Movie Review

 BLIND SIDE

I am not "into" football.  I was a little aprehensive when Jeff and I decided to see this one.  Hands down this is a thumbs up!  One of the very best movies I have ever seen!  I love movies based on true stories.  It was refreshing to see a movie about someone doing the right thing because it felt good to do the right thing!  I wish that we all took an interest in others the way this "Mama" did.  The people we see who are wandering with no real direction, and no one to care, need a good person to care.  I know we need to be careful, but there is alot we can do. . . . . I should speak for myself. . . . There is alot I can do to lift someone else.  I may not be able to go out and adopt a "Michael Oher", but there is so much that I can do.  It's time to "do"!

Too Beautiful This Year!!!

 O world, I cannot hold thee close enough!

Thy winds,thy wide grey skies!

Thy mists, that roll and rise!

Thy woods, this autumn day, that ache and sag

And all but cry with color!

World, World, I cannot get thee close enough!

Long have I known a glory in it all,

But never knew I this:

Here such a passion is as stretcheth me apart,

Lord, I do fear

Thou'st made the world too beautiful this year.

                                                                     Edna St. Vincent Millay

Jeff and I took a drive in October to Greer to see the fall leaves.  It was a beautiful day!  We missed the peak by a little less than a week, but it was still beautiful.  It is nothing like what we have seen in the North East, but for our little "neck of the woods", it was spectacular and we only had to drive 40 minutes to see it!

Other beauties for the eye to behold this year:

Little Ellery peeking at me when I was working in the office.

I looked up and there was this half-lit face smiling back at me.

She is a joy!

Addie, Callie and Walker.  What fun to be there and see their faces when he was brought home! 

That was more fun than Christmas!

Happiness depends, as Nature shows,

Less on exterior things than most suppose!

                                                                            William Cowper

"What Did You Do For Someone Today?"

"I have wept in the night

For the shortness of sight

That to somebody's need

I was blind.

But I never have yet

Felt a tinge of regret

For being a little too kind!"

                                          anon.

My thoughts today are pondering the talk President Thomas S. Monson gave at the October General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.  http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1117-27,00.html

He told of an article about Jack McConnell who was a minister and each night around the dinner table he would ask his children "What did you do for someone today?"   Here is the link to the article his son wrote about the exeperience. http://www.newsweek.com/id/79103  

"The Savior taught His disciples, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it."  Unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives."

David O. McKay said:  "Man's greatest happiness comes from losing himself for the good of others."

Thomas S. Monson continued by saying: "We are the Lord's hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children.  He is dependent upon each of us."

I have looked at some websites about "Random Acts of Kindness" and there are many ideas of ways we can be of service, but all of them require one thing from us;   that we look around and watch for a need.  Be ready to be kind.  There are so many who ache for a kind touch, a kind look, a kind word, a kind act.

I believe that there is a better world than this to live in.  We don't have to go anywhere to find it.  We have to create it with one kindness at a time!

                           Sooooo, "What did I do for someone today?"

                                                       Have a wonderful day!!

                                                             Melissa Walker

Books Books Books

Be as careful of the books you read, as of the company you keep,

for your habits and character will be as much

influenced by the former as the latter.

~ Paxton Hood~

There are few things in life that give me as much pleasure as being in the middle of a very good book!  I LOVE good books!  I could spend an entire day in a book store--and one time, I actually did!!  It was wonderful! I always try to have a book with me when I go to work so that I have a place to escape to during my break.  I love it.  I can be reading a book and totally forget where I am.  I even stop hearing things around me.  It is like being in a tunnel that carries you away to another place and then suddenly drops you back off where you were when someone touches you, or says your name really loud (because they've been saying it four times).  I like books that inspire me to be better, or tell a story about someone who was incredible.  Not necessarily incredible to the world, but incredible in their own life, without even realizing it.  Books become my friends.  I have a hard time going to the library, because I don't want to give a good book back.  I like to put in on a shelf at home, where even if I never read it again, just seeing the title brings back such wonderful memories of a good read, and reminds me of things I wanted to change about myself because of what I learned in those pages. My first memories of reading are of my daddy rocking me in the old rocking chair and reading stories to me before I went to bed in our Scottsdale home.  What sweet memories!  He has enjoyed reading to my children, and to their children too!  A beautiful tradition being passed down to three generations.   I try to always get my grandchildren a wonderful children's book for their birthday and Christmas.  It has to have great illustrations too!  Even when Jeff and I were very young parents with barely enough money to pay the bills, I would sacrifice whatever I had to to get the kids books to read.  I rarely would buy new books, but I found great books at yard sales.  We also went to the library every week!  We filled our home with books and we loved reading! Now, my children all love to read.  I cannot think of very many things that I would like them to enjoy more.  **key word being "things".  I cannot imagine a world without books.  If I could have one wish concerning books, I would wish for a room completely lined with wall to wall, floor to ceiling bookshelves.  With a cozy chair and a standing lamp in one corner and a round table in the middle for studying.  I think if I had such a room, I may never ever leave it!!

Books I have recently read that I just love:

1.  Common Sense by Glen Beck
          A great book!  I liked the straight forward factual information even though it is very disturbing.  I liked
          at the end of his portion of the book, he gives an idea of what the reader, as an individual can do.
          When I finished reading, I felt empowered and driven to DO SOMETHING. 
          I will prepare for elections very differently in the future!  I will know all I can about each individual I vote for.  This country has lost too many of it's values to allow us the luxury of trusting politicians on any merit except for their record.

2.  The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans
            This is a book that surprised me.  I thought it was going to take one route and it took the opposite.  I
            liked the fact that it didn't show the man being forgiven by everyone he went back to make amends
            to.  In that sense it was very telling of how life really is.  Sometimes it is too late!  Sometimes we can't
            undo the damage we have done to another person!  I think that that is part of the eternal punishment
            we face. . . . . the  not being able to change something we did wrong. 
This book made me ponder the things I have said and done that I shouldn't have.
Probably more to family than others. 
Why is it that we sometimes treat the ones we love with the least kindness.  Why do we save our "sweet" voice for strangers or aquantances when we talk on the phone?  Why do we do service more willingly and without thought, for people we don't live with? 
Maybe I should make a Christmas list and put my husband at the top!

3.  Have a little faith by Mitch Albom
            Still reading this one and it has captured my heart!  I will go back a second time and highlight some of
the very insightful things said by the Rabbi.  All of us have had people in our lives who we revered.  They may have been a teacher, a rabbi, a preacher, a bishop, a priest, a family friend. . . . it could be anyone. 
I believe there are people we cross paths with in our life, who are meant to remind us of who we
really are, and help us discover who we want to be.  I have had those people in my life.  They give me a glimpse of Christ in our modern world.  They are a blessing.  They are steady.  They are rooted.  And the most interesting thing is that they don't even know they have changed peoples lives!

Just the knowledge that a good book is awaiting one

at the end of a long day makes the day happier.

~ Kathleen Norris ~

I don't know if anyone out there is reading this, but if you are, will you share a few of your favorite reads?

Thanks!

Little Man

Most days everything moves along as it always has. 
I try to live a grateful life.
My life is good.
I enjoy letting my Heavenly Father know, each day,
that I recognize His hand in my world.
I am so blessed.
And then,
Just when I think I have been given so much more than I deserve. . . .

A child is born!

Introducing. . . .

WALKER REED HIGBEE       
Born October 24th, 2009
8lb 4 oz
20 inches long
Great set of lungs!
                            
2 1/2 weeks early (It's a Higbee tradition )




He has wrapped his Spirit around his mommies heart.                
He has burst the pride from his daddies buttons.

He has released the wonder in his big sisters eyes.

He has brought to the realization of his mimi and papa,

that love multiplies over and over again.

And I have come to see that once again I am blessed so much more than I deserve!

May you look into the eyes of a child

and catch a glimpse of something you once were -

and may you see a bit of yourself still!

For more beautiful pics of Walker, and a sometimes humorous view of life with 3 little ones, visit Jessica's blog (which is a work of art) http://mhig36.blogspot.com/

Pondering 9-11 / Thoughts Of My Heart

Today I am emotional. Thinking about so many things.

How wonderful my husband is. I don’t deserve him--how could I be so blessed.

What a gem Jessica is in my life. I am overwhelmed by her talents. I am in awe of her selflessness and love for others. I am so touched by her desire to be a Mom---a good Mom!

I am so glad that Mark lives the Gospel and holds the priesthood.  I am eternally gratefull that he took Jessica to the Temple and that he himself was willing to make covenants with God that would not only enrich and bless his own life, but also that of his wife and children.  I am grateful that he loved them enough to want them for eternity.

I feel so blessed to have Kyle as my son. He is an incredible, talented, thoughtful and intelligent person. He has so many Christ like attributes. I miss hearing him play his guitar in the quiet before going to bed.

 Kevin is a joy. I have always said that he is a bright spot in my day. He is so personable and energetic. He enjoys people--and they feel his genuine interest in them. It is adorable to watch him play with his little girl. I am proud of what a good daddy he is at such a young age.

I love Faith.  She is so good for Kevin.  I love her laughter.  I love that she loves Ellery so much.  She is so kind.  She works so hard. 

I have the very “bestest” friends. I love them all. I am grounded by knowing that there are those out there who care about my well-being and my happiness. They are a treasure to my soul. They bring a smile to my face. I want to be like them.

I love where I live. This is a beautiful place on Earth. I love the seasons. I love the people here. I love the sunrises and the sunsets. I love my yard that Jeff so lovingly created. I love to watch the birds and animals that visit. I love watching and anticipating buds, blossoms, spouts and sprigs in the Spring and Summer. I love the change of leaves in the fall. I love snow. I love living away from town---but not too far. I love the rain.

I am so grateful for the ward I live in. For the wonderful Bishop we have and the thoughtfulness he has in the way he leads. For the great Sunday School lessons that are well prepared each week. For the Relief Society and all that it does for the Sisters in the Church. I am touched by the young priesthood that passes me the sacrament each Sunday with such respect and humility. I am thrilled to see the youth stand and bear testimony, and teach from the pulpit, truths and principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thankful that there are still mothers of young children who will come to church week after week even if they spend most of their time in the foyer or hall. That is sacrifice. That is true love of the Lord. That is knowing the weight of setting an example.

I love my parents. What did I do to deserve such a beautiful childhood. My parents exemplify the honest, Mormon way of life. They brought me up with a Church family. They lived the principles they taught. They gave me the directions to a happy life. It is a joy to watch their sweetness toward one another.

I love my country. I love my freedoms. I love conservative views and laws. I believe it is those views and laws that will keep us free and keep us safe. I believe that in fighting to keep those beliefs and those laws alive, I am being true to my Father in Heaven who blessed me with this great place I call home. By standing, and fighting, for truth and righteousness concerning the Constitution, I am showing my gratitude for the blessings and freedoms He has given me.

I love my life, my family, my friends, my church, my country, and my God.

COLORADO HERE WE COME

PAGOSA SPRINGS

Oh what a beautiful morning,

Oh what a beautiful day,

I've got a wonderful feeling,

Everythings goin' my way!


That's how we feel when we wake up in Pagosa Springs!



Day 1: Woke up eager to check out the gym. We walked over there and did our eliptical, bike, weights, work out and then went to the store eager to buy healthy food! We chose wisely; vegies, fruit, milk, sour dough bread, and raw almonds. Then when walking back to the register we had a moment of weakness and threw a pkg of Klondikes into the cart! Oh well.


We spent the afternoon walking along the oldtown shops, not buying, just holding hands and enjoying being together.






Day 2:
A hike to Opal Lake. This is a lake that is a milky color due to the minerals that run into it. It was a lovely day to hike. Temp was nice. It was a steep uphill climb of about 600 ft. but I made it without complaint :) We leveled off and went through a meadow with full view of the majestic Colorado Mountains looming above us. We climbed a little more and there she was. . . Opal Lake. There was a gurgling brook flowing into it, and a perfectly positioned fallen tree to sit on and eat some lunch. I loved a little family of ducks. . . mom, dad, and about 6 or 8 little ones. They had the entire lake to themselves. Too sweet! We hiked back and when we got back, we took a nap! (old people do that you know!). Then, as if we hadn't gotten enough excersize, Jeff trots off to the gym! I, on the other hand, went shopping! Found a cute thrift shop called Upscale Resale. Found a couple of things for "Sweet Baby Boy" (as Addie calls the little brother that is coming soon.)
This evening, we went to a line dancing class.


Very fun, but do people really do this anymore?



Day 3: Today I took a Water color painting class. It was so fun! I have always wanted to try it and so I did. The pic I painted isn't wonderful, but it perfectly fits it's role as a "first painting"! When I was done, Jeff and I went to Durango (about an hour away) and saw the movie Julie and Julia--which we both liked very much! Makes me want to go through a cookbook and try every single recipe----after my painting class, I'm feeling quite inspired :)

After the movie we went to see the Bar D Wranglers for dinner and a show. It was fabulous as always! After, we were looking in the shops and one of the fiddler in the show come in and says "Does anyone here own a white honda"? I looked at him and knew it wasn't good news. Yep, we got crunched in the parking lot. No, it couldn't have been on the same side that Kevin crunched a year ago! It had to be in the exact same place--on the other side of the car. Now when we open both front doors they make a horrible crunching sound.

Dave Burgess, we are on our way over!
Day 4: Today we are hiking Piedra falls. Jeff says that since I did so well on the other 600ft climb, I should have no trouble doing this one! It is a hike that he and his dad and brothers and our boys have done many times. They lure is that there is excellent fishing at the river above the falls! You drop it in-----they bite it!

Well, this hike didn't turn out the way we had planned! fishing vests on, pole in hand, pnut butter sandwich and water in the day pack---we started the ascent. It was soooooo steep! I kept thinking "how am I going to get down this on the way back?" But Jeff said that when you get up to the top it levels out, so I kept thinking "ok, I can do this". Well it went up and up and up and up--at over 800ft above where we started (we know that thanks to jeffs gps), we came to a view that was out of this world!









I thought ok, we have reached the top, now I can hike on level ground to the river. . . catch 20 fish, and then worry about how my really bad knees are going to get me back down. Wellllllll, we didn't stay level. We went straight down. . . 200 feet! Then up 100 feet! Then down 100 feet! (You get the picture) Then we see the river 200 feet down a ravine! I sat down and said NO! I can't do this anymore! You go fish for your stupid trout---I'm going back--ALONE!!!! Well, after sitting for awhile in silence, we pulled out some snacks and rested and then decided that Jeff would go down and fish and I would find a nice place to sit and read the book I brought along. Jeff caught 6 fish right away and then the thunder began to roll and the clouds got black. Jeff climbed back up to where I was and we began our hike UP and DOWN and UP and DOWN and DOWN and DOWN. I was sooooo mad that he would bring me to a place like this. My knees were hurting soooo bad but I had no choice but to go on. I was getting madder and madder as I watched him ahead of me taking a few steps and then turning around watching me while I struggled to follow. I finally told him to just keep on going so I didn't have to see him waiting for me. He hesitated, but finally went because he knew I didn't have anything good to say and he was going to get the wrath of me if he didn't get out of my line of vision. I cried most of the way down that mountain. I slid, I fell, I took baby steps to try to stay on my feet, I walked sideways most of the way to keep from sliding 100feet down. It was trecherous!!!! At the bottom, I tried so hard to keep my cool---and I did! We got in the car and drove away. About 3 miles out I decided to turn around and go back. I wanted to fish the Piedra river and I was going back to do it! Jeff caught two more fish! I caught none------but that was ok. . . . . .we were having fun and we had salvaged a terrible day!

***I learned on this day that I would have made a lousy pioneer!

We went to the Hot Springs and soaked our woes away. It was a beautiful night with a full moon, warm water and the one I love-----even if he does put my life at risk now and then!















Day 5: Today---Slept In!!! So deserved!! We went to the Four Courners Folk Festival. It was sooo fun! We have never been to one of those before. People were camping all over the place. They stay for all three days and camp right on top of each other. It was such a hippy thing! Kids running around barefoot and filthy, women without bra's, everyone in rags or tie dye, dredlocks. . . . you get the picture. I felt like I was thrown into a "Rainbow" community :) But when you got under the Big Tent, there were people from every walk of life!

Our favorite group was the Marc Atkinson Trio.
Two guitarists and a stand up bass. Just awesome!

They are from Canada and do not spend very much time in the U.S. so it will be a while before we can see them again. I'm going to have to get a CD.
I kept thinking how much Kyle would love them.

Day 6: Our last full day here. My how time goes fast when you are on vacation! This has been a wonderful week. This morning Jeff got up and made cinnamon pancakes! Yummm!

We drove up to Wolf Creek Pass and took a dirt road up to a trail that lets you hike the Continental Divide! Yep, we did it! We didn't go very far due to my fresh memory of the last hike--but the view was amazing to say the least. It makes me want to study that geography more. I have a question. . . . does more water fall to the West or to the East when it rains on the Continental Divide? I'll have to look it up!

Anyway, after that, we went to downtown Pagosa where Jeff found an awesome fly fishing shop. He had a great time talking "Fly" with a guide there. Next time we come, I guess it has been arranged for us to go with this guy to get properly taught about Fly Fishing in the Wimanuche Wilderness! I didn't think we did too badly on our own?!?

We came home and took a quick 20 minute power nap, and then went to see "The Proposal" with Sandra Bullock. Great movie!! Then off to an Italian Restaurant that looked nice but ended up being the worst Italian we'd ever had! But that's o.k. The rest of the trip was completely wonderful! It is raining hard outside right now---so glad it didn't do this the whole week! It sounds wonderful though.

Day 7
Home Again Home Again

Jiggity Jig!

In My Yard. . . .

Today, I spent three and a half (yes three and a half!)hours mopping my entire downstairs floor. It seems to go on FOREVER! What a workout!! When I finally finished, I made some soup and headed outside to enjoy the breeze, the trees, and the birds. Here is my solace today. This is the view from my lounge chair.

This Bluejay is one of four that frequent my "establishment" almost daily for a nibble of something yummy like the peanut cage that I hang from a tree. They are quite bossy birds and have a squeally voice. I never used to be a "bird" person, but since Liza died, and they can finally relax when they come to my yard, I find them very interesting. We have quite a variety that come by each day to eat, drink, bathe, or just peck around.

This hummingbird kept coming back to this empty feeder and finally came right up to my face and hovered as if to say "Come on--Get up--It's out of food and I'M HUNGRY".

i'll get to it later. . .

Time to get more bird seed! Jeff thinks I spend more money on food for them than food for him. I think I'll bbq Salmon tonight after I buy enough birdseed to refill the garbage can. Maybe I should make a dessert to go with that----just for good measure. :)

Mary, Mary, quite contrary, How does your garden grow?

Well MY garden just doesn't! We have had two zucchini, four tomatoes, and about two cups of green beans! The basil is doing ok, but everything else is a pretty sorry excuse for a garden! I think our nights have been too cool this summer-----what happened to "global warming" when you need it?!!!

I LOVE FLOWERS !!!

When I was wandering around my yard, trying to find interesting things to take pics of, I found a treasure! I love a yard that says "CHILDREN HAVE BEEN HERE". Little hands carefully placed this little guy inside a seashell and nestled it in the grass for safe keeping. Oh if I could tap into the minds of my grandbabies and know what they know----I would truly be wise!!

Today, the words of John Burroughs seem appropriate:

"The longer I live, the more my mind dwells upon the beauty and the wonder of the world; I hardly know which feeling leads, wonderment or admiration."

SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS 2009

ELLERY TURNS

ONE !

happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Ellery, happy birthday to you !

i love this pic! Mommy (Faith) is helping Ellery open her birthday surprises, and Addie is making herself comfortable by leaning on little sister Callie! Callie doesn't even mind! I'm sure Callie will always be there for her sister thoughout their lives!!! :)
The bundle of cousins that came to celebrate Ellery's birthday. She is getting a little tired of all of the attention I think

Time to go home! Ellery, we love you with all our hearts! You are a special gift and we cherish your sweet and lovely personality. You make us laugh. When you come over, we never watch t.v. because you are the entertainment!!

CALLIE MAE

TURNS

TWO
!

Callie received the special birthday crown that mommy made. At first she didn't want to wear it, but eventually she was too engrossed in opening her gifts that she didn't notice it had been placed on her head. Papa, on the other hand, had no problem wearing it! For him, the C stands for "Cheesy" :)

Ellery's favorite part was hugging the balloon!!

Callie, You are so special to us! Cute as a button,

and smart as a whip. Your sweetness is a delight

and oh how we hope the terrible two's don't last too long!

FOURTH OF JULY

IN SHOW LOW

addie and callie were dressed so patriotic for the parade. addie sings. . . . . .

"I'm proud to be an American,

where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the men who died,

who gave that right to me!

And I'll gladly stand up next to her

and defend her still today

'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land

God bless the USA! "

And Callie dances!

Uncle Kevo was in the parade! He came up and said hi to the girls and Callie screamed and cried! He took his costume off and she smiled, and he put it back on and tried to pick her up, and she cried and screamed again! Addie thought Kevo was funny :)

mom and dad came a couple of times this summer.

It was said that the greatest thing a dad can do for his children is to love their mother. It is true! Thank you dad!

We went to Woodland park where Jessica tried to pass on her extreme fear of geese , to her girls. They fed the ducks and we had a picnic and played on the playground that Jessica played on when she was Addies age! A wonderful day!

Oh how my little girlies are growing up! We will have to take a pic of them sitting in this swing each year and compare it.

Great grandma was having fun rolling the ball between Addies legs. Addie was giggling so hard, I had to get up and look outside to see what was so funny!

Two little buddies--or partners in crime--depending on the day!

The girlies again--playing in mimi's shell garden.

CAMPING JUST JEFF AND I

Jeff and I decided it would be fun to go camping somewhere new. We headed toward Heber. We had a wonderful time and found this really fun tree--it's just like a hammock. Well, it was great until Jeff got up and found sap all over his backside!

We took a walk along the rim one day. Breath taking and beautiful!

This was the coolest tree. When it fell over, it lifted this huge piece of rock with it. The roots are all wrapped around it.

The road behind us is the rim road that goes to Payson. Over the last 22 years we have traveled that road many many times!

Still to come from this summer:

Walker family reunion pics

Addie's 4th birthday

A trip to Pagosa Springs