Stevenson's Top Ten Memorable Moments for 2008

1. Noah started Kindergarten (all-day)

2. I started working at the Othello Independnet newspaper

3. Jacob learned to walk

4. Kade was potty-trained

5. Mike became a volunteer fire-fighter

6. Kayla started high school (we think)

7. Mike's dad, Gary, died

8. We changed the following on our house:
*new windows in the bedrooms
*made curtains for the front room (only took me 3+ years)
*insulated the attic better

9. lots of self scrapbooking & CTMH selling

10. great & profitable year at Pro-Build (one of the only profitable stores in the chain)

Editorial of a Mom

I write a column for the newspaper that I work for. It is always about life as a Mom. This was my first one. They named the column: Another Gray Hair - isn't that perfect?! I thought I should post at least once in 2008. :) You can see my other columns at: www.OthelloIndependent.com. I do not put in the names of my boys in print. If people know me or them then they will already know their names. I couldn't get the photo to work - thought i better just post just in case I don't get back to it.

Oh, to see life through the eyes of a child.
My youngest son is 20 months old. He is so animated and expressive without using words. His smile and laugh lights up the room. He is adorable – but I am biased.
I don’t know where I have been recently, but he seems to have awakened to life and curiosity this past week. Was it him asleep, or me? It is so easy to miss these little fascinations and delights of life. Watching the leaves flutter in the breeze, the magic of a new toy, seeing himself in the mirror or in a photo, playing peek-a-boo, reading a favorite book. All of these things amaze and intrigue him.
Have I lost those fascinations with age? Is it all the rushing around, deadlines, and to-do lists that have stolen that from me? How hard is it to take a moment to fascinate on the wonders of the world? How often do I do it… never.
I have been trying to declutter our lives of the excess toys, clothes and unnecessary things that seem to accumulate. I have a growing pile of things to give away.
My inquisitive boys, ages 5, 3 and 1, found the toy pile that I thought I had so expertly hid. Many of these had moving parts with lots of little pieces that seemed to end up all over the house, in the dogs mouth, under foot, everywhere. My boys got everything out and sorted it into piles on my bed of which parts go together with which toys. These were all loud toys that make noise in some way. Elefun is an elephant with a long nose that has butterflies that fly all over that you catch with nets - LOTS of little parts! This is only one of three toys that I’m sick of.
“We will not be buying toys that make noise this year!” I hear my lovely husband say.
“Tell all of your family. If they buy a toy for the boys that make noise they I will send it back to them!”
But somehow a few always seem to make it under the tree or as a birthday gift.
Toys with moving parts that make noise are my youngest’s big fascination. His giggles and squeals of delight kept me entertained and mesmerized by him. I just loved to see his eyes light up and the glee that flowed from him. May be I should keep these toys after all. That thought will go away after having it in our home again for a short time, very short time.
May we all have that curiosity and fascination once in awhile.
Life though the eyes of child would make us all happier. We would forget about the stress of life and the lists. We would eat cake for breakfast, and it would be ok. We could dress ourselves in our favorite clothes everyday, and would not have to match. We don’t have to wear shoes, or coats, ever. Playing would be a priority over the dishes.

Vawdrey Top Ten Or So

Here are our top ten for 2008. Okay, so there are only nine. Let me know if you can think of anything else exciting we've been doing this year.

1. We moved to New Jersey to enjoy the suburban lifestyle with the nearby, and easily accessible, excitement of the big city.
2. Zach learned to walk.
3. Sarah started school which has saved my sanity and been so good for her as well.
4. Sarah learned to read and loves to do it.
5. David was called as the bishop in our new ward.
6. We had lots of visitors--eight different groups of people that I can think of.
7. We took a trip to Washington DC.
8. We bought a newer car.
9. We enjoyed a trip home to Utah during the summer.
   

Top Ten of 2008-Let's Hear From You

With five days to go in the year, tell us your top ten experiences. They don't have to be the best just significant. Here are ours, not in any special order:
1. 35 Yr Anniversary trip to DC, Virginia & NC.
2. Taxidermy School for Allan (Can't stop talking about it).
3. Thumb Surgery & Dad's colonsoscopy.
4. Trip to NJ, NYC & seeing Wicked.
5. Temples never attended- DC, Manhattan, Boise & Rexburg.
6. Jobs out of the blue-Allan's work & income came from nowhere.
7. Medical bills topping $30k & out of pocket $3k.
8. KSL.com sales of many items including the Acura.
9. Bought Alicia's newer car.
10. Home improvements-painted rooms,door, etc.

Okay, it is your turn to give your best of 2008. Combined or separately. Include a picture of your family also.

The Day of Christmas -I Give to You-12 Loves for Life

On this Christmas Day I want to tell you how blessed we have been this year with:
1. The Savior (His example, taking our sins, love & all)
2. Gift of the Holy Ghost (Guiding us on our way, when we let Him.)
3. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Keeps us choosing the right.)
4. Scriptures (Brings peace & helps us each day overcome evil.)
5. Prayer (Thanking the Lord & asking for His help.)
5. Family (Someone to love & be loved by.)
6. Good Health (Take care of your body, because it is all you have.)
7. Work to do (How boring life gets when we aren't busy.)
8. Freedom (We can choose what to do, when & where to go.)
9. Fun (We need it, love it & feel good afterward.)
10. Food (How blessed we are to have it abundantly.)
11. Earth (Oh, how I love the beauty of it.)
12. Life itself (We are all here, what we make of it is up to us & it's great to be alive.)
Love, MOM

11th Day MTLGTM-11 Temples w/Recommends

Here are the temples in our districts (except IF) and the ones we have been able to attend this year (except DC). I can't believe we never took a picture of it. See if you can guess what ones they are of the following: Jrdn River, Salt Lake, Boise, Rexburg, Columbia River, Spokane, Logan, NYC, Oquirrh & Draper, the two new ones. We are happy to say that there are eleven recommend holders in our family. May you all enjoy attending and receiving the blessings of the temples.

10th Day MTLGTM- 10 Months W/Birthdays

Our family has birthdays in ten months of the year.
They are: January-Breann 17th, Alicia 22nd, Hunter 28th
March-Sarah 9th, Jacob 12th
April-Mauri 22nd, Jory 27th
May-Kade 16th
June-Mom 23rd, Noah 29th
July-Brayle 1st, Jenn 9th, Jed 28th
August-Aaron 30th
Sept-Zachary 13th
Oct-Michael 19th, Makayla 26th
Nov-Dad 9th, Dave 19th
How blessed we are to be a family and enjoy life together here on earth.

9th Day MTLGTM-9 Ladies & Gentlemen

That would be our children & spouses which adds up to nine, shown in an assortment of photos that you may or may not have seen. It was hard to find ones that just had each of you together. We love and appreciate each of you and proud of all the things you have accomplished. Thanks for being part of our family.

8th Day MTLGTM- 8 Maids & Misters

That's right eight beautiful grandchildren, Three maids & five misters all healthy and happy (most of the time). Makayla, grown into a lovely young woman; Brayle, helps others & wants to learn everything; Hunter, is becoming quite the tease. Noah observant & tender hearted; Sarah so smart, you can't get anything passed her. Kade speaks so intelligently; Jacob, what a smile & the little big man; Zachary, likes things that go. Take care of these sweet ones Heavenly Father has blessed you with.

7th Day MTLGTM-7 Meals Delivered

Have I done any good in the world today? I have been delivering Meal on Wheels for almost four years. Serving people in the community gives me a good feeling knowing I've helped someone. Wilberta, Kathy, Asinate, Roger, Delores, Mark & Maria (in the picture) are their names. Some are new, others have been on the route the whole time. Some homes are neat & tidy others are alot like Grandma Cranes, cluttered. They have become tender and dear to my heart as I knock on their door & walk in calling, "Meals on Wheels". May you also do your part, to help others.

6th Day of Xmas MTLGTM-6 Trees All Lit Up

I love the lights at Christmas making the world all magical. Just driving around seeing the various yards all decked out, makes one so happy. Temple Square, Gardner Village, downtown, and so on all aglow really creates a special feeling. May you enjoy them as much as I do.

5th Day of Xmas MTLGTM: Five Gold Rings

I lost my wedding ring in Nov 1975 due to morning sickness & losing weight. Dad bought me a band the next Mother's Day. Five years later on Christmas, he gave me another wedding set similar to the original. In November about ten years later, I noticed the diamond was missing and put the band back on, stowing the ring away. I had been cutting wood things all month & there was no way of finding the diamond in all that sawdust. About seven years ago for Mother's Day, I told Dad I would pay half on another ring. Maybe I wouldn't lose it. Ten years & the holidays seem to be the time they get lost or replaced. You could say, I have bad luck with rings.
He still has the original band I bought him that cost $110, which was expensive back then. Here are 3 of my rings, Dad's & the Mother's ring you kids gave me @Christmas.

4th Day of Xmas MTLGTM-4 Schools, Elementary

Who can identify these four schools family members go to or attended? I have vivid memories of both yours and my elementary schools, teachers, friends and the things that happened there. I will cherish them always.
Some were good, others I want to forget. Jenn getting on the bus the first day of school & not knowing where she was. Mauri being chosen as the best student in sixth grade. Just days before Christmas was when the call came about the lice incident for Alicia & Breann. Yuck! Jory tired of school by first grade & wondering how soon until he graduated.

3rd Day MTLGTM - 3 Goodies With the Recipe

Marion’s Caramels
2 Cups Cream
2 Cups Sugar
2 Cups Karo Syrup. Put into heavy pan (reserve 1 C cream) & stir cooking on med-low heat. Add remaining cream after mix has boiled down. When it reaches 230 degrees (watch it closely), remove from heat. Add 1t vanilla & 1 cube butter, that you have greased cookie sheet with. Stir until butter is melted & well mixed in. Pour onto cookie sheet so it will be about 1/8 thick if you are doing pretzels & turtles. For caramels pour into an 8x8 pan. Let cool.

Chocolate Covered Pretzels: Buy 4” or 8” pretzels. Cut caramel into 1 ½ x 3 “lengths with pizza cutter. With buttered fingers, take piece of caramel & wrap around each pretzel. Melt 1 cup of chocolate chips or shaved dipping chocolate in the microwave for 1 minute in a glass bowl. Check to see if will stir with a spoon. If not, do it another minute, then stir until smooth. Dip each pretzel & roll until covered w/chocolate. Place on greased cookie sheet. While chocolate is still soft shake sprinkles or nuts on top.

Turtles: 1 lb pecans. Cut caramel into 1x2’ pieces. With 2 pecan or 3 pieces wrap caramel around them & set onto greased cookie sheet. Spoon about 1 T of melted chocolate (see pretzels) onto each turtle letting it ooze down around it. Let set then eat.

2nd Day of Christmas MTLGTM-2 Young Adults, with 1 Being Your Brother, Jory

Well, here they are 'the Sargent & the School Teacher'. Her name is Sarah Sargent, also known as Jory's 4th grade aide since November 1st. They began dating about two weeks ago. He has already met her parents, siblings & grandparents. She has four brothers and is the oldest. He is pretty smitten with her, but have they kissed?

Twelve Days of Christmas To You

Even though I am starting a day late, here are twelve memories or things to share with you this year. "On the first year of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a Sewing Machine in a Cabinet."

Dad bought this sewing machine on our first Christmas. It was expensive for 1973 about $600. It was something I missed and wanted badly. Grandma Schmidt went with him to pick it out. I used it so much that it wore out years ago. It made bed spreads, curtains, dust ruffles, prom dresses, PJ's and so much more.

Many times as I sat sewing you played at my feet and probably wished that I would stop. I finally did and now it sits ignored, having done its job. Hopefully along the way you all learned to sew and enjoyed the things you created from this machine. I was taught from my mother & she from hers. It is an important skill to have, even though not needed ss much now as in the past. Brayle is now interested in sewing. Yeah!!

On the Chopping Block

When Breann suggested that I sell the French Provincial bedroom set, I said, "Sure, great idea." It would give me extra money for Christmas gifts, improvements to the apartment or I could put it toward central air. I took the pictures and Dad down loaded them, but I just couldn't do it.

Growing up I had hand-me-down furniture, ugly. After I started working and had the money to get this set, it was really for me. I fell in love with it at the store and would do anything to buy it. So we did, for $1400. I was in heaven. Although it probably wasn't what you gals wanted, it was still very classy and made it all worth it.

To part with it is hard, but I know another little set of sisters can enjoy it for their mother, too. I keep thinking in five years your little girls will come stay overnight with us and I can say, "Your moms slept in these very beds." It's okay, we will have them sleep in our room on the old ugly twin matching pads instead, with fancy blankets. It will be just as fun because we are together, which is most important.

A Schmidt Christmas

I'm thinking of a Schmidt Christmas.
Just like the ones at Grandma's house.
Where the gifts were money,
and Santa funny. With her homemade toffee in our mouths.

I thought you would like to see what Dad's home looks like now that it's a gift shop called, The Lavender House. Black awnings, a new door and porch, rockwork and a nice parking lot where the old horse chestnut tree used to be. We'll have to go inside someday to see what they have done. I will take pictures if possible and post them.

Do you remember the Christmas dinners when the table was extended to the max, about 16 feet. Those lacy table cloths, the wall to wall cousins and the generous gifts they gave. Grandma was a great cook & made the same kind of gravy that Dad now does. Every year Marion would get her busy making chocolates and share a box with each of us. Eventually the gang became so large, we moved to the church for our party. They aren't the same, but it is good to get together to see everyone.

gift ideas for the Vawdreys

I thought I would post a few quick links of things we might like to have to help any of you out there who might need/want to send us a gift.

Sarah:
Lego Pink Brick Box
Enchanted Princess Reusable Sticker Book
Barbie Fairytopia
Barbie Mermaidia

Zach:
Stacking Emergency Vehicles
Wooden Tool Kit
Wooden Construction Vehicles Set
Wooden Rescue Vehicles Set

Alicia:
see my Amazon wishlist
Thanksgiving countdown calendar
jacket at Costco--call me if you want details
fleece hat, gloves, and scarf in warm strip (Old Navy)
gift card--GAP, Old Navy, Michaels, Target, etc.

David:
Lands End dress shirt (I'm still trying to figure out which one as there are about a million of them and he likes a specific one that I bought like three years ago at Sears.)
and I'll keep thinking

C Is for the Christ Child

We're at the beginning of the Christmas season celebrating His birth. I want to tell you that I love Jesus, Christ. I have a testimony of Him and know that He lives. I value the Holy Ghost and the scriptures in my life and know they guide my every step. I am so glad that we have the gospel giving us the knowledge of our Savior, His gifts, example and love. Without this, we would be lost. Glad for a prophet that receives inspiration for us. Difficult as life is at times, I know it isn't easy to face life's challenges. Ask Jesus to help you, always remember Him.

Thanks for being such great and good children. I see you work at being the best parents and people you can be carefully guiding your own offspring. Include Jesus in your preparations this year, praying, studying & sharing with your kids. In return, He will bless you, when the days get crazy. I count the temple time we spent doing work for our ancestors last week the start to our holiday. I love you all so much. It's hard to express how special you are. Keep up the good work.
Love, Mom.

Home Improvements Happen

After years of fighting to get the front door open, Dad installed a new door knob. I wanted you to see it. The next thing we will be getting is a door bell button. I even took a picture of the one I want to get. (It's on the right) Oh, yeah, Dad also painted the door. We bought the paint on our anniversary as a gift to ourselves. What do you think? I like it.

Temple Tantrum-Not

They invited Dad to be a temple worker in the baptistry a few weeks ago. He works every Thursday, but with all the holidays & 2 week temple closed for cleaning he went once last week. His next date is January 8th. This assignment meant 'Shave it'. That's right, he has to be clean shaven. Without any objection or tantrum, your father said, “Yes”, came home and shaved. Some say he looks like Kent, others think it is Ralph. Jed thinks he looks ten years younger. We need your vote.

We went on an endowment session after Dad's interview at the temple and they asked us to be the witness couple. That has only happened one other time, when we went to the LA Temple in 1982. You can guess we stayed wide awake in the session.

28-Days Until We Are Sane Again

I know you didn’t need the reminder, but here it is anyway. Start looking for those great sales to get the biggest bang for your buck ($ not deer, Aaron) gifts. Post those things you, your kids and spouses want. Make sure you include how much it is & where to buy it. Include a picture if that helps. If you are standing there looking at the item & you know it would be easier to buy now get $$ later, I say, DO IT!! If you are out of state, I enjoy buying on line & having the store/UPS do all the work w/free shipping as a bonus.

As you may know the money is pretty scarce, but we will do our best to make it happen. Pray all those items we post on KSL.com sell & we may have enough left over for a DVD player w/remote we can find. Now you can use the Bday gift for Dad as Christmas gift also. I have the list of who gives to whom. Call if you need it.

Thanks for Giving us – Temples

‘I Love to See the Temple’ a song that brings joy to our hearts as we think of the wonderful things that take place there. Brayle could sing this song at age 2. I'm sure many of the other grandchildren do, too. Knowing my parents were married in the temple gave me the desire and foundation to do the same. Although they didn’t attend often, the fact that their vows were made in this holy place helped us to take the next step, be worthy and go regularly. What a difference it makes in a marriage & blessings received.

The first time I was in the Salt Lake Temple doing baptisms as a fourteen year old, I felt a strong presence from our ancestors. It was a very familiar place as if I had walked those halls before. What a joy it was to take out my endowments at the same time Sandra did and to be at her ceremony. It is fun to visit other temples as well. Recently I have been to the Washington DC, Boise and Manhattan Temples where the Spirit tells you it is true. Temple attendance blesses our lives and brings peace, joy & answers to prayers. I often put your names on the prayer roll.

Dad was just made a temple worker starting in the baptistry last week. After his interview, we went on a session where we were asked to be the witness couple. It was our first time to do this in the Jordan River Temple. Twenty six years ago we also had that honor in the Los Angeles Temple.

Tell us what the temple means to you or the experiences you have had there.

Living Thanksgiving Every Day

Wonderful FREEDOM is to choose liberty, live peacefully, find the gospel (religion), say what you want (speech), print what you feel (press), etc. This freedom came about because of sacrifice by our ancestors to fight for what they believed in. Because the Lord was on our side we won, helping us every step of the way through the Revolutionary War, Civil War & so on. Freedom isn’t free, but it is worth it.

Grandpa Gale Crane joined the Navy at a crucial time in World War II that kept us and many other countries free. He was a ships mate in the Pacific and worked in the kitchen. His brothers, Leon & Miller were in the Army and Jack joined the Air Force making it a career. Many great men & women today are carrying on the battle. I am in front of the World War II Monument in the photo.

Other's show their loyalty when they get involved in the community by volunteering service, voting, participating in Prop 8 type projects (Paula) . They represent what is near and dear to us all. Emily Welch opened the Nebraska State College Volleyball Tournament by being chosen to sing the national anthem. How much do you love freedom, saluting the flag, singing the songs and being in the greatest country. Tell us this week.