  If there is anything you might like contact me at Pollydespain@yahoo.com

or by leaving a comment.

As you can see my flower/pendants can be used in a variety of ways.  I make them in 3 sizes.

Large $10.00

Medium $8.00

Small $6.00

Any of the flowers you see can be made in any size!

This is my black and gray collection.  I love the pinstripe at the top left

The bottom right has a bit of gold in it.  Lovely!

And of course all black goes anywhere.

Reds are fun for the holidays.  Top left is a beautiful deep maroon, 

top right a golden buttery yellow.

Bottom left just bright red,

and of course a fun Christmas plaid.

A little fall in these fun flowers.  Top left is an earthy rust color.

Top right and bottom left are very limited, but so cute on a bracelet, necklace or sweater.

Bottom right is one of my large creations.  I like this pinned to a pillow, but if you are the daring type it would look gorgeous on the lapel of your suit!

I love my dark brown leather look - top right.  Looks darling on a sweater, hat or scarf.

The cream flowers are lovely on a pearl necklace or bracelet.  These can be done with a small off white pearl button in the center as well.

I put flowers on these little knit hats and they turned out really cute. 

Only 4 left so hurry or they will be gone.

Here are some cute ways I wear my flowers!

These flowers brighten up a pillow, stitches, purses or pretty much anything!

Today's Special - (if ordered by Midnight, November 4th)

Three Flower Pendants

Any Size

$20.00

Hope I hear from you!

Look for my etsy store coming soon.

Pollysgarden.etsy

I take custom  orders, so if you have a special outfit, I'm sure we could come up with something perfect.

I'm also making some gorgeous flowers for my Christmas Tree in maroon, gold and off-white.  I'll post pictures, should be lovely!

Reflecting on my blessings

As I start this month I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Of course it didn't hurt to have a new little grandson born the very first day. It didn't hurt that after a weekend of bad weather, we were blessed with gorgeous crisp air. Blue skies, cool temperatures, leaves falling~ lovely. I love November. The red and gold colors, the feelings of gratitude that the holiday brings on, the gathering of family for dinner on that special Thursday. I love to set my table with my mom's china and remember holidays past and hopes for the future. I love to count my blessings. I have been thinking lately how I grow in my love for others by serving them. As Ty and Melanie will learn from their little boy, they will love him so completely because they are serving him so selflessly. The last few months I have been blessed to serve in both Relief Society and Primary. My blessings have been doubled. I am growing to love the women in my neighborhood more and more each day as I see the acts of service that go on around me. I have written before, but I will say it again, I have never seen such caring unselfish women. I know, because while I was sick I was served by them. They just continue to find the need and step in and help wherever needed. Nothing big or overblown, just quiet and sweet and yet collectively the service is monumental, especially to the one in need.

The other area where I am being blessed is in the Primary where the love I feel for these little ones continues to grow. Each child is so sweet with his or her own unique personality, wanting to be heard and loved. They are heard and loved ~ they make sure of it!! I don't know if it is because I am tending my two little grandsons at this time, but I am identifying with the tiny ones. The nursury and sunbeam age. I just want to scoop them all up and hold them. They are so innocent. Full of promise...and mischief...and love. What a gift to be associated with these little children, so recently from their Heavenly Father. His light is still with them.

I may have a few extra jobs these days, but I certainly am receiving blessings.

I am grateful for the love I receive each day from these lovely sisters and children.

Darling #7 Finally Here!

We are so happy to welcome our 7th grandson! What a joy to have these little ones join the family. Of course we have started a club. "NO GIRLS ALLOWED" !

Until somebody has a girl.

Right now we are having fun with all these boys!