Grandma Allen

My beautiful, dear Grandma Allen passed away last night at 7:00 PM. I have mixed emotions because although she is now free from her aged body, any pain she was feeling and has her complete memory restored - I miss her. I'm sure there was a joyous reunion waiting when she saw her little Shirley Rae (my aunt), my dad, grandpa and so many other loved ones.

Grandma and Grandpa Allen lived close to our family many times while growing up. On the farm in Marysvale, on the dairy and then moved to another nearby dairy in Idaho, Cedar City and even stayed with us while we lived in Mexico. Grandma taught us piano lessons (although I wasn't the best student), little songs and dances. She had wonderful tasting vitamin C's that I probably (unknown to her) I ate too many of - but they were so good! Grandma loved to arrange family reunions with the traditional talent show where she could showcase the newest songs she'd made up or dance; including her teaching the whole family "Elvira". She loved to dance and loved big-band music. One of my favorite memories was dropping in to see my grandparents in Orem and getting to see them out on the basketball court dancing, both in their 80's. Grandma selflessly made each daughter-in-law and grandchild their own hand-made porcelain doll, and before that the girls received cupie dolls that had hand made dresses, along with Raggady-Ann's and though my brothers were probably hoping for a truck, they got an Andy. I stayed with G & G when I was working in Provo and was so thankful for the evening walks and late night talks I had with her. Grandma has been a great influence in my life and I'm so thankful for her love and example.

I'll miss you Grandma but will always remember the impact you've had on my life.

My brother the businessman!

I have to blog about my brother, John. A few years ago he was working for a great housing development company in California when he and his wife, Anna decided they wanted to run their own business. They took a huge leap of faith and moved to Reno, NV and a few years later he is building a very successful professional painting company. Carvel painting is eco-friendly and I'm sure does the highest quality of work. Check out his AWESOME website. He is an inspiration to me, especially since lately, I've had the desire to come up with a business or something where I can work from home. I am very grateful for my job and the insurance but I need something more out of life. I'm tired of working for "the man". So - if anyone has any great ideas you'd like to share..... pass them this way! =)

I'm so proud of you John! You are amazing and I love you.

Carvel painting website

Choppy-choppy!!

It's probably way over due but I had some little notion in my mind that I wanted to grow my hair out. No matter how I tried, it just got longer - not thicker. Alas, I decided it time to cut my hair. I got it done by an old friend from high school - it's always fun to catch up on each others lives, etc. I think it will be a fun cut. I also had it colored. I toyed with the idea of doing the bright red streaks in it but decided for a more conservative look. I'm happy and excited to experiment with it. Jeffery is so sweet - he's cool with just about anything (so he says) as long as it's not the "boy" cuts (i.e. pixie, etc.) which is fine cause I'm not a fan either. He hasn't seen it yet cause he works graves.... still.... booo.... =(

SO excited to go camping for his birthday with his family! It's supposed to rain but I'm asking (or rather begging) the Universe and powers that be - officially, "PLEASE LET IT BE WARM AND SUNNY!!". Camping in the rain is not fun. I also get to give Jeffy his birthday present. I hope he loves it. Should he get it before we leave on Friday (his b-day is Saturday) or Monday when we get back... but he has to work that night so excitement killer!

It's time to get your walkin' shoes on!!

We are the Pancreatic Pirates again this year (the creativity was limited on my part). Please join our team or if you would like, make a contribution. Any dollar amount would be appreciated! Our team goal is $500 but I'd LOVE to see us raise $1,000!! We can do it!! The walk is September 26, 2009 so put it on your calendar's. Pancreatic Pirates Team Page

THANK YOU!!

Shhh - don't tell, it's a surprise!!

So for some unknown reason I got it into my crazy head that I could sanely handle making a quilt - while my mother was out of town! Jeffery had this army blanket as a kid that has fallen, literally, to pieces. I though of salvaging it but it's pretty bad! So for his birthday I decided to make him a new "army blanket". I found the perfect material on e-bay. So I snagged my sweet sister Ann and we headed to JoAnn's Fabrics (to use the 40% off coupons!). She got the batting with one coupon and I got the back and the outer edge (I didn't end up ordering enough for a queen size). With some insightful guidance from the JoAnn's fabric quilting genius I was off to Ephraim! What a project! I had to sew the middle pieces together then the outer edges to that. I even stitched the back with "Happy Birthday Jeffery xxxxx 33, Love Angela". I could not have done any of this without Brian's help! Mom came home late that night and the following morning we put it on the frame then Brian helped me tie it, and we did it in less than 2 hrs.!

My sweet mother agreed to bind it for me and it is now complete, although I haven't seen it yet.

Please don't tell Jeff cause obviously, it's a surprise - for his b-day on August 15.

Grandma N. turns 100!!

My dear grandmother, Virginia Kirkman Nielson turned 100 on July 19 (a birthday also shared with my sweet sister Shirley). We had a family gathering on July 12 with my aunts, uncles and cousins. It was fun to see them all grown up!

If I could be like anyone it would probably be my grandma! What a remarkable woman! She went to nursing school in Salt Lake City, moving from Twin Falls, ID. After graduating she would send money home to help her family. She was the nurse to many prominent people in Salt Lake during that time, in the VIP ward. Later on, they sent her down to the lower level to care for an ill missionary that the other young nurses were ga-ga over, because she was level headed. Turns out - several years later, she married that same patient, Glen James Nielson and moved to the small town of Ephraim. She assisted the town doctor for many years. She was avidly involved in the history of this small town, which she fell in love with early on. She played a great role in saving several historical structures as well as being an active member in the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. My mother was the youngest of 5 children that were raised in a wonderful, loving, organized home by two loving parents. I am truly blessed to have my grandma as an example and friend. Growing up I would stop by frequently after school. Grandma would listen to anything and everything I had to say. She was and still is a dear friend. Happy birthday Grandma! I love you.



Neil was entertained by the wheelchair. LOL - he loved taking a ride and Brian was so patient to humor his demand.

Happy birthday to me!

I had another birthday on July 14 and I'm quite happy that I'm still having them and I think it's pretty cool that I keep turning 26 year after year!

To kick things off, Jeff took me to get a pedicure on Friday the 10th! I love pedicures!! Jeffery had to work on my birthday unfortunately (Mon-Thurs 7 pm to 7 am) but it turned out great! I went to lunch at Ruth's Diner with my co-workers Kim & Shanna. We ate on their fabulous patio!

While I was at lunch, my sweet step-brother John brought me a piece of tiramisu & left it in the fridge for me. He called me and invited Gwen and I to go to one of the late showing of Harry Potter and the half-blood prince. My sweet baby sister Gwennie, came and took me to dinner at Chili's then we took a short nap prior to our 12:40 a.m. showing of HP. It was worth staying up late and being exhausted the next day! Thanks Gwen and John - you totally made my day!! Love you both.


Friday night Jeffery took me to Benihana's and his cute mom and sister, Stephanie came with us. My sister Shirley, and her husband and daughter met us there but they had sushi instead of the grill. I love watching the chefs do their little thing.




Afterward we rode trax to Gateway and watched the Olympic water structure thing. Thanks for all the birthday wishes from my dear family & friends! It was a great birthday!! XOXO

Stephanie & I at Gateway

The Utah Symphony at Thanksgiving Point

On July 10, my mom, sisters (Rebecca, Ann & Gwen) and I went to the Gardens at Thanksgiving Point to listen to the Utah Symphony play. It was so much fun! The surroundings were beautiful and it was a perfect environment to lay on the blanket and listen. We had a lot of fun goofing off - as usual. Traffic was REALLY bad getting there but luckily I was about 20 min. early so was able to save some prime grass spots for the other girls. I felt a little like Elaine on the Seinfeld episode where she's saving movie theater seats, "No, these are saved!" But it worked out great and we had a fantastic time. I am so lucky to have such great sisters and the best momma in the world! Rebecca & Ann were inspired by the music - as shown in the video. Poor Mom had just had a crown put in but it was pulled out with a cinnamon bear. We had fun!!

4th of July!!

One of my absolute favorite holidays! Warmth, yummy food, great family & friends and FIREWORKS!! Jeffery and I went up to WY to pick up this years loot and unfortunately I didn't think to get a picture of them. Jamie & Trever hosted it again (THANK YOU!) and also rented a huge water slide. As you can see, it was a lot of fun but unfortunately - Jeff ended up breaking his finger while coming down it, catching it on something. Poor guy! Diane got us all matching flag shirts so we did a family photo - so cute! The one picture with Jeff & Lindsey shows a few of the fireworks (the legal ground ones). =P

Neil's birthday & Oquirrh Mt. Temple

My family made arrangements to go to the Oquirrh Mt. Temple open house which was very beautiful. Neil also got his birthday present (birthday June 20) - he turned 15!! I got him a can of "Blue Pringles - Salt & Vinegar" and an MP3 player, which to my surprise he knew exactly what it was. He was pretty excited for both. It's fun to see him walking around listing to his music. I love spending time with Neil - he is a handful but he definitely is someone I enjoy being with.