"ALL SHALL BE WELL"

I've had a few difficulties in my life. I've also been acquainted with people who've had some trials. Some that seem so big, you wouldn't think they could ever continue to keep on going. The most important thing to be learned through trials is to keep on going, and that things generally work out...unless you let the trial get you.

President Gordon B. Hinckley gives two really excellent quotes on the subject.

 One is

"You can be smart and happy or stupid and miserable... it's your choice"

the other is

"It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don't worry, be believing, be happy, don't get discouraged. Things will work out." When I go through any trial, sometimes I will give myself a day or two to deal with whatever is going on.

Then I start looking around at what I'm grateful for.

Family and nature are always on the top of my list.

Just to hear one of the grandkids voices.

To see a flower or a fall leaf.

The warmth of hot cement on my bare feet in the summer or the crisp fall air on my face as the leaves turn their golden colors.
The first snowfall of the winter.
Being in my warm home watching as those big snowflakes fall softly to the ground.

What about that special treat I give myself when fruit is in season?

Fresh raspberries with a bit of cream, sprinkled with sugar.

ummm.

Watering my beautiful roses and vines as they wind up the trellis Jim built for my birthday all those years ago.

Visiting with a dear friend, being excited about a new project.

Watching others rise above their trials, showing great courage and grace,

being an example by just being who they are and having faith that things will work out for them.

All these things help me to realize that in the grand scheme of things,

"All shall be well, And all shall be well, And all manner of things shall be well."

~ Dame Julian of Norwich

Things might not work out just as we would like,

 but that is what makes life interesting, that is how we grow, how we learn,

 and certainly how we become more grateful for the

simple things that make life lovely.


What are you grateful for?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DYLAN

Dylan is one today.
He had me at hello.

Can't believe a year has gone by. 

In January he joined our little group. 

I didn't know if he would be able to handle those two little rough necks.

But.. just like Yoda says, "size matters not,...Look at me. Judge me by size, do you?" 

Well this little yoda holds his own.  He's part of the gang. 

As Jake likes to say, "couldn't do it without him." 

Dylan has been the quiet member of the group until the last few weeks. 

He's starting to become a "force" to be reckoned with. 

He has a mind of his own, with a lot going on behind his beautiful brown eyes. 

I sure love this little guy!

Happy Birthday to little #7

Can't wait to see what this year brings.

Love, grama polly

THE ADVENTURES OF THE WILLOW VIEW WITCHES

Ok, so here's what happened as the Willow View Witches flew out spreading good will and joy yesterday.

They gathered together and decided just which way to fly...

made a circle around, just to make sure the old brooms were in working order.

touched down to visit a few of our near and dear friends in the neighborhood before heading off to scare Aunt Marie!

Then off for a photo op at a lovely little retailer in a neighboring village.

There was a party later on that evening with many other strange and endearing characters. We fit right in. It's so nice to live in a place where regular people suddenly turn ghastly - oh, I mean ghostly for a few weeks each year. Actually we three witches are just quiet little women who normally go about our business....

Today, it's as if it were all a dream- a good dream or a bad dream, we just don't know?!? Pat has to get to the business of playing the piano, Colleen, who doesn't like to perform, is wondering what got into her? And I'm still trying to figure out just what to do with my hair?!

Not really, we're all so exhausted we're in a coma.

 Hey - who's that other lady in red?

DOUBLE DOUBLE TOIL AND TROUBLE!

Double, Double toil and lots of trouble!

After having my achilles tendon ripped

(thought witches could cast spells and make nasty injuries go away?)

And a horrible case of the flu,

(Where are all those potions you hear so much about?)

Polly the garden witch

will fly this halloween.

WATCH OUT FOR THE WILLOWVIEW WITCHES!

"When witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers, 'tis near Halloween!"

Come and have your picture taken with us

Saturday 2-4
October 29th

Sweet Briar Hollow

Pioneer Road

Draper

Don't forget -

 or we might fly by and cast a spell on you

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JAKE!

It's Jake's birthday today!

 He's four years old!

Can't believe how the time flies when you're having fun.

And when you are with Jake you have fun.

It seems like he's been talking since he was born, so we while the days away with

all of his questions and thoughts on what's happening in the world.

He has so many things going on in that little brain of his.

His heart is so big, and he knows just when to give loves.

What a wonderful little boy he is.

I am so grateful I get to be part of his life.

Just love it when he calls Sam "his little buddy."

They have so much fun together.

He's the best helper when all three of the "little cousins" are together.

 "Couldn't do it without you, Jake."

Love you to pieces.

Have a Happy Day.

Love, Grama Polly

CONGRATULATIONS TAYLOR!

Who would have thought that this cute little boy would grow up

to be a great baseball player

along with other fabulous athletic abilities,

a straight A student and....

also one of Souderton High School's students of the month? 

Well I'm his grama and of course...

I always knew he was a winner!

Way to go Taylor!

I GO TO NATURE TO BE SOOTHED AND HEALED...

"I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order."
~John Burroughs

I took a little drive yesterday.

These pictures don't do justice to the colors that our mountains have turned this year.

 Such a beautiful display.

Took my breath away.

I want to wrap myself up in the luxurious blanket that has spread

itself around the hills above my home.

And since I'm not walking well these days,

I just have to go out to the backyard and I am again overcome by the beauty of fall.

Nature certainly brings a sense of peace to my soul. 

 I am always overcome with gratitude when I look outside at the colors in 
 my garden.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECKY!!!

It's Becky's birthday today.

Just wanted to wish her a Happy Birthday!

She is the GREATEST!

She is a great athlete,

great organizer,

great game player,

great daughter-in-law,

great aunt,

great supporter of all sports,

 great friend,

great example.

 Most of all she is a great mom to four of the most wonderful boys in this world... 

and a great wife to my son.

 Who could ask for more?

 Have the most wonderful day and year.

We love you!

DYLAN SAYS - CAN'T WAIT FOR THE GUYS TO COME HOME!

It's just been Dylan and me for the last two weeks. Jake and Sam have been off sunning themselves in Hawaii with their mom and dad. The nerve. Leaving us home to welcome the first snow of the season! Well we'll show them. While they were gone Dylan has learned to stand up all by himself! You don't leave for two weeks without great progress.

 Dylan says- he cannot wait to play "Abenture" on Monday.

No cushions come off the couch at Grama's house. Grama doesn't even have any toys that make noice. Just blocks. It's pretty quiet around here.

We'll make up for it next week, huh guys?!?