Goodbye 2008

Well, another year has gone flying by. I just can't believe how quickly they seem to go anymore. We had a lot of challenges, but some great memories as well. We had a good Christmas with many things to be grateful for. It was a little quiet on Christmas Eve with just Nathan, Calvin and I, but the kids all came for Christmas night. Spencer had to work. I felt sad that things weren't a little different, being his first Christmas away from home, but thankful for Mark and Colette Kremin ALWAYS remembering to invite him and include him. They are good people. Here are a few pictures for you to see.

Grandbabies...

Kael turned 2!

We thought he'd make a good poster child for Baskin Robbins!

Cass said make a funny face here is what he came up with!

Thanksgiving...

There is so much to be thankful for where do I begin. We had a houseful over the weekend with whitney, Jon, Kael, Brady, Cassidy, Chris and Spencer. Mike and Jill and Christopher were here on Thanksgiving also. It was a good weekend with lot's of chaos and laughter and of course eating. It was so nice to have the family all together and enjoy the babies. Kael keeps us in stiches with his new words and funny expressions. It usually takes him a day or two to warm up to us and "perform" his funny stunts and then it's time for them to leave. Brady is the smiliest little cutie pie and loves to be social. Things just get better and better and we are expecting our third grandbaby this August. Cassidy is prego!!! We are so happy about it. We love them so much. They bring nothing but joy to us and remind us of what is most important.
This is a wonderful time of year and gives me the opportunity all day long to reflect on what it's for. I don't know about you, but it seems to me that lights went up earlier, music started playing and the people began the celebrating sooner than usual. I was thinking that maybe people were needing to get an early start on the "Christmas Spirit," with the harder times this year. I love to see it all and hear "Merry Christmas" just to defy those who would mock it as just a "tradition." Those of us who know and love our Savior Jesus Christ KNOW it is much more than a traditional holiday. It is a holy day and season, to give in the spirit of CHRIST. I decided, since I tend to feel a lot of sadness this time of year, (that's another story) I would give all month long gifts to my Savior in the way of service. I'm doing pretty good so far and I have to say that my heart truly warms with this spirit of CHRIST. I love Him and "adore" Him. He is my king and my Lord forever more. I hope everyone of you have a wonderful month celebrating His birth and may you "have yourself a merry little Christmas" with the ones you love most.

A good day to reflect

Oh it's been too long since I last blogged and here is the reason why. I just haven't been able to put my feelings into words yet. With our past family crisis, I felt really mixed with emotions and hurt inside, I couldn't bring myself to say anything that I thought you would find useful. I am doing better, but honestly, this has been the hardest thing ever to deal with because I have absolutely no control of the outcome. I did learn however, I DO have control over my outcome and how I choose to react and respond to adversity and those who sometimes cause it. We have the perfect example in our Savior, who has given us the way...pray for them and love them inspite of everything. Well I do love my son Spencer so very much. I pray for him with all the faith I have inside and with all the energy of my soul. I don't think there is anything else I can do right now so I will continue to do this one great thing. I don't mean to sound negative because really I feel such joy and peace and gratitude for all that I have been blessed with throughout my life. Since it is officially the "Thanksgiving" month, I think it would be appropriate to share some of my blessings with you. "These are a few of my favorite things," not necissarily in order.
....Autumn colors, snow on the mountains today, America the beautiful, the privilege and right to cast my vote (and yes it does count in Utah!), my testimony of Jesus Christ and of His atonement for me, my wonderful and beautiful grandsons, my boys and girls, my loving and honest husband, my family and friends, clean water, heat in my house, beautiful music, children laughing, a really good movie, HGTV, my Mom and Dad, my health, feeling happy...the end....

I could go on and on, but the important thing is to get started and try to say different things each day.

I just finished reading the book John Adams by David McCullough. It was a wonderful book and helped me in my perspective. I realized while reading this book about this great man and the birth of our nation, that throughout the entire history of the USA, people have been saying the nation is in a terrible state and it's worse than ever etc. It made me stop and think about that. Things do seem dim and yet if we look back in time we can see that they always did and we kept moving forward as a nation and building a great and a strong union which has passed the tests of time. We don't need to fear but look up and as John Adams said "Rejoice evermore!" I choose to do this. I will put my trust in God and look to the future with hope and determination to do the BEST I can do. With each small and simple act of goodness, a greater goodness is done. I am grateful and proud I could vote today. I pray the Lord's will to be done and that no matter the outcome, I will continue to follow Him and trust He is in control. God Bless America and each of you!

Gives me hope...

I was just thinking that I needed to update my blog. I guess I don't have as much to say as I thought I did! Anyway, I was looking at the blogs I could get into (I can't seem to get into the private ones even though I've been invited..hmmm), and everything always came down to the children and being "MOM." I started to think how wonderful it is that we are so blessed with this privilege. When all is said and done, it all boils down to this, our most important work and focus is our children. Like right now, I keep looking out of the window to see if Nathan is coming up the road from school and never a day goes by without thinking about my kids and wondering if they are okay. I thought when they were grown my worries would be all over, but I was wrong. Sometimes I think everything before was just preparatory for the "BIG" worries. I was also thinking how wonderful it is that these young mothers have so much faith to have children. I"m impressed by their desire to have more children and without wondering how they are going to do it all. Maybe that is a blessing of having them young and maybe it is also a blessing that our Heavenly Father gives to females...an internal pull from heaven. I am grateful for mother's everywhere who love their children. There is nothing like it in all the world. If we can love our children this much, how much greater is our Savior's love for us. It's hard to imagine, and yet I know it is real. I know that He has the capacity to love me and everyone else on the planet He has created. I am grateful beyond measure for His allowing me to share in this love and help to bring His children into the world. I treasure this opportunity and feel a great responsibility to do my best, even though I fall short often. Through His grace and mercy, He makes up the difference in the end. Like the song says, "He is the tender in tender mercy."

"Joy in my Posterity..."

Whew! What a month this has been. Today is Labor Day and the start of fall to me. I love Autumn. It is one of my favorite seasons because it is the start of school, yay!, and the beginning of the holidays. I love the colors of the leaves, pumpkins and the brisk air, and knowing that Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming soon. The summer went pretty fast for me. Next year I am going to try not to have so many things to do. Nathan started Junior High School and loves it, which makes me love it too! I was able to spend a few short days with Whitney and the babies. I just fell in love with those two little guys. Kael keeps me hopping and in stiches. I just love him to pieces! He is so sweet and Brady is adorable and so peaceful to hold. I could just hold him for hours at a time. It was great to spend time with Whit too. She is a great mother and will be a great blessing to her boys. I can tell she will teach them well. Cassidy and Chris stayed with Nathan so that I could go out and be with Whit and the boys. I was just thinking the other day about Whitney, Jon and Chris and Cass and how grateful I am for their good lives. They make me proud to be a Mother and I feel that it was all worth it. I thought I would just say, also, that I am so excited for the upcoming election on November 4th. Remember to register to vote if you haven't already. It will soon be too late to do that. Most telephone directories have a registration form in the back for one person or you can call your county office and find out where your voter registration office is, or when you renew your license you can do it then at the DMV. I'm not at all embarrassed to say that I am a Republican through and through. I am voting for John McCain and was excited by his choice for a running mate, Sarah Palin. I think she is on the ball and stands for the same values as I do. She is pro-life, pro-family and pro-marriage between a man and a woman only. I think she has a great presence and I admire her tenacity plus she is a mother. I love this country so much. I feel I have invested much of my life in the defense of it by supporting my husband in his duties during his military service. I recognize the blessings that we as Americans have and the stewardship which accompanies such blessings. As an American and as a Mother, I feel a responsibility to stand for good everywhere. I want the best for my children and my grand-children and pray for our nation to be preserved by the constitution upon which is was founded. What a privilege it is to have a voice and know that our one single vote DOES count towards the future. So go register if you haven't already done so.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

And to the republic for which it stands; One nation under GOD,

indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

One more blessing to count!

We have been blessed with a brand new baby boy in our family. His name is Brady Kremin Muir. Kremin is a middle name. Whitney didn't have to have a c-section and we are so glad about that. He weighed 9 lbs. 9 oz. and was 21 inches long. He is so precious to hold! He looks like Kael a lot and is so perfect. It's amazing how perfectly formed he is. It truly is a miracle. How could anyone think otherwise? Tomorrow Nathan starts school, so I came home for a couple of days to get him started and then will go back to Vernal for a few more days to help. I'm glad we live close enough to do that. We had a fun time watching and playing with Kael. He is a funny little guy and so busy. He doesn't sit still for long before he is on to the next thing. We are grateful for our kids. Our life is so good.

Explains my moods

WAIT! Before reading this, scroll down and turn on Ever Ever after on my playlist.

I just took an online test. It seems that my hormones are "severely" unbalanced. Cal could attest to that. Lately I have been so overwhelmed by the smallest things and just want to run away. I don't have any immediate plans too, though so don't be alarmed. I love my husband and need his support way too much for that. He is my rock and I don't express it often enough but I lean on him ALOT. I don't even know if he knows how much. We have been married 27 glorious years come August 21, and though it has been rough and rocky at times, I wouldn't change a thing except maybe we would have a lot more money in the bank and travel more often! Marriage is a wonderful institution and I know that it is a fundamental part of a healthy society and our Heavenly Father's plan. I am so glad that my lovely daughters have wonderful husbands who love them and take care of them. We love Jon and Chris like our very own sons and appreciate the contributions they make to our family. My happiest times are when all of my children are home and we are sharing laughter and fun together. I can't wait for Thanksgiving because this year they get to be home for the holiday. And we will have a brand new little one to add to our blessing list. Whitney is due pretty much anytime and we are so excited to meet our new grandson. So here's to another 27 years and more with the man I adore, love, laugh and cry with. I love you Calvin and I love my family so much!!!!!!

Love Life & Learning.....

I am supposed to teach a Relief Society lesson this coming Sunday and it is entitled, Love Life and Learning. I have been feeling very unqualified to give this lesson because I struggle with loving life sometimes. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for my good life and do feel very blessed, but I am not one of those people that can always just "roll with the punches." I tend to fight unpleasantness all the way, and....I don't have more than a high school education so what am I doing? As I have been pondering what I should say some things have come to mind for me. First of all, I don't think that life is meant to be easy, or necessarily fun, but we are to glean from our experiences lessons which give us perspective, wisdom and joy. This is learning. I came across something I wrote a couple of years ago, struggling to make sense of some of the adversity in life and here is a sampling of what I learned that year.

*I cannot get along in this life without my Heavenly Father.

*I can receive comfort and peace whenever I ask in faith and humility.

*His timing is better than mine, and He does not always give me the direction I want when I think I need it. He gives it when I am still enough to hear and accept it.

*His creations bring me joy.

*I am never alone.

*Jesus Christ loves me.

*Faith is not the absence of doubt, it is the choice to trust and obey in spite of doubt.

*I've learned to appreciate "old" mothers, especially my own, who have raised families.

*I know what it feels like to have "joy and rejoicing" in my posterity. This is GOOD!

After I read over my list, I felt more confident in my ability to give this lesson. I think we are all too hard on ourselves sometimes, and not hard enough other times. Does that even make sense? I think we can rationalize things away when we maybe should be doing better, in some things, for me that would be wasting time etc., but then I am way too hard on myself when it comes to human tendancies and weakness when I should just give myself a break and know that I really do try to "give my all" most of the time. I love my children so much. They are more precious to me than life itself but sometimes I focus on the things I didn't do or did wrong. I hope that I can learn to just let go of things I can't change. I believe our God is a "God of compensation", and where we lack, He will will make up the difference. That is Grace to me. Enjoy your day. I love you all!

I haven't done a current blog in quite awhile, but Cassidy is here walking me through this so I'm going to take advantage of her help. This has been a crazy summer and so busy but one fun thing we decided at the last minute to do was go to Oregon to visit with Bruce and Jennifer Madsen and their five beautiful children. Calvin and I both needed a "getaway" and the Oregon coast is one of those places that help me to refocus and gain perspective. It is the most spectacular place and unbelievably beautiful to look at. We saw a one hundred year old light house and visited the tide pools when the tide was low so we could enjoy the starfish, sea anemone and all kinds of wonderful creatures we don't ever get the chance to see. It was wonderful to play and visit and just relax. I feel blessed to have this beautiful world to live in. We enjoyed the Madsen family they have such good kids and a beautiful home. I miss the funny things Andrew and Spencer said all the time. Needless to say, it was a fun and relaxing trip and I'm glad we could go. It always feels good to "come home" after being away, though. Dorothy was right when she said, "there's no place like home...." We had a fun Kremin Family Reunion in June with the usual, silliness, laughter, campfires, pranks and everything that accompanies these great get-to-gethers with the Kremins. This bunch really knows how to have fun! We followed up with a Brimhall reunion in Colorado which was just as fun. It was good to see my Mom and see that she is being cared for. I loved seeing all my family and reconnecting with almost everyone. We would be so lonely without our loved ones. Well, to all of you reading this,here are a few pictures from our summer adventures. Have a great week.

Another Day in Paradise.....

Okay, I am a computer idiot! I know how to post, but beyond that I can't figure out the playlist or photos, so turn off the song playing and scroll down to I am blessed and play that one while you read this. Today was a great day for a few reasons. One, yesterday I was so depressed. I had absolutely no reason at all, but sometimes my brain just works that way. It didn't help that no one was home and I had time to just sit and feel sorry for myself. I need distractions sometimes. The weird thing is that I had a good week. I have been feeling kind of overwhelmed thinking about the next month and everything that is coming up. I don't handle being so busy very well. Poor Cal, what he has to put up with. He came home late from being on call and rubbed my feet while he was telling me how wonderful I am. His words, not mine. He is so romantic. Not in the "romantic" sense, just an amazing friend and husband. I'm glad I get to have him forever. Another reason today was good, is that I felt better. I worked in my yard and just enjoyed my home. I have been feeling so sorry for the people in Myanmar and China and even here in the good old USA, who have had so many heartaches and destruction. I was just sitting on my front porch watching the sun set over the Great Salt Lake, and just feeling grateful for the peace and security I know every single day. My sister Nancy is struggling with some pretty serious health issues and this makes me realize how much I take my good health for granted. I hope and pray she will soon be better and on her feet. She is a good sister and I love her so much. Well, another day to cherish. I am happy for those. I don't have much to complain about but always find something anyway. Why is that? One of my goals this year has been to be more content. For the most part I am succeeding, but then have set backs now and again, like yesterday. I'm back on track, though. By the way, I'm reading a good book called "The Magic of Ordinary Days." It is a good read. Hope let me borrow her movie and it was very good. I hightly recommend it. I have really tried to get into Twilight but haven't been able to. Sorry Cassidy! I know it is so popular, but like Cass said, I tend to like books that deal with reality. For those of you who haven't seen Emma, go see it. It is really good and so uplifting. Well, that's it for today. I'll keep you posted on the rest of my life, in case you're interested!!!! Love,Wendy

Cassidy patiently sat beside me tonight and helped me do my music list. I hope you like it. Last week during Women's Conf and BYU, Sheri Dew encouraged us to have a voice in the world and share the feelings and faith we hold most dear. She mentioned different ways to do that and even mentioned a blog, so there you go and here I am. I know that I am an ordinary person, but really like to share my thoughts hoping they will in someway help to add goodness and optimism to our sometimes pessimistic world. I had a great day with my sweetie Cal at the VA hospital. This was my first experience in that dreary place. It felt like a prison hospital. Have these people ever seen color on walls. No wonder there are so many sick people in that hospital! Cal had to have an evaluation for his disability. For those of you who have ever wondered why he can't stay awake.....he has sleep apnia. Because this is something that he had while on active duty, it is considered a disability. Anyway, as I was sitting in the waiting room, filled with old veterans, I kept thinking about my Dad. He used to try to tell me things about the war and his experiences and I am sorry to say, most of the time I would tell him that I didn't want to hear because they were boring. How I have wished he were here to tell me all the things I'd like to hear now. Anyway, back to the waiting room. I looked at these men and wondered what their stories were. Some were obviously from WWII, and others looked and dressed like they were Vietnam Vets. You can kind of tell sometimes. I felt proud to be in their presence, and honor the service they gave for all of us here in America "the land of the free because of the brave." I am proudest of all of my dear Calvin, who spent 28 of his years serving honorably and I might add, enthusiastically to care for those who had been wounded or needed to be "fixed" physically. You may not know this but he helped to save many lives, and rendered much compassion to all he cared for. I love him for that. My brother Mike also served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War and I feel privileged every time he feels open enough to share things with me. He served us well, and I am sooooo proud of his great strength. I love this country and feel so grateful to be an AMERICAN. I feel compassion for anyone who wants the same blessing for themselves and their families. I just wish there was a better way for everyone to share in the goodness. So thanks to all the Veterans. I hold them in high esteem and pay special tribute to the wives and husbands, fathers and mothers left behind to worry and pray and hope for their safe return.

Thanks to my sweet Whitney

Guess what? I have a blog!! I am still really new at this so it may not be fully operational for a little while, but listen...you are hearing beautiful music! Thanks Whit, you're the best. She gets her desire to serve everyone from her Dad. He is THE most helpful person you could ever meet and she is like that too. He gets that from his Mom, Joyce. She loves to help, give love, teach, whip up something yummy to eat and just generally help anyone and everyone especially her family. She is the most wonderful mother and mother-in-law, although in-law has kind of fallen by the wayside over the years as she has become a second mother to me. I love her like my own and hope to be just like her someday. My dear sweet little mother is in a nursing home, so she won't be reading this, but I do often pray that she will just be able to FEEL my love for her. She's my "Mama Darlin'. " I never realized all that she did for us, but am starting to get an idea of the magnitude of a mother's work. It is unending and eternal. Aren't we all so blessed! I went to the funeral of a 97 year old woman on Monday. She was the epitome of one who endured to the end. She loved to say that and I'm going to adopt that from her. I felt blessed to have known her for the two short years I did. Nathan was the last person she ever passed the sacrament to in this life. That in itself is a privilege. Well I will end this day singing His praise. I am thankful for small miracles and the beauty of the earth and skies! Wendy

Mother's Day Wonder!!

We have been trying to call Spencer all week and haven't been able to reach him. The phone just rings and rings. I went to Women's Conference and had a wonderful workshop on fear and the importance of ALWAYS remembering to exercise Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I have been trying to say that over and over when I feel anxious and worried. Anyway...I have been really getting worried for a number of reasons and yet each time I pray for his safety I feel a peaceful feeling come. This morning, I tried again and again but to no avail. I also had a strong feeling that I should go to the temple. Sometimes that just happens, the Lord kind of pushes me out the door. I didn't plan to go, but decided that I would be sorry if I did not so I did. I prayed that Heavenly Father would help me listen and feel whatever He was wanting me to know or do or feel at the Temple. I was a little disappointed that it was a pretty ordinary session. When I was sitting in the Celestial room, two young men walked in smiling and practically glowing and I thought "oh righteous young men" and then I began to cry and pray for Spencer and I poured out my heart to my Heavenly Father for him and I felt peace, again. Just as I got in the car, I saw that I had missed 8 calls in a row from Cal. I started to panic a bit thinking oh my goodness, he never calls like that, maybe Spencer is dead. I am a bit on the dramatic side but you know what I mean. I called him back and he answered as cheerful as could be. I told him he scared me to death. He explained that Spencer called and had just lost his phone and was fine etc. On my way home I turned on Kenneth Copes "You're still your fathers child" and began to cry again, only this time it was from all the tender mercies that Heavenly Father gives me. I felt such gratitude that Spencer was alive and well and hadn't been using drugs and all the emotions that come with that. I just felt joy and peace, again. I love my Savior so much! When I was almost home, Spencer called ans said he was waiting for me. When I walked in the house he said, "close your eyes". I did and he laid a BIG beautiful, glorious picture of Christ with children. It was framed and everything. It had a scripture on the bottom of it "REmember the worth of souls is great". He also gave me a story book called "Mom says I can." It talks about a little boy and how his mother believes he can do anything. He hugged me and said he really liked that scripture on the painting. I was dumbfounded, really. I couldn't believe it. Maybe this doesn't seem like much, but for Spencer this was HUGE. I'm not saying his life has changed, but something is in there and He at least has acted on that light, however small flickering inside his heart. My girls will know what I mean when I say "My cup runneth over!"
I just wanted to share this happy moment with those I love the most!!! Oh and I think that I just needed to do some service in the Temple today. Her name was Alfreda Mehring 1884 from Ohio.
Love, WEndy