And to some He gave great talent...

Yes it's true, we are a family of MANY,  MANY talents and it never ceases to amaze me when we discover even more.  Here's a talent of Aylish's - she is down right proud of this one......you would be too if you could do it!  

Sometimes I have to look really close to make sure that she's not doing her crazy eyes in 'important' pictures.  I should really check her most recent passport :)

Gotta love this kid!

Lessons & Life

I'm sure all of you have people in your life that have shown you so much, sacrificed for you and loved you despite your many imperfections.  I too have someone in my life that I have learned many great lessons from and truly love - it's my Gramma.

Gramma hasn't had the best health throughout her life, and because of such hasn't always been able to do all the things other Gramma's might do, to me though that doesn't matter.  This much I know, no matter what, my grandma has been a big fan of mine and has done all that she can to be a part of my life,  for that I'm grateful.

Here's a list of 20 things I've learned in my 23 (+10) years of life from my gramma.

1. "i" before "e" except after "c" (and any other exceptions the English language might have)
2. never run through a sprinkler at the same time as your cousin with your eyes shut
3. pippy longstockings is a well loved tale for any little girl
4. all her grandkids are equal (except me, I really am her favourite)
5. quilts, quilts, quilts.....I think I have about 20, I really am the favourite
6. even the roughest of people are children of God
7. ketchup can wash of seats
8. ketchup can wash off windows
9. ketchup can wash off carpet
10. ketchup can wash out of hair & clothes
11. laundry will never go away, be thankful you have a machine
12. you can never have too much wheat in your storage
13. canning in the oven is so modern and way easier
14. butter and saltine crackers can sustain life for a day or two
15. if you're still hungry after your crackers, you may add some cheese
16. scraps of material can be turned into something beautiful
17. salt on apples is quite tasty
18. marriage is something that you have to work hard at every day of your life
19. always plant a garden (I'm working on that one)
20. you'd better let her know if you're ever performing in public

There are so many other great things that my gramma has taught, shown, and instilled in me - those are just a few.  I'm so thankful to my Heavenly Father for giving me a gramma that I know loves me and believes in me, a gramma so willing to wipe tears, offer support and love me no matter what I do.  

Thank you from the bottom of my heart Gramma!

I love you xxx

Gramma is on the right, Shannon's the skunk on the left.

behind....way behind

I took a sabbatical ;) ;) ...so here's a few things that I remember happening since my last entry (thanks iphoto for helping me remember)......

• Rylee turned 7 - I can't believe how fast she's growing!

• Richard turned 35 - I can't believe how fast he's growing!!!!

• I went from this:

to this......

• My FABULOUS husband (if you forget what he looks like, please see picture #2 above) took 4 of our daughters on a daddy daughter campout with a couple of friends and their little girls.  They LOVED it and plan to do it every year

      

• My newest nephew Holden was born

• My Welshies came to visit for six weeks - we just had so much fun

• I saw Mamma Mia & Aaron Lines (not together obviously, but that would be kinda cool)

• SCHOOL STARTED!!!!!

• Ffion turned 2......holy moly where has the time gone??????

I don't plan to take another sabbatical any time soon so watch this space for updates.......!

Still loving my wonderful life and all those who make it so wonderful!