Will we remember?

Today, nationally, we celebrate Memorial Day.
And today, I'm not feeling the spirit of what that means.
And that is my fault. Mostly.
I still, in my toothache pain, can remember those precious souls.

My desire now, at 7:43 pm on this balmy Monday, is to remember.
Who comes to mind first?
It seems impossible to say.
Because, I could swear that, at the same moment I thought of two.

Grandma Hansen and Shawn Mahaffey
Two souls, born 60 years apart, have left an imprint on my life.
Grandma made sure I knew I was special.
Shawn made sure I had a laugh.

Now I know that Memorial Day was set aside for the fallen.
I have met a few brave soldiers.
One man, who lost a son to suicide, was strong in the face of trail.
One man left a home of love felt he returned to a home of "stone".

The sacrifices of those that serve is more than I can comprehend.
They make daily sacrifices at war and while they fight, they dream.
They dream of the freedom they provide for their family,
Their friends, and their country.

My gift to those we have fallen and for those who have gone before
Is to live a life worth living.
To live with Joy, with Thanksgiving, with Love.
But that's not all, I must remember.

Grandma, I will remember.
I am special.
Shawn, I will remember.
I will laugh.



The balloons are the ones family and friends released at Shawn's graveside. There is a love note on each balloon.

Our Birthday Girl, Macy!

Sometimes it is simply just hard to believe. My life seems to be on the fast track and that's no joke! Today my youngest daughter Macy turns 9 and I can hardly wrap my mind around it. I literally feel like I have to sit down and slow down, just to take that in! Exhale in - "this is real life" Exhale out - "embrace the moment."
I do this and then I walk into the bedroom of my sweet angel, Macy. I stare at her for a moment, she begins to stir. I know she knows this is her day and as soon as she wakes, its going to be all about her. I touch her cute swollen cheeks, little chipmunk cheeks I tell her. (Last night, late, she was crying in such pain, it was literally painful to watch. She had an infection in the tooth that had been worked on a few weeks ago and she couldn't take the pain anymore. It flared up quickly. Two days ago she said she couldn't chew on the side where her tooth hurt. Yesterday afternoon, we tried to find a dentist but the memorial weekend had started so we thought we could wait til Tuesday. Boy, were we wrong! Last night, I continued to give her Motrin and Tylenol. Finally, she could take it no more. She cried, saying the medicine wasn't working. She cried and cried. I tried to hold her but the pain was too much, she tossed and rolled about. Finally I reached Jed who was playing late games of softball and told him we had to get a hold of a dentist...now. I also asked him to find someone to help admister a blessing, especially if we couldn't find a dentist. Jed got home and to my relief, said "Let's go Macy. Dr. Callister will pull the tooth." So she left with her daddy and her two sisters while Ethan and I put our hands together and offered up a prayer in her behalf. Not too long after, in came Macy. But this time, Macy was smiling with cute little chipmunk cheeks. Dr. Callister said that the infection was horrible, as it drained and drained of infection. He said in all his years he has never seen so much infection come out of a tooth of a child. Her infection was like an adult's worst case. Wow!) She woke and looked in my eyes, with a slight grin, she says I know what today is. I lovingly tickled her and said, Oh happy birthday my Macy! She giggled. Today was her day!
For lunch, we started out saying the things we love about Macy. Everyone gets a turn. Nicholas started out by saying, "I love that Macy is my best pal. She is nice to me." Jed and I both love her sensitivity and her kindness to others. I love her creativity with her American Girl Doll house and the way she writes stories. Ethan said he thinks it's so great how creative she is and he loves how she always seem to be smiling. Emily says she loves her smile, how fun and cute she is. After lunch, we all gathered while she opened her presents. She got a tall horse for her American Girl Doll collection, a stuffed elephant since she collects elephants too, and a colorful jewelry holder which she will use for her "dollhouse".
I don't think Macy could be more pleased. She is so happy. This afternoon, I took Macy to the store to pick out 2 things for her doll collection. She chose a western outfit for the horse and her dolls as well as furniture - a chair, lamp and fish aquarium - that came together. She fell in love with a black girl doll with beautiful dark, curly hair. She told me she wanted her SO bad but I told her I couldn't get it for her with the other things. Suddenly she had an "ahh moment". She said she would pay! So now Macy has another lovely doll. She has named her Cami after her teacher. I suggested Leah but Cami stuck.
Macy is a dear, sweet girl. She is very much a little lady. She loves to do hair and makeup as well as play with her dolls. She is very creative in the things she creates for her dolls and even in her writing. Like Mrs. Lee says, "Macy is so creative in her writing. She is wonderful at the details and feelings of the characters'." Macy has a tender heart. If someone is unkind toward her, she may try to confront the person but if it continues she will walk away, saddened and heartbroken. All the while, trying to keep the tears at bay. She, like her sister Sarah and her aunt Kim, does not like to cry in front of people. She will also stick up for others if people are unkind and she will come to the defense of the victim. She has her heart in the right place.
I'm proud of Macy. I know she is trying to be a good girl, trying to make good choices. She is learning to pray and learning about the Spirit, wanting to trust what she feels. She has taught me to look to the little ones more because its easy to get caught up in the activities of the older kids. She has reminds me to slow down and enjoy the simple things.
I love my dear girl, Macy!

Nicholas David turns 4!!! Dec. 23, 2008

(Handsome Uncle Aaron and Handsome Uncle Ryan who Nicholas adores!)

Sweet Handsome Nicholas has reached the age of 4!! We got together on a whim with several Treanor family members at Ryan and McKaye's house for a spontaneous birthday party. Dad (Grandpa Treanor) was in town and so we thought we call "Nicholas' birthday party!" Notice Mommy's blue lips from licking frosting of my fingers after serving! Oohlala!!

Nicholas got a few cars from Aunt Cessie and her boys and small balls from Grandpa and Kathy.

Nicholas takes a lick off the car wheels from the cake and tries to eat it all before Uncle Aaron gets to it. Yummy!
What we love about Nicholas - his smile, his laughter, his love, his signiture "Hi", and his snuggles at bedtime. We love you Nicholas!!

Nicholas has many nicknames. You can't live in this family and not get a nickname or two or ten. So here are a few of his nicknames - Nickolada, Nickel Nuts, Nickel Pie, Nicko, NickoNucks

Aaron NIxon Treanor born Oct. 2008

Dec. 2008



Little Nixon has arrived. He is the apple of his parents eye and a joy to behold. Aaron and his sweetheart, Stephanie are wonderful, loving parents and its such a treat to watch them with their handsome son. Welcome Precious Nixon!

Aaron and Steph asked me to take some pictures of Nixon for his blessing day. Its always a pleasure to take pictures for family, although I always want perfection and sometimes feel quite inadequate to the task.

I love you Aaron, Steph and Nixon!

And the snow is falling...

Dec. 2008

And of course, Sarah Jane is the first to go out (I'm surprised Nicholas isn't out there as her little side-kick!). Sarah is always up for some adventure. This snow fall actually gave us about 8 inches this time. So we are grateful for the moisture. I have to admit, because the winter came later, I have faired through this winter much better than others in the past. We are enjoying our home in Spanish Fork. Sarah is playing in the front yard of the house. Thanks Sarah for enjoying the cold for the rest of us. Now come in for hot chocolate! Cheers to a nice winter!

Happy Birthday Aunt Cessie and Donovan (7)!

The family was called to order to make a special evening for Aunt Cessie and her handsome boy, Donovan who both celebrate their birthday on November 20th. How sweet is that?! So we sang, watched gift opening and ate yummy cake and ice cream. Happy Birthday to the both of you! You are so special to us and we love you so!!

Thanksgiving with the Morleys at David and Shannon's Home - Nov. 27, 2008

Among many things, Macy and Sarah go for a ride on one of the horses. The cousins had a ball! There was horse riding, pony riding (Nicholas loved riding the pony! Sarah is always willing to help.) running around, horsin' around in the hay, playing on the play set, playing in the dirt building dirt castles or tracks for cars, riding in the horse buggy, hanging out, playing the Wii, outdoor volleyball and lots of visiting.
Emily, Braden, Megan and Melanie get together for laughter and fun. Its so fun to watch these kids grow and be friends. They really enjoy each others company. It makes it so pleasant.
I'm going to see if I can name (see) all the kids in the hay barn. From Left - Kimball , someone in very back - I think its Monson, Cannon, Ethan, Estee with Macy behind her and Jeddy behind her, Chloe, AudriLyn with Brigham behind her, Holland with Hinckley behind him and Brandon next to Hinckly and finally Quinn looking like he's hangin' himself. Whew!
Anywho this was a wonderful day with the Morley side. We had, I think I heard, 52 different pies there! Can you imagine?
The Treanors (my dad and his family) where hosting a play day that we missed but we met up with them later.
SO much to be thankful for! My dear husband who brings me peace and laughter. My beautiful children who provide endless moments to live and learn. They are my joy! And of course, a wonderful extended family. Not to forget, the gospel, our Saviour, this beautiful land in which we live in, work, a home, and so much more. All is well.