messed up

I still gave the wrong blogspot. It is http//grandmaszoo.blogspot.com/
please write me. I don't know what I have done but nothing is coming through. Unless everyone got tired of me,boo hoo!call a wambelance.

My husband and I had another adventure today. We took the trailer into town with scrap metal. I had to go to wall mart and while I was coming out my husband drove by and scraped the bumper of a car. He said that he didn't even know it. Do you think it is time to put away the keys? To make a long story short, he left a note on the guys car. The guy called, and because my husband has SELECTIVE HEARING, I had to take care of it. Giving Him our insurance etc. Any way I wasn't a very happy camper. Except when I think back I have had a few accidents myself, so I can't be to upset. He has always stood behind me with my car excapades.

I also can't be to upset because he felt bad enough. And being 76, he does not want to admit that he doesn't drive as good as he use to. So I will just bite my lip and shut my eyes when he's driving. As I have said before He loves looking at everything while he is driving and yesterday he went off the road twice. It is very scarry. He says that its no big deal, He hasn't killed anyone yet. He said I have it under control. I think I will offer to drive more. But then He will be scared to death. So I guess we can't win. If we are on the road I will let you know so that you can take a different route.
Keep smiling
Charlene

I held an angel today

I held an angel today.
A beautiful little baby girl in white.
She was sleeping so sweetly.
She had so much love radiating from her little body.

He mother smiled at her.
With her beautiful blue eyes dancing, and she smiled back, the purest ,sweetest smile I have ever seen.

She had on a beautiful little white dress and a sweet little white head band with satin flowers placed on her precious reddish brown hair.
She was taken up to a circle of great men ,to be named by her Grandfather. There was such a peaceful, sweet spirit there, as she was given the name Quinlynn Rose. She laid quietly in the arms of her Grandfather, while he gave her a beautiful blessing. Our hearts were full and overflowing with thankfulness for this sweet baby that has come into our lives..

All of our wonderful grandchildren are such a blessing. As the years go by and we watch them grow into manhood and Womanhood. We are so thankful to have the opportunity to be a part of this family. Thank you Children for the beautiful grandchildren and great Grand children. We love you all

bloating

Yesterday Ice cream finally got to me. I had gone to town and hadn't eaten anything all morning, As a matter of fact even the night before (because of heartburn.)
After I had done my grocery shopping, my tummy started to rumble. I knew just what to do. I would have my favorite nutrition. ICE CREAM. I decided ,I would have a double treat, a rootbeer float. I had always had a small one, but today I deserved a large one.It was heavenly , until I started for home, 30 miles away. My stomach started to rumble and the pain was excruciating. I made it home ask my husband to put the meat away. And stayed in the bathroom for almost an hour. I lost it all. I have never been so sick in my life. I decided that I never wanted to see a rootbeer float ever again. I didn't tell my husband for awhile, I wanted him to think it was a bug. (but I knew better)

Today some friends came over to celebrate their sons birthday, bringing an Ice cream cake. And they gave me a great big piece. I wondered if I should have some, but I didn't want to be rude. So far I am ok. But it will be a while before I have icecream or rootbeer again.

This morning I went to put a dress on to go to church. And I still had bulges, So I put on a girdle. It looked great until I sat down. Then it creaped down over the fat and just gave me a bigger bulge above it. I tryed to find a saftey pin so I could tack it to my bra but could only find a straight pin. It was very uncomfortable. I was finally ready to go to church. It stayed in place but the pin kept sticking me. Between trying to keep me from being pricked and pulling up on the girdle, I was trying to do it on the sly. I'm sure if anyone was looking close at me they must have thought I was on acid or something. Anyway I won't do that again. That girdle is going in the trash. I guess I need a full body one if I try it again. I guess the best thing is to start walking and laying off the icecream.

keep smiling.
Charlene
Somehow I have been giving the wrong blog spot . It is more than grandmaszoo.com It is http.grandmaszooblogspot.com There happens to be another grandmas zoo besides me.
please write me.

My life

I made some wrong choices in my growing up years. I had always believed in my father in heaven and his son Jesus Christ. But for awhile I chose the wrong path. I ended out having 3 marriages.(two divorces, and one husband that died. It was extremely hard and painful going through these times, but through the help of my Father In heaven and the sacrifice that my savior did for me on the cross, I have grown stronger.

I know without a doubt that we have a Father in Heaven that loves each and everyone of us, and that his son Jesus Christ made the ultimate sacrifice of being crucified for our sins upon that cross.

There was a particular time when I felt so alone, I had gone through a bitter divorce, then married again to a man that was addicted to drugs and alcohol. We had separated, He was trying to get his life together. He came one evening to pick up my two boys to go to a movie. I was pregnant with our daughter, and I was so depressed, after having two marriages fail. I felt that I was so alone. and that no one wanted me. I felt torn and abandoned.

I fell upon my knees and ask the Lord for comfort. I said in my prayer that I felt so unloved, and to please forgive me for any wrong I had done ,and that If I could just feel his love I could get through this.

As I was on my knees praying, all of a sudden I felt the most wonderful feeling. It was as if bright sunshine was going through my whole body. From the top of my head to the bottom of my toes. I felt his love. I will never forget it.

I decided that no matter what happens to me, as long as I know that the Lord loves me I can get through it. That was a big turning point for me.

Later, I went through the death of my dear husband. It was hard but through the help of my Father in Heaven, I got through it. Being lonely, I again rushed into a marriage, Thinking that at last I had the right person. ( But the signs were there not to marry him, but I did not listen.

It ended out that He was in love with someone else. But she was marriad and he thought that by marring me he could run away from it. We were married two weeks and he told me that he was sorry that he got married. I was devistated. He then told me about the other woman. He wanted to stay married, but come and go as he wanted. He said that the marriage contract was just a piece of paper. To me it was not just a piece of paper. Marriage was between me, my partner and God.
So after about a year of him coming and going I finally got the courage ot get out .

It was very hard for me to go back home after three failures. I was broken, but through the help of God, and my good friends at church. I did go home. This time I was determined to stay close to My Father in heaven and not get caught in the trap of loneliness. I found a good job, and tried to make my children feel secure.

It was then that the Lord opened up a way for me to find happiness. I was never going to marry again. But God had other plans. I went out a few times, but wrote myself a note as to what kind of a man I wanted to marry. If the person didn't fit that quality, I never went with him again.

To make a long story short. I met my sweetheart, fell in love and we have been married now for 38 years. We have 9 children between us. He had 3, I had 3, and then we had three of our own. He is a good man, and has the same beliefs as I do.
It wasn't always easy, but we made it. My love and respect has grown so much for him. And I am so thankful for all of our children. Grandchildren and Great grand children. My cup is full and overflowing.

So now you have heard my story. Never give up, and rely on the Lord in making decisions. He will never steer you wrong. If you are trying to do what is right you will be blessed.

Keep smiling, Charlene

without my mom

mellisa you ask how you would get along without your mom. I have another true story for you.

My mother died about 8 years ago. She had been sick with headaches most of her life. My mother and I were close. I missed her so much. a few days after she passed away, I was having a very emotional day. I couldn't stop crying , I was missing her so much. I cried momma, momma, And all of a sudden. I heard in my mind, Stop your crying daughter, I am happier now than I have been in my whole life.

I felt a great peace and assurance that this was her message to me. I still feel her at times watching over me. I know that I will someday see she and daddy again as well as my sister and brother ,and many relatives that have passed on. I hope they will be happy to see me and not be ashamed.

Now every time I think of my mom I have a sweet feeling that all is well.
And I know that families can be forever. Not just in this life.

Keep smiling, Charlene

shameful dog

My husband takes care of the city park here in bonanza. one evening I went down to help him put out some sprinkler heads. Our little dog loves to go there so we took her too.

Some people were sitting on a blanket having their dinner. My little dog went up to them. (I thought she was being friendly) But to my horror, she went right up to them, barked and then squatted down right in front of them. I was so embarrassed.
They were not amused. Then she came running to me. I didn't want to know her.

This is the same dog that got me in trouble with the policeman. (see Bang! bang!)
and you will know how much she likes to get me in hot water.

A while back my sons brought home a big turtle that they found on the highway.
They put her in our horse trough. They put a log in the trough for her to sit on when she is not swimming.

Today, Bryan cleaned out the trough, and found 13 eggs in the bottom. Now I don't know if the eggs should be in sand or can they survive in water?

Anybody know?

Have a great day. Keep smiling.

In case you have wondered why I always say keep smiling. That was the thing my dad would always tell me when we would say goodbye . Either in person, or over the telephone. And it has stuck with me. I miss my dad, He passed away about 3 years ago. And I feel like that little saying gives me a little part of him. I always think of him when I say it. If you knew my dad, he lived that motto. I never saw him angry. He was so kind and patient. When I went through some bad times He and mother opened up their hearts and home to me and my children. He was a great grandfather, along with my mother. They were always there for us. I shall be eternally greatful for them.

smile

I saw that smile upon your face.
In my grumpiness I tried to erase.

I wanted you to feel like me.
There's nothing good in this world you see.

But you kept smiling that happy smile.
It made me comfortable after while.

It was warm and sunny, as it lit up the room.
That smile was contagious.
it chased away the gloom.

That smile ,I desperately wanted to erace.
came creeping right upon my face.

My mood was changed, I'm happy now.
all because of that great big smile.

Charlene

I woke up this morning feeling grumpy and this popped into my head. so I had to get it down on paper. And I do feel better now. have a great day.

Enjoy!

can't sleep

It's midnight and I haven't been able to fall asleep. So I decided to check my blog and do a little catch up.

My husband and I had a wonderful 3 days spending some time with our church friends at a camp out at cottonwood lake. It was so beautiful there, quiet , peaceful and a lot of fun. Our Daughter, Julie, her husband and one granddaughter was there also. and it is the first time in my life when I didn't have to do any cooking. She did it all. She and her husband barbecued try tip with mushrooms and onions. It was wonderful. another night we had hobo dinners. Hamburger , potatoes, carrots, and onions cooked together in tinfoil. We had a wonderful spiritual fireside one evening, with our friends. And the rest of the time we played cards and other games. It was a very relaxing time renewing friendships.

Today being sunday we went to church, there was such a warm wonderful feeling there. God has been so good to us. I love my family, my church, and my God.
We are so fortunate to live in this wonderful country, even with the gas prices and everything else that is going on. At least our country is free. And we are not starving. And are able to worship as we please.

God has blessed this country, As long as we treat it with respect. It is when we get prideful, selfish and uncaring and materialistic, that we have to beware. We don't need everything that the Joneses have, to be happy. When we start to think of others instead of ourselves, thats where happiness starts. The more you give of love and service, the more comes back to you. As I sat in church with my family. I felt a happiness looking at my great Grand child, her mother, and her mother, and grandpa and I . Thats four generations. What would we do without our children. I just wanted to hold that baby and cradle her with love. Also sitting next to us was a grandchild that is now a woman. Not a child anymore, who will be leaving for a mission for our church in about a month. To go to Spain. It seemed such a short time ago when she was a baby. And now she has grown up with so much wisdom.

Families are the core of this nation. We need to do everything possible to build the relationships we have with them. I look back and see some of the mistakes we as parents made in relationships with our children. and I wish I could start over. But that is not possible. But I have learned many things over the years. And I know that we can take nothing with us when we die, except the relationships of love that can continue on after this life. And I am thankful for that. Families can be forever.

A little up date for anyone wondering about the man that got stabbed at the gas station. He is getting better. All of your faith and prayers helped. Thank you. He will be in the hospital for a while yet but is able to gt up and walk around now. What a miracle.
Have a good night. I'll see if I can go back to bed and get some sleep.

you know your getting old when....

You know your getting old when cheerios are found in the wrinkles of your face.

You know you are old when your grandchild asks why you have three chins.

You know you are getting old when you have to ask your mate to cut your toe nails.

You know your getting old when your driving your car and you can't turn your head far enough to see if there is a tree behind you.

You know your getting old when someone tells you your bath water is ready.

You know your getting old when you depend on depends.

You know when your old ,when your head shakes and your not even answering a question.

You know your getting old when children say your house smells like old people.

You know your old when you have been sitting on the floor and can't get back up,
Or when you put moth balls in your dresser drawers.
You know you are really old when you decide to go sky diving ,and on the way out you cry, HELP I'M FALLING AND I CAN'T GET UP.

I know I'm getting old, and I love it.
Charlene

The song I wrote

TEARS

My daddy took me on his knee
and brushed away the tears.
He said,"My sweet, don't feel so sad.
I'll try to calm your fears."

Tears are made from the raindrops
Tears are made from the Sea.
Smiles are made from the Sunshine.
Courage made from a tree.

God put them together and placed them in you, child.
With all Your sweetness, and beauty,
pureness, meek and mild.

Love was made from the roses,
He nurtured with a loving hand.
The breath of life from a windstorm.
Our bodies from the finest sand.

May we ever be grateful,
May we ever be glad.
Even through trials and heartaches.
Even when life makes us sad.

Tears are made from the raindrops.
Tears are made from the Sea.
Smiles are made from the sunshine.
courage made from a tree.

A songI wrote

To Know Me

I just want to share one of my poems that I have written

TO KNOW ME
To know me is to love me.
To know me is to search, ponder and pray.
To know me is to obey my Commandments.
To know me is to serve your fellowmen.
To know me is to repent from all wrong doing.
To know me is to trust me.
To know me is to teach by my example.
To know me is to pray for those Who despitefully
use you and persecute you:
And to do good to those who hate you.
To know me is to turn the other cheek and to forgive.
To know me is to feed my lambs.
To know me is to fill your hearts with love.
Don't just know about me.
Know me.

Dear Mellissa , I goofed I thought I had been reading your blog. But I guess not. But I have appreciated your comments. And Heidi informed me that she didn't meet you at the library. It was somewhere else.

I went to help my husband fix fences for his horses today. They have been put on a friends ranch. 40 miles away. It has been told that way back when, that this was an Indian trail. The last time we were up there my husband found an arrow head.
This time I thought I had really found something wonderful. I was sitting under a pine tree and kept finding little nuggets and kernels of gold color. Some were very shinny. Of course I thought I might have found some gold or other kind of Gem. My husband came over and deflated my bubble. He said it's tree sap. Looked like gold to me! I am so gullible. I didn't know that it hardend after falling off the tree.
I learned something new today.

have a great day everyone. Charlene

tradgedy

Some friends of ours,The Fleetwoods , Son,wife, their youngest son and older son and his wife and 2 little ones came to visit the Fleetwoods. The grandson and his wife (the Cooks) had their baby blessed in church 2 weeks ago. They live in California. 3 days after the blessing of the baby, they were visiting the family and the grandson and family said they had to go get some gas. They pulled into the station. three gang bangers came up and started to hassel the youngest son,(Teenager) The said they didn't like the way he was looking at them. So one of them slapped him. His older brother got out of the car and ask what was the matter? They then threw him on the ground and stabbed him twice.
By the time they got him to the hospital his heart stopped. But they brought him back to life,. He is in intensive care but is still fighting for his life. Who ever reads this please pray for the cook family, and the Fleetwoods, Their grandparents.

The police have caught two of the guys but not the ring leader. It is so sad to think that they were here to have a happy family reunion and then this happened.

It has been quit a week. My brother in law called and lost his sister to cancer. She was my age. We used to play together when we were young. Then his daughter in law, my nephews wife,s mother died 2 days ago. I wish that we could have gone to the funerals but with the way gas is it wasn't possible. they live 800 miles away.

Now I should say something uplifting. How about my Bra? I need alittle humor right now. That seemed to do it. Frantically simple called me this morning and said that by coincidence she was at the library and Mellisa came up and introduced herself to her. She and her husband are in the North West for a couple of weeks or so. Heidi was thrilled. I'm happy she met you mellisa. I enjoy your blog. And thank you for reading mine.

I had a wild ride from Klamath falls today. Anytime I ride with my husband it is a wild time. He is as bad of a driver as I am. He looks off the road at everything and when he does the truck goes on the shoulder of the road. He also likes to use the cruise control. Going 65 miles on straight roads or curvey mountian roads. He never steps on the brakes. We went of the road three times. And I am not ready to die yet.
I was squeezing my little dog so much that she snapped at me, then got under his feet at the wheel. It took some coaxing to get her back. But we made it home again. I think He and I have a guardian angel watching over us when we drive.

Hope your day was great. Mine will be when I eat my bowl of IceCream.

Keep smiling , Charlene

scared cat

When I was a teenager , I was full of it. I loved doing pranks or at least going along with them.
I had a seminary class at school. 1st period. Our poor teacher had the worst class of pranksters and rowdies. We were not in the right frame of mind. Three boys found a cat outside. They decided to put it in the piano. You know, the old kind of piano that had a wooden top. I knew what they had done, but I thought it would be fun to see what would happen. And of all things the teacher ask if I would lead the class in a hymn. I told a fib, (Sorry), and said," I can't sing today I have a cold." That doesn't matter, he said," just lead the music."

The piano player didn't know what the boys had done. She started to play and all of a sudden you could hear hear an excruciating sound. It sounded like a ruckus on the keys and a terrible screaching sound. errr,errrek, youw.

The piono player stopped and almost fell off her chair, The teacher, looking up said, "what is the matter," and the girl said," I don't know but this piano is making a terrible noise." He then said, "Oh it's probably coming from outside. Go ahead and play. Hesitantly, she started playing again. And again ekkk youw screech, It was terrible.

The teacher came flying over to the piano and lifted the lid. The Cat who was going crazy jumped out on him, He screamed, I thought he would have a heart attack. His face was beet red, and the blood vessels on his neck looked like they were exploding. He roared "WHO DID THIS?" We were all trying not to laugh, but we were dieing inside, trying to keep a straight face. He turned to me and ask,"Do you know who did this?" Being my little bratty self, I said" no I don't know, but If I ever found out I would really give it to them. Poor Mr. Reeder. It's to late to apologize to him now after all of these years. He's gone to the happy hunting ground. I wonder if he likes cats up there?

I am truly ashamed of my part in it. So if your listening up there Mr. Reeder please forgive me.

I have repented of my childish days. But I do still get a chuckle when I picture that cat jumping on his chest.

I hope my grand kids will never do something like that. So if your reading this do as I say not do as I did. Love you all. Keep smiling Charlene

Taps

I was looking at some of the writing I have done over the years, and decided to share one of my experiences.
I had the opportunity of singing in a choir at a cemetery for memorial day many years ago. This is what I experienced.....

May is a time for enjoying the beautiful flowers of springtime. It is also a time to remember our loved ones who have died for our country.

The morning is chilly, but crisp and beautiful, filled with a special feeling of quiet reverence. Time seems to stop as each of us are locked into our own private thoughts. An overwhelming feeling of pride fills my heart, as guns boom in succession. Each saluting our brave warriors for the battles they have fought in defense of our country.

Like lions roaring through a jungle after their prey, Jets in twin formation streak across the blue horizon. The rush of adrenalin and admiration sinks deep into my heart, reaching out to these giant men and women.

Old glory raises from half mask, rippling in the wind as it makes it's way to the top. Then slowly as in the memory of the dieing. It pauses.. turning back down to half-mask where it silently rests.

Our hearts swell with pride, mixed with grief as we enshrine the memories of all of our patriotic men and women. We rededicate our convictions to defend our freedom from Tyranny and dictators. We promise to protect the constitution and all other God given rights.

Our choir explodes with emotion and tenderness as we blend our voice in God Bless America. Salty wet tears well up in our eyes, ready to spill over.

Now it is quiet, almost ire. Each of us are in our own private battlefield, alone with many memories... Thinking of yesterday when our loved ones, barely old enough to play hide and seek, run through the grass, barefoot. Or my little boy sitting on my lap, running his fingers through my hair, declaring, "Mommy, I'll make you proud of me just wait and see!

Cherishing that moment, we dream of envisioning our children becoming boy scouts or girl scouts. Drifting on to the thoughts of high school, seeking their independence, leaving the nest for college.... THEN WAR! And before we get to that terrible scene, we are brought back to the real world with the sound of wailing bugles.



Four golden instruments, glistening in the early morning sun rise. Each wailing it's lonely cry as the taps get fainter with each note. In one corner the bugle cries, then echoed by it's counterpart, hundreds of yards away. The tears spill over like a gushing waterfall as I think of the many loved ones who have shed their blood for our country. As the last tap cries out, we bow our heads in deep reverence, thanking God for the many blessing we have, for these brave men and women, and for our wonderful country... Dear soldiers your scrifices will not be in vain!

Baby talk

I had this all typed out and then I somehow it got erased. Just my luck. I will try again.

This week we received a wonderful gift. We are great grandparents again. A beautiful baby girl. 6 pounds, with a beautiful head of hair.

As I looked at her I could imagine Her saying her goodbyes to her Father in Heaven. Her conversation would have been something like this. "Thank you Father for all you have taught me, I am going to really miss you, but I am so thankful that you let me have the parents that I wanted. I know that they will be good to me and will try to teach me right from wrong. I know that they will love me and when they hear me cry they will know that I need them too. It will seem funny to see all of those people around me all wanting to get my attention. Grandmas, Grandpas, aunts and uncles.
If I wiggle one little finger or toe or give them the tiniest smile they will all say," oou and ahh, and will want to slobber on me. But that's ok. Ill get even with them when they try to burp me.
I'm sorry Heavenly father, I will try to remember the things you have taught me. I will just love them all. Are you ready for me to go? Can I hug you just once more?
Goodbye dear Father I will see you again when my journey is over. I'll try to make you proud.

Here
I
come.

I'm crying. pick me up, and love me, just as my Father in Heaven has loved me. Weee! I'm so excited!

Hello Mother and father!
and smile back at me.

Baby talk

rambling

It is one of those days when I don't know just what I want to talk about, but if I start writing maybe it will come to me. I'm feeling pretty serious today. Some pretty heavy things have been happening this week. In my calling in church, I have the responsibility seeing to the needs of the women of our little branch. There has been a lot of sickness. And some serious things to tend to. Tomorrow, four of us are going to clean a dear sisters house. Her husband is away right now and she is very Ill. So we want to see if we can help her to lift some of her burden.
I know that is what God would want us to do. There are so many people in the world that need a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, or a voice to be heard.

I have had the opportunity of sitting with people in the hospital to help them to be more calm, or less frightened and confused. I have prayed with then, I have laughed with them, and I have sung to them. If they wanted to play cards, we would do that.
Many have said I'm not crazy am I? And I assure them that their not. One dear elderly lady had been being abused at home, and was dieing. As I listened to her talk about her children, my heart sank for her. When I would comfort her she would smile. The nurse called her family to tell them she was slipping away. But no one cared. No one came. So I just held her hand and told her that her father in Heaven loved her and was waiting for her. She died peacefully.

I feel it is an honor to be of service. When I think of how much My savior has done for me. I want to lighten someone elses burden.

I want to thank all of you for your blogs. It is nice to hear what comes from the heart.

I have some new news. We have another darling colt. Hes a stallion. That makes eight now. And were loving it. Except for the hay bill.

I gave a talk in church this morning and it really hit home with me. All of our experiences are stepping stones to help us grow. Think back when you have been faced with a trial or even a special moment. Haven't you learned something from it. Maybe you learned more patience, or maybe how to forgive, Or to appreciate what God has given you. I am thankful for all of the trials I have had in my life. They have helped me to be a more compassionate person. It has helped me to understand It's not what a person looks like or how much money he or she has. Even a drunk or a homeless person has a heart. and sometimes a heart of pain, who just needs to be listened to.

Thank you for listening to my rambling tonight. It is just that my heart is so full.
My cup runneth over.
Stay blessed. Charlene