Fireflies!

I totally love this song by Owl City. My daughter Emily introduced me to it.
I guess the guy who sings it, does it all. He's a one man band.
It just makes me happy!

Dishes: a necessary evil!

Since my kids were small, I have encouraged (really insisted) that they make a contribution, in helping clean up around our home. I mean, they live here too! Actually, they were more helpful in their own special way, at about 3 or 4 years old than they are now. (Remember, my baby is 15) One thing that everyone has the hardest time with is- dishes. We have tried all different ways to get 'em done. It used to be everyone takes a day. Of course, no one is going to do the dishes that were supposed to be done yesterday by another family member. Our latest is-everyone has dishes a week at a time. Trust me it's still a challenge, if they do a lousy job, they get another week. Does anyone else struggle with this? or are we the alone?

One thing that has helped us have a true perspective is this... I have a poem laminated on the fridge, that has been there for many years. It was written by Edgar A. Guest. I love him. It goes like this:

Thank God for dirty dishes,

They have a tale to tell.

While other folks go hungry,

We're eating very well.

With home and hearth and happiness,

We shouldn't want to fuss.

For by this stack of evidence,

God's been very good to us.

I know the kids have it memorized, because sometimes I make them read it. Especially when they are giving me a little 'tude! (that's attitude for those of you who don't have teenagers)

I am thankful for dirty dishes! And I thank God for the food that we have to eat off them!

Family History Friday (FHF): You Can Do it!

This is a research log. It is one of my favorite forms for family history/ genealogy. Of course a lot of people prefer the computer for research and organizing, but we all have some paper. Be it a file of papers that aunt so-and-so gave us, or a box that sat in your parent's attic, we all end up doing some research that involves paper. I found a lot of very relevant information in books and other sources that I ended up wanting a paper copy of. And it's easier to have one sheet of paper (research log) as we do our research than just your lap top or a little tiny piece of paper that will get lost. You'll end up looking at the same source again and again saying to yourself, "I think I've seen this before." What I'm trying to say is that I use both the computer and paper. I have, and use, a computer program for organizing, as well as a small file and a history book of each family with all the information that myself or others have found that pertains to that family. In the front of each of these books is all the research logs used during the research for that particular family. That way when you're ready to do some more research you know already where you've looked before. You put the name of the family that you are researching on the top and fill in the rest. This form can be found at the Family Search site I gave you that link for last week. Here it is again. I love my ancesters more and more, when I spent time finding them and finding out about them. Happy Family History Friday! Love, Joy

Favorite TV/Movie Quotes!

"It's not the thing you fling,

it's the fling itself!"

-Northern Exposure

(John Corbett)

Bedhead

I saw Nie Nie post a bed head picture of her son.

So I thought I'd share one of my grandbaby, Natasha!

Kelsey and Emily, my daughters are holding her.

Like Nie Nie said, "the worse the hair, the better the sleep!"

I think it was a really, really good sleep!!

(thanks Nie Nie, for sharing;)

My Heroes!

I really admire Andrew Carnegie. He is one of my heroes! His life and example are a testimony to me of hard work and giving back. He is an example that to earn your own way in life and to be loyal to family and God are most important. I love that he used his wealth to bless all.

"Surplus wealth is a sacred trust which its possessor is bound to administer in his lifetime for the good of the community." -Andrew Carnegie

The government didn't take it from him with taxes and such, so they could decide what to do with it, and who to give it to. I like the idea and I believe that we are stewards of our own money. We decide how to share it and how to bless others. And I do believe we should, and have an obligation, to bless others with what God has given to us.

Andrew was born in Scotland in 1835. Things changed in their life and his parents became unable to provide for the family. His parents and younger brother moved to America. He got his first job at twelve years old, earning $1.20 a week. He worked hard and became a multi millionaire and in the year 1901 sold his business to JP Morgan for $480 million. Morgan created US Steel and Andrew became the richest man in the world. Can you imagine $480 million in the year 1901!! Wow, richest man, I'd say. By the time he died in 1919, he had given away 90% of his wealth. He didn't just hand the money over to people, he made an institute that would make money available to universities and colleges, as well as, many other organizations and philanthropies. He made a way for the money to bless others, if they put an effort in to be blessed by it. I love that. You can read more about it at the link at the bottom of the post.

We came across his grave on a recent trip to New York. We visited the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, and there it was. Bonus! I read a little about him and his life and was fascinated. What a great man!

I think the most impressive thing to me was that his grave site was so humble. There were housekeepers and others who were employed at the Carnegie household who were buried there too. Other families buried at the same cemetery had quite large mausoleums and extravagant head stones and such. I didn't even know who they were, although their last name was familiar. What did they do with their life? I have no idea...but I know what Andrew did.

Here is a sample of the way he thought and his humble beginning.

Taken from The Gospel of Wealth by Andrew Carnegie.

Introduction-
...."The eldest son of parents who were themselves poor, I had, fortunately, to begin to perform some useful work in the world while still very young in order to earn an honest livelihood, and was thus shown even in early boyhood that my duty was to assist my parents and, like them, become, as soon as possible, a bread-winner in the family. What I could get to do, not what I desired, was the question."

"As the factory system developed hand-loom weaving naturally declined, and my father was one of the sufferers by the change. The first serious lesson of my life came to me one day when he had taken in the last of his work to the merchant, and returned to our little home greatly distressed because there was no more work for him to do. I was then just about
ten years of age, but the lesson burned into my heart, and I resolved then that the wolf of poverty should be driven from our door some day, if I could."
The question of selling the old looms and starting for the United States came up in the family council, and I heard it discussed from day to day. It was finally resolved to take the plunge and join relatives already in Pittsburg. I well remember that neither father nor mother thought the change would be otherwise than a great sacrifice for them, but that "it would be better for the two boys."
"In after life, if you can look back as I do and wonder at the complete surrender of their own desires which parents make for the good of their children, you must reverence their memories with feelings akin to worship. On arriving in Allegheny City (there were four of us: father, mother, my younger brother, and myself), my father entered a cotton factory. I soon followed, and served as a "bobbin-boy," and this is how I began my preparation for subsequent apprenticeship as a business man. I received one dollar and twenty cents a week, and was then just about twelve years old. I cannot tell you how proud I was when I received my first week's own earnings. One dollar and twenty cents made by myself and given to me because I had been of some use in the world! No longer entirely dependent upon my parents, but at last admitted to the family partnership as a contributing member and able to help them! I think this makes a man out of a boy sooner than anything else, and a real man, too, if there be any germ of true manhood in him. It is everything to feel that you are useful."
"I have had to deal with great sums. Many millions of dollars have since passed through my hands. But the genuine satisfaction I had from that one dollar and twenty cents outweighs any subsequent pleasure in money-getting. It was the direct reward of honest, manual labor; it represented a week of very hard work - so hard that, but for the aim and end which sanctified it, slavery might not be much too strong a term to describe it. For a lad of twelve to rise and breakfast every morning, except the blessed Sunday morning, and go into the streets and find his way to the factory and begin to work while it was still dark outside, and not be released until after darkness came again in the evening, forty minutes' interval only being allowed at noon, was a terrible task. But I was young and had my dreams, and something within always told me that this would not, could not, should not last - I should some day get into a better position. Besides this, I felt myself no longer a mere boy, but quite a little man, and this made me happy."-Andrew Carnegie

Well, if you want to know more about my hero Andrew Carnegie, google him, or you can go here! I have his book "The Gospel of Wealth and Other Timely Essays". It is very interesting and I have enjoyed reading it.

I resolved to stop accumulating and begin the infinitely more serious and difficult task of wise distribution. -Andrew Carnegie

Sweet Angel!

I'm pretty sure this is what an
Angel
looks like.
Who knew a person could love this much. I've heard it said that "the more we love, the greater our capacity to love is". When I had my first child, I thought I could never love anyone as much as I loved him. Then I had another, and another, and one more still. And I realized, I loved them all more that words can say. How did this happen? Unless, my ability to love has grown. Now I'm a grandma and this little angel has come into my life. How could I possibly love another grandbaby as much as I love her? I can't imagine it, but I know I will! Whenever that day comes.
Natasha = LOVE!
Love's- nothing till you give it away, give it away, give it away......
You end up having more.
I love being a mom and a grandma!

Family History Friday (FHF): Do it!

(This is a clue about what next week's FHF is about )

Spencer W. Kimball used to always say "Do it!" ( I know Nike would like to take credit, but I know President Kimball was the first. ). So anyway, I think for this weeks FHF I will just say -Do it! You don't have to do it all the time, or even every day. Just pick a day, like Sunday, and do it for an hour or two. What's that you say? I haven't given you enough ideas to get you started? Ok, I'll give you more ideas. Here's a place that you can go to help you get going and do it.

Go here! Then click on

How do I begin?

If you need forms or any other ideas you'll find them. Download a pedigree chart and a family group sheet and start writing. Write all the names and dates and birth places that you know, then start researching. You can Do it! I know you can. Let me know how it goes. You can even color code your families like I do with mine.

I know that if you do, you will start to develop a love for your ancestors, and you will want to know more about them. It's true! Happy Family History Friday! Love, Joy

My Heroes!

When I was 5 years old, my best friend lived next door. We lived in the country so friends were few and far between, as they say. I spent quite a bit of time alone, not wanting to be too much of a burden to my friend, but once in a while I would go next door and he would be in the back of his house taking care of something important I'm sure. I really had a great time with my friend, when he could play. Sometimes I'd be gone for hours and my mom would wonder where I was. She would eventually find me...out in the field, plowing with my best friend. In case you couldn't tell by now, my best friend wasn't another 5 year old. It was Mr. Chard, a grandpa type who, like I said lived next door to me. I used to stand on the fence and say, "Mr. Chard, can you play?" Even now thinking about him I miss him and his sweet and gentle way. This was many years ago; you could trust your 5 year old daughter with a man like Mr. Chard. He wouldn't hurt a fly. I remember he never had time to "play", but I remember riding the tractor next to him and plowing the fields for hours. It's too bad that the world has changed. I would have never had a best friend when I was five if I didn't have Mr. Chard. He has been gone for years, but this little girl will never forget his kindness and love.

Family History Friday (FHF): Bridges!

"Genealogies, family stories, historical accounts, and traditions...form a bridge between past and future and bind generations together in ways that no other keepsake can." -Dennis B. Neuenschwander

I recently read a talk by Dennis B. Neuenschwander. In it he states that we all have keepsakes. Some have furniture, books, porcelain and other valuable things that are passed down from generation to generation. These are important, because they remind us of our loved ones who have passed on and turn our minds to loved ones unborn. "They form a bridge between family past and family future."
The more valuable keepsakes though are the genealogies, family stories, historical accounts and traditions. These are eternal keepsakes and bind our families together like no other keepsake can.
Each family member has a personal responsibility to be the architect of this bridge for their own family.
He says, "Not one of my children has any recollection of my grandparents. If I want my children and grandchildren to know those who still live in my memory, then I must build the bridge between them. I alone am the link to the generations that stand on either side of me. It is my responsibility to knit their hearts together through love and respect, even though they may never have known each other personally. My grandchildren will have no knowledge of their families history if I do nothing to preserve it for them. That which I do not in some way record will be lost at my death, and that which I do not pass on to my posterity, they will never have. The work of gathering and sharing eternal family keepsakes is a personal responsibility. It cannot be passed off or given to another.
A life that is not documented is a life that within a generation or two will largely be lost to memory. What a tragedy this can be in the history of a family. Knowledge of our ancestors shapes us and instills within us values that give direction and meaning to our lives."
Thankfully for me I have parents and grandparents who built this bridge for me. I have read stories and know some of the histories of my ancestors (those that were written, and saved). Let's all build a bridge, we can do it. Do a little each week. Ask your parents if they have any stories of their parents and grandparents they can share. If they're not written down, do it, write them down! Organize them, so that others can enjoy them. Happy Family History Friday! Love, Joy

Family History Friday (FHF): London & Italy.

Kelsey @ Six-Look at this darling girl!

(Sorry it is alittle out of focus)
Have I ever told you how much I love being a mom? Well, I do. In fact, some of the best entertainment in my life has come from either the things my children have said or the things they have done. I have tried to write down the cute things the kids have said for family to enjoy, as well as the child who said it, in later years. Once when Kelsey was about 6 years old we were planning a family reunion. It was going to be a special one because we were going to a town that was quite significant to my husband's family. His grandfather was born and grew up there. We were going to travel for a long time to get to the place. We told the kids we were going to Lund through Ely. Now, you have to know this little town of Lund had only a few hundred people living in it. It is south of Ely.
They're both in Nevada. My sweet little Kelsey told everyone that we were going to London and Italy. So people would come up to me and say "Wow, you have quite a trip planned!" Thinking they were being sarcastic I'd say "Yeah!!!", and then mention something about the thrill we were going to have in Lund. One lady in particular then told me, "Oh, I thought you were going to London and Italy." We laughed and laughed. The lady did actually know where Lund was, and had spent time there as a child. Let me just say that Lund and Ely couldn't be more different than London and Italy. Although I have been to Lund and Ely, and I can't say the same about London and Italy.
Keep a small notebook near the kitchen or some other area you spend time, and write down the cute things the children say and do. Believe me you'll be glad you did. If you don't, you will forget, of this I can attest.

Autumn Decor!

My hubby made this beautiful shelf. It hangs near the entrance of our home

and it usually gets the seasonal decor. That way, if I don't have time to decorate the house much for holidays, I can almost always find time for the shelf. I thought it turned out pretty cute. I love the colors of Fall. It is my favorite time of year!

The hutch in the kitchen is always fun to decorate.

My favorite decorations are the ones you just kind of throw together. I just covered the shelf with things that are the colors of Fall. I collect leaf plates (cause I totally dig them), so those definitely had to be displayed. Almost all the baskets in my home were made by me or my sister-in-laws. I will always love baskets, whether they're in style or not. (Maybe it's because of my Native American ancestry) I think they look beautiful.

I love Autumn!

Lessons from the Mountain!

See this mountain...I have been on top of this mountain.
I love this mountain. It represents so much. From the time I was a small child till now, I have looked in awe at it's majesty.
One lesson I learned from the mountain is this -- you can do more than you think you can. We have untapped abilities that are only used when we really push ourselves. My sweetheart and I decided one year for our anniversary to climb the mountain. That was about ten years ago. It was going to be a testimony to our marriage and the work and effort that got us to that point in our marriage. We started at about 8:00 am. We had a great time talking and enjoying each others company. We talked about our kids, our life together so far, our goals and dreams, and of course we talked about how much we loved each other. As the time went on the trail became steeper. There were many switch backs. There were also beautiful views and flowers along the trail. We had not prepared at all for this hike. No walking or special training to build endurance. We just went for it. I remember saying to my darlin, "Do you think I can do it?" and he would say, "YES! you can". After 7 hours of hiking we reached the top. I was exhausted, and Brett was tired. Remember, we have to get back down. Some where in the middle of the hike I remember thinking, this is probably the hardest thing I've ever done. I had given birth to 4 children and had gall bladder surgery, I was still thinking this is probably the hardest thing I've ever done. We hiked down for 5 more hours, using different muscles than we used going up. Toward the end of the hike we both really had to concentrate to put one foot in front of the other. It was more quiet than the hike up, because we were saving our energy for hiking down. Finally we made it. We were so sore, I mean soooo soorree!!! I couldn't even look at the mountain for months without shedding a few tears. But I did it! I didn't know I could. Now I know, I CAN do hard things. It takes alot of effort, but I can do what ever I need to or want to do in life. You can too!
(Oh, by the way the hike was 16.o5 miles)

Surviving Life!

Everyday Life Survival Kit

Toothpick: Pick the good qualities in everyone including yourself.

Rubberband: Be flexible. Things might not always go the way you want.

Band-Aid: To heal hurt feelings, either yours or someone else's.

Eraser: Everyone makes mistakes. That's okay, we learn by our mistakes.

Candy Kiss: Everyone needs a hug or a compliment everyday.

Mint: You are worth a mint to your family and friends.

Bubble Gum: Stick with it and you can accomplish anything.

Pencil: List your blessings every day.

Cocoa: Relax daily and go over your list of blessings

I thought this was such a cute survival kit. I think I will make one for everyone!! OK, maybe not for everyone. But here it is and I know I will for sure make one for me. I had a challenging day at work and I needed a reminder of the right way to think. I am very positive and don't often feel sad, but today I was struggling. I will keep this by me at work and think positive! I love me! (and you too!)

-Five Faves- on the 5th

1-Autumn leaves

2-Dressing up in costume

3-Wearing sweaters

4-Carving pumpkins

5-Quilts