Look What I Found!

That was the text we got last Sunday with this picture attached. Our friends Grant and Judy Sumsion went to Montana for the weekend and tracked Alec down!!! THEY ARE THE BEST FRIENDS!!!!! They took him (and the other elders, too) out for Pizza, and GOT HUGS!!! I'M SO JEALOUS!!!! What a perfect way to end Conference Weekend!! Only 10 more Fast Sundays!!!!

I'm Just a Proud Momma!!

I guess you never grow out of the amazement each child brings into your life. It starts with pictures on the refrigerator, goes to report cards, all of their achievements, and marriage. But it doesn't seem to end there. You still burst with pride when you see your children achieve goals and become stronger people. Today, it's Haley's turn!!

She just ran the Midnight Half Marathon in Mapleton last Friday. They started at Jolley's Ranch around 10:00 and ended up at Ira Allen Park in Mapleton around midnight. What a trooper!!! She was barely winded!!!

Here she is on the last leg of the run.

Here she is at the finish line.

And here's one proud husband!!!

GOOD JOB!!!!!

I Have Been Kelseyfied!!!

Once again, Michael Kelsey delivered a great performance. It doesn't seem to matter if he is on stage or in your family room, he is SO entertaining!!! For those who missed this performance, I'm so sorry!! There's always next time!!!

When the concert started, they asked for NO flash photography!! But when he called Jillian up on stage to sing her song, I HAD to sneak a picture. That is why it is so blurry!!!

Me and 2 of my FAVORITE musicians!!!

Debra and I just can't get enough of Michael!!!

We Love You and Will Miss You, Aunt Emma.

Emma Graves Mason (December 8, 1924 - June 28, 2010)

Emma Graves Mason entered this life on Dec. 8, 1924. She returned to her Father-in-Heaven; husband, Dean; parents, James and Edna Graves; brother, Floyd Graves; sisters, LaVera Curtis, Thelma Stewart; grandson, Brad Taylor; nieces, nephews and many in-laws on June 28, 2010. Emma was loved by all who came in contact with her.
She had four great loves in her life. First - Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ. Second - her husband, Arthur Dean Mason. Third - her children and grandchildren: Caroldine (Richard) Vos, Springville, Jim (Carol) Mason, Spanish Fork, Brenda (Kevin) Olson, Cedar City, Jay (Shelly) Mason, Springville. She has 18 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren. Fourth - her love of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was a Provo Temple worker for 23 years. She served in many position in her ward including Relief Society President.
We would like to thank Utah Regional Center 4th floor, rehab, Sunrise Hospice and Aspen Care for their love and care for our beautiful mother.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 2, 2010 at 11 a.m. in the Hobble Creek West Stake Center, 555 S 600 E, Springville, UT. A viewing will be held Thursday, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 E 200 S, Springville and Thursday one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Words to Live by Alec - MAJOR PAYDAY

I just have to share!!!

May 23, 2010
Dear Br. & Sis. Matthews,
Today your son is transferring away from Powell. I didn't want to miss the opportunity to report to you what an excellent missionary he has been in this area.
From the first time we met him he has been helpful, courteous and pleasant, diligent and faithful. He reaches out to my sons who are of mission age but resisting that commitment...in a loving and non-judgemental way. This means a lot to me.
You can be very proud/grateful and confident your son is serving the Lord in a true and faithful manner-such a blessing to him and to you as a family, I am sure.
Thank you for your efforts in raising such a sensitive young man.
Sincerely,
Joan (& Steve) Christiansen

It so nice when others figure out what you already know! He is nothing short of amazing!!!

Miracles still happen!!!!

Family Flowers

When I went to buy flowers this year, I got what reminded me of my family. Gerber Daisys remind me of Melanie's wedding.

Dalias remind me of Haley's wedding


Paul's favorite are Begonias
There is nothing flowery about Alec, but Jack has quite an aroma!!!

I was going to get some that represented me, but the line was too long, so Paul bought them. What kind of flower you ask? Impatients! (I was going to take a picture, but I had other things to do)

Haley, these are for you!!!

P. S. Special thanks to my lovely helper, Melanie!!!

Springtime in Provo

I know it's been a cold spring, but look what it's done for our flowers! They are so beautiful. This is our Peace Rose.

Our red roses have never done too well, but look at them now!

Notice the far away ones, as well.

I can't believe how perfect they look!

They are beautiful up close or from a distance!

The climber is filling in so well!!

The side garden is so lush and green!

Our bench is buried under Melanie and Elliots furniture. When we uncover it, we'll put it out.

It is so beautiful with the shades of green highlighted with purple.

We have had a BUMPER crop of Columbine. They have never been taller!

My Sweet William adds so much color. I REALLY love Sweet William

Yeah, even the weeds are hardy!!! I almost hate to pull them!!

Well Haley, this is what you are missing here!! We love you and miss you and Graden LIKE CRAZY!!! We're looking forward to August!!!

Texas? Hell! Don't mess with Matthews!!

When Alan went to Guard, he had to show his marksmenship. This cowboy don't miss!!! Check this out!!

I feel so protected!!! It was suggested that we just post this on the front door instead of some alarm company logo.

Between Alan and the wolf in the back yard, DON'T MESS WITH MATTHEWS!!!

Yeah, I'm Still Breathing - BARELY

It has been so long since I have posted anything. I have enjoyed reading the posts from friends and family. Thanks for not slacking!
I don't know if I should dedicate this post to my driving ability or my speaking ability!!! I can turn words around so that, to me, they make sense, but to the normal person, it doesn't!! For example, I was trying to tell someone about 1983, the year of the floods. I described it as the "Year the lake was under water". Yeah, they laughed!!
But don't discount my driving talents. I have not only dented every car I've owned, I wrecked 3 cars BEFORE I got my driver's licence. Thus the nickname, "Truckin' Annie" (Thanks Mean Dean)
Well, either way you look at it, this if funny stuff that I want to share!

The following was published by an insurance company for internal distribution. These reports were submitted when policy-holders were asked for a brief statement describing their particular accident. An Ann Landers reader sent them in from Raleigh, N.C.

1. The other car collided with mine without giving warning of its intention.

2. I thought my window was down but found it was up when I put my hand through it.

3. A pedestrian hit me and went under my car.

4. The guy was all over the place. I had to swerve a number of times before I hit him.

5. I pulled away from the side of the road, glanced at my mother-in-law and headed over the embankment.

6. The accident occured when I was attempting to bring my car out of a skid by steering it into the other vehicle.

7. I was driving my car out of the driveway in the usual manner, when it was struck by the other car in the same place it had been struck several times before.

8. I was on my way to the doctor's with rear-end trouble when my universal joint gave way, causing me to have an accident.

9. As I approached the intersection, a stop sign suddenly appeared in a place where no stop sign had ever appeared before. I was unable to stop in time to avoid the accident.

10. The telephone pole was approaching fast. I was attempting to swerve out of its path when it struck my front end.

11. To avoid hitting the bumper of the car in front, I struck the pedestrian.

12. My car was legally parked as it backed into the other vehicle.

13. An invisible car came out of nowhere, struck my vehicle and vanished.

14. When I saw I could not avoid a collision, I stepped on the gas and crashed into the other car.

15. The pedestrian had no idea which direction to go, so I ran him over.

16. I saw the slow-moving, sad-faced old gentleman as he bounced off the hood of my car.

17. Coming home, I drove into the wrong house and collided with a tree I don't have.

18.The indirect cause of this accident was a little guy in a small car with a big mouth.

Let's just say, I have other talents!! Hell Yeah!!!

Pay Day!

Alec sent some pictures home, so I HAVE to share!

This was my FAVORITE!!!! To see more, check out his facebook! Melanie uploaded a GRUNDLE of pictures!

By the way, his new address is:

732 Henry Road - Powell, Wyoming 82435

MLK Marade

What is a MLK Marade, you ask?

The state of Utah and U of U hosted a Martin Luther King's Celebration. It included Award Ceremonies, speeches and a march/parade. When they called the authorities and told them of their plans for a MLK March, they were apprehensive! They thought it sounded like a riot in the making! They didn't want to call it parade, because there are too many ordinances for a parade. Thus, Marade.

Paul was asked to give the opening prayer for the marade. It started at Sugar House Park. After that, we walked the 3 1/2 miles to Kingsbury Hall. I felt so civic-ly active!!!! They sang and chanted most of the way.

Haley and Graden came for support!
Here is Paul and Debra Charleston at the beginning of the Marade
Paul and Joe Rogers on the steps of Kingsbury Hall
He is some of the participants at the end of the marade

I Found The Smartest Sister!

I found her! The smartest sister! For those who are not familiar with the search, here's the story.

Quite a few years ago, RB came to the conclusion that Darin was the smartest brother. His thought was since Darin never really went through a rebellion stage, he was the smartest! Well, you can imagine how that went over! All of the brothers argued and told him he was wrong! It has been a source of laughter and jokes for our family! We really got a big kick out of it.

Well, with the vote for the smartest brother, Debra, Andrea and I were wondering who was the smartest sister. We decided it was sister #4.

Well, here she is! I found her - the smartest sister! When she sang the National Anthem yesterday at the Martin Luther King's Day march/parade, I saw the resemblance, I felt the connection and then her name gave it away - The Honorable Judge Shauna GRAVES Robertson. It was a beautiful reunion!
She is not only the smartest sister, she is the most talented. Man, can that woman sing! She did an AMAZING job!!!