11/17/2015

Emily Baadsgaard Wins $1,000 scholarship in the Utah Book Mark Contest

My granddaughter Emily won the Book Mark contest and the $1,000 that goes with it!
Emily drew and designed a fantastic bookmark.
Way to go Emily!

11/11/2015

Happy Birthday Sophia

A HOME FOR FORGOTTEN DOLLS
By Grandma Baadsgaard
Happy Birthday Sophia - my fellow doll lover.

               Sophia loves dolls – all kinds of dolls - just like her mother and her grandmother. She loves them so earnestly that she created a home for forgotten dolls right in her own bedroom. The dolls at the regular stores are fun to look at but she prefers the dolls she finds at thrift stores and garage sales. Brand new dolls encased in plastic are not as intriguing as the ones she discovers under dusty blankets or scattered in the left behinds of other children now grown too old for play.
            Sophia understands the drawbacks with new dolls – they simply don’t have a story to tell because they have never been loved. Old dolls always have enchanted tales deep inside them waiting for a listening child. Each doll’s story comes to Sophia when she holds them in her arms while she falls asleep. Then their individual tales become her dreams at night.
When Sophia wakes in the morning, she paints the doll’s story on paper or canvas with crayons, watercolors, pastels or oils.
When people ask, “Where do ideas for your pictures come from?” she graciously smiles.
          Though Sophia has lots of dolls, she knows they do not tell their tales to everyone. Each story is a hidden treasure available only to those with a kind heart.
Once her best friend said, “Sophie, you have too many dolls.”
Sophia knew her friend didn’t understand. She knew dolls that are forgotten and thrown away leave empty places in their former owner’s hearts unless someone rescues them and gives them a home. If these former owners do not eventually fill their lives with children, that empty place will remain.
The dilemma Sophia understands is that older children often think they have grown too old for dolls and childish things. So they store them in the attic or throw them away. Some fortunate dolls are rescued by mothers who cannot bear to throw away their daughter’s childhood. So they lovingly donate their dolls to thrift stores or garage sales hoping these cherished possessions will eventually find a new home and another little girl to love. Sophia’s dolls all have the honored pedigree for dolls that have been loved many times.
Sophia likes to place her dolls all around her when she goes to bed at night so each doll will feel cherished and adored. Often when her mother checks on her she has a hard time finding Sophia’s sleeping face among all the sizes and shapes of dolls tucked in all around her.
On her birthday, Sophia’s grandmother gave her a large porcelain doll dressed in a turn-of-the-century dress.
When Sophia took the doll from the gift bag she smiled warmly at her grandmother and they both winked at each other. Vintage doll lovers know other vintage doll lovers when they see them.
“Sophia,” her grandmother said, “this doll has so many tales to tell. I know you will have sweet dreams tonight.”   

11/09/2015

Birthday Letter for my thirteen-year-old grandson

Dear Brad,
Happy Birthday to a very special young man we love. We feel so grateful to be your grandmother/father. We hope you know that we will always be there for you and that our love is constant and true. We are so proud of you for the life you are choosing to live and the good example you are for your younger sister and brother.
We notice how patient you are with Izzy and Daniel. They are so blessed to have you for their oldest brother.
We notice that you love to read. Reading is the best way to learn and discover the world of knowledge. As long as you keep reading, you will never be lonely or bored.
We notice that you have a wonderful smile. When we see you smile and notice that sparkle in your eyes it seems like the whole room lights up.
We notice that you have very good manners. You always say please and thank you.
We’re always so grateful to receive a Brad hug. You never forget to give us a hug goodbye when you come over.
We notice how you work hard in your schooling. We’re excited to hear about what you are working on.
We notice that you are a worthy priesthood holder and willing to do your duty with a smile.
We get so excited when we know we are able to spend time with you. We had fun camping with you this fall and going on that hike with the beautiful autumn leaves.
We notice how you are always willing to help with anything that needs to be done – like moving family members to a new place.
We notice you never complain and work hard and try your best at everything you do.
It has been a joy to watch you growing up and becoming such a fine young man.
Always remember Brad that you have a Mother/Father in Heaven who loves you.  Jesus Christ is your Savior and best friend.  Remember that your earthy mother/ father loves you. Never forget that you have a grandma and grandpa Baadsgaard that love you with all our hearts.
You are a treasure - and we found our pot of gold when you became our grandson.
Grandma and Grandpa Baadsgaard

11/05/2015

Birthday Poem for a Two-Year-Old

Daniel
by
Grandma Baadsgaard
I love you sweet Daniel. Have a great birthday.

Soft brown eyes
And a shy little smile
Lots of snuggle hugs
To last a while
Arms around our neck
Head on our heart
Good times to share
We’ll never be apart
Grandsons are the best
To make Grandma’s heart sing
Little boys are hard to catch
But oh what joy they bring
When you look up at me
My soul just wants to melt
I feel all warm inside
With all the love that’s felt
You were once a dream
But now you are here to stay
All my love for you
Will never go away