Chip had rotator cuff surgery on his right shoulder, Friday, September 3. At least he can walk. Is doing well and not experiencing nearly as much pain as two years ago. He had a long weekend to recuperate and be pampered by his nurse. Didn't do much exciting. Watched a few movies, T.V., went for a walk, I mowed the lawn (which I will be doing for the next 6 to 8 weeks- WE NEED A NEW LAWNMOWER!!!) and then on Labor Day went to Ashlee's for the annual family campout and BBQ. Missed a few family members, but those who attended had a wonderful time. The end of summer is here and the holidays will be upon us before we know it. Oh, I said the "H" word. Holidays!!!!! Didn't we just do them? Time flies when you are having fun.

Had Cathy, Jessie, Hayden, Grady, Katie and Baby Rose down from Portland for a visit. What a wonderful time we all had. The boys caught fish, swam, drove from one end of the valley to the other, swam again and played with cousins. We girls, well we just enjoyed watching it all and hanging out. Yes, at 61 I still get homesick for my extended family. Wish we lived closer so we could do that kind of things more often, but then again, it wouldn't be so much fun. Hope to see them again soon and maybe some of the rest of you up there in soggy Oregon/Washington and even Utah.

We have seen Courtney's swim meet, Josh's gymnastics, Tyler and Zach's baseball playoff games; next will be Calder and Cora's swim meet; then Calder's football and Cora's cheerleading in the fall. I think Emily and Lindsey are playing soccer this fall, so will be there too!! So grateful that they are all so healthy and able to run and jump and swim and that they love having two old people come to see them do their thing.

June 20, Father's Day, we celebrated Ethan's 1st birthday. Everyone was home to eat hotdogs, potato salad and birthday cake. Grandma took all the kids (that could walk) on a long hike through the golf course almost to the creek. It was getting a bit late so had to cut it short. I was told later that it wasn't a long enough hike, so I will have to work on that. The saddest part about being together is when the cousins have to go home. There are always tears at their parting, not wanting to go home yet. I can only interrpret it to mean that they love being at Grandma's house so very much.

I am not 29 anymore, nor am I 39, and probably couldn't even get away with 49. Time flies and I am loving my life and having fun in my old age. Life is wonderful even though there are challenges to face. My children are happy and healthy, which makes for happy grandchildren. My husband still says he likes me, even at my age. I am happy with my life at this moment, and as we all know that could change in a minute. I don't take things for granted. I continually count my blessings and try to look for the good in everything and everyone. Happy Birthday to me.

#14 is here and she is healthy and beautiful. Julieanna Blair Watts born on November 19 at 7:05 a.m. Weighed 7#2 oz. That makes it even; 7 boys and 7 girls.

Later that same day her Aunt Chelsea passed the written driving test and now has her permit. She starts "real" driving lessons on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. I am considering getting a blinking red light for the top of my car when she is behind the wheel. It has been quite a few years since we have had a student driver in our home and I was much younger then. But, all kidding aside, I am so happy for her. See Chelsea, there is nothing you can't do.

Hope all of you will have a safe and happy Thanksgiving this year. I know I will be counting my blessings, all 14 of them. Life is good and can only get better.

July was a month of blessings and birthdays. July 11 was the wedding day of Jennifer and Mike. Calder told me a while back and that all he wants is a "real" family. Now he and Cora have a "real" family. Congratulations to the Davis'. Zach turned 8 on July 18 so a trip to the Newbolds was in order for a baptism and birthday party. July 22, Tyler turned 12. On Sunday the 26th another trip to the Newbolds for a priesthood ordination. July 28 was Joey's birthday, 2 years old and he gets cuter and acts more like his dad every day. July 30, Megan turned 4 years old. Now she is smarter than anyone in the family. August 2, a baby blessing for Ethan Doty Watts born on June 20, 2009. After church, family get together at Grandma and Grandpa's with lots of food, fun and a great adventure to the creek. 10 grandkids on the hike and only 4 got hurt and fell. Zach's fall was the bloodiest, but he said, "that will be a sweet scar". My heart is so full of love for my children and the families they have formed. My grandchildren are receiving love and support from parents in gospel centered homes. What more can a Grandma want?

Ethan Doty Watts was born Saturday, June 20, 2009 in Roseville. Weighing 7# 1oz. at 19 1/2 inches long. Lots of dark hair and such a beautiful little boy. Proud parents are Chad and Mindy Watts, Megan (big sister) and Joey (big brother). Little Ethan is #13 for Chip and I with #14 coming in November and the last report is that #14 will be a little girl. I am the luckiest Gramma around.