The Healing Field

I went to SLC this weekend for a class that I desperately wanted to attend, and took the mama and a niece with me. I didn't take any pics at the class, (because I was busy learning) but I did get some of the rest of the trip.

Sunday morning, we went to the Healing Field in Sandy......what an awesome sight that was.

I don't think that I was quit prepared for the emotions that visiting this would bring back.

View from across the street.

There is one flag for every person who lost their lives on that tragic day. 

Beginning with those aboard the fateful flights that September morning.

Moving to the Pentagon and ending at the World Trade Center.

My heart was in my throat the entire time we were there. 

Debris from the World Trade Center.

 It took me right back to that morning. I remember sitting at the kitchen table with one of my sons watching it all unfold on the news...

                                                          

 One flag for every employee and every first responder.......

After a while, I had to quit reading the bios.....I couldn't see them through my tears.  

Love this new tribute!

 

 

 

Across the street, in front of City Hall is a new bronze statue,

One flag for every Armed forces man and woman from Utah.

and some state flags. These flags are to honor those who have lost their lives in the war on terror. (These are only about half of the flags.)

We were reminded that the little girl we had with us had not even been born when this great tragedy occurred. She had no idea what all of the flags and the statue represented. So Grandma explained it in simple terms. 

I still don't know that she understands the magnitude of this event. It's kind of like me trying to understand the feelings people had when Pearl Harbor was attacked. I know a little more now, having lived through this...and I will never forget that awful morning. 

With a brother and a young cousin over seas, fighting to keep us safe and free, this tribute means even more.

May we never, ever forget.

Connie

My All American Hero

I've been putting this off for a while now. I knew that I wanted to do this, but it has been really heart wrenching. You see, my brother is headed to the middle east for the third time.


While I know that this is his career of choice, I am terrified this time, and I don't know why.  I keep tearing up as I'm writing this so I will just share a few pictures instead.

helping with his bags

Ray and Shelly

Surrounded by family

Manly Men!!

The Patriot Guard Riders!!

At the airport

Please continue to pray for ALL of the men and women who lay their lives on the line for us each and every day. I know I will be.

Connie

Honoring Dad

Dad and me

Here we are at Father's day, the day to honor the daddy's in our lives. Well, here is mine! I share him with 4 siblings, my mom and 16 grandchildren.
He taught me how to ride a bike, fly a kite and how potato chips are made. He made sure that the girls, as well as the boys, knew how to do basic car repairs, mow a lawn (the right way) and how to clean the fish that you caught (eww). He has worked hard all of his life.
When I first moved back to Cedar City with my own little family, I talked him into singing in the "Messiah" with me. I couldn't bear to go through Christmas without participating.  He is now a member of the Master Singers, an all male choir in our town. 
 I've rarely seen him cry, but I know his feelings run deep. 

Dad has started to slow down and it's hard for us to watch. I love the time we spend together singing,laying tile and just having a good time with the family. He and mom will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year!!
Happy Father's day Dad!


party on peeps!
Connie

Whew.....we made it!

I guess we need to play catch up......just maybe. April and May were pretty consumed with finishing things for Jesse.  

First: In April, we had an Eagle Court of Honor!! The brothers got close with theirs, but Jess is our only Eagle Scout. We had a fantastic turn out with family and friends there to support him. Scott Munford also received his Eagle that night.  

Fly high baby Eagle!

Second: in May, it was the mad dash to finish everything before graduation! Jess had a couple of projects to finish up and barely made it! He almost had to do summer school!! I almost thought about crying......this is my baby after all....but I sucked it up and celebrated with the rest of the family!

Here's a few of our favorite pics from graduation!! Enjoy

CHS Class of 2011  

My Happy Boy

Looking thoughtful

Go Redmen!

My favorite picture of Jess.

Two major celebrations with my baby seal face!! And now, on to all the summer fun!!

party on peeps!
Connie 

Mother's Day

Moth.er-/ noun/ woman who conceives, gives birth to, or raises and nurtures a child; also known as: ma, mama, mammy, mater, matriarch, mom, momma, mommy, mum, parent, and one whom a child adores; a gift from God. 

My Mommy!

I don't know where I'd be today without the love and strength that I  have received from my mother! 

She has been by my side as Ron and I learned of the challenges our family was to face. She also did all she could to learn about Asperger's and what would help. She has held me when I cried and didn't think that I could face one more day. And has laughed with me when the 'crisis' has passed.
Mom has also helped with the raising of my boys. They all know that the way to Grandma's heart is a hug and a bag of cinnamon bears!  
We are great travel buddies! We have 'dragged' my boys everywhere since they were small. Some of our greatest adventures were seeing how much vacation we could get for the boys with the least amount of money. Mom started the 'No Dad's Camp-out' when there were only 3 grandchildren. It has been a much loved event not only with my boys, but all of the grand kids that have gone.
We love her long and mighty! 

Happy Mother's Day to my mom and all of the other mom's in my life!!

It's good to be Queen!

  Party on Peeps!

Connie

April is......

So, maybe you've noticed a cause that is near and dear to my heart.  It's blinking at you over on the right side of my blog.  April is Autism Awareness month. As a momma who lives with this every day,  I am taking a minute of your time to stand on my soap box make you just a little bit more aware.

Autism affects every 1 in 150 children. It is one of the most confusing conditions. It varies so much from person to person.  Even with 2 of my boys having the same diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome, they are so different.

Shane

Heath

I didn't have some of the problems that other mother's have had to deal with. My heart aches for the families of the children who can't seem to be reached, and exist in their own world. Please remember, when their child is in full melt down and they can't be controlled, they are not spoiled children throwing a fit!  Please offer to help and don't judge them. You have no idea how hard it is for that mother to make a trip to the grocery store, or anywhere else for that matter.  They live in fear that they are being judged by people who just don't understand.

I don't post this for sympathy, I don't need any.  This is just life as we know it in our house. We have been very blessed to have these boys in our home. I will admit that there were a lot of tears when the diagnosis was first made. But now I see just how precious this gift is. Chances are that you know someone who is facing this challenge right now. Please educate yourself and don't be afraid of these wonderful individuals!

All of us!

In honor of these precious souls, I am posting this on both the family and the craft blog.

Party on peeps!
Connie

Feelin' the Love

Image from Graphics Fairy

Have a Wonderful Valentine's Day!


party on!!
Connie