"You only live once,"

said the dad as he shot whipped cream directly from the pressurized can into his son's eagerly waiting mouth. Pure delight.

I could hardly disagree.

It made me think of my mom. I know that if she'd known she was only going to live to be 59 years old, she would have taken more vacations. Not the big, save-for-years, Disneyland, European cruise variety, but the smaller, closer, be-with-your-family, take-them-more-often kind. I know because she told me. I was interviewing her for a book about her love story with my dad, and that was one of the things she learned in 40 years of marriage.

I am happy to report that my mom got to take a few vacations, both big and small, in her last years on earth. The big ones were Hawaii and Florida. The small ones were mostly to Utah...half the grandkids lived there for quite a while. Any time she could be with her kids and grandkids...no matter where it was...was a vacation for her. We did our best to make her treatments at Huntsman Cancer Center in Utah a bit of a vacation...that would be a small one. She went to the Children's Museum with all of the grandkids, the Museum of Ancient Life and Clark Planetarium. She went for the births of the grandbabies, Robbie's graduation, and to be the grandma. I guess she learned her lesson well.

Cancer is a forgiving disease in one way...it allows you time (not always a lot, but some) to do and say the things you might not have otherwise. I learned to cherish every day I had with my mom, even the bad ones. I learned to be aware of the things I said and did and the memories I created with her for myself and my children. Because of my mom and all that she went through and all that she taught me along the way, it's easier to let the dad shoot the whipped cream, because he's living and creating a memory...a pretty fun one, at that.

Our days are numbered...problem is, none of us knows what our number is. So, what will you do today? You'll only live it once...

Love & Blueberry Pancakes

Happy Valentine's Day...a little early and late! Early because we actually celebrated with the kids on February 13, as Jeremiah and I were in CA on February 14. And late because I am slow to post this post!

We always have a special meal on Valentine's Day with the kids.
This year it was breakfast...fresh blueberry pancakes with whipped cream, to be exact.
They were a real hit with Davis!

Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays...EVER! One of the reasons I have been pondering this year is that it is such a personal holiday. By that I mean that there is no third party to give credit to...no Santa Claus, no Easter Bunny, no neighbors giving out candy, etc. It's all about MY LOVE and how I spread it around to ALL the people I LOVE! Not that I want all of the credit...I just like to express love and appreciation in fun ways and know that those I am loving know how much I love them. Think about it...I'll bet you agree!

Rita Jean Mellor Heywood

May 28, 1949-January 30, 2009

There are not words to adequately describe the love and gratitude that fill my heart to overflowing for all that my mom is to me. She is my mom, my friend, my example, my rock, my listening ear, my compass, my #1 fan, my teacher, my children's #1 grandma, my husband's favorite mother-in-law. She is the woman I most admire. She is the person I desire to be like. If I had to choose the one thing I have been most grateful for throughout my life, it is the sure knowledge that she loves me unconditionally. I know of no greater gift a mother can give her child.

Thank you, Mom, for the eternity of love and teachings you were able to pack into 36 years. I will make you proud. 'Til we meet again...I love you.