To my Mom:
I love you. I kept thinking of people I could give the necklace to. It had to be someone special, someone who has touched my life. Someone who I love and admire. I thought about my sisters, some cousins, my best friend, and new friends that I have made recently, but I always came back to my mom.
My mom has always been there for me through thick and thin. She has always been my best friend and advocate. We might not agree on everything, our taste is sometimes a little different, and we have different ways of doing things, but we still love each other.
My mom loves the fall, gardening, decorating, cooking, reading, being silly, helping others, drinking diet coke, watching John Wayne, drinking more diet coke, going on walks and talking, doing family history, and being with her family.
The last several years of my life have been a little different than I would have imagined. Very difficult at times really, but through it all my mom was always by my side helping me, comforting me, encouraging me. There is no way I could have made it through the last couple of years without my mom. I am so blessed to have a mother like her. I hope someday I can be the kind of mother she is to me.
I love you mom, I hope you have a great day!
-Anna
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Anna's Day
[Editor's Note: Click here to read about why Anna got a necklace]
"Gold Hearted" experience.....
First off I want to tell my sister-in-law Brandy how much I love her. I too remember that first Christmas when she spent the night very well. I actually think about that almost every Christmas. I really am thankful for her in my life. She has been a good example to me of what it means to be steady, loving and enduring. And she makes the best brownies ever! I don't often enough tell her that I love her and how grateful I am for her in my life. I love you Brandy.
I couldn't decide when to wear the necklace. I had thought about it for a good two weeks. Should I pick a day that I knew was going to be hard, special or just randomly pick a day and put it on. I decided to be random and put it on one day over a pink shirt I was wearing. It was just the right touch for my outfit and my heart that day.
It seems like I have filled my life up with busy things at the moment and so life can be a little hairy for me at times. I have kept the heart necklace for almost a month now and I have picked someone to hand it off to. Before I tell you who it is though, I want to tell you how I am grateful for strong women. For the past month I have thought about all of the women in my life who have touched and strengthened me. When I wore my necklace I found myself walking a little taller as if I was filled with more determination to make it a good day.
Remembrance, I think is what I gained from this experience. Remembering that there are good women all around and to try to make my days a little better because of their examples.
"Gold Hearted" experience.....
First off I want to tell my sister-in-law Brandy how much I love her. I too remember that first Christmas when she spent the night very well. I actually think about that almost every Christmas. I really am thankful for her in my life. She has been a good example to me of what it means to be steady, loving and enduring. And she makes the best brownies ever! I don't often enough tell her that I love her and how grateful I am for her in my life. I love you Brandy.
I couldn't decide when to wear the necklace. I had thought about it for a good two weeks. Should I pick a day that I knew was going to be hard, special or just randomly pick a day and put it on. I decided to be random and put it on one day over a pink shirt I was wearing. It was just the right touch for my outfit and my heart that day.
It seems like I have filled my life up with busy things at the moment and so life can be a little hairy for me at times. I have kept the heart necklace for almost a month now and I have picked someone to hand it off to. Before I tell you who it is though, I want to tell you how I am grateful for strong women. For the past month I have thought about all of the women in my life who have touched and strengthened me. When I wore my necklace I found myself walking a little taller as if I was filled with more determination to make it a good day.
Remembrance, I think is what I gained from this experience. Remembering that there are good women all around and to try to make my days a little better because of their examples.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Stephanie
The person I chose to pass the cool necklace onto is my oldest and only sister I have. We are 4 years apart, most people would think that we have been close as sisters are usually when growing up, but it wasn't like that for us. We didn't really bond or get to know each other as we should have. She was living her life and I was living mine.. we were so different from each other. It wasn't until she had Mckenna, her daughter, that it made me just want to be a better sister to her. I loved loved being an aunt, and Stephanie let me spoil her daughter like crazy! And to spoil her other 3 children too.
Stephanie is a really cool person, she is a mom of 4 really adorable kids, a great wife and a true friend to all who know her. She lives with the gospel close to her heart, shares her faith and testimony with others. She is a true servant of our Heavenly Father. She's been my rock when I've needed her. I admit, I never would express that I need her there or anything since I'm a stubborn gal, but she would just come and be there anyways.
How lucky am I to have her as my sister? Let me tell you, through each "drama/challenge" I've had in my life, she's been there. I will always need my sister. Recently, she held my hand through a chapter in my life that I had endured. She loves my boys like they are her own, they love Aunt Stephanie, and our kids are great cousins. Her children are so loved by her, even her youngest, when he sleeps over, all night, he cries, "I want my mommmmm"...that's how much love she has for her children.
Steph's my sister and my best friend. I remember this picture frame she made for me more than 15 years ago with a quote that said, "Sisters by Chance, Friends by Choice." It's so true. I am glad I've gotten to know her more and more over the years and I adore her.
Steph, I think you are cool..lya.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Whitney's Day
Whitney's day with the Necklace...
Hey, I knew this was the day that I wanted to wear the necklace, since I was given the necklace a couple days prior. Heidi chose me as the gal she thinks is cool. Gosh, I can only say, Heidi, you know you are way cooler... I just love you and thanks for thinking of me.
I started the day off by taking my boys to the park that's adjacent to the apartment we used to live at so long ago, while waiting to meet up with my sister and her kids for the scarecrow festival. I loved reminiscing about how much fun it was to take my boys to the park when the oldest was 3 and the youngest was 1. The good old days! It's one of my favorite parks. I chased the boys around the playground; of course, I was always "It".
Next, we met up with my sister and her 4 kids to spend the day at the Scarecrow Festival, a yearly tradition we look forward to. The weather was perfect considering it was supposed to be raining hard the whole time we were there and it never rained once. THE LUCKY NECKLACE! It was so fun to be with my sister and her kids. After the festival, driving home, I was looking through the rear view mirror and watching my 2 boys talk to each other, "Our mom is really cool, OK, trade me a Lego piece huh?" yes, of course I cried!!
I am blessed. I am happy. I am loved. My sister's older 3 kids came to spend the night with us. We watched Monsters vs. Aliens movie, and made dinner. Then loaded all the kids in the car to go to the airport to pick up my husband who was out of town for a job interview. Afterwards, we went to my in-law's house to give Russ' dad a blessing before his surgery the following day. All the kids were tuckered out in the car on the way home, what an easy sleepover!
It was a fun and busy day... I loved feeling the necklace throughout the day and thinking about Heidi and how she thinks I'm cool... what a good feeling. Thanks. That's my day! Ta-Da! lya!
Hey, I knew this was the day that I wanted to wear the necklace, since I was given the necklace a couple days prior. Heidi chose me as the gal she thinks is cool. Gosh, I can only say, Heidi, you know you are way cooler... I just love you and thanks for thinking of me.
I started the day off by taking my boys to the park that's adjacent to the apartment we used to live at so long ago, while waiting to meet up with my sister and her kids for the scarecrow festival. I loved reminiscing about how much fun it was to take my boys to the park when the oldest was 3 and the youngest was 1. The good old days! It's one of my favorite parks. I chased the boys around the playground; of course, I was always "It".
Next, we met up with my sister and her 4 kids to spend the day at the Scarecrow Festival, a yearly tradition we look forward to. The weather was perfect considering it was supposed to be raining hard the whole time we were there and it never rained once. THE LUCKY NECKLACE! It was so fun to be with my sister and her kids. After the festival, driving home, I was looking through the rear view mirror and watching my 2 boys talk to each other, "Our mom is really cool, OK, trade me a Lego piece huh?" yes, of course I cried!!
I am blessed. I am happy. I am loved. My sister's older 3 kids came to spend the night with us. We watched Monsters vs. Aliens movie, and made dinner. Then loaded all the kids in the car to go to the airport to pick up my husband who was out of town for a job interview. Afterwards, we went to my in-law's house to give Russ' dad a blessing before his surgery the following day. All the kids were tuckered out in the car on the way home, what an easy sleepover!
It was a fun and busy day... I loved feeling the necklace throughout the day and thinking about Heidi and how she thinks I'm cool... what a good feeling. Thanks. That's my day! Ta-Da! lya!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Barb
Barb is alone now. Her dear husband passed away 3 years ago. They were such a cute couple. He had grey hair, a mustache, and always reminded me of an English gentleman. He called me Maggie and always greeted me with a hug. They wanted a family, but they were never able to have one. They had a dog that they both loved, but he died just a few days after Bob. That was a double heartbreak for her. Barb will not know the joy I know with my large posterity in this life. But in the next life she will!
She is so pleasant and fun to be around. She doesn't dwell on the death of Bob, or the lack of children. She is sentimental and tears up really easy about Bob, and things that remind her of him. But her tears are brief, and then she cheers up again. She has handled the loneliness by accepting invitations to go places with friends (and she has a lot of them). She kept her job volunteering at the Church Office Building. She goes to football games. She comes to the temple each week. She is my dear 'temple friend'.
She makes jams and gives them to friends and neighbors and everytime we pick her up for something. She comes to our annual Christmas party and mixes in really well with everyone. She is little and cute and always so well groomed. She always wears a smile and makes you feel good to just be around her.
Another sorrow she has is she is the only member in her family. She is from Nova Scotia and goes there every summer to visit her sisters. I know other friends could add to this list, but this is what impresses me. She is such a good example to me. My life has been really enriched to have a friend like Barb. And Barb, "I love you"! xo xo
She is so pleasant and fun to be around. She doesn't dwell on the death of Bob, or the lack of children. She is sentimental and tears up really easy about Bob, and things that remind her of him. But her tears are brief, and then she cheers up again. She has handled the loneliness by accepting invitations to go places with friends (and she has a lot of them). She kept her job volunteering at the Church Office Building. She goes to football games. She comes to the temple each week. She is my dear 'temple friend'.
She makes jams and gives them to friends and neighbors and everytime we pick her up for something. She comes to our annual Christmas party and mixes in really well with everyone. She is little and cute and always so well groomed. She always wears a smile and makes you feel good to just be around her.
Another sorrow she has is she is the only member in her family. She is from Nova Scotia and goes there every summer to visit her sisters. I know other friends could add to this list, but this is what impresses me. She is such a good example to me. My life has been really enriched to have a friend like Barb. And Barb, "I love you"! xo xo
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Margaret's Day
Debbie gave me a 'leaf necklace' to wear for one day and then I am supposed to give it to someone else. I have had it for 2 weeks, because I wanted to wear it on a 'special day' and I have too many to choose from. And there are too many 'special' people to give it to.
Today was a 'special' day. Lee [my husband] and I went to the temple, then I went to Jenny's [my daughter's] for lunch, wearing the necklace for the first time. I told all of them I couldn't decide who to give it to. How do I chose between 3 daughters, and 6 daughter-in-laws, let alone the granddaughters. Then I thought about Jeannie [my sister] and then Barb [a close friend]. I wore it for 3 hours, and because I am old, am breaking the rules a little. I am going to wear it a couple of more times. I don't think I will be struck dead for that decision. [Editor's Note: rest assured readers, Margaret is still alive and well.]
October 16, Friday
I wore the necklace to the temple today, put it under my shirt (it was a turtle neck) and then in the recorder room a big drop of blood just fell from my nose. So annoying! So I had to rent a dress for the rest of the morning, so maybe it wasn't a good idea to wear the necklace that day.
October 18, Sunday
I wore the necklace all day. What a fun day! We went to Jenny's ward for their Primary program, and then to Chris & Jenn's [son and daughter-in-law] for dinner for our birthdays. When we got there, their kids met us at the door. Then all of a sudden there was A___ & B___! And then P___, J___ and R____ appeared! [these are all more grandchildren, names omitted for safety] Chris had invited them all for a surprise and it was so wonderful. I was just overcome by the thoughtfulness and love of everyone.
In Chris's family they all say something nice about the birthday person and they all did it for me and Lee. Several said they liked me because I gave good advice and was such a good listener. I just hope I can live up to all of that.
I wore the necklace all day, and now I will turn it over. I have chosen to give it to Barb. I love these wonderful daughters, and daughters-in-law so much. They all mean so much to me in different ways. They are wonderful mothers, they are faithful in the gospel, they are so supportive of each other and want to be with each other and promote togetherness with all the family. I loved them first, because our sons loved them. Then each, in their own way, won their place in my heart, and I thank Heavenly Father for each of them every single day. All the granddaughters are so precious too. The older ones now have families of their own, and they have all the good traits of their parents. The little ones are so fun to see grow and develop their own individual personalities. The middle ones are turning into beautiful young ladies themselves and have so much potential and so many talents. I would like to name each of them by name, and why they mean so much to me, but it would take pages.
As I thought of all these wonderful people I wanted to have a necklace for each one of them. So how do I chose one? I don't. I have chosen Barb, and here is why.
[Tune in tomorrow to hear about Barb]
Today was a 'special' day. Lee [my husband] and I went to the temple, then I went to Jenny's [my daughter's] for lunch, wearing the necklace for the first time. I told all of them I couldn't decide who to give it to. How do I chose between 3 daughters, and 6 daughter-in-laws, let alone the granddaughters. Then I thought about Jeannie [my sister] and then Barb [a close friend]. I wore it for 3 hours, and because I am old, am breaking the rules a little. I am going to wear it a couple of more times. I don't think I will be struck dead for that decision. [Editor's Note: rest assured readers, Margaret is still alive and well.]
October 16, Friday
I wore the necklace to the temple today, put it under my shirt (it was a turtle neck) and then in the recorder room a big drop of blood just fell from my nose. So annoying! So I had to rent a dress for the rest of the morning, so maybe it wasn't a good idea to wear the necklace that day.
October 18, Sunday
I wore the necklace all day. What a fun day! We went to Jenny's ward for their Primary program, and then to Chris & Jenn's [son and daughter-in-law] for dinner for our birthdays. When we got there, their kids met us at the door. Then all of a sudden there was A___ & B___! And then P___, J___ and R____ appeared! [these are all more grandchildren, names omitted for safety] Chris had invited them all for a surprise and it was so wonderful. I was just overcome by the thoughtfulness and love of everyone.
In Chris's family they all say something nice about the birthday person and they all did it for me and Lee. Several said they liked me because I gave good advice and was such a good listener. I just hope I can live up to all of that.
I wore the necklace all day, and now I will turn it over. I have chosen to give it to Barb. I love these wonderful daughters, and daughters-in-law so much. They all mean so much to me in different ways. They are wonderful mothers, they are faithful in the gospel, they are so supportive of each other and want to be with each other and promote togetherness with all the family. I loved them first, because our sons loved them. Then each, in their own way, won their place in my heart, and I thank Heavenly Father for each of them every single day. All the granddaughters are so precious too. The older ones now have families of their own, and they have all the good traits of their parents. The little ones are so fun to see grow and develop their own individual personalities. The middle ones are turning into beautiful young ladies themselves and have so much potential and so many talents. I would like to name each of them by name, and why they mean so much to me, but it would take pages.
As I thought of all these wonderful people I wanted to have a necklace for each one of them. So how do I chose one? I don't. I have chosen Barb, and here is why.
[Tune in tomorrow to hear about Barb]
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