Airplanes

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Joy

Airplanes are amazing.

Definition: A vehicle designed for air travel that has wings and one or more engines.

I used to love to watch airplanes as a child; flying across the sky, landing and taking off to who knows where. It always made my imagination waunder and I’d wish I could go on a trip to many places.

While in junior high school one of my teachers had his pilot license. He offered to take several of us students for a ride in his airplane. One thing he required was a note written by a parent stating that they would be ok with him taking us. I got the note and couldn’t wait to fly. I believe there were 3 of us kids. We all met the teacher after school, and he drove us out to the airport.

I felt no fear. I was so excited to fly! It was such an unusual experience. Something I’d never felt before. The teacher flew in a small twin engine airplane. He did a few tricks like climbing straight up and then coming down fast. We felt weightless when we came down fast. It was one of the first experiences I’ve ever had that I felt so adventurous. As I look back on it now, I’m surprised my Mom let me go, but I had so much fun and was so glad I went.

While growing up we really never took airplanes on trips. If we went, which wasn’t very often, we drove. Flying was too expensive. We went to Oregon, Washington, California, and even back to Minnesota, all in the comfort of our family car. No A/C, no seatbelts, just windows down and music playing. All of our trips took days, or weeks.

Just out of high school I flew with my best friend Julie to St. George. Her Dad had a pilots license and flew us down. I had barely had to have stitches in my knee from a horseback riding accident, and had to thread my left leg through the middle of the two front seats. That was an adventure. At least it didn’t take very long to get there.

My first commercial airplane ride was when I left on my mission. I was so blessed to represent my Savior and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I served in the Texas, San Antonio Mission. I was excited to fly there, but nervous to leave home. It was so different than the little twin engine plane I road in with my teacher in junior high school. I served my mission for 18 months. All of us missionaries would keep track of who was getting close to going home, and tease them about being “Trunky” which means you’re having a hard time working and concentrating on finishing your mission with gusto, because you couldn’t wait to leave and fly home. It is a real thing that happens, but I think all missionaries try to stay focused and finish with honor and dignity. So when the other missionaries found out I was leaving soon they would tease me. They called my going home -on a airplane and not returning my “Deplanage”. They bought me a little tie tac that was an airplane and made me wear it. It was all in good fun and the airplane ride home from my mission was wonderful!

Since then I’ve flown on planes many times. It is more nerve racking now than it was back in my younger years. I don’t really like the “leaving” part of going on trips, I love to be home. Once I’m there though, I’m so glad I’m there and really enjoy the trip and the places we see.

One of the best things about airplanes is that they take us to places we may never be able to go to in our lives if we couldn’t fly there. I’ve been so blessed to fly to San Antonio, Boston, Seattle, Atlanta, Charleston, Los Angeles, and New York. They allow us to experience the “trips of a life time” and for a lot of us that is such a grand experience!

Heroes: Jeri

Posted on May 27, 2022 by Joy

There are few people who influenced my teen years as much as Jeri. I was very lonely, insecure and needed a friend that wasn’t family. Family has to love you, friends don’t, they choose to love you. Of course I needed my family too, but I found a friend and confidant and mentor in my hero, Jeri. I called her Mom sometimes, because she was another Mama to me. Let me describe her if I can-Jeri was a very regal and gentle woman. She was soft spoken and polite, and very proper. She had a flare for decorating and celebrations. She could put together a party that was fun with a theme that was undeniably clear.

When she was my church young women leader, we went to her home for an oriental dinner. I can’t remember if it was Japanese or Chinese. Let’s just say Asian. She had all the long tables on blocks close to the floor so we could sit on the floor and eat. The tables were laid out with beautiful tablecloths and the perfect settings and decorations. I’m sure we tried to use chop sticks, but ended up using forks. She served stir fry. The meat was tenderized to perfection. It was delicious and a blast!

She had a beautiful home where I felt safe and loved. She was always busy with recipes and had a dream to write a recipe book. She had a closet in her home just for Root Beer Mugs, platters, soup tureens, china, pitchers serving ware that was like going to visit the homewares area of a department store. It was heavenly.

She loved all the church buildings in Salt Lake and would on occasion take us young women to the Lion House for lunch. What a treat! She loved a little restaurant called Dixon Pies. She would take us to get pie and sometimes even lunch. So much yum!

One time we were meeting with our church group up at Bear Lake. I got to ride with Jeri, and talked her into letting me drive her canary yellow Cadillac. It was a peach! We told her we knew the way and ended up in Idaho, and had to make a big circle to get to the lake. She was so cute about it, too. She just laughed and said it was a fun little adventure. She was so sweet and patient with us.

At Christmas time there was always a beautifully decorated tree positioned in the center of the living room window. It would have a theme and that theme would continue around the home. The living room was always perfect. In fact the whole home was something to behold. It could have been in a magazine! Maybe it was?

She loved little Shelty dogs. She had a few in the time I knew her and they always had sweet names like “Lady” or “Missy”. They were beautiful dogs.

She was a stalwart defender of God and Faith. It was evident in her example and the life she lived. She wasn’t perfect. In fact she was hard on herself. I would visit and we would sit for quite sometime visiting about the things that are important in life. She was divorced and very sad about that, but she didn’t focus on it, too much. She struggled with some health issues and did her best to keep her chin up.

She worked in the Temple and loved her time there. She volunteered as a greeter at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, and enjoyed being in the middle of the church sites. Her love of the gospel of Jesus Christ was an important thing to her and I’m sure she shared it as often as possible.

When I got past my awkward years, and maybe I’m still awkward, she continued to be a wonderful support. She came to the airport when I left for my mission. She would deliver sweet notes to my mailbox saying, “Just thinking about you! Love you! Mother Hen”. What a thoughtful lady. I always wanted to be like her. I knew I’d have to scale down a bit, because I would never have the big, beautiful home she had, but I learned so much from her that I knew I could try to be like her, in my own way.

After I married and had my first little guy, I brought him up to her house to show her. It was precious. She took him from me and doted on him, telling me how beautiful he was and what a good mama I was going to be. Every young mama is overwhelmed and a little scared and she helped me to believe in myself. I thought, “I can do this.”

She passed away as a young Grandma. She preferred to be called “Nannie”. She was way too young and left a hole. If she were here I’d tell her how much she means to me. I’d tell her she made the difference in my young awkward years. I’d tell her that sometimes when I’m decorating for a party I think of her and think she’d be proud of my all around party abilities. She will always be a hero to me. She is a lady, an example, a mentor and most important friend. I love you, Mother Hen!

Birthdays, and Turning 60!

Posted on November 9, 2021 by Joy

I love birthdays! I love all birthdays! I love sending cards and buying balloons and decorating cakes. I love giving gifts and watching the expression of the person opening the gift. I love celebrating my birthday as well.

I’m always happy I’ve had another year to get smarter and wiser and more appreciative of the blessings and people I am surrounded by. It’s like celebrating the fact that “I’m here!” I made it another trip around the sun! I’m doing my best at life and I love that God gave me a family and friends to help me while I’m here.

I’m sure that birthdays like life are what you make it!

When it’s my birthday I sometimes get worried because of expectations. Will the people I love remember? What is the celebration going to be like? I have learned that in order to not worry, I just tell everyone it’s coming and make a plan for what I want to do. Some of my favorite bdays were spent doing projects and organizing my home and life, but best of all is celebrating with family!

This year I’m turning 60. That is old!! I remember thinking 30 was old when I was a teenager. Now I’m twice as old -as old! I’m so happy to be here. It’s like going on a long trek, or hike. It feels so good that you are finished with the challenge, but you feel really sore. Yes when you get older things ache. I’m not going to die yet, so don’t worry about that, I’m just letting the reality of where I am sink in. I know there are people who run marathons, climb mountains, do iron man competitions at this age. Not me. I’m just moving along “slow and steady” like Alex taught me many years ago.

Waking up this morning I laid there thinking about turning 60, and where I am in life. I felt such an immense feeling of gratitude for the opportunity to live. Life is hard, but life is also such an amazing experience! My blessings and challenges are what has made me who I am.

I was blessed to be born into a family. My parents were and always have been loving, and kind. They have taught me to work, to set goals, to be the kind of person others can count on. Their example has been such a blessing, and I’m so grateful for them. My Daddy has passed on, but I’ve learned, and I believe he is close and still loving me. I know when I feel sad, it’s because I’m thinking about me. I am happy he is resting from his busy and hectic life. I will see him when it’s my time.

I grew up with 3 older brothers, Brian, Brad and Keith. They taught me to be tough. They weren’t always nice, so that taught me empathy. They made mistakes, and that taught me to love unconditionally. Sometimes I felt alone and unloved by them, but I learned to just keep trying to be a good little sister to them. I am a total fan of boys and men because of all my brothers fun and entertaining personalities. I know they know I love them. They have all passed to the other side. I miss them, but I know we’ll see each other again.

I have 2 little brothers. They taught me to have patience and think of others. I hope I wasn’t too mean to them. I was left in charge of them when our parents went on trips, We would go get fast food and eat Frosty’s. As adult they are very talented, and their knowledge and life choices are creative and inspiring. They are such a blessing to me. They are my very dear friends and I love spending time with them.

I am a Family History fan. Knowing where I came from is huge! I feel so blessed to know grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and second cousins, etc. I have learned about the life of these people. What kind of sickness or sorrow was part of their existence. Did they have it easy? No, I believe it was harder. I admire and adore them. I believe that because they lived and rose from each challenge that I can too. How great is that? I can do hard things!

All my young life, I wanted to be loved by a sweetheart. A soul mate, and best friend. I wasn’t really sure it would happen, but it did. My Darlin is that sweetheart. I am so grateful for our marriage. My Darlin, is a loving and hard working man. I can count on him and I know he loves me. He has always put our family first. I wouldn’t trade our 36 + years togethers for anything. It hasn’t been perfect, but we’ve learned so much. We have learned how to sacrifice for our children and each other. We have learned what matters most in life and that is love, patience and kindness. We have always included God in our relationship. We pray daily thanking God for each other and asking His blessing upon our marriage. He has blessed us!

I’ve wanted to be a Mama since I played with my baby dolls as a child. I know I am so blessed to be a Mama. I have learned so much about life from my 4 children. They are each unique and amazing. They are all grown up and I feel a little sad about that, but what wonderful adults they have become. When I feel lonesome now and then, I remind myself that the amazing adults they are- is my best hopes and desires for them. We taught them to be responsible, we taught them to love, and share, and do good in the world. They are much better than I could ever imagined!! Because of their great choices they have wonderful sweethearts, too. Oh, do I ever feel so much love and admiration for the humans they grew up to be, and their wonderful choices!

“Grandchildren are your reward for not killing your kids.” I don’t know who said that, but it’s funny. The truth is Grandchildren are such a blessing because you’ve already been through raising your kids. You don’t have to worry about them, because that is their parents job. You get to hug them, and kiss them, and sugar them up, and send them home. They are like the cherry on top! The icing on the cake! Such a wonderful part of life, that’s grandparenthood. Sometimes grandparenthood isn’t what you thought it would be, but that’s ok too. You just do your best in every situation. Just love everyone! (and maybe try not to have expectations) I’m so grateful that my life includes grandkids!

“Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold.” I haven’t always been a good friend. I have made others feel sad. I have had friends be unkind to me as well. I’ve learned that friendship is a treasure that is worth the effort. I know that friends are part of my life because God knew I needed them. Their example, the acceptance, the experiences we’ve shared. I love them so much!

Knowing about God, and Jesus is such a blessing. I wouldn’t have made it through life without them. I can’t forget the Spirit or Holy Ghost. When times are hard and I am sad. I know because of the peace I feel when I pray that God is aware of me and loves me. He will help me out of some situations and others He will hold my heart while We go through it together. I know He sent me to earth to have experiences and grow. I know he wants me back when I’m done.

I’m glad I’m 60 years old! I’m so blessed. I’m thankful for all of my life experiences the beautiful, wonderful experiences and the challenges. I wouldn’t go back. No regrets. I’m not going that way anyway. Like my “Most Quoted” said, “I’m trying really hard at life!” and I always will.

Reunion Time!

Posted on August 5, 2019 by Joy

I have a dear friend named Julie.

She has been my best friend since high school. We have been friends for long enough that we have some pretty troubling and embarrassing stories of our time together. I am amazed we made it though some of them. I’m so thankful we did. She is a gem. So loyal, and generous, and fun!

We have had this friendship and history for years, before we both got married. Then we both got married the same year within a month of each other. Both of our husbands names are Brett. Only her hubby’s only has one “t”. We started having our children within a year of each other. Because we love each other and we like to be with each other, as our children were born, they became friends. The kids don’t quite match up as far as ages go, but each of our kids are very close to each other. We used to call them our chosen cousins.

Let me add here that she has lived 350 miles away from me since just after we both got married. You have to put a big effort in to stay best friends when you live far away from each other. Also, we used to write letters to each other, because it cost too much to call and talk. Now we have cell phones and communicating is easy.

Our children are all adults. Almost all of them are married. Most of the married ones are parents.

We haven’t had all our kids together for years. They are all so busy and when my darlin and I visit them, it’s usually just the two of us.

We told Natasha we were going to visit with our friends and have a reunion. She says, “Now how are we related to them?” Kelsey said, “We’re not.” Natasha said, “What!!! We’re not related to them?” Haha, we laughed and laughed. All this time she thought they were family. Well, they are! We chose them.

So we had a reunion this last week in a little town in central Utah named Marysvale. It is an old mining town. There are lots of trails for riding 4 wheelers and hiking. We had so much fun! All of our kids and their spouses and grandkids where there. Wow! We know how to multiply.

What a fun time we had! It was very crowded, noisy, and fun!

I love our chosen family. And my bestie Julie!

Friends: Sydney

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Joy

Sydney & her daughter Rachael!!

I have a friend. She is amazing.

She is one of the people that I know I can call at a moments notice and she will be at my side helping me with…whatever. Her opinion is valued. Her taste is impeccable. Her friendship is the best!

About a year ago, when me and the girls were doing a baby shower for Janet, we invited a lot of people one of which was Sydney to come to the shower. She knew when the party was, and I knew she was coming to it. The morning of the party I realized I was not going to get all the things done that I needed to in time. Knowing that my friend Sydney is someone you can count on I texted her one word: “HELP!”

Within 5 minutes she was calling, “What can I do?” Within 10 minutes she was at my house helping me finish up the last few things.

She’s almost like a super hero!!!

Since we decided to sell our home, she has been over multiple times to help and see how things are going. I love her!

Thanks Sydney for being my super hero friend!!!

“Hamilton” The Velveteen Bear!

Posted on January 21, 2015 by Joy

“Real isn’t how you are made,’ said the Skin Horse. ‘It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.’‘Does it hurt?’ asked the Rabbit. ‘Sometimes,’ said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. ‘When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.’ ‘Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,’ he asked, ‘or bit by bit?’ ‘It doesn’t happen all at once,’ said the Skin Horse. ‘You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”
― Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit

——————

Meet my velveteen friend, Hamilton!

When I was just 5 years old my maternal grandparents gave me Hamilton.

He didn’t have a name then.

He was very large and furry. He had two black eyes, and a realistic nose. His red tongue, made of felt, hung out of his mouth like he was ready to lick some honey.

I was in love!!!

We played for hours and hours.

He was my friend when I felt like no one else was. He loved me no matter what.

I’ve kept him all these years

-48 to be exact-

I didn’t know I was making him “Real” by loving him so much.

————–

Recently we have been cleaning out closets and rooms. Throwing things away and sending things to the thrift store. I came across Hamilton in the back of my closet. I thought maybe its time. I said to my darlin, should I get rid of him? He told me it was up to me and suggested that I take a picture of him. I took the picture above, and then

burst into tears. I cried so hard. I called my momma for advice. She told me, “You don’t have to get rid of him. Get rid of something that isn’t so sentimental.”

I agreed. I can’t do it, I’m not ready. I may never be ready.

And now I feel much better.

Maybe someday I can tell my grandkids about Hamilton and how “Real” he is to me.

13 Things I’ve Learned From Posting 1000 Posts!!!!!!!!!

Posted on March 2, 2014 by Joy

I have reached a milestone!!! Today I’m posting my

1000th post!

Here are 13 things I’ve learned from posting 1000 posts!!!!!

1-It’s ok to be yourself.

I have learned that even though I’m not perfect, I am lovable.

2-It’s a great way to tell your story.

I love to read over my stories and relive my experiences.

3-I love to talk about my family, and their history.

I have wonderful children! My grand baby is adorable! My ancestors are the bomb! We are all basically pretty great people!!!

4-It’s actually very fun to have a blog.

It’s a happy, fun, exciting place to share my life!

5-I have lots of heroes, friends, and memories.

My heroes are the good examples in my life. I try to emulate their lives. My friends are golden and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Well, my memory may go, but I’ll still have my blog.

6-Funny things happen in life.

Laughter really is the best medicine. I wrote a post once about laughing at inappropriate times, and yes I have been known to do that. I just innocently try to live my life and funny stuff just happens. I start to giggle and it’s all over. Next thing you know I have a stomach cramp, and tears are streaming down my face. I am thankful that I laugh easily. Life is too short to not laugh hysterically when the opportunity presents it’s self.

7-There are some wonderful movies and TV shows out there.

Dory: “Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming….what do we do we swim, swim!”

I need that reminder a lot.

8-Sometimes I don’t Have anything to say, believe it or not. And that’s ok.

I have been amazed at the lack of things to say, or when I can’t think of anything to post. I never thought I’d see the day. I am very social, I can talk to anyone, but I do like to be by myself and just sit still and read or relax sometimes.

9-Life is busy!

Life is busier than ever before. We’re all busy. It makes living adventurous! Sometimes finding time to do a blog post is very difficult, but I’m always glad when I do.

10-I really love Sunday’s the Best!

Peaceful, inspirational, and spiritual! Spending the day thinking about God and His precious gifts, and looking for ways to bless others lives!

11-The world is full of Beautiful Places!

Always focus on the beauty in this world. We are so blessed by Father above to live in such a beautiful place. Look for the beauty!

12-I have learned lot’s of lesson’s.

I’m so glad I’ve written them down. I love to learn and I’m glad that challenges are not wasted by having to repeat difficult times. I so appreciate the lessons!

13-It takes a long time to write 1000 posts.

Who knew it would take almost 5 years of blogging to reach 1000 posts, but I did it!!! Yay!!!!!!!!!

Sweet Treat!

Posted on October 12, 2013 by Joy

Aren’t they beautiful?

My friend Jill and her darling kids showed up at my door with these yummy cookies! I am so thankful for wonderful friends. Thank you Jill for the sweet treat! You’re a gem!

Friends: Julie

Posted on August 1, 2012 by Joy

My dear friend Julie recently had a birthday.

It was one of those significant birthdays. Like the ones you aren’t really looking forward to…the first number is a 5 and the second number is a 0. We have been best friends for 32 years, and friends for longer. She is a wonderful gal, and love her.

We had a fun day.

We rode Front Runner, shopped at the City Creek Center mall, we ate lunch at The Garden Restaurant. It was very nice. We sat in a nice spot with a view of the Salt Lake Temple. Then when I told them it was Julie’s birthday, they had her come to the middle of the restaurant and we all sang, and she released a balloon through the glass ceiling. How fun!

My favorite things about Julie are: We have a plethora of memories that are hysterically funny, we have made scary choices that we lived through, she is incredibly true and loyal, she loves me and I can tell she does, she plays a mean game of “Hand and Foot”, she’s my favorite friend to ride with at Lagoon, our children are all best friends, she shares with me, she’s fun to yard sale with, she loves the Lord and His gospel, and lives an honest life full of integrity. She is awesome! I am so blessed to have her in my life.

I love you, friend!