My Associate Art Teacher

Meet my associate art teacher, Shauna "Linda" Crockett named after 2 Shauna's- (Shauna Harker.....one of Syd's closest friends and the other Shauna Pixton....one of Tim's best friends) Her second name Lynn comes from another one of Syd's life long friends.... Linda Christensen. Shauna Harker & Linda Christensen are partly responsible for Shauna Crockett being here in this life. After Syd had a major surgery the doctor told Syd she was pregnant.....about 2 weeks along.... and these 2 close friends pampered and took good care of Syd so Shauna would make it through pregnancy.
These 2 "LIME GREENY" pictures of Shauna were taken the day after Halloween while attending her Ultimate Frisbee tournament near our home.She and one of her closest friends, Kris McIntire, love to run the frisbee fields, along with 5 other team mates, catching & defending a little plastic disc. (I had never seen it played before. I found it really a fun competitive game that required no painful physical contact. I actually think I would have been on the field with her when I was Shauna's age.) It's fun to see Shauna Lynn run up and down the field with her teammates, catching & releasing the frisbee in mid-air and guarding her defender. As a little girl, Shauna Lynn used to be "Greased Lightning" and her brother's used to pit some of the friends against Shauna. The boy's friends would laugh at this challenge seeings that they were 5 years her senior, but Shauna's speed would often prevail a victory. Shauna Lynn is really quite the competitor.....whether in active games or playing Suduko races or Canasta.
On November 14th of this year, Shauna Lynn will turn 25 years old. As I glance back over this quarter of a century, I realize just how fast time flies and how so many little miracles create a BIG one. Well, let me bounce you readers around with my thoughts and pay tribute to my youngest daughter in both picture and word. Shauna Lynn is a bright ray of sunshine where ever she goes and with whom ever she is with. Her delightful positive personality embraces all......both young and old alike. As a child she amazed me with how she could be totally involved in a world of creativity playing with a 1 1/2 year old one minute and then 5 minutes later be socializing with older folks on their level. Her ability to embrace the moment and those she is associating with is totally inspiring. Just two years ago she returned from her mission in Costa Rica. Tim & I, along with Julie Kaye had the privilege of going down to pick her up. Was it any surprise to find that her personal testimony had magnified abundantly, but personally, she had not changed one bit. Her arms had only opened to wider to embrace more people to love. Her missionary work was nothing more than living and teaching something she had practiced her entire life. That of honoring the good in people, modeling and teaching a higher truths, and believing in everyone who wanted to over come adversity. LOVE----LOVE--- LOVE----and LAUGH alot! That's Shauna's motto. Life is to be enjoyed not endured! And when you're feeling down......shucks.....just look up and count your many blessings!Prior to leaving on her mission, Shauna help me teach some of my beginning classes art. Her natural patience and teaching ability is always worthy of modeling. Having her be in my class room with me, allowed me some time to be with this "woman on the move" and spend time with her. (As a little girl, we used to call her "The Wind" because she would disappear so quickly and be blocks away before the family even realized she was away from the dinner table. Her trail of clothes made it easy to run her down......because she loved being naked and stripped herself as soon as she was out of eye sight. As Shauna Lynn grew older... she managed to keep her clothes on, but her need to be out and about has never left.) So when she came home off her mission, I emptied my waiting list of beginner art students and she started teaching her own set of classes here in our home. (Of course, I'm usually around if she runs into problems or has questions.) Selfishly, I love having her so close and being able to watch her magical talents up close. During these past couple of years, Grandma Price was living with us. Shauna Lynn became one of my main stays with Grandma. She would often come home from school and eat lunch with her or just stop and visit. Shauna Lynn, was always so playful and teasing with my mother. She could calm Grandma down when she became disoriented or lost in the past. Many times, Shauna willingly stayed over night with Grandma so Tim & I could get away for a weekend. Reflectively, I remembered my own Grandma Jacobs (My mother's mother) with whom I had a special relationship.....a closeness and affection that seemed rare and distinct. I couldn't help feel that like myself, Shauna Lynn, had developed a special love and affection for my mother. They were buddies and Shauna Lynn always was so attentive in helping Grandma get out of the car, into the restrauant, or taking care of any of her special needs. Shauna would laugh with Grandma when others of us were ready to tear our hair out in frustration.Other wonderful qualities about Shauna Lynn are: She loves her nieces and nephews and spoils them royally. She loves all little children (BIG or small...old or young!) Guess that's because she is such a kid herself. Shauna is smart, independent, free to share anything she has with others and totally in love with life. One of Shauna's personal passions is taking pictures. Oh yes, she loves taking pictures of others, but oddly enough, she has a total passion about taking pictures of herself. It's not an uncommond thing to see her arm out stretched, camera in hand, taking a self portrait shot of herself. Much to her chagrin, I had to delete about 30 self portraits off my camera in Costa Rica just to have room to take pictures of our other adventures. Shauna was ticked at me! But anyone will laugh at her passion to picture herself! She needs to go into acting or something! Shauna Lynn is the youngest of our 7 children. Although she has adopted many other families as her own, she still finds time and loves her siblings more than anything. (She has a younger Angel brother, Michael, who teases her from the other side, but Shauna rules the "baby" position in our family here.) Many "youngest children" are spoiled. But I can't say that about Shauna Lynn. Because of her need to "be on the run" all the time, she doesn't stand still long enough to be spoiled. Several other families who have taken her in, spoiled and embraced her sometimes more than we do. I've had to learn to share my baby girl & my motherhood with these other families. However the quality and level of excellence these family represent demonstrate to me the clarity & high standard Shauna Lynn wants for herself. She has only placed her life in family of excellence, faith, and humility. And when she comes home, she finds her sisters bidding for her time and attention. As parents, Tim & I have been highly favored of the Lord. He has sent us children of character, independence, self sufficiency, faith, and honor. 7 of 7 have been worthy to enter the doors of the temple, 7 of 7 have served honorable missions, and next year 7 of 7 will have educated themselve and support themselves in various fields. Success in our family is totally the Lords. But we are so grateful that our children love to be with each other as best friends and they love to play with each like little children.Now I ask anyone.....Is it any wonder why this youngest of mine sits by my side teaching beginning art classes as she works her way through Utah Valley State University to become an Elementary School Teacher? Will it be any wonder why schools will bid for an opportunity to have Shauna Lynn Crockett to work at their school and love the children with in their school walls? As for me.....her employer.....I will be the first to give her a letter of recommendation. My baby girl, my sweetheart princess, my associate teacher and best friend.
I love you Shauna "Linda" Crockett. Always be ready to grow, but please never change!

Fall Break in Colorado

Southwest Airlines made it easy and cheap for Tim & I to jump on the plane and fly to Colorado to spend Fall Break. Our plane landed at 8:15 in the morning which made our weekend stay with Alan & Karen's family in Highland's Ranch a full 4 days. And there is nothing like having good children and wonderful grandchildren to make a weekend eventful & entertaining. Karen had allowed Sam to stay home from school to greet us. He was waiting inside the basement door ready to spook & welcome us. Then Karen ran him back over to his school. (Sam's 10 now....still as sweet & thoughtful as ever, but loves to tease and torcher, much like his Dad used to when he was a boy.) On this trip I was especially proud of Grandpa Tim. He grew up not ever knowing his Grandparents on either side. (Both of Tim's parents were orphaned by the age of 14 & 16 so neither parents even knew their in-laws.) So knowing the concepts & roll of being a Grandpa was only exemplified to Tim by my father. Once Tim asked me the question, "Syd, how is it that when the children pop in or the Grandchildren want something from you, it's so easy for you to just stop life and give them your full attention?" That was a "researching question" for Tim and I knew he was trying to figure out how to be a better grandparent. My answer to him was, "It's not always easy. Sometimes you just have to put life on hold because you have one chance to make a memory with a child. Once that chance passes, it's gone forever. I want my children & grandchildren to remember me with treasured moments. It's my last gift to them." From that point on, I've noticed Tim trying harder and harder to set his wants and needs aside to create special memories with his grandchildren. Both of Tim's parents died rather young: His dad at 58 and his mother at 72.....and Tim has always anticipated dying young. However, that's pretty much up to God & His time table. For now, I'm glad to see Tim investing some memorable moments.
Going to Colorado in the Fall has been a tradition for Tim & I for the past several years. It used to be UEA weekend.....UEA doesn't exist any longer.....and so it's fall break. Either way, it's Halloween time and that means Painting PUMPKINS. One year Karen & I took the kids out to the PUMPKIN PATCH to allow the children to pick their own pumpkins. This year, Connor's school class went & so the pumpkins were waiting when we arrived. Paint shirts were pulled out, kitchen table covered and the acrylic paints were opened. Connor(5) is the Colorado Artist. He'll spend hours coloring and drawing, and so Grandma was busy before she knew it. Of course Elle(2)is Connor's best friend and wanted right in the middle of the colors as well. Connor chose a scary face to put on his pumpkin. Elle wanted Minnie Mouse since that's what's she going to be this year for Halloween. With paint brushes in hand, we all went to right to work! Connor immediately drew what he wanted on his pumpkin. Elle was in heaven splashing every and all colors all over her pumpkin surface. Grandma opened & distributed paint & washed out brushes. Then waited for nap time & Kindergarten to put in the pumpkin details. Everyone was thrilled. You know....there is something magical about paint and kids. I think its the brilliant colors and the ease & fluidness of the liquid as they apply it. And for Colorado Crockett, when we run out of pumpkin space, we turn to rocks. (It always makes me smile as I walk in each of the children's rooms and see painted rocks on their shelves from previous visits. Simple little treasure....simple little memories of visits we've shared together.)While the boys were at school and Elle at a neighbors, Alan, Karen, Tim & I jumped on our only chance for some lunch & adult time together. We went to Little Holly's(an Asian restaurant). YUMMY! The food is worth returning for. And Little Holly's has become a "regular spot" during our Colorado stay. Grandpa loves to speak to everyone....no one has to be a stranger to Tim. He love everyone and he loves to figure out their heritage and tid bits about them. And oh our lucky waiter who was far from Asian. In fact the poor guy could hardly speak any English. But Dad taped in on his Spanish & the games began. The waiter was glad to have someone speak his native tongue and Tim was glad to investigate his life & purpose. Often this interaction is embarrassing for Alan, but Alan also speaks Spanish, so he made the most of Grandpa's adventure. Karen & I were the only ones out of the loop. We just enjoyed the food and laughing at Tim's pleasurable interview. The Lunch was wonderful, our visit with Alan & Karen, very fulfilling and then it was back to pick up Elle and welcome the 3 boys home from school. Thursday night was our Family night together. Grandpa asked the boys what they wanted to do. (Tim's good for making activities happen. If it were up to me,I could just stay around home and enjoy life there.) Chase(8) jumped at the chance to spark the idea of going Bowling together. Now with that big of group, cost could be a factor. But smart and frugal Karen knew she had a coupon which made this activity possible. Before we knew it, we were in the van and on our way to the local bowling Alley. Oh what fun we had. Life becomes totally equal when everyone present has the same kind of shoes, the same kind of ball and bowling on the same lane. We all seemed to "hug" the gutter a little too often and hitting all of the bowling pins down were far & few between. But we all had a whole lot of fun just laughing and being together. The young ones managed to get some pretty competitive score having gutter guards and ball rollers to help guide their balls. But Sambo held his own all by himself and beat Karen & I royally. (Karen & I bowled as one. Karen threw the first ball and left me to clean up her splits. Needless to say.....we bombed out quick.) But little Elle. Oh she had to carry her big ball all by herself, place it on the ball roller and then could care less what pins fell down. She was glad to be "BIG" along with the rest of the family. At the same time being a curious little girl discovering the new vibrations as the balls rolled back to their starting place. The boys were anxious to bowl a second game so Karen, Elle, & I ran to Costco for pizza and some groceries. By the time we figured out Tim's Costco Cash Card's balance, Elle had won the heart of the woman cashier who treated her to a free smoothie & crustie stick. We met the boys back home and enjoyed our pizza treat together. Fun! FUN! FUN! Now take that full & active day, then pile on top all day Friday visiting the boys Elementary school 3 times to participate in their annual Fun Run activity and it spells BUSY! (Grandma has so many PRIDE buttons popping offer her shirt, she might be arrested for immodesty!) Sam running 12 quarter mile laps, Chase running 10 laps and Connor a big 5 with Karen running along with each of her boys. Then all day Saturday we were attending and cheering for 3 soccer games where both Sam & Chase scored 3 goals each and Alan coaches Connor's beginning team......needless to say, we were well spent. (I laughed because each time they sent Sam into play, he scored a goal....then the coach would take him out until they needed another goal! He did it every time!) But all of these boys are Champions & following champions often means a lot of time & fatigue. At home, Alan had to address his employment, Karen was always on the run squeezing in cooking, cleaning up or washing clothes. Connor let Grandma & Grandpa challenge his new reading skills....Elle rode her two wheel bike to the grocery store with Mom & Grandma, we painted another pumpkin, Grandpa did some basic home repairs and embroidered red "CJC" on Chases new scripture case, the boys watched some football,and played Wii, and at bed time, Grandpa read stories. Sunday, Karen spoke in church sharing her sensitive testimony about facing adversity, the need for others and how the past conference talks became instrumental in giving her personal strength. She did an excellent job and the spirit was powerful. After the remainder of our meetings, Sam & Grandma made 2 fresh homemade apple pies together then everyone crashed for nap time. (We were all ready for this day of rest!) Later that evening Uncle Mike (Syd's brother) & Aunt Kathy Price came over for dinner and we spent the evening visiting. Sunday night concluded with some childhood memories from Grandma before the boys went to bed, preparing a Halloween treasure hunt and filling the kids shoes with candy for when they woke up Monday morning. (Grandma & Grandpa would be gone flying back home to Utah and this tradition is a sweet way to bid farewell to our beloved Colorado Family.) Thank you Alan & Karen for being such supportive hosts, for investing yourselves in teaching and raising a good family, for honoring God more than man, and for willingly opening you home for our visits. We love you SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Much!

October Omelets & Family

October means Fall General Conference and listening to our living prophets prepare us for the next six months of facing life together. I was impressed this conference by how many speakers talked about having hope, moving forward in faith, and not allowing our circumstances to cause anger among us which creates distance. In the Crockett home, we've faced our share of adversities & differences. But as a family, we have tried to move forward with a brightness of hope, creating a better tomorrow. As tradition has it, each General Conference our family gathers on Sunday morning to enjoy one of Dad's special omelets prior to conference starting. (At least that's the idea! Tee hee tee hee!) Mom gets all the ingredients prepared the day before and then on Sunday morning, she lays them all out for Dad to cook up "his specialty omelets" that are individually ordered." As I watched the children file in this Sunday....some with children & babies, other's expecting a babies soon.....I couldn't help reflect about families. I looked backward for a moment and thought about Tim's growing up years and the traditions his family set into motion. I asked myself, are his memories written down and posted so his children and grandchildren can reflect on the moments of joy, travel, scobbles, and friendship between his siblings. Do our children know their Grandma & Grandpa Crockett like they should. Likewise, have I taken time to record how the hard blow of polio hit my family shortly after the following picture was taken. Somewhere amidst all their pain-struck confusion, my parents were torn between shuffling me into the arms of my two grandparents and making trips to Salt Lake to witness two of their sons in Iron Lungs. Kathryn was ladened with responsibilities far beyond imagination for a young 10 year old girl. Our family felt blasted by adversity and yet my parents worked endlessly to provide for everyone of our needs, heal the boys from their afflictions and create happy memories for us which brought us together.
Our family were little youngsters once. And time for me to "stop & write" seemed impossible. But I have found that if we don't take time......it just keeps ticking on & recordings are soon lost.
Each family is so unique. No two children have the same childhood.....even if they live in the same family. Each persons story & point of reference is distinctly different because of age and perception. And yet being in a family is the most priceless of any possession. For parents, the real trick is helping children be friends and being willing to teaching each other rather than compete. It doesn't come without resistance and sometimes adversity. It doesn't come without having to start over and over and over again.....trying to implement principles of respect, faith, cooperation and a number of "time-outs.". And it doesn't come without commitment to allot of precious, dedicated, and sometimes laborious TIME. Time does fly on wings of lightning. If it slips away from us without effort or commitment, the most precious of relationships drown in the sea of forgotten experiences. Our October Omelets aren't perfect. It isn't 100% quiet, with everyone paying attention to our leaders speaking. In fact their are rooms for little ones, room for sleeping babies, and rooms of chaos. But this wonderful tradition that calls our family together is perfect. Alan & Karen's family wait for Grandma & Grandpa's fall visit in Colorado. This year, Davy & Becca's family was on their way home from a wedding in Arizona. But the other 5 children were here at home, sharing a family tradition and being together united in hope and faith. My greatest blessing is that our children do acknowledge one another as their closest friends. Each one chooses to be active in the faith we taught them as children and each one is creating a "new beginning" of their own. In the not too far distance we will have 7 major branches of our family tree expanding into their own family traditions. Tim & I will have to divide our time and choose to rotate as we visit each of their separate homes. As each of them choose to follow the teachings of our living prophets who spoke today, Tim & I will have another reason to rejoice and celebrate our posterity.
Yes, family and happiness are synonymous. "Now let us rejoice in the day of salvation....no longer a stranger on earth need we room. Good tidings are sounding to us and each nation...." Oh that melody is resounding in my heart today as simple October Omelets has called our family home to rejoice & be together.

Little Dayton Blessing's Day

Little Dayton Ryan has been a wonderful miracle in the NEW AHLSTROM FAMILY since his birth on August 7, 2008. He is such a bright eyed, alert little fellow who has his parents melting to his every demand. Mary Ann is a diligent dotting mother who coos & meets Dayton's every need. She takes him with her everywhere she goes, and has even had him at American Lending while she did her office work. Ryan is as proud as any father could be.....and can't keep his hands off his new little fellow. He teaches him how to box and makes him smell all the food he's going to eat when he grows up with Teeth! Such a cute little family.
Sunday, September 28th Great Grandparents, cousins, uncles, aunts and cousins all gathered to be apart of Dayton's Baby Blessing. It is always such a delight to see these young fathers gather in a priesthood circle to give their baby a name and a father's blessing. Ryan did an excellent job......and like usual....later remember other things he wanted to give his first born son. Mary Ann, Ryan, and Dayton make a perfect beginning to a perfect family.