Letter to My Little Self

Letter to My Inner Child

I heard a song on the radio about someone who had written a letter to his younger self. I thought how eye-opening this activity could be, so here goes.

Dear Little Deb,

It was not your fault. Tell your Mom. Everything. She will believe you. He was wrong; she will still love you.

Make sure your testimony stays strong. Make sure you learn to spurn the adversary. One day when your future husband is put in the Bishopric, you will need it. Fight.

The Piano

This post was inspired by my sister, Jann. Even though she never played, she remembered and loved this old thing!

*************************************************

This photo is a facsimile of our piano. It looks just like it, except mine had foot pedals to power the player and an awesome old round claw-foot stool.

*************************************************

 I was about eleven years old and had been begging Mom and Dad to let me take piano lessons, ever since I watched Grandma Chris play at the school she taught at in Ibapah. Actually, I'm not certain if it was at the school or at her home, but it was definitely in Ibapah.

They finally relented when Sister Leona Pocock got wind of my desire and offered to teach me for free!

See that old Dodge? That truck was old in 1966 and that's what Dad, Gean, and Randy drove to Ibapah to bring back a piano just for me. I remember watching them back that truck up to the front porch with the biggest piano I had ever seen in the back! I was pretty young, but I remember all the grunting and groaning it took FIVE men to get that thing in the house!

Of course, one of the first things I did was open the top and have a look inside! I found a dead mouse, an empty cigarette package, and what I later learned to be a sales tax token from WWII. I still have that coin.

I couldn't wait! I sat right down and started just plunking on it!

This is the book I started in, and even today, I can play the first song Sister Pocock made me memorize, called "Swinging Along"!

Sadly, this is the only picture I have of my beloved piano. Well, that and my beloved bike!

I only took lessons for about a year or so. I quit just as I was starting Book 2. I have taught myself through the years, because it brings me such joy. My favorite thing? Taking a stack of spiritual music, going to the chapel, and playing for hours, all by myself! And I'd be happy to take anyone with me to get the spiritual lift I get.

The above photo was taken at Mom's funeral. I played a song she asked me to play every time she came to my house. "Dark Horse" by David Lanz. Yes, I cried the whole way through it, but it was perfect. Mom said this song, with its ups and downs, loud and soft, and fast and slow reminded her of her own life. 

I will always treasure this gift of mine, and I believe it is a gift straight from God. And I thank Him for it all the time! 

Now, let me play something for you!!

Pay Your Tithing!

This is my story about why we pay tithing....

We have always had enough, but hardly ever very much extra.  This month, we had a few extra little expenses and a few little extra spendings, so when I went to make the house payment, there was enough, but not much extra for the first half of the month.

I pay tithing no matter what.

It's a commandment, and I am trying to be obedient.

I immediately said a prayer in my heart. Guide me. Help me figure this out without having to dip into the savings. We pay a full tithe. We serve the Lord.

Then I continued opening the bills for the month. Don't know how, but I'll figure it out.

I opened one particular bill, thinking I shouldn't have a balance on this account. I thought I had paid it off. Crap. This is NOT in the budget.

Wait for it....

I pulled out a refund for the amount I had over paid. $137.26.

Thank you just doesn't seem enough, does it?

Little Star

This little man! He loves him some Gramma! Whenever Tyler calls me on the phone, I hear him in the background, shouting about one thing or another. He always says, "Love you, Gramma!" In fact, he told ME he loved me before he told his own mother! 

Definitely a personality bigger than that cute little body!

Camera Shy?

Keri's kids are such naturals in front of the camera! Completely at home, whether it's being serious or being silly! Kayston was showing me just how cool he can be with his finger heart! I just LOVE this boy!

Field Day for Ayden and Jennika

I just love going to the kids' field days! Ayden's class decorated their own "surfboards" and sang to the Beach Boys and Jennika's class danced to "Happy"

Declan was so excited to see his brother and sister at school!

Sure was hot in the sun, though! I was sure glad I brought an umbrella!

Crazy Boy Sleepover!

The two are such good friends, it just warms my heart! They are turning into some crazy boys! All they did all night was be silly! Here they are clipping themselves together with a caribeener!

Who'da thunk it was so funny!

Meegie's Pre School Graduation

This little girl!

When they sang a song about love, and she pointed at me while singing, "I love you!" of course I cried!  

Oh, the places you'll go, Meegies!

BYU Ice Cream!

BYU Creamery in Provo is the BEST place in the world! Grampa decided that these three needed ice cream! Declan promptly dropped his on the floor, so he got to share Jennika's, but he didn't seem to mind at all!

All Dressed Up

These guys clean up pretty nice, huh? 

Tyler's friend, Jordan, and his other friend, Danica got married today! It's about dang time! Such a nice wedding at a beautiful place!

I just LOVE this picture of Declan! He lights up my life, that's for sure. To hear him say, "Love oo Gamma" melts my heart!

My Very Own 2nd Counselor

Stan got called to be 2nd counselor in our Bishopric. Right now, we are in the Kennekuk Ward, Utah Cedar Pass Stake. Today was his first day conducting Sacrament Meeting, and boy was he nervous! I don't think he's slept a wink since he was called!

Um...yes, I know I'm not supposed to be taking pictures in Church, but I could NOT resist capturing this moment. He is such a great, great man! Too bad he hides most of what I get to see. 

I love the Spirit this calling has already brought into our home. 

Kids Kids Kids!

I could hear the cacophony from the bedroom! When I looked out the window, the playground was absolutely COVERED with kids! And not one of them mine! I tried to count, but they were moving pretty fast! I counted 16! 

I love where we live! 

Oh, Kayston!

Again With the Violets

Happy 60th Birthday, Deb!

I came up with this great idea for my birthday this year! Instead of getting gifts, I wanted to give! I made a goal to gather 60 boxes of clothing and goods to donate. I sent word out via email and just look at all the stuff that got donated! 

I had told my kids that I wanted a BIG celebration. It certainly was big!

And then...

One of the little kids, I won't mention any names, cuz Ashleigh Belnap might be embarrassed that it was one of hers, pulled the fire alarm! Yep, we had to vacate the building until the Fire Department got there! They were gracious and friendly, and after they checked the building, even hung around for pictures! We offered to feed them, but they said they had dinner waiting for them back at the station.

Would ya just look at this cake!

Kim and Yazzie made my very large birthday banner! I loved it!

Yazzie's grandkids are dang talented, and made me these birthday greetings! 

I may just keep this forever!

What a perfect day! I just couldn't be a happier 60-year-old!

Thanks, my little family!

My Favorite Cousin

This is Jill Hubbard Cleaver. She was in Utah, and decided to come spend some time visiting me! We spent a couple of glorious hours, just remembering all the good times we had as kids. We were just best friends!

Thanks for the great visit!

Easter/ Tyler's Birthday