Mother May I?

In honor of Mother's Day, a mothering post.

The weird black and white picture is a picture of my mom on her 50th wedding anniversary that I scanned. It was a color one but I must have done something wrong. I need my computer teacher, Lindsay Marie, to help me. But at least she is on there because she is my main tribute today. She has been gone almost 10 years now. Every year I choose someone to remember in honor of my mom since I can't send a card to her anymore. But I know she is watching over me and knows how much I love and appreciate all she taught me and did for me. Greg's mom , Kathryn is next, then,me and the grand-girls, and my big girls.

" All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother.” I have always loved this quote by Abraham Lincoln and I have it in my house. These words explain my feelings about my own mother. I believe it is true and many people feel the same way.

Another one of may favorites that I also have posted in my home is by David O. McKay.

Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world.”

And yet another one I recently saw and posted in my house.

" Mothering is like getting pecked to death by a chicken"

No matter how calmly you try to referee, parenting will eventually produce bizarre behavior, and I’m not talking about the kids. Their behavior is always normal. — Bill Cosby



My friend Judy says "mothering is not for the faint of heart." So true.

I have many mother's and grandmother's I want to pay tribute to:

My mother Jane, who I think was the smartest, and taught me so many valuable things.
Greg's mother, Kathryn, who taught Greg many good things that bless my life and the life of my children.
The mother's of my in-laws kids who raised wonderful spouses for my children to marry.
My grandmother's who raised my wonderful, loving parents. And all grandmother's who love and bless their grandchildren.
My daughter and daughter in-laws who do a wonderful job of mothering my grandchildren.
All the women who served in primary, nursery, sunday school, YM/YW, scouts,etc. who helped me raise my children and are helping other mother's to raise their children.
The school teachers who spent a huge part of their life with my kids teaching them.
My wonderful friends who have mothered my children right along with their own And those without children who love and nuture kids and adults alike.
All the women of the world that make a contribution to my life or the life of my family.

"The women that rock the cradle, rule the world." I believe mother's are the very foundation of life, the individual and the family. Mother's make the greatest contribution to the world. Their love and sacrifice is tremendous and far-reaching.

I appreciate my own mother and all that she did to help me become who I am. There isn't a day that goes by, that I don't think of her or something she taught me. I appreciate her example of being a loving, devoted mother and making me want to be a mother and have a family of my own. Of all the things I could have done with my life, mothering my children has to be the best choice I could have made. It is one of the hardest but most rewarding. And now I am enjoying the fruits of my labors and the labors of many others as I admire my 5 wonderful children, their spouses, and my 10 beautiful grandchildren.

A shout out to all mothers.........you are loved and appreciated by many.

The Graduate

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” Henry David Thoreau

Clayton graduates from Georgetown Law School on May 18th. We are really proud of him and are excited to see him walk across the stage. We are excited that he will be working in DC so will still be close enough to come home for visits. if you want to give him a shout out.....you can post on my blog...he wouldn't miss reading his dear old mama's blog:)
Clayton you are awesome.........we all love you very much and wish you the very best in your future endeavors.

Baby Blessings

Yesterday our new granddaughter ,Tess Annabelle Romans, received her name and blessing. We were sad we were unable to be there but are glad Jordan could give us a review. And we are glad they had so much family support. There were mostly Grider's( Melissa's family) but we had a few from the Romans' side there. Our nephew, Stan Rosen, was able to be in the circle representing the Romans boys. Greg's 2 sisters, Phyliss and Cynthia and a few of their children also came. It sounded like they had a lovely day. I think Baby Tess looks so adorable and we are so excited to meet her. We are so happy and proud of Jordan's family and love them all very much.

We also had a nice day here. I flew home from Atlanta Sunday morning just in time to make it to testimony meeting. Greg and Denton were asked to be in the circle for a baby blessing for our friends, Christian and Ashlee Hansen and their baby Carter Lee. The cool thing is that Greg stood in the circle when Christian, the daddy, was blessed in Illinois. Lee, his father was the Bishop and Greg , his counselor. When the ward split, Greg was called as Bishop of the new ward and actually went to work with Lee. They were very good friends. I was friends with the wife Nancy..she served as the stake YW secretary to me when I was Stake YW president. But I actually knew her when we were 17...we were debutantes together in California. Imagine my surprise when she showed up in my ward in Moline, Illinois. And then imagine being even more surprised when Christian and Ashlee moved into our ward in Richmond, Virginia. I used to babysit him. Lee, his dad, died of a brain tumor when he was 12...the week we had the fire. So it was really awesome for Greg to be in the circle for the grandson of one of his very good friends who had passed away. And I felt like I was there for Nancy. Lee would be so proud of his kids...they all turned out really great. I felt his presence yesterday. Christian, Ashlee and I all bore our testimonies. Christian home teaches Denton. He is our ward clerk and Denton is the stake clerk. So amazing, Who would have thought all this would happen when those little boys were sliding down the indoor slide of my basement jungle gym when they were playing together 28 years ago. I don't know all the method to the madness but I know there are many connections that are more than circumstance in this life. I know Heavenly Father has a plan and we don't always know why people cross our paths. I am grateful to be a part of the plan. Blessing babies that have just left heaven is a good reminder of Heavenly Father's love and goodness.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Here we are... not really. But this could have been us at one stage or another. We like to say "We are still HOT, only it comes in flashes now".

Today I am flying to Atlanta to meet my peeps. I have been going on trips with these girls for 22+ years. We usually meet somewhere in the US and party hardy for a few days. Great food, lots of talki ng, a romantic comedy or two, shopping... and everything else girls like to do (without kids or husbands) We will miss Angie this year... at the last minute she had to attend her niece's wedding and festivities. Hopefully sh e can use her ticket for another fun get-a-way. We have figured out over the years that short weekend trips are the best without a lot of scheduling. We once went on a road trip to Bar Harbour, Maine (and many places in between) and almost killed each other after a week in the car. Although, we had the best clam chowder ever... at many different place along the coast. After all these years, we are like sisters... and you know what that can mean. But all in all, we love each other like sisters and have been through a lot together. At our last gathering, it wasn't our usual fun and games. It was the funeral for Theresa's (one of the girls) 26 year-old son who died of leukemia and left a wife behind. It was a very sad occassion but we were there in force to support Theresa in one of the hardest things of her life. She was an amazing example to all of us and has weatherd the storm well. This year we will be celebrating her new title-to-be: Grandma. We are so excited she has some happy news and will have a new little person to love. So wish us luck and I will post when I return.

My Son : The Chef Extordanaire

This past weekend The Woods (our kids and grand kids from Raleigh came) to spend the weekend with us, and the Denton Romans ( another son and family that lives here inRichmond). We had a glorious meal at Denton's home after church He is a fabulous chef and makes fun, gourmet meals all the time. We have had many a unique and delicious meal at his house. He usually follows the Food network cooks or allrecipes.com. He does beautiful presentations all the way down to the neat napkin folds. He tries all kinds of things we probably never would and it is always a treat to go to his house for dinner.We had a wonderful day,other than losing Marissa for a few minutes while she was in search of a pacifier.That is a story for another day. But if you can wait go to littleromans.com.

Denton just planned and planted a huge new garden so we are excited for all the fresh vegetables we will all enjoy this summer.If you are ever passing through Richmond, call ahead and maybe we can get Denton to cook for you. He is awesome. He is going to enter the Ukrop's Cooking contest..watch out Richmond.

Springtime in Virginia

There is nothing more beautiful than springtime in Virginia. OK well maybe fall in Virginia. I love both of these times of year. It is just absolutely gorgeous this spring.....dogwoods and azaleas blooming everywhere. And the weather is just beautiful. Not too hot or humid.....but I know it is coming. So I have to enjoy being outside now. I just love driving around all over and just soaking up the beauty of it all. 

I think every season my testimony is strengthened as I contemplate the majesty and order of it all. Heavenly Father is quite the landscape architect. I remember reading in the scriptures that nature was designed to testify of Jesus and remind us of the Atonement.When you think of the symbolism of winter becoming spring, it makes repentance seem so real and so possible. 

What a great reminder everyday.

The moist and humid weather here is the price we pay for these unbelievably fabulous surroundings. I hope in Heaven we can have eastern terrain ( lush and green) with western weather ( dry and cool). I just know that is the part that will be better ( one can  always hope). I am so grateful to live in this beauty and freedom and for all my many blessings. I can't wake up and look outside without saying a prayer of thanks. I loooooooooooooooooove the earth and our Heavenly Father that created it for us.

This is a picture of my friend Beth and I. She has been visiting me for a week....which explains why I haven't been blogging very much this past week. We had a great time...but stayed up too late every-night. We have been friends since 1978.We met in Moline, Illinois. She is originally from Boston but has lived in Orem, Utah for many years now. She really is an east coast girl at heart and loves to visit Virginia. We have had many good times over the years, especially taking some fabulous road trips. About 2 years ago we were talking about genealogy and mentioned some names. Beth got so excited.....she recognized the names. It turns out we have the same 5th great grandmother...which is pretty closely related. We couldn't believe after all these years, we just figured it out. We knew there was a reason we were drawn to each other. Having good friends is a great blessing. I feel very blessed to have many wonderful friends ,new and old, that bless my life. The older I get, I appreciate my friends and what they mean to me even more. Relationships is what life is really all about. To love and be loved is the greatest happiness...... so wise and true. Tell a friend you appreciate them today.

The Family Athletes

Here are pictures of some of our family atheletes. I know there are a few more out there. I just don't have ant pictures of them. JORDAN just ran the SLC marathon last weekend. What an accomplishment. The picture reminds me of Greg...he ran a marathon in Richmond many years ago. So Congratulations Jordan. You are the MAN and we are proud of you.

Next is  Leo Caroline in her soccer suit. She played her first game and scored 3 golies. And that was just in the 30 minutes I was there watching. She is on a team with one of her best friends, Gracie Payne. I know her mother is proud since she was such a jock herself. It was really fun watching the game. Brought back memories of Denton at 5 catching butteflies on the soccer field or sitting down when he got bored or tired. And of Jordan practicing his "Michael Jackson Moon Walking" when he was in the golie post....waiting for a score.  And Greg and I yelling " pay attention". Oh the memories of the good old days. It is fun making new memories with the grandchildren.

Coco: my oldest granddaughter

This past weekend we spent in Raleigh, North Carolina, visiting the Woods. We had a great time hanging out with our grandkids.It is nice to have them, at this young age, want to be with us. I know this probably won't last forever as they get older....but I hope we are establishing a relationship with all of them that will last forever. They are all so darling and fun. Each one has their own special talents and unique personalities. It is so much fun to watch them grow. Being the grandparent is so much better than being the parent. They say it is your reward for surviving teenagers.

Chloe Jane, was so sad when we had to go home. She wanted to come with us..but had to stay home for school.She often suggests we move in with her, or next door :) Don't worry Chelsea, not until I am in diapers.Although, that could be sooner than we think.
She cried when we left and then had to come out one last time to say good-bye. Broke my heart to leave her crying.

I told her I was going to post her on my computer with the song that reminds of her when I hear it..."Kokomo" by the Beach Boys. So here's to you, Coco ( her nick name). I love you to the moon and back.

I love to see the temple ; I am going there today.

Today we are driving to Raleigh to go to the temple and then visit Chelsea, Dana, Lindsay and the grandkids. It will be a very special time as we do work for my father's line. And we will have Chelsea and Lindsay, our 2 daughters with us there. I feel very lucky and blessed to have all my children worthy to go to the temple...and a desire to serve there. I love this part of the dedicatory prayer given my President Hinckley for this temple. It really applies to all temples and members alike.

May all who come as patrons to this temple know that they are dealing with the things of eternity, and that the relationships here entered into are everlasting. Bless all who are here sealed in the bonds of eternal marriage that they may live together with love and respect for one another. Bless the fathers and mothers that they may rear their children as Thy children, in a spirit of kindness and encouragement, that the encircling hand of love may bind together the relationships of the family.

May it be looked upon as a place of holiness with respect and reverence. We pray that the elements may be kind to it, that it shall stand against the storms of nature. Almighty God, we bow before Thee with love and with love for Thine Only Begotten Son. Forgive our sins. Give us strength to live above our weaknesses and to walk above our faults, we humbly pray as Thy thankful children..... in the name of the Redeemer of the world, even the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.