Too Much Fun In May

The Month of May has been filled with many activities and memories. My baby girl is on her way! After being my assistant art teacher for three years, Shauna Lynn is graduating and moving on to bigger and better things. She opens her first class room at Timpanoges Elementary School this fall teaching 4th graders to love life and enjoy learning as much as she does. What lucky children! They will come to see the magic of the "Pided Pipper of Crockettville." Loving, lifting and laughing are the trade marks of Miss Crockett. There will be a BIG void in my little Art Room........but I couldn't be happier for this young Wonder Woman.
Noah Dastrup was timidly excited to join Karoline, Kameron, Kaleb McIntire, and Allie & Cooper Crockett for a tea party in Grandma Crockett's back yard. They've been very patient to wait for an opening to play in our backyard play ground. And after discovering the newly installed zipline, Kaleb exclaimed, "This is the best day of my entire life!" (Now that's what makes having fun play ground equiptment worth while!) Of course the perk for me, is the mother's that come along. Candice, Linda D, and Lori are 3 of my all time favorite ladies. They're my dear friends and spiritual advisors!

I get the biggest kick out of watching the child come out in "Grown Ups!" Watch Linda D. try out the zipline! Everyone's a child inside!

Visiting teaching become an exciting adventure when you visit with Queens! Lori and I were in heaven when our Relief Society President made us companions! But the frosting on the cake came when they assigned us to Barbara Workman! And she wanted to go to lunch for our monthly visit. How COOL is that?And of course, we had to make a memory. So we piled in the Model T and went to Applebee's! Over lunch we shared our recent experience with life......loving, laughing and crying together. When you visit with Queens, you feel safe enough to open the sacred corners of your hearts together.

When we talk about memories (which are the inner most walls that make life worth living) we have to reflect and remember all those grand & wonderful people who have gone before us. And this Memorial Day was filled with reflection. My mother & dad spent their first year together across the veil. No tears for me! I'm so happy for them and they honored me by giving me birth. I was their baby girl and I savor each memory they gave to me. Wonderful parents who cared for me & provided well. As I celebrated Shauna's advancement into teaching, I couldn't help reflect the joy my parents felt as I graduated from college. Life is but a series of turning pages and what we write on them is as valued as we make it.

This Memorial Day, Grandma & Grandpa Jacobs were celebrated as well. Thanks to Sheila & Shelley, the Jacob's family gathered to remember. Aunt Alene's baked beens, Sheila's potato salad, and Ronnie's homemade ice cream kept the tables buzzing with memories of days of old. How Grandma Kate loved to gather and feast together! Cousins, brother & sisters.....enjoying life together.

Aunt Janine, age 95, lead the bunch. She & Ann Alene are the only ones left from the previous generation. Roland, Keith, Mary, & Kay are all celebrating with Grandma & Grandpa Jacobs on the other side of the veil. As I reflect upon our gatherings, I realize that too many stupid feelings often separated us from divine closeness. And unfortuately, those same type of stupid feelings separate me from my siblings. When are we going to smart'n up!

Family is God's greatest gift!
And I was glad to go home to gather up in my arms little Sydnee Sage and Isabelle Delight to be with my family.
I hope my children are wiser and can allow stupid differences melt into tears of regret and enjoy the blessings of being different! We all have our short falls, and yet the greatness in each of us superceeds all. Hopefully our children will rejoice in each others talents and gifts and always remain faith-filled friends. Honoring each other & rejoicing in "victories over self." I am so blessed to have great children. They have chosen well, and their companions feel so much like my own.

Sons who love their wives, & have provide well for their families. Teaching one another how to hand life challenges, and supporting each other in wisdom when called upon. Creators on their own. They know the power of loving their children.

And allowing me to love their children too! It's my all time favorite job!And Ryan said it best! When it comes to having fun and creating memories.......David knows how to do it best. David's middle name is FUN! Becca loves to gather the entire family! She has to prod David along to make it happen.........but when it happen's, it really happens. Ryan exclaimed, "Some of my favorite & funniest memories are at David's house!"
David is my Teacher! He is the "Laughter in our Family!" And when he allows our gatherings, it's all about MEMORIES! And memories last forever!

Nothing makes Memories better than the my 1926 Model T. It doesn't travel many miles each year, but the miles it travels scream MEMORY! I picked up Abby & Ben from school on their last day! When they saw me in the Model T, Abby started jumping and she screamed, "I love the Model T!" Once in the car, she & Ben began to sing,

"It's always fun when Grandma come, when Grandma comes, Hurray!

She always says the nicest things and in the nicest way.

She has a wrinkley twinkly smile, she's happy all the day.

It's always fun for everyone, when Grandma comes.

It's always fun to come from school, and knock upon her door.

She bends right down and kisses us, then heads right to the drawer.

Into a tiny plastic bag, from bottles of every kind.

She creates for us a treat of the day, and all of it is mine."

Memories! Making Memories.....That's what life is all about. And good memories are treasured and bad memories need to be trashed!

When Kris McIntire graduated from high school (Kris is Shauna's little brother!), McIntires had Tim & I over for their celebration feast! The Model T was beckoned and we took Lynette, Mom & Dad Weight and Lori's 95 year old grandfather for a ride. Old timers feel right at home in the Model T.

Losing my girl to Colorado

Mary Ann & Alan's make up & natures have always been so much alike, should it surprise me that they will be neighbors this fall in Highlands Ranch, Colorado?

My "Handyman" (Ryan) after graduating honors from BYU this spring is taking my second princess across the rockies to live with precious grandchildren in Colorado...........I am happy and very sad at the same time. I have loved it way too much........having them just across the street, dropping by often, and being available to help me through problems. I've decided I love my children and their families way too much!

I'm constantly asking myself, "What mother could be prouder of all her children......strong, independent, wise, spiritual, educated, employed, and willing to step into this world to create their spot on this planet? At the same time, what mother rejoices when her child steps away from her and says, "I can do it by myself!" In the heart of every mother, she rejoices......at the same time........she cries. She's given them every piece of herself, and when they leave, she knows they can stand strongly by themselves, yet she feels a deep sense of a "missing piece." So it is with me. My Mary Ann & her sweet family are accepting their new adventure with anticipation. And for me......I am so honored .......but apart of me is going far away with them. And silly me! I support them 110%. I think the only person who truly understands my heart is Julie Kaye, because Mary Ann is one of her dearest and closest friends too!

So I went to Colorado during the weekend of My 13-18th to help watch my handsome little Dayton while they search for their home in Highlands Ranch Colorado. Py (their realitor) was
so patient, hard working and supportive to help them find, just what they were looking for.

Meanwhile, my best friend Elle (3) and I took care of little Handsome. Elle, much like her mother, makes everyone feel welcome, and has lots of fun activities to do. Like building a fort for us to take a nap in, or singing special song like the Little Blue Man, Two Little Boys, or the special one: I Have Something in My Pocket. If we weren't singing, telling stories, or cuddling, she was out with her brothers playing in the front yard or help one of us with a project.

Karen waited patiently for this little princess to come into her life after having 3 boys. So when the boys are all busy playing sports or having to be taxied all over, Karen has a little friend to keep her happy and smiling. And Elle is quick to express how much she loves you and to acknowledge that "we are the best of friends, right Mom!" Karen allowed me to slip into this group during our stay.......and I was in heaven having Elle as "my special friend!"

Dayton is going to love Colorado. His cousins already dote over him and keep him happily entertained. If 6 year old Connor wasn't wrestling with him on the floor, then Chase was packing him around, teaching him how to play the Wii or finding something for him to eat. And Sam was showing him the power of a ball. Little Dayton, hardly knew his parents were gone.

Except when it came time to host his 6 year old birthday party! Then everyone was involved. First painting picture frames, playing golf, a fun run around the block, a treasure hunt, a pinyata, and of course the entire group taking on Coach Alan in a game of soccer. Now heat up the macaroni and cheese, fresh hot dogs off the barbeque and then off to school! A perfect birthday party for a perfect boy. (Mary Ann & Ryan were the runners for balloons, and picking up the prints of the group to put in their personally designed frames.)

My only handy cap on this adventure, was for some reason congestion got the best of me and I was sicker than a dog. I drained an entire box of Musinex and when I crashed with fatique, Elle was more than willing to tell me how loud I snored when I slept. (That's the beauty of children... the truth comes easily! But in my spair time, we managed to kick Karen & Alan out for an over nighter to celebrate Karen's 39th birthday. Karen (much like Tim) hates surprises, and was on Alan all day trying to find out what they were doing. And Alan seems to love yanking Karen's chain, and smiled & told her to let it go.......he had the evening totally under control. Quietly he had packed an over night bag for her......including her running clothes.......which later proved to be to his demise! The next day.......they returned panting......because Karen made him run an extra mile home! (Guess, turn around is fair play!)

On Saturday, Dayton & I went with Mary Ann & Ryan to review some of their "Home Possibilities." Two homes were at the top of the list. One, really close to Alan! (My heart selfishly screamed for this one because of the easy during visits) The other one was only 5 minutes away, but had all the things the kids desired. Comfort, space, and a big backyard for little Dayton to play in. This is the one I feel they will get. It backs right up to a wonderful recreation center where Dayton & his mom will spend alot of time while Dad's at work with Ernest & Young Accounting.

Later on that afternoon, Karen & Alan, treated me to a movie! I still wasn't feeling very good, but it was wonderful to get away from the house for awhile. Sunday, church started at 8:30, so Karen had everything in order for us to "get out the door!" (That's not always easy with extra guests, but it seem Karen's fortiet' is Organized Hosting! Food is simple, exits are fast, and kids know their place. (Karen's an excellent mother and her family is dependent on her inner strength to keep them eternally focused!)

I crashed right after church right next to Elle in our FORT bed. When we woke up, Alan had fixed his famous bacon wrapped shrimp! M-m-m-m-m and the puzzle that Aunt Mary Ann bought Connor for his birthday began. Pam Pisciotta and her two kids Adam & Marie came to assist! Now once Pam was here and had Karen organized........well, they never stopped until this 550 piece maze was completed! (Not an easy task......and all the rest of us had bailed!) Pam is one of those ladies who has become a good friend over time. Pam has had to face adversity head on, and chooses to live life happy & to the fullest. She is a dedicated mother and always has a warm embracing love for me when I visit Colorado.

Pam & Karen never stopped until all pieces were in place!
Tradition has it, that when "Grandma comes, Sam & I bake apple pies together." His Grandma Hunter is really the best cook, but Sam doesn't care about my cooking abilities......he just likes having a special activity with Grandma. And this day, we made two of the best apple pies we've ever made!

Like I said, "Elle makes everyone feel loved & speciall!"

President David O. McKay said, "True spirituality is victory over self!" Sunday May 17th was one such day for Elle Crockett. She went out front to join the activity in the front yard when she asked her dad, "Dad, can I ride my bike?" "Sure!" Alan replied. Then Elle asked, "Can I try riding the one without training wheels." Now you have to know the joy Alan feels when his children take upon themselves a new growing challenge. And this one became the highlight of the day. His little princess is one of courage and adventure and he is always willing to support them in a righteous desire. With helmet on, he held the little yellow bike until his princess felt secure. And with 10 steps, she was in flight all by herself!


"Elle, how does it feel to ride a two wheeler without traing wheels?"

I wish I had the recording of her calling Grandpa Crockett in Utah to tell him her exciting news.

Words can't express it & it's just one of those "you had to be there" moments of

"Victory over Self"

I have a few more weeks before my princess & her family leave Utah Valley for their Colorado adventure. I'll savor each moment with them while their close and condition myself to look forward to having more than one reason to fly or drive over the mighty rockies. I have no doubt that Ryan & Mary Ann will be happy. It's their nature to love life & make the best of it. And in time they will fill all 4 bedrooms in their new little home, and I will have reasons to visit and be apart of some of the new memories made within their new home. And like always, I will trust the powers of heaven to watch over and care for my children.

And I know that Elle will be Mary Ann's Best Friend!

Mother's Day for Me

Happy Mother's Day to all women. But above all women, I am surely the most blessed. My three daughters brought over a two seater red Radial Flyer Wagon for me yesterday, and I was thrilled beyond expression. It fits neatly behind my red tractor lawn mower to pull grandchildren in. Oh the smiles of the little ones to make life memorable and wonderful. You see, 39 years ago today (May 10th)Tim asked me to be the Queen of his Household. Little did I know then, that being that queen had alot of growing experiences ahead for me and that the "Happily Ever After" books, don't tell the entire story! But I have to say that my "Happily Ever After" is still going on and on and on! Having brought 8 beautiful children into this world, they have brought me the most joy and the happiest of all moments. Let me give you some of the most recent ones.Who recieves the most joy when your daughter marries a man who takes his education seriously. Not only did Ryan graduate this May, Cum Laude, but he was named BYU Outstanding Accountant for the University and already has an excellent job waiting for him with Ernest & Young in Colorado. (Now them moving away from me, is certainly not in the book of "Happy Moments." It's a Big Owey for all of us left behind who love spending time with them!) But I am happy to know that my Mary Ann & handsome Dayton will be taken care of and provide for by this Prince of Excellence. And then there was the moment we watched Aaron Jacob Crockett be one of the first graduates to graduate from Utah Valley University. Aaron has always been a young man who takes life at his own pace. However, when he set his sights on a goal, he "thrusted in his sickle with all his might" and with his determined soul, never gets distracted until he meets his goal. His graduation was a very Happy moment for me to see him complete his education! And the frosting on the cake came, when we found out he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Holy Cow! This kid finally acknowledged how smart he is and proved it to the world. He has now increased his capasity & potential working for Northwest Fencing and providing well for his family. Needless to say, this was another proud moment for this mother!He and Hauni have created such a wonderful home for their family, but now Max has a father who is not only patient, kind, and lovable but he examplifies having served a successful mission and beome a graduate from college.
I LUV MEMORIES! They're the pages in a mothers mind that make waking up each morning all worth while. Children! Wonderful wonderful children who bring honor to their name! Beautiful children enjoying life together...being each others "Best of Friends!" I've become more and more grateful that we have holidays & special events to STOP the hustle and bustle of our routine lives to regroup to have gatherings which build rejoicing MEMORIES. And I am just so blessed to have 7 living children with six elect spouses to gather with. (Michael on the other side of the veil joins with us I'm sure!) Being spoiled as a Mom makes life totally wonderful. Especially when the girls (Daughters and Daughter-in-laws alike) scoop you up and take you on a shopping spree and out to lunch.......just as girls! Then each time you reach in your closet for an especially selected piece of clothing or someone tells you how nice you look....a flood of joyful memories serge through your mind and your heart fills up with gladness. A joyful gladness that you chose to be a creatir & a Mother in Zion.Being a mother is all about creating a "LIFE-LINE" of special memories. Like going over to Colorado and having your 11 year old Grandson want to make Apple Pies together for his birthday. Or having each one of the grandchildren remember a moment when you were a BIG part of their life. Suddenly, all those years of trying to be a good Mother becomes sacred & rewarding.Especially when they're highlighted by the youngest (Shauna) creativity & special message.
A couple of Saturdays ago, Tim & I were invited to come to Ben & Abby's final soccer game. I awoke that morning hearing the rain pouring down outside. So I called David, thinking surely their games would be cancelled. To my surprise.....they weren't and the love that is stronger than the thundering skies made its way under unbrella to see these valiant little souls battle for a wet wet victory.Once again, honor could be no brighter than to hear the voice of your son urging his children to be agressive, run to the ball, and fear no other person on the opposing team. It was life in motion, and the honor is all mine. Each of the children totally delight in being apart of their childrens lives. The philosophy of "recycling" is eternal in nature. Now we watch our children doing with their children what Tim & I did with ours. Oh how many 100's of games Tim & I went to and watched......cheering as if our children were the worlds best! And the truth is.....they still are. And I am honored to be their Mother! And the frosting on my cake is......one of them carries my name!