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!