I've been busy!

Here's one of the things that has kept me busy... Here are some of the things that have been happening in the Days house...

Come little leaves...

"Come little leaves," said the wind one day... O'er the meadow and out to play...

Put on your dresses of red and gold...

For summer is gone...

And the days grow cold! HAPPY FALL!!!

Xander, Garrett, Eleanor and Savannah

Farewell to Granny Todd and some cute kids....

Granny Todd was a dignified and glorious woman. Jason and his sisters started calling her "Granny" when they were very little. She was not related by blood, but by a kindred spirit that went far deeper than a bloodline. She was very much loved by our family. Granny came to our birthday parties and baby blessings. We invited her to concerts and dinner. She always had a little treat of some kind for the kids. Xander and Garrett loved her. Jason adored her. I can't describe in words my affection for Granny. She was one of those people who will be missed greatly. She was buried in Arlington Cemetary on October 7,2009. We took the children to say their good-byes and to witness the wonder of the ceremony held at the cemetary. Since she was a spouse, she did not receive the entire fanfare, but it was still amazing to watch....

We made a pink carnation heart and wrote our names on the ribbons. The family asked us to place it on the casket, so it could be buried along with her. Jason was able to do the honor.

Eleanor was dressed in the Laura Ashley dress I bought years ago and finally was able to put on my own daughter! It went through several cousins before we got it back. It is a classic and in perfect condition.

Arlington Cemetary is amazing! It really puts into perspective the amazing sacrifice of the men and women of our country. God bless America and thank you to all servicemen who sacrifice their lives for our freedom.

After the cemetary, we went and celebrated Grandpa Day's birthday. A good time was had by all!
On a different note....everyone needs a picture like this, eh?And last, but not least...a few shots of my beautiful children....

Man, I am soooooo blessed! These kids make my life complete!

Yeeeehawwww!

September was crazy at the Day house! We were renting instruments until 9:00pm every night. Although we did not make our goal of 300 rentals, we were close. We also sold a lot of instruments that helped to almost make our goal.
In addition to all the rentals, we kept up with all of our other activities. Here's an update....

THE MARRIOTT RANCH PICNIC
One of our favorite traditions! The church international affairs office and the Marriott family host a western picnic for all the Ambassadors in the Washington DC area. I draw caricatures of those who attend. The children love to go! Since it is a family affair, there are tons of activities for everyone to do!




One of the highlights this year was a cast member from High School Musical. Eleanor was so excited, as he taught them a dance....
The countryside is so beautiful. I could drive and enjoy the scenery all day long....

Another successful and fun year at the Marriott Ranch! Yeeeehawww!!!!

We will make it....

The mom and the dad at the Day house are very tired. We have been renting violins, violas, cellos and basses for two weeks now. Our goal is 300 - we are not even close, but they keep coming, so I cannot complain. We have met great people... We can see the basement floor again...we are still getting phone calls. All things to be grateful for. Yawn! Now if I could just get a good night's sleep...

Thirteen Reasons Why I LOVE You!

Thirteen Reasons Why I love you...

1. Every day for the past thirteen years has been worth it!
2. You send me flowers all the time.
3. You are a hottie!
4. Four Beautiful Children
5. Meditation from Thais
6. You get up with the children in the middle of the night for me
7. Birthday Rollovers are your forte!
8. You love me even when I don't like myself.
9. You like a clean house
10. Back scratches
11. Foot Rubs
12. You always call me Beautiful
13. I know you love me because you show it every day!

Happy Anniversary Jason! I love you!

We will NEVER forget...

I remember the beautiful sunny day and playing outside with Xander and Garrett and the two children I was babysitting. We were enjoying the sunshine. The boys were having the time of their lives playing in the sand box and riding their trikes. It was Jason's first day at The Flint Hill School as their newest music teacher. It was a job we took a chance on and I was sad to see him leave that morning.

He called me around 10am and told me to get the children inside and told me what happened. I remember looking at the beautiful sky and thinking, "You're not making any sense! It is such a nice day!" Then my thoughts turned to my sister, Anna, who worked in DC and Jason's dad who was working at Fort Myer, near the Pentagon...were they ok? What was really happening? I said a silent prayer, still not realizing the impact of Jason's words.

I remember telling Xander when he asked me why I was crying that there were a lot of people that had to go live with Heavenly Father that day. He saw the planes when they hit the building and said, "Why are they flying into the building?"

The candlelight vigil was our 5th wedding anniversary. I lit candles all over the house and we talked about life and perspective and how grateful we are for the plan of Salvation. I cried again that night, as I realized I had my husband and so many didn't.

Four years later, when we were in New York, Jason and I went to Ground Zero. As we approached the site, I remember being overwhelmed with the reality of it. It was hard to breathe and I once again cried.

Today I looked at the flag and my beautiful children and smiled when my husband came home. I will never forget the way I felt that day. I am grateful for another day with my family in this wonderful nation. We can never forget...God Bless America!