Grandma Hands

I've always loved Grandma hands.  I remember taking my Grandmother's hand and tracing the raised blood vessels under her skin with my finger.  Now both my mother and Grandmother are gone and I have taken their place.

The other day I felt my granddaughter tracing her finger along the raised blood vessels on my hand. As I watched her, I thought, I have grandma hands.

I like that.

You see, you can’t be a grandma until you’ve actually raised a child to adulthood.

You learn a lot on that journey. 

And then . . . all the love you've freely given  . . . comes back . . . as your grandchild tenderly slips her tiny hand in yours.

Payson Temple Groundbreaking Ceremony

Our family participated in the new Payson Temple Groundbreaking Ceremony on Saturday.  It was an honor to be there.  Even a freezing cold rainy day could not keep 6,000 people from attending.  Why?  We are all so thrilled to have this new temple built near where we live.

The Payson Temple will serve about 22 stakes from Spanish Fork to Nephi or about 78,000 members.  My husband Ross was one of the Stake Presidents who shoveled a spade of dirt to begin the building process.  A stake is a group of local wards (similar to a parish or congregation).

Temples for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provide a place where we can make promises and commitments to God and where the highest sacraments of faith occur, such as the marriage of couples for eternity.  Temples differ from the tens of thousands of local meetinghouses where members typically meet for Sunday worship services and midweek social activities.  The Payson Temple will bring the total number of temples worldwide already in operation or in the planning and constructions phases to 166. 

On a personal level, the privilege of attending a temple has brought me such peace and joy through all the ups and down of my life.  My husband Ross and I were "sealed" (or married for eternity) in the Salt Lake Temple 36 years ago.  Our union has brought ten wonderful, loving children into the world and many grandchildren.  Because of these modern temples, I have the peace of knowing that I will always have my beloved husband, children and grandchildren with me even after I die.

Remedies for Maternal Guilt



DOWN HOME with Granny B

Most information out there that tells mothers something else we should be doing . . . like we don’t already know that. It helps to remember that real life is hectic and trying to do it all is impossible. We women try to do so much but never give ourselves any credit and or celebrate our efforts. Mothers, in particular, are way too hard on themselves. In fact every mother I know is infected with a dreaded disease called . . . maternal guilt.

Seven deadly maternal guilt symptoms include:

1. No matter how much we have done right, we always focus on what we’ve done wrong.

2. Taking blame for all our children’s poor choices.

3. Believing that we have the power to stop bad things from happening to our families.

4. Thinking we should be able to handle everything.

5. The inability to slow down, do less and learn the fine art of muddling.

6. Never feeling good enough, smart enough, thin enough, or attractive enough.

7. Placing our health and well-being on the bottom of our things-to-do list.

Remedies for Maternal Guilt:

Celebrate who you are right now at every stage and age of motherhood by awarding yourself with one of these mother school degrees:

A.O.A. Associates of Amateurism We earn this degree when we stop feeling sorry for ourselves.

B.O.B Bachelor of Blunders We earn this degree when we stop being SO hard on ourselves.

M.O.M. Masters of Muddling We earn this degree when we master the fine art of muddling.

D.O. H. Doctorate of Humility We earn this degree when we give ourselves permission to learn and grow from our mistakes just like our children do.

Instead of focusing on how your children turn out,

focus on how you turn out. 

Hang in there and keep smiling -

you're doing better than you think you are.

Why I Love To Go 4-Wheeling In Autumn

Real Life is Full of Ups and Downs - So Enjoy the Ride!

Life comes at us pretty fast sometimes. 

Things don't always work out the way we plan. 

The only thing we control is ourselves. 

Though we can't control was happens to us,

we can control our attitude

or our response to what happens. 

If we can't laugh at ourselves,

 life gets too rough. 

When we let go of control of everything and everyone around us,

we are free to take life as it comes,

with humility and gratitude. 

So hug someone you love today. 

Pull a funny face and laugh. 

Life is to be lived  . . . with great affection and joy!

Monarch Miracles

Something miraculous is happening at my house.  My children found a monarch caterpillar.  They fed this caterpillar fresh leaves until it formed a chrysalis.  Now we wait in awe and wonder as this creatures magically transforms into a beautiful butterfly ready to take flight.  And we wonder. . . can we also change ourselves. . . transform our former self into something breathtakingly beautiful?  With the hand of God in our lives, anything is possible.

Autumn in Utah

We went to the mountains 

for family home evening. 

Just before the sun set,

I handed my eleven year old daughter Alisa the camera. 

Enjoy the beauty we found through her eyes. 

Those Who Are With Young

My daughter Ashley just found out she is going to have a little girl in a few months. 

She called me to tell me during my orchestra rehearsal because I told her I wanted to be the first to know.

A sudden cell-phone ring

and then the news . . .

I couldn't quit smiling all day.

A little girl. My granddaughter.

I can't wait to hold her.

Every woman who courageously brings a child into the world

slips her hand

into the hand of God

 He shall feed his flock

like a shepherd

and

gently lead

those who are with young . . .

they who wait

he promised

shall renew their strength

run

and not be weary

walk

and not faint

mount up with wings as eagles

and

fly

but first. . .

nine months

waiting

discipleship

yielded will

consecration of self

promises kept

The Winds of Change

 

Autumn Begins

These

 waning days of summer

or 

early days

of fall

usher
 in

 winds of change

sleepy winds

hushed

drunken winds

sleep

playful winds

warmth

warning 

gather in the harvest
winter is coming



Cycle of living,
season of song,
embraces and whispers,
"Life goes on."

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.