Keepsakes

You know how you know something, but then you forget?

At some point you remember again and it's like a whole new excitement.


I had forgotten about this little time caspule I put together for Elizabeth after she was born.
I was so excited to look inside and see the things that I thought were important to keep.

Balloons and cards...

Newspaper from the day she was born...

All the obvious things from the hospital...

And these treasures.

When Elizabeth was a newborn I asked her grandparents to write her a "letter to the future." They have been sealed for the past 13 years and won't be touched until some special day in the future. Maybe her 21st birthday, or when she marries. Also pictured is a journal entry that we were given a copy of from a man in our ward who paid a visit to our home and wrote about his experiences.

This got me thinking about letters. In this day of E-mail and such I don't think I have actually sat down and wrote a letter to anyone for years, other than a few thank you cards. Following is my experience with letters and why I love them.

*I received many beautiful letters and notes after we lost our baby boy almost 3 years ago. They offered hope, love, condolence and a little joy at a very difficult time. Here are a few snippets:

"Maybe knowing that I am thinking of you will help at least a little bit."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you."

"Our conversation on the phone reminded me how important each and every moment with our children is, no matter how many or few."

"Sometimes it's hard to understand the reason for some of life's struggles."

"We hope you recover quickly and that your family will feel comforted and loved."

Words of love help to strengthen and uplift. I love and cherish these letters.

*I came across a letter years and years ago my mom and dad have. It's from a very dear lady I knew when I was a little girl. She wrote a letter long before I was born expressing her condolences to my grandmother after her six month old baby passed away. I think about this letter often and the words she expressed, "Don't worry Lilly dear, she is in Heavenly Father's arms." (or something similar to that, it's been a while since I read it and it's currently missing.)

Sorry those are kind of grim. I enjoy happy letters too.

*While cleaning out her aunt's things after she passed away, my mom came across many love notes that her uncle wrote to her aunt while he was in the military serving during WWII. My dad sent me this picture, I can't make out the words, but I do know it's addressed to:

"My Darling"

*Yesterday in church Elizabeth wrote Brent a letter as part of her Young Women's lesson expressing love and appreciation.

I love the Random Sampler section in the Ensign. I enjoyed reading this and thought it was a fantastic idea,

"One way to establish and maintain long-distance relationships is through our family home evening create-a-letter night. First, each person draws or chooses the name of an extended family member or missionary. Then we set out paper, stickers, punches, and markers and start creating a variety of unusual letters."

I love personal letters and don't write them often enough. I'll write one today.

A Great Big Thanks

Can you imagine someone that is willing to babysit, someone that loves to vaccuum your home, someone who isn't afraid of the piles of laundry in your laundryroom, who does grocery shopping for you regularly, sweeps, someone who takes your children to the movies, someone who does it all willingly with probably too little thanks.

Happy Birthday Mom (and Grandma.)

We love you and appreciate all you do.

I've decided I love the simple toys that seem to be few and far between these days. The kids had a great time with these hoola-hoops.

Grandma even joined in the fun.
Imagine the birthday girl spinning this hoola-hoop around and around.

(No one has to know it fell after three turns.)

Here's a little birthday treat for the biggest Elvis fan I know.


This evening we went to a fabulous wedding reception.

Look at these two gorgeous guest book attendees.

On the way home Cameron said,

"That was the best wedding I ever had."

Little Hen Envy

As far as I'm concerned The Little Red Hen had it good!!!!!!!!

The second my kids hear the clanking of a metal bowl, the whirring of the mixer or the turning of a recipe book page, they're there. From upstairs I hear,

"Mom, can I help."

"No, I asked first."
Its a pushing and shoving match to try and get the prime position by my side. Every stool is dragged over, aprons are flying and suds everywhere. (They know whoever is there first with washed hands gets the first job.)

I want them to learn some kitchen skills. If you've read my blog before you know my girls are well on their way. But you know it takes more patience and dishes to let my kids help.

My first response is usually throwing up my arms and saying, "Ok, I'll leave you guys to it."

But my motherly side, the side that wants Dallin to learn some mission survival skills and Cameron to feel proud of his cookies he helps me make, takes over and I have to come up with numerous jobs. Someone takes the butter out of the wrapper, someone cracks eggs, someone measures flour, someone works the mixer.

My job: making sure no foreign objects get into the mixer and clean up.
So as fascinated as my kids are with cooking, it's no surprise that a wheat grinder had them in awe. 45 min. Later we had enough wheat to make our Healthy Wholewheat pancakes. You grind a fourth of a cup, I grind a forth of a cup.

"He got three turns of the handle more than me."

Here's our recipe for Healthy Wholewheat Pancakes from A Collection of Favorite Ivory Family Recipes cookbook. (50% of sales of this book go towards the Make-a-wish foundation.)

Healthy Wholewheat Pancakes

1 c. wholewheat flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 T. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1 c. milk

1 egg

2 T. vegetable oil

Combine all ingredients and beat until well mixed. Bake of hot griddle and serve with syrup or fruit.

The finished product:

Little Red Hen, enjoy the solitude!!!

Encounters

It's not difficult to remember an old friend who you've known for years. It's easy to remember favorite teachers or relatives. But what about those individuals who come and go. Your interaction with them may only last a few weeks or even a few moments.......


As I descended the stairs of the John Taylor Building I had a big knot in my stomach. I wasn't sure what to expect when I signed up for one of my Elementary Education classes called The Education of Exceptional Children. I was arriving for my first day of my lab where I was going to be matched up with a child who was having difficulty keeping up in school. Our job was to work with them one on one and tutor them. My classmates and I gathered and one by one BYU students were paired with children whose parents had brought them for the session. I was the last one standing alone: Only me, my instructor and a middle aged man slumped on the armchair in the lobby.

My teacher guided me over to the man on the chair and introduced him as Larry. Even thought the purpose of the program was to help children, it was open to anyone who needed help. I was to be Larry's partner. My mind raced and I wondered why Larry, an early 40 something, needed me. We found our way into our room. It reminded me of a cold interrogation room with a brown table, two chairs and a one way mirror.

We briefly introduced ourselves. Larry was anxious to tell me why he was there. He had dropped out of school when he was 8 years old to work and provide money for his needy family. He said that dropping out was easy. He had dyslexia and was the object of much taunting and teasing by his classmates. Larry looked at me in the eye and told me that he could not read, but he could find his way around an engine like noone's business. He made a decent living as an auto mechanic, but it didn't make up for not being able to read.

Larry and I met once a week for a few months. I introduced him to parts of speech, similes, metaphores and we read, read, read. His progress was amazing. As our time together was drawing to a close he expressed appreciation and said how much he wanted me to meet his wife and children. I did have that opportunity. We looked at his old family pictures and he even took my roommate and I to temple square to see the Christmas lights.

About four weeks before the class ended, Larry brought a book that he wanted us to read together. This book was too difficult for Larry to read alone, but together we made it through to the final page. He handed the book to me and said,

"This is for you, thank you."

The most heartfelt thank you I have ever received.

I'll never see Larry again.
Our time together was brief, but I'll always remember he taught me courage and persistence.


Some encounters only last a moment.
My mom just told me that she was standing in line at KFC last week and the lady in front of her in line turned around and said, "I'm going to pay for your lunch." Simple, yet so meaningful. She didn't want glory or praise.

She did it to be KIND.

My Love Story

Inspired by posts offering love and appreciation to their significant other, I'm sharing the tale of a love story from long, long ago.........The Meeting of two.

Once upon a time there was a BYU coed who longed for someone to call her own. She prayed every night that someone would sweep her off her feet. But alas and alac, (I'm not sure the meaning of this word, but I'm using it in an effort to be more poetic) she got to the ripe old age of 23 and was still searching for her prince charming. One dark winter evening she received a phone call from the dashing Elders Quorum President who requested a meeting with this lonely damsel and her lady in waiting (roommate). The castle was scrubbed and cleaned and the two fair maidens sat in waiting for the gentlemans visit.

In walked Mr. Dashing E.Q. Pres. and his trusty side kick, Sir Brentus. The two maidens listened attentively, laughed at all the right times and tried to be at their most charming. Mr. Dash was indeed dashing for all the maidens in the kingdom (ward) found him charming and pleasing to the eye. Sir Brentus sat quietly adding his thoughts only seldomly to the conversation. At one particular point in the gentlemen's visit the quiet Sir Brentus and the beautiful bright princess from a far away kingdom homlier of the two maidens gazed upon each other with fond adieu.

This fair, but homely maiden and beautiful princess could not erase from her memory this visit and tried desperately over the next few weeks to arrange "accidental" meetings. She even left a love note attached to Sir Brentus's noble steed ('85 Accord.) Her mind raced constantly, she thought of nothing else but this gentle fellow. She had no choice but to express her fondness, for if she kept quiet any longer her heart would surely burst.

Now the King (bishop) of the kingdom was offering a reward. The winner of the archery competition was to receive an all expense paid feast. The homely maiden beautiful princess was the recipient of this most generous gift and sat staring at her messenger pigeon (phone) wondering how to invite Sir Brentus to join her at the feast. (A free dinner at Magelby's restaurant in Provo.)

The gentleman graciously accepted her invitation to dine. Now this invitation had taken a lot of courage from the maiden princess for she was not usually one to be so bold, but her efforts paid off. They enjoyed one anothers company immensely and even arranged to meet the following evening for a ball at the castle. (A ward activity.)

She learned of his faith and kind heart, his quiet, yet strong ways and that he had saved his first kiss for his one true love. Unfortunately the maiden irresistible princess had given hers up a long time ago :)

Quiet, shy Sir Brentus eventually asked this maiden beautiful princess for her hand, but not after many heart wrenching nights, for the maiden princess was not patient., (At all) for in her wisdom, she new what constituted a tale of happily ever after. Looking at this picture below the HOMELY maiden beautiful princess is sure that it was indeed true love, for with those glasses and hair do it could be none other., for she was shockingly attractive in the fashion of the day.

Next time, the home break in and proposal..........

green = husbandly edits

Organize It!!

My name is Debie and I love magazines. This is one of 4 similar stacks found throughout my house. I love the smell and the glossy pages. In my single days it was GLAMOUR or SELF, now it's Better Homes or Cottage Living. When I get a new magazine in the mail, I get a heart flutter. Enough is enough, I'm going to go through them, pull out what I want, organize it into catagories and toss the remainder.

1. Recipes
2. Decor
3. Tips
4. Lovely things

The other evening I was upstairs and Brent was downstairs. I called down to him to see if he would bring my magazine up from my desk downstairs. He walked into the room and handed me this:

Oh No. In those nanoseconds, I felt a sinking feeling inside. I had been talking about my brand new Cottage Living magazine that had just come that I was so excited to go through. I am grateful for the Ensign and need to put it at the forefront of my mind and read it first. This experience really put things into perspective for me. My lovely magazine are good, but this is better.

Other organizing I have been working on. Planting around our Magnolia tree.

The Pantry. Done, but it will need it again next month.

Bills and files. Done. One day we'll go totally paperless on this.

My sister, Sarah, is the organizing queen and she has inspired me.

What are you working on this Spring?

Dear Mattie

The sudden unexpected loss of a loved one is difficult. Jan posted this weekend about a teacher at Livingston that passed away last Friday. I will remember Barbara Rutt as a lovely lady who always spoke to me with great kindness. She always doted over my babies, Cameron when he was little and most recently Britton. She always had a smile on her face. Jan mentioned how much she loved her students and her work. Even though my contact with her was limited, I did watch her with her family at a few school functions because Elizabeth was in the same second grade class as her son, Matthew, and saw how family oriented she was.

My heart is heavy this afternoon. I think of Beth Austin who team taught with her and the responsibility she must be feeling at this time, I think of her husband and son, her other family members, her students, but most especially I think of Jan's daughter, Mattie.

Dear Mattie,

I am so sorry that your teacher is gone. Teachers mean so much. I have realized that because someone our family loves has lost, the emotion is intensified for us. Love and prayers to you and your classmates.

Love, The Spurgeon Family

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13 Ways we had fun this Spring Break!!

See this ONE little boy.These TWO doting sisters who love their little cousin.
These THREE girls who got pampered with pedicures.

FOUR wheels that are now this kids preferred method of transportation.
FIVE minutes is all I needed in this antique store.
SIX painted feet.

SEVEN times 10. The cost of getting these painted feet. (YIKES!!!!!!!!!!)

EIGHT. The approximate number of people encouraging and acting goofy in order to get this photo.

NINE days of pure enjoyment with friends and cousins.

TEN (thousand) times around the roller rink.

ELEVEN minutes that I laughed and laughed when I saw Kenleys labeled addition to our picnic lunch.Dozens and Dozens of rocks thrown into the river.
THIRTEEN candles on this girl's cake.
We had a blast!!

Gotta Dream

"Hey guys, what do you want to do this week for Spring Break?"

"Mom, two of my friends and my teacher are going to...."

Hawaii

"No, Elizabeth. I mean realistically."

"Oh, can we hike up....

Badger Mountain

"Hey Kenley, what do you want to do this week?"

"I would love to go to the....."

Bahamas and swim with dolphins

"That's pretty far away and really expensive."

"Oh. Ok, can we go..."

miniature golfing

"Dallin, what sounds fun for Spring Break?"

"Can we just go to....."

Disneyworld in Chicago

"Disneyworld is in Florida sweetie."

"Let's just go to where Grandpa Tom

lives in Portland and have a....."

picnic

What would be so fun to do this week for Spring Break, Cameron?"

"I want to go to..."

Triple Play

"Isn't there anything closer you'd like to do?

The....

bowling alley

We're dreaming a little this Spring Break.

What's your dream vacation?

My time has come.

This day, April 7th, 2008 will live on as the day when my girls went solo in the kitchen. I'm not talking slapping some peanut butter on some bread, but a full fledged, start to finish, I didn't enter the kitchen(not even for the oven part), delicious lunch was made for me. I can now rest a little easier that I'll be well taken care of in my old age, and eating some good food.

They were so cute. They found the recipes in a recent edition of Kraft foods magazine.(If you missed my post about this lovely magazine click here and sign up to recieve this FREE delight.) What was on the menu?

Deviled Eggs and Bacon Cream Cheese and Tomato Crescents

I loved every bite. This plate was just my first serving: I went back for more.

Thanks girls, it was delicious!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Every wonder what Heather and I do Sunday afternoons? No, probably not.

We thought we'd share with our our secret passion.

We sing hits of the 70's and 80's.

On key?

Nope, not all the time.

Click Here for a sample and tell us what you'd like next weeks song to be.

Notes from General Conference

I am so grateful that I have never felt as though I missed out on ANYTHING by staying at home with my children. I really appreciated Elder Ballard's talk from the Sunday afternoon session of General Conference. I love my job and I would not trade it for anything, but sometimes it gets a little

"challenging and frustrating."

I will take to heart his suggestions to:

1. Cherish the shining moments. There have been a few excellent posts about his lately and I need to remember to enjoy the here and now, but keep an eye to the future to work on my long term goals.

2. Don't overschedule and make sure there is time for unstructured play time. I have been reading a book called, "Last Child in the Woods." The author says that kids need to be outdoors. Participating in sports and such doesn't count. Kids need to explore, get their hands dirty and use their imaginations. One of my most favorite things is seeing my kids dig holes, tie strings on their bikes to pull someone on a skateboard behind, collect rocks and bugs, etc..

3. "Water cannot be drawn from an empty well." I believe that this new interest of mine, blogging, has given me a chance to express myself and create a journal of my thoughts and feelings.

4. Pray, Study and Teach. My Book of Mormon reading and note taking goal that I set earlier this year is helping me to feel better about every aspect of my life. As I pray to know and study to learn, I am better equipped to teach.

I may never finish my Elementary Education degree I started at BYU, but I can use the skills I did gain to help my family.

It might be a long time until I gain a great understanding of the gospel, but I know it's true and I can share that light with others, especially my family.

I might not always succeed, but I'll give my whole heart to this job called MOTHERHOOD.

This next week at the Spurgeon Home:

*This "lovely" piece will be revitalized. It's about time!!

*Our Living Scriptures account will be in the clear.

(Sorry again Jan for sending those cute newlywed BYU students your way: they were just so irresistible.)

*This Preteen will be THIRTEEN!!!

(One more year until I get to chaperone Stake Dances.)

*This blustery, overcast weather will be replaced with

sunny,

balmy,

delightful

days.

Have a great Weekend.

You, you, you. It's all about YOU!

In a bloggers world of ME-ME's I have decided to create a YOU-YOU!

Each one of you is unique, and I gain something everyday from reading about your life. Here's everyone that I know reads this, at least occasionally, and what I love about them.


*She was my BYU life-saver, we had a blast and reminiscing is always fun.

*Well I mean please, EVERYONE loves this girls humor and friendship. You bring joy to those you touch.

*I wish I had a fraction of this girls likability and talent (so do my kids on their birthdays.)

*I received the loveliest birthday call from this sister-in-law, and she's the mother of my cutest little niece.

*This is where I start to get sentimental, I remember the day she was born and I LOVE HER with every piece of me.

*This awesome lady was a fabulous VT partner and is an example to us all of how to nurture.

*My family literally wants to adopt her son, she's pretty great too.

*Every time I see a creation, I'm amazed. I know those of you who know her agree.

*This gal has taken on a project that I admire so much, it's a generous wonderful thing.

*This extrovert :) pulled the best April Fools prank on me yesterday, I believed the picture of the positive prego test.

*This girl actually showed up at my house about 7 years ago, just had a baby, rubber gloves on, and ready to help clean when I was moving. Now that's service.

*I admire this lovely lady's calm beauty and grace.

*Send this girl some sunshine and warmth, she's in IDAHO. She's fun to be around, not that I've got to very much in the last few years. I remember this really cool scrapbook closet in her old home: I was impressed.

*I appreciate this country music lovin' ladies last post, it really was one I need to remember.

*I have truly been inspired by this thoughtful gal, it only takes a moment to really make a difference.

*I've known this gal for a long time. I was impressed with her about 13 1/2 years ago when I met her and I love her more now. I think it's amazing how our paths have crossed again.

*I wish I could explain this girls encounter with my look-a-like. I appreciated her telling me it couldn't have been me because this look alike wasn't very friendly.

*FAITH and passion for life and all things good make this lovely person a true inspiration.

*She's got Martha Stewarts whole talent for decor in her little finger, and she's brave for moving. I admire that.

*This girl is hands down the most consistent commenter, and we all know comments are fun. I was moved to tears at her most recent post, she has a wonderful heart.

*I love reading about this girls life. It reminds me so much of when I had two little ones at home. Great times!!

*This little gal recently asked me a very, very important question, and I appreciate her asking. Reverence in primary is the most important thing if we want to feel the spirit. Thank you.

*I can't believe all this gal accomplishes, she's got to be so busy, but always has it all together.

*This superiorly friendly girl is full of humor and likeability: I always admire the way she speaks of her spouse.

*I have recently come to realize this girl has talent for detail. It's been a blast getting to know her mind a little bit through this blogging world, she's got humor and a knack for writing.

*This girls going green. I know that if each of us do a little bit, big changes will happen. I needed this.

*Well, she's a great VT partner. I appreciate her example at church; she really treats others with respect and kindness.

*She just got back from sunny cal, she's got a sweet baby boy and lives in the sun: sounds good to me.

*This girl is relaxed and fun: that says it all.

*I can't imagine there is ever a dull moment at this house, they laugh!!

*The most put together person I know: hair, make-up, clothes: precise every time.

*My oldest friend of the whole bunch. When I walked into that dorm room almost 19 years ago she saved me from despair and homesickness. You are AMAZING!!

*I ALWAYS thought this girl was so gorgeous, it's great to reconnect.

*Newest blogger of the bunch. Girl, I CANNOT WAIT to read your thougths.

Thanks everyone, even those who should have a blog but don't. (You know who you are)
Thanks also blog ghost, I know there are a few.

Readers, thanks for checking back now and again.

BLOG ON!!

Some mom's know how to do it!!!

I've got to tell you the best April Fool's Prank I've heard all day.

Kenley's friend David's mom showed up at school in her robe, curlers and lob-sided lipstick and obnoxiously walked into the classroom holding up a Hello Kitty lunch box saying,

"Here doll face, you forgot your lunch."

She also placed a large poster of him in pink pony tails in the library saying,

"I love you my gorgeous."

Would you have had the nerve?

Tuesday Trivia-Week 3

Play along if you have a few minutes to research.

1. Which state flag is not a traditional rectangle, but pennant style?
2. Which state flag contains a flag of the United Kingdom on it?
3. What do the 13 sun rays on the Arizona State flag represent?
4. Which state flag contains their state motto, "HOPE"?
5. Which state flag depicts a constellation?
6. Which state flag shows an ancient sun symbol called a "ZIA"?