October Solo Trip to Denver

With Gerald Lund's tapes of "The Fire of the Covenant," to keep my mind busy, I hoped in my little white Taurus at 3 o'clock a.m. & headed to Denver to see the kids. My brother Michael & his wife sold their summer mansion in Sedalia and I wanted to go help them do some packing as well. (Moving is such a big job......I hate it...... but I couldn't comprehend what they were going to do with all their belongings from this hugh house. But children, siblings, and relatives helped them find homes for everything.)

I left Tim home to face his MASTER project of sorting boxes. He's more than a little grumping with this project at the same time he knows it needs to be done.......especially when he told me if he didn't have it completed by Oct. 31 at 4:00 p.m.........I could haul everything to D. I.! I jumped on that contract like a hungary cat seeing a fat mouse!) Anyway I left him to sprawl all over the house and do what he needed to to get organized.

Mary Ann called me about 7:30 when she got up and was surprised that I was almost to Vail. By this time I was starting to get a little tired and pulled over to buy me a Dr. Pepper to help keep me awake. The only problem is.......drinking 32 oz. creates another problem. Oh the inventions you have to create when nature calls. And I did! But the back door was open and a relief station was waiting when I arrived at 10. It felt like I had added an entire day to my trip. My happy and delightful Elle was glad to see me. Elle is so playful and is busy in preschool, play group and following in the shadow of her mother, she seems to find time to play with Grandma. She made me promise to sleep with her one night, and so Friday night we opened the door for Karen & Alan to have some "together time" while the kids and I had a party. Ryan, Dayton, & Mary Ann came over and we just played together. Sam & I traditionally make apple pies. With Grandpa sending us with some fresh apples off our tree, it made making pie a cinch. M-m-m-m! Sam is quite the cook and even Elle made two little ones for she and Dayton! Everyone was so proud!
Saturday, Sam was suppose to play soccer at 7:30 in the moring. Sam & Alan were up at 6:15 to get ready and leave for warm ups. Then Karen got all the kids up and we began to bundle with layer upon layers of clothers. It was really cold. Just before we left, the phone rang and it was Alan calling to tell us the game had been cancelled due to snow. I hated that I didn't get to watch Sam play, but it didn't hurt my feelings that we didn't have to freeze to death!
We just hung around the house and froze. I asked Alan if he never turned on his furnace. We were all freezing. Alan said he didn't like to turn it on for just one day......he didn't like the "Start up dust and smell." So I sat by the fire place while he and Karen snuggled on the couch. They were enjoying just having a day to relax at home and play with the kids. (Every Saturday is wall to wall soccer games for the 3 boys......Elle is the favorite cheerleader and her mother's favorite companion!) Dayton doesn't know any better, and Alan is just happy to have another Crockett family over in Highland's Ranch......especially Mary Ann to do his loan processing for him.

Alan is a wonderful Dad. He's diligent in creating his new business and is so supportive with the boys and their soccer teams. Watching him play with the kids outside, you could tell his skills have advanced right along with the boys. He's Connor's coach, but he's right there in dress & kind with Sam on the Olympic team.

Elle loves to dance, and pull funny faces. She melted my heart when she wrapped her arms around my leg and begged me to please come for her birthday in December. I would be there in a minute.....but I think Mom & Dad have other plans! Bigger and better ones silently wait for a December surprise. But on Friday after being down a Uncle Mike's helping pack in the morning, I got to join up with the family to go to the movies...........Elle and Connor sat on each side of me as we wander through a animated movie about an eternal food fight created by an amature inventor who longed to be famous. Holy Cow......kids have high technology movies and bazaar ideas to keep them entertained. I liked watching their faces and eating hot butter popcorn with the family.

Karen is a great mother. She loves her family and serves them tirelessly. She runs a tight ship and helps the kids get to all their activities........school, church, scouts, soccer games & practice, play group, pre-school and they always are clean, well dressed, and encouraged to do & be their best. There's no way to measure the value of a good mother.

Oh how I miss my little friend Dayton since he & his family has moved to Denver. He was just starting to walk when he moved and now he runs, kicks his soccer ball, and squeels, "Peeze" when anyone has treats or he needs something. He's so darn cute and melts my heart quickly.

With the exception of hurting my sweet daugther in law, this was a perfect opportunity to just visit, play and be with the kids in their normal habitate.

Chase plays soccer too! Chase has a magic smile much like Uncle Davy's! His eyes glitter as he teases and he's loves to cheat while playing game. It's almost impossible to get made at the guy, because he melts you with his tender nature and laughing eyes. We stopped at Block Buster to pick up a Wii game for him! He loves the Wii and can play it for hours. Especially when Uncle Ryan comes over.......those two are as happy as a hen with a nest full of eyes while playing the Wii together.

As for Dayton.....with Elle & Connor around.....he hasn't had time to miss Grandma's attention. All kinds of store bought toys in the cupboard, Dayton's favorite pass time was being pulled around in an apple box lid by Connor. Connor is such a good, conscienceous and very attendive boy, that making Dayton happy & content was worth all his attention.

Andy & Betsy Price & their two girls decided to stay with Mary Ann for the weekend so I spent the first two nights at the Ahlstrom's new palace and Sam was very kind to give up his big bed so I could spend the next two nights with Karen & Alan. For 9 years, Karen & Alan's family have had us all to themselves when we've visited Colorado. It's kind of awkward & I found myself feeling "divided" & unsure while I was there this time. With company, church meetings, church assignments, and Sunday routines, I decided to leave early Sunday morning to get back to my own ward's fast & testimony meeting. This had been an "unexpected trip" & my plans were really undefined, so I was anxious to return home.

Once again, "The Fire of the Covenant" was my partner in travel. I do have to say, "Miracles come in many fashions." I noticed that my odometer was about to turn 77,777 and so I slowed down, pulled off to the side of the road to take a picture. Little did I know that that simple interruption may have saved my life. About 10 minutes later, traffic was stopped & backed up. I pulled a pair of binoculars that I had forgotten to give one of the boys, and scoped out what the delay was. About 1/2 mile up the road, a semi truck had hit a pick up head on. As I reflected on the scene, I realized that at 80 mph traveling a 1/2 mile would have passed rather quickly. I had pulled over to take my picture and could have very likely have been in the place of the pick up truck. I returned home safe & sound, showed and ready to go to church. Needless to say, I gave a lot of thanks as well!

I'm Alive & in Full Color

From Golf Course Eye Level
To finding a "CLOSED" Road to over view Heber Valley

Fall Colors in their PRIME!

The Relief Center

If some have wondered where the last few months have absorbed me, you might say, "Tim's retired & we are in transition mode." Or it might be....."M-m-m-m Mary Ann moved to Denver & after 4 trips over to find her a home, move her over and then see her successfully settled" might take some time. Tim & I made a trip to Priest Lake with Hauni & Aaron for a week, and then of course, getting back to starting art lessons, transitioning into having Julie Washburn Jensen taking over Shauna's 4 classes, and just living life with family. It all takes time and I truly have been busy.

Each fall Tim & I try to take a ride to see the fall colors. Sometimes it's been successful. Other times we've met up with disaster and a pledge to "never to do it again!" Well, we've made it through 8 months of learning to bridge our differences and make happy memories being around each other 24/7. But this years visit to Midway was a total success. One thing that I have learned about Tim is.....he may suck at organization but he loves to get out and do things. We've done a dinner, a concert, a play....etc....every week for the past few months. Social activities are not my forte' but they are Tims. Now we just have to find the balance in all things!

So let me take you on a little trip up through the colors!

Note the sign......we were on Snake Creek Rd on a very SUCCESSful Trail of memories. This year Tim & I have been married 39 years! And just like President Hinckley says, "We travel over a lot of hills, rocky roads, and valleys and every once in a while we have memorable visitas." Well that pretty much describes the last 39 years of life for the Crocketts. However, through it all, I feel like we both have learned to focus on the positive, accept differences, and finally.....success is really between he and I. (The last one is mostly for me!) No one can solve your problems but you. And our Fall Color trip was a perfect example.

Tim first treated me to a wonderful lunch at the Homestead in Midway. We have wonderful memories of Midway. It's where we first started our marriage and it was fitting to revisit.

After dinner we started up toward the State Park, but I suggested we go up Snake Creek Canyon. Tim was willing. Going past the golf course was a beautiful sight.

The reds, oranges and greens mixed together were breath taking.

Over the years, Tim & I have had to LOOK UP a lot. We have been blessed with wonderful, independent children who are anchored in the gospel teachings and centering their lives around family. They're so centered, Tim & I often wonder if they forgot we were alive. However, there are those who make regular visits.....bring the love and laughter of the grandchildren over, and then of course, Tim & I venture out to see if they're still alive as well.

Tim is experiencing, loosing some of his eye sight due to his diabetes & my ability to move as quickly as I used to, seems to create a drain on energy levels. But we have been blessed with a rich abundance of blessings. We have a comfortable home, a terrific neighborhood, a fun filled yard, and future full of hope.

As we drove up the canyon, I experience a mortal emergency! I told Tim, we would need to go down to find facilities. Then I noticed a blue box up on the hill. It was the answer to our problem.

I left Tim taking pictures, jumped in the car and drove up this dirt road to the blue box. Relief was Sure! Ah-h-h-h! But I decided to drive up the road a bit. I had only gone a little way when I realized I needed to go get Tim. I had found a gold mine of beauty......and for the first time in a very long time......my sudden urge had lead us to a resouceful blessing.

From the golf course view to over looking the valleys from above. It was a private road (usually closed) but today it was an opportunity of a life time. We were planning to travel up around Sundance....but we spent all our time enjoying the beauties and over looks from our "found trail".

I'm not sure why I have had to discover life kind of "backwards" but that's the way it's been for me. From learning how to be a "girl" and finally my personal value to recognizing my responsibilities in companionship....it's just seemed to evolve back to front. Nevertheless, I am soooooooooooo grateful to my Heavenly Father for my learning processes and that I know He has loved & known me perfectly. Whatever way we need to learn or have to learn.....He will send it the way we will recieve it.......along with the people who need to teach us & support us.

I'm grateful for ALL the colors in my life!

Meg's Miracle.......

"There's NO chance, NO fate, NO destiny, that can hinder circumvent or control.....

The firm resolve of the determined soul!"

We believe in miracles and are asking everyone who does to join hands in creating one!!!!!

Be an "Believing ANGEL" and Visit:

www.megs miracle.blogspot.com

Spontaneous Family Fun

Who needs Sparklers or Fireworks on the 24 of July

Pioneer Day screams family,

So.....everyone, get your swim wear on,
Gather together! And let the fun begin!

Julie Kaye, Sydnee Sage, & Travis called to ask family members if they wanted to go boating on the 24th of July. DUH!!!! Who wouldn't jump at a chance like that. With little notice & a deep desire to be together, everyone was on board and away we went. Thank you Travis & Julie Kaye for making LIFE HAPPEN!

Davy even broke away from the building of his new home to join us. Davy is the life and laughter of all our family parties. It was so interesting to call the up each family.......each of them asked, "Is Davy going!" Davy just means FUN! Becca knows he'll have fun when he gets there, so even if Davy is grumbling at home, Becca is wonderful to get everything ready......from kids to cart......because she knows that Davy will have a great time, once he's with family.

Thanks Becca Jane! You take care of us all!

Treats were simple as we visited Lindon Boat Harbor......just 10 minutes away.
Travis had us in the water by 11 o'clock, and we had a perfect place right on the shore line under shaded trees to play games & visit while we took turns with Travis out on the boat.

Being together is easy for Samantha & Max who are the best of friends

Hauni is a great mother & takes good care of her boys!

And of course the newest forth grade teacher at Provo's Timpanogoes Elementary (Shauna Lynn) was there to help Davy make life exciting & fun playing the roll of

Ma Fricker with Pa Davy.

Even the little tots had fun. Sydnee Sage who is just 5 months & Izzy (8 months) laughed together as they shared a frito bag together.
They loved how it crackled when they grabbed it!

Shauna Lynn, Ben, & Becca getting the sandwiches ready!

Yuk, Ben......... You're suppose to make them look YUMMY!

Samantha wanted to take a picture of Grandma....

.......bit all she got was Grandma's stoke & wrinkley chin!

Aunt Michelle (Becca's sister) is part Crockett

She makes anything fun because she'll jump in with the kids & be one with them!

Literally!

While back on the shore line, Sydnee Sage enjoys the privacy & pleasure

of her very own pool!

Dayton would have joined her, if he & Mary Ann had stayed home from

their Denver visit. Oh, well........it meant nudity for Sydnee!

By the end of the day........a good nap sounded really good to all.

Thank you Uncle Travis, for sharing your time, your talents,

and everything you possess to create Family Fun!

What a Wonderful Day we had being together!

My July Sparklers!

July means fun......no matter what kind you dream up.

These are Grandchildren torturing a poor little grasshopper. They were so unified on the idea and having so much fun, we just had to stop and take their picture.So JUMP in and let the fun begin!
The Crockett family is about to have a BLAST together
and of course Uncle Davy is making it happen with the boys.

I've watched 1000's of explosive fire works throughout my life as they color the dark July skies, raising thrills of excitment for viewers. But nothing sparks up my life more than when our family gathers to be together and have fun. Monica & Ori Martin's were great to allow us to use their wondeful pool where cousins laughed and parents delighted in playing together.Afterwards we went back to our house where we feasted on BBQ hamburger & hotdogs, laughing and mingling.....strengthen friendships and telling adverturesome stories.
As I watched the children inter-mingle, my emotions were flooded once again with gratitude.
Each of them are strong & healthy. Each one spiritually centered and highly educated. Each one of them willing to work together and work hard providing for themselves and their families.
Each one of them are CREATORS and know that if they hold hands with Deity.....
Anything is possible!
And each one of them good friends with their siblings.
What mother could ask for more?

And of course, it never ceases to amaze me, but when Karen & Alan come into town,

it's time to "Gather" and that's just fine with me.Little Sydnee Sage is the youngest member of our family, and her mother

jumps into holidays, hook, line and sinker!

Sydnee Sage is as adorable and highly decorated as any.

This mouth is "RED, WHITE, & BLUE!"
And Crockett's are glad to live in America.

Grandma jumps on her little tractor lawn mower, and hooks up

her little red wagon & Grandchildren gather to take their turn for a ride.

And "I'm in Heaven!"
Let the celebrations begin! And nothing in this world does it more for me than surrounding myself with family and grandchildren. This July, Tim bought Old Navy shirts for he and I and all the grandchildren. We gathered on the 4th of July for a big pancake breakfast and let the children play in the backyard while we visited.Could you find a more beautiful group of children anywhere?
NOPE! These little folk are celestial in nature and goodness.

Nathan Harward jumped in the group and found out how much fun having alot of cousins can be.

Ben wasn't sure he could come to Grandma's house this summer because Nathan was coming to stay from Texas. But Ben soon found out that at Grandma's house, there is always room for one more.
Isabelle Delight with her 4th of July bow, is amazed at all the excitment going on.
Chelsie is the oldest, at 15 years and loves swimming in Monica Martin's pool.
Chelsie doesn't like all the chaos of family, so she usually is listening to music through her ear phones or inside listening to a music filled video.

This is her younger sister Allie with her "attitude" pose. She's the queen

at her house and loves copying her mother in EVERY way.

(Only Candice doesn't have the attitude pose!)

Coope is all smiles and loves life in every direction.

He looks so much like his daddy at his age, it's like watching life as a re-run.
Cooper will always seems so excited to see me, and knows exactly where

the treat jars are. But his special little "goodbye" kiss melt my heart.

(He didn't get that from his Dad. Getting a hug or a kiss from his Dad is like asking

someone to move Mt. Timpanoges with a spoon!)

Little 10 month old Dayton is my special little boy friend. He's been staying at our house for the past month with his motherwhile Mary Ann and Ryan make their transition & move over to Colorado. Ryan came over for a week to take his first CPA exam and to spend time

with his family. Mary Ann will fly over there during the weekend of the 24th and then

Dad will come back the 6 of August to take another exam & attend an Ahlstrom family reunion and then the entire family will migrate to their new home in Highland's Ranch, Colorado.

(Mary Ann has to finish up work at American Lending )
Boo Hoo Boo Hoo for Grandma

Max makes my life a SONG because every night he has to sing
his bedtime song he made up.
"Grandma's house is so much fun, she has so many toys.
She has some treats, she has atramp, she has a slide,
Grandma's house s so much fun!"
Needless to say, Max melts my heart with his big brown eyes, but the song is
my fulness of joy!

My little red wagon my girls gave too me for Mother's day makes traveling

with Grandma a sweet experience. We found out you have to be kind of careful pulling

big kids behind the trackor and down hills!

The tires stick side ways & we almost broke it.

It's really just made for little tikes.
I had created a treasure hunt for the kids......which is always one of their favorite activities. But Aunt Karen took the obstacle course and made "Crockett Competition" come alive. Each of the kids ran it two or three times each trying to beat their times. Even Karen & Alan took it on.

By the time everyone was seeminly finished, the babies wanted their turn to climb the pole, hit the ball, and race around the trees.

In my mind, I questioned myself if this Obstacle course would be a good idea. But it ended up being one of the best. (Especially because Grandma & Grandpa couldn't reschedule their massages and the kids NEEDED to stay outside so the house would remain quiet.

(Thank you Karen & Julie & Candice for makie it fun for all!)