Share Your Love with a Wink This Christmas

I have been so touched by the goodness of people who remember my grandson who passed away about ten months ago. This kind gesture to remember Caleb this Christmas meant so much to our whole family. THANK YOU.



"...I read the story about your son Caleb in one of your mom's books and then read more about him on your blogs. Thank you for sharing his story. Reading about Caleb and your family has been inspiring to me. I love the message of sharing love with a "Wink". I live in Delta now and each year our community has a Christmas Tree Festival where people in the community decorate Christmas trees and then donate them to the festival. The trees are auctioned to businesses or community members and all of the proceeds go to Sub for Santa and the Food Bank. I am in the young women's presidency in my ward and this year the young women and young men in our ward will be joining with people in our community who have special needs to decorate a tree for the festival. We were hoping to share Caleb's story with our Young Men and Young Women and then have the theme of our Christmas tree be "Wink"...We would like to encourage our youth to share love this holiday with a "Wink" in honor of Caleb..."

I'll never forget the year Caleb played the angel in our annual family Nativity Play complete with costumes. Caleb's father Dallan spoke the words for Caleb when it was his turn but we all felt that it was Caleb's booming voice that said, "Fear Not! For behold I bring you tidings of great joy!"
We miss you Caleb. You are a real angel now.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Pin It

Super Hero Creed

Happy Birthday Mitchell

I know you are a real super hero.

Here is a super hero creed

I wrote just for you

on your sixth birthday.

Never forget how much

your Grandma Baadsgaard loves you.

 

Mitchel Ross Moody’s Super Hero Creed

 

 I am Mitchel Ross Moody the super hero.

In all the eons of time, there will never be another super hero just like me.

I do not compare myself to other super heroes because we all have unique one-of-a kind powers. All super heroes are amazing.

My powers are deep inside me and they come out when I am kind, when I forgive and when I make friends with people who need a friend.

I am always looking for someone who needs my laser eyes that see deep into their soul. I am not fooled by outward appearances.

I treat everybody like they are a superhero too because they are. Everyone has hidden magic inside them.

The mean words other people say to me bounce off my bullet proof soul and never get inside to hurt me because I know I am the one who decides how I feel about me.

I choose not to feel bad about myself because I have the power to love people even when they choose not to love me back.

I treat each person with kindness and respect.

I have a good attitude when I make a mistake because I am learning and growing. When I do something wrong, I say I’m sorry and try again. I am still a good super hero.

I help people wherever I go.

I believe in the power of each person to change their life and change the world through love. 

I know I am amazing  . . . and I know everyone is amazing.

I know who I am. My value is constant and never gets smaller.

I see everyone as my equal. I believe each person deserves my respect.

Mitchell Ross Moody is the finest super hero I know.

I use my powers for good.

I am Mitchell Ross Moody and I have an important destiny to fulfill.

 

Pin It

When Someone You Love is in Heaven

 

When Someone You Love is in Heaven

by

Grandma Baadsgaard

 Happy Birthday Mathew

                                                          Here is a story I wrote just for you.

Never forget how much I love you

            It was an awful day. In fact it was one of those days that made Mathew wish he didn’t get out of bed. First he couldn’t find any clean socks except the pair that had a giant hole in the left toe. If there was one thing that irritated Mathew the most, it was a bare toe protruding out of his sock inside his athletic shoe all day.

Then Mathew forgot how to spell knowledge on his fifth grade spelling test. He left out the d. He always got 100 per cent in spelling and when the kids in his class found out he missed one, they all teased him for the rest of the day. Next, his power shot totally failed him as recess. He missed every single one of his layups when everyone was watching. School lunch was a complete disaster because it consisted almost entirely of a pile of fresh broccoli and carrots with no pizza. Then his teacher told him that his best friend was home sick with the barfing bug. That is when Mathew remembered sharing a spoon at lunch the day before because he forgot to get one when he was in line.

Oh great, now I’m going to get the barf bug and so will everybody else in my family just in time for Christmas and they’ll all blame me, Mathew thought. I’d rather get twenty zillion warts than get the barf bug.

One the way home the biggest, meanest sixth grader teased him about walking his five-year-old brother Mitchell home, and taunted him with, “Kindergarten baby, born in the gravy.” So Mathew kicked him but the mean kid kicked him back way harder and right in the shin.

Mathew ran the rest of the way home, kicked open his front door and dashed straight to the bathroom where he could lock the door. Mathew used to run into Caleb’s room when he got home after a hard day at school. Caleb had a way of making him feel better about everything. Caleb’s oxygen and feeding tube machines kept a steady rhythm and his brother’s stillness had a way of making Mathew relax inside. Caleb was his best friend; but Caleb wasn’t there anymore.

Mathew could hear Mitchell telling his mother about the mean sixth grader in the kitchen when he quietly unlocked the bathroom door and walked down the hall into Caleb’s room. Mathew’s parents had given Caleb’s hospital bed and medical supplies to other special needs children. There was a new bed in his room that another special needs child had given them. Mathew climbed into that bed, sprawled out and placed his right arm behind his neck. Then he remembered lying close to Caleb and helping him place his limp arms around his neck. He glanced over to the corner of the room where there was a soft brown leather chair. He remembered rocking Caleb and singing “I am a Child of God” to him when his heart rate slowed. He looked at the hutch against the wall that housed a collection of all Caleb’s favorite blankets and toys. He remembered placing Caleb’s stuffed animals around his brother in his bed and making sure his blanket was carefully pulled up around his neck.

At first, Mathew didn’t like coming into Caleb’s room after he died. But now it felt better in there. It had been almost a year since that day in the hospital when Mathew had to say goodbye. Now, when he spent time in Caleb’s room, he felt something warm pass through him. Now he wanted to stay and even sleep there sometimes.

Mathew rolled over then sat up. That is when he saw his brother’s stuffed brown bear with one eye missing - just like Caleb - sitting on the shelf. Then Mathew talked to his brother in his mind. He told Caleb about the spelling test, the lousy layups and the mean sixth grader because he knew his brother could hear him. Mathew couldn’t see Caleb any more but he knew that his brother was still alive and could be close to him when he talked to him in his mind. Mathew imagined Caleb sitting beside him with the sun warming their backs. In his mind he saw Caleb wrap his arm around him and tell him that everything would be alright.

Right then Mathew saw his mother standing in the doorway. He didn’t have to say anything because Mathew knew she understood . . . when you lose a son or a brother  . . . God always gives you an angel. Even though you can’t see him, you can feel him . . . and he never leaves you. For when someone you love is in heaven, you have a piece of heaven deep inside you forever.    

Pin It

Two Budding Artists Display Their Work at the Springville Art Museum

Alisa receiving her award

Art museums are usually reserved for the talented elite. When we browse the galleries we have come to expect the best and most brilliant work of renowned artists. Yet all great artists were once a child – a child who was encouraged and mentored to develop their talent.

Alisa next to her art work

The people who mentor and encourage children are often unknown and unseen - and that is the way they like to weave their magic. The Springville Art Museum and a generous donor sponsor a “Christmas Lamb Show” each holiday season where they ask children to submit their personal art work. From the hundreds submitted, they choose a few to display at the museum and also give the winners a certificate and a small cash award.

Sophia receiving her award

Sophia next to her art

If you’re looking for something touching to do this Christmas season, stop by the Springville Art Museum. In a special gallery surrounded by sculptures and paintings by famous artists, you will find a gallery that displays the work of budding artists. One of those pieces of art on display was created by my twelve-year-old daughter Alisa and another one was created by my seven-year-old granddaughter Sophia. Helping children develop talents in the arts will help these future adults to see more, feel more and relish the wonders of life more. When we stop worrying about being "good" at something and simply enjoy the magic of creating music, art or literature we open our hearts to the deepest pleasures and richest rewards of life.  

   

One of the pieces that was not chosen for display
 but was equally deserving was my nine-year-old grandson Samuel's painting.

Pin It

A Rich Life Includes the Magic of Words

I like teaching students about the writing process
by explaining the role of the creator, writer and the editor.

I enjoyed visiting at Reese Elementary recently.
These sixth grade students
asked me some of the most mature and thoughtful
questions I've ever been asked.
They truly inspired me!
Thank you for inviting me.

I love to read and write! If I'm not reading a book, I'm writing one. As an author I'm often asked to give workshops on writing. One of my favorite groups to speak with is elementary age students. They remind me of myself a few short years ago, struggling to find out who I was and what I should do with my life. 

                                                        I know that reading and writing will aid students in their quest for purpose and meaning. I know their lives will always be richer if they embrace the magic of words.Pin It

John's Eagle Court of Honor Photos

John standing at a table displaying his many accomplishments

Good fun to add to the fun

Program table

John at the table displaying his eagle award

John receiving the award from his scout leader

John's Eagle nest with all his brothers and brothers-in-laws there to support him

John thanking family and scout leaders and choosing his father Ross as his mentor

Scouting takes a young boy and helps him grow into a man. As I've watched all my sons receive their Eagle award I am so grateful to  the people who care enough to help young men along the road to manhood.
Congratulations John and a big thank you to everyone involved in scouting.
Pin It

Alisa Receives $1,000 scholarship and wins PTA Reflections Contest

This is a picture of my twelve-year-old daughter Alisa receiving a $1,000 scholarship from the president of Zion's Bank. She won a book mark design contest. She also just won 1st place in the PTA reflections contest for her photograph and a musical composition. Congratulations Alisa!

Pin It

Sophia and the Gold Stone

Happy Birthday Sophia
Here is a story I wrote just for you.
Sophia and the Gold Stone

By

Grandma Baadsgaard

            One day Sophia was digging in her back yard with a hand shovel when she uncovered a gold stone. She picked it up and rubbed her fingers over the smooth surface. Then she ran into the house and yelled for her mom.

            “I found gold!” Sophia said holding up the gone stone for her mother to see. We’re rich. Now you don’t have to worry about money anymore.”

            Sophia’s mother took the stone and turned it over in her hand several times.

            “I think this is just a rock that got painted with gold spray paint honey,” her mother said. “It’s pretty but definitely not our ticket to riches.”

            Sophia’s smile turned into a frown.

            “How do you know for sure Mom?” Sophia said. “Maybe you don’t know everything.”

            Sophia’s mother thought about what her daughter said as she watched her walk away looking deflated. Then she suddenly remembered the iron pyrite she found when she was just a little girl. All the adults in her life told her it wasn’t worth anything. Back then Sophia’s mother didn’t think adults knew everything so she’d saved that shiny piece of metal in her jewelry box just in case they were wrong.

            Sophia’s mother walked into her bedroom and opened her chest-of-drawers. There in the back corner was her old jewelry box. She lifted the lid and looked inside. The iron pyrite was still shiny after all these years. Sophia mother took a deep breath and sighed. Then she went looking for her daughter. She found Sophia sprawled on her bed with the gold stone clutched tightly in her fingers.

            “I might be wrong,” Sophia’s mother said. “Adults don’t know everything you know. Sometimes we need children to teach us.”

            “No, you’re right,” Sophia said. “It is just a spray painted rock.”

            “You never know,” her mother answered. “Maybe we both forgot about magic and miracles.”

            Sophia smiled and took another look at her gold stone.

            The next day was Sophia’s Irish dancing class. Sophia was always too nervous to dance by herself in front of the other children in her class. Then she had an idea. She grabbed her gold stone and tucked it in her dance bag.

            When she pulled up in front of the dance studio, Sophia was nervous and her hands were sweaty. She knew her teacher was going to ask her to perform her solo and she was scared. Sophia took her mother’s hand and they walked into the studio together. Sophia changed into her dance shoes. Then she reached down into her bag and rubbed her fingers on her gold stone, closed her eyes and thought these words in her mind.

 Gold stones are lucky if you rub them just so

Then the scareds fly away and you just start to glow

            “It’s your turn now,” Sophia dance teacher said.

            Sophia took a deep breath and stepped lightly into the middle of the dance floor. Then she gracefully raised her arms, pointed her toes and began. She had never danced with such confidence. All the children cheered.

            “Wow!” her teacher said when Sophia was finished. “What happened to you today?”

            “Just a little magic,” Sophia answered.

            After class Sophia walked out the door with a big smile on her face. She reached down into her bag and rubbed her fingers on the gold stone.

 Gold stones are lucky if you rub them just so

Then the scareds fly away and you just start to glow

             “Hey, I have to give a talk in church this Sunday,” Sophia mother said. “Think you could let me borrow that gold stone of yours?”

            “Sure,” Sophia answered. “You’ll be great Mom.”

Pin It

When Someone Loves You They Always Come Back

Happy Birthday Bradley

Here is a story I wrote just for you.

WHEN SOMEONE LOVES YOU

THEY ALWAYS COME BACK

by

Grandma Baadsgaard

 

 

When Bradley was just about to leave for the first day of school, his little sister Isabella cried. Bradley understood.

“I know you’ll miss me Izzy,” he said. “But don’t worry. I always come back.”

Izzy wiped her eyes and wrapped her arms around Bradley’s neck. She waved from the front room window as she watched him walk to the bus stop with his friend.

Izzy played with her toys and ate lunch. She asked her mother when Bradley was coming home 367 times.

“Don’t worry,” Izzy’s mother said. “Brad will always come back.”

Izzy wasn’t sure. She watched the clock all day waiting. Then Izzy saw a big yellow bus. She asked her mother if she could go to the bus stop. Her mother took her by the hand and they walked to the bus stop together.

When Bradley stepped off the bus, Izzy ran over to him and hugged him so tight he almost fell over. Izzy always gave gigantic, enormous hugs. That was one thing Brad liked most about his new sister – her hugs and the way she smiled. Bradley liked having a mom, dad and a little sister. While Izzy was hugging him, he remembered the court hearing when the nice lady judge said that he was officially adopted by his mom and dad. Then he remembered the same lady judge a while later when his little sister was officially adopted too. The judge gave them a soft teddy bear and a candy bar. His parents told the judge they felt like they won the lottery. Everybody smiled and hugged and took pictures. Bradley told the judge he was happy to have a real family.

Then one day Bradley found out that his grandpa in Texas died. His mother and father would have to spend a week traveling there to arrange for the funeral. Bradley worried. He liked sleeping in his own bed. The next day, he was staying with his aunt and sleeping on an air mattress.

“Don’t worry,” Bradley said to Izzy when she had a hard time going to sleep. “Mommy and Daddy will come back.”

It was a long week, first he stayed at one aunt’s house, then another and for the last few days, he stayed with his Utah grandma and grandpa. Sometimes he worried that something bad would happen to his mommy and daddy and they would die like his Texas grandpa.

“When people die, do they ever come back?” Bradley asked his Utah grandma.

“When people die, their spirit leaves their body and their body gets buried in the ground. Their spirit is still alive. They can’t come back into their body for a while. But there will be a time when their spirit and body come back together and we can see them. When someone loves you, they always come back.”

On the day when his parents were expected home, his Utah grandpa and grandma drove Bradley and Izzy back over to their house. Bradley thought his daddy and mommy would be there to greet him but they weren’t. Bradley worried.

Grandma saw the worried look on Bradley face.

“Don’t worry Brad,” they will be here any minute.”

Bradley waited and waited. He looked down the street and waited some more. Then he saw his parent’s car come around the corner. When Bradley’s mom and dad climbed out of the car, Bradley ran over and gave them an enormous hug.

“What is the matter?” his mother asked when she saw a tear in Bradley’s eye.

“Nothing,” Bradley answered. “I’m just happy you’re home.”

Pin It

Last Few Days of Autumn Splendor at the Cabin with the Moody boys - my grandsons

Pin It

Love That Will Not Die

There is with the change of season 

a bit of melancholy

- a longing to hold fast

to what must inevitably pass.

Yet there remains a element

of stillness 

then peace.

For what we long to hold close

is what we have loved.

And even though all things must pass away - 

our love remains -

the emptiness

is filled

with

memory

and

love

that will not die.

                                                                                      Janene Baadsgaard

 

Pin It

The Magic of a Moment with Alisa Baadsgaard

My daughter Alisa.

 

My twelve-year-old daughter Alisa is a wonderful artist

who sees beauty and wonder everywhere.

Sometimes she captures the moment with her camera,

sometimes with a song she composes

and other times with a drawing.

She recently won the statewide "Make Your Mark" Bookmark Design Contest

that came with a $1,000 UESP college savings certificate.

This is Alisa's Book Mark Design

 

Alisa also recently took this picture that I love.

This is what she said about it. . .

 

"I took this picture of my four-year-old niece

while we were blowing bubbles in our backyard.

I chose to use bubbles as my subject because

 they are so magical and only last a moment.

The bubble represents one moment in time.

The things we enjoy most don't last.

You have to catch and enjoy each fleeting moment before it is gone.

The tiny hands represent the beauty and magic of childhood.

For children grow up and soon they're grown.

When I printed this picture,

I was surprised to see that the bubble looked as though it could be a fragile earth,

suspended in black space.

We live out our lives on this delicate orb.

Our very existence is a magical moment in time." 

Pin It

The Gift of a Brother

Emily with baby brother Daniel.

 One of the greatest gifts a parent can give a child is the gift of a brother or a sister. These are the people you grow up with, the people who know you best, the people who are always there for you. Friends come and go like the leaf in the wind. A brother or a sister is yours forever.



Andrew finally has a brother!

Libby with baby brother Daniel.

Sandy with baby brother Daniel.

Jordan and Karen Baadsgaard family in the hospital after Daniel is born.

Pin It

Daniel Rayne Baadsgaard is Born Today!

My newest grandchild Daniel Rayne was born today. He weighed 8 lbs 3 oz.
I can't wait to hold him in my arms.
His middle name is a combination of his two grandfathers - Ross and Thayne.

Mother and baby are doing well.

This is the fifth child for my son Jordan and his wonderful wife Karen.
Congratulations!

There is nothing more important than the birth of a brand new person. There is no greater miracle. I applaud every mother and father that is willing to welcome a new child into their heart and home. Pin It

Autumn's Invitation To Pause

Autumn invites us to wander - to see natural beauty in both the great and the small.

Fall days are alternately large, grand and stunning - then small, quiet and still.

Splendor is in found in grand mountain landscapes or in a single crimson jewel.

Pin It