KAIDEN

CASEY

Happy Birthday Casey and Kaiden. Casey is 14 and Kaiden is 9. Casey is our adopted Grandson, he is my sister Cindy's youngest when he was around 5 he ask Gary and I if he could call us Grandpa and Grandma because he was around our grandkids age and always felt like he should be one of them. So thats how he became our Grandson. Have a great day Casey. We love you.

Kaiden is Brady's youngest and what a great young man he is. He loves his Grandpa so very very much and loves to hang out with him when ever he can. He loves sports. But his true love is 4 wheeling. Have a wonderful Birthday and stop growing up so fast.

When we were looking for a new home last year one of the things I have always wanted was a home with a large front pouch. When I found our home I not only loved the inside but it also had a beautiful front porch just what I wanted. I didn't even realize then what a view we have. These pictures were taken on our front porch. The first two are of the mountains and the changing leaves. The third is of the sun coming up at the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon. What beauty. Just a few of God's creations.

Sometimes we just need to be reminded!

I recieved this today in a E-mail and felt like it was such a great reminder that I would add it to my blog. I have days like this and need this reminder every now and again.
A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?" Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this. He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air. Well, he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now, who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air. My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who DO LOVE you. The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE. You are special- Don't EVER forget it."

Count your blessings, not your problems.

Mady's is 14

Happy Birthday Mady. Mady is 14 today 14 going on 25. Mady, like alot of other girl's, wants to grow up to fast. Slow down someday you'll look back and say were did time go.

My sweet Mady I love you dearly and hope your Birthday is just how you want it. Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Tyson

Tyson is 14 years old today. Tyson has always been a little full of it he likes to give his Grandma a hard time every now and again. But Tyson I love you dearly and I wouldn't change anything about you.

Tyson is very good at sports and anything he sets his mind to he can accomplish. Have a great day Tyson We love you!

I've been on a diet since September 12th. It is so hard to diet. Luckily my husband Gary is on it with me. this is good in some ways and bad in other ways. It makes making meals a little easier because we eat the same things, but he like other men loss there weight faster than a women. Gary as lost 25.8 lbs and I have lost 17.2 lbs and I know he adds a few more extra' s to is meal. He has a sit down job and I have a very active job. So whats up with this I guess its the hormones. But the reason I'm writing this is my to Grandchildren Nash and Trey can say some of the sweetest things for a Grandma's ears. Monday Trey looked at me and said "Grandma your belly isn't very fat any more". I thought what a nice thing to say I give him a hug and I called his Mom to tell her how sweet her son was. then just a few minutes ago I was fixing oatmeal for Nash and I told him I would love to have a bowl with him but I couldn't. He ask why and I said it was not on my diet, he said "why are you dieting Grandma it doesn't matter to me what you look like". How I love my Grandkids they only see you through rose colored glasses.

A Teenager

Today is Bailee's Birthday. She is 13 years old today, a teenager how cool. Bailee is such a sweet kind person she aways lets me know that she loves her Grandma. When ever she sees me she always has a big hug to give me. She loves babies and so she is a great help to her Mother in the Day Care. She is a very likable person and this shows in all the friends she has. What a beautiful young lady you have become Bailee. Happy Birthday! We love you.

Nash is 8

Today is also Nash's Birthday he is 8 years old. This is a very important birthday, because at the age of 8 he can become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He has been going to Primary to help him understand the teaching of our church and he is very prepared to be baptized a member. Have a wonderful day Nash we love you. You are on your way to becoming a wonderful young man. Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Me

Well today is my big day. I'm 61 year old today, boy I'm old. Do I feel that old? Oh yes I do at times. Do I act my age? Not usually. I'm a kid at heart, I truly love life. I have had many challenge through out my life. But I have learned much from them. I have also been blessed in so many ways. I have the most wonderful Husband that anyone could ask for. He has taken me to many others parts of the world and doing this has made me more thankful for were I live and the freedom that I have. I have been blessed to have 4 children and 3 step children ( I hate the word step) were just one big happy family. I have 22 beautiful Grandchildren. I have good health, a great home that I love, great friends , I have the Gospel. Who could ask for anything more. So Judi Have a wonderful Birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me!

My Dad Harold H. Memmott

Today is my Daddy's birthday he would be 86 years old today. Daddy passed away at the young age of 50. He had suffered from MS Multiple Sclerosis for half is life. He discovered he had MS at the age of 25. This was the year I was born 1947.

Daddy was a very hard worker he owned his own trucking business. I can remember many times in my teenage years when he would leave early in the morning walking out to his truck only to return in the evening having to crawl on his hands and knees to the house because his legs could not carry him. He never gave up though he would get up the next morning and do the same.

I believe it was about 10 years before is death that he was confined to a wheel chair. This was very hard on him because he was such a hard worker and it broke his heart to see our Mother have to go to work everyday to support our family. Daddy would always have Mothers supper ready and waiting for her when she returned home. Just a note: Daddy could make the best fried potatoes I have yet to taste.

Daddy spoiled me rotten I was his little blond bomber. I could give him my pouty lips and I would get what ever I wanted.

One of my favorite memories is watching Daddy taking Mykla and Corey on rides on his wheel chair all over his neighborhood, they loved there Grandpa so very very much. I wish that my other children could have known him.

I'm so very thankful for our eternal plan, and I'm looking forward to someday seeing and being with my family that has gone on before me. Daddy, Momma, Terry, Ronny, and all my Grandparents, but I hope it's not to soon. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!

Love you lots.

Grandma Bear and little Bear

I decided to add this after seeing two of my day care kids (Avorie & Adilyn) sitting in one on there family blog. They even make them big enough for Kyler and I to sit in. This was taken in Branson last year. Yes Kyler's feet are as big as they look (size 14)

Brenda's Day

Brenda is our third to the oldest or maybe it sounds better to say the fourth to the youngest. Brenda lives in Mesa Arizona so we don't get to see her as much as the rest of our children, but she is still loved and very much missed. Brenda is such a beautiful person inside and out. Brenda is my step daughter also, but she has always showed me her love and concern. Thank you Brenda for letting me be part of your life. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

10/1/08

Happy Birthday Kyler. Where did time go I can't believe your 16 Years old today. Kyler you have grown into a very special young man. Although you have been though a lot for someone your age, you always seem to come out a stronger person. Always keep your goals at reach and you can accomplish what ever you seek after if you truly try. Always stay close to your Father In Heaven and remember he is always there for you. We love you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

It's also Jaisha's birthday today. Although Jaisha is not our Granddaughter as yet we feel has she is. Jaisha you have such a sweet personality with always a smile on your face. Have a wonderful 7th Birthday.

Trey's Art

Trey was looking at blogs with me, and we came across someones art work and the next thing I know he's handing his art work to me. This is a picture of a car he's driving, a rainbow and his house. So Cute Trey

Happy Birthday Alexis 9/18/08

Lexie is turning 10 years old. She is such a sweet little girl. She is so cute with her little sister Chloe and a great help to her Daddy. We are so happy that she is part of our family. Have a great day Lexie.

Where's the jump robe?

The other day Cindy my sister was looking at my blog and called and ask why I didn't have any body building pictures of Garrad on my blog so here's afew.

I'm sorry but I like my boys with all there cloths on.

Happy Birthday Lori 9/11/08

Lori is our baby girl. and the third to the youngest of 7. Lori is such a sweet person. We enjoy having her in our family although I'm only her step Mom she has always treated me with only love and repect. Thank you Lori for letting me be part of your life. Have a Great Day!

This is our Grandson Cody the dare devil of the bunch he loves to do anything that's extreme in sports. In this picture he just got through racing in a down hill bike race. He took second in the state of Utah. Great job Cody.

The white truck in the back ground is Mykla's. The rainbow in the sky ends at her truck so now we know where the end of the rainbow is. So does Mykla have the pot of gold?

Randy,Cindy,Kathryn, Myself (Judi), Ronny

Today is your Birthday’s (09/06/08)

So I would like to dedicate this day to both of you. I have been so blessed to have both of you as my Brothers.

Ronny when I was caring for our terminally ill Mother you were the one I could count on to be there every day to do what ever you could do to lift my load and be there for Mom. She looked forward to your arrival.

If there was ever a time that any of your nieces or nephews had a problem that they felt they couldn’t go to their parents with, they knew they could go to their Uncle Ronny. No matter how bleak the situation you with your wisdom and sense of humor could lighten their load.

Not only was you a great Uncle you were also a great Husband and Dad How blessed Kimmy and Tyson our, to be able to call you Dad.

All though I am having a hard time understanding why you were called home at a time when there was so much for you to do here on earth. I do know that there was much rejoicing at your return home. Any Mother knows the joy of having her child return to her. I can just imagine how Mother embraced you on your return.

Randy I’m sure this day is a very hard one for you. The first Birthday you will celebrate with out your twin, but if you try you will feel Ronny’s spirit around you and know he is ok. I’m sure he is very busy preparing things for all of our return someday. I love you so much and I’m so proud of you for the way you have tried to take some of the burden away from Janice. Attending Tyson’s games taking care of the farm and who knows what else.

So Ronny Have a wonderful day and Give Mom, Dad and Terry a hug for me. Randy, remember one of the last things Mother said was “Randy always be yourself you don’t need to impress anyone”.

I love you both, Happy Birthday!

Brady was ask to be in a fitness magazine and these are some of his photo shots.

Life's Treasures

Vivian Park

Kalee and Jaisha giving the thumbs up.

Don't walk behind me. Walk beside me,

because I may not follow.
Kalee, Marissa, Brooklyn, and Jaisha Walking toward Brady and Kaiden.
After going to Jake and Sariah's baby Sydney's blessing we went up Provo Canyon for a picnic.

Garrad in one of his modeling shots

SFC Garrad Jay Johnston


Were so proud of our son Garrad. He returned in April from spending 11 months in Iraq serving our country. This is something Garrad wanted to do. While there he received the Bronze Star Medal from President Bush. One of the highest awards in the Army that can only be received during combat. This is given when you have been in a very very dangerous situation and came out on top. (I'm sure there's a better way to describe this but I done my best). None the less we love Garrad and can't express enough to him how proud we are of him.

We're so sad for our Grandson Trey, this last Saturday he was riding his brother Nash's bike (he's new at bike riding) and fell off and broke his arm. It's even sadder because Trey and his family our leaving for Disneyland this Saturday and also to spend some time at the beach. So it will be a little harder for him to ride the rides and swim. But he's a tough boy. Make the best of it Trey and I'm sure you will make some great memories.

Gary trying to hold up the leaning Tower of Pisa

Gary and I on a Gondola ride

Gary and I at Sultans Palace

On June 27, 2008 Gary and I returned from spending 27 days in Europe. It was an adventure of a lifetime. We flew into Paris then on to Italy it took about 24 hour time during the flights and airports. We choose to do back to back cruising. That way we could enjoy being catered to along with nightly entertainment. We arrived at the airport in Rome, Italy and got a taxi to take us to a hotel for the night. We made arrangement with the taxi driver to take us to the ship the next day. We started our first cruise in Civitavecchia the port of Rome, Italy where we boarded the ship Carnival Freedom. The first port of call was in Naples, Italy where we visited the Island of Capri, Sorrento, and the ruins of Pompeii. After departing from Naples we had a day at sea. The next port of call was Dubrovnik, Croatia where we toured the old city of Dubrovnik. The next port of call was Venice, Italy where we spend 2 days and rode the evening Gondola ride. Upon leaving Venice, Italy we had another day at sea before arriving at your next port of call in Messina, Sicily where we did a city tour. Upon leaving Messina we had another day at sea before arriving at our next port of call Barcelona, Spain where we did a Barcelona highlights and shopping. We found Barcelona to be a very beautiful and clean city. Our next port of call was Cannes in the South of France where we motor coach a sightseeing tour. The next port of call was Livorno, Italy where we toured the Leaning Tower of Pisa. What an adventure we had in Pisa when we got lost and couldn’t find our way back to our tour bus. We walked and walked but all the buildings looked the same. We finally had to get a taxi to take us back to the ship, and boy was that fun trying to communicate with people that couldn't speak English and we couldn't speak Italian. Anyway we found a girl in one of the shops that understood when we said taxi and called a taxi for us. That was an experience that neither of us will soon forget. The next day we were back in Civitavecchia port of Rome where we started the second cruise. The neat thing here was we didn’t even have to leave the ship and we stay right in the same cabin. The first port of call was in Naples, Italy again and we just stayed on the ship and relaxed. After departing from Naples we had a day at sea before arriving at the next port of call in Marmaris, Turkey where we did panoramic tour in an air conditioned motor coach, but the air conditioning didn’t really work and it was 100 degrees with about 80 percent humidity which made it not very enjoyable. The next port of call was Izmir, Turkey where we did a discover Izmir tour and again it was very hot. The next port of call was Istanbul, Turkey that sits on 2 continents of Europe and Asia. In Istanbul we toured the Blue Mosque and Palace of the Sultans. We also when to the Grand Bazaar and bought 3 Turkish rugs. That was an experience as the guy would take no for an answer. He wanted 30 euros each which is about $45 US. We told him no but he finally came down to $20 US and we bought 1 rug. Then he kept trying to sale us the other 2 rugs he had. We kept telling him no and finally he came down to $20 US for both rugs and we bought them. However, this means that we got ripped off on the first one we bought. Upon departing from Istanbul we had a day at sea before arriving in our next port of call Athens, Greece where we did panoramic Athens and Plaka tour including the Olympic Stadium and Acropolis. The next port of call Katakolon, Greece where we toured the Ancient Olympia Village and Temple of Zeus. Upon departing Katakolon we had day at sea before arriving back in Livorno, Italy where we just stay on board the ship and relaxed. The next port of call was back in Civitavecchia the port of Rome, Italy where we toured St. Peters Square, the Vatican, and Sistine Chapel. The next morning we had to be up at 3:00 AM to get to the airport for our flight home departing at 7:00 AM. We had previously made arrangement with the same taxi driver to pick us up at the ship and take us to the airport. Amazingly enough with the communication issues he was at the ship at 4:00 AM. The taxi ride was really expensive $160 euros each way which totals about $480 US, but it was the best way for us to get to and from the ship. We thought the shore excursions would be the best way to go, and let someone else drive us to our destinations, but believe me the way they drive in Italy is very, very scary.

Sydney Lynn Mattinson

This is Baby Sydney she is so sweet. She was Given a name and a blessing on Sunday by her Daddy Jake Mattinson our nephew. What a cutie

In February we like to go to St. George to visit our dear friends Lynn & Lynda and also to get away from the cold. Three of our Grandchilden Bailee, Kalee, and Kaiden think that Lynn & Lynda our their Grandparents also, so we took them with us . This is a picture of all of them plus Grandpa Lynn headed out side to catch some snipes. If you look real close you will see that they have toothpaste on there faces, snipes like the smell of toothpaste so this will help them to find the snipes easier. Did they have any luck catching the snipes? You'll have to ask them.

I saw this on Jake and Sariah's blog and thought this would be a good bucket list for me.
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?
To participate, just copy and paste in your own blog, and bold all of the things you have done

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London, No but I have in Washington DC & The Dominican Republic.
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book I make my own cook book and give it to family and friends those that count?
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Seen Mount Rushmore in person
101. Learned to play an instrument

There you have it. I've done 55 out of 101 I guess I need to stick around for awhile so I can finish the list.