tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82314400535181632742024-03-13T11:45:00.773-07:00Daisy DaysCarolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-44801502071793007792012-01-30T22:17:00.000-08:002012-01-30T22:42:54.392-08:00Donald Lee Kincanon... 80 Years Young !<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bXVoa-_amqk/TyeIUs7JY1I/AAAAAAAAAMI/i6Caro1uZ5Q/s1600/100_2699.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bXVoa-_amqk/TyeIUs7JY1I/AAAAAAAAAMI/i6Caro1uZ5Q/s320/100_2699.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703677342326022994" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wTMV94ttRI0/TyeITJj68vI/AAAAAAAAAL8/dW_xYyzngw4/s1600/100_2695.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wTMV94ttRI0/TyeITJj68vI/AAAAAAAAAL8/dW_xYyzngw4/s320/100_2695.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703677315653497586" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eVWgYLrGlUY/TyeITAFz1SI/AAAAAAAAALs/IpIyqf45UNQ/s1600/100_2697.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eVWgYLrGlUY/TyeITAFz1SI/AAAAAAAAALs/IpIyqf45UNQ/s320/100_2697.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703677313111282978" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44frkIpLuKw/TyeISRduY0I/AAAAAAAAALk/hcoF2hOC20o/s1600/100_2683.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44frkIpLuKw/TyeISRduY0I/AAAAAAAAALk/hcoF2hOC20o/s320/100_2683.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703677300595123010" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9z1hqXz063I/TyeISb1cDmI/AAAAAAAAALY/1kvGy_CaGPE/s1600/100_2676.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9z1hqXz063I/TyeISb1cDmI/AAAAAAAAALY/1kvGy_CaGPE/s320/100_2676.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703677303378939490" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:webdings;">My dad is 80 today.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:webdings;">80 years of work, love, sadness, taxes, smiles, kisses, worries, joy, vacations, holidays, good night's sleep, lots of cars and good food.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:webdings;">How do you measure a person's life ? FAMILY</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:webdings;">Happy Birthday, my dear father.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:webdings;">May the rest of your years be just the way you want them to be.</span></span>Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-57899516324986616172012-01-29T14:29:00.000-08:002012-01-30T22:36:51.314-08:00Could they get any cuter ?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5kkEhgqK-sQ/TyXIvtIWk0I/AAAAAAAAAKM/3NiwBSGcs7M/s1600/PB240030.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5kkEhgqK-sQ/TyXIvtIWk0I/AAAAAAAAAKM/3NiwBSGcs7M/s400/PB240030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703185225028637506" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I1MFXwGzzQs/TyXIvZ1aCTI/AAAAAAAAAKA/EcRMb63ZP6k/s1600/misc%2B039.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I1MFXwGzzQs/TyXIvZ1aCTI/AAAAAAAAAKA/EcRMb63ZP6k/s400/misc%2B039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703185219848898866" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:webdings;"><br /><br />MY CHILDREN...<br /><br />MAKE MY HEART HAPPY !!!!!!</span><br /></span>Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-25022999337756498452012-01-29T14:00:00.000-08:002012-01-30T22:40:15.184-08:00PURE JOY<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UwwEAryYPU0/TyXDz0cEgOI/AAAAAAAAAJY/5thSxo8yMvY/s1600/Thanksgiving%2B2011%2B025.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UwwEAryYPU0/TyXDz0cEgOI/AAAAAAAAAJY/5thSxo8yMvY/s320/Thanksgiving%2B2011%2B025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703179798151725282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b5Uopuv73rA/TyXDzQnuWGI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/NrQYo78fT90/s1600/Thanksgiving%2B2011%2B018.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b5Uopuv73rA/TyXDzQnuWGI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/NrQYo78fT90/s320/Thanksgiving%2B2011%2B018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703179788536928354" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OV0yOJzkSIE/TyXDyWngdYI/AAAAAAAAAJE/kQijxXRvASM/s1600/Thanksgiving%2B2011%2B030.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OV0yOJzkSIE/TyXDyWngdYI/AAAAAAAAAJE/kQijxXRvASM/s320/Thanksgiving%2B2011%2B030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703179772966761858" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPZQ83L9hyc/TyXDyJP5shI/AAAAAAAAAI4/e80ebEDv7eE/s1600/P8010082.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPZQ83L9hyc/TyXDyJP5shI/AAAAAAAAAI4/e80ebEDv7eE/s320/P8010082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703179769378091538" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0VpATxkQri8/TyXDxy5Q7FI/AAAAAAAAAIs/bz6GE09zG5E/s1600/sambograd%2B188.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0VpATxkQri8/TyXDxy5Q7FI/AAAAAAAAAIs/bz6GE09zG5E/s320/sambograd%2B188.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703179763377564754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: webdings;font-size:180%;" >I've got the JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY, down in my heart.<br />Down in my heart.<br />Down in my heart.<br />I've got the JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY, down in my heart.<br />Down in my heart today!!!!!</span>Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-12541085040718816262012-01-08T18:11:00.000-08:002012-01-08T18:50:11.779-08:00Power in a Recommend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O-Tfs14aQVs/TwpNAYdVWlI/AAAAAAAAAIg/eWT2GJlbupY/s1600/P1010018.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O-Tfs14aQVs/TwpNAYdVWlI/AAAAAAAAAIg/eWT2GJlbupY/s320/P1010018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695449347724237394" border="0" /></a>Lately, I have been called several times to recommend a friend that has been job hunting. In each case, the person has gotten the job.<br />It made me think about how powerful a recommendation is. <br />I read in the church news recently about a young Branch President in Costa Rica that was inspired to challenge his small congregation that every adult member acquire a temple recommend. <br />The problem was, at that time, there was not a temple in their Central American nation. <br />These people were dirt poor and had no hope of ever attending a temple or having their families sealed to them. Still, this Branch President, felt inspired that every member hold a recommend, even if they never stepped into a temple. <br /> He knew the true power of was found in that slip of paper. It is a tangible symbol of a person's worthiness. It is a recommendation directly from our Heavenly Father through two of his servants. Only a small percentage of the world's population actually can hold a recommend in their hands. What an incredible blessing! This young Branch President often took out his recommend and just held it in his hands. He knew that some day, some way, he would walk into a temple. On June 4, 2000, this Branch President from San Ramon arrived in his weathered van outside the gates of the newly dedicated San Jose Costa Rica Temple. He was not alone. Many of his fellow branch members climbed out of that van with smiles on their faces and well held recommends in their hands. I have appreciated reading this because it has reminded me how incredibly blessed we are. I have set my recommend on my book shelf where I see it every day. It reminds me that I am of a Divine Nature. It reminds me how incredibly blessed I am to be worthy to hold it. It reminds me who I am.Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-37709076004051149992012-01-01T15:49:00.000-08:002012-01-01T16:28:49.898-08:00Happy and Healthy 2012<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E70wRoyXdF4/TwDxgBm39MI/AAAAAAAAAIU/yHuLBJQ_6Zc/s1600/P1010017.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E70wRoyXdF4/TwDxgBm39MI/AAAAAAAAAIU/yHuLBJQ_6Zc/s320/P1010017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692815461485900994" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CwXTDDBQJhQ/TwDxf5S5ZSI/AAAAAAAAAII/h1S25Gz1TTM/s1600/P1010016.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CwXTDDBQJhQ/TwDxf5S5ZSI/AAAAAAAAAII/h1S25Gz1TTM/s320/P1010016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692815459254625570" border="0" /></a>I love the start of a new year. It's a beautiful time to reflect, reevaluate, purge and add. It means that Spring is only a few short months away. But, I know full well that you can't move on without appreciating what you are leaving behind. This picture was made by my sweet Carolyn for me for Christmas. Carolyn's Aunt Jeanie made all of these precious scarves, that Carolyn shared with all of my girls. This picture represents love, support, tenderness and the amazing blessing of having daughters. This brings me to the "leaving" behind part. To me, cancer was like a tornado. There is no warning before a tornado strikes. There is very little time to prepare for the destruction it leaves in it's path. It's hard to find a safe place to hide. It sucks you into it's terrible motion and tosses you about at it's will. When the storm runs it's course, some things are left standing and some things are no longer. Things in your life have significantly changed. Change, is not necessarily a bad thing. <br />I have been shown how much I am loved.<br />I am happier.<br />I laugh out loud more.<br />I cry more in public.<br />I talk to my Heavenly Father more. <br />I have a greater awareness of time. <br />I have become extremely relationship sensitive.<br /> I more easily recognize miracles.<br /> I am supported and loved and very, very blessed.<br />I am looking forward to a BEAUTIFUL new year.Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-41313168027830054402010-05-12T09:05:00.000-07:002010-05-12T09:27:45.226-07:00Happiness is.........<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/S-rSeob1-dI/AAAAAAAAAHU/f0eV9thygT0/s1600/sambograd+130.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: <br /><br />240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/S-rSeob1-dI/AAAAAAAAAHU/f0eV9thygT0/s320/sambograd+130.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470416121086998994" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/S-rSebuF3CI/AAAAAAAAAHM/gcRJysAqR7g/s1600/sambograd+128.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/S-rSebuF3CI/AAAAAAAAAHM/gcRJysAqR7g/s320/sambograd+128.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470416117673876514" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/S-rSdvXcqEI/AAAAAAAAAHE/hX9h2CKPnBY/s1600/DSCN0017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/S-rSdvXcqEI/AAAAAAAAAHE/hX9h2CKPnBY/s320/DSCN0017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470416105767741506" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/S-rSdc24hUI/AAAAAAAAAG8/iYd_aQhW39A/s1600/DSCN0011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/S-rSdc24hUI/AAAAAAAAAG8/iYd_aQhW39A/s320/DSCN0011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470416100799317314" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/S-rSc0AWKRI/AAAAAAAAAG0/kNaoJ1QQjA0/s1600/DSCN0009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/S-rSc0AWKRI/AAAAAAAAAG0/kNaoJ1QQjA0/s320/DSCN0009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470416089833154834" border="0" /></a><br />Psalm 127:3 <br />Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord. 127:3 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them.<br /><br /><br />Well, my heart has been so "full" as of late. As I grow older, my appreciation for my sweet children stems from their love for one another. I love that my children are so close to each other, in their daily lives. They are there for graduations, baptisms, birthdays, trips, sad times and great times. They are just there for one another. I could not ask for more, even if I had planned it that way. At Sami's graduation, the girls, spent an ENTIRE day,(of a three day trip) making freezer meals for their sister. You can bet, every time Sam opens her freezer, she sees "love" way before she sees the meals. <br />On Mother's Day this year, my guys had a BBQ for Tammy and I. It was so fun,(what am I saying?, It was GREAT!) but the best part was seeing my guys working, talking, sharing. How blessed can one mom be???Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-60784250684471119892010-04-27T18:57:00.000-07:002010-04-27T19:42:56.654-07:00It's all in how you ask!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/S9eWzcMi-1I/AAAAAAAAAGs/6P3eJ3VLhFw/s1600/sambograd+164.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/S9eWzcMi-1I/AAAAAAAAAGs/6P3eJ3VLhFw/s320/sambograd+164.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465002483323698002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/S9eWy5fAmwI/AAAAAAAAAGk/Klg3_UAqGTk/s1600/sambograd+219.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/S9eWy5fAmwI/AAAAAAAAAGk/Klg3_UAqGTk/s320/sambograd+219.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465002474005895938" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/S9eWyRWEBMI/AAAAAAAAAGc/MC13db0wLYk/s1600/sambograd+218.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/S9eWyRWEBMI/AAAAAAAAAGc/MC13db0wLYk/s320/sambograd+218.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465002463230952642" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/S9eWxvOQejI/AAAAAAAAAGU/XCWuD4u3IzQ/s1600/sambograd+217.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/S9eWxvOQejI/AAAAAAAAAGU/XCWuD4u3IzQ/s320/sambograd+217.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465002454071409202" border="0" /></a><br />So, you all know me as level headed,a fair player, a rule follower right? Well, as some as you know, I do have this ONE little, you might say, "quirk". It's not all that terrible if you are aware of it, but interesting sometimes if you aren't. You could say I have a little trouble with anyone saying DON"T or NO to me. This has always been the case. Tell me I can't beat someone in a race... I am there. Tell me not to walk through a puddle...well you get the point. It's not that you can't tell me "No", it's just how it is presented to me. It is also not because I am being stubborn,I really just can't help it. Let's say a certain husband,the names are left out to protect the innocent, says one fine day very early on in his marriage, "NO Do not buy apples". Innocent enough , right? Well,"said" husband might have come home to several large boxes of apples on the counter. So, my precious family knowing this through out the years, have used this to their advantage off and on for good and evil. I was borrowing Matt's car the other day and right before I drive out, my sweet son says "Oh,Mom don't touch the mustache." Well,I looked down at the gear shift and sure enough there sat a big black hairy thing. Well, you know the story by the pictures,I did not even get to the end of the road before I was holding that silly thing up to my face. When I came home later that night,the first thing out of Matt's mouth was " So,Mom,did you touch my mustache?Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-33446081211003447962010-01-12T22:20:00.000-08:002010-01-12T22:24:18.183-08:00Set the tone for the day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/S01mpEhJOWI/AAAAAAAAAFs/6w6cHDc6Ka0/s1600-h/bed.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/S01mpEhJOWI/AAAAAAAAAFs/6w6cHDc6Ka0/s320/bed.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426105981824743778" /></a><br /><br />So, One sure way to set a tone for your day is to simply make your bed!!Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-73216452978402050512010-01-01T17:38:00.000-08:002010-01-01T17:59:05.894-08:00Perceived Happiness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/Sz6kFN-hX2I/AAAAAAAAAFU/1VVtfwTt7UA/s1600-h/nana+and+chase+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/Sz6kFN-hX2I/AAAAAAAAAFU/1VVtfwTt7UA/s200/nana+and+chase+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421951410958851938" border="0" /></a><br />So, you know the saying " A mother is only as happy as her unhappiest child?<br />Well, that must be my motto because it has been true for me since the birth of my very first child. Now, I am an intelligent, very capable person, so it really makes no sense that I can barely breathe when one of my "younguns" has a problem. The other day, I was expressing this theory to our sweet Rachel, when out of the blue she said, "Mom, why don't you be as happy as your happiest child?" We are all doing great! Well, not to make light of my years of misery, but that made a lot of sense. So, my new resolution is to focus on the light. Thank you, sweet Rachel, for the gentle punch.... I needed it!Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-31579441924975833062009-12-20T17:49:00.000-08:002009-12-20T18:08:34.720-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/Sy7U2MTBsEI/AAAAAAAAAE8/KKoC6N_oTdg/s1600-h/coils_conibears.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/Sy7U2MTBsEI/AAAAAAAAAE8/KKoC6N_oTdg/s200/coils_conibears.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417501429252337730" border="0" /></a><br />One Christmas when I was four years old, a grandpa that I loved very much, came to visit. I noticed that grandpa did not have a present under the tree so, I proceeded in fixing this problem. <br />I looked everywhere in our home to find grandpa the perfect present, but could not find a thing. Then my eyes came across them. Two pennies! I couldn't believe my eyes and good fortune. With no available wrapping paper, I found some toilet paper and wrapped the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">prettiest</span> present ever. When it was time to open presents I was so excited about giving grandpa his present that I do not remember anything else. When it was my turn to give grandpa his present, I ran to the tree and handed my "treasure" over to him. I will never forget the look in his eyes! When he finished unwrapping the present , he made me feel as though I had given him a million dollars. Which, I thought I had! <br />It wasn't until I was much older that I realized two pennies could by nothing. But grandpa knew the real present was just saying "I LOVE YOU" So, in this special season I would love to give all of you, a couple of pennies "full of love". I love you all and feel so blessed to have each and everyone of you in my life.Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-58368266415128116452009-04-16T10:35:00.000-07:002009-04-16T11:07:45.539-07:00TAG YOU TOO!This is fun <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sami</span>,<br /><br /><br />5 things I was doing 5 years ago:<br /><br />1. About this time I was probably ending up watching basketball season (That Year <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sami's</span> team won North Section <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Championships in</span> both basketball and volleyball!) And getting ready to watch <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sami</span> play tennis!<br /><br />2. Starting to breath again when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Sami</span> was finishing up driving lessons so she could get her license in about a month.<br /><br />3. Anticipating the birth of TWO new grand babies.<br /><br />4. Starting a Executive Secretary job at School.<br /><br />5. Turning the big 50 !!!!!!<br /><br /><br />5 things on my to-do list for today:<br /><br />1. Work on Primary Sharing, Our Ward Conference is Sunday<br /><br />2. Visit Teach<br /><br />3. Watch a video I want to show to my After School Kids on Friday to see if appropriate<br /><br />4. Start jogging(running very slowly) again.<br /><br />5. Call and text <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Sami</span> FIFTEEN times because she is traveling back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Rexburg</span> today.<br /><br /><br />5 things I would do with a million dollars:<br /><br />1. Tithe and immediately put the rest into into the bank. Then wait one year to decide.<br /><br />2. Travel! Anywhere any Everywhere! Dragging all of my family with me.<br /><br />3. Buy every person in my family a new car.<br /><br />4. Buy a beach home that all family could use at anytime<br /><br />5. Save the rest to use as needed for family and friends. Who wants to be the only one enjoying<br /> it?<br /><br /><br />5 places I have lived:<br /><br />1. Stockton, CA<br /><br />2. Modesto, CA<br /><br />3 San Jose, CA<br /><br />4. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Greenview</span>, CA<br /><br />5.<br /><br /><br />5....5 jobs I've held:<br /><br />I am assuming this does not include mother, sister, friend, daughter, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">nana</span>, wife etc..etc? By far the best jobs in the world. :-)<br /><br />1. Waitress<br /><br />2. Cashier<br /><br />3. School Aide<br /><br />4. School Secretary<br /><br />5. After School Site Coordinator<br /><br /><br />5 years from now:<br /><br />1. Go on a mission with dad (maybe a bit early for this)<br /><br />2. Spend all spare time with my grand kids.<br /><br />3. Be learning a new skill<br /><br />4. Traveling with my family<br /><br />5. Still believe every single day is a gift from God.<br /><br /><br />I tag:<br /><br />1. Gail<br /><br />2. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Tarron</span> (Can use Sam's blog)<br /><br />3. Roger<br /><br />4. Amy<br /><span class="post-timestamp"><a class="timestamp-link" href="http://ssiemers.blogspot.com/2009/04/tagged-five.html" rel="bookmark" title="permanent link"><abbr class="published" title="2009-04-03T13:09:00-07:00"></abbr></a> </span>Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-89399992297883452932009-04-09T20:00:00.000-07:002009-04-09T20:17:52.454-07:00Creativity Anyone?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/Sd62pOV4wGI/AAAAAAAAAEs/NuiQWJqAj8A/s1600-h/moms.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/Sd62pOV4wGI/AAAAAAAAAEs/NuiQWJqAj8A/s200/moms.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322892628939292770" border="0" /></a><br />We were visiting my my kids in Washington this Spring break and my sweet daughter, Rachel, took Carolyn and I on our first "couponing trip". It was truly amazing. Carolyn left the store with bags brimming for .49cents. I spent a bit more....less than a dollar!<br />Rachel was in heaven sharing her expertise, as well as her coupons (pure gold) with us. We left town with a car full of merchandise and coupons to boot, with instructions on how and where to use them when we get home. Couponing is not for the faint at heart and is a LOT of work but you feel like a million bucks (no pun intended) when you walk out of the store with your goodies. On a serious side, in this economy, I am so blessed to have a daughter taking such good care of her family. She now has two full times jobs, her beautiful family and her devotion to staying solvent and abundant amongst worry and lack in the rest of the world. Good job sweet girl.Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-31147919640879181452009-03-25T18:31:00.001-07:002009-03-25T18:41:10.560-07:00Way Too Sneaky<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/ScrbbeoxVhI/AAAAAAAAAEk/tlmxoT6WoAo/s1600-h/moms+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/ScrbbeoxVhI/AAAAAAAAAEk/tlmxoT6WoAo/s200/moms+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317303575191311890" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/Scrba508KKI/AAAAAAAAAEc/RkSfTGHKCY4/s1600-h/moms+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/Scrba508KKI/AAAAAAAAAEc/RkSfTGHKCY4/s200/moms+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317303565310240930" border="0" /></a>This one is for Sammy. Cloe her cat, is always trying to sneak into the house. She is very resourceful and usually succeeds, at least for a short while.<br />The funny thing is she hides in the exact same place behind the couch, wow very tricky, and thinks we can't see her. If we come closer, she turns her head thinking if she can't see us then ,of course, we can't see her! Unfortunately, she has these same skills trying to catch birds. Lucky birds! I guess "sneaky" has never been in the Siemers' genes. Lucky us.Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-37683477599669237082009-03-20T09:10:00.000-07:002009-03-20T09:55:55.845-07:00A Little Heaven on Earth<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/ScPBSUMajAI/AAAAAAAAAEU/qb4RHz52fhw/s1600-h/moms+020.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/ScPBSUMajAI/AAAAAAAAAEU/qb4RHz52fhw/s200/moms+020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315304505629903874" border="0" /></a><br />Well, I know I do not need to qualify that my first and foremost "Heaven on Earth" is my family. When I was just tiny, I would lock myself behind a door and arrange my "babies". I would tend and nourish them, with bottles I made out of jars, protect and love them.<br />It truly is amazing what personalities we come to earth with. My second great love is books and movies (Hmmm, I wonder where my children get this?) My summers consisted of walking to the library, spending hours pouring over the shelves of books, loading up my arms with books, walking home, sitting on the grass and reading for hours. "Eat? Gosh, grandma, do I have to come in for dinner? Just a FEW more minutes OK?" My dream job would be a Librarian. (lucky Gail)<br />I love all kinds of books and movies. That is why it is risky recommending books and movies because we all internalize differently. Three great reads that I have enjoyed this month are: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak A Story narrated by Death. Yes, I said Death. It is not what you would expect and the writing is terrific. It is set in WWII. Expect to cry near the end.<br />My next book is The Boy in the Striped Pajamas byJohn Boyne. Also WWII. Both are fiction but are based on facts. The point and feelings are there though. I loved it.<br />My next book is The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio by Terry Ryan. It is Terrific. It is a true story of a woman in the 40's and 50's with an alcoholic husband and 10 kids. It is inspiring and reminded me of growing up in a shack(it really was a shed) and how my grandmother taught me to" make do. " Something I know how to do well but forget to do! :-) Books can inspire and these three books reminded me that we are all leased a little piece of earth to live in. You might be in Washington, Etna or China. Where ever. We need to lift our heads, open our eyes, see and hear. We need to help, share and experience our surroundings. We are accountable and we are so blessed. Have a BEAUTIFUL Day.Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-64841276758523571302009-02-07T21:08:00.000-08:002009-02-07T21:31:47.015-08:00WOW! Who Knew?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SY5pB50KKGI/AAAAAAAAAEM/2sP1xlh_TLU/s1600-h/bathroom+042.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SY5pB50KKGI/AAAAAAAAAEM/2sP1xlh_TLU/s200/bathroom+042.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300289292882028642" border="0" /></a><br />About 15 years ago I was sitting across from a sweet 80 year old (young) woman. I will never forget her saying that her mind and heart still felt 18 but when she looked down at her hands she was shocked every time. Whose hands are these? she would ask. I looked down at my young strong hands and walked out a little bouncer at the appreciation of my own youth. Well, there comes a time in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">everyone's</span> life that you look down at your own hands and say, Who the heck is that? I knew it was coming but did not expect it to be so noticeable or rapid. Not, that I expected the fountain of youth or anything, it just sneaks up.<br />One day you go to bed with a flat tummy and and a round bottom and you wake up with a round tummy and a flat bottom! Your hair is thinner and your skin everyone used to say was "peaches and cream" is not so much. Practically all your life everyone is older than you and then one day suddenly everyone is younger. There will always be someone younger and always be someone older. We need to look at each other as ageless and ETERNAL. A quote I like is "Enjoy the moment of NOW , it is certain and safe." Also, always make something beautiful out of Plan B . If one plan is derailed ...have a dozen new ones to take it's place.<br />There no use feeling old because we will all be even older tomorrow. <br />Kisses to my loved ones.Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-89567991817543042162009-01-23T18:42:00.000-08:002009-01-23T19:04:47.494-08:00New Experiences<a dragover="true" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SXqAXVVLfaI/AAAAAAAAAEE/vd8wxAKoV84/s1600-h/100_0166.JPG"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 209px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SXqAXVVLfaI/AAAAAAAAAEE/vd8wxAKoV84/s200/100_0166.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294685450278763938" border="0" /></a>I have realized lately that even though I have experienced many things in life, there are tons of things I have never done. So, like many people I have a list of things I would like to do. Part of why I have not done some things is because I have wasted so much time in my life being shy and being so responsible(first child syndrome) . Things like riding bumper cars, people might be looking at you , after all! So, I rode my first bumper car this summer with my grand son <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Caden</span>. We had a blast and people actually watched us and I survived. :-) I went to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Medford</span> the other day and I took some time to actually go to a movie BY MYSELF and it was great. Everything was actually fine when I walked out, the world had survived without me for an hour and a half. So, what is something you want to do? Big or small. Life is Beautiful. Who wants to go play with me? :-)Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-16080337535162847172009-01-21T10:04:00.000-08:002009-01-21T11:05:30.864-08:00One for the History Books<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SXdj6DwScBI/AAAAAAAAAD8/uCzyl6r_FPs/s1600-h/100_0159.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SXdj6DwScBI/AAAAAAAAAD8/uCzyl6r_FPs/s200/100_0159.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293809736088711186" border="0" /></a><br />What a truly amazing day yesterday was. (no matter what your political beliefs) To really internalize what happened, it was be an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">incredible</span> day in history. Ever since I can remember, especially as a little child, my mind could never accept that we could be treated differently because of the way we look , what we believe or even how much money we make. My very first LOVE in my life was in Kindergarten and his name was Willie. He had a hugh smile and the sweetest eyes I had ever seen. It didn't hurt that he ran across the gym to me, as fast as his little feet would go, to stand by my side to be my partner in P.E. We were learning "Oh, Johnny Oh' and the "Virginia Reel" and I still to this day, join in at school, with a happy, happy, heart. I told my mom all about Willie and then one day she showed up to pick me up and there I was holding Willie's hand excited for her to meet him. From that day on I was never "allowed" to talk to him again. I had never noticed that his skin was black, he was just beautiful to me. Well, if you know me at all you know I still talked and danced with him, my mom just didn't hear about it. But, my point is, my mom just did not know any better, she was raised in the 40's.<br />We moved the next school year but Willie was always a part of my heart. He was my very first LOVE after all. Who knows, Willie could be the NEXT president! :-)Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-38380145368070811332009-01-18T19:21:00.001-08:002009-01-18T19:34:16.055-08:00Life is a PathwayA Quote from "Broken Trail"<br />This life is a pathway between the two Eternities.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SXPz20z_qFI/AAAAAAAAADs/sLHDRbSVqCc/s1600-h/12-27-2008+187.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SXPz20z_qFI/AAAAAAAAADs/sLHDRbSVqCc/s200/12-27-2008+187.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292842110305675346" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SXPz3UyXc_I/AAAAAAAAAD0/kg7mZHAuOo0/s1600-h/12-27-2008+199.JPG"><img dragover="true" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 196px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SXPz3UyXc_I/AAAAAAAAAD0/kg7mZHAuOo0/s200/12-27-2008+199.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292842118888780786" border="0" /></a>Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-76740765196600603202009-01-17T12:13:00.000-08:002009-01-17T12:35:44.025-08:00What's in a Name ?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SXI8nlySf7I/AAAAAAAAADU/EY1cEELVk-k/s1600-h/100_0113.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SXI8nlySf7I/AAAAAAAAADU/EY1cEELVk-k/s200/100_0113.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292359162969358258" border="0" /></a><br />I just finished a book titled "Someone Knows my Name" by Lawrence Hill. It's about a fictional character (a young African girl who is stolen into the slave world of the 1700's) written with historical facts. Any way, the honor of her name is a major theme in this novel. It got me thinking this week about my own name and how people perceive it. Now... Take a minute and think of a name.. like Santa...Your best friend's name...Hitler...Elvis...Jesus. Whenever you think of a name, an image pops into your head of that person automatically. Good or bad, it is never <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">neutral</span>. You can't help your reaction. It is in direct proportion to the way they make you feel. Now think of your own name, how do people think about you?<br /><br />I remember a thought and I do not know the author. It says:<br /><br />I may not remember what you said<br />I may not remember what you did<br />But I always remember how you made me feel.<br /><br />My goal for this year is to have anyone hearing my name think of it as a positive.<br /><br />P.S. How come even in a crowded store when you hear mom or nana. You happily look around for a second, even though you know it's really not for you, hoping it is?Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-79185493900980588402009-01-15T19:48:00.000-08:002009-01-15T20:15:46.284-08:00HAPPINESS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SXAD-sl2dbI/AAAAAAAAADE/n06M-EfyzlY/s1600-h/100_0105.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SXAD-sl2dbI/AAAAAAAAADE/n06M-EfyzlY/s200/100_0105.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291733937817023922" border="0" /></a>I admit it... I am a smiley face <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">junkie</span> and I like happiness. I add them to my notes, I collect them. So fun. An article in LDS Living had some facts about my smiley face and happiness I didn't know.<br />* 1963 was when it was invented. It was a graphic for an insurance company who wanted a logo to improve their employees moral.<br />* 1988 was when the phrase"Don't worry be happy" was coined by Bobby McFerrin in his hit song.<br />* 1 in 3 Americans rank themselves very happy.<br />* 1 in 3 Americans rank themselves very stressed.<br />* 71 is the average age of the happiest people.<br />* 18 minutes was the average time people in the 1950's laughed each day.<br />* 5 minutes is the average today.<br />* The U.S. is ranked the 13th! happiest Country in the world.(Shame on Us)<br />* 5 months is the age in which babies can distinguish between a happy or sad song.<br />* Every person in the world recognizes the smiley face to represent happiness.<br />* 112 times young children laugh during the day, the average 42 year old only 6<br />So don't worry be happy! When things are OK store up your smiles in your happy bank to get you through the hard times. Hey, am I the only one blogging? I thought this was for the family??? :-)Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-4926237530897174292009-01-10T21:31:00.000-08:002009-01-10T22:03:31.145-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SWmEs7AjRlI/AAAAAAAAAC8/V_STZE45tyc/s1600-h/cable.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SWmEs7AjRlI/AAAAAAAAAC8/V_STZE45tyc/s200/cable.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289905144612472402" border="0" /></a><br />PROGRESS.... It's all in your perspective<br /><br />Every summer from my 12<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> year on, we would travel from San Jose and our well trimmed, edged yard to visit Aunt Zelda and Uncle Orville in Fort Jones. (Prior to my manicured lawn, and having a dad, from birth to age 12 I lived among gangs and had full responsibility for two younger siblings.Time for that tale in another story. I actually have been blessed with many "perspectives" in my lifetime) For a week each summer we visited my cousin Cindy. Scott Valley to me, was a world of horses, cowboys, Indians (for real!) pine trees, logging, ranching, farming, fish in the streams and about a million deer. At age 16 my dad decided to move us to Scott Valley. I told him I would run away if he took me away from my friends, we did not move. As I look back, more perspective, it probably would have been a good move. I love it here. I probably would have married a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Friden</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Heitt</span> or a Thackeray. All really good people. The valley grows really good people.<br />In 1977 I finally did move here and with $4000.00 we started the very first cable company in Scott Valley. Up to that point they only had access to T.V. through antennas. In 1982 we sold the cable company to the phone company because the cost of operation was becoming prohibitive. In 2009 the cable company is now shutting it's doors because the cost of operation is ..... you guessed it too prohibitive. Customers must choose to use a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">satellite</span> dish or ANTENNAS.<br />Well, 32 years later and we still have horses, cowboys, Indians(for real!) pine trees, logging, ranching, farming,fish in the streams and about a million deer. We still grow good people and we still don't have Cable!Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-6862331155574304912008-12-15T10:55:00.000-08:002008-12-15T11:27:55.936-08:00A t Long Last<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SUaodgu2JBI/AAAAAAAAACU/UePF_Z19A4w/s1600-h/crib+2.jpg"><img dragover="true" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SUaodgu2JBI/AAAAAAAAACU/UePF_Z19A4w/s200/crib+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280092838094578706" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SUaodtpNHkI/AAAAAAAAACM/roGZT7hN1eg/s1600-h/crib.jpg"><img dragover="true" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SUaodtpNHkI/AAAAAAAAACM/roGZT7hN1eg/s200/crib.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280092841560579650" border="0" /></a><br />The crib is set up and Nana can't wait to hold our new little Chase Matthew Siemers. <br />I am going crazy knowing he is just a few short hours from me. What a precious blessing each new family member is to me. What a precious blessing EACH family member is to me. <br />Any one who knows me at all, knows that the word in-laws is not in my vocabulary. Family is family and that is that. I love the Thompsons, I love the Parks. They are my family, they are my friends. I want to hang out with them.<br /> I especially love and appreciate our sweet Rachel at this time. Rachel is also all about family. First of all, she is a beautiful person, smart and accomplished. She is an incredible wife and an awesome mother. I never have to give Jason or the kids a thought because I know they are so well loved and cared for. She is full of energy and makes sure I am included in just about every aspect of their lives. She keeps me updated about my sweet grand children, she keeps in touch with extended family,aunts, uncles, siblings and great grand parents alike. She includes me on trips and ideas. She tells me when she is grouchy or mad. She shares when she is happy or manic feeling. She allows me the same. She is a delight in my life. How blessed am I?Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-14196755234147338182008-12-05T22:26:00.000-08:002008-12-15T10:54:48.492-08:00Boys will be boys<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SUanzmK7n_I/AAAAAAAAACE/M8IZymxZ3CA/s1600-h/house.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SUanzmK7n_I/AAAAAAAAACE/M8IZymxZ3CA/s320/house.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280092118000050162" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SUanzX8xdiI/AAAAAAAAAB8/P7lwmYncX2k/s1600-h/matt.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SUanzX8xdiI/AAAAAAAAAB8/P7lwmYncX2k/s320/matt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280092114182567458" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SUanyOYEuTI/AAAAAAAAAB0/hV5QK8mdQSo/s1600-h/rog.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SUanyOYEuTI/AAAAAAAAAB0/hV5QK8mdQSo/s320/rog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280092094432852274" border="0" /></a><br />This is such a beautiful time of year. My guys seem to be extra sweet to me as the holidays roll around. My two favorite things are ...my lights around the house and my wreath on the front door. I never have to ask for the lights. The day after Thanksgiving my guys, including my sweet Jason, have always just put up the lights for me. When I was a young girl and my home life was less than perfect, I would love to leave the house around dusk, with all of it's hush and quite and run in the neighborhood. I loved looking in the windows as I ran on the streets. I could see the lights on and people cooking or eating dinner or whatever. As I ran, I imagined that there was a happy little family in there with everyone feeling safe and loved. With this vision in my mind as I married and had my little family this is what I tried to create. A sweet family always feeling safe and loved. I am sure if my children were asked, they would agree that that they felt safe and soooo loved. What they might not know though, is how safe and loved they have always made me feel.Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-43607360968488907232008-11-26T17:17:00.000-08:002008-11-26T18:03:28.735-08:00TIME is all we really own<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SS32PX9z1dI/AAAAAAAAAA0/TjfTbu2v5RY/s1600-h/Tammy+T+and+Carolyn.JPG"><img dragover="true" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SS32PX9z1dI/AAAAAAAAAA0/TjfTbu2v5RY/s320/Tammy+T+and+Carolyn.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273141482712454610" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SS32P37N8uI/AAAAAAAAAA8/OuZNzhmyFIk/s1600-h/Nana+and+Gracie.JPG"><img dragover="true" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SS32P37N8uI/AAAAAAAAAA8/OuZNzhmyFIk/s320/Nana+and+Gracie.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273141491291517666" border="0" /></a><br />So, I've been thinking a lot lately about blessings and talents we are born with. You know how when you think of some people, you say, she's an awesome artist or she sings like an angel or whatever. I have always had a hard time finding my "niche"because I'm (good at) not super great at any one thing. But lately ,with Dad's cancer, and a couple of other disconcerting events happening in our lives, my blessings and talents now seem a little clearer. I have the best friends in the world, always have. I have this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">incredible ability to love people and to be loved back. <br />I have been blessed to be asked to attend </span>many births, what a private and glorious event.<br />I have been asked to dress a few bodies, like the body of a precious baby of a dear friend who died shortly after birth.<br />I was asked to sing at the funeral of my precious friend, Kathi, because that was her last request. <br />When you think of the thousands of people a person knows in their lives, and to be the ONE person to attend a birth or dress a body or sing at a funeral, that is truly amazing.<br />When Dad was diagnosed with cancer, our thoughts were never...how much money did we make in the last 25 years or what did we acquire , it was what did we do with our TIME in the last 25 years? What will we do with our TIME the next 25 years ? If we are so blessed. One day shortly after Dad's surgery, I came home to find a grown man sitting on the floor in front of dad, visiting him. A pot of soup on the stove, that he had prepared himself, and a loaf of bread. My heart just melted as this sweet man gave dad his TIME. He was no less busy than the rest of us.<br />Simply, dad was his friend. Today, I am so grateful to our Heavenly Father for my friends and the TIME I have to love all those I have to love.Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231440053518163274.post-17540113846224732862008-11-23T18:50:00.000-08:002008-11-26T18:06:30.858-08:00Thank goodness for little girls<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SS4AnUtu7OI/AAAAAAAAABE/Pgrz1DsEiUY/s1600-h/SAM.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 165px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NMn3nc_S8_Q/SS4AnUtu7OI/AAAAAAAAABE/Pgrz1DsEiUY/s320/SAM.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273152889272855778" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Isn't this a BEAUTIFUL sight?<br />This Friday night I had went to bed late with another of my ever present headaches and about an hour later (1:30 a.m) I heard a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">familar</span> voice in the living room. I thought I was dreaming because my heart was telling me it was my sweet girl Samantha who I knew was still at BYU Idaho unable to be home for Thanksgiving. To my surprise, my sweet Sam had caught a ride home with two friends that had surprised their moms as well. I love having Sam home. It is such a joy to have daughters. I adore my boys but my daughters are a joy. I love everything about them. Soft touches, sharing communication, sweet smiles,yummy shower smells,the "I love you, mom".<br /><br /></span>Carolyn Siemershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00923622995133568389noreply@blogger.com2