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!

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.”   

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

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

Pictures from John in Denmark

My son John is serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the land of his ancestors - Denmark!

John is loving his time in Denmark teaching others about the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Poem for a Two-year-old

Griffen Is Two

by

Grandma Baadsgaard

I love you buddy. Have a great day!

When you’re turning two

There’s lots of work to do

Like turn every knob in the house

Then sneak around quiet as a mouse

Grab lots of treats to nibble

And use lots of pens to scribble

All over freshly painted walls

Then counter-tops newly installed

Next you find balls to throw

And make forts in the snow

Climb on beds and jump

using your arms for a pump

Then pick up rocks to pound

Smash pan lids for startle sounds

Whenever food is near

It is your job to make it smear

Then make your belly wiggle

Right there in your middle

For if you’re turning two

There is lots of work to do . . .

Whew!

Three-year-old Birthday Poem

DANIEL’S TRAINS

by Granny B

Happy third birthday to a very busy and charming little boy. 

I love you Daniel.

When Daniel laid his sleepy head

On the train pillow upon his bed,

He had a dream that made him smile

Of riding trains for miles and miles.

For Daniel loves trains you see -

So when he is awake he likes to be

A conductor with a blaring horn

That blasts his family from night to morn.

Around and around he chugs about

Roaring and screeching as he shouts,

“Toot – toot! Here comes the train!”

He’ll run through you if you remain.

Then with a smile on his face

He circles and circles all over the place

He won’t slow down ‘til Mom says, “Stop!”

And holds up the sign – her kitchen mop

Then says, “All trains will halt right here.

And park your caboose in the rear.”

Great Day at Arches National Park with Alisa

Birthday Poem for a Five-Year Old

Clowns Smiles

by

Grandma Baadsgaard

Happy 5^th birthday Rylan. I love you very much.

Here is the clown story you wanted.

“Why are you smiling?” said Rylan to the clown

He answered, “I always paint on a smile when I’m feeling down.”

“But if you’re feeling blue why don’t you paint a frown?”

“Because a frown is just a smile turned upside down.”

Everyone has sad days - we don’t need to spread ‘em around

Because then we’ll make other’s smiles turn upside down.

Then Rylan went home to his house in the woods

Full of, “don’t do that and Rylan maybe you should”

“Brush your teeth and clean your room

And don’t make a flipper out of your spoon.”

And when he built a tower it was knocked down by his brother

So he ran to the kitchen to tattle to his mother

“Griffen knocked my tower down,” Rylan said with a big frown.

“He doesn’t know better - don’t make those grouchy sounds.”

So Rylan did a cartwheel until his head was pointing down

Then his frown became a smile that wasn’t turned upside down

Now when his days are gloomy and nothing goes his way

Rylan knows how to change things so he still wants to play

He takes the muscles in his face all pointing to the ground

And turns them up to make a smile so he’s nice to be around

No one makes us mad or sad, we simply choose the way

We respond when life’s battles are at bay

If we choose to see what’s right in all those who are near

We sport a smile and always have lots of reasons to cheer.

Birthday Story for a Five-Year-Old

Ninja Warrior

by Grandma Baadsgaard

Happy 5^th Birthday. I sure love you Liam - my mighty warrior.

            In the towering cliffs next to the sea, lived Liam a mighty ninja warrior. Liam wasn’t always a warrior. Once he was a little boy who lived in a cottage with his family. One night many men dressed in black unexpectedly came to his house and set the roof on fire. His family ran out the front door. Liam ran out the back door and hid behind a rock wall while he watched the men tie his family’s hands behind their backs and take them away.

            Liam was alone. He slept on the beach until the dawn. He caught a fish in the ocean when he grew hungry. He searched over the remains of his home. He pulled out a half burned quilt his mother made him and a small blade his father had given him. He found his flute hidden under a stone in a box beneath the floor boards. That night he played a sad song under the stars. He did not know where his family had gone.

            After many days passed he saw a peasant gathering wood near his home. The man walked toward Liam. He looked at Liam’s home in ashes.

            “You are alone,” the peasant said.

            “The men in black burned my house and took my family away.”

            The peasant quietly turned and picked up a piece of charred wood then another until he formed a pile. Soon the rock foundation was all that remained.

            “We will find new wood,” the peasant said.

            Liam followed the peasant into the woods, chopped down trees and carried many logs to the foundation. Together they built a new cottage. Later, after they finished rebuilding Liam’s home, the peasant built a fire in the fireplace. Liam played a song on his flute with his mother’s quilt around his shoulders and his father’s blade in his pocket.

            “I miss my family,” Liam said.

            “Then we will find your family,” the peasant said.

            “I am afraid of the men in black,” Liam said.

            “Then we will use strategy and skill,” the peasant said.

            That night when the peasant thought Liam was sleeping, he walked from the cottage to the edge of the cliff in the moonlight. Liam secretly followed. Liam watched as the peasant crouched down then curled into a ball on the ground until he resembled a stone. Then Liam saw the peasant transform into an eagle that rose majestically and flew into the night sky. Liam returned to the cottage deep in thought.

          “I have found your family,” the peasant said at breakfast the next morning. They are slaves building a castle for the men in black. There are many, many men in black. We must plan your family’s escape with cunning and skill.”

            Lessons began. Each day the peasant gave Liam new lessons in the use of mental clarity, forecasting and transformation skills.

“When you feel fear, knell on the earth and gather courage deep inside. Then rise, spread your arms like the wings of a bird and let your fear go. You can rise above and fly.”

          Each night Liam rose from his safe place next to the fire and secretly followed the peasant into the cold dark then watched as he transformed into an eagle and flew toward the castle. When he was ready Liam openly followed his teacher to the each of the cliff. Then he too crouched down low until he resembled a stone. He gathered his courage deep inside. As he stood and spread his arms wide, his limbs became wings and together they flew toward the castle.

          When Liam saw his family sleeping in dung and rags, his heart ached. When they returned to the cottage Liam knew what he must do.

          “I am ready,” Liam said to his teacher the next morning.  

          That night they flew together to the castle, transformed then spoke to Liam’s father.

          “Father,” Liam said. “I am here to bring you home.”

            Liam’s father awoke and quietly roused Liam’s mother and brothers and sisters. Silently they followed Liam toward the gate. Liam and his teacher flung grappling hooks over the castle walls and assisted Liam’s family as they cleared the wall. When they were safely outside the castle, both Liam and his teacher curled into a ball on the ground until they looked like a stone.

          “Gather your courage,” Liam said.

          Then Liam’s father, mother, brothers and sisters quietly followed their lead. Just as the moon rose over the horizon, a flock of eagles soared high in the night sky and glided toward the cliffs near the shore and their home. When Liam woke the next morning, a fire crackled in the fireplace as his family slept soundly all around him. He walked from the warm cottage and found his teacher sitting at the crest of the cliff looking out toward the eastern horizon. Liam sat next to him facing the wind.

“We are only grounded by our fears,” his teacher said.

         Then Liam watched as his teacher slowly crouched into the shape of a stone. For a moment Liam longed for him to stay. Then he understood why he must go.

          “I am ready,” Liam said.

           Liam watched as his teacher spread his wings and soared high into the brilliant light of the new day.

John in Denmark

John on his first day in Denmark standing in front of Nyhavn a street in Copenhagen.

John at his first apartment in Denmark with his new bike.

Write Your Own Story - Happy Birthday Sandy!

WRITE YOUR OWN STORY

by Granny B

Happy Eleventh Birthday Sandy. 

I love you. Keep writing your stories.

While the rest of her family was busy watching a movie, Sandy sauntered through the house deep in thought with a notebook in her hand.

“Come watch Princess Pink’s Magic Kingdom with me,” her sister begged jumping up from the couch. “Please.”

“No thanks,” Sandy said, “I’d rather write my own stories.”

Sandy imagined she was Sherlock Holmes as she continued pacing about the house with a keen eye. She turned on her story brain by playing detective. Everywhere she went she studiously observed her surroundings and carefully listened. Her grandmother once told her that you can write a story in your mind while you are doing something else like washing the dishes or walking home from school.

“I want to be a writer like you when I grow up,” Sandy said to her grandmother when they were sitting next to each other one day.

“What a pleasant idea,” her grandma answered. “We writers should stick together; for we all like to gather words like clouds, let them rain and then make the sun come out again. It is the perfect line of work for those of us who want to live lives with happy endings.”

“There are stories circling around in my head all time,” Sandy said. “Sometimes I hear people talking to each other in there.”

“Me too,” Grandma answered. “I still don’t have all my stories out. Did you know that when you love to read and write you always have somewhere interesting to go even when you have to stay where you are?”

“What is the best way for me to practice writing?” Sandy asked.

 “Listen carefully, feel deeply, read widely and write every day,” her grandmother answered.

So Sandy listened carefully to the way her mother and father spoke to each other across the kitchen table and practiced writing their dialogue in her notebook. She read The Secret Garden and grew curious to learn about the life of the author Frances Hodgson Burnett. She wrote a few verses about their apple tree sending blossoms into the air like wee parachutes. Then she tucked those lines of verse inside her idea folder. Mysterious plots, good versus evil themes and noble characters were stacking up in the accordion file of her mind getting ready to be played. Sandy listened to narratives writing themselves inside her head everywhere she went. She didn’t have enough time to write them all down; she had to choose. Choosing was hard.

Sandy tried out her latest story on her younger brother when she tucked him in.

“Once . . .” she began, “There was a purple ballerina who couldn’t stop dancing.”

Her brother gave her a blank stare and grunted so Sandy changed up the plot a bit. “Once upon a time there was a dinosaur that ate little boys!”

With wide open eyes her brother stopped wiggling and waited for the rest of the story.

Sandy pulled out her notebook and wrote, “Good stories need a villain.” When her story went too long, her little brother fell asleep; so she added, “Little boys like short stories.”

Sandy also liked to try out her new stories with her older sister when they were falling asleep in their twin beds in the basement at night.

“Once upon a time there was a girl who liked to write stories,” Sandy began contemplating being the star of her new interesting plot.

She heard her sister yawn.

“Once there was a girl in junior high that discovered a hidden door behind the blackboard in her English class.”

Her sister sat up excited to hear the rest of the tale.

The next morning Sandy pulled out her notebook and wrote, “People like stories with a little mystery thrown in.”

Then Sandy headed upstairs for breakfast and walked straight into a wall because she had her nose in a book. She heard her brothers and sisters laughing at her in the kitchen.

“Stop laughing at me,” Sandy said.

Her siblings laughed even louder. Sandy stopped being embarrassed and laughed along with them.

“People like stories with characters that make them laugh,” Sandy wrote in her notebook after breakfast.

Later that night Sandy’s father tucked her into bed.

“Will you tell me a story?” Sandy asked.

“Once upon a time, there was a girl who had more tales and yarns in her head than pieces of sand on the sea shore. Every day she told a brand new story to anyone who would listen until she was very old. When she had grey hair and lots of wrinkles, she told stories to her grandchildren. She never ran out of stories. The end.”

            “Is that a story about Grandma or me someday?” Sandy asked.

“Yes,” her father answered.

Fairy Poem

THERE IS A FAIRY TREE

by Grandma Baadsgaard

Happy 5th birthday Kate. 

I sure do love you.

There is a tree at Grandma’s house,

Boughs hanging to the ground,

Where fairies dance at twilight

If you listen, you’ll hear their sounds

When you’re very quiet and eavesdrop carefully

You’ll hear their tiny bluebells chime

And see their flaxen lantern’s light

Then hear their voices sing a rhyme . . .

“We are your wishes – your dreams at bay

We paint the summer flowers bright

We spread the glisten in the trees

We make mid-night stars alight.”

“On your knees beneath the hanging boughs

You’ll see our tiny wooden chairs

Made with moss and well-trimmed sticks

You’ll find jewels for your hair.”

“No one knows where fairies hide

When grown-ups are about

So if children want to see us

They can’t scream and shout.”

“They must sit quietly upon the stone

Close their eyes and hold so still

Then they’ll hear our wings purring

And they’ll know that we are real.”

If you’re very lucky we might be brave

And light upon on your hand

That is the time for you to wink and smile

For now you’re in fairyland.” 

Learning Danish at the Provo MTC

These twelve young men are learning Danish at the Provo Mission Training Center. They will soon be leaving for Denmark after only six weeks of language training.

Elder John Baadsgaard in front of the Provo Temple.

Sister Annette Burgess sent me this picture of John (Elder Baadsgaard) at the MTC with his companion Elder Francis.
They are standing next to Brother Burgess the MTC Mission President.

Cove Fort Days 2015

I loved spending the day at Cove Fort with my daughter Arianne 

and my grandchildren

 Sam, Sophie, Logan, Liam and Gideon.

These pictures were taken by Arianne.

My favorite volunteer was the potter working at the wheel.
 His hands and his heart were full of wisdom and the love of God.

This is the kitchen in the fort.

I had a chance to work on a loom for the first time.

The fort has been restored and in each room a volunteer will tell you all about what happened at the fort in the 1800's.

Wagon Rides

I so appreciate the many volunteers and missionaries who donate their time to make this awesome day possible.