I Can't Complain...

Chris playing in Korea where Ken and I were able to travel.

I flew to Abu Dhabi from Los Angeles on January 15th, and 22 hours later I landed with Chris and Beckham waiting for me at the airport. It was a very long flight starting out at 6am in Orange County getting up, then driving through 8am traffic to LAX, sitting there in the airport for nearly two hours, flying five hours to Chicago, sitting in airport for connection, flying seven hours to London, then walking for what seemed like a full hour to make connection on British Airways to fly to Abu Dhabi. Blurry-eyed, muck mouth with needing to brush my teeth, matted-down hair from attempting to sleep on the airplane on one of those connections, and a headache from blood sugar challenges. (Long enough sentence?) But I can't complain. I'm here with Chris and Beckham, and I'm loving it.

Like so many things in life we tend to look at the trials vs embracing the blessings. I met a couple of people during this marathon flight endeavor to Abu Dhabi. One very friendly gal was from upstate Virginia near where daughter-in-law Cooper was raised. She was on her way to Paris as a linguist to study up-close-and-personal the French language. She has 9 brothers and sisters, and was fascinated with the blue baby blanket I was crocheting (which, by the way took me through three full skeins enroute!) I told her that this was for my nineteenth (19) grand child, and she started asking all about my kids and grand children saying, "you are so blessed." Yes...yes I am, I thought to myself.

Kelli Jo, me and Zoey at game in Istanbul

When sitting in London airport I also met a friendly English women whose husband was involved with the promotion of the PGF Golf tour in Abu Dhabi. We started talking (after she kindly made sure I was on the right train to gate 5) where she asked about my blue baby blanket I was "still" crocheting, and somehow the conversation went to the fact that none of my five fab children, spouses and 18 grandchildren live near me in Irvine, California. I mentioned, with a smile, that I had to travel a long ways to see all of them - Pennsylvania with Ben, Cooper and their five children, Orem, Utah for Angela, Eddie and their four girls (and soon a baby boy!), to Hurricane, Utah to see Josh, Ashleigh and their three wonderful kids, to Bountiful, Utah to see Chris' wife, Lesa and their four children, to Vegas to see David and Sarah, and now to Abu Dhabi to see Chris and son, Beckham. Rather than feeling sorry for my travel schedule she said, "you are blessed and lucky to be able to pick up and go wherever they are." Wow...I hadn't thought of it that way. My response was (after contemplating that)..."yes, yes I am. I can't complain!"

I Must Have Done Something Right

Ken and I made the rounds this holiday season, leaving California with first stop in Las Vegas to spend time with David and Sarah in their new apartment. Then to Hurricane, Utah to visit a bit with Josh, Ashleigh and their three kids, from there to Orem, Utah to spend a few days with Angela, Eddie and their four girls. Chris is playing basketball in Abu Dhabi, so we couldn't visit him, but did catch a few minutes with Lesa and her three girls and baby boy, Zachary before heading back home. We left 0 degree weather and snow in Orem, Utah to a perfect 70 degree weather in California. Shedding the heavy coat and putting it back in storage, I'm anxious to get this new year of 2013 started, but wanted to jot a few thoughts about this week down.

Ben making home-made salsa from his home grown tomatoes.

Traveling long distances, whether by car or airplane, causes me to reflect on my life and focus on the many blessings that are mine. In these times of reflection I smile as I think about how much each of my children have grown and developed into incredible young adults, husbands (wife) and parents. And with that growth they have taken on responsibilities that have me saying to myself, "who knew?"  This post will focus on my sons. (Don't worry Angela, I will cover you in another post.)

Ben and Oliver

While spending a couple of weeks in State College, PA a few months ago, I loved seeing my son, Ben, working in his own gardens where one of the three (gardens) had a lovely variety of tomatoes growing. After work every night, Ben could be seen picking fresh tomatoes for tomorrow's lunch and the evening's dinner, along with tomatoes to can. Once the tomatoes were separated, Ben would work on his favorite project, that of making homemade salsa. It was delicious, I might add. And, again, who knew? This, along with growing and carving pumpkins together as a family, and seeing Ben at the tree farm chopping down a tree for Christmas warmed my heart. It's obvious tht he loves being a husband and dad.

Chris and Beckham

Chris napping with Ava

Chris recently surprised everyone (myself included) with keeping 15 month old Beckham in Abu Dhabi until May of this year when the season is complete, after his family spent December there with him. Angela and I were even stopped in the Orem Costco by a friend of Chris' who said, "did I hear it right that Chris has Beckham all by himself there in Abu Dhabi?" Funny. Chris couldn't be more proud of both of his sons and his three daughters. In fact, after having three darling girls (well, Lesa had them), Chris didn't think that having a son was in the cards. And the phone call at 4am from Turkey (or Poland - I forget where he was playing at the time), back before Beckham was born, Chris blurted out, "we're having a boy! Don't tell anyone, I want to announce it myself." Well...first, I didn't know they were expecting, and second, I can't tell Ken? I thought. And it is obvious that Chris adores his growing family. More heart warming events where I find myself saying, "who knew?"

On with the story. We stopped off after leaving Orem to say a quick "hi" to Josh and his family and found Josh cleaning the house, changing Siri's diaper, and then later sitting on the floor with Chamberlain putting together Lego's. Josh has definitely embraced fatherhood and parenting. Ashleigh was sick with a flu bug, and Josh didn't miss a beat as a loving husband. Even while juggling work, finishing school at BYU, Josh's priority was to be a good husband and loving father. 

Josh and Chamberlain

Josh, Chamberlain and Lego's

David just recently got married and he and Sarah are living in Las Vegas. And actually, David's actions this past holiday week have triggered my thinking about my son's (and daughter) and how they are growing, developing and taking on responsibilities as husbands, fathers, and productive, contributing members of society. As my mom  used to always say, "actions speak louder than words." And while watching Ben, Chris, Josh and David these past couple of years, I see continually amazing growth with all of them.

David making breakfast this morning for mom :-)

My last post shared the loving kindness of my children over the years. And added to that is this post today speaking briefly of the pride that comes when we, as parents, think to ourselves when witnessing these very responsible actions of our grown children, "who knew?" and most importantly, "I must have done something right." 

"Uncle" David reading to Jacquelynn

We pray constantly for health and happiness for our kids, whatever their age. Their dreams are our dreams. The truth is that when they hurt, we hurt even more deeply for them because we want only the best for our children. We brag about them (which is our right as mothers), we yell the loudest at the games, try to outdo the other parents with our team dinners, and cry longer than they do when something goes wrong for them. The fact is that when they were little and fell down, we were there to bandage their cut knees, kiss their "ouch-ies", clean up their messes, and sit on the edge of their bed telling them stories to help them fall to sleep. (Although, I'm told, my stories tended to scare them to death which is another post.)

My Boys: David, Chris, Josh and David

So "who knew?" will definitely continue with my children, and they will most likely think the same things while watching their children grow and develop, and so on, and so on, generation after generation. I think that is why we are encouraged to keep personal journals (and blogs). These heart-warming experiences need to be written down and shared with those we love so deeply. I didn't do the best job of journaling over the years, and I've just recently started blogging, so my posts will be more reflective. Why? to record memories as they relate to current happenings. That way not only can I say to myself, "who knew?" but with a sense of pride ( the good kind), "I must have done something right."

Caring Kids xo

The Best Kids in the World!

I spent most of December decorating the house for Christmas and being a little melancholy because none of my kids were coming for Christmas. Ben lives in State College, PA, Angela in Orem, Utah, Chris in Bountiful, Utah (but playing currently in Abu Dhabi), Josh lives in Hurricane, Utah, and David in Las Vegas. For many reasons no one was coming. So I kept everyone updated on the beautiful decorations by taking and posting pictures of everything. Somehow that made me feel that they were all a part of Christmas. Ken and I were awakened early with texts from Chris trying to connect with us from across the planet. We got up, got dressed and headed down to open our presents. The ritual with the kids has always been to go from youngest to oldest, and of course, it's so much more fun with children around to see their excitement with opening their presents. But, we traded off opening presents, and it was lovely. What made the day was the Google+ group call David had organized with all of the kids (minus Chris) at 5pm that night. That was a very loving thing to do, and it was wonderful. We chaotically talked with one another and had a fun time doing it. I thought, after that call, of how blessed I am, and how caring my kids are. They love us deeply, love each other, love the Lord and are happily married with beautiful families. That makes me happy.

Google+ with Kids on Christmas Day

David and Sarah

The morning after Christmas I woke up with a pinched nerve in my neck and I couldn't lift my left arm. The pain got worse as the day went on. We drove over the Las Vegas to stay a day or two with David and Sarah, and I was miserable with this arm challenge. David did everything he could to ease the pain, then took me to the chiropractor, headed out to pick up the necessary medicines I needed, and was more loving than you can imagine.

Ben with Oliver

Again, I thought about how thoughtful my children always are. The love unconditionally and freely show it with their actions. When I had a huge challenge with my foot a few years back, Ben rushed me to the hospital, gave me a Priesthood blessing, and Cooper sat by my side the full ten days I was there in Mary Washington Hospital. They both then nursed me back to health for six weeks at their home. Tremendous sacrifice was made to make sure I was OK.

Angela with Sutton

Angela has massaged my shoulders with her essential oils and showed her love and devotion in so many ways with looking up holistic remedies to help with my chronic bronchitis and diabetic challenges.  Chris spent a full month in the summer working me out to try to help me get into better shape. He and Lesa opened up their home to me, and didn't think twice about having me there - or anywhere I have joined up with them overseas.

Chris and Lesa

Josh has given me needed blessings when I have been faced with life's challenges. In essence...they are always there, and I am blessed because of them. So many examples of their love and devotion I will journal to keep me always thankful and humble to be blessed to be their momma. Yes, they are all unique and funny at times - even a bit sarcastic. But, when it counts, they are loving, caring kids, and I adore them.

Josh and Ashleigh

Ben and Cooper

You Can't Take Too Many Pictures

You just can't take too many pictures, or capture enough precious moments that are too soon gone and forgotten. It's easy to enjoy those moments, but important to write them down in our journal or family blog. I love that most of my children do keep a blog and include lots of pictures. My joy for the week often comes from reading these blogs, looking (and copying) the pictures, and checking out Facebook postings where families are highlighted. I wish I had taken more pictures as the kids were growing up. And now, with iPhone's, iPad's, etc. it is very easy to capture the moment, record the date and add the feelings I had at that moment. See here Calvin singing, "I Am a Child of God" captured on Ken's cell phone at Calvin's baptism. Since my voice was hoarse, Calvin quickly said, "I'll sing!" Precious moment.

Me and Nolan

My Chamberlain and Harrison 2012

Calvin Singing "I Am a Child of God"

Decorating Christmas Cookies with Zoey and Kelly Jo

Decorating Christmas Cookies with Chamberlain 2011

Angela, Chris, me, Josh and David all dressed up (not) for Christmas Eve dinner years ago. Love the memory!

David and I at a special dinner/dance 

Ken and three of the Villa girls Dec. 2012

Chris on Easter overseas with his girls bunny ears

I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas!

Sutton holding her red shiny hippopotamus ornaments!

"I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
Don't want a doll, no dinky Tinker Toy
I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy..."
What kid doesn't love this song. Well 2 1/2 year old Sutton listened as her three sisters: Madison, Jacquelynn and Brooklyn were learning it to sing in the ward Christmas party program, and then fearlessly filled in the night of the performance, stealing the show, because Madison had programs with Clayton Productions. So, I couldn't resist buying up all of the red hippopotamus ornaments at Target for Sutton. Angela said she squealed with joy over this, and I knew she would.

Nutcracker Collection

Because none of my five (5) married children are coming for Christmas this year with none of my eighteen (18) darling grandchildren, I have taken a ton of pictures of the house so that they can at least take a peak. And we are going to make the trek to one, two or more of their homes exiting off the I-15 to Salt Lake. First, we'll stop off in Vegas to celebrate with the staff at Voyager, then see David and Sarah, then to Josh, Ashleigh & their three (3) doll babies - Chamberlain, Siri and Harrison, then possibly to Orem to see Angela. Chris, Lesa and their five (5) kids are all celebrating Christmas in Abu Dhabi, so we'll catch them early 2013. 

My Byer Carolers greet guests at the front door.

Right Side of Mantel

Left Side of Mantel

My life-sized Nutcracker at fireplace

The RED TREE in the front room

My Office Nutcracker Tree

My Lenox Nativity and Carolers

My Snowman Collection

My Large Santa Collection

Bedroom Reindeer Tree

Wakes Me Up 6am!

Memory Wreath 

I love, love, love to decorate for the holidays. And once decorated, I don't want to take it down. My favorite's is the Memory Wreath displaying ornaments that my children have made.

THE RED TREE

David and his "red tree"

Let me tell you about our tradition with the "red tree." The main tree we set up every Christmas is covered in red lights and red decorations. There's no gold, green or hint of white anywhere on that tree. It's all red, as in the name.. "red tree." And most of our grown children have carried on this tradition of the red tree, mainly because of the memories they have of Christmas growing up. And every year since I've been married, if I even attempted to add a touch of gold on the red tree Ken would say, "what's that gold doing on the red tree?" So, I've always kept the "red tree" red, even down to the wrapped presents under that red tree. Yes, all red paper is used.

Sarah's going along with tradition!

Once a friend of Chris' (Eric Pearson) brought over a lovely gift for me (that I loved), but it was wrapped in blue paper. Yikes! Sorry Eric, but I had to bury that blue under the red wrapped gifts because it didn't work with the "red tree!" Weird huh? Well, there's a story behind the red tree, and lots of memories of Christmas' past. (tear)

Ben & Cooper's kids and their "red tree"

Ken and I were married in September of 1974. In 1979 we bought our first home in Orem, Utah - actually a block or two from where our daughter, Angela and her family currently live. Like most new home owners, we were "house-poor" and didn't have the money that year to purchase a tree and ornaments at Christmastime. Ken was still working at Devey's - a men's clothing store in the Orem Mall - and in the front of the store stood the original "red tree," beautiful - covered in tiny red lights woven tightly in and out of the branches, and on every branch laid a beautiful velvet red poinsettia. Ken loved that tree and would tell me about all of the people that would come into the store complimenting him on how lovely that tree was. So, long story short...

Angela and Eddie's "red tree" plus whimsical!

On Christmas Eve that year, Ken brought Devy's store's red tree home and set it up in the family room of our new home. It was beautiful, and we loved it. We kept that beautiful "red tree" for years and to this day, even with all of the new red glitzy and fancy-dancy ornaments I have collected, purchased and added, I still use fifteen (15) strands of little red lights (usually buy out Target), and I include red poinsettia's on the branches in remembrance of that original "red tree." The original tree has been replaced three times, but the memories never will be replaced, they will just be added upon.

Chris and Lesa's Red Tree in Poland

When I see my kids carrying on the tradition of the "red tree," it makes me smile. And wherever Chris is playing in the world, he and Lesa have carried on the tradition with the red tree, even in countries where Christmas ornaments are scarce somehow he finds items to decorate with. Thank you kids! I love you with my whole heart!

Our 2012 "Red Tree"

Josh & Ashleigh's "red bush"?

Our "Red Tree!" xo