I Love being a Mom

I love being a Mom. 

 How could a mother be so blessed to be given the opportunity to have such great kids. 

 Having children can be a difficult, exhausting job, but it is also the most noble and grand adventure that a woman can ask for.

  I chose to have five children. 

 I have been blessed over and over again with the birth and life of each child.  

What I have done for them is nothing  compared to what they have given me.  

I always felt it was important to give my kids a feeling of security and warmth as they moved forward in their lives. 

 I had that growing up and I wanted them to have that same sort of childhood.  

My thoughts wander to summer time.  

(The best time to make memories)  

We spent many longs days at the racquet club.  Oh, those lazy fun days when we'd pack up a lunch and a few snacks and be gone for hours.  

Swimming, getting their little bodies warm by laying on the hot cement, that creamy frozen yogart. 

 Packing up to go home just in time for little league or a game of kick the can.  

I've never done anything that noteworthy, I've never been in the limelight.  

But I have rocked and sung to my children. 

 I have taken them swimming, played with them and watched them grow in to adulthood, 

cheered and encouraged them.

  I have loved them.  

I have been a mom. 

 I would rather sing and tell stories to my kids and grandkids than to any audience in the world. 

 When I feel my little grandson's arms wrap around my neck, 

when they cuddle in my lap and entertwine their little fingers in mine and say "hold me grama polly", I think my decision all those years ago.

 That of being a mother.

 It  may have been the hardest, most exhausting, most heartbreaking, ..most rewarding experience. 

 I chose wisely.

Easter Egg Hunt, Darling Grandchildren..Family..I am a Blessed Woman

What a wonderful Easter!  And so fun to celebrate Jim's birthday on this special day.  Nothing better than to have these cute kids over for the annual Easter Egg hunt.  Just wish we could have the other half..Well later on in the summer.

We watched the kids hunt for eggs, play and have fun.  We can't get enough of our new little addition.  We are so grateful for all of these precious grandchildren.

And of course it wouldn't be a summer gathering without a little baseball.  Hey, PA Gang, we need a little coaching here.  

What a lovely Day.

A Letter to my Parents

A letter to my parents,

Well, Mom and Dad..It's been quite a while since you've been with us.  Lots has happened.  You taught us so well by the way you lived.  You were loving, funny and unselfish.  You were devoted to the gospel and to your family.  You made a mark on so many lives.  Mom, you in your quiet, graceful, loving way.  And dad, you as the leader, our funny, positive, full of fun dad.  How were we so blessed to be born to you guys?  Since you've been gone, the children have grown, making lives for themselves.  You saw two of Jamey's boys, but since then he and Becky added two more and convinced them all that baseball and golf were the best ways to occupy their time.  

You would love watching them as they excel in their activities.  They are such good boys.  Tyler finally found his true love.  He and Melanie have two beautiful boys, as beautiful as their mother. Tyler treats her just as you treated mom.  (He was trained well).  Abby and Mike are busy with their two boys..(can you see a pattern here?)  They are a busy happy family.  Abby reminds me so much of both of you.  She is talented like mom, and has the drive of you dad.  What a combination.  Nothing stands in her way.  I am able to be around Dylan, Jake and Sam a lot of the time and love getting to know their personalities, and what makes them happy or sad.  They are amazing children.  Nick is our professor, touching the lives of many young cadets at the air force academy.  Whitney and Jason are the greatest, as they presented us with our only granddaughter, Wren.  How we love and cherish our little beauty.   

Everyone is busy with careers, raising children, and good works.  They are all successful and happy.  Jim, James and his boys have been back to the Masters once.  We go out once a year to watch the boys play baseball and there's nothing better than watching them for two weeks.  We've travelled, we've enjoyed concerts with music that always makes me wish you were there with me, loving the music as I do.  We've made improvements on our home, always grateful for the talent mom past on as I make something out of nothing.  Jim is serving in the Bishopbric right now.  He is so patient and kind with the issues that come before him. We are most happy when surrounded by our kids and grandkids.

Our lives have not always gone as we would want them to.  We've had health issues, retirement before we expected..other problems that get in our way.  But because of the things you taught us we move forward with faith and a knowledge that all will be well.  We are blessed with wonderful children and grandchildren and a knowledge that the gospel is true.  Thank you for leading the way.  I love and miss you every day.  Thank you for being my mom and dad.  love, polly

Happy Birthday to Whitney (a few days late)

I've been in bed sick for the last two days..

didn't get to my computer to wish my sweet Whitney a Happy Birthday. 

Can't believe my youngest child has grown into this beautiful woman. 

 She is so accomplished in many ways. 

Hope you had a wonderful day. 

 love you.  mom

DeSpain Family 2013 What a Wonderful World

To my family. Thanks for a wonderful year.  You have Blessed my life.
Love, your mom and grama

A Tuesday With Wren

I went up to see Whitney and Wren today.

  Had a good time seeing them, watching Wren play,

walking and having lunch at City Creek.

Took this picture of the Temple as we walked by. 

 

What a lovely Tuesday.

Happy Birthday Ty!

It all started 39 years ago today. 

We spent the summer in Logan, waiting for Tyler's arrival. 

 He got here in about an hour! 

We were so excited to have a little brother for Jamey. 

Tyler's big brown eyes and easy going ways made him a very easy baby and also an easy child. 

As he grew it was evident that his main interest was sports.

  He learned to read from Sport Illustrated and the sports page in the newspaper. 

 He loved baseball, basketball, and golf. 

 He excelled in all of these sports. 

 He has always been a good and loyal friend.

He's the most generous person I know.

Tyler has a great sense of humor and

likes to think he's the favorite! 

Well, today you can be the favorite. 

 

A happy birthday from mom to Ty..who loved his gramps, loves his wife

 and his wonderful little boy. 

 Hope you have a great year.

Reflections on Summer

I love summer. 

Warm nights, blue skies, beautiful flowers

And most of all, the family gets together. 

 Nick comes home for a few weeks,  the  DeSpain Gang flies out from the East to spend time with us.

  I love when the cousins all get together to play and have fun.

  They've been swimming at the Latimer's, played in our back yard. 

We've been to a Bee's game, a Real game, Draper Days, to Pinedale and back, we've ridden horses, fed a pig. 

 We've been together.

I've seen my flowers grow, sung with my cousins once more,

seen a beautiful rainbow, watched the sunset. 

 Held my little Wren, watched Jim take walks with Dylan,

 see the big boys fish with their Dad. 

 Spent days with Jake, Sam and Dylan, hugging, playing and laughing. 

I've spent time with my family in my lovely home. 

I love summer.

Happy Birthday Jason!

I'm a day late in wishing my son in law, Jason a Happy Birthday.

  He always seems to be reaching skyward. 

Whether he's climbing mountains or flying. 

 He may fly through the clouds, but our little Wren always brings him back to earth. 

 She certainly has him wrapped around her little finger. 

 Hope you have a great year.  Love you! 

Happy Birthday. 

 Love, polly

A Lovely Day

I woke up yesterday to a beautiful sunrise..

and the sight of lilacs and snowballs.

Amazing!

 

 

      Then a visit from Wren and Whitney. 

 A laughing baby, lots of sunshine

 

and  some time in the garden.

What a lovely day.

Kerry's Baby Shower

Today we had a baby shower for my niece Kerry. 

What a beautiful day for a party! 

 It is always fun to get together with my sisters and their girls. 

Kerry, Austin and their baby boy were being honored.

  Can't believe the little girl that I used to take to kindergarten, read to and play with

is going to be a mother. 

As the family started to filter in I soon realized that there were probably more babies in attendance than adults. 

How much fun is it to see all these girls with their kids.

There were a few grown ups! 

What a great bunch!

I cleaned my house and they arrived with all the delicious food. 

 Whitney and Marta did a fabulous job with invites and clever theme ideas to make this day special for Kerry. 

Can't wait to see this new little addition to the clan!

Becky and the Boston Marathon

I've always admired Becky's speed. 

She puts her mind to something and gets it done. 

 She keeps her busy family on schedule as they come and go to work, school baseball, basketball and soccer. 

 She's a  happy wife and mother to our son and four grandsons. 

Yesterday I was really grateful for how fast she can run. 

 She finished the Boston Marathon in under four hours...even though she was sick. 

 She was away from the finish line when the bombs went off.  

 So today I am grateful for a determine, happy and

a very fast

daughter in law. 

Way to go Becky!!! 

 love you tons!

Happy 40th Jamey!

Happy 40th to our son James!
This cute little boy
has grown up to be a wonderful son,
husband and a great father to four boys.
We love you James.
Have a great day.
love, mom and dad

"Show Me the way to go Home"

I was corresponding with my sister, Margie the other day. 

 We were talking about good memories of my parents. 

 She remembered how they dropped her off to see her parents just before her dad died. 

 She also remembered my mom's delicious pot roast's on Sunday. 

Then how dad would take the rolls and  put melted butter on them with the left over roast for sandwiches on Sunday night.

(I still make sandwiches like that..there's nothing better. - I can still picture dad making those delicious sandwiches.) 

Then, this morning I was reading Ann Cannon's article in the Tribune. 

 She wrote about keeping family stories alive. 

 

 Do children today listen to those old family stories that our generation heard whether we wanted to hear them or not?

I remember riding to work with dad. 

I heard his philosphies, his stories, sometimes I thought it was interesting, lots of times I thought it was boring. 

 Now I realize how much I absorbed and learned.

 

Our family gatherings were the same way..

the old songs, many old family stories, memories from the past. I feel as though I knew my Uncle Allen, who died before I was born, just from hearing stories about him.

 Looking back, I'm thinking what a wonderful way of life.  To learn from these people.  To learn about their lives, to learn our history, to learn how to overcome life's hurdles, to learn to laugh, to learn to sing.

We still get together.

That closeness and love is like a thread stitched through generations.

The family has grown, but we love gathering and sharing the love, the stories, the laughter, the legacy.  These young ones can still learn from those that have past away, because of those stories and the songs..

At the end of the day when we sing
and Sam gets all the words to
 "Show me the Way to go Home"
and says "I sang it all by myself."
 I smile, and I remember dad plunking that tune out on the piano,
during another time..other children singing the words. 

The legacy continues.

Recap-Philly Vacation

A little run down on our visit to the kids back east.  We saw lots of sports.  Got there at just the right time to see the end of their basketball and soccer season. 

Got to be there for Hogan's 12th birthday! He got a phone, which he was thrilled about.  Parents calling to see if it works.  He's learning all the rules of being a responsible phone owner.

Watching the kids study.  Seeing Becky bake (gained another five pounds!)  Just hanging out.  The best part of being there with the gang.

 

Did manage to get away one day to visit the Reading Terminal Market in downtown Philly.  Loved wandering around.  Seeing all the fresh flowers, fresh baked good, fruit and veggies and the desserts!!

Best philly cheese steaks ever!

 

 

Oh and we got to drive all over Pennsylvania's winding roads with Taylor as he learns to drive.  Wouldn't want to be in his shoes.  No drivers training.  Just read the manual, then get in the car with both parents telling you what to do.  And the roads back there are crazy!  He'll be an amazing driver!

Plus, isn't he the best looking 16 year old you've ever seen?

 

It was a great eleven days. 

A letter to my daughter

To my dear Whitney

A very Happy Birthday to my youngest daughter Whitney.  I Can't believe you turned 31 yesterday. 

As I see your posts with you and Wren it seems like yesterday that you were the little one and I was holding and cuddling you.  I just have to look at Wren to be reminded of what a sweet and beautiful baby you were.  

And now you have become a beautiful and accomplished woman.  You are such a great Yoga instructor. When I watch you teach, you are so graceful and confident. 

 I love watching you with Wren as well.. every bit as graceful and confident in your role as a mother.  What a lucky little girl Wren is to have you as her mother.   You are a perfect role model for her. 

Whit, you are  a loyal friend, sister, loving wife and mother and a wonderful daughter.  

Hope you had a great day yesterday! 

I am so grateful Abby was there to look after you while we are away!  

Thank you for being such a good friend and lovely daughter. I am sure this year will be another one to look forward to, as we watch our little bird grow. 

I love you.

mom

Jesus Loves the Sunbeams

 

The lesson this week for my Sunbeams is, "Heavenly Father and Jesus love me."

 

Of course They do!  This is a perfect lesson for this week as Valentine's Day is coming up.  So each child will get a valentine card  like the one above, and then they will be sent home with a valentine cookie on a stick and a special valentine for their mom and dad.  Here is an example.  (Abby don't look)

 

 

 

The kids love using the old fashioned flannel board.  They love to put the  pieces on the board as I tell the story.  I sit on a little chair right down on their level and put the flannel board on the floor.  That way they can put the pieces on easily.  They like the same story told several times and I think this is a good idea because it helps them remember the most important part of the lesson. 

 

A Walk down Memory Lane

Just a few pictures I found today.  Thought it would be fun to post them.
Grama Adelila, June, and Marie holding Jamey and Tyler.
They were standing outside mom's home. 
I remember it was a Sunday in the summer.

Found this old picture of Whitney (upper right)  thought her little Wren looks quite a bit like her!

Some old pictures of Taylor and Jack,  looking quite a bit like another pair of brother's I know!

Tyler spent sometime with the gang back east.  The boys played basketball with him.
They told me that Tyler probably had quite a few moves "back in the day."
Found these to show him in action!

Love seeing our own as the little ones!
Everybody together for Thanksgiving.

I wonder who Abby is dancing with?

Who would have ever thought this group would be having fun at Disneyland and just a few years
would be all grown up!

Now they're taking their own kids to Disneyland!
(who are those GQ guys in upper right corner?)
More pictures and memories to come.

A few Regrets...These aren't among them.

Yesterday in church our neighbor gave a talk about regrets.  It was a fabulous talk.  He went through life stages and how we have small regrets in our early years, but maybe as we get older there are bigger regrets.  He ended his talk with a letter from a friend who has only a few weeks to live due to illness.  He listed his regrets, which basically had to do with loving more and spending time with those loved ones, expressing his love to them more often.  Of course we think of those things as we get close to the end of our life.  But they are such simple things..things that can be done each day, just a quick hug or an "I love you"  letting someone express their feelings freely..loving unconditionally.  I have so many regrets, but I thought I'd list a few of those things I don't regret this year. 

I don't regret surrounding myself with these guys, seeing their happy faces.

Their smiles bring joy to my life.

   

I don't regret seeing Jim smile.  Especially when he is with his grandkids.  That's when the joy comes out the most.  He's got a great smile.

I don't regret working in my garden.  I love planting those beautiful flowers and seeing them grow.  What a lovely season, barefeet on hot cement, sitting outdoors late into the evening, watching the sun set. Summer, my favorite time of year.

I don't regret travelling.  I always love seeing different places, experiencing different ways.  It makes me appreciate the beautiful world and also the beautiful spot I call home.

I don't regret spending time with family and friends.  These women are my support, They are who I turn to who and who turn to me.  I love them.  Girlfriends are the best. 

 

I certainly don't regret loving and being with "my girls."  We're outnumbered, but a strong force in the family.  Beautiful each one with different and individual strengths.   How grateful I am to be apart of these girls lives. 

 

I have many regrets.  Things I wish I would have done better..things I wish I wouldn't have done at all.  But, spending time with loved ones,  spending time out in the beautiful world,  these things I only regret not doing more of.  So very grateful for these simple, yet most important blessings in my life.