Grama Linda's Place

TIMBER

2012-01-30T17:28:00.000-08:00

As promised...pictures of the Slade families new dog. Timmmmmmberrrr or Timmy or Tim Tim is so cute!!

I even said I would babysit when they go out of town.

All the kids love him so much...at one time last week there were 16 kids sitting in their family room playing with him! Oh my. And yes, Timber's even had his first photo shoot...he's quite the celebrity.

Memory Monday 101

2012-01-30T08:50:00.000-08:00

We don't get snow in Vegas very often, like hardly ever, so when it snows here it's pretty exciting.

I remember this snowy Sunday in 1979 and how happy Amber was to get to go to church with Grami, Grampa and Aunt Lisa... in the snow!

thank.you.

2012-01-27T09:23:00.000-08:00

When I look at all of these pictures from the luncheon that was held after the graveside service for our LeeLee, my heart... again, is overflowing with gratitude and love for our family, friends and all of our loved ones. We are so blessed. So many people have been praying for our family and offering all of their love and support. I want you to know that we feel all of that love and kindness more than you'll ever know. Thank you, thank. you. for everything. We love you.

We received a wonderful letter from some dear friends. At the end of the letter they shared some special thoughts and some quotes from our church leaders. It was just what I needed today.

Don't be afraid of trials... "Trust in God's love and power." (Dallin H. Oaks) It's ok to be you and me. "We all just need to do a little better every day." (Gordon B. Hinckley) Family and friends matter. Stand for truth and righteousness. Service is a great source of joy. "We must not only say our prayers. We must live them." (J. Devin Cornish) "Your future is as bright as your faith." (Thomas S. Monson)

Smiles

2012-01-27T08:17:00.000-08:00

These sweet boys always bring a smile to my face.

MM 100... Grandpa Schlauder

2012-01-23T10:27:00.000-08:00

Last week, the home that Allyn grew up in was sold. As he went back there a couple of days ago to finish gathering up some of the last boxes at the house, he found some awesome pictures and treasures.
Arthur Schlauder, Allyn's dad, was such a wise, kind, fun, honest, good man.

Everyone who knew Art Schlauder loved and respected him. Oh, we miss him.

Allyn's dad was a great athlete in High School and college at the University of Iowa. We always heard about the records he set in track and field and how fast he was. A couple of his records stood for 30 years or more.

It's so fun to see these pictures and old newspaper clippings.

Look at the date... 1936!!!

The kids loved finding out that Grandpa Schlauder was a football star too!

Olivia's "Bieber" Birthday Bash

2012-01-18T11:00:00.000-08:00

Olivia's Justin Bieber 7th Birthday Bash was somethin' else! Here are some highlights...

hair doing.nail painting.headband making.microphone creating.dance contests.pin the kiss on justin games.shooting cupids arrow.bieber cake.lots of happy giggly girls.and a couple of adorable boys too.

Best Gift Ever

2012-01-16T13:13:00.000-08:00

I taped the NFL playoff games yesterday and I cheered pretty loudly as I watched the Baltimore Ravens win and Ed Reed get the game deciding interception! You see the Ravens are Kaden's favorite football team and Ed Reed is his favorite player.

A couple of weeks before Christmas Jennie found this letter that Jackson had written to Santa. It's the cutest thing I have ever seen. She put plenty of Santa's elves to work trying to make Jackson's wish come true. It was the only thing Jackson asked for for Christmas. How adorable is this?...

Well...Santa pulled through and Christmas morning a Baltimore Raven football signed by Ed Reed was under the tree. Jackson was SOOOO excited to bring it over for Kaden to open.

Grama Linda was all teary eyed watching the whole thing happen!

Talk about some happy cousins!!!!!!!!!!!

Santa is the coolest!! He even brought Jackson a Arizona Cardinals game ball that was signed by Todd Heaps and Larry Fitzgerald. WooHoo! Is Jackson the sweetest boy ever or what?

And yep, the Slade kids even had a picture of the most adorable labradoodle puppy under the tree too.

(Jennie is convinced that Jackson is so smart that he figured out the one way that she couldn't say no to him getting a dog.) The puppy is almost ready to leave his mom and come the the Slade's...pictures of that coming soon.

MM 99 ...Patrick Lane and butterflies

2012-01-16T10:13:00.000-08:00

Last week I went to Candy's house (that's the house you can see in the background) to have our annual friends get together. (Can you believe that I didn't even take one picture?! I.am.slackin'!))
I love all of these dear friends. They are such a blessing in my life.

Well, we used to live across the street from Candy for almost 20 years and going back there always brings back a plethora of memories. I usually leave there just a little bit teary eyed as I reminisce about our days on Patrick Lane. Those were such wonderful days...carefree days of lemonade stands, playing games, summer floods, the big dips, sitting on Candy's big rock, and best friends.
I remember the day I took this picture so well... Leah was tired of waiting for all the kids to get home from school, so we decided to have a picnic outside under the tiny tree (which is now huge!) in our front yard...the back yard was still dirt. We laid on the blanket, laughed, and watched butterflies as we waited for the school bus. Leah has always loved butterflies. I remember talking to Leah about how a caterpillar turns into a beautiful butterfly, how magical it is and how much Heavenly Father loves us to give us so many of His beautiful creations.

I got a phone call the other night from a friend of Leah's who did not know that she had passed away. I told her what had happened and as we cried together, she told me how much Leah meant to her, and what a good friend she had been to her in the short time she had known her. She said Leah had always helped her to look on the bright side and how she made her feel better and happy by just being around her. She told me that Leah had taught her to draw butterflies, and that she drew so many that she got carpel tunnel in her wrist. We laughed and then cried some more.

Every time I see a butterfly I will think of our precious, sensitive, fragile, beautiful Leah.
I miss her.

The Graveside

2012-01-10T09:59:00.000-08:00

The graveside service was beautiful, sad, loving, hard, tender and truly filled with the spirit.

Through the sacred priesthood of God, Allyn dedicated the ground where our precious Leah's body was put to rest. He asked our Father in Heaven to protect this place and make it holy ground where Leah's body will rest until the glorious resurrection. All who were there felt peace and reassurance that we will see Leah again someday.

Allyn asked for a special blessing to be upon her spirit as she learns, grows, and progresses.

We were all encircled with the love of our Savior and felt His presence there.

A few weeks after the funeral Allyn went back to the mortuary to pick up the death certificate. He went out to Leah's graveside and knelt in prayer. It was a cloudy, cold, and windy day. As he prayed with tears streaming down his face, he asked God to please bless our daughter. He asked to know if Leah is really alright and is safe, happy and at peace. He asked if she knows how very much we all love her and how very much we miss her. He prayed with all the sincerity and love his heart could hold. As he ended his prayer and looked up, he saw the clouds part and the suns shining rays shine upon him and the special place where he was kneeling. It was cloudy everywhere around him except right where he was. He felt God's love, tender mercies and comfort so profoundly. We know that Leah truly is in a better place and that she is loved beyond measure.

As the beautiful hymn says, God be with you 'till we meet again...we love you sweetheart.

Leah is buried really close to Grami...

MM98

2012-01-09T21:53:00.000-08:00

Olivia turns seven this week. That's crazy!! She is so cute and brings us all so much joy.
She looks just like her mama except with big brown eyes and she's "a giver" just like her too. We love you Livi!

We found a letter that Leah wrote to Olivia on 10/27/2011

Olivia,

Hi Sweety! How are you doing baby girl? I just wanted to write you a letter to tell you just how much I love you... I love you so much Sweetheart. You are such a beautiful, sweet, & smart girl, & I am so lucky to be your mom! I love you, I love you Livi!

Love, Mom

Leah's Funeral

2012-01-08T23:44:00.000-08:00

As I have thought about Leah's funeral over the last month, such sweet peace comes to my heart. Gratitude overwhelms me as I think about her, and the many wonderful memories. We are so blessed to be her parents.

When we gathered as a family to plan the program for the funeral, it was really pretty amazing as it just came together so quickly. We knew right away that we would all speak. We knew who would sing. And we knew with out question that we were being blessed, lifted and guided. So many dear friends and family dropped everything at such a busy time, to help and to be there for us. Words can't begin to express our love and gratitude. It was a sweet day as we shared experiences, stories and love for our Leah. We could never have made it through that day, the days that followed or the days ahead, without our belief in Jesus Christ, our testimony of His Gospel, and our knowledge that we will all be together forever someday. We believe in the Plan of Salvation. We believe we will live as families forever because of the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ.

I love my Savior. I love my family. I love all of our dear friends. I am so grateful.

priceless.

2012-01-05T22:31:00.000-08:00

When Amy went to get some of Leah's things she found a very priceless treasure. Leah had recorded this book to give to her kids for Christmas. I wanted to video it in case it ever stopped working. I love hearing Leah's voice. I shared the book with Caleb and Livie a few days ago and we cried, hugged each other tight and talked about their beautiful mommy and how much she loves them...forever.
Olivia asked, "Can Mommy hear us right now?"And Caleb asked, "Can we just fly a plane to heaven?"

Missing my Lee Lee

2012-01-04T09:22:00.000-08:00

I read Amy's blog today and I cried. A lot. Amy shared a perfect letter she wrote to Leah, that she gave at her funeral. It is tender, sweet, inspiring and fills my heart with love, hope and strengthens my testimony.
I love my girls. I miss Leah.

Dearest Leah,

We all miss you, butI have a pretty good feeling you already know that.

I’m gonna try andread this without too much crying, because I know you’d rather have us alllaughing.

So, how is Heaven? How does it feel to befree from your tired body? After I heard you left us, I prayed and prayed thatGod would be gentle with you. Are you doing okay? When you saw Grami for the first time, did she give you a lovepat on your butt, or a kiss on the lips? Probably both. And if there's any wayfor her to be spoiling you in Heaven right now, I know she is.

I already miss theway you always said “Hey Ame,” whenever you saw me or answered the phone. Youknow how to give the best hugs, and how to make anyone laugh. Somehow, yoursarcasm has never been hurtful, just funny. And we've always loved being aroundyou.

It’s hard to believeit was just last week, when you were cracking jokes around the dinner table onThanksgiving. They were really dumb jokes too, but we were laughing at howfunny YOU thought they were.

I remember when I was just starting middleschool. I was not happy to be growing up. You tried to cheer me up by sayingthat Schlauder girls have a special power, and together, we came up with aSchlauder power cheer. We stood in a circle, put our hands in the middle,chanted “Schlauder Power,” then raised them up with a sassy, “Schlauder girlsgot attitude.” (There may have been a handshake or a dance afterwards. I’m notreally sure.) But me and Ally felt really cool to have a cheer with our oldersisters.

I remember sittingin the front seat of your teal green Camaro, learning all the words to MariahCarey’s song. “Heartbreaker” with you. I still have it memorized. And I thinkof you every time I hear it. (Or anything Destiny's Child.)

I remember one timesitting in your chair at your salon. You brought a pack of index cards andmarkers. We thought of 100 (or more) reasons why you loved your husband, and wetook turns decorating the cards for his Valentine’s Day present. Your heart'salways been so big, and you've always had so much love to share.

I remember the themed birthday parties youplanned for your kids, and the way you wanted your house to always be decoratedjust right. I know you love your kids more than any of us can even comprehend.And I promise you, Leah, that we will all take such good care of them, and letthem know how much you love them.

Leah, you are far more beautiful than youhave ever realized. You have touched so many lives, just by the simple ways youmake others feel good about themselves. You've always loved doing hair becauseyou wanted other people to feel beautiful. I remember the joy you felt when youmade women with cancer feel beautiful again. So many people love you, Leah. Ihope you will someday see the beauty we all see in you, and the beauty ourHeavenly Father sees in you.

Iknow you want to be better. We all want to be better. I'm just so grateful thatthat progression, of being a little bit better every day, doesn’t end in thislife. I’m so grateful that you can become the Leah you’ve always wanted to be.And I can become the Amy I've always wanted to be. I find comfort believingthat now, that progression will be less painful for you.

Idon't understand exactly how Christ's Atonement makes it possible forHim to be the perfect judge, but I know it does. I know He died for me and foryou. He knows what we struggle with, what hurts us most, and how to best toheal us. Maybe this life got just a little too hard for your soft heart. AndHeavenly Father wanted to wrap His arms around you and welcome you home.

Lee Lee, I miss you dearly, but I know I willsee you again. I hope that by the way I live my life, that I can show you howvery much I love you and look forward to laughing with you again.
Love always and forever,
Amy

Oh HAPPY DAY!... and Memory Monday too

2012-01-02T12:14:00.000-08:00

Look who's engaged!!!! We are so happy for Steve and Ally...they are a perfect couple!

And just for Memory Monday, here are some great pics of Steven and Allyson through the years.

Church History Tour in 2005 & Ally's Junior Year in High School

Steven's Senior Prom

Putting on the "glass slipper"... perfect.

Just before Steve left on his mission to Guatemala...

Right when Steve got home from his mission, two years later.

Before and after Ally's study abroad to Spain...

And before and after Ally's mission to Texas...

Congratulations you two!!! We love you!

7th Annual Grandkids Sleepover

2011-12-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

Our 7th annual Gandkids Sleepover was a fun time for all...and it was Levi's first time getting o come!! He was so excited he could hardly stand it. I'm so glad Tiana came too. She is an amazing helper and was Levi's "Best Friend" for two days.
Some of the highlights:
Going to see the Barnes Train! (they gave us an early sneak peek) So Fun

Homemade snow globes...The kids loved this new experiment...

Traditional presents... It's so funny how excited they all get to open one present at the sleepover. Miranda and Abby even stopped by for a quick visit. I love my girls:) and no matter how old they get, they will always be my girls!

Of course we had to make the traditional gingerbread houses...they never get sick of them.

We made and frosted about a gazillion sugar cookies...and ate almost a gazillion of them!

We all went to see "We Bought A Zoo" at the movies... and then the whole family went out for pizza after.

I love our grandkids sleepover tradition...

MM96

2011-12-19T21:55:00.000-08:00

Last night and today was the annual "Grandkids Sleepover"... I can hardly believe it, but this was our 8th!!! So for Memory Monday here are a couple pics from a few years ago. It was funny to find these pictures, since today we were sitting at the same table making gingerbread houses that look pretty much exactly the same. They sure like traditions... (Me too)

Happy Pictures From A Beautfiul Thanksgiving

2011-12-16T09:05:00.000-08:00

Lee Lee

2011-12-14T23:58:00.000-08:00

Since this blog is my journal, I need to write some of the things that have happened in the last two weeks...

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It was such a joy to have all of our family together for the first time in a long time. It was the first time that Ally had seen Leah since she got home from her mission.

There were lots of hugs, tears and laughter. Of course we took lots of pictures and my heart was so full and happy to have all of us together. I felt gratitude and love spilling over.

I remember saying, "Hey girls, lets take a picture with Papa Jack." Then I counted 1-2-3-4-5 and said, "Yep, we're all here..." We ate, played games, did crafts with the kids, took turns riding the tandem bicycle and even watched Grampa Al fulfill his dream of riding a motorcycle. Leah was so fun and happy. I remember watching them sit around the table laughing and telling jokes. Leah had lots of plans and goals and was really excited about the future. We took our family picture by the Christmas tree and I remember that Leah said, "Oh shoot, I don't have any lip liner on." And I said, "You look beautiful just the way you are." And then I gave her a hug and had her stand right next to me.

The last thing we said before she left later that night was, "Bye Lee Lee, We Love You..."

On November 29th at about 2pm Allyn came running into the house hysterical. He said, "Our Leah is gone." He had received a phone call while he was at work and he was told that our precious, beautiful Leah had just died. Neither of us believed it, and we rushed over to the house where she was. We were absolutely in shock and really just wanted to make it all be a big mistake. When we got there, our son in law Chad was already there. We just held each other and cried and begged the police who were already there to tell us it wasn't her. It was. We think that Leah died from an accidental prescription pill overdose, although the exact cause is still unclear. She had gone to the doctor on Monday and had just filled her prescriptions. Completely devastated, we watched as they took our daughter away.

From that moment on everything went into a big blur. We all came home to be together. We wept, cried, held each other and tried to wish it all away. Truly, I could hardly breathe. Family, friends, neighbors all came to offer comfort, help and anything they could. Prayers were said and tender blessings given. With out question we felt the love of the Lord lifting us and bringing us comfort and peace. I have come to understand in a way I never could have before, that the Savior suffered not only for our sins, but also for our pains, sorrows and heartaches. He is truly "The Prince of Peace" "The Savior of the World" and "The King of Kings." I love the Lord Jesus Christ and I know that it is through Him that we can live again and be families forever. I know that His grace, mercy and love is far greater and more magnificent than anything we can comprehend. I know that our Leah is spending Christmas with Him this year, and that knowledge brings me great comfort. I know we will see our Leah again and when that heavenly day comes, we will run to find her. Oh, how we miss her.

MM...again

2011-12-12T20:35:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe it is Monday again... This last week has been a blur. I've promised myself that I will get back to blogging, I just haven't had the energy to do it. "One day at a time," I keep telling myself.

I am abundantly grateful for all of the cards, letters, flowers, dinners and mostly the prayers of so many for our family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you.
Looking back at the many pictures I have taken over the years makes me so sad sometimes that I just have to put them away...but then there are other times like today, when I looked at them and wonderful happy memories come flooding back. I am so grateful for the happy times, the wonderful years and the many sweet memories that we had with our precious Leah. I miss her more than words can say.

Memory Monday

2011-12-07T14:33:00.001-08:00

I don't know where to begin or how to even start writing again.

But like everything else, life goes on...even though there are some days when I feel it shouldn't.

I remember at the funeral for our beautiful Leah, Allyn said, "The dawn will come tomorrow. The sun will rise.

And we will love and we will serve and we will carry on."

Each day when I look at Leah's picture by our bed, I am reminded that she is safe, happy, loved by her grandmothers, grandpa, and most importantly in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father.

We have felt such peace and comfort and our hearts are overflowing with gratitude.

We feel your prayers and your love lifting us.

Thank you for your Christ-like love and service, which truly knows no bounds. We love you...

One early morning last week (mornings and late nights are the very hardest) Allyn and I were just crying and holding each other and I said, "I don't know if I can ever be happy again." He didn't scold me or tell me I shouldn't feel that way...he just held me and let us both be sad and heartbroken. And soon a warm blanket so to speak, of peace and love and comfort came over both of us. I can't really describe it. I am so grateful for a loving God who hears and answers prayers. Leah gave us a little plaque one year that says, "When life gets too hard to stand, kneel."

I know that there is no way we could carry on if we didn't know that Heavenly Father's Plan of Salvation is real.

I know we lived before we came to earth and we will live again.

Because of our Savior Jesus Christ, our family will be together again forever. I know it.

I just love this picture of LeeLee on Christmas morning 27 years ago.

All she ever wanted to be is a mommy.

We love you Leah Dawn...and we miss you like crazy.

Our Beautiful Leah

2011-12-01T11:04:00.001-08:00

This is Ally, typing in behalf of my wonderful Mother, Linda.
Her sweet daughter, Leah Dawn, passed from this life on Tuesday, November 29th. At this time of suffering and heart ache, we are grateful for the plan of redemption- the plan of happiness. We know we will be with our beloved Leah again. We know that families sealed together by the power of God cannot be broken. We know that Leah is encircled about in the arms of our Father in Heaven. My Mother says she can see Grami welcoming Leah and giving her a swift pat on the butt. We will always remember Leah for her tender heart. She felt so much. For her kindness and her motherly love. For her laugh and her sense of humor. She was over at the house for Thanksgiving, just a few days before her passing. She was happy and kind and had all these productive plans and righteous desires to help her get beyond her struggles and enjoy life with her family and her two children. All she wanted was to be a good mother and a kind daughter, and she was. We all love her very much, and we will miss her sorely. My dear Mom and Dad can use all of the prayers you can send out. After hearing the news of my sister's passing, I opened up my scriptures to hear God speak something to me that might be of comfort to my family. I read this. Mormon 5:21. "the Lord will remember the prayers of the righteous, which have been put up unto him for them." God, our Heavenly Father, hears and answers our prayers. We will be with Leah again. How grateful we are for that knowledge.
The viewing will be on Friday, December 2, from 5-7 pm at Palm Mortuary on Jones and Oakey.
The funeral will be held at the LDS chapel at 1801 S. Monte Cristo on Saturday, December 3, at 1pm.

We so appreciate your love, support and prayers at this time.

Lights

2011-11-29T09:12:00.001-08:00

Allyn had some awesome helpers to get up the Christmas lights this year. He was very happy about that.

MM94

2011-11-28T18:38:00.001-08:00

Mom always knew how to make Christmas wonderful...

Grateful

2011-11-25T17:51:00.001-08:00

Funny Boys

2011-11-23T17:13:00.001-08:00

Levi was supposed to take something that started with the letter "G" to pre-school last week. Jennie gave him some ideas like grapes, granola etc. Levi didn't like those ideas too much. Then Jennie said, "How about Grama Linda?" Levi smiled... then he looked a little confused and said, "Grama Linda no fit in my backpack!"

Oh, he's so cute.

I dropped Kaden off at school today and there were a bunch of kids playing football on the playground.

I said, "Kaden go show those kids how to play some football! Go kick some butt!"

Kaden: "Grandma!!"

Me: "What?...You mean most grandma's don't talk like that?"

Kaden: "I'm in shock right now!"

MM93

2011-11-21T15:45:00.001-08:00

So many special Christmas memories at Grandma and Grandpa Schlauders...I miss them.

Champions.

2011-11-19T17:43:00.001-08:00

Ravens are the champions! The Lions haven't lost in three years, and today the Ravens beat them for the championship, 20-7. It was so sweet. It's the first time ever in the DYFL league that a 1st year team has won the championship. More than half of their team had never even played tackle before!

Kaden scored 2 touchdowns and threw for another. What a stud.

"just dance", arm wrestling, and the #1 cookie maker

2011-11-17T22:32:00.001-08:00

"Just Dance" is about the best Wii game ever. Everyone has fun playing it, and last week we had some pretty intense competitions happening around here.

Even with all these girls in the house, Mychal kept winning. He beat Amy 6 times in a row!!

That is until Miss Taylor joined the competition, and then she whooped everybody.

Arm wrestling was up next (only the girls and Kaden) and the champion was....Jennie, with Kaden coming in second. Look at those guns on Jen's arms!!

Kaden was not happy about that, and has been doing extra push ups all week. Let the games begin.

It was wonderful to have so many loved ones around to help welcome Ally home... abundant blessings for sure.

I think Brad just might be the best cookie maker in the family! He's got my vote:):)

The Play Offs

2011-11-16T12:38:00.001-08:00

It's play-off time for Kaden's football team, the Ravens. This little team who started out as one of the worst in the league, has come a long, long way. They are 8 and 1 and have made it all the way to the championship game for this Saturday. They are going to play the Lions, the only team they lost to this season.

Courtney came in town for Ally's homecoming. Ally is so lucky to have such special, dear friends. Courtney got home from her mission to Kirkland, Ohio just a few months ago. Talk about two cute return missionaries!

Court even came to support Kaden at his football game.

#34 Sweetness, had quite the cheering section.

Last night the Ravens played a really good team, the Cowboys...and won 14-6...woohoo!

MM92

2011-11-14T21:22:00.001-08:00

I love this old picture.

And we loved having Lisa, James and some of their family here this week end. They are the best, for sure.

We got to skype with Tyler & Kelly in Nebraska.
Their adorable little boy Calvin, looks just like Tyler looked when he was that age...
(except with his mama's big blue eyes)!!

HOME!!!

2011-11-11T21:13:00.001-08:00

Ally is really home. I kind of have to pinch myself sometimes. Sister Schlauder will give her Homecoming talk Sunday November 13th at 1pm at the Monte Cristo and Oakey chapel. Hope ya'll can come:):)

Waiting and waiting at the airport!

Finally!!!!!!! Here she comes!

Hugs, hugs and more hugs...

Mission Visit...part 3

2011-11-11T20:39:00.001-08:00

Last Sunday, Ally wanted us to attend all three Sacrament Meetings, and a Sunday School class of the three wards that she served in. Allyn is used to going to meetings all day on Sunday...me not so much. But it truly turned out to be one of the most spirit filled, testimony building days of my life. Each Sacrament meeting I came to know even more, how absolutely wonderful the people Allyson served with and came to know and love are. How much they love the Savior and how willingly they serve and give. Each meeting was truly like a hometown farewell...as dozens of people wanted Sister Schlauder to know how much she was loved, how much she meant to them, and how very much they would miss her.
There is no way that we could have said good bye to our daughter 1 1/2 years ago, only talk to her on the phone a couple of times, only communicate through one weekly email every Monday, miss two of her birthdays, and absolutely miss her like crazy, if we didn't know what she was doing was good, right and true. My testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ has been strengthened tremendously, and our whole family has been blessed because of Allyson's decision to serve a mission. She served faithfully and touched more lives than can be counted. Missionaries sacrifice so much to go all over the world to serve and share what we believe. I am forever grateful.

Lyle H. had not been to church in over 35 years, and Ally's last day in the mission he came. He told "Sister Schlauder" how grateful he was that she never gave up on him. Three other people that Ally has been working with came to church too...miracles for sure.

Allyson loves the wonderful people of Texas, and so do we. I am so grateful that we were blessed to go there and meet so many of the people that she has come to know and love.

Mission Visit... part 2

2011-11-11T18:14:00.001-08:00

The Howard family spoiled us with a huge, delicious lunch complete with homemade apple pie for dessert. They just took their son Jonathan to the MTC to begin his mission to Tijuana, Mexico. They were so sweet to us and are such a wonderful family.
Ally had to pray that I could fit more food in because we went to dinner at the Sevey's just a couple of hours later. Oh my goodness they know how to eat in Texas!!

That was Sister Crandall's (on the left) very first day in Houston. She is such a darling missionary. She came from New York where her dad is an instructor at West Point. And when Sister Roberts and Sister Schlauder stood right next to each other, I could see why everyone thought that they were sisters!

Sister Sevey is such an amazing cook...there was no way I was going to miss out on that good cookin'! (I really am grateful for Ally's prayer because I was able to fit in more food, when I thought that there was no way that I could.) The Sevey's are so awesome...we felt like best friends after spending just a couple of hours with them.

The Sevey's neighbors, Jernianica and Nessa, who Ally and her companion taught...love them.

Leesa, Peri and Grandma C. at the Houston Temple. What a great night.

Ally and Sister Pincock re-united again...

Dick and Mei Hsiang are so amazing...they fed us a delicious lunch and we loved hearing their wonderful stories. They just put in their papers to serve their 3rd mission!

I always heard that everything is bigger in Texas...well, after going to a high school football game, I believe it!!!! Jumbo tron, band as big as a college, dance teams with about 50 girls (all beautiful!!) etc. etc.

This pic is of the visitors side...you should see the media facilities on the home side! We had so much fun!!

Sister Condiff was one of the photographers at the game and she had us come down on the field for a picture.

She also spoiled us with lots and lots of goodies! Hot Chocolate. Nachos. Popcorn...Etc.Oh.My.

Mission Visit... part 1

2011-11-10T08:30:00.001-08:00

After seeing Ally for the first time and going to the temple, we went visiting some families. Now, we were running on fumes because Allyn and I had been up since 3:45am, flown to Houston, had a very emotional reunion with our missionary, been to the temple...and Sister Schlauder was still going strong. It was only 8pm and she was certain we could still fit in a few visits. She's so cute...

Our first visit was to Toni, Joseph and Carli. Joseph is one of the very first people Ally taught. He was baptized, got married and now he and Carli are going to have a baby boy soon. Joseph is an amazing artist and he wanted to give us a gift... he created an awesome drawing/painting of Superman and Wonderwoman for Allyn and I and said that is how he would describe us...we all got a good laugh out of that! We love the Lovings. They are family to us.

The next visit was to the Speckhards. I can't describe the love and closeness that we all feel for this amazing family. I get all teary eyed just thinking about how close we became to them. They love our daughter and have treated her like their own for 1 1/2 years. Peri even had Allyson's laundry all folded and ready for her when we got there. Leesa painted her a beautiful portrait of the Savior. And Thursday night we got to be with this wonderful family at the temple when Leesa was sealed to her parents, after witnessing her 83 year old mom be sealed to her parents. Words can't describe the joy and miracles that we witnessed while we were there in the temple with them.
They are our family too. We love the Speckhards.

Right after this picture was taken, Allyn went over to give Grandma C. a hug and tell her goodbye. She smiled and patted his cheek, looked right up at him and said, "You have great hair!" We all laughed so hard!!

The next morning we went back to the mission home where President and Sister Pingree fed all of us an amazing breakfast and had the missionaries sign the Texas Houston Mission Flag with their favorite scripture.

Then they had each departing missionary share their testimony.

It was one of the most tender, spiritual, experiences of my life.

Then it was off to Tomball, Texas to meet up with Ally's last companions, Sister Fonua and Sister Cramer, and sweet new member Catherine. They are all so great...we love them.

We laughed, cried and had a great lunch at The Whistle Stop Cafe.

To say that they didn't want Sister Schlauder to leave Texas would be an understatement!

Lyle Hurst is such a great guy. We had a wonderful visit in his home. He even sang for us Allyson's mission song that he wrote the music to. He is so talented and has such an amazing voice. Lyle hasn't been back to church in over 35 years and has visited with a lot of missionaries in those years.

He said, "Without a doubt, Sister Schlauder is my very favorite."

Wonderful Carolin and her daughter Brittney are just amazing! We didn't want to leave their beautiful home...they made us feel like family. We love them...

They both had tears streaming down their faces as we left. And so did we.

Carly Williams and her great family are just awesome. They fed us some delicious dessert and we visited, laughed and enjoyed every minute being in their home. Carly sang a beautiful song that she sang last week at a fireside..."When I Am Baptized." She has such an angelic, gorgeous voice.

I didn't get pictures of some of the other visits we made...
But I can say that Sister Schlauder kept us really. really. busy. And this is just a re-cap of the first two days....

Ahhhhh....

2011-11-09T08:35:00.000-08:00

Ally's Home!!! We have looked forward to this day for a long, long time... 18 months to be exact.

Allyn and I were able to go to Houston, Texas to meet the wonderful people that Allyson has come to know and love, and bring her HOME! I really can't put into words how amazing our visit to Houston was. It was something I will cherish all of my life... So many wonderful people, experiences and miracles. Sister Schlauder was a fabulous missionary and was loved by everyone she came to know in Texas.

The picture above, is right after the first time we saw Ally at the mission president's home last Tuesday, November 1st. They were having a final meeting for the 12 departing missionaries when Allyn and I got there. We came into the entryway, Allyson came around the corner, and right there we had a tearful, hugging, emotional scene. Ahhhh, it was wonderful. The rest of the missionaries sitting in the family room and the mission president and his wife all had teary eyes right along with us.

We all went to the Houston Temple after leaving the mission home. Talk about a memory.wow.

The senior mission couples provided a delicious meal for all of us at the temple too. And then the next morning we went back to the mission home where President and Sister Pingree provided a fabulous big breakfast for all of us. After breakfast each of the departing missionaries shared their testimonies. Yep, more tears for sure.

There just aren't words to describe all of the emotions, feelings and pure joy.

MM91

2011-11-07T22:09:00.000-08:00

I have so much to catch up on, that it's a bit overwhelming...but I'd better start with a Memory Monday picture, and then I'll get to re-capping the last week.

Kaden has always had a football in his hands! His football team starts the play-offs this Saturday. Go Ravens!!

MM90

2011-10-31T22:17:00.000-07:00

One of the best pictures ever, and it wasn't even Halloween.

Kaden was jumping off of the back of the couch in full Batman costume.

Just look at this cute bunch. Jen invited the grandmas and grandpas over for dinner and I snapped this pic right before they headed out to "shrick or shreek"...(that's Levi language.)

Caleb and Livie all ready for some trick or treat'n

Happiest Place on Earth

2011-10-29T22:44:00.000-07:00

Since school was out for a couple of days, I decided to surprise Kaden and join Jennie, Chad and the kids and go to Disneyland. Lisa surprised Ethan and they came too. Yay!!

It was a great, quick, fun trip to the happiest place on earth!

It was Levi's first time...oh, he was so cute!!

We saw lots of friends from Vegas... Celebrating Nevada Day at Disneyland is pretty much perfect.
I still can't believe that Keri talked me in to going on Sreamin'!! (It was actually awesome!)

Relief Society Retreat

2011-10-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

Last Friday and Saturday we had a Relief Society Retreat at the Jacobson's beautiful home in Pine Valley. Oh, it is gorgeous! The weather was just fabulous, crisp, fall perfection. We had so much fun laughing, eating, playing games, and enjoying each other. (We stayed up until 3am...see we're cool like that!) We all decided it needs to be a new October tradition.

Thank you Brenda for opening up your wonderful home to all of us.

I really wanted to move in.seriously.

MM89

2011-10-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

I asked Kaden a couple of weeks ago what he wanted to be for Halloween this year.

He looked at me like I was a little bit clueless and said, "I think I am too old for that stuff."

Ahhh since when did he grow up so fast? I still think he should want to wear his Star Wars Anakin costume!

p.s. We get to give her a real hug in person in just 8 days!!!!!! WooHoo!!!

Time to catch up.

2011-10-23T22:51:00.000-07:00

I'd better start catching up with some pics from last week end. We went to a great Halloween Carnival at Palo Verde where Kate and her Kidshine group sang. They were awesome. Katie bug is quite the little performer! They had all kinds of booths and jumpers, old cars, and fun games. And it was all free. It was really well done.

The kids all had a great time.

The best part of the carnival though...was getting to see Bristol and his wonderful family there. They were in town visiting Brett's family and it was fabulous getting to see them for a little bit.

Amy, Chad & the kids, Bristol and his family all got to come to Kaden's football game too.

Kadaman had quite a cheering section. It was a great Saturday for sure.

Bristol is getting so big! He melts my heart.

Kaden and his Raven's football team are doing great. They are 4 and 1 and improving each week.

After the football game, I went to Jackson's baseball game. He is doing so well in baseball.

He made the game saving catch yesterday and hit a double too. Way to go Jackie!

Now, those are some great smiles!

Lots of Helping Hands

2011-10-19T16:38:00.000-07:00

President Jeff Parker and President Allyn Schlauder

These two Stake Presidents and the wonderful leaders from the Redrock and Sandstone LDS Stakes put together an amazing Youth Conference a couple of weeks ago. Over 700 youth and adults had a wonderful time serving in the community, having wholesome fun together, & sharing faith and testimonies. For one of their activities, they did a "Extreme Park Makeover" at Bob Baskin Park. Hundreds of volunteers donated time, equipment, supplies, bushes and shrubs, tools, rocks, tree trimming trucks, paint, etc. etc. It was really amazing seeing so many good people and wonderful youth come together and serve in our community.

This is what a local newspaper said:

"More than 700 youth and adults from local congregations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are teaming up to make some much needed renovations to Bob Baskin Park. The volunteers, are from the Las Vegas Redrock Stake and Sandstone Stake.
The volunteers have collaborated with local businesses, which are donating all the equipment and all the materials for this massive undertaking, including replacing diseased trees, planting new landscape, installing new exercise equipment, painting the play equipment, putting in sod, building a gazebo and more.
“This is a true example of a public-private partnership of businesses, non-profit agencies, residents and city staff coming together to assist our community during hard economic times,” said Ward 1 Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian, who represents the area. “The local stakes were looking for a volunteer project, and we have a park that is 40 years old that is in need of some renovations. By working together, we are able to see some much needed improvements to this park, at no expense to taxpayers. I am so proud of all the youth who have volunteered their time to give back to the community.”
Volunteers have helped on clean-up projects across the city, but never have so many mobilized at a single time."

All of the work didn't get completed during the 2 days for Youth Conference, so President Schlauder asked families if they would like to spend Family Night at the park that Monday and help finish the project. We loved gathering with our neighbors and friends at the park. We helped paint, clean, rake and had a wonderful time working together.

Here are some pics I took with my phone since I forgot my camera...Jennie took all of the great pictures above!

There was a Helping Hands wall that all of the kids got to put their hand prints on.

What a great experience...

MM88

2011-10-17T15:49:00.000-07:00

So, the story goes that when Ally was little she carved her name in the side of her dresser... When Amy saw it she said, "I'm going to tell Mom! This time you're going to get in trouble for sure." (I guess since Ally always batted those baby blues and flashed her little crooked smile she never got in any trouble.) Well, Ally was pretty sneaky. She put a V between the two l's and turned it into a "M"...and so when I came into the room and saw "AMY" clearly carved into the dresser, guess who got in trouble? I'm sorry Amy, and I glad that Ally finally admitted it was her... that sneaky little one!!

I love this picture of Ally and Ben. It's pretty cool to think that these two grew up and became missionaries serving at the same time. (ps. only 15 more days!)

made. my. day. for. sure.

2011-10-13T17:56:00.000-07:00

I just received this email... I don't think Julie could possibly know how much it made my day.

Only 20 more days and counting!!!!!

"Hi Linda,

Just wanted to let you know what a PLEASURE it is to know your Daughter.

She is a FABULOUS Missionary with a heart and Spirit of Gold!

We LOVE her ! Enjoy The pictures!

Sister Julie C."

Little visitors...

2011-10-11T19:28:00.000-07:00

I love it when Beau and Lauren come to visit. They are our cute neighbors.
I keep the freezer stocked with treats to spoil them with.
Beau looked so cute with Kaden's shoes on (backwards) and all ready...wanting to go to football practice with him.

MM 87

2011-10-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

Oh Yeah! I finally found some pictures of the cool pool slide that Grandpa concocted at the cabin...
only Papa Jack would come up with something that awesome.

I sure wish we still had that cabin. I wonder what the new owners would do if we went up there and asked if we could go down the slide again for memories sake? They would probably think we were a little weird.

And they would be right.

These pics make me smile...

2011-10-05T09:17:00.000-07:00

I love these pictures. ( I swiped them from Jennie's blog)... I smile just lookin' at them.

MM86

2011-10-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

I love this old picture...such a sweet memory.

I was fixing Lisa's hair for her dance team competition, in our old bathroom.
I think that gold tub and counter would be pretty in now... quite retro don't you think? HaHa

It's awesome how you can see Mom and Dad in the reflection in the mirror.

One Month!

2011-10-02T20:29:00.000-07:00

Only one more month!! Only one more month!!! Only one more month!!!!!!!!!

I have been going around the house singing that all day long....

Only one more month till Ally comes home...YEA!HOO!!!!

Only a little bit of the"E" left to fill in...so.exciting.

Show Choir

2011-10-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

I know that pretty much all I do is brag about my grandkids...(and I'm not even sorry about it.)

Taylor made Show Choir!!! WooHoo!!!

There were over 80 kids that tried out at her middle school for only 3 spots,
and TayTay was the only 6th grader chosen.

We are so proud of you Taylor!!! You are amazing!

Here she is practicing the night before tryouts...(she's going to shoot me for putting this on here!)

Go Ravens!

2011-10-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

Kaden is on a new football team this year, The Ravens.

Long story...some of the other teams in his old league said he was "too good" to play on his Fury Football team and that he was 4 days too old. 4 DAYS! So they had a fit and complained until they got their way. Kaden was pretty sad to have to leave the team he has played with for 2 years. He is such a stud and has adjusted well to his new team. Today the Ravens beat the Falcons 20-0. WooHoo!

Aunt Amy

2011-09-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

All the kiddos are wondering when Aunt Amy will take off to some foreign country, or leave to go to a beautiful exotic island...but for now, we are all loving the fact that Amy is here!

And here to stay...at least for a while...YEAHOO!!

Olivia and Kate

2011-09-28T20:11:00.000-07:00

These two cousins love each other so much. They play, laugh, giggle, dance, sing, and have the best time together. They love our family Sunday dinners each week when they get to be together. Last Sunday Livie was at Laguna Beach visiting her other grandma, and Kate just didn't know what to do without her. It was like she was missing her other half. I hope they stay BFF's always.

MM85

2011-09-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

Jennie holding Amy, & Amber and Leah

There are some days that I wish I could go back in time. Looking at this picture makes me feel like that today.

Gladys Knight and The Choir in Houston

2011-09-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

The Benson's with Ally and Sister Roberts...

This picture was just taken yesterday at the Gladys Knight concert in Houston. The Benson's were so wonderful to send it to us. Ally has been excited for weeks that the choir was coming to Houston and she was really hoping to see some familiar faces from Las Vegas too. Gladys and her choir go all over the country putting on musical firesides to share their testimonies through song about the LDS church.

Ally and her companion were able to take some people to the concert that they have been teaching and a young man who was recently baptized. I'm anxious to get her weekly email this morning to hear how everything went! She got to see the Bensons and Gary Krausman too...she even sent home some hugs for us. I got a call this morning from Candy who said that after the concerts in Houston and Austin the missionaries received over 2,000 referrals (people who are interested in having the missionaries come and teach them more about the church). How amazing is that?! Ally is going to be a busy missionary for the next 5 weeks!!!! Yep, only 5 weeks...till we get to see her. 18 months is a long time to be away from our precious daughter, but I am so grateful that she has served such an honorable mission and shared her love of the gospel with so many. I know she will keep on being a wonderful example and missionary the rest of her life.

Forever Friends, Amazing Redwoods, Beautiful Santa Rosa...

2011-09-22T15:06:00.000-07:00

We had such a great time visiting the Bunkers and being with our dear friends, Derrick & Jan and Nick & Keri... They're the best!

Northern California is so beautiful!! We had never seen Nappa Valley and the beautiful vineyards before. WOW. And words can't describe the majestic Redwoods. But the best part of all was getting to visit with Jon and Susan. They are amazing...

We love you guys!!!

Ahhhhh...what a great week end.

Bowling...Chess...Maybe Golf ???

2011-09-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

Kaden has had a broken arm, a broken ankle, and now two root canals on his front teeth!!!

And all because of football. Oh.Dear.

One good thing...at least they crushed the Green Machine (their rival & Kaden's old team) last Saturday 42-0.

But, I'm still trying to talk him into chess or bowling. It isn't working.
p.s. thanks dr. lords and dr. fife...you're the best

MM84

2011-09-19T14:58:00.000-07:00

Sadie and Ally have been friends for a long time. They have shared lots of fun memories and laughs.

I love these cute pictures from long ago. Somehow it seems like they should still be posing in their big sisters prom dresses and going to girls camp. But these sweet friends have both grown up...and they are beautiful!

It was so wonderful to be in Oakland last week as Sadie married her "best friend" James. They are such a gorgeous couple and we are so happy for them. We loved being with the Bunker family. They're the best!!

6 weeks!!!

2011-09-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

Only 6 weeks!!! That's right, only six weeks until our missionary comes home! But I'm not excited at all. Yea right!!!! I can hardly stand it! OK so what if every sentence on this post has an explanation point! This has been the longest 18 months ever! But looking back, it really has gone by pretty fast...especially the last few months. Well, kind of...
We are all so grateful that she has had this wonderful experience and shared her love of the gospel with so many. I think she is the best missionary ever, but yeah, I guess I am a little biased. I will miss her long, inspiring, uplifting emails every Monday...but, we'll have her in person and that's way better!
She's so amazing.

We love you Allyson!!!
6 weeks! 6 weeks!

LeeLee and the Kiddos

2011-09-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

Leah, Caleb and Olivia...just lovin' each other.

The Big Bash

2011-09-13T19:42:00.000-07:00

We had such a wonderful time together for Dad's birthday. We really missed those of our family who couldn't be with us... We love you, and we were wishing you were with us really bad!!

Dad is so cute. He called me after the party and read some of the cards and letters he received for his birthday and then he said, "I just think I'm the luckiest man ever...wow. I've had such a wonderful life."

MM83

2011-09-12T16:57:00.000-07:00

Since Jennie's birthday was just last week, I had to put some of these priceless pictures on the blog for Memory Monday. In this one with Allyn's beautiful mother, Jennie looks exactly like Levi!!

Oh man, did she ever love that Thriller shirt...

So many adorable friends!

Emilee, Megan, Audree, Jennie, Amber and Bryce...too cute!!

Happy Birthday Jennie

2011-09-08T08:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Jennie Marie...Oh, We LOVE YOU!!! You. are. amazing.

Words can't begin to describe the joy you bring to each one of us.

Darling Daughter

Wonderful Wife

Marvelous Mom

Awesome Aunt

"Super Schlauder" Sister

Phenomenal Photographer

Extraordinary Exemplar

Incredible Innovator

Talented Teacher

Yikes...I could just keep going and going...let's just say you are the very, very best!!

Happy, Happy, Happy, Birthday Darlin' XO

(p.s. Jen's friend Amy Leavitt took that pic of her with her camera...I love it!)

Tay Tay

2011-09-07T13:38:00.000-07:00

Jennie sent me these pictures and said, "I think we need to lock her up!" I said, "Get the lock now!!"

Taylor is really growing up...she's in middle school. What?! I can hardly believe that. She is so beautiful, sweet, talented, smart, spiritual, good etc. etc. and no matter how grown up she gets...she will always be our Tay Tay.
Allyn always teases her and tells her, "Taylor, you need to clean up that angel dust, it's everywhere!"

MM82

2011-09-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

Pine Valley...Ahhh.

Grami and Papa Jack spent every week-end for as long as they could, in Pine Valley at their beautiful cabin. To say they loved it there, would be an understatement. Dad could garden to his hearts content and had more projects then he could ever finish. And Mom could watch all the sports she wanted to (with their satellite dish) while enjoying the cool mountain air, and cooking fresh corn and zucchini straight from the garden. They loved all of their friends there and the little Pine Valley chapel that was just down the road. It was really a bit of heaven on earth to them. Looking back at these pictures makes me wish that we would have gone up there more often and enjoyed that beautiful place...but then I realize pretty quickly how lucky we were for the memories and the times we did have with Mom and Dad in beautiful Pine Valley.

Lovin' the RAIN!

2011-09-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Ally sent home some great pictures this week...I love how her dress gets a little more soaked with each picture!

Ally has a plaque that a sweet friend gave her that hangs in her room. It says...
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...
It's about learning to dance in the Rain"

Arrow of Light

2011-09-01T14:09:00.001-07:00

Kaden earned his Cub Scout Arrow of Light award last night. Oh yeah...we're mighty proud of this boy. As he was up front receiving his award, Amy heard two little tweenage girls say, "He's cute... no, he's HOT!"
Oh dear, what are we in for?

1st Day of 5th grade. I don't know if I can ever get him to wear these clothes again...but he sure looked good the first day of school. His normal clothing choice...basketball shorts, t-shirts and football jerseys.

MM 81... Happy 85th Birthday Papa Jack!

2011-08-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Dad! 85 years...oh.my.goodness.
We all love you so much, and look to you as our example of everything good and right, our mentor, our spiritual leader, our poet, our hand engraver, and our example of what it really means to live a life worthy of emulation. Words just aren't adequate to even begin tell you how loved you are. You are amazing!
We had a big family party for him last Friday. More on that later.
But first, a walk down memory lane...

Aunt Berniece, Grandma June, Aunt Barabara, Dad, and Grandpa Cliff... Dad played the trumpet in H.S.

Dad loves to tell us that he was the first Eagle Scout in Lincoln County...

Happy Birthday Papa Jack

I want to tell you of a sweet and humble man.

He is a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and when he writes, he has a shaky hand.

His life has been filled with service, a work ethic like no other.

He built a greenhouse out of a pool, owned a business, and he raised my mother.

He fought for his one true love, and he won her heart.

They were married in God’s temple, sealed forever-what a start!

They went on to have six kids, and a few dogs.

He was a great provider. He took them all on trips…Including the dogs!

He is a motorcycle rider. He is known by many names.

To some he is Dad, to some he is Bishop, and to others he is a jeweler.

Anyone who knows him, knows there is no one that is cooler.

He loves the arts and has a gift for reciting poems.

He is just so awesome. I wish everyone could know him.

His gifts and talents are from heaven above.

And he shares his God-given abilities with so much love.

He hand engraves on bookmarks made of bronze.

He sometimes is at his workbench from dusk until dawn.

He has touched the lives of many, and has perfected the attribute of charity.

He is a diamond in the rough… a real gem, a rarity.

He loves the temple and goes as often as he can.

His marriage will be forever, and will be as great as it began.

Today he turns 85, goin’ forward, not looking back.

He is my Grandpa. I love you Papa Jack!

Have a wonderful birthday!

Love your “darlin’ ” granddaughter, Ally

Kaden...Happy Birthday!

2011-08-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

How can Kaden possibly be 11 years old today!
It seems like we should still be calling him "Kadaman" and he should still be a little pirate or in his Spiderman costume running around. He is great, amazing, wonderful, talented, kind and brings so much joy to each one of us.
We love you Kaden... Happy Birthday!!

Off to the Races...

2011-08-24T20:02:00.001-07:00

While we were at the beach, we decided to take the gang and go to the Del Mar Race Track. It was a blast!!
We watched five races and could have stayed longer... A new tradition for sure.

Happy 23rd on the 23rd!

2011-08-23T11:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Happy Birthday Allyson!!! Today Ally is 23 years old on the 23rd of August...how cool is that. Oh, we miss her. But only 2 months 1 week and 3 days till she comes home!! It sounds like the people in Texas are spoiling her and treating her well... and she is feeling all the love and happy wishes we are sending her way.
We love you Ally Kay!

Ally has always been blessed with so many wonderful friends...

Ciji, Emily, Sadie, Stephanie, Ally, and Alyssa... what a fun bowling birthday party.

See you soon Sister Schlauder...yea hoo! Happy B-Day...

I just received this picture and a text from a family who fed Ally and her companions tonight. It said,

"Dear Linda, I have your cute daughter here for dinner. We just sang to her and told spotlight stories about her. What a delightful young woman you've raised! I hope she's having a happy birthday!" Erika

I don't think she can begin to know how thoughtful that was and how much it meant to us!!!
Thank you, Thank you!!

Memory Monday 80

2011-08-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

I was so happy when I found these long ago pictures in an old box in the garage. This is my BFF Taffy, me, and our dogs... Jocko and Cookie. I love how when you find old pictures, the memories come flooding back. I remember this day so well...and I remember many wonderful days spent with Taffy. We went to elementary school all the way through high school together. I was with Taffy dragging Fremont Street when we first saw Allyn and his friend Rich driving. And I was with Taffy when I first met Allyn in Macayo's parking lot after a high school basketball game. Taffy is a forever friend...
And it just doesn't matter how many miles or years separate us, we always pick up right where we left off.

"da beach!"

2011-08-18T16:55:00.001-07:00

Del Mar was a blast again this year...
We have pretty much needed this whole week to recover from our annual beach vacation though. Feeding 13 people 3 meals a day, and making sure everyone is entertained and happy wears Grampa Al and I out just a bit. We wouldn't change it for anything though...except to have more of our family be there.
We share so many wonderful memories together. That's what it's all about isn't it?
I'm so grateful.

The Doney kids came and visited for the day. Yea!

Tiana, Caleb and Olivia's big sister, got to come to the beach with us too.
Can you believe she's 16!! It was wonderful to have her with us again.

Olivia and Kate were inseparable!

Jennie called today and said that Levi wanted to say their family prayer last night.
He said, "Bwess Batman and Bamawinda. Amen." He melts my heart.

Rachel came and spent the day with us. She lives about 15 minutes away.
Kaden said, "I know Rachel. She's #44... Awesome!"

Brett, Krista, Brandon and the kids got to come for a day too. Slade is so cute and she's getting so big!

What a great week... when do we get to go again?!

MM79

2011-08-15T20:36:00.001-07:00

Our family was a lake family. I remember many Saturdays heading out to Lake Mead and "Sandy Beach."
This picture was one of the first times that Allyn went with us. So fun...I still love his long hair.

Dance Party

2011-08-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

While we were at Aunt Lisa's, we all got a text from Jennie...
It said, "Dance Party. Dixon house. 10:05 Tonight."
Oh, yeah. It was a party indeed, and a memory for sure.

MM78

2011-08-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

My brother Scott was always the epitome of "cool." All the girls loved him, he had his own band, and I thought I was cool just because I was his sister. Scott is the one who told me about a "far-out" new group called 'The Beatles." I remember when he and Steve went to the Convention Center to see their concert. I wanted to go with them so bad! I was in love with Paul, of course.
I always loved having four older brothers.

Superhero B-Day Bash

2011-08-04T23:00:00.000-07:00

Levi turned 3 last week!! And his mom and dad gave him his dream birthday party... Superheros everywhere!
Levi doesn't need a mask or a cape, he already possesses superhuman craziness and magical cuteness power.

He really thought this was his house. He wasn't too fond of letting anyone else in!

Happy Birthday Mr. Levi. Oh, you're cute.

Celebration Time

2011-08-03T23:35:00.000-07:00

Last week was party city around here as we celebrated Taylor & Levi's birthdays. Pics on Levi's Superhero bash to come, but first here are some pics from Taylor's fun girls night B-Day Party.

Jennie and I were watching SYTYCD, but all the girls could watch was crazy Levi!

The day after Taylor's party, we surprised her with our gift.
She has always wanted to go to NYC and see a Broadway play...
Well, that was pretty much out of the question, but Phantom in LV had 2 for 1 tickets.
It was awesome. The look on her face during the whole show was priceless!

MM76

2011-08-01T18:30:00.001-07:00

Taylor and Kaden...too cute. These two cousins are just one month apart and they have been best buds for almost 11 years now. I love how close they have always been. And I wonder what the next 11 years is going to bring.
Oh my goodness, if it goes as fast as the first 11, we're in trouble!

Updates from Texas

2011-07-30T22:57:00.000-07:00

Allyson is an amazing missionary. Mondays are our favorite day of the week as we look forward to hearing from our missionary. She is working hard, giving and serving with all her heart.
We love you Ally!

"On Saturday morning, I had one of the sweetest experiences of my mission. I got to attend the temple to see Leesa receive her endowment. I've walked up those stairs in the Houston temple so many times, but this time, I saw Leesa in her beautiful white dress sitting on the couch at the top with two of her sisters. It was a beautiful sight. One I'll never forget so long as I live. She looked so pure and confident and happy. She understands who she is and on whom she can rely. She has put her trust in God and has given up smoking and time spent working so she could be at church instead. She has exercised faith and that faith has moved mountains in her life. Mountains of pain, of addiction, of loneliness. And she will have the chance to do the work for her husband and to be sealed to him for eternity. It's moments like these that you know why you believe what you believe. I believe in the priesthood power to bind families together forever. I believe in second and third and forth chances."

Ally and Leesa at the temple together a couple of weeks ago.
Ally wrote this in an email 8/9/10:

"We spent the rest of the lesson talking about faith. And Lessa said, "My goal is to get to the temple and be in the Celestial room with my sisters." I almost started to cry. That's my goal too! Leesa has such great faith and is wonderful. She has been coming to church for the past few weeks and really has become so happy and free. Love Her."

"We ate dinner at the Lamkins last night and their old yellow lab was under the table licking my legs the ENTIRE time. It was the strangest thing. I tried everything I could to move him or get my legs into a place where he couldn't treat them like a lolli pop, but that cocoa butter lotion I put on was just irresistable for that old pup. It cracked me up and I had a difficult time keeping my composure during the dinner. Good times."

"Catherine was baptized on July 15, 2011. The Baptismal service started at 6 pm. It was the most amazing baptismal service I've ever been to. It was packed. Members from the ward filled the seats in the Relief Society room. Many of whom were directly involved in Catherine's conversion process. Many who invited her over for dinner or gave her rides to and from church or other places. It unified the Tomball Saints. Catherine has blessed the lives of countless people, including me. I had the opportunity to give a talk on baptism. And after I finished, Brother Steed still hadn't made it there from work. Bishop got up and said that while we waited for Brother Steed to get changed, we could have a few minutes for whoever wanted to get up and bear their testimony. Ethan G. was the first to stand. He bore a beautiful testimony and it seemed like the room got brighter and brighter with each testimony. Elder Foster also stood up and bore his testimony. He said that he didn't know Catherine very well but every district meeting we talk about how she is doing and he has been praying for her and her family for a long time. It was very tender. I am grateful for the Lord's plans. They are so much better than our own. We could not have done all the planning in the world to have created the situations and experiences that produced the miracles and tender mercies we saw this week, especially for Catherine and her family. Catherine had to go under the water three times before they were able to get it perfect. At the end, Bishop talked about how the Savior's Atonement covered all of our sins and pains. It didn't just cover some of them or most of them, it covered all of them and because of His perfect Atonement, we can all return to live with God again. Baptism is symbolic of the Atonement and I had never realized that so clearly before. Catherine was also confirmed on Friday and she was glowing the rest of the day. She is so filled with joy."

Ally, Catherine, Sister Fonua and the wonderful Steed family

Catherine and Ally

Kangaroo Zoo and "The Canyon"

2011-07-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

Summer favorites always include our trip to Utah for summer sports camps and visiting Lisa, James and the fam. Thanks for housing us, feeding us & taking care of us! We love you!!
The kids like to do our "tradition" favorites, and that includes Kangaroo Zoo, a fun (jumpers on steroids) warehouse. And of course going to American Fork Canyon to have dinner and roast marshmallows.
Ahhh...we love summertime.

Uncle James taught Levi the art of making the perfect s'more.

Jennie and Amy were busy doing an engagement photo session in Provo and barely made it up to the canyon before it got totally dark. We were all so happy they found us!

Going to the canyon with the Dixon's is one of our very favorite summer memories.
We sure wished Grampa Al, the rest of the family, and our missionary Ally could have been there too
...next year for sure!

Jimmer Camp

2011-07-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

Jimmer Camp was awesome and Kaden and Jackson had a great time. I liked Jimmer Fredette before...but I am really impressed with him now. The NCAA Player of the Year and the ESPN College athlete of the year with countless other accolades and awards is just a cool, funny, kind young man, who really seemed to care about these kids. He was at camp every day talking to the kids about not cheating in school, valuing your families and spending time with them, being grateful, choosing good friends, working hard, setting goals, and all around being a good role model. Oh yea, he taught them some basketball skills too. I stayed and watched everyday and I loved it. I know, I'm a crazy grandma. And I'm definitely a new Sacrament Kings fan...I hope Jimmer does great in the NBA.

That picture on the left of Jimmer shooting a 3/4 court shot went in, oh yes it did.

You gotta watch these videos. It's crazy how amazing Jimmer can shoot the ball!

Rhett Calder

2011-07-26T13:18:00.001-07:00

Calder and Ivy's beautiful new baby Rhett Calder was blessed recently and I was so happy I got to be there with their wonderful family. I feel so lucky to be "Aunt Linda"...I love my nieces and nephews and their amazing growing families.

MM75

2011-07-25T13:12:00.001-07:00

It's Taylor's 11th birthday today and I loved finding all of these old pictures this morning...

You were a beautiful baby Miss Taylor Colleen, and you are a beautiful, talented, amazing, sweet, funny, gorgeous
11 year old!!! We love you...Happy Birthday TayTay!

Bristol!

2011-07-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

We recently got to see Bristol and his wonderful family!! He is so cute and getting so big.

Janika is such a princess...and a wonderful big sister.

Kaden and Bristol had fun dunking basketballs (with a little help from the trampoline)

MM74

2011-07-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Girls Camp... Ally and her Dad
What's really hard to believe is that Taylor will be going to girls camp next year!