Showing posts with label Piper. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Piper. Show all posts

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Serendipity Full Circle~Beyond 5

Connie and Julia

Yesterday when I wrote my Daybook entry ( found one post below this one) I told you a little story of serendipity.  I love that word it means a "happy accident"  has occurred.  Well I truly don't believe in accidental happening but I do believe in happy.  And this is such a cool story and as I said, I do love the word serendipity...So here goes!

The entry from the Daybook asks about something that surprised me this week... here is that answer updated.

It was being able to meet a wonderful a lady from Utah on Pinterest, sending her a comment about her amazing pin boards and then becoming friends on Facebook a few weeks ago. Then having her post a status update on Facebook about a Private Beyond 5 Concert that she was organizing for 100 lucky kids.  These guys are good, this was a big deal!





Well, our granddaughters are big fans so I tried to arrange to get two tickets and surprise them on Mom's approval and agreement to get them there.   Of course she said YES!  I got to call and tell them about it on Wednesday night after everything was securely in place.  They were so excited!  But I'm not sure who was more excited, them or us?



Ammon, Tanner, Zach, Patch, TJ
Beyond 5

Two of the five boys are going on a mission soon so the group is disbanding temporarily.  One is serving in Texas and the other in Scotland.  It will be about three years until they are back.  That is a long time for kids. Especially teenage Fan Girls as they call themselves.  Although they support the boys in their choice to be missionaries there has been some melancholy lingering about our Fan Girls.



http://youtu.be/i306_zMSnAU

These great YouTube videos came 
from Piper's Pinterest Board!



Piper and Ammon

My new friend, Connie, then sent me a picture of her granddaughter with three girls in it from a previous concert.  She said, "My granddaughter is on the right! To which I replied...and my granddaughter is on the left!  How amazing is that?  Considering there are millions of pinners on Pinterest..it is quite astonishing that I met Connie.  Julia and her daughter already know each other!  



Beyond 5ers


Piper had not sent me her pictures when I was doing 
this so here is an older one. Her hair is longer and
 darker as you can see in the group shot above.
(It is such a sweet picture I decided to leave it in.)
She's always beautiful and such a 
carbon copy of her mother at this age. 

Oh this just arrived!
Piper and Zach
  
The girls report having a great time at the concert and private party with the Beyond 5 Stars afterwards where they could chat, have pictures taken and get autographs.  Piper just got her photos to me but Julia has been on it since she got home last night!  They are so adorable!  It is so nice to see them having a fun time with good people.

Here are Julia's photos:


Jewels and Tanner
He leaves for Texas in January



The Fan Girls...well some of them!
Piper and Julia on the left end standing


Julia and Ammon


Jewelz and Patch
Heading to Scotland!
(Not Julia she and Piper 
have already been there!)
He's going on a mission!


Julia and TJ


Julia and Zach
Three years will go by in no time!

This is the very best long distance Gramma and Grampa thing we have experienced in a very long time.  Heaven only knows how much we miss these good and sweet girls.  Whatever we give them they give it back tenfold to us.  Just look at that look on Julia's face. That is one big heart print for me.  Look for it on Pinterest on my "Hugs" Board.  Love you sweet girls!  Beyond Infinity!  

Miss you...Gramma and Grampa

P.S. Connie, "Beyond Grandmas"right?


Monday, September 30, 2013

She'll Always Be My Baby Girl...But


To the world she is growing up!
My first thought after the Tooth Elf was...
Where are those great big ole permanent teeth going to go?
She is such a tiny girl...The Lord will provide a way!
It is probably called Orthodontics!

You might enjoy this post Jennifer did in 2008.  In fact I bet you will! In celebration of our last "first tooth loss" here it is:

http://bonsblogbydesign.blogspot.com/2008/11/tooth-elf.html



Saturday, June 16, 2012

Grampa Haven


 Chloe, Julia, and Piper with Grampa today!

This could possibly be that one picture that is worth a thousand words.  Grampa with three of his favorite people, resting on the bank of the Provo River at Sundance.  Heavenly Granddaughters, Heavenly Moment.  You know what he is thinking..."It doesn't get any better than this!"  Happy Father's Day James!  You da best!

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

A Simple Woman's Daybook~June 12, 2012

Just for today~Tuesday June 12, 2012
Our lives pass swiftly by! I want to do something to remember
the everyday moments and my thoughts about them.  
That is what this Daybook is all about.
Focusing on the little things that become my life.
One week at a time.

Outside my window...It is an overcast morning in the valley looking out toward the lake.  The breeze is gently blowing but it does not fool me into thinking it might be cool this afternoon.  Nope, it is gonna be hot here today.  It is nice not to be cold.  I like summer!

I am thankful for...Jennifer's fairly good recovery from her surgery.  There are still few little hiccups but time will take care of all of it and then she'll be all set.
 
From the learning room...Nothing ever stays the same when you think you have something licked...new challenges arise.  Earth life is meant to be this way, it is how we are refined and how we grow.  I don't always love this process but know it is essential.  Without changes we don't meet our full potential.

I am reading..."Look Kids, It's Big Ben"  A book I wrote after our three week trip to Europe in 1995.  It is fun to go back and have the words paint the memories that would otherwise be forgotten by now.  

From the kitchen...Grampa has been cooking up a storm and doing a fantastic job.  He just loves this...lucky me!  Every morning he makes some fantastic breakfast for all 8 of us.  Today it was an Italian omelet so delicious.

I am missing...Lots of sweet friends.  I wish we all could just live in the same place.  It is funny that even when I do not live by someone when they are gone from their home I miss them more.  I don't miss Robert as much now that he is in RI even though I cannot see him.  There is something about just being able to envision someone you love in their home that is comforting.

Some spiritual thoughts I have been having...just constantly getting affirmations that the Gospel of Jesus Christ gives one a definite advantage in all we do.  It just brings so much protection and peace and happiness.  I cannot think of life without it.  Unbearable is the word that comes to my mind.

I am hearing...the chattering and goings-on of a house with 8 people in it.  Constant motion, commotion, emotion...it is alive here, 24/7.  Just the way it should be, that is what I am hearing.

One of my guilty pleasures...electronics.  This really surprises me when I think about it but I love electronics.  I watched the World Wide Developers gather for the keynote speech of the new CEO of Apple, Tim Cook and the unveiling of the new products and found it very exciting.  It was really neat because I watched it with Lowell and so if there were things I didn't understand he would just pause the presentation and explain it.  Very enjoyable.


Pet Peeves...People that tamper with consumer products so that they have to package things in ways that make it impossible to open them without implements of destruction in your hands.  Annoying!  Ever tried to get a toy out of a box or pop a pill out of a foil and hard plastic container?  Then you know what I am talking about. 

I am going...to possibly get a haircut today.  Jen has a hair stylist that comes to her house.  Love it.  My hair is so straight here in the desert that it is giving me fits.  At home it would be fine.  But not here. 

One of my favorite things...Robert is home from Afghanistan for two whole weeks.  We are thrilled.  Their little family is reunited!

I am quoting...Hazie.  "Mamma, can you tell Jim-Bob I need him?"   She is talking about her Grampa and heard someone else call him that. Too funny.  He acquired this nickname from me about the time the Walton's peeked in popularity and they would all say good-night to each other in the dark at the end of the shows.  His name is actually James Philip.

An enjoyable movie we have watched lately...I am currently watching "The Forsyte Saga" on my new iPad each evening before bed.  Love it so far.  I really enjoy the British treatment of the 19 century in the media.  It is really well done and enjoyable.

I am curious about...All the details to be learned with my new iPad3 and what the learning curve will be.  It is so similar to the iMac and iPhone but each has their own little nuances that require a bit of experimentation and studying to get it down.

If I could change one thing it would be...that people would just quietly live and let live without constantly having to justify their choices by putting others down.  Of course everyone is going to have differing opinions and that is our God-given right, but to have to be boisterous, rude and offensive in declaring one's own opinion just rubs me the wrong way.  Ultimately we will all have to live with the consequences of our own choices. Perhaps it just boils down to The Golden Rule.  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. 

 Sometimes when I see people being so rude and unkind I hope they are not living the Golden Rule because I cannot imagine that people would actually desire to be treated in the way they are acting at that moment.  What I am saying is neither liberal or conservation, it is humanitarian.  People just need to regain some civility.


Plans for the rest of the week...it is very odd but everyday is just full of its own little surprises. As Jen recovers we are gradually adding in a few things.  One thing Jim and I want to do is cook ahead and freeze things for our family reunion up here at the end of July.  I also want to spend some one on one time with Chris next week and I want to go to the BYU Genealogical Library.  There is also a training center here for Family History Consults and Genealogy I am told, and I would like to find it and visit it next week.  There is also a sweet elderly friend I want to visit if she is up to it, and maybe a little shopping but not for much.  Friday is our 44 wedding anniversary so we will be going out to a play, movie, concert or something and dinner.  That should be fun.  Other than that it is baby time for us.  Just hanging out with the grandkids and enjoying them.


Some photos I am sharing this week...Sometimes it is just so wonderful to have girls' time out just away from the house and little kids and all the rest of the responsibilities.  Over the last almost two weeks I have been able to do this with Piper and Julia at the Trolley.  We had a great time.



Yesterday Jen and I got to leave for a couple of hours so we just went up to Sundance and had lunch.  It was so gorgeous up there.  We ate in The Foundry Grill.  It is pretty western looking, think Robert Redford and at the same time quite elegant.


The view from all  the windows...drop dead gorgeous!

The flowers all around in the whiskey barrels caught my eye.  Especially the pansies.  I do adore those little beauties.  My Dad loved them too and use to plant them in our yard when I was growing up.  



 We had dainty little salads with shrimp so we could try these lovely lemon parfaits.  Very light and refreshing on a warm day.  Everything was lovely except how fast the time flew by.  Especially great was being able to finish a thought without interruptions.  Love me some Mommy/Daughter time.


So beautiful and such lovely memories!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

It's Snowing!

Greetings from snowy Utah. Actually it just started snowing and so it is not sticking yet. We are heading to the airport and flying to Phoenix and then on to Rhode Island. We will arrive tonight. It is bittersweet, hating to say good bye to the kids here but we are looking forward to our time in the East. Cannot wait to see Laura and the boys. I sure hope you are all well and enjoying the Christmas season, Go over to our Christmas blog at http://averymerrychristmas.blogspot.com if you have a minute.We have had a wonderful time here these past few days.

Love to all of you! Bonnie & Jim

Friday, October 21, 2011

Sensory Overload ~ 2009

Some of the reasons I want us to be in Utah!


The Tranquility


The Solitude


The colors that feed my soul!


I could stare at this for hours all by
myself but it would be infinitely
better with you!


This makes me want to be an artist,
a singer, a poet, even a tree!
Something just purely and simply beautiful,
No flaws...that exists only to
please all the senses and bring joy.


Looking straight up!
Where is the chaise lounge?

This is Heaven on Earth!

I'm in love with this canyon
and there are many very close in Utah.

I am in Love with this Gorgeous
Grand Girl!
Piperpoozala


Piper and her Gramma
having a moment that will remain with us.

The best reason of all to come closer..our people.
This may be one of the most inspiring
places and moments I have ever experienced!
God is Good!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Our Cowgirls


Chloe Jane rides the horse!

I love how our kids give our grandkids enrichment opportunities all the time. Recently Lowell's sister and her family moved to Utah not far from where our kids live. On Labor Day they went out to visit and have a barbeque. The girls' Uncle Gordon gave them each an opportunity to ride their horse. I thought these photos were just so colorful and fun.

Miss Julia gets a turn!

Hazie rides the horsey!
She looks rather excited about this, don't you think?
She looks so tiny up there!
Hang on to her, Daddy!

Miss Piper gives it a try!
She looks so grown up on the horse
when you see where her feet are!

Hazel fell in love with their beautiful dog.
Jen said she spent about three hours doing this!

What a great and fun family day. The girls will never forget the wonderful things their parents expose them to when they are young. Isn't it fantastic that activities don't have to be expensive or elaborate to be meaningful in our lives? The wholesome times we spend together with our families are what make up the beautiful moments of life.

It is in times just like these that passions are born, talents and interests are developed, and family bonds are deepened. We have heard that families that pray together stay together. I think it can also be said that families that play together stay together too. Each little moment like this add to the glue that creates a heart print that endures.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

That Exciting First Day!

Piper, 7th grade here she comes!
Blessings to you sweet girl!
Love your new do...you are adorable!

Three of the ten checking in with Gramma and Grampa with their first day of school photos! Remember how exciting that first day always was when you were a kid? So many emotions running high until it becomes routine about a week later. Everybody in the school seems to have new shoes and after that first magical week, they are scuffed up and broken in and nobody looks down at them like on the first day. All the new outfits are worn by then and probably lying in a heap on the floor someplace in their rooms.

I never walked through the snow five mile to get to school but I do remember only having two dresses when I was in fifth grade and carefully alternating them, one week wearing the aqua blue one with the drop waist and the rhinestone pin three times, the next week the red plaid one with the sailor collar. I also remember consciously sucking in my stomach when walking in the front of the class for any reason. Bizarre for a ten year old way back then. It wasn't all media we see, but also just that built in female thing. And the hair, it had to be just so. Ahh, the good old days.

I just remembered another funny thing...that was the year I got a "training bra" although I am positive I did not really need it. What was I training for? Oh yeah, now I know... the unabashed torture of wearing one for the rest of my life! I can remember distinctly, sitting in my little wooden desk and casually touching my shoulder to see if I could feel the strap, thus assuring myself I hadn't accidentally skipped my training that day! These times were not the easiest for a blossoming young lady.

So I empathize with these beautiful young granddaughters!


Julia looking very sporty and cute with
her new pixie cut for 6th grade!


And Chloe Jane just having lost her 7th tooth,
ready for first grade and totally oblivious
to the concerns of the bigger girls!
These are the sweet, young, innocent days when
they don't give a rip about their hair or clothes
and they can just

totally be themselves.
Enjoy it little one! You too will grow up all too fast!

Saturday, July 30, 2011

It's All About Family

The Y
It has been awhile since I have been able to attend classes at BYU. I had forgotten how much I love it here. I have always loved an academic environment and I enjoy taking classes and learning from the experts. This conference on Genealogy and Family History has been the best conference I have ever attended.

Here are some of the things I did this week:

1. I was able to spend time with both of Lowell's parents as they were at 'the crossroads of the west' here with me. They were just passing through so we shared bits and pieces of a few days together.

We do so love them! Had a nice Pioneer Day dinner with them here at Lowell and Jen's. Jennifer made homemade honey ice cream for the Beehive State and her Utah chocolate dipped shortbread cookies! Is she not the cutest? Next year she revealed it will be wagon wheel cookies and Rocky Road ice cream!

Weight Watchers...note this wonderful portion control!

2. Monday night we had Family Home Evening in the canyon not far from Sundance. We were to go for a "little walk" from Vivian Park to Bridal Veil Falls. It landed up helping me reach a goal of walking a 3.5k for Weight Watchers. Woohoo. As much as I love all aspects of nature and the beautiful creations of our Father in Heaven...I am not much of a sporty, outdoorsy kind of girl. Sad and shocking I know, but true. Poor Jim who is the total opposite. Well, I like it if it's no farther than about a mile or two from the car and there is no sweating involved.

Asphalt is kind of nice too if I get to choose!

Beautiful scenery and great company help too.


But, as lovely as it was...

My feet were killing me, I wish I could find the perfect pair walking shoes. When we started to notice that it was not only getting dark but about to rain I perked up and we walked a lot faster, just barely escaping two blisters. We got pretty wet that night. Ever try to cram 6 wet people and a dog in a sedan? Fun! This may come as a big surprise to you but, we are not small people. LOL! We took two cars and left one at each end of the river walk, thank heavens. We had to all cram in the car at Bridal Veil as there was no shelter to wait under while the other car was retrieved.

3. I got to meet a really wonderful cyber friend/cousin (hopefully 97% sure) in person and it was a joyous experience. He is so nice as well as brilliant... and we got to have lunch together on Tuesday between the classes he was teaching at the conference. I got be go into the faculty lunch room! For a genealogist a bit like going backstage at a great concert, don't ya think?

Steve
We have been corresponding for several months on Jim's Italian line. Steve has been more than generous in sharing his research findings with us and it was so nice to be able put a face and some time and a hug into the equation.

4. I got to spend time with Chris and Missy's family during the conference in the evenings and we had a great time. Chris walked me to class each morning and home again in the evenings. Got totally drenched getting home on Tuesday night. It was raining so Missy came to get us. Then Chris ran down to get in the driver's seat and drove up the super wide sidewalk practically to the door. In spite of having to walk only a few feet to the car I was totally soaked to the bone. It was like standing under a fire hose. Haven't seen rain like that since Mississippi.

5. Every day at the conference was just outstanding! One day Piper came to have lunch with me and that was really neat. It may be the first time she and I have had lunch alone. We giggled and chatted for an hour and a half. We sat outside under the pavilion of the Conference Center and it was so great. I loved that.

Pipey! She is such a doll.

6. Jim and I texted a lot and that made it a lot nicer being apart. He had a very busy week as did I, but it was fun to almost be side by side with this great technology. I am happy to be getting back home to him tonight.

7. I took Chris and family out to dinner on Thursday night and Jen and family out last night. Both nights were a lot of fun. We have found it is just too many people to be able to talk to anyone with all of us in a restaurant at one time. Can you say...b e d l a m? It is the very least I could do for them, they are so sweet to me.

8. I have been pretty tired every night due the intense, technical aspects of the classes and all I was trying to "capture" (new genealogy buzz word for me.) But I was treated to a foot message most nights while I was here at Jen's by Julia. Last night for a few minutes, Chloe and Hazie got into the act.

Chloe said, "Gramma, why do your feet
have crinkles on the bottom?"

I wish I knew?
That is one place I had forgotten to look for them!

They are having quite the discussion over it. Aren't kids the cutest things on the planet? You always know where you stand (and in this case what you stand on) where they are concerned.

9. This morning we got up early and went out to yard sales for awhile and to breakfast, the Farmers' Market and back to the mall so I could use my 2nd Birthday gift card at my favorite store. Woohoo! Thanks, Kids!

10. I had a pretty powerful experience with genealogy this week and I feel it really pointed me in a new direction in my life. I saw things that I need and want and am supposed to be doing! So the week has brought much joy and happiness and redirection. There were also lots of hugs and kisses from the grandies and face to face time with the kids and our friend/cousin, Stephen. What a blessing. The only thing missing was Grampa and I am about to fix that, so life is good! It's all good.

I will be glad to get home and see him and hear all about the huge renovation they will have completed by this coming Monday in the Temple. I am so proud of him, he has been putting in countless service hours to complete the project in just three weeks. My plane leaves in a few hours! Home is sounding good. I need a rest but actually it is not very likely!

I have missed blogging this week but just do not know how I could have squeezed it in. Missed you all and hope you are well. Love, ;-B