Love at Home

Well, here I am writing another tender post. I miss my Dad. He has been gone five years today. May 1st. 2004. Occasionally I drive by his house and reminisce time spent there the last few years of his life. We spent a lot of time there taking care of his yard and cleaning his house. These are great memories for me. Dad took great pride in having a nice yard.
It was such a special time in being able to help take care of Dad., after he got ill. He was always so kind. Dad was all about love!!!! I had a great Dad. He loved the Lord, was such a hard worker, so organized, loved to serve people and put on a great party, those luaus are memorable. He was a loyal friend, and was such a tease, Justin has gotten that trait. He always had a story to tell, for most of my life I believed every word. He made sure my childhood was the best. Disneyland every summer, Horseback riding every Thursday, Annual Cowboy Breakfast, steak cookouts, story telling on the sun-deck. We really never wanted for any material thing , he was a great provider. He was a great man, a great Dad and grandpa. I miss his early 6:00 Tuesday morning phone call, "Are you making me something good to eat today?" Oh, how he loved green chili corn bread. He never complained, he was always so positive about life. Even the last day of his life, we had such a great conversation, expression of love for each other and the family when all along he was in a lot of discomfort, little did we know how much fluid was building inside of his body.
I miss his hugs.

His sayings:
"Don't take any wooden nickels"
"What's the price of wheat in Shang-hi?"
"Its cuuute"
"Aseeta balancha aseeta papoo"
"I see London I see France, I see (insert name here) 's underpants."
"You know the song of the shepherd's serinade? ... BAAA BAAAA"
"There's a place in France where the naked ladies dance. There's a hole in the wall where the men can see it all." (just imagine his signature peck muscle flexation)
"Pop-eye the sailor man"
"Now, now."
These are just a few examples of my witty Dad's humor.
We always knew he wasn't happy when he would say, "We need to have a pow wow."
..... Dad I love you. And I miss you!
Let us all remember Lavon or is it LaVaun, or LaVaughn or Vaughn, A. Wright???

This morning I attended the 5:30 a.m. session at the Temple . When I got to the assembly room and sat down, the song Love at Home was playing, and then today just as we were closing the Antique shop at 4:00, "Dancing with my Father" by Luther Vandross started playing on the radio, (Dad passed away at 4:00p.m.) Do you think he was close by today? Now mother and Dad are together preparing a place for us, I wonder how many dogs and horses will be there. I forgot to mention his love for animals, do you think Liz has followed in those footsteps? Love you sista.

Dad was in a lot of parades, preparing for those events was a big endeavor, I think Lo and I probably have more memories of this. Gosh, I had such a great childhood, THANK YOU to my wonderful parents. I miss you both dearly. ALOHA

Love at first sight

Is your purse or handbag, a friend. A true and loyal friend. I found mine last week at Target. You see I have had friends in the past that were not really me, and they would get returned to the store after a week or two, but this new one meets all my criteria of being loyal. First the size works, its not too deep, easy to find what I am looking for. The color is good for summer, it is soft, not too stiff, it has a snap, not a zipper. It has handles and a strap. very user friendly. Frankly it has everything I look for in a TRUE FRIEND. And it was under 30.00 dollars, I never spend over 30.00, I would show you my other friends of the past but after Oprah had the show on hording I got rid of them. This new love makes me smile, makes me happy. Do you have a true friend?

P.S. The day after my new friend and I met, I went to work and Jessica Blair and said, "Hello, Oh Lucille, cute bag!" I knew then that this was a long-lasting relationship.
Also, my daughter Jamie said, "Oh mom you got a new friend! It makes me happy when I see it."

..If you only knew how many stores I have gone to over the last few months to find my one and only. I truly have a friend.

My Angel Mother

Today is April 2nd. It has been twenty years since my angel mother left this mortal existence, seems like it just happened and that it has been a life time all in one. My mother, Norma Riggs Wright was an amazing women. Health problems, were her Gethsemane, her test in life. She had strength and courage. Oh, how I miss my mother. I miss being able to call her on the phone and have her with a ready answer to my question, for you see she was very wise. My mom knew a lot about everything, from love, to child rearing, homemaking, decorating, gardening, entertaining, the buzz on hollywood, to the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, she was a smart lady my mother, and I miss her more than I can express in words. Memories are all I have now, and my memories are tender to my heart. I understand now, why my mother did some of the things she did. Living life has a way of helping us understand....... I miss my mothers smell, her touch, her tenderness, her laugh, her knowledge, her wisdom, her testimony, her humor, her presence. I miss not being able to share my life with her, Jamie was just 2 yrs. old when mother died, the only one who has a lot of memories of her is Jill. I asked Justin not too long ago of his memories of grandma, and they are faded; that makes me sad. My mother taught me how to love, we love deep, we feel deep. Sometimes I think that might be a curse, but, no I am grateful because I know what love is and how to love because of my mother. There is not a day that does not go by that I don't think of her. I know she is not very far away. I have felt her from time to time over the years, and that is a comfort. I need to take the time and write down some stories of experiences from my life with her so that my family can have her brought to life for them. Just know this, Norma was an amazing, beautiful, culture refined woman, she was an angel. I miss her, I love her. It has been twenty years since my mother left this mortal existence.

Enough Already

Who's on the Lord's side who?

Is there anyone out there that is fed up with the news media, television in general, or talk radio? I have had to just turn it off. I find myself just wanting to watch old classic movies or reading a good book, or looking at decorating magazines. If I have to hear our NEW Pres. of the good ole USA try and sell his socialism plan one more time I think I will scream. I know it is important to be up with current events, but all of this mess with the economy is craziness. Have you noticed how the Ensign this month is all about self-reliance, preparedness, and having the oil in our lamps full. I love the scriptures, only by trusting in the Lord will we find peace. I am so grateful for the gospel, I think as time goes on, all of us, if we ask for it will have many missionary experiences. The signs of the times, as many say, are all around us. I hope as we all live each day we pray to be a good influence, I know all of you do, what great examples you all are to me. You can just tell how strong these little spirits that are coming to our homes now are. Definitely saturday warriors! I am excited for Jori, this year she is going to be in the Easter pageant, as a birth angel. She is excited too. A chance to participate in such a great program and feel the spirit so strong each night will be amazing. Let us all treasure our blessings, we live in an exciting time, the best of times and the worst of times..... now that I have vented I feel better. I am anxious for general conference. Let us stay close. I love you all.

Enjoy Life Eat Doughnuts!

This post is for Mandi and all of us who like DOUGHNUTS which is probably all of the WRIGHT family. Did you know that Brigham Young had donuts as part of his morning breakfast, buttermilk doughnuts,that is. I would like to share with you a recipe from the Lion house in Salt Lake City, remember we are taught to follow the prophet!


2cups buttermilk
2large eggs beaten
51/2 cups flour
l1/4 cups sugar
2 teaspoons soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg
6 tablespoons butter

In a medium bowl stir together all dry ingredients and set aside. Whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and sugar. Add melted butter and whisk again. Add dry ingredients and gently stir together. Do not use a mixer. [Remember Brigham didn't have electricity] Dough will be sticky. Start heating frying oil to 375 degrees. (Lard works best.)
Roll or pat dough on a well floured board about 1/4 to 3/8 inch thick. Cut with 2 1/2 inch doughnut cutter. Form the scraps into a ball and reroll and cut. Fry in hot oil. Doughnuts will start to crack when they are ready to turn. Remove when golden brown. Drain on paper towel.
While warm sprinkle with granulated sugar as desired. Makes 2 dozen. Go to mormonTimes.com

Enjoy! Conclusion, I will be brave and share a deep emotion . I have always lived with the attitude of when I, when I loose x amount of weight I will buy some great clothes, when I this or when I that. I look at pictures of myself ten or twenty years ago and think, I was not that fat, I wish I looked like that now. I should of enjoyed life more then. Of course we should be healthy conscience ,But now that my metabolism has come to a streaking halt, I am trying to enjoy life at where I am. A new season of aging, wrinkles, flab, arthritis pain etc. Thank goodness I have Mandi to keep by eyebrows lookin good and Tara to keep the gray out of my hair, the point is . Be happy with yourselves, where you are RIGHT NOW , life is precious, say positive things about yourself and to your children, Your kids will have better self-esteems if they know their mother feels good about herself. For me , my grand kids have a comfy cozy pillow to hug. So therefore if you want a doughnut, enjoy it, eat it . Life goes by so quickly..........

What is most important?

Dear Friends, Pondering of what is most important to me , inspired this change. The sampler on the top left, reads Forget me not, remember me, watch and pray, the one on the top right says,Good life, if you would live a life discreet Five things observe with care: of whom you speak, To whom you speak, And how, and when and where. The sampler in the middle, Home Sweet Home, brings me to convey this thought. How blessed is a life who has the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ as a road map, what a blessing it is to pray to an Heavenly Father who loves us, and knows us. Must we never to forget to pray. Living our lives through the example of our Savior, brings peace. As we try to keep the commandments and live our lives according to God's plan of happiness , our homes can be sweet, and a place of refuge for those who enter our door. My goal and desire is to live a life as this and for my home to be such a place of refuge. I love my family, may we be examples to all....Let us all stand for truth, and be steadfast....

Finding Joy

Hi to all, my thought for this week is something I was so impressed with. Our cousin and friend, Joy Arnett , who is so specialwas recently the keynote speaker at her stake Relief Society conference. The topic was finding joy. I reflected for a few days want brings me joy. Of course the gospel and family is #1, if you start to think about it the list could become quite detailed and long. One of Joy's handouts really made me stop and think, I did not attend the conference , just heard about it through Aunt Jeanne.


How to be Totally Miserable
Mostly by John Bytheway.

1. Believe that things will never change.
2. Think about your problems.
3. Don't do anything.
4. Worry about things you can't change.
5. Complain about your blessings.
6. Think about yourself.
7. Relive your bad memories.
8. Blame everyone and everything.
9. Don't take any action.
10. Put yourself down.
11. Don't set goals.
12. Hold on to grudges.
13. Judge other people's motives.
14. Put deadlines on your happiness.
15. Stay miserable.
16. Always want more.
17. Don't learn anything new.
18. Postpone prayer.
19. Avoid good company.
20. Don't sing.
21. Don't smile.
22. Don't laugh.
23. Gossip often.
24. Sleep to much.
25. Don't have a purpose.
26. Recycle regrets.
27. Take counsel from your fears.
28. Be easily offended.
29. Wait for life to happen.
30. Avoid adventure.
31. Assume that moping will solve the problem.
32. Don't enjoy the good in others.
33. Don't have a hobby.
34. Never read a book.
35. Never reach out of your comfort zone to make someone happy.

"Your joy in life depends upon your trust in Heavenly father and His holy son, your conviction that their plan of happiness truly can bring you joy. Richard G. Scott


There is a lot more to Joy's handout, but I thought this part was especially
good. For the most part our attitudes determine our happiness and joy. Life can be so hard! I hope we can find something helpful in the above list that will help us all reflect on what is really important in life.



Now, I have got to show you what my wonderful son Justin did for me this weekend, also I have a few more pictures of some of things in my home that give me JOY and of course a few more changes. My children are so good to me, Justin has a lot going on in his life, I appreciate him so much for helping me. I have the best kids, I love them so much. Have a great week everyone hope it is filled with JOY.......

I'm so excited!!!

Changey Rearrangey, in full form.
JOY







C
H
A
N
G
E

Tan and White, JOY


head board - garage sale find.
Thank you, Lindsay.

Baby room, I love baby vintage prints, dolls, most anything old.








The dresser came from D.I. a little paint does amazing things.

Baby screen is of my children and my grandbabies.
JOY, JOY



Like many of you, one of my favorite things to do is going to GARAGE SALES, once in awhile you hit the sales of sales. About 18 months ago or longer, I got a call from Lindsay Jones, "Lucille you have got to come to this sale." It was close to my house, and when I got there , oh my gosh, we had so much fun, we bought a lot of great stuff, a lot we resold and a lot is in our homes. Lindsay you rock. That is such a great memory. JOY

A new season of life

I first want to say thank you to all my eagles for commenting on my BLOG..... It was so fun to read them........
To the left is a picture of Randy and I with grandbaby #5 Abigail Jane, so beautiful. Our story began August 20th 1974. We were married in the Salt Lake City temple by Elder LeGrand Richards. I was so young, 19. Yes so young. Randy and I have had quite the journey, I am so grateful for my temple covenants, it is the foundation of my life. I am also grateful for what my challenges in life have taught me. The Lord has a way of rounding and smoothing the sharp points of our character , tailored just for us. I love my dear husband, Randy has many talents which I admire, he has been a great supporter for our family, and works so hard. Last June we were called to be Temple workers at the Mesa temple. This has been such a great blessing to me personally and to my marriage, oh how I love the temple. Peace. It has helped me endure Jill moving away and now Jacy. We all have our lives to live where ever it takes us , and just knowing we are an eternal family gives me peace. Randy and I work the first shift on saturday morning. We get up at 3:30a.m. and need to be there at 4:30a.m. and our shift ends at 11:20. After our shift we get lunch and then I go to work at Cherry St. Antiques until 4:00p.m. it is a long day but so wonderful. It has given Randy and I time to reflect on what is essential, what really matters, I love it. The Lord reallly knows us and knows what we need in our lives. The important thing is to live our lives so that we will be receptive to what he has instore for us. The gospel really is the plan of happiness....... Now many of you know I like antiques it is so fun that some of my children and nieces do to, and I like decorating. Jamie has given me the name changey rearrangey, wow is that the under statement. Yesterday Jan. 26th I was true to my name and made a CHANGE. I have posted a picture of the change and also some of the collections that give me joy, remember women are that they might have joy...

Patio table brought inside.



This chandelier will be hung...

up here.



I love chandeliers.




My Favorite Room of the House

I love chandeliers.





The mirror and the buffet were both purchased from Julie Blair.
Even though they didn't come together, they add a lot to the Shabby Chic look.





I collect a lot of things. Things that have potential.





I love white on white.





Collection of Mother verses.







Long awaited farm sink...

after a trip to Globe, I have finally got my farm sink.
Randy even put it in the night we got home!
Now isn't that exciting!!





Saved the Best for last.

My precious grand babies. It doesn't get any better than this.
Except, I want 50 more.

Grammy Lu's Favorite Things to Collect:

litttle things
mirrors
plates
old frames
match boxes
silhouettes
mothers verses
composition dolls, old
old jewelry
old purses
chandeliers
old urns

this list is good for now, pretty scary!

grammylu jives has just arrived

To all family and friends, well here I am. This is my debut to the blogging world. Hold on to your seat. Thank goodness I have a patient daughter, Jori is the one to give credit for my attempt at this new-to-me technology. I feel like our great grandparents must have felt when they went from horse and buggy to the model T, pen to typewriter, or dishpan hands to automatic dishwasher. ha ha

Like all of you, I want to share a part of my life with you, the ones I love most! The older I get the more I realize the importance of family history, memories to share and expressing heart felt feelings. Because I have been given much I too must give.