Meet the Most Wonderful Kids on Earth

Let me introduce my friends to the most incredible children on the face of this earth. From oldest to youngest: This is our first granddaughter Chelsie with her little brother Cooper. Chelsie will be #15 years old in May and has been the "Grand Teacher" of our family. Being born 2 1/2 months premature, Chelsie has cerebral palsey, scolliosis, and is blind. Her physical disabilities have been the means for making our family look far beyond "the norm" and realizing that out of small and simple things, great things are made manifest. She has given her parent experiences that has reached deep within their souls & pulled celestial performance to the surface. Those who take time to know Chelsie find a rare & precious prize. A year after Chelsie was born she received her own personal angle to assister her from beyond the veil. A little sister named C.J.(Candice Junior.....because she looked so much like her mother) was delivered still born in much the same way Chelsie came. C.J. has been very interactive with our family from the other side of the veil working with her Uncle Michael.(Scott's youngest brother)

Samuel Craig Crockett will be 11 years old in April and is one of the most sensative, gentle and kind young man I have ever known. He is smart, very coordinated, and surrenders his will to the needs of others around him very gently and quietly. The only honor Sam enjoys is making a power goal on his Olympic Soccer team......and even then its self satisfaction that he enjoys. However, he & Grandma love making apple pies together. Sam is the oldest brother of his family because he's a Sam....a Hyrum type brother, who stands firm and true even when his younger siblings recieve honors.

Abigail "Sue" (as I call her.....she really doesn't have the name of Sue) Abby has been "divine" since her birth. The heaven's opened & revealed her name & her coming and she's been our angel ever since. She's an actor, a singer, a pianist, an artist, and a all around little lady. She is the best big sister to her siblings and a great support to her parents. Abby is the first granddaughter to come to Grandma's house for weekly art lessons. A habit I hope to have many more grandchildren explore.
Chase R. will turn 9 years old in August. Chase describes exactly how he lives his life. Chasing after his older brother Sam and doing everything he tries to do. Chase seems indistructable... he's taken more falls, broken more bones and seen more doctors in his short life time. Yet deep within Chase is a tender memory bank of what is most precious & valuable. TRADITIONS! Silly things like shoes full of candy, birthday bottles and regular recognitions are priceless to this little guy on the run. Why, he can stand the hair up on the back of his mothers neck faster than any in his siblings but at the same time he melts her heart. When Chase plays soccer he's like lightning & can out run the fastest.

Benjamin David turned 7 in August and other than his Dad, he's the only boy in his family. But he's the perfect boy for his placement. He's so sweet, he melt your heart with his tender squeezes and sincere, "I love you Grandma" or "Thanks for _____." He never forgets! He is the most grateful child I have ever met. His Dad tries to make him rough and tough, but I hope Ben never looses his sensativity to his sisters and his genuine acts of kindness.
This is "Conman." He's Elle's older brother and her very best friend. He loves and cares for this little sister with such tenderness & concern. Connor will be 6 in May and this little tike is one determined and hard headed dude. He likes "order & routine" and if you step out of his percieved order........watch out! Connor & I love to paint, draw, and design pumpkins together. He always knows exactly what he wants and we love creating together.

Allie is counting down the days until July 26 when she turns 4 years old and gets to have her "Happy Happy Birthday Party." I already have my invitation on the fridge! She delivered it weeks ago in total anticipation. Allie is far beyond her years in thinking, expressions, facing fears, and problem solving. She's equal in friendship with her mother Candice and will surely take any opportunity to give you personal instructions, private lessons, or even emotional therapy! And she's good too! I think she might be the first Kindergarten Student Teacher.
3 big brothers with lots of energy and this little beauty called Elle, keeps right up with them. Dresses are a pain, but give her a bike, a scooter, or a skate board and she's as happy as any child. No flies on this one and doesn't miss a game, a party or any activity that her brothers are participating in.....which is 4 out of 5 weekdays. Her quiet time is sitting on your lap and reading books.....sometimes over and over again. She just turned 3 in December and when Grandma asks when she's coming to her house.....she runs to tell's her mother, "I have to go to Grandma's tomorrow!" Oh....if there were a way for all grandchildren to live just across the street! What fun I would have!

Samantha Michelle's hair is natually curley just like her mothers and her darling eyes and broad smile can melt and burn marshmellows. Samantha turns 3 on March 8 along with Uncle Travis. Her best bud is her older brother Ben and her favorite mothers are Becky & Aunt Michelle. Becca keeps her dressed to the hilt so she grabs everyone's eyes, Her expressions & natural shiness demands her a lot of adoration. She's the big sister now that Isabelle has arrived.

Mr. Max loves balls! He's been indoctrinated by his father and they practice daily. When Daddy's home....it's all ball! But when he's a Grandma, it the cars and the race track. Max has the most beautiful deep brown eyes like his mother....Grandma really loves them. And if you can be really quiet & listen carefully, he has perfect pitch and sings memorizes songs incredibly. Max turns 3 in August, and this year Grandma & Grandpa Crockett get to join Grandma & Grandpa Casper at Priest Lake to celebrate this big occasion.

Cooper is a remake of his father Scottie. He looks so much like him, that it's like watching a rerun of a good movie. His smile is like a flash light on a dark night and I love that he knows me. His older sister tries to be his mother and yet Candice works very hard to allow him discovery and independance. One thing we all know about Cooper (who just turned 1 year old in February)......he loves and needs his mother! Candice waited patiently for over 20 years for this little angel to come to her and now Cooper is determined his mother can't stay away from him very long. If he makes it through Sunday School and Relief Society with Grandma.....it's a miracle. Now Mom comes to Relief Society.....so he's safe and secure.

Little Dayton, 6 months old, is patient, tolerant, and the light of his parents life. His big eyes and long eye lashes demands your love & attention. He comes over to Grandma's on a regular bases since Dad is off to school studying most of the time. But the Aunties just can't get enough of this bright eyed, happy little boy. He just loves to smile and play.

Little Izzy (as I call her)... it's actually Isabelle Delight...who is just 3 months old seems almost like a stranger to me. With her so mother involved with the 3 older ones school and my just being neglectful....I haven't gotten to know this little beauty. I do know that she comes from a different mold than the first 3. You can certainly tell she is from Davy & Becca, but she just has a different look about her. I've got to do better visiting this little princess.
And here is little Sydnee Sage getting her hair done for the first time. Coming from the womb of a beautitian, doing her dark curley hair will be a common event. Little Sydnee and I share some thing in common with each other........our name! What an honor for me! I'm sure this little lady will have a much better chance of becoming a lady than her Grandma who is still in training. Grandma grew up with 14 neighbor boys! It was tree cabins & boy activities for Grandma......but with Julie Kaye as little Sydnee's mother..... she will be all little girl. (You can see better pictures in the following blog entry)

We have 15 perfect Grandchildren and hopefully many more to come! The reason they are so perfect is because they have such good parents who love being active and involve parents who love and honor the Lord. Tim & I feel very blessed to have a good posterity.

#15 Grandchild Brings Me to Tears

I hope I can put into words my feelings this past week. I’ve pondered them a lot, and I’m not sure there are words to express it. But here’s an attempt!
This year has been such a treat to watch our daughters be pregnant and bring life into this world. First Mary Ann last August.......who scared the hebee jeebee’s out of me when little Dayton didn’t breathe for 4 minutes after birth. Mary Ann & I have been spiritually connected since our being womb-mates together. And when I sensed trouble while she was in labor, I went to the hospital to check in. It became pretty obvious to me, that the cord was wrapped around the babies neck because of the way his heart beat plummeted each time she had a contraction. But Mary Ann was determined to deliver this little guy vaginally and it was hard for me to leave the hospital when she asked me to, because she and Ryan wanted this experience to be just theirs. When she called the next morning.........drained & relieved that the nurses & doctors had gotten her little guy back to life......I exploded into tears. My prayers and my fears were comfortably tanked in my heart and just erupted after her “report” call. Then the miracle of this marvelous woman unfolded as I watched her focus her total attention on being the most attentive and loving mother on earth. As usual, she had to learn to lay down her own life and routine to do......and that wasn’t always easy......but she did it. And I was glad she lived right across the street so I could witness her motherhood develop right before my eyes during her regular visits.
Then Julie Kaye, revealed she was pregnant. I ate her announcement in a dinner roll she had prepared for a family dinner. What a mother! But Julie Kaye is my morning work out & gym partner.....and she hid it very well during her first 3 months. She has worked hard moving into her new home and creating a “heavenly” environment for her little princess. And Travis is such a supportive husband. Julie Kaye’s needs are his first priority and she knows it! He works so hard to provide for her and has created such a foundation of security long before hitting his 25 year of life.(He’s really pretty amazing!)
Isabelle was born in November, and it’s such a rejoicing phone call when David calls to invite me to the births of his children. Becca is so sweet to let me sharing in their experiences and it’s a humbling feeling to see your son explode with excitement when he has “another little girl.” Followed by, “Oh my gosh! I’m going to have 3 weddings.......I’d better start saving now!” Isabelle had some complications and had to be whisked away to the nursery for attention. But the thing I love the most, is the tender sweet love Becca offers each of her children. Protective like a mother hen, yet human enough to realize that she lays down more than most to be a good mother. It’s different with a daughter in law.......because she leans heavily toward her mother. The children expose the “real” feelings with the expression in their voices and faces when you visit their home. And Becca’s sister Michelle lives in their basement and is always upstairs and so my love comes way down the priority line. Becca treats me with genuine care and love. It’s just a different feeling.
February 17, 2009 at 3:45 a.m. I got the call that Julie Kaye’s water had broken and she was in the hospital! My heart jumped with joy.......but it took a great leap when she asked if I wanted to come and be apart of her experience. Man, I was out of bed, left Tim a note, and sitting in the parking lot of the hospital by 4:15.
Travis was really sick. He couldn’t hold anything down & didn’t feel well at all. He tried eating a cracker, or a drink of sprite to settle his stomach, but it didn’t help. Julie was dilated to 6 and 7% effaced. So I thought it was just a couple of hours until the baby would come, but the nurses kept coming in and having her change sides to lay on, and her labor would stop. She drank 3 large containers of raspberry cranberry juice (which was an absolute no-no in my day of delivery) and I was surprised to see her keep every ounce of it down. At 7:30, Julie called Mary Ann to see if she could bring her video recorder over. (Julie thought I had one.) Mary Ann loaded up Dayton and came right over. When I went down to pick it up, Mary Ann asked if she could come up to say “Hi.” Julie Kaye, said, “Sure!” After she arrived, Julie Kaye asked her if she wanted to stay for the delivery. Now that was a “No brainer!” Mary Ann made sure it was "really okay for her to stay" then she & Dayton settled in for the big event. Dayton took care of Uncle Travis.
At 8:30 they checked her, and she was +2, 100% effaced and her cervic was all the way thinned. Travis saw his Dad’s truck in the parking lot and called to make sure. It was them, and they were just waiting for a call. Travis invited them to come up. It was a party......but Travis still felt horrible. Travis and little Dayton hung out on the couch together. (Dayton is the most patient baby around.....if not, Mary Ann couldn’t have stayed for this special event.) Vicki suggested Howard giving Travis a blessing. With no hesitation, Howard was on his feet and to the side of his beloved son. This was a great gift for Travis and he wept. Soon the nurse came in and told us that at 10, we would start pushing! FINALLY.....I thought! With Mary Ann holding one leg and me holding the other, Julie started the pushing process. She only pushed two sets of 2-10 second pushes when they told her to stop and they rushed for the doctor. Even I could see the baby’s crown.....and she had lots of curley black hair! The doctor was there in 5 minutes. Mary Ann & I were commanded to take pictures and have the nurses helped Julie Kaye with her knees. Once again it was only two sets of 2-10's and pop......the baby was here! “Okay, what’s her name?” I asked. Julie Kaye replied, “Let the doctor clean me up and we’ll go get Vicki and Howard and tell everyone at the same time.” I was still clueless and didn’t even think anything when Julie Kaye told Mary Ann she was the only one to use her camera. Soon Vicki and Howard came in the room and had their turn seeing and holding the baby. Travis went over and picked up a plastic grocery bag. Julie Kaye said, “Give it to Mom, Travis and let’s see how long it takes her to unscramble the letters and find the name.” I was still naive to the surprise that awaited me. I stood at the bottom of the bed admiring the beauty of the letters in the bag. Then I started pulling them out one by one: S–Y–D (at that point I could see the remainder of the letters in the bag and I started to tear up) N–E–E. Even writing this moment out, I well up into tears. I sobbed. Then they handed me the baby......Little Sydnee Sage Gardner my name sake. I couldn’t help think of my mother who just died just one year ago tomorrow (February 18, 2008) and remember her seeing my name spelled in a newspaper article and liking it. Now not only was her daughter named Sydnee, but her great grand-daughter.
I’ve had other children named after me. First Sydnee Heaton when I was in the hospital with my appendix and her mother, Caroline, had the best of times together. Then Sydnee Schow of Lehi, because they appreciated who and what I was to their daughters. Mindy Francis Young has always told me that she wanted to name her daughter Sydnee.....and I’ve always loved that. But to have one of your children love you enough......with all your weaknesses and frailties and consider putting your name with the love & sacrifices they have already made to prepare for their coming.......well theirs just not words to express it. Not to mention.....the first name which will be repeated millions of times in her life time. And to have a son-in-law respect you enough to agree with my daughter to call & wear your mortal label. It was a greatly treasured gift from both Travis & Julie Kaye. And there I was.....by Julie Kaye’s side witnessing her newly born daughter come into this world.



All of our children have significance to their names









T. Scott(Timothy Scott) after his Dad-Timothy and Uncle Scott McClellan
Alan Craig.....Alan because we loved the name and Craig after Craig Tassainer
David Thomas.....David --Tim’s middle name and Thomas after my Dad (not to mention I have always loved the name David and wanted a Davy Crockett)
Aaron Jacob......our temple name....we were sitting in the Provo Temple, I opened the Book of Mormon and saw the name Aaron and it fit with my mothers maiden name Jacob
Julie Kaye is named after Tim’s mother’s middle name Juliette and my Grandmother Kate We just removed both the “t’s”
Mary Ann after my mother and both paternal & maternal great grandmothers......but more because it was the name that I loved and called myself for years as a child
And of course.....Shauna Lynn.......being named after Shauna Harker and Linda Christensen......my two life long friends who kept me alive when Shauna Lynn was in embro.You give children names that have significant meaning to you. With little Sydnee Sage in my arms I could help but reflect as Julie Kaye’s life flooded through my mind. My little treasure and gift to my father who had waited almost 17 years between granddaughters
(16 straight grandsons in between Mary Charis and Julie Kaye.) And Julie Kaye was the epitome of femininity from the moment she came to this world. But she has been my little main stay.....my primary support in creating courage & joy in our home. She was the perfect older sister to her two younger sisters......and mothered them as her own. Especially when I had to go to work. She was so deeply conscientious the girls needs and totally aware of my deep pain & hurt about leaving my home & children to earn money.She has been Mary Ann’s model for righteousness & making good decisions. Throughout her life time, Julie has taught me how to be a lady, how to dress, and has been my friend. To even grasp the very thought that Julie Kaye’s love for me is so deep that she would name her first born after me.....is by far the deepest acknowledgment. After spelling out my name on the end of her delivery bed, I looked up to see Julie Kaye crying right along with me. Thanks to Angie Joy, she & Julie Kaye cut magazines up to decorate each individual letter beautifully and delicately so to be set on the shelf above Sydnee’s crib. (Sydnee’s room has become my favorite room since Julie Kaye decorated it. It is so unique in design and alive with Julie Kaye’s artist abilities.)As you can see, a hundred feelings have serge through me, since that moment at 11:00 a.m. on February 17th. I am feeling so much honor, so much rejoicing .....yet at the same time so much responsibility to keep “good works & integrity” alive in me. I cried each time I called my dearest friends....each cried with me as I rehearse the mornings events. Each time I wrote my name on a credit receipt,I felt a serge of gratitude go through me. I had to fight off my tears of joy at the register. I can’t describe the feelings I’m having. The stories that will follow the name Sydnee Sage will hear. I know Julie Kaye loves me.......I hope she listens to her mothers stories. Thoughts came of my own grandmothers.....how I felt so detached and less valued from my Grandma Price and how I felt so beloved and respected by my Grandma Jacobs. “What was the difference?” I asked myself........how can I make sure that all of my grandchildren feel accepted, secure and that kind of binding love from me.
I remember the picture collage of my Dad that I made and gave to each member of his posterity when their was a battle of a single picture. On it I wrote the scripture from Helaman, chapter 5 verse 6: “Behold, I have given unto you the names of our parents.....This I have done that when you remember your name ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said....they were good.” I hope that always how Sydnee Sage feels about me.

FOREVER STRONG

In late September, I had the opportunity to go to the Premier Showing of "Forever Strong" with Julie Kaye and Mary Ann in Salt Lake. Of course we made an afternoon of it and went to dinner first....(which we ended up eating in the theatre due to time restraints!) Nevertheless, the message of this movie, became the Crockett 2008 Christmas Theme. "Name 3-5 thing that you feel you will have to do to remain Forever Strong." This expression time is by far my favorite gift at Christmas. I love hearing the insights and feelings of our children and this year was especially special. Listening to each one of them express their commitments to themselves, their wives & families, and their faith. Feelings just seem to invite the spirit and then each gift has more meaning. The older I become, the more precious simple things become to me. This was the very first Christmas in my entire life that I spent it without my mother here on earth. Having had a diligent & faithful mother, along with watching my children create families, I have had some very sensitive feelings about the power of a mother. My mother laid down a great portion of her life for her 4 children. Especially when my 2 brothers fell victim to polio. My older sister by 10 years became responsible for so many of the demands of the 13 acre farm Mother & Dad had just purchased and being the baby of the family, I became Mother's comforter. (Interesting enough, throughout my life, my roll never changed.)As I grew older, I lacked wisdom and like most youth, I was selfish, and expected much more from my mother than what she could give. Then I became a mother and the reality of her sacrifices became more clearly defined. I see now that she gave me her very best and only took for herself what she needed to stay balances and happy herself. Now she has moved on to a far better life, and I am standing in her shoes listening to my own children. My Dad left 17 years ago.....probably to go build a palace for his sweetheart! His eyes were always focused on making my mother happy. Leaving her behind, was the hardest thing he had to do and I knew as I watched the last tear run down his cheek, that it was the most pain filled moment in his life to have to move forward without her by his side. But Dad was the rock of our families security. He was the epitome of love, tenderness and could stop time with his hugs. He worked every moment of his life to bring happiness and joy to his wife and children. And the power of his influences has reached into the lives of so many of his posterity. In death, his example and love stands forever strong. His name echoes itself in grandchildren & great-grandchildren names. Simple coins to silver dollars remind them of "doing good and making right decisions." This Christmas, he and mother are together forever.....quietly checking in and attending to our earthly prayers. Oh, the power of parents. Standing strong in faith.....even when children shoot arrows of correction and change. Allowing perfect agency......mistakes.....and a quiet tongue is all part of the great eternal plan. Continual prayers of faith-filled parents seeking a higher power than their own to open paths for their own children's learning. Constantly petitioning for watchful & care-filled protection over them. As time marches forward, I've come to realize that somethings just don't matter......but simple gentle loving things always will. It's taken me a life time to realize that. And being a parent taught me to appreciate the simple consistent sacrifices my parents & grandparents made for me and mine. Here's a picture when I was in my first year of college with my Grandmother Kate, my favorite niece Cheri, and my own mother. 4 generations of life.....moving forward.....attempting to make little special moments into sacred memories. That's what keeps you "Forever Strong." Life is all about "Memories & Remembering them." Looking back now I see that my mother worked so hard trying to correct us and my father just chose to encourage our choices by loving us. Together they made a perfect team because both parts are necessary, but love and acceptance holds the most power. Making right decisions is always the key to success. Having the righteous decisions confirmed in tenderness is the art of good parenting. In the movie, "FOREVER STRONG" the key to their success is to not do anything to dishonor or embarrass yourself, your family, or your ancestors who have gone before you. Playing your position with personal commitment and power is totally individual. Connecting with a team is being committed to 'your position.' That very idea took me a life time to learn. Looking at my own family, with my husband, and within my faith......I can see that philosophy echoing in every direction. And yet it has taken me almost 60 years to learn the precious nature of that very idea. It took me almost 45 years to believe that my Heavenly Father truly loved me as a person and has always embraced me with His divine love. That new reality was a year when claiming my divine nature and individual worth set me free to fly with the angels. I had been living in a belief that "If you really knew me, you wouldn't love me" and denying the processes of my life could be anything but divinely orchestrated. With one belief change....all of sudden I was set free....knowing I was of worth & that my life had purpose which was almost more than I could comprehend. The Savior of this world had truly atoned for my weaknesses and poor decisions and I was free to become divine. Even though I had dedicated my life to being a good wife and mother.....suddenly my life was set free to become even more valuable. My life time of learning could now be a resource of knowledge to assist and help others. My sweet daughter Mary Ann gave me a precious book for Christmas this year all about "Grandma Crockett." I am so blessed to have a family of STRONG people who are willing to let go of my weaknesses and hold on to my strengths. As we sat in our Christmas circle and listened to each other's commitments to be "Forever Strong," I am so grateful for all my ancestors who have gone before me & even more grateful for those who follow after me. They will be FOREVER STRONG because they know the power of loving and supporting each other.

A Whirl Wind of Events in November

It's not even Thanksgiving Time and already I have so many things to be thankful for. I'm always anxious I have 8 wonderful children who are independent, hard working and filling their lives with righteous decisions. But the week of November 12-14th I had and abundance of blessing fall into my "Thankful Basket!" It was about 4:30 p.m. on November 12 and I was busy teaching art lessons when the phone ran. "Hi Mom. What you doing?" It was Davy and he was anxious to invite me to abandon my art students and hurry over to American Fork Hospital to witness the birth of his #4 child. Becca and Davy had


















chosen not to find out which sex they were having, because they love the surprise that comes with their new arrival. Shauna Lynn was gracious enough to set her plans aside to come over and cover my art classes so I could go. Becca & Davy have been so wonderful to allow me (the mother in law) to come into delivery and be apart of this special moment with them with all 4 of their children. It is such a miracle and an emotional rush to see a new little being come into this world and it was about 1 2/2 hours after my arrival that little Isabelle Delight was born weighing in at 8 pound and 5 ounces. This is when you know that God knows every desire of your heart. Becca & Davy have been the only ones to allow me this honorary privilege and because Isabelle came 6 days early I was prepared to go up at the LDS hospital in Salt Lake the next morning at 7 a.m. to be with Grandpa Crockett who needed emergency eye surgery.

Well the man (Grandpa Crockett)who has had his head up smiling and shaking hands with seminary students for the past 27 years, has to look down at his shoes for 7 days & is hoping for a miracle. Tim was in surgery last Thursday (November 13th) for 2 ½ hours up at LDS hospital in Salt Lake. They removed his lens, then Dr. Brinton fixed 3 tears in his retina, scrapped off some scare tissue, and repaired a cataract. They put a Nitrous Oxide Gas bubble in the inside of his eye to put pressure on the retina until it heals. In order for it to press against the retina, his head needs to be face down so the bubble will rest against the back of the eye. The Dr. told me that lost vision can not be restored, but if Tim's careful his retina may re-attach and he'll have some vision. Needless to say, he's scared and sobered by it all. He can't see anything out of his left eye and so his right eye is doing all the work right now. It's been hard for him to get any rest but Gayle Fletcher (our massage therapist) has been kind enough to let us use her massage chair and table to make rest possible in the proper position.

Mary Ann wanted her baby sister to have a grand memory on her quarter of a century birthday. So she went to work trying to create a SURPRISE BIRTHDAY party for Shauna Lynn. (Little did we know that what Mary Ann was planning is the very thing that Shauna desired most..... a party with all the people she loved and she didn't have to choose who to be with.)


















Mary Ann arranged for the ward cultural hall and then solicited my assistance. We went to work making sloppy joes and assignments to create this evening of celebration. Kathy Russell (one of Shauna's ward mothers) made her a large birthday cake, while others brought chips, salad and finger foods. About 50 people came ranging in ages from a few months old up to 62. True to Shauna Lynn's nature, the party turned into games. Dodge ball and then Duck Duck Goose. Everyone played....mother's, children, father's and it was joyful. Shauna Lynn's laugher echoed throughout the building. In fact the next Sunday, one of her adopted father's (Rusty Russell) was released after 7 years serving as her bishop and another of her adopted father's (Hank McIntire) took his place. Shauna has always nested herself in the arms of strong & faithful families and has never had to experience being the baby of our family, because she found other families to be the oldest child in.

















My basket of blessings are many. For I have children who long to fill their extra bedrooms with children. Tim's surgery went well and his recovery time has been very pleasant her at home. and my baby girl felt the loving arms of her closest friends as they surrounder her in games on her 25th birthday.

A Halloween Tradition

My first debut as a wicked witch, was in West Valley, when Catherine Elderedge asked me to come to her home to entertain the seniors at her house. From that point on, it became a tradional party. 17 years ago when we moved to Orem, I was called to serve as the Senior's Family Home Evening Leader, and I threw a "Wicked Witch" Halloween Party. Koa Hansen was my accomplis back then. I remember the year, Koa had Bill Croft(age 89 at the time)convinced she was going to marry him or cast a significant spell on his household.




















Over 5 years ago, I was called to be the Seville Retirement Home Enrichment leader. Of course, just like clock work, the October Halloween season rolled around and the wicked witch in me revealed herself. This year Twin Witches came to join in the fun. Monica Martin & her two sons, Thiago & Kevin, along with Monica's sister Casandra Camargo, one of Thiago's mission companions & his little brother who just put inhis mission papers. What a fun evening we had playing, dancing and having fun with all the Seville Saints. As old as most of these folks are, it never ceases to amaze me that the 'little child' in each of them is so anxious for laughter and fun. These ladies were just squirming putting their hands in wet spaghetti noodles and grapes searching for coins. And the race was on when it came time to figure out the word search! They screamed with delight being the first ones finished. Laughter was plentiful and by the time the evening is over, this ole witch had a hard time climbing back on her broom to fly home.

But nothing takes the place of Halloween night. As a young mother, I hated Halloween! So I joined hands with my two neighbors, Linda Christensen and Shauna Harker, and we changed it. Of course, these two ladies are ladies of excellence, and so a simple evening turned into a extensive labor some distraction trying to get away from the "Get & GO" or alias "Trick or Treating." Instead, it became an afternoon & evening full of events: Painting crafts at our house while guessing the number of seeds in a pumpkin or candies in a jar. Then over to Harkers for donut eating & bobbing for apples and dinner with no utinsels. Finally back over to Christensen's for the treasure hunt, pinyata, and carving pumpkins while watching a movie. Elaborate, but so fun. Of course, each year, the children would moan and complain about not being able to go "Trick or Treating" and so they were given a choice of, "You may go Trick or Treating but you can't join in on the family party of events....it's your choice!" They certainly wanted to go "Trick or Treating!" But by the time they came home from school, the family party was in motion. Soon they were involved and distracted. Year, after year, after year we would go through this same "decision" ordeal. I'm not sure how many year this annual custom transpired up on Bourdeaux, but it carried itself down to Orem with our move 17 years ago. However, I thought I would retire my broom when the kids grew up! NOT THE CASE! Then the daughter's in laws wanted the party. My Halloween week has always been filled with preparation & stress. First the "Old Folk" party and then preparations for our family party. Not to mention that our November birthday dinner is in that same week. It is a week that we spend A LOT of serious time together. But hey! That's what being a family is all about. How much fun is it for Grandparents to see little Lions, Ladybugs, Penguins, Superman, Jasmine, Pirates, and Minnie Mouse walk through the back door? Parents are usually smiling with such pride at their cute little ones. They all came to join in an evening of chaos, laughter, food and fun. It's a tradition to have chicken enchilda's with tossed salad. But this year, (some how) we got jalopaneos instead of green chilies in the chicken enchiladas and they were a bit warm! Most of the adults loved them, but the children & mothers didn't care for the extra heat. We were thankful that Aunt Julie Kaye brough nachos....a tradition she remembered from Bourdeaux. The tiny ones were anxious to remove their costumes & just be embraced and talked to. Little Samantha (who is a natural "little mother") asked Aunti "M" (Mary Ann)if she could put Dayton in her baby doll stroller. Aunti "M" is always so willing with these little ones and Dayton thought he was in heaven riding about the house with Samantha as his mommy. Ben(6)loves the donut eating contest...as do the adults. Hauni purchased Krispy Kreme Donuts and they were fresh.....so everyone wanted in. (It's always so fun to see the adults pretend they aren't children, when in fact their 'little child' is very much alive in each of them.Grandma prepared a "little tike" treasure hunt inside the house, while Grandpa prepared a "Garage" one. Little or Old, figuring out clues seems to be attractive to all.....especially when there's a treat at the end of the adventure. Candice & Mary Ann prepared caramel apples with tonz of yummy nuts! (which most of the time is just a treat to take home because we're all too full!) This year, we took the little ones over to the ward "Trunk or Treat" for a half hour. Candice is in the Primary, so she & her little ones needed to go, so we all jumped in her car and went with her.... allowing the little ones to make their haul of candy. Upon returned back to Grandma's, there's pin the tail on the cat or pin the mouth on the jack-o-lantern which the kids like to play until the "Pinyata" alarm goes off. Then coats are on and cheers of excitement go up. Uncle Scottie puts on his "Yank & Dance" gloves while Travis & Ryan take down the tire swing and put up the rope for the pinyata. Then, "let the fun begin!" We always start with the youngest and go up from there. The little kids don't have to wear a blindfold and Uncle Scottie teases them to death bouncing the pinyata up and down. Adults are visiting in the background, laughing with each swing. Grandma has to build a pretty tough pinyata to endure all the beatings it has to go through. Neighbors were wondering what all the noise was about and started throwing candy over the fence to get our attention. They finally just walked over to enjoy our fun. This year was especially fun because it was so warm on Halloween Night. With the new flood light off of the Shabin, the trampoline was lit & full of giggling and laughing children while the ole folks took their turn up to swing at the pinyata.This years pinyata held up great. Candice.....the oldest of the children (since Scott is busy making the pinyata dance) even got her turn. After a few swings, she tore off her blind fold & "ATTACKED the dangling victim!" Laughter was plenty before she finally tore the pinyata off it's rope and Scottie dumped it on the ground for anxious collectors. A wonderful evening for a wonderful family. Everyone was quick to jump in to help clean up the house. Grandma fell into bed kissing her sheets anxious for a long required slumber.