Happy Birthday Liam!

Dear Liam,

This is a special poem I wrote just for you. 

You are celebrating your first birthday today

 in the same country where your grandfather

was a missionary almost forty years ago. 

Liam the Lyrical Fish

by

Granny B

I like to swim in the deep blue sea

Said Liam the lyrical fish

I like to dance to the light of the moon

Pick a star and make a wish

I like to snuggle with Mommy near

And feel her close to me

I like to race with my brothers two

In the huge Samoan sea

I like to feel the warm soft breeze

With my tail fin flashing light

I like to splash in the ocean waves

With my Dad so strong and bright

I like to find a calm tide pool

And settle in for the night

With all my family close to me

I know I’ll be alright

And when I wake to the morning sun

My dear ones close to me

This is the place I want to be

For all eternity

Unsung Heroes at Stake Conference

We had such a great Stake Conference this weekend with our newest apostle Neil Andersen and our area seventy Steven Lund and their wives. Our guests were such a blessings to all of us.  It was an honor to share in their warmth and wisdom.  

There is always another story to every conference. . . the people who make it happen.  Behind the scenes at every Stake Conference there is an army of people who volunteer their service.  There are chairs to set up, electronic capabilities to arrange, ushers for seating, flowers and musical numbers to provide and talks to prepare. 
Our conference this past weekend required an extra measure of service from unsung heroes who worked long hours to prepare a brand new building that was not quite finished.  Even while I was setting up tables to serve our visiting guests a meal, a young man was chalking and painting in the same room.  An army of people showed up to lay sod, plant trees and clean asphalt.  Right before conference was to begin, a heavy wind and rain storm began.  As my husband was standing in the foyer waiting for our guests to arrive with an umbrella to keep them dry, someone informed him that a porta-potty was standing in the front lawn directly in front of the chapel.  You can just imagine the very wet men in dark suits who quickly moved that structure.  After our meal with the guests and the meeting that followed, I walked into the kitchen ready to spend several hours doing the dishes.  To my surprise, the kitchen was full of people with their sleeves rolled up doing the work.  None of the people who gave so much this past weekend would want me to use their names.  They don't do what they do to get noticed.  They do what they do because they love our Father in Heaven and their fellowmen.
So thank you my sweet friends for your quiet service. 
I see you . . . I thank you  . . . and I deeply honor and respect you.

     

Writing is Awesome and Fun!

I was lucky enough to be a guest speaker at Larsen Elementary School today.  Three fifth grade classes joined together as we talked about one of my greatest loves - writing!  I had such a wonderful time with the enthusiastic teachers and students. 

My daughter Ashley is doing her student teaching at this school and will graduate from BYU in December. She is mighty lucky to have such a caring and professional teaching staff to work with her as she learns the fine art of teaching. I have the greatest respect and admiration for those who spend their lives helping children learn and grow. 
Thank you for inviting me.  I loved being with all of you today.  

Great student volunteers demonstrating how being a creator, writer and editor is all part of the writing process. 

My daughter Ashley and I standing behind her awesome fifth grade class at Larsen Elementary School

Sharing a Post by my daughter April

An Unexpected Gift

by

April Moody

I am the oldest of 10 children. I loved growing up in a big family. My brothers and sisters are my dearest friends.


My little brother John was born when I was in college. He was born when I really was old enough to be his mother. I'd come home after a busy day at BYU, rock him and think to myself he could be mine. I could see myself as a mother as I gazed into the eyes of my little brother. My youngest sister Alisa was born just two days before my oldest son, Josh. After he was born, Josh had to spend some time in the NICU. I was having some complications and couldn't leave my room so I was really aching to hold my baby boy. I'll never forget my Dad walking into my room and seeing my tears said, "Oh honey, do you want to hold Alisa?" Holding Alisa held me over until I could be with my little Josh.


John and Alisa have been such a gift to me.

The blessing of a little brother and sister came with an unexpected gift. I never expected they would be my children's best friends. John is the big brother they sometimes need. Alisa knows just how to make them smile when they've had a hard day. This summer they've worked on a club house, made lemonade stands, biked back and forth from house to house, and gone to "man camp." They've made huts at the cabin, had sleepovers, game nights and movie nights. They are making the sweetest memories together. I never expected that.

Thank you Mom and Dad

for having the courage to have these two.


You gave me a precious brother and sister.


And you gave me something I didn't expect-

my children's best friends.

I love you John and Alisa with all my heart.

Don't Be a Lazy Grandma





DOWN HOME with Granny B

The other day I was tending my grandson Mitchel while his mother April took care of his brother Caleb at the Primary Children's Hospital.  Mitchel is a very verbal four-year-old who makes delightful company.  First we read books, then we played with a construction set.  After I demonstrated how to make a space ship, Mitchel looked up at me with stars in his eyes and said, "You're the awesomest Grandma in the world!"

Well I was feeling pretty good about myself after that.  So we moved on to snack time.  When I needed a break to get some housework done, I gave Mitchel a fish that absorbed water and tripled in size after you placed it in a bowl of water.  

"Here watch this!" I said, hoping to keep him entertained for a few minutes.  

After three seconds Mitchel said, "I think this is boring Grandma.  How about we go outside and you can watch me jump on the trampoline?  Then we can come back inside and this fish will be huge!"

So I agreed because I am old enough to know that housework is always there - but children, on the other hand, they grow up and move away.

I watched Mitchel jumping for quite a while and then I got bored  So I wandered around our barn.

Then I heard Mitchel yell from the trampoline, "Grandma come and look at this awesome spider web I found!"

"I'll be there in a minute," I answered, taking my time to make it back to the trampoline because I was too busy being a grown up.

"Grandma!" Mitchel said, "Don't be a lazy Grandma!  Be an awesome Grandma!"

How can you say no to that? So I sprinted over and took a look at the spider web.  Mitchel was right.  It was awesome.

Mitchel, thanks for reminding how to be an awesome Grandma to my awesomest grandson Mitchel.

Happy Birthday Sandy!

Dear Sandy,

Here is a story I wrote just for you because you are my most wonderful treasure.

Sandy and the Silver Purse

By

Grandma Baadsgaard

When Sandy turned seven her Grandmother gave her a silver purse with a diamond studded buckle. Inside the velvet lined purse was a small mirror, one sparkly hair clip, two sparkly pink earrings and three sparkly necklaces.

“I know you love sparkly things,” Grandma said. “I want you to have fun wearing your new jewelry but I want you to make me a promise.”

“A promise?” Sandy asked.

“Whenever you open your purse I want you to look in that little mirror,” her Grandma said. “When you see your own sparkle you will find the most precious treasure.”

“What do you mean?” Sandy asked.

“When you look in the mirror, you will see . . . you. Sandy, you are the most precious treasure of all. The world has lots of expensive things that dazzle our eyes,” Grandma answered, “but sparkly things can’t compete with the real treasure that is you. You are more precious than even the largest most expensive diamond in the world!”

“I am?” Sandy asked.

“Yes!” her Grandma said. “Each time you open this purse I want you to say ‘I am a beloved daughter of God. I am worth more than all the treasures in the world.”

“I am?” Sandy asked.

“Yes,” her Grandma answered. “God’s love for you makes you sparkle and shine just like these jewels. Only your sparkle comes from the love you have inside you. This jewelry will rust and break over time. You, on the other hand, will only grow more and more shimmering and full of light as you share your sparkle with those around you.”

“I like to share,” Sandy said. “It makes me feel happy.”

“Then you know the secret,” Grandma said. “Love will never fail you as long as you give it away.”

“I like to sing,” Sandy said.

“Those who wish to sing always find a song,” Grandma said. “Find your song Sandy and always share the music inside you.”

“I like to dance,” Sandy said.

“We enter and leave the stage of life so quickly,” Grandma answered. Never stop dancing. When you dance, you share your sparkle with everyone who is watching.”

“I know how to ride a two-wheeler now,” Sandy said. “It was hard and I got hurt but I learned.”

“Always keep your courage to try new things. Don’t let the sparkle of courage fade,” Grandma answered.

“I lost my two front teeth and sometimes I’m too embarrassed to smile.” Sandy said. “I think someone might make fun of me.”

“My teeth are falling out too; only mine won’t grow back. Who we are on the inside matters most. How we treat other people is what makes us beautiful. We can lose all our teeth and still be beautiful beyond measure if we love someone.”

“Sometimes I don’t do the right thing.” Sandy said.

“Me too,” Grandma answered. “We all make mistakes. But making a mistake doesn’t mean we are a mistake. God loves us just the way we are.”

“Everybody wants me to hurry but I like to live slow.”

“Listen to the rhythm inside you. Set your own pace. Be very still and you will always hear the melody inside your heart.”

Sandy opened the silver purse and looked inside. She saw her reflection in the mirror. Then she smiled.

“Is there magic in this mirror?”

“The magic is inside you,” Grandma said. “Now what are you going to say every time you open the purse?”

“I am a beloved daughter of God. I am worth more than all the treasure in the world.” Sandy answered.

“I love you Sandy,” Grandma said reaching out her arms, “to the universe and beyond.”

“I love you too Grandma,” Sandy answered as she wrapped her arms around her Grandma’s neck and kissed her on the cheek.

Happy Birthday Kate!!!

Happy Birthday Kate!

I love you SO much.  Here is a poem I wrote just for you

Katie and Grandma

When Katie smiles for Grandma

And holds her hands up high

The day feels so much brighter

Even fairies breathe a sigh

Katie’s face lights up the room

Eyes sparkle like the sun

Her cheeks are soft and squishy

Legs are ready for a run

Katie likes to touch

Grandma’s silver hair

Then grab her wire glasses

And fling them in the air

Grandma doesn’t mind

She just plays peek-a-boo

For Katie will only be a baby

For just a year or two

Grandma soaks in all the love

As she kisses her downy hair

For Katie is Grandma’s treasure

They make a joyful pair.

Mother Love Pioneer Style

Sandy, Emily and Libby Baadsgaard acting out a favorite family pioneer story.

During the summer we had our son and his family stay at our cabin during the Utah Pioneer Days Celebration.  In addition to good food and parades we had a family home evening where we acted out our favorite family pioneer stories. 

One of my favorites involves one of my ancestors, a pioneer mother, who had her baby stolen by the Indians living in the area.  When she asked for help to ride out and get her baby back, no one was willing to take the risk of getting killed.  So did this mother sit around wondering what to do?  No way!  She rode out by herself, found the Indian camp, located her baby, grabbed her precious child in her arms, mounted the horse and rode back home.  Did that mother think twice about the personal risk?  Probably not.  Somebody took her baby and she was willing to do anything to get that baby back. 

Mothers are like that.

Caleb Is Improving!

Caleb is doing much better.

I sincerely thank you for all your prayers. 

They truly make a difference.

Caleb Needs Your Prayers



MY HEROS:  Caleb, Dallan, Mitchel, Matty, Josh and April

My grandson Caleb is in Primary Children's Hospital battling an infection.  He needs all our prayers. 

When my daughter called at midnight and asked if I could watch her other three boys while they were at the hospital, I was so grateful there was something I could do to help.  As my worried daughter and her husband were pulling away in their van in and dark and rain, April said, "Just crawl in our bed and try to get some sleep Mom."

So I did. 

Before long my four-year-old grandson climbed in his parent's bed and snuggled up. 

Toward morning I felt Mitchel touching my head  . . . all over.

"Mom?  Is that you or Dad?"  Mitchel asked.

"It's Grandma," I answered.

"Oh," Mitchel answered matter-of-factly just like Grandma  crawled in his parents bed every night.  

Then he drifted back into a deep comfortable sleep.

You know we do a lot of things we think are important in our lives, but the years have taught me that being a comfort to a child is pretty much right up there near the top of my list.

My grandson Caleb was born without a brain and has had to fight for survival every day of his life.  He is my hero - but so are his parents and brothers Mitchel, Josh and Matty.  Every day they take of Caleb's many needs with joy and gratitude for his presence.  Every day they gently care for and deeply love someone who can not take care of himself. Their daily quiet constant acts of service to their brother and son is at the pinnacle of my list. 

 

Sharing a Beautiful Post by my daughter

Spiral Shell

by

Arianne Baadsgaard Cope

I’ve always been captivated by spiral shells. It’s meditative to trace their spiral pattern, gently growing outward before coming to a point.

Like my daughter, I collected snail shells when I was little. They were the only shell available to me in a mountain desert. I tried to imagine what it was like inside that simple little house. There were no real rooms, surely. Just a narrowing circular tunnel in the dark. It either must feel incredibly safe in there, I imagined, or terribly claustrophobic.

Here in the Pacific my fascination with spiral shells has grown. I love finding weathered shells on the beach where the inner chambers of a shell have been revealed by sand and wave.


Life is a spiral, I’ve learned. Not some journey between point A and B on a time line. Life turns in on itself, gently but surely bending around.

In nowhere has this been more apparent than in Samoa. You see, this place was very much a part of me before I ever wiggled my toes on its sandy shores. Until I was old enough to realize otherwise I thought the whole world was only two places--Utah and Samoa.

You see, my Dad lived in Samoa for two years between the formative ages of 19 and 21. He was here as a missionary, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

He told me stories about this place. Taught me songs and words from the Samoan language. I used to sift through his box of Samoan treasures often, pressing my hand respectfully into the smooth Ava bowl, holding the shells to my ear, studying the pattern on the tapa cloth, and tying on lava lavas. It was his amazing pictures of this place that got me interested in photography. I learned the ins and outs of photography using the sturdy vintage SLR he brought with him here.

My Dad’s parents kept a coconut he mailed them on their mantle. I can still see it there, with the stamp pressed on its husk, their address printed on its surface in my Dad’s tiny, deliberate handwriting.

To me, Samoa was as significant a country as China or Russia. Even more so. I had no understanding of population sizes or power. I was captivated by this place. It must be terribly important to everyone else as well. This is how my children feel about Spain, the country where their daddy served a mission.

Like Spain transformed Jared, Samoa transformed my father. It became a part of who he is and therefore a part of all his children.

I wonder what parts of him thread back to this place. His generosity has a Samoan feel to it. His way of saying a lot with a few words is something I see here all the time. He has a steady gentleness to him, my Dad. I feel it in the waves here. I think of him every time I step outside. There simply must have been something about this place that my Dad needed, to become who he is. So the tides brought him here to become it.

I must need it too. How else do you explain that I ended up, of all the places in the world, right here, washed upon the same shores, walking under the same coconut trees?

Dad was here more than 35 years ago. But it feels strangely like we’re here at the same time. I’ll be out on a street and turn around, suddenly, expecting to see him. The money here never leaves—coins from the 1960s and 1970s are still circulating. I swear I can see his finger prints on them. Isn’t that him sitting behind me on the old rickety bus? I turn around. No. It was just a feeling.

I know he’s at home 7,000 miles away, dealing with a life 10 children and several decades have loaded on his shoulders. But he’s here with me too. You see, the circles of our lives have overlapped. In this spiral shell he’s just one turn ahead of me. I can reach up and feel the step of his young self on the ceiling. I hear his muffled echo.

And I imagine him pausing, back in 1973, in the market buying bananas or walking through a village, because it feels like someone he knows just passed by. He’s sitting watching the waves crash against the black cliffs and wondering why he doesn’t feel alone. He doesn’t know me yet. But I’m already a part of him.

He’ll circle away from Samoa and toward me. And then I’ll circle away from him and toward Samoa. Life is spiraling us around in a beautiful, simple dance.

I’ve always been captivated by spiral shells.

Hiking Kings Peak



Climbing mountains is not easy - but the view from the top is worth the struggle get there.

Each of us has mountains to climb in life but the change in our heart and our perspective is worth the struggle.

My husband Ross and my son John climbed the highest peak in Utah this weekend.  This hike takes several days and requires some good legs and lungs.  The first day you have to pack camping gear and food on your back then set up a base camp.  The next day you finish climbing to the peak. 

John is rightfully proud of his accomplishment.  He might not fully understand, until he almost sixty like his father, but hiking Kings Peak is also quite a feat for the man at his side. 

Kings Peak has become a rite of passage for the young men in our family.  Because Ross didn't want to miss having this experience with his youngest son, he has been up every morning  at 5:30 speed walking for a hour and a half ever since John was born fourteen years ago.  And when I say every morning that is what I mean - rain or shine. . . blizzard or sub-freezing temperatures do not stop this man.  

I have often asked myself what motivates a man to leave a warm bed every morning and venture into the harsh weather conditions of Utah year-round.  Now I know.   

Ross is motivated by love - deep abiding love for his family.  He knows he needs a strong healthy body to be the kind of husband and father he wants to be.  Ross has heavy responsibilities at work and at church so he fits in his exercise time while the rest of us sleep.  

Congratulations Ross and John! 

     You are both my heroes!    

Don't Stop Having Children Too Soon

 Even though I'm fifty-seven, I have a daughter in sixth grade.  She starts her final year of elementary school on Monday.  Alisa is the last of my ten children.  Watching her grow up has touched my soul in a tender way  that only comes at the end of your children's childhood.  I'm savoring these sunset days with a singular awareness and gratitude.

Yes, my doctor told me I was too old. Yes, I'd read all the statistics about having children in your forties along with all the possible problems.  Yes, the pregnancy was difficult.  Yes, I was told my baby would have significant genetic problems.  The medical people were wrong.  My daughter was born perfectly healthy. 



Janene and Alisa

God had a gift for me and I chose to receive that gift with faith, trust and deep rejoicing.  So to all you women out there who feel too tired or too old to have more children I say, "Leave your options open.  You don't know how you will feel a few years down the road.  You don't know what message God will whisper in your ear.  You don't know what gift God is waiting to give you." 

Grandmas Rule With a Soft Fist

DOWN HOME with Granny B

Make a friend with a grandma today for they are not always the quiet soft-spoken fragile women you might suppose.

* Grandmas know how to be fiercely tough if someone they love is in trouble.

* Grandmas love their family members with a loyalty and intensity you do not see in other relationships.  (You better not mess with this grandma's children or grandchildren.) 

* Grandmas are always your biggest fan.

* Grandmas have lived long enough to know what to fight for and what hills to die on.  They choose their battles carefully.

* Grandmas might not see or hear well but they love more deeply than the ocean.

*  Grandma might have yellow teeth and whiskers on their chin but they understand that true beauty always lies within.

* Grandmas would face a racing train or a firing squad if they thought if would save their child or grandchild.

So the next time you see a little old lady, just remember there is a mighty strong loving grandma residing in that tiny frail body . . . imagine her in super hero tights and a cape.  Grandmas Rock.  

 

Baadsgaard Man Camp

Every August all the guys

 in our family plan what they call 

 "Man Camp".

They enjoy four-wheeling, fishing, camping, hiking

and camp fire stories.

Welcome home guys. 

Hope you had a great time.