Wednesday, December 22, 2010

New Christmas Stockings

Doug's Stocking - Christmas 2010

After 28 Christmas celebrations, I decided that I would retire our Cahoon Family Stockings that I had made previously through the years...with each new family addition. I wanted something New...Modern...And ended up purchasing Oliver's and mine at The Quilted Bear; however, nothing really stood out...That Screamed "Doug Cahoon," through and through...so I opted to make an Original.

This Is Dedicated To MY Utah Man!

Ella's Christmas Performance

Ella Mae Zern - December 19, 2010
Sunday Dinner At Grandma & Grandpa Cahoon's House

Earlier in the day, our eldest Grandchild, Ella Mae, participated in a Christmas Program at their Church. The Primary children sang several songs and added so much to our Holiday Celebration! Our Nanny girl made this adorable dress for Ella and she positively looked like a little Princess!
We Love You, Ella Bella!

Lunch With The Girls


Some Treasured Friends From My Ward Family
December 2010

These Are My Neighbors, Sisters & Friends
They Lift My Spirit, Cheer Me On and Pray For My Happiness & Success
How Thankful I Am For Their Presence In My Life!

Celebrating The Christmas Season - 2010





Carrying On A Family Tradition
Dinner With Our Kids/Shopping At The Mall

This year we all dined at Morelia's Mexican Restaurant and then met up at Fashion Place Mall...We gave each of the kids some Christmas money to shop for a gift of their choice. Most of the time, we just walk around in a group, talking and simply enjoying each others company! We try to meet the 1st Friday or Saturday of December, to kick off the Holiday Season, but we were still away on our Cruise...So we met up last Saturday and had a blast!

We did; however, greatly MISS Nicole, Zach, Boston & Marley and hope that we will ALL be TOGETHER for Christmas 2011!



Our Recent Cruise - November 2010




Florida Keys & Cozumel, Mexico
November 2010 Cruise

In hopes of trying to make a special memory with our youngest son, Oliver, Doug took us on a post-Thanksgiving Carnival Cruise out of Miami, Florida. We were all so EXCITED to get away to a warmer climate...as SLC was in the thick of very cold temps and a big snowstorm...Little did we know that even Florida would experience a cold front and we would have lots of rain on this particular trip!

Barring the cooler temperatures, we still managed to see the sights in the Florida Keys and explore Cozumel, Mexico. The Highlight was the Mayan Ruins...We took a number of photos but our most favorite was one that included our Oliver!

There was something very wrong with lounging on the ship in our swimsuits and a sweater, taking cover from periodic rainstorms and the harsh wind gusts...But...A Cruise is still a Cruise and we're not complaining! The food was fantastic and I think Oliver enjoyed eating as much as he liked, whenever he pleased!
THANK YOU, DOUG, FOR YOUR GENEROSITY & ALL THAT YOU DID TO MAKE THIS TRIP HAPPEN! WE SO APPRECIATED IT!!!

After debarking the ship, we spent a day and a half in Miami. Oliver has a former High School friend that is attending school in sunny Miami...Brady picked Oli up at our Hotel and we didn't see them again until time to head to the Airport. Thank You, Brady, for showing Oliver a great time!

Miami is a really interesting city, as we quickly discovered, and I really enjoyed our walk along South Beach!
It was a GREAT trip!

Friday, October 15, 2010

The Gift Of Children


Our Children - March 25, 2010
Nicole, Geneal, Joseph, Nanette & Oliver


As I contemplate the blessings in my life, my children are very high on my list...next only to Doug & my personal belief in Heavenly Father/His Son, Jesus Christ/Gospel of Jesus Christ. In my role of Mother, I have a great many responsibilities. For this post; however, I wish to focus on one in particular...My job to Love My Children Unconditionally.

I always have! Truthfully, I absolutely Love & Adore my children! This responsibility has come as natural to me as breathing! Don't get me wrong...My children aren't perfect...there were times when they were a bit of a challenge for me and I had to extend patience/restraint...yet, in truth, there were undoubtedly more times that they had to do the same when dealing with me...A very imperfect Mom!

Recently, I read that a parent's job is to unquestionably and unceasingly love their children. A child's role is not to necessarily love their parent back. It's only a bonus if they actually do!

As I've pondered this idea over the past week, I've come to the conclusion that this very imperfect Mother can be human and still have mastered something to a state of perfection! After all, I've had over 28 years of practice and have concluded that it has been a privilege and honor to have been Mom to my Joseph, Nanette, Geneal, Nicole & Oliver! I have mastered loving them perfectly and am so grateful for their presence in my life! I'll always adore and treasure the many memories locked away in my mind's view and heart of them as little people! Now, as adults, they are so fantastic! They are wonderful human beings that have surely made the world a better place by their very existence!

Each, came into this world with unique gifts & talents and I marvel at their abilities! All are bright, thoughtful, kind and loving. My children have taught me myriads of lessons that have allowed me to grow, ever forward, and refine myself as a person. In their own way, they have served as a beacon of light for me and have become a Hero to me.

Joseph, Nanette, Geneal, Nicole & Oliver...May you always know and feel of my unconditional LOVE for you! You are my life's joy, and for every effort made or any act of service rendered, it has and will forever be my pleasure! Always, I will Love & Adore each one of you!



Sunday, October 10, 2010

Autumn Getaway-October 2010





Kirtland Temple - Kirtland, Ohio
Hill Cumorah - Palmyra, New York
The Sacred Grove - Palmyra, New York
Niagara Falls - Canada

Doug & I took a very needed Getaway to Ohio, New York and Canada.
Thank You, Doug, for your hard work and planning to make this trip a reality and a joyful memory!
I Love You, Baby!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Halloween Cookie Bake - 2010




Ella & Granny's Halloween Cookie Bake - 2010

Any time that I get to be with my darling Grand-Daughter, Ella, is a special treat for me! Granny & Ella Bella had a fabulous afternoon baking & decorating cookies to look very "Spooky!" Perfect for getting us in the Halloween Spirit!

I won't get to be with Ella or Hudson for Halloween this year, as Doug & I will be visiting our other Grandchildren in Honolulu, Hawaii. I wanted to make a special memory with cute Ella for Halloween 2010. Thanks, Ella, for putting me on your calendar and baking with Granny today! Glad you didn't get sick on all that cookie dough...It was lots of FUN! I Love You, Ella Bella!


Thursday, September 9, 2010

Home Exterior Update






A Work Still In Progress
...But...You Get The Idea

3131 Alta Hills Drive

Those Cream Beige Doors & Rustic Brown Trim of the 1970's
Is Soon To Be Retired...

Doors & Trim Are Being Updated In A Classic Black
Thank You To Our Many Neighbors Who Have Stopped By To Say They Love The Change!!!

Monday, September 6, 2010

Blessing Day - Hudson James Zern




Our Adorable Grandson - Hudson James Zern
Blessing Day - Sunday, September 5, 2010
The Brian & Nanette Zern Family

Baby Hudson looked so handsome in his white Tux and Father/Son matching tie ensemble! Hudson even wore the same shoes that his Dad sported on his Blessing Day, twenty-eight years prior. Hudson was supported by family/friends on his big day...He is, after all, very loved by a great many people! Nanny & Brian hosted a wonderful luncheon, at their home, following the Blessing. It was really a fantastic day and we are all so Thankful for Hudson's sweetness and his very presence in our lives!
We Love You, Hudson!



Our Greatest Fear

Our Greatest Fear

It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other

people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of
God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

—Marianne Williamson

I heard this poem quoted yesterday, while at Church, and it really grabbed my heart!
Perhaps, it is the writer in me, but with age has come the understanding of a simple truth...
Words Are Powerful...
We underestimate the power of words.
Do your words insult, injure and degrade?
Or...do your words comfort, encourage, lift and inspire?
What do your words say about you?

Friday, September 3, 2010

Cougar Fans - Zern Grandchildren


Gotta Love These Adorable Grandchildren Decked Out In Blue
Eagerly Anticipating Saturday's Season Opener
BYU vs. Washington

I have to laugh because when Ella sees Blue, she says, "Go Cougars!"
When she sees red, she is just as swift to say, "Go UTES!"
I have to credit our Nanny girl's wonderful husband, Brian,
who loves us all the same, even if he thinks we're cheering for the wrong team.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Utah UTES 2010




Cutest Little Utah UTES Fans
September 2, 2010

Our Nicole did a special post on her family Blog to show loyalty to her native Utah.
I couldn't resist...I had to pick some of my favorites and share it on our Blog!
Kick-off is tonight at 6:30 pm. - Utah vs. Pittsburgh
GO UTES!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Our Grandkids




Top Photo: Boston & Marley Reich
Middle Photo: Ella & Daddy
Bottom Photo: Baby Hudson Zern

It has been a fun & eventful summer for our Grandchildren.
OH HOW MUCH WE LOVE THEM!!!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Oliver & Park City Triathalon





Oliver Cahoon
August 14, 2010

The Challenge: Park City Triathalon
The Quest: Do His Best & Improve On Time
End Result: 1st Place In Age Group & 7th Place Overall

It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This People!
Mom & Dad Are Very Proud!!!
Congratulations To Our Oliver On His Sweet Victory!!!

Four Generations

July 2010
Four Generations
Geneal Cochran Cahoon
Douglas Wayne Cahoon
Nanette Cahoon Zern
Hudson James Zern

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Another Saturday In Hawaii







Our Nicole updated their family Blog and I couldn't help it...I just had to share some of my favorite images with our friends as well. I love that this cute little Navy family is determined to make the most of their adventures in Hawaii! We so appreciate their many photos and desire to keep all of us connected with them. We MISS & LOVE The Zach & Nicole Reich Family!!!

Monday, July 26, 2010

Meet Our New Grandson


Hudson James Zern
Arrived On Monday, July 19, 2010
6 lbs. - 17" Long

His 1st Week On Earth Was Pretty Rough...
But Prayers Are Heard & Answered
Miracles Do Happen!
We Love & Adore This Little Man

Recent Purchase


Recent Book Purchase
Okay...I know I said that I wasn't going to buy another book until I read the two sitting on my bookshelf but I couldn't help myself! I was going through a personal crisis and I just NEEDED a different perspective and uplift...Something that I felt might connect with my Spirit. I started reading this morning and I'm already highly recommending this book! So Fantastic!

All of us are here on Earth to have an "Experiential Journey," if you will...To exercise Personal Agency, to Learn, Grow, Understand, Connect, Love & gain Wisdom. While my Personal Journey is unique, Elizabeth Gilbert shares personal insight that I understand & relate on so many levels.
Love This Book!

Monday, July 12, 2010

A Good Book = Fantastic Adventure


I LOVE TO READ!
Just had to post some of the latest books...
Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay
A Day In The Life Of Ancient Rome by Alberto Angela
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
Ahab's Wife by Sena Jeter Naslund
The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
and currently
1776 by David McCullough
and am looking forward to
Master by Toni Sorenson
&
I'll Be Seeing You by Jerry Borrowman