You tube

While preparing for a seminary class I stumbled upon a video on Youtube. It is worth the few minutes it takes to watch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70kdwGBv8fQ

Covered bridges of Ashtubula County

The Mighty Hunters

I took Preston and his good friend, Josh, elk hunting. Here they are discussing the trail in the snow.

They turned and asked if there might be elk tracks on the trail.

I told them they had better go check it out and I would watch for elk.
They found six dead trees across the stream, which was frozen, and they asked if they could climb on these trees. Preston named this place the jungle gym forest. They had such a grand time for an hour. I was just sitting and glassing the trees above them, where I have seen the elk moving many times at dusk.

Preston in the jungle gym forest.

The two mighty explorers.

More jungle gym.

They both found walking sticks and used these to break holes in the ice. The water was about three inches deep.

As we walked back to the jeep at dusk, Preston declared this to be the biggest jungle gym forest in the world. They want to come back. I think young minds are so creative. Preston named this the jungle gym forest all on his own. (Andy and Mike, does this make you think of gulch gate, rattlesnake road, cougar rock, two moose draw and the super bowl?) Now, when I suggest that we go to the jungle gym forest, Preston will always know exactly what I am talking about. We saw 8 eagles, many deer, lots of bucks, no elk, but there were elk tracks on the trail. I will be back at this trail at sunrise after the next big snow. Love you, Dad, Matthew & Grandpa!!

Out of the mouths of babes...

The Savior said we should be as little children, humble and submissive. Children truly come into this world perfect and without blemish. My grandchildren have taught me what it means to show our love to Jesus Christ through our actions and words.

Last Sunday, as Shay and I were driving to church with Porter, Carlee and Tessa May (Andy was at the E.R.), Shay put in a church CD with children's primary music on it. It is about a 15 minute drive to church from their house and Shay and I were talking quietly, the kids not so quietly, when I had one of the most precious experiences of the whole 11 day trip to OH. I didn't realize what was happening at first, but it quickly dawned on me that Porter was singing along with the CD. Here are the words:


If the Savior stood beside me,
Would I do the things I do?
Would I think of His commandments
And try hard to be true?
Would I follow His example?
Would I live more righteously?
If I could see the Savior
standing nigh watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me,
Would I say the things I say?
Would my word be true and kind,
if He were never far away?
Would I try to share the gospel?
Would I speak more reverantly,
if I could see the Savior
standing nigh watching over me?

He is always near me,
though I do not see Him there.
And because He loves me dearly
I am in His watchful care.
So I'll be the kind of person
that I know I would like to be,
If I could see the Savior,
standing nigh...

watching over me.

I know that when I imagine the Savior standing next to me, I am a different person, kinder and more considerate of others. This song reminded me that my actions should always be in harmony with what God would have me do. A few hours after this experience, I was on the plane heading back to UT, but I left knowing Porter, Carlee and Tessa are being watched over by a loving Heavenly Father and earthly parents who will do whatever it takes to teach them about their Savior.

Thank you Porter for giving me that precious gift of joy on my last day.

We Gave Her Back

Hey Family, we finally gave Grandma back, reluctantly. Thanks to everyone for sharing her with us for 11 days, we had a wonderful time. But even a bigger thanks to grandma for taking time out of your busy schedule to come here and play with all of us. We made some great memories and had some good laughs, oh, and I hope she didn't notice my dirty microwave that I finally cleaned last night. If only we were all millionaires we could see each other more often and whenever we wanted.

On our way to Ashtabula County there was a sign that said the lottery was up to 73 million. We had a good conversation about what we would all do with that kind of money. I want you all to know that I would take us all on a Disney cruise followed up with a trip to Disney World, and we would all of our own rooms, not that I wouldn't want to share with you. I love you all so much.

-Shay

Here are some of my favorite pics

Mom- Our Kansas Girl!

I have fond memories of growing up and listening to my Sherrie Austin c.d. (She is the artist who sings Streets of Heaven.) She also sings a song titled "Singing to the Scarecrow." It's about a little girl who lives on a farm in Kentucky. This little girl is full of bliss and it's easy to tell she loves growing up on her farm. I loved listening to this song because it always made me think of Mom and it still does. Mom has such a love for Kansas and because of that, all of her children do to. It's so cool that my mom grew up on a farm! The words John Deer, Minneola, fire flys, prairie dogs, sunflowers, "the snake", Grandpa, and many more things represent many memories and good times which only one who's been to "the farm" can understand. I will never forget the one thing Grandpa wanted to be buried with... his dirt. His dirt from "the farm." I love thinking about the farm and all of the memories that flood my mind. Like having so many frogs to catch that they don't all even fit into one sour cream container. And I will never forget the first time dad showed me a fire fly. I also remember the time I about peed my pants because Grandpa snuck up behind D and I with his flashlight and said "Oh my gosh, don't move, the snake is right there!" Nor will we forget the trains that pass on the beautiful horizon, never to be heard. Oh the memories...

Mom is amazing. She created a home that was full of fun, laughter, peacefulness, happiness, hope, comfort and the list goes on forever. We love you mom.

Here are the words to that song.


Singing To The Scarecrow


I'm sure Mom has sung to the scarecrow more than once in her life. We love you!
Aubrey, Chris, Andy, Shay, Mike, Erin, Jake and D, what are your favorite memories from the farm?!

Porter's Special Day at Preschool

Monday was Porter's Special Day at pre-school. He was allowed to bring two visitors for the 2 hours he was there and he got to bring treats (chocolate chip-butterscotch cookies he helped make). As the Special Person of the day he was allowed to lead the Pledge of Allegiance, be the Weatherman of the Day, lead the line and choose the activities. We danced the hokey-pokey, painted, read books, played in the sandbox, said a blessing on the snack(Porter's pre-school is in a Presbyterian church), had singing time and I had a wonderful time being 4 again. It makes me wonder why I spent so much time wanting to hurry and grow up? Thanks, Porter, for letting me share in your Special Day and meet all your friends.

Kirtland, Ohio

At Stick Park or as Carlee calls it "Dick Pock"

At the planetarium

Cameron's blessing day

"Behold your little ones..."

November 2, 2008 was Cameron's blessing day. Jake gave Cameron a wonderful blessing with all of the expected promises, but the one that I remember feeling strongly about is the promise that he would always remember to turn to Heavenly Father, to pray to him often. I suppose that if there is one thing I could give my children it would be a desire to lean upon the Lord, not just during times of difficulty, but everyday of their lives. If Cameron will do that throughout his life, he will have the Spirit to guide him in all he says and does. What a wonderful thought for this beautiful little boy that there will be a divine hand protecting him and guiding him.

How can you look in the eyes of a newborn and not believe in a great and loving God.

Cameron having happy dreams...

Several of Cameron's Lawson cousins.

Jake, Danielle and Cameron on his blessing day.

Lauren and Caleb holding the guest of honor.

Cameron and two of his cousins were born less than 3 weeks apart. Won't that make for exciting family reunions!

Luke is never far from his cowboy hat.

Cameron had two great-grandma's attending his blessing. Jake's grandmother, Ardella Lawson, and Dani's grandmother, Marie Bush, were both there to love him.

While in high school Danielle and her friends went on a group date dressed up as football players. One of Dani's friends borrowed Mike's old football jersey. Mike realized several weeks later that she hadn't given it back. D. insisted her friend had returned it and so we spent several days looking for it. We never found it and eventually Mike and D. moved on.

...then this past week Dani received a phone call from her friend saying she had found a football jersey in her attic with the name COIL on it. When Mike came to Dani's for the baby blessing, D. had the jersey on. It took Mike a second or two, then he realized what was going on.

Isn't it great that some things we see as a negative from our childhood can create a bond that brings us closer together. Matthew and I have talked often about a quote we found several years ago, "It is never too late to have a happy childhood."

The football jersey has been found, more importantly, the love between brother and sister was never lost. My children are my heroes. The love they have for each other will be a blessing throughout their lives and continues to bless the lives of their parents. Thank you Aubrey, Andy, Michael, Danielle and Lauren for "getting it."

Madison loves to have her picture taken. Here she is posing in front of D and Jake's house. Notice Jake has been working on the landscaping.

(I had a picture of me with Aub, D and Lala posted here, but I accidently erased it. I am in Ohio and will have to restore it when i get home to my computer.)

I don't remember the last time we took a picture of me and the 3 girls. This is a little deceiving, because Danielle has on 3" heels, Lauren is barefoot and Aubrey and I are really almost the same heighth. It's funny how often we all dress in the same color. I actually had a brown dress on, but at the last minute put on a black turtle neck. I know some people will look at this picture and see us all dressed in black, our different heights or our blond hair. What I remember though is that as soon as Matthew said get together and he would take our picture, all the girls wrapped their arms around each other. We were laughing and hugging, teasing and squeezing. The picture only tells part of the story. The rest of the story is all about loving each other.

And now we are back to where we began, welcoming Cameron to the family. We love you!