We Are the Champions!!

Years ago a song called, "We are the Champions" was quite popular. My daughters would march around the neighborhood with their friends shouting to the top of their lungs, 'We are the champions'. They were happy to make this declaration & believed it, too. Since then they have become real champions by graduating from high school & college, becoming mothers & responsible adults. I'm so proud of them & know they will go far.

You are champions, too! Think about the things you've accomplished. Is it juggling school, work & a social life? Are you in the middle of motherhood, keeping a house & a church calling running smoothly? Do you help others by taking meals to them or just a friend in need? That is being a 100% winner.

We have lots of champions in our family. Here's just a few of them:
Sandra is a champion quilter, turning a bag of scraps into works of art then giving them as gifts to many of us.
Jim Sadler is a champion, for taking care of his father during his final years.
Jim Crane is a champion for getting a college degree, being green by riding his bike, paying off his mortgage & helping many of us with our taxes.
Elaine is a champion for doing genealogy, befriending the elderly, sharing her talents & heading up & acheiving the goal for Doug's transplant.
Allan is a champion for shaving his moustache to work in the baptistry.
Paula is a champion for getting a bachelors degree, being taxi to multiple groups in the ward & family & serving a mission.
Dave is a champion for running a successful business & sharing his nutritional knowledge.
Martell is a champion for taking friends, neighbors & family boating year in & out.
Julie is a champion for surviving several surgeries in that many years with a smile.
Grandma Crane is a champion for remembering our birthdays & being a friend to everyone.


Next time you even begin to think you are a failure. Stop it!! Remember, that God loves everyone & wants them to succeed. He won't stop, until they are all CHAMPIONS!!!

Made In Sixty Seconds

Do you make your bed? Try timing yourself to see how quickly it can be done. Set a goal to make it every day for three weeks. See how easy it is to accomplish in sixty seconds.

We have a rule that's worked for years. The last one out of the bed has to make it. It takes less than one minute to make a bed. When I presented the idea to my husband, he fell for it. High five!

Why do it? The bedroom always looks nice, a fresh spot to retire in each night and an easy habit to acquire. It’s funny how seldom I ever have to do this task. Not on purpose of course, because sleeping late would be dreamy.

It’s a simple thing, but so hard to get your kids to do. Rewards, job charts, reminders were never enough. Setting the example during their growing years didn’t work, might I add. Grandma Crane always made her bed. I credit her for teaching me.

If you're having trouble in your own home, try this. For FHE go to each person's bed & show them how fast it can be made. If the bedspread is difficult to work with, get one that's easier. Have them practise a few times, then compete to see if they can beat your best or each others. Challenge them to do it for a week. Compliment how nice their room looks with the bed made. Encourage the habit!!

Now if we could just get them to rinse and put the dishes in the dishwasher. Baby steps.

Eyes on the Size

The ad’s say it’s a ‘Bonus’ size.
Their subtle way to advertise.

I remember the recent downsize
From the previous, regular size.


It’s nice get the original size,
As a generous ‘Gift’ prize.

It’s really just a bunch of lies,
So in frustration I roll my eyes.

Please join with me, don't criticize
Soon they'll be as small as flies.

09/09/09 @09:09 pm

When I'm awake in the early hours of the morning (3-5am), often after contemplating the things I did yesterday & what I will do today, worry & despair creep in. They like to tell me I've failed, I'm a loser & useless. It's easy to believe these negative words at a vulnerable time. I begin to cry as this pathway becomes real.

Soon I stop because the still small voice whispers, 'It's not true! You are special. I love you!' I recognize the voice of the Holy Ghost speaking for my Savior, Jesus Christ. Grabbing a hold of His words, I fight my way back. I imagine His arms around me, turn to follow Him. We go down the straight & narrow pathway of hope and love. I repeat over & over in my mind, that 'Jesus Loves Me!' Stubbornly my malefactor leaves. I don't look back.

I kneel to pray & if need be, read the scriptures. Darkness dissipates & peace comes.
'Jesus Loves Me! Jesus Loves You! Never forget it, NEVER! never!

09/09/09 @09:09 am

What a great day to be alive & busy in the world. May you remember the joys of the summer, the rains of spring, the loves in your life & the challenges you've overcome.

Think of your posterity, those who took the leap & joined the Church not only for them but for all of us. They didn't know us then but we remember what they did for us. Your children & grandchildren will thank you for carrying on the blessing of the gospel in their lives.

Remember Jesus loves you & will always be there. Just think of Him when you need help. Pray for His support and love. He will come with comfort, guidance & love.

Nebraska vs BYU Idaho

The Welch family has a strong presense in both states as college begins for four of them. It will certainly be quiet at home. What will Paula do?

This is Emily's first year at BYU Idaho. Excitement reigns for this Idaho bound gal. She was tempted to dump all her belongings into boxes & haul with her. Mom said, she had to decide what to take with, toss out & tuck away for later. Stephanie is delighted to have her own bedroom that stays clean.

Big bro Brian who's also attending BYU ID this semester, will greet little sis as she arrives showing her the ropes, best eateries & of course the DI full of many useful items. May you both have a great semester making friends & checking off classes toward your goals.

Nate begins the architechural program at UNL (Univ of NB @Lincoln). The wait to be accepted will be well worth it a few years from now. It's a long road ahead, as he & Maquel settle down in their cozy home determined to work hard.

Loren is at Metro Community College in Omaha taking classes & deciding his major. He will continue enjoying Mom's tasty meals, work @LePeep & tease Brandon & Stephanie every chance possible.