Latest Book

For those who know me well...You know that I love to read!
Two years ago, my darling Sister-in-Law gave me a Deseret Book gift card for my Birthday and I purchased this book. I had a rather lengthy list of "Must Read" books that I was working my way through, so this particular one simply sat on my bookshelf in my office. Very recently, while waiting for some books on hold at our neighborhood Public Library, I decided that now was a good time to familiarize myself with this author.

Oh My Gosh!!!
What A Fabulous Book!

I'm only half way through it and I'm positively loving it and recommending it to Family & Friends! Toni's style of writing is so exceptional! It's not one of those books that one has to get half way through before it comes alive...It pulls readers in from the very beginning. Although it is a novel, it is written from an interesting perspective and is so heart warming and powerful!
I highly recommend this book:

Master
By
Toni Sorenson

A Little Thing Called Love...

There are some things that naturally seem to go together...
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Cake & Ice-Cream
Mickey & Minnie
February 14th & Love

In the final hours of this 1st day of February 2011, I wanted to take a few moments to reflect on this upcoming month that is thought by many to be the Month of Love.
What Is Love?
Love is synonymous with such words as attachment, endearment, affection, adoration, liking, devotion, warmth, tenderness, friendliness, adore, worship, like, cherish and fondness.
In today's world, there are those who define Love as amorous affection, physical attraction, lust, sexy, provocative, pleasurable, satisfaction, temporary and, at times, no strings attached.

Over the past 6 or 7 months, I've given Love serious contemplation.
I've been blessed to have become acquainted with multiple kinds of Love in my lifetime.
~My First Crush~
~Young Love~
~My Parents~
~My Granny~
~My Brothers~
~God & His Son, Jesus Christ~
~The Love Of My Life - My Husband~
~In-Laws~
~5 Fabulous Children - Joseph, Nanette, Geneal, Nicole & Oliver~
~Grandchildren~
~Treasured Friends~
~Wonderful Neighbors~
~Church Family~
~Community~
~Colleagues~
~Clients~
~Students~

Throughout my life, Love is an emotion that has come without restraint.
It is never devalued, never given begrudgingly, nor is it polluted by the world's standard.
It is my Heart that speaks of Love as Sincere, Devoted, Contemplative, Empathetic, Understanding, Compassionate, Tender, Teachable, Nurturing, Protective, Adoring
and unquestionably Sacred.
To open my Heart so fully to others, has, at times, proven Scary, Painful, Anxious, Sorrowful, and yes, even Heart-Breaking! Yet, I'm willing to taste the bad, in order to more fully comprehend and experience the Powerful, Wonderful, Blessed, Joyful and Eternal state of emotion that is synonymous with LOVE.

Here's wishing everyone a Happy February!
May this Month usher in tremendous Love that will last throughout your 2011!

Frances Edna Johnson Thomas

This Is My Beautiful Granny!
Born 101 Years Ago, January 23, 1910, In Gilmer,Texas.

This past Sunday, on the Anniversary of her birth, I reflected on her very presence in my life. Having been an RN, she was there for the birth of all of my Mother's children...except for one...Me. That was the only time that my Granny missed a significant event in my life...until her death in January 1995!

I MISS MY GRANNY SO VERY MUCH!

Widowed for over 40 years,
she is now with her Sweetheart and Treasured Friend, my Grandpa,
George Washington Thomas.

My Granny was the single most significant influence in my life and lived a life of selfless servitude to others.
She was the essence of Beauty, Friend, Intellect, Confidant, Teacher, Nurse,
Artist, Author, Student, Chef, Counselor, Historian & Spiritualist.

As I navigate my own way through this mortal existence, I look back to the Beacon of Light that my Granny was for me. I long to have her wrap her arms around me, to wipe away my tears, to lend me courage when life seems so difficult and I'm frightened of the unknown. I miss her tender compassion and understanding as I struggle to recollect all those shared words of wisdom.
She loved people! She never judged! She was so forgiving!
She loved to laugh and did it often!
I find that I look back often...remembering...savoring my every moment with her! Wishing she were still here!
Did I mention...I Miss My Granny So Much!
But then it dawned on me...She Is Still Ever present in my life!
For as long as I remember, treasure and implement her values into my own character, she will always remain a part of my mortality. And when my journey is complete, I know that she will be waiting with outstretched arms, to welcome me...For then, I know I will be "Home."

Outing With Granny & Grandpa Cahoon

Hollywood Connection With Ella & Hudson
Saturday, January 15, 2011

Our outing first began with picking Ella up and taking her out to lunch at one of her favorite places...Taco Bell for a Soft Taco Kids Meal. It was Uncle Joseph who started the Kids Meal tradition and Ella is swift to remind us. While Ella does love the Soft Tacos, we remain undecided which she is most fond of...the taco or the Kids Meal toy!

After a very entertaining lunch, Grandpa Cahoon drove us to Hollywood Connection and Ella was so delighted from the moment we walked in! She enjoyed one-on-one time with her grandparents; although, she was so happy to have her Mom and baby Hudson meet up with us, following Hudson's nap. She went on every ride visible, having no fear or reservation. She seemed to especially love the roller coaster and the bumper cars, which she delighted in chasing after and crashing in to Granny, Grandpa or her Mom. She seemed to also very much enjoy the Magic Show & Face Painting!

Ella also gave Roller Skating a whirl! As she navigated her way around the rink with Grandpa, she seemed eager to master herself on wheels. She found the carpeted area, just off the rink, to be easier to give it a try on her own. Granny was so impressed with Ella's good nature...Every time she would fall, she would laugh and then get right back up and try to skate. Initially, she fell frequently, but eventually, she did get the hang of it quite successfully!

Many Thanks to Ella, Hudson & Nanny for joining us in an afternoon of absolute FUN!!!

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2011

There is something about a "Fresh Start" or "New Beginning" that invokes Change. While Change may be good, it isn't always easy to break old or undesirable habits. But with determination and perseverance, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!

Whatever Season of Life You find Yourself in, may You Take the Opportunity to Open Your Mind and Heart...Make a new Friend, Tweak a Perspective, Keep Learning, Mend a Struggling Relationship, Strengthen Family Ties, Serve More Willingly, Live What You Believe, Laugh More Often, Love with ALL Your Heart, Acknowledge EVERY Blessing and THANK God for His Presence in Your Life!

May God Bless You In Your Earnest Quest For 2011!

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!