Some People Make Everything Nicer

Vicki is one of those people! Polly has always talked about Vicki and her many talents. It is so nice that she goes out of her way to make things special for everyone. She is a great friend and a remarkable woman. 

Here is what Polly had to say about her...
My friend Vicki is one of those people who goes above and beyond when it comes to making things nice for other people.  She will have Disney Princess tea parties for little girls in her neighborhood.  If there is a special event in someone's family she knows, she will come up with lots of ideas to make it as cute as it can be.  She is always more than willing to help out with events at church to make sure it is a fun event for all those involved.  She has two sons graduating from college next month and she has even gotten little caps and gowns for her grandsons to wear at their daddy's graduation!  (Above and beyond I tell you!)  She throws spectacular parties that are always themed and decked out with decorations - and she REALLY knows how to put on an incredible spread of food at any event!!!!

But even though Vicki is an entertainer extraordinare,  and I so admire her for that, what is really great about Vicki (and her husband) is that they make sure people who may not have anywhere else to go for a special occasion or holiday or much needed meal, are welcome to come to the Brown's house.  They have fed many, many individuals, missionaries, families and friends and welcomed all of them into their home with open arms.  She and her husband are two of the most giving people I know who continually serve people around them.  And not just with food!  They offer service in all kinds of ways, shapes and forms and have done countless kind deeds for me and my family.

Vicki has (also) always been a calming force for me.  When I was going through my divorce, she was the one person I could really confide in and share all of my fears and frustrations with.  She knew me, my children, and our situation.  She was close to me in proximity too so if she sensed I needed anything, she was right there for me. And whatever the need might have been on that particular day, she was always encouraging and supportive and tried to help me find the best solution for the "ailment."  I don't know what I would have done without her during that difficult time in my life!  (Her listening ear has been there through other relationships too!!!  Vicki has always done her best to see the bright side of whatever might be going on with me and I REALLY appreciate that about her!)

I found a card that was absolutely perfect for the kind of person Vicki is ...

Dear Vicki,

I hope you know how much I appreciate all that you do for me.

I may not always show it, but your continued thoughtfulness,

friendship and support means so much to me!

There have been so many times throughout these years and trials

that I don't think I would have survived without your concern, 

compassion, and love ... I wanted to be sure you KNEW how

much I really do appreciate EVERYTHING!!!

Thank you!  
 
Love ya...Polly

 

MARATHON TAGGING

Emily is making her tag into a Marathon... and how fun is that! One of the luckiest days of my life was when the Baird family moved in two doors down the street from us. They brought so much joy into my life. We would even go to each others houses in our PJ's on Christmas morning. Emily was the middle daughter in the family, and was the greatest babysitter EVER! My boys loved her so much that one of them even claimed he was going to marry her someday! AWE! She ended up marrying and started having the sweet babies in this photo, before he even graduated from high school...he never had a chance...sniff, sniff! She lives in Utah now...but, the distance will never stop our great friendship! I adore this girl. We were made to be friends. We like the same things...and have had some of the best talks...we just love each other! She always writes me darling notes when she sends me things....and many have said..."I want to be like you when I grow up"...like she wrote in her story below. This always makes me chuckle...cause there were so many times I wished I could go back 16 years and be her. And it was some of her sweet notes that inspired this project in the first place. Because the notes that friends add to the gifts they send...ARE THE TRUE GIFTS!!! Don't get me wrong...we all love fun surprises and gifts from friends. But, I am not going to say I can value any gift that is purchased...as much as I value this girl and her sweet friendship! And the notes she writes to me... ALWAYS MAKE ME CRY!         I love you my sweet Emily!

Here is the note I received with my latest Christmas surprise...

Emily's cute story of friendship...

Leave it to Diane to come up with a darling, thoughtful, amazing project... With every detail done up in glitter and cuteness!  Diane has been a part of my life for most of my life - she has been there cheering me on for EVERY big (or small) event in my life... really! I have been completely spoiled along my journey by my sweet friend, Diane.  Thank you for always always always thinking of me and making me feel so special.  You have endless talents and I love you.  If only I could be like you when I grow up!  Clearly that will never be since I am the latest of all original TAGS to check in... You would've been the first.  (With every detail done up in glitter and cuteness!)

I made a silly marathon out of my TAG I suppose... I knew exactly who I was pinning this project on when I received Diane's DARLING tag in the mail.  My sweet friend Camille is going straight to heaven.  This girl is A-MAZ-ING.  She is a crafty little thing that never stops giving.  I once made the mistake of telling Camille how cute a little end table was in her house... the next day I answered the door to find Camille AND the end table.  You have to be careful with this girl - she'll give you the shirt off of her back if you tell her it's cute.  (Now that could get embarrassing!)  Camille is expecting her third sweet baby in a couple of months.  When she told me her happy news we cried and hugged and cried and hugged some more - she had been through quite the emotional roller coaster the previous year.  This baby news was SO exciting after lots of heartache.  For my tag project I decided I wanted to give Camille "dates to survive until" - with the good news came the reality that hosting a baby means a VERY sick mama.  (She's like me - we LOOOOVE the babies, but go through 9 months of near death and doubt of survival.  Oh you lucky people who don't know what morning/noon/night sickness is!!!)  The first "survival date" was Camille's first doctor's appointment.  I told her she only needed to make it to that date and to not even think about her actual due date (which seemed like an eternity at the time - being ultra sick is no bueno.)  I gave her a little package when she got home with a new shirt for that weird-stage-before-maternity-clothes-fit.  (I maybe should've taken a photo... sorry Diane!)  Other "survival dates" included her 1/3 of the way through date, her ultrasound visit (I gave her a polaroid camera I found on an auction - she's so vintage and does cute crafty things with stuff like that - another great moment to take a photo... oops), her 1/2 way marker, etc.  Little packages accompanied these exciting dates - some dates I just dropped off lunch or a treat.  I had SO MUCH FUN thinking of little things for each "survival date."  This tag project will continue for a couple of additional months... I cannot WAIT to snuggle that teensy baby when she arrives.  THAT will be the best "date" of all for my dear friend.  I love you, Camille!  

Here's a letter I wrote to her for one of the earlier dates.  And a photo of my sweet friend Camille with her two darlings.  Can they be any cuter?!?!

To my dear BFF...

Oh Camille... you are a true definition of a BFF.  I have never met anyone more genuine and thoughtful and sincere and giving and generous and kind and EVERYTHING GOOD!!!  You are an incredible example to me of what a wife, mother, sister and friend should be.  Thank you for sacrificing so much time and effort on my behalf.  I love you, my family loves you, and heaven above is smiling on your endless giving... This new baby is so incredibly lucky to join your family.  I am SO excited and happy for you.  Thanks for being my BFF.

 xoxo to infinity... Emily

 

TOTALLY ADORABLE.....best of luck in the final months Camille! xo...D

Here's to People Who Have Our Backs!

Polly found a great friend on the job! And it makes me so happy that Polly found Sherry. She sounds like a very special person. And it makes me glad to know Polly has someone like this who watches over her. Twice, in our 38 year friendship, I have had to watch Polly move away. The first time we lived in San Marino and we were juniors in high school...we thought it was the end of the world as we sobbed as she packed up her stuff. Her parents thought we were nuts, but...we were such good friends...and didn't want to think of not living close to each other. She was moving all the way to Conneticut...which seemed like she was moving to another planet. But, LUCKILY...she couldn't stay away and moved back to Southern California when she got married, and~YIPPEE~she lived close again. (I have always thought of her as a So Cali girl at heart...no matter where she lived!) The nine children we had between us were all born by 1995...and I was so happy that we were close enough to watch each others kids grow up...and they could even go to school together...just like we did. And maybe at least one of my four boys would marry one of her four girls...think we planned that? Well I guess not, because she moved away again over 15 years ago to Utah. And thank goodness for email and texts...because we can communicate whenever we need to. Probably more than we even had time for when she lived in Glendora. It makes her feel so close! And I think it's funny how when we are young...we feel jealous of the friendships our best friends might have had with others. But...now that we are...oh dear...(how do I put this gently?)...how about if I just say...a little wiser...we are just so happy that angels are sent to care for our friends, when we aren't there to do it ourselves. I thank God for bringing Sherry to my friend. And I am sure Sherry feels just as blessed by having Polly come to care for her!   

Here is Polly's story...

I was one of those women fortunate enough to get to be a stay at home mom after I had my third baby.  Sadly, after my divorce, I did have to go back to work.  It had been about 12 years and a LOT had changed during the course of that time, especially with computers.  I was fortunate enough to get a job as a part-time bookkeeper at a non profit organization and that is where I first met Sherry.

Sherry was the office manager and oddly enough, she was under the impression that I was an accountant and was going to teach her a thing or two ... not so much.  Sherry soon learned that I had been out of the work force for the past several years and basically knew nothing. I relied heavily on her to teach me all that she knew.  And that is exactly what she did!  Sherry taught me the ins and outs of all things office!  (I call her my office guru.)  Sherry was sooooo patient with me as I asked her my 102 daily questions - and even if I kept asking the same question, she was as patient as she could be and always encouraging; "Its okay.  You'll get the hang of it."  

After about a year, Sherry moved on to another company but she still remained (and remains after four years) my go to girl!  I call her with questions all the time and she is always patient, helpful, and willing.  If Sherry doesn't know the answer to something, she will say, "Let me talk with one of our IT guys and I'll get back to you."  I really don't think I would have lasted on the job without the continued support and help from this lady!  Not only has she been a great mentor for me in the work place, she has also become a close personal friend of mine.  

One thing I know for sure, is that no matter what the circumstance may be - Sherry has my back.  She is one of those extremely level headed people. She thinks rationally, so I can always count on her to be a voice of reason for me.  I respect her opinion and I value her opinion too!  Sherry has been there for me during some pretty tough times, some highs and some lows, and I know I can count on her 100% of the time. She tells it like it is but in a way that lets you know she cares, is looking out for what's best for you because she doesn't want to see people she loves get hurt.  I appreciate having her in my life and I wanted to let her know that!

I made a little Easter basket for her with a card that said:

"Let us be grateful to people who make us

happy; they are the charming gardeners

who make our souls blossom."

Dear Sherry -

I hope you know how much I enjoy our friendship!

I do feel like you are one of those people who "gets me", 

and that I can be completely open with, honest with, and

myself with, without any judgement.

You have been a great source of strength and encouragement

for me during these last five years and I so appreciate you for that!

You are also a GREAT voice of reason - and we both know

I can use that every once in awhile!!!  :)

Lots of Love ...

Polly

P.S.....Love that Charming Gardeners quote Polly...love you, too!!!

MAD for Sudan

Making a Difference in Southern Sudan

 I decided to donate to another MAD Project...

"MAD for Southern Sudan" is working on a project that will help fund and furnish 

an all-girl's boarding school in Southern Sudan by selling more than 1,000 bracelets. 

The children are currently sleeping on the ground.

It is their vision that they can bring hope to the girls at Ayak Anguei Girls’ Primary School in Konbek, Southern Sudan and help to make their dreams of receiving an education a reality. They are partnering with Project Education Sudan, a US 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization, whose mission is to work with community leaders and village elders in Southern Sudan to help them build, staff, train and supply primary and secondary schools, as well as to provide adult education. 100% of the proceeds from Making a Difference (M.A.D.) for Education in Southern Sudan will be donated to 

Ayak Anguei through Project Education Sudan. 

I couldn't resist helping out and ordered four bracelets 

in different shades of pink...

 I think they have already sold over 650 bracelets!

Great job!

She puts a smile on my face!

Some people are born with an infectious personality. Courtney is certainly one of those people! She makes me happy just by being around her. She has the most adorable voice...and it makes her sound happy all the time. And when she laughs...or giggles...you just have to, too! If I am ever in a sad mood...and then she comes over...my  mood goes right out the window as soon as she says "HEL-LO"! Everyone should have a Courtney in their lives. Could you imagine how much better a place the world would be?  I know she brightens my world. She is a sweet and adorable and I am so lucky to have her in my life!

 Courtney and my son Cory have been dating 

on and off for the last couple of years...

(of course I am happier when it is on!!!). 

It's cute because they have been going to 

school together since the first grade...

which is so sweet. And they still like to color, 

do puzzles and play with play dough....

which is probably unusual for most 

twenty-one years olds. And we all share 

a love of her nephew Dylan. Cory even 

likes to babysit him, on his own, 

which is so adorable to watch! 

It shows me what a great dad 

he'll be one day.   

 I was showing Court this blog and she said...
"I want  a TAG!"....so...with that said...
I decided to tag her!
I made her a flower arrangement
that is as bright and sunny like she is!
So....with that said, Courtney...

"TAG YOU'RE IT!!!"

She puts a smile on my son's face!

I decided to tag my son's girlfriend Kaitlin. Because...(as I spelled out in my recent blog on the male domination going on in my house)...it is soooo nice to have girls around. They bring a lightness to our home. There is more laughter...and especially more giggles! Girls just make life....different...special...and I love having them around! And Kaitlin is no exception. She is funny and sweet and adorable and has been dating my youngest son Tanner for almost two years now. I don't know how to describe it...but, they are perfectly matched. They like most of the same things, whether it is the food  they eat, the shows or movies they watch, the things they like to do....even the way they talk. They just seem to get each other...and it's really adorable. It is very sweet and reminds me of the tenderness of young love.  

I wanted Kaitlin to know how special it is to have her around, and how much we enjoy her company. And how "she puts a smile" on Tanner's face...and what mom wouldn't love that? I decided to make her a bouquet, just like I would when they would go to dances in high school. She would want a wristlet to wear...and a bouquet for her room to remember the night. Now that the high school dances are over...I hope she likes this one just as much! So...thanks Kaitlin for sharing yourself with us...I love having you around! And you can see from these photos that Tanner likes it, too!!!

Seems like I've known her FOREVER!!!

We met in the seventh grade!

I have read the email so many times that talks of the seasons of friendship.

You know where it says people come into your lives for a short time for a reason.

Well...Polly came into my life for a reason...and that was to be my friend FOREVER!

We have shared youth, love, marriage, children, The Osmonds, 

and just about everything in between...and I must say gladly and with gusto!

As you can see by our smiles at The Osmond's 50th Anniversary!

She is someone who I know I will be friends with always!

I just hope that every person has someone like this in their lives.

It makes such a difference when someone has known you through it all!

And she is still here! 

She is one of my original twelve that I tagged...

but, those original tags did not tell each person what they meant to me individually!

And I really wanted Polly to know how I treasure her friendship!

I sent Polly some treats and told her that I cherish all the time we have shared...

I really wished she never moved from California to Utah..because this has felt like a long 16 years!

(Thank goodness for email!!!)

But, I am so blessed that we have stayed friends no matter what the distance between us!

Thanks for all the laughs, the love, and the memories...

I couldn't even begin to explain my dear friend!

But...mostly I want you to know I am proud of you!

And proud to call you friend!

I love you girlfriend!!!!

I hope you enjoy your package...and you do know what this means...still...

TAG YOU'RE IT!!!

Sometimes We Just Need Some Girl Time

Teri made some girl time!
She is so lucky because her son brought home a girl she adores!
Krista is a Southern Belle from Georgia and Teri adores her.
You know how us girls...love to have more girls around...
especially sweet ones! 

The only problem with this is...
Krista comes from a family where she has five sisters...
and is used to a lot of female companionship.
Teri thinks that moving into her house...
occupied by her two sons...
(and you know with sons come a bunch of male friends)...
has been a little overwhelming for Krista.
She said she is getting stressed out and tense
from all the testosterone in the house.
Teri has been so busy lately, and I mean on the go A LOT,
that she doesn't feel that she has been able
to give much female support to Krista.
And Teri understands what it's like
to live in a male dominated household,
without much girl time.
So...Teri thought Krista would make a
great candidate for her tagging. 

First, Teri went and got Krista some Vitamin B Complex...
to help with her stress level.
She also got her some pretty lavender nail polish
to feel a little more "girlie".
I think it's so cute that she wanted to help
Krista feel better. 

After living in a house with five men...
and only a female dog Maggie for support...
I know just how Krista was feeling.
I have always lived in a male dominated house,
growing up without sisters, and have just lately
seen what a difference it can make to have
women around more often!
One thing I must say is...
there is definitely a lot of laughter involved!
And since I can relate so well to Krista...
I think this was especially sweet of Teri!
I hope the Vitamin B Complex does the trick....
I might need to get some myself?    

I am so happy Teri has Krista in her life...

she is darling and like I tell my boys...

"don't bring me home any girls I can't keep"!   

I hope Teri and Krista get to keep each other always!     

So Krista...TAG YOU'RE IT!

My Brother Did Good!!!

I seriously LoVe my sister-in-law!!!

Gail is such a special person! I can't even explain how good
my brother did in choosing such a great person to give me as a sister.
She is so thoughtful, sweet and loving to everyone she knows!
We share a love of reading, fun jewelry, shopping and yummy food.

She is amazing and can finish a book in a day.
And since I don't have time to read as often as she does,
she will even read the books I have collected,
and will put post-it notes on them with a review of the book for me.
How sweet is that? 
Especially, since we have the same taste...it's so nice!
Then I when read...I know I will love it!

She called me with a special message when her daughter
got engaged a couple of years ago.
She told me that my niece Emily would probably want me
to help her plan her wedding...
and that she wanted me to know that I wouldn't be
stepping on her toes....and that I had carte-blanche
to help my niece with whatever she needed.
Okay...who does that?
Have you ever heard of a mother of a bride doing that????
NOT!  And let me tell you...we had so much fun!
My niece is the sweetest girl...and is like a daughter to me,
especially since I only have boys.
I was involved in it all...emailed the bride nightly with ideas...
and had a big smile on my face the whole time!
It was great!

I just wanted my sister-in-law Gail to know 

how much I love her...treasure her as a sister...

and think of her as one of my bestest friends. 

She is a wonderful person and I am so happy 

whenever I get to spend time with her! 

So, I tagged her with a funny book for new grandmas...

The Granny Diaries, (my niece just delivered a beauty on April 1st). 

The book gives advice to new grandmas...and had us all laughing...

she read it aloud to us as we waited for the baby 

to come home from the hospital. 

It has been a fun time for us all!

By the way...she is sharing the new baby with me...

just as well as she shares her daughter.   

Gotta love it!

My brother and Gail have invited me to go to DisneyWorld 
with them for my brand new great-niece's first vacation.  
How fun will that be....our new baby will be a real Disney Princess! 
Oh..by the way...I had to include photos of her
because she is so precious!!!

So...thanks for sharing your girls with me...you sure are a treasure Gail...and now...
TAG YOU'RE IT!!!

Only Your Hairdresser Knows For Sure!!!

And here is mine!!! Teri is another of my original twelve taggers. I had planned on re-tagging her, as a little reminder, when I went in for my appointment this week...but, she was ahead of me and was doing her tag already! Way to go Teri! But, I am going to tell you about the re-tag anyway...because I want to tell you about how special she is to me. You know how you just know someone was put into your life for a reason...someone who just gets you completely and understands what you've gone through! Well...for me that is Teri. She and I hit it off right away and she has been doing my hair ever since...and that's been for over twenty years now. She has recently gone through some major life changes...which have made her a new person. She exudes happiness. Not that she wasn't happy before...but, she is just different now. So at peace. One day I was showing her photos I had taken at my niece's wedding in Carmel on the beach...and she wanted a copy of this girl I captured. She said she wanted to paint her. I was like..."What? I didn't know you paint?" So...seriously..how would I not know that in over twenty years....

So, here is the photo I took...

 

And boy she can paint alright!!! Look at the gorgeous painting she made "just for me" that she gave to me at my birthday party. Now how cool is that!!! I love my little girl painting. It reminds me of a beautiful wedding...and a very fun time for our family...and of course of Teri! She painted it for me to remind me to keep dreamin' my little girl dreams......and I love it!

Below you can see it has found a home in my dining room...she is so sweet...and reminds me to dream every single day. I brought Teri some flowers and chocolates and wrote her a message to tell her how special she is to me. I will always cherish this painting! And my friendship with Teri. And thanks again for the painting...it's SO SPECIAL to me!