#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.

On Saturday June 13, our children gave us a 40th anniversary party. It was a wonderful evening. Delicious food, decorations and a wonderful program. The grandkids sang "Little Purple Pansies", they probably all hate that song, but it is a childhood memory for me and I have sung it with them at times when we are working in the yard. The entire family sang "Families Can Be Together Forever", Anna danced, such a treat; and she also put together a DVD presentation of family photos over the last 40 years. I have worn it out in the last few days, it is so fun to watch. I sang and then Chip and I sang "The Circle of Our Love", which we haven't sang in 20 years. But the surprise of all surprises, my husband sang to me!!! The last time he sang to me was the night we got engaged at our candlelighting at my dorm. I think he was disappointed that I didn't cry, but I was so shocked. Our dear friend, Bill Russell, accompianed him on the guitar. Thank you, honey. Do I have to wait another 40 years for another seranade?

I have so much to be thankful for, especially my dear family. Such wonderful kids who wouldn't be so wonderful without my sweet husband who has tolerated me for so many years. I love you all soooooo much!!!

The photo was taken in September 2008 in Red Bluff. Four generations of Watts boys that were in attendance. I decided to add a photo of Grandpa Watts to our blog. He will be missed, he was a generous, sweet man and how he loved his grandkids and great-grandkids.

Mother's Day weekend started out great. Saturday I spent doing just girl stuff with my sweet daughter Cassie. She came over and fixed me breakfast then we headed out to the stores. We shopped but didn't buy much. It was fun to have such a fun break.

Mother's Day was bitter sweet. The day started at 5:30 a.m. with a phone call from my husband who was in Red Bluff caring for his father. His father, who had been suffering from Alzeimers, passed away in the early morning at the age of 87. Knowing the end result of this disease still does not make the loss any easier. His funeral is tomorrow in Red Bluff with burial in his childhood home of Kanosh, Utah.

That evening, my children and grandchildren came for dinner and a delicious dessert of Fondue. Boy, haven't done that since the 70's. It was fun to visit with my wonderful children, sharing fond memories of their grandfather. What a blessing family is especially watching their children play with one another and shed a few tears when the time is over. I am so thankful for all of these blessings.

Yes the rumor is TRUE. I am not 29. Yippee!!!! I am officially a senior citizen and Chip is married to a much older woman. Yes, I know it is hard to believe but I am 60 and he isn't (yet). Just wait, honey, your day is coming. We went to my favorite Sushi restaurant and 4 of my 6 children and 6 of my 12 grandchilren were able to join us. It was so fun and soooo good. I even took pictures with my new phone, which has a camera and unlimited texting. I might be old but I am still part of the 21st century. Josh made me a birthday crown to wear and I looked stunning. I am so excited to have finally arrived at this age in my life. This is something I have dreamed of and prepared for since I can remember. To achieve a goal that has taken so much work and commitment is quite an accomplishment and I should be congratulated. So.....congratulations to me, you old lady!!!!

I am sure you would love to see the photo of me and my birthday crown, well, I am 60 you know and I don't know everything yet. I can't get it from my phone to the computer. I will work on that. See there, one is never to old to learn new things.

New year, new entry. I am so grateful for my family; my husband, my children, my 12 grandchildren (the perfect things in my life), my parents, my favorite sister and yes, even my 4 brothers, (which also includes their families). The blessings from 2008 were sometimes seen through tears but I have truly been blessed this past year. Many lessons learned, some hard taught, some not so much. Looking forward to new things to come this year, though the work is not done. There will be no vacations or free time again this year. Life is work, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Love to you all.