Christmas For a Missionary Mom

Christmas was wonderful. David got me too many presents, as usual. We got to go and visit Amy and their family, and see their Christmas gifts. The kids were excited and happy with what they got. But the best thing for us on this Christmas Day was THE PHONE CALL. Every missionary mom waits on pins and needles for that phone to ring. It came about 12:00, just when he said it would. We talked and talked, we didn't have any problem trying to figure out what to say to each other. Each sister was conferenced in, and got to talk for a while. I loved hearing what they had to say to each other. Wendy kept saying things so that the conversation couldn't be cut off, quite yet. DJ sounded great, he has a different lilt in his voice, just like a Brit. I loved hearing that. He sounds happy, engaged in missionary work, and ready to work a little harder. The picture is at his Christmas conference, DJ is on the top, 2nd from the right. I'm so thankful to have a missionary!

Back to the South

I got a great price on a ticket to Atlanta, so I got to be with the southerners again! Emily picked me up straight from the airport in Atlanta, and we went to Florida. Sally and Coleman were so excited to see each other. The first night, we didn't get there until about 8:30 at night, and they were so keyed up, they coulnd't go to sleep. They played really well together this time, there was hardly any fighting. They loved having similar monkey jammies.
There was only one nice day, but we still got to go to the beach and enjoy the sand. Guess what? ANOTHER BIRD INCIDENT!!! A seagull came right over, an hovered just above my head. Unbelievable!

We came back to Georgia Saturday, because Emily and family had been asked to be in a live nativity scene at their Stake activity. The manger scene was in front of the ward building. It was awesome!

Last, but certainly not least, little Alice Marie was blessed by her father on Sunday. It was a beautiful blessing, and a wonderful day. What a cutie, huh?

I Think I'll Make It!!!

My week of taking care of the Clegg kids is almost over. The first couple of days went pretty well. We made a gingerbread house, and the kids did fine at the Spanish Branch. They liked wearing the earphones (for the translator), and Cameron hardly moved the whole sacrament meeting!

tThen we had to go back to the Cleggs for all of the regular stuff. The kids were great, but I am exhausted! Cameron wakes up several times each night, so I'm now sleep deprived. It was a lot of fun, but I think I'll stick with the once-a-week stuff...It's not as tiring!

Oh no,The Grandkids for a Week!!!

Amy and Rich are going away on a cruise for their 10th anniversary. So, David and I are going to watch the kids for a week. Now, I've had kids, so I should know how to do this. I know how to play with them and spoil them now that I'm a grandma, but I think I've forgotten how to do all the day-to-day stuff. Sophie is in school all day now, and Carson is in preschool 3 times a week. There will be homework, carpools,and getting to places on time, not to mention cooking dinner every night (I forgot how), and making sure Cameron gets his naps. I'm a little nervous...

Being Nice Isn't All It's Cracked Up to Be

Being an empty nester, I have extra time on my hands. So I have tried to fill it with worthwhile things. I am the secretary for a group of kids' orchestras. DJ and Emily were both in those groups in times past, and I think a lot of Jack, (one of the conductors) and feel like this is a good thing to do. Anyway, I do it on a volunteer basis, and enjoy being with the kids. This week we had 2 concerts, which included sending out reminder postcards, making programs, etc. I have been there longer than the others on the board, so sometimes I get other things thrown at me. Anyway, it turned out that a girl didn't get her uniform, I tried to help, and ended up getting yelled at because of a misunderstanding. The next day was another concert, and through some miscommunications, the venue didn't have us scheduled. It turned out ok though. Guess what? I got in trouble again!

I have done dvds of weddings for the past few years. I have never charged, and enjoy doing it, but it is a ton of work. I was asked to do one recently, and accepted. This time, I don't know how, but I didn't get the actual wedding on tape...major screw up. I feel horrible, and don't know how I can fix it. Here again, I'm just trying to do something nice for someone. It's not working out so well right now.

Just blowing off steam...

A Little Bit of Winter

We had some snow in Utah last week...most of the city didn't, but way up here on the mountain we did! The snow was just perfect for making a snowman.

We also tried to make a fort, but Carson couldn't help but stomp on it.
It will be all right if winter waits a while, but it was fun for a minute.

OK, Back to Cute Pictures...

Here are pictures of all of the grandkids, and a few adults in their Halloween costumes.
Sophie is a pretty green witch, Carson is a Power Ranger, and Cameron is a vampire. Amy tried to put his hair down into a peak, but it just curled up anyway!

Sally is a buzzy bee, Alice is a ghost, and Emily is supposed to be a witch...


Coleman is a fireman, and Wendy is a gypsy.


Last but not least, Amy and Rich went to a party dressed as Sigfried and Roy.

I looked in my front yard, and saw this beautiful mix of colors...I'm not much for scenery without people, but it is awfully pretty!

I'm Taking Over Marilyn's Ranting...

I have 2 things to rant about, and then I'll go back to cute pictures of grandkids...

1. I despise politics! Everyone thinks they are right! As I look through the years that I've been around, I can see that people are unhappy no matter what. First they aren't happy with democrats, so they go republican...then they are unhappy with the Republicans, so they go democrat. David loves the whole arguing, debating stuff. It just makes me feel nauseous. I've already voted, and I feel pretty strongly about some parts of politics, but can't we all just get along?

2. I am frustrated with the idea that "vaccinations are a cause of autism." There was a segment on the Today Show today. There have been 16 different studies that have tried to link autism to vaccines, and the link is not there. Here is a quote from Dr. Paul Offit:

"But the reason I say vaccines don’t cause autism is that they don’t. I say this because the false alarm about vaccines and autism continues to harm a lot of children — harm from not getting needed vaccines, harm from potentially dangerous treatments to eliminate mercury, and harm from therapies as absurd as testosterone ablation and electric shock. I say this because the feared vaccine–autism link, which has now been disproved, diverts research dollars from more promising leads. I say this because I care about children with autism."

This doctor has seen outbreaks from people that will not vaccinate their children. Do we really want to go back to the days of deadly diseases that can and should have been obliterated?

Dr. Offit has had tons of hate mail, and even a death threat. To read more about this, go to: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/27440647/.

Autism is a terrible thing, but it's not caused by vaccines. Get your kids vaccinated!

Why Do Birds Hate Me?

So, while I was in Georgia, I had 2 more bird incidents. One day, I was down in Emily's kitchen, and I kept hearing a knocking. I went to a window in their family room, and there was a bird tapping on the window. Of course, it freaked me out, and I shooed it away. The creepy thing was that it kept coming back...probably 5 times! Emily said that had never happened before.

The really freaky thing was on Sunday before I left. I went out to the backyard with Alice, and looked up in some high trees. There were no less than 10 giant buzzards up there, some with their wings spread, others flying around, and others just waiting for me. I looked around, and noticed at least 2 other trees full of them as well. It was one of those things that you can't quite take your eyes off, even if it is a horrible sight. I held onto Alice for dear life, and when they would start to fly, I would run back into the house. Why we didn't take a picture, I can't explain...well, I didn't because I was going out of my mind with fear. Emily said that she has never seen anything like that either. Bill says that they can feel my fear...

Other Grandkids

Sally had her 2nd birthday while I was here, on the 13th. We had a party in the park with the Lewises. Sally loved the cake, she kept calling it "Happy cake". She is such a cutie, it has been so fun to be with her. She just plops herself on my lap when she wants to read a story.

Coleman came for the weekend, it wasn't long enough, but it was so great to have the Lewises here. Coleman is obsessed with dinosaurs, and knows then name of lots of them. Listen to this:

Coleman and Sally did pretty well together, considering that they are both 2-year-olds! On the first day, they were so excited to be with each other. Here's them together.

It's so fun to be with the southern grandkids! I love, love, love them all!

I Spoke Too Soon!

So, it's not even 24 hours later, and we have our little granddaughter, Alice Marie Nicolich! She was born on October 7, 2008 at 8:20 AM. She weighs 7 lb 11 oz. and is 20 1/4 inches. Mom and baby are doing well. Emily did the natural thing again...wow, what a tough cookie! The midwife (who happens to be a man) was very willing to let Emily do it her way. No more of that lying on your back for the convenience of everyone except the mother. When it got close, he asked me if I wanted to help. I said "yes," and he told me to put on some gloves. "Wait a minute," I thought, "What am I getting into?" Well, I didn't have to worry, she was born almost immediately, so I missed my chance at I-don't-know-what. Bill was a great coach and helped Emily through everything.




What an amazing thing the birth of a baby is! I will never cease to be amazed at it. And what a blessing to be able to be a part of it. Thanks Emily and Bill for letting me see a miracle today.

Emily is STILL pregnant!!!

I am in Georgia. waiting for Emily to have her baby...with NOTHING HAPPENING YET! We've been walking, and today we went and had eggplant parmesan. Here is how Emily looks all the time...
Sally is so cute and fun to be with. She wasn't shy with me even the first time I saw her. This is how she says "Grandma" What could be better than hearing this?

Hesterman Ramblings

Here's an update on our mission...we are having a great time! We have been working with the Sanchez family, and David, the father, was baptized about 3 weeks ago. He has seen huge blessings since that...his family is stronger, and he got a promotion in his job. He was able to baptize his daughter, Melanie, 2 weeks after his baptism. We got to take the family to Regional Conference at the Conference Center. They had never been to Temple Square before! What a great family! We hope to be a part of getting them sealed in the temple a year from now.
Carson started soccer! It is just like old times, going to his soccer games. The kids are so darn cute, I can hardly stand it. Carson's coach is awesome, the first game, Carson got the "Bravery Award", and the second game, I think he got the "Hustle Award". Carson is loving it! I watched him run, and he runs like DJ used to.
How fun is it being a grandma?

(Notice where the ball is, and how many of the kids are looking at it!)

Birds and Becky...

I despise birds...I don't know why, but I have been afraid of them as long as I can remember. It seems like they know that, and are out there just to harrass me! I have been pooped on several times, and had one chase me once. I have never run so fast in my life! People think it's funny that a little tiny bird can turn me into a screaming, crying maniac.

So, yesterday, I was riding my bike, my newest hobby. I love being out in the fresh air, exercising, and was enjoying myself as usual. I saw, ahead of me, a cat jump over a fence. Behind the cat, a hawk came swooping down, straight towards me!!! I don't think he was out to get me, he might even have been teasing the cat, but none of that mattered. I screamed, ducked, and of course, fell off my bike. As I was lying there, an older woman came and asked if I was OK. All I could say was, "A bird attacked me!" I felt pretty stupid, but thought I might as well let every body else get a laugh out of it!

Skye's Pictures

Amy got her pictures from Skye Johansen, and is trying to decide which she likes best...funny, I have a whole different group that I like.



Here's what Cameron was doing most of the photoshoot...I think this is hilarious, and I've got to put this picture somewhere in my house!

I think even though you can only see one eye, that this is adorable!

Grandpa thinks this is the essence of Sophie: shy, thoughtful, smart.

I was at the photoshoot, and after it was over, I thought, "If she gets anything good, I'll be a believer...well, she did a fantastic job, and I believe in Skye!

The Cleggs Can Swim!!!

Amy and her kids come over once a week for "Grandma Day". We do lots of things, but in the summer we almost always swim. This year, Sophie and Carson have really become good swimmers. Today Sophie swam the length of the pool 6 times! Carson didn't want to be outdone, so he swam the length too. They both learned how to float on their backs today too. Cameron loves the water as well, he just walks off the side. It's so fun to see them love the water. Yea for the Clegg swimmers!

I'm sending this video to DJ, so it keeps referring to him, but I still think that it's cute.

Pictures from Deej

It has been just over one year since DJ has been on his mission to England, and he just sent us his 3rd set of pictures. I now have about 30! He's working hard in the mission field, and taking pictures is obviously not his biggest priority. It just made me so happy to see him, and that he is doing well and looks happy. (his hair is a little scary, but oh, well.) Here's a couple of pictures, and a video that is pretty funny. What a cute boy, huh?
This is what the people of England do for July 4th...notice the Conferedrate flag!

Our Mission

OK, first of all, I'm sad that I'm not getting many memories...if you see this, go down one and give me a memory. I'm needy!

This is David beating up a missionary. Good start, huh?

David and I have just embarked on a 2 year part-time mission. We are in what they call the Spanish Initiative. We are assigned to a ward, and go to it every Sunday. We also will be proselyting missionaries, and will be teaching some English. So far, we don't have a clue as to what exactly we are supposed to do, but are hoping to learn. On Saturday, we went to our first activity, Mini Olympics for the primary. We helped with games for the kids. It was fun, and we got to know some of the people a little. This week, there is a ward campout...and David is willing to go!!!! Most of the kids speak English, but a lot of the adults don't. This Sunday, we sat next to a young man in the Gospel Essentials class, and he interpreted for us. It was very cool, he was an investigator, and knew nothing about our religion. He would say something in English, and I could feel that he was learning as he was talking. The spirit was very strong. I could tell that he wanted to be there. We are hoping for more great missionary moments!


Here are some of the cute kids!

Memories...

Here's a fun thing to do...

As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember! Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Time with the Clegg Kids

Last week, Amy went to YW camp, so I had the kids during the day. Amy had warned me that it might be really hard, so I was kind of worried. But, it was great! We swam a lot, and Carson and Sophie really started doing well in the water. On Thursday, Carson swam in a triangle, from the stairs to the hot tub to me about 50 times in a row. Cameron was a perfect baby. He only cried when he wanted to be held or he was hungry, and would go down for his naps easily. I went to the dollar store before they came, and got some stuff to keep them occupied. Here's Sophie and Carson with some punching balls. Yea for grandkids!

Hangin' Out With the Stars

David has been doing some work with some "personalities" lately...he helps to introduce up-and-coming products by making infomercials. One of them is a company called Copperking, and they used John O'Hurley for it. He is the guy that was Mr. Peterman on "Seinfield". Anyway, because of that, we were treated to a trip to Las Vegas, complete with a fantastic 2 bedroom suite at the Bellagio, and tickets for us and Amy and Rich to "Spamalot", which John O'Hurley stars in as King Arthur. Afterward, we met with him. What better way to let everyone know than to put it on my blogspot? It was a very short trip, but we still had a lot of fun, swimming in the pool, walking the strip, and going to the Las Vegas temple.

Tagged Again!

OK, Amy tagged me...3 joys, 3 fears, 3 current collections/obsessions, 3 random/surprising facts about myself...
JOYS
1. The biggest joy to me is my grandchildren, as evidenced by my blog being almost completely about them. I love to hear what they say, do, think, etc. And they are so darned cute!


2. Hiking...I love to be outside, seeing the beautiful sites, and love that I get exercise while doing it.

3. Visiting different temples...Since DJ and I went to 3 temples in 3 days, I realized what a great thing that is to do. I get to travel, and do some good at the same time!
FEARS
1. Everyone knows about my fear of birds. I am sure all of them are going to come and peck at my head.
2. Claustrophobia...don't put me in a crowded room, I might freak out at any moment.
3. Getting cancer.
CURRENT COLLECTIONS/OBSESSIONS
1. Hell's Kitchen, American Idol, and So You Think You Can Dance. I know, too much tv, but I can't wait to find out what happens each week, and then to discuss with anyone who will talk about it.
2. DJ's letters...I go crazy if I don't get a letter on Tuesday mornings!
3. Exercise...I do a ridiculous amount of it...walk the dog every morning, Jazzercize 3 times a week, weight training, hiking, swimming. Funny, it doesn't look like it.
RANDOM/SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT MYSELF
1. I surfed last week, and actually got up!

2. When I was a kid, I took years of organ lessons...and hated every minute of it. Don't ever tell anyone in the ward.
3. Even though I try to act tough, I am kind of a softy as I get older. I'm amazed at all the things that make me teary-eyed.
OK, I tag Marilyn, Becca and Kathryn!

Father's Day

On this Father's Day, I am thinking of my dad, who has been gone for 17 years now. I remember some of the lessons he taught me. He was completely honest in all he did. Everyone knew that if he said something was true, you could believe it. He taught me how to work hard, and that hard work would make you a better person. He had amazing willpower. He was a very humble, but a great man.

David is a wonderful father. He has always been the calming spirit in our home. When something bad happened with any of the children, he was able to logically think it out, and make sense out of things. He loves to have fun, and has made some great memories by giving us some fantastic vacations. He honors his priesthood, and has given many blessings that I know are the words of God. He tries very hard to live the gospel, and to be an example of it. I am very thankful to have a husband who does all of that.
Happy Father's Day to all fathers!