Who My Mom Is, Part XI

Yes, she really did slap him.

My mom is fun. 

I can’t tell you how many times we would kneel for family prayer and end up in fit of uncontrollable laughter, started with a giggle from my mom.  I can still picture her, tears streaming down her eyes as she tried to calm down.

Whenever we went to Mesa Verde National Park, there was an overlook above one of the ruins.  You could see the visitors milling around, and my mom would yell, “Cindy!  Cindy!!!! CINDY!” while waving her arms wildly, until someone was kind enough to wave back.  Who was Cindy?  Who knows? 

My mom loves a good practical joke.  I can barely believe it now, but we actually invited people over to our house for dinner, and then ambushed them on our front porch with water guns and balloons from every corner….even from our roof. Crazy kids? No, a crazy mom.

My mom’s favorite victims were the missionaries.  Every couple of years she would organize the women in the ward to feed the missionaries the same meal for six or seven nights in a row.  When I mean same, I mean exactly the same.  The same recipe, the same salad dressing, the same flavor of Kool-Aid. 

One time when we were getting new Elders, she got into their apartment and left live fish all over – in the bathtub, in the sink, the toilet, and blender.  When they told her that they dumped the fish in the canal, she pretended to cry about how they were our pet fish.  She had the Elders so convinced, they were ready to take fish food to the canal to try and attract the fish back to the surface to re-catch them. 

And once a food fight was started, and continued, at our table while feeding the missionaries.  It was so intense that the next time they came over, they wore trash bags over their clothes. 

My mom was a hoot at girl’s camp, a wild woman at Education Week, and always the fun chaperone on school trips.

I could go on and on, but believe me when I say my mom is more fun than your mom ;o)

(Feel free to share any stories you have about my crazy mother)

Who My Mom Is, Part X

This post is by my youngest brother Bryce, who keeps it short and sweet.

My Mom is the best.

She always knew what was best for me and I could always go to her. She helped me complete my projects in High School and made me do my best.

Who My Mom Is, Part IX

This post has two contributors – Bonnie and Tom Crook (who will always be Bishop Crook to me).  They also happen to be the parents of the lovely Missy from last night’s post.


Linda is a friend to everyone.

There are no strangers in Linda's life. Anyone who needs help, an encouraging word, a ride somewhere or a baby tended Linda was always first to volunteer.

We moved to Blythe in 1994 - she was the first to come up and introduce herself, welcome us into the ward and invite us to dinner. Linda's energy and sewing talents always amazed me, she always knew the answers to my sewing questions and is an amazing seamstress!

I miss Linda's spirit here in the ward, but how great to be by most of her children and grandchildren. Have a beautiful birthday!
Love,
Bonnie Crook

Linda is dedicated.
 
As I think of Linda, I think of all the causes she totally had her heart and soul into.

1. Her family. No matter what they were involved in she was too. She may not have known all there is to know about raising a 4-H pig but she was into it with both feet.

2. Her church callings -the same way. She was my Primary president at one time and to see her love those little kids with her whole heart was Linda.

3. Community events- Totally dedicated to the walk for life -All night- dedication!  And I love her smile. It is always the most genuine. We will always love Linda! 

Who My Mom Is, Part VIII

This post was written by Missy (formerly Crook) Kelly.  When I was looking for old pictures of Missy, I realized that I had several with her in them at functions that my mom took us to, and I realized my mom really took us all over!  Forgive me for the old pics Missy, they are to prove a point :o)

 Autumn, Missy and Lynda at a leadership conference my mom chaperoned for.

Autumn, Missy, Me, and Breanna at a Girl’s Camp daytrip that my mom took us to – she may even have been camp leader that year, as she often was.

 

And a picture just to show how beautiful Missy was, and still is.  She is the blonde in black (and I am the albino one with the double chin.)

So, onto the post:

Linda is a ball of energy!

I was 13 when we moved to Blythe, and Linda is one of the first people I remember welcoming our family into Blythe.

I remember her being so excited to haul a bunch of teenagers all the way to BYU for education week just so we could experience how exciting the Gospel can be. I definitely have to mention her zeal for the scriptures and being my seminary teacher.

But what stands out the most to me was the love she has for her family. Every time I'd come back home to visit, if I saw her she'd give me a big hug and bust out all her pictures of all of her beautiful grandbabies. Her eyes just sparkled as she told me all their names and I could see the love she had for them radiating from her. Linda you are an Amazing woman. Have a wonderful birthday.

Who My Mom Is, Part VII

This post was written by Kevin Ralston, who was a friend of mine through my teens years, and who was lucky enough to be one of my mom’s seminary students.  The picture below was taken at a prom dinner that my mom put together for me and some of my friends.

Sister J is bubbly.
You would think that I would have learned my lesson, once referring to her as such from the pulpit when our Senior Seminary class was asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting. It drew laughs from the congregation, and immediately I wished I could take that description back, fearing it may have embarrassed her. Who was I kidding? Sister J didn't embarrass easily.
She was the most down-to-earth teacher/friend/friends' mom you could ask for. One of her more memorable quotes (for me) was "Your body is a temple, not a visitors' center." Risqué? Maybe. Hilarious? Yes. Easy for teenagers to understand? Definitely. Her main concern was to teach us rowdy kids, and to make sure we held to the Iron Rod.

What better testament of her love for youth, than her own kids? I am lucky to have been acquainted with the Jeppson 8. I knew the older 4 the best, and enough can't be said for their friendship, their love of the gospel, and their academic accomplishments.

A little over a year ago, by sheer happenstance, I ran into a very pregnant Lindsey one day at the grocery store in Mesa. She told me that her mom was coming to town soon. My wife and kids and I were lucky enough to get to have dinner with her and Lindsey's family, and my wife finally got to meet the famous Sister Jeppson.
At the end of the dinner, as we were leaving the restaurant, I got to hug her goodbye. I thought my choice of words was kind of random, at the moment.. I told her "I love you." She returned the gesture and told my wife that she really did love me. Looking back, I'm glad that those were the words that came out. I really do love Sister J. She stands out in my mind as a great influence during the formative years of my life, and I will always be grateful for that.

Who My Mom Is, Part VI

Written by my brother, Levi Jeppson

 My Mom, Levi, and Levi’s daughter Jovie, in June 2007, very shortly after my mom was diagnosed with PPA

My mom is devoted.

Her entire life has been centered around her family, her religion, her friends, and her community. Whenever a favor has been asked, a calling has been extended, a need has presented itself, my mom has responded without hesitation. From service projects to volunteering at schools to running Grad Night, she embraced Blythe and did everything she could to improve her community.

She has made countless friends through the years from every walk of life. She has always held her friends close and gone out of her way to make sure they felt special.

In the Church, she has served tirelessly in virtually every calling possible. No matter the calling, big or small, she makes sure it is done well and done RIGHT!

You would think with all of the energy she expelled outside of the home serving others, her family might have taken a backseat at times. But her devotion to her family is her most amazing quality! There has never been a time in my life when my mother hasn’t been by my side, guiding me with love and patience (lots of patience!) She was there every day when we got home from school. There during the late nights finishing science projects or book reports. There at every school or athletic event. There at every church or scout function. There when important life decisions had to be made. Now, with 8 graduations, 5 missions, 7 temple marriages and 24 grandchildren behind her, she is more devoted than ever with frequent travel, an insatiable desire to babysit, thoughtful gifts, and a smile that lights up every room she enters! Thank you Mom!

Who My Mom Is, Part V

This is Cathy Monnett, who has been one of the best friends in my mom’s life.  This is what she has to say about my mom:


Linda is giving.
 
In the ten years we spent in Blythe, I watched her make so many sacrifices for her children. She would spend all night sewing to make them school clothes, costumes, whatever they needed. She was always there to drive them wherever they needed to go, to attend all their events, and to cheer them on. She focused all her energy on making things nice for them. I remember her buying larger size baggies for their lunches so she could send homemade popcorn as a snack, and we both bought bags of cereal marshmallows to add to the generic cereal we used. (If I were allowed an extra word to describe her, it would be resourceful:)

Linda gave so much of herself to her children that I think it's fair to say that anyone who knows them, knows her.

Linda is a beautiful person (I know, another adjective) and I'm privileged to know her. Love you!  Happy Birthday.

Who My Mom Is, Part IV

This post was written by my Aunt Meredith (my dad’s brother’s wife).  You can read more from her at her blog The world according to Merf.  Even though I don’t think I have ever called her Merf in person, I always think of her as that in my head now.

 Picture provided by Meredith. My parents with Levi, Bobby, and Christie.  Based on Levi’s size, I am thinking it was right around Christmas 1978.

Linda was my competition---oh yes you were!

I came in as the 3rd daughter-in-law----you and Marie were already well settled into the family.  I married the baby.  How could I compete with you!?! Christie was 5 and quoting poetry!  Christie and Bobby were sweet and cute and well-behaved---and you kept having MORE sweet and cute babies.

And then you moved to Idaho and had goats----so I could compete with that. And then you moved BACK TO CALIFORNIA! aaaaaargh!

You taught seminary, gospel doctrine, you directed the road shows, you sew, you shopped at Sam's----and worst of all---you were nice. You were nice to me. HOW CAN THAT BE?  You are everything i want to be----AND NICE....well....except the goats---never wanted goats.

The sweetest moment----in Cedar City at that farm museum type thing with the 10ft tall sunflowers---we talked about the PPA.  We had gone to the Monticello temple together a few years before and that began your fight.  As we walked, we cried together, we laughed together----you felt like a sister----you are my sister.

Who My Mom Is, Part III

This is Christine Defreese, a friend of my mo, and this is what she knows about her:
.
Linda is genuine.
 
She is real, what you see is what you get. She is kind and loving and a great example. She was such an example to me as a young mother. I watched her with her children and it helped me. It was a joy to be one of her counselors in Relief Society. I learned so much about serving in the church from her.

Happy Birthday Linda, I love you. And thanks for being YOU.

Who My Mom Is, Part II

This post was written by my brother-in-law James Blair.  I really liked hearing his perspective.
My mother-in-law is love in action.

She accepted me pretty quick. She did not have much time, but she didn’t need it.
See this dress?

It did not come from a store. It was a custom order. She made it with love for a special daughter who finally found the man who matched the dress.

She also made something special for me. It was a surprise. It was a good surprise. The groom’s cake tradition was new to her, but she took it and had fun.
Speaking of having fun, she has never missed a chance to have fun with her grandkids. This was right after Jeb was born. How many Grannys would do this for their grandkids?

http://blairbears.blogspot.com/2009/09/granny-dancin-in-rain.html  (click for a video)

Love in action sometimes means dancing in the rain with 2 and 3 year old granddaughters.

Who My Mom Is, Part I

This first post is written by my sister Ashley Wright. 

My mom is incredibly thoughtful. 
She is always aware of what people are most in need of.  The times I have most noticed this is when she comes to help me with a new baby.  It always seems like she is one step ahead of me and I never even have to ask her to do something.  Whether it is taking the baby so I can rest, cleaning my kitchen, making a meal or playing with the other kids - she's right there doing it before I even realize it needs done. 

 
If I step back and look at my childhood I can see examples there as well. She would take me for special birthday trips out of town, help with a chore when she could see that we were just too overwhelmed and she was always helping those around us.  And one of my favorite current examples is how well she knows her grandkids and finds way to make each of them feel special.  She knows what activities they like to do, types of treats they like and she always comes up with perfect gifts for birthdays and Christmas.
 
She doesn't just serve others - she takes the time and effort to think of their individual needs and doesn't just do what is convenient for her. She is an incredible example to me and I love her for all that she does for our family.

September – A Celebration of My Mom

You have all seen pictures of my mom, Linda,  on here.  She is beautiful and beaming in every one of them.  She is just as lovely in real life, I can promise you. 

You can’t tell from the pictures, but my mom struggles every day of her life. 

Almost five years ago, my mom was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia, or PPA.  It is a disease that robs it's victims of their use of speech.  For my mom it started off with a difficulty in remembering words.  She would be talking and midsentence couldn’t remember what word to use.  She would know exactly what she meant and what she wanted to say, but just couldn’t recall the word for it.  It progressed (as it does).  She soon couldn’t speak in public (something she was brilliant at before) and couldn’t read aloud.  At this point, speech is very difficult for my mom, and comprehending speech is exhausting and very frustrating. She has a very hard time filtering out the noises around her to understand what is being said, so even gatherings with all the grandkids, while joyous for her, are also very hard.

When you first hear about PPA, you cannot fully imagine the heartache that it brings -the dreams that die with the diagnosis, the days of depression that it inevitably brings on the sufferer, who is fully aware of what is being taken from them day by day.  Maybe someday I will write more about that, but let me write briefly about one of the tragedies of PPA.

My parents moved here two years ago to be close to family – three of their kids,  and 13 of their grandkids (now 14).  They left the small town that they had been home for almost 30 years.  They left all of their church friends, one of my mom’s sisters, her parents, all of the church members who knew her as a stalwart member of the ward, and a town full of people that knew her from one way or another.

Moving somewhere new – leaving all of that behind – is hard enough.  I can’t imagine doing it with PPA.  My mom is a brave woman though.  She still seeks people out.  She still keeps her eyes open for ways of serving.  She still smiles.
Sometimes when I am at church with her, or a baby shower, I see that smile on her face, and I hear her offer as many words as she possibly can to let people know that she cares and notices them.  I love her for it, and it makes me happy, but I can’t help but think, “None of these people really know my mom.  They have no idea how intelligent she is – how much humor she always brought to everyone around.  They have no idea how much strength and wisdom lies under that smile.”

My mom has not just lost her speech, she has lost a great deal of her identity.  This is a tragedy – that the world can’t fully know my mother. 

Don’t we all want to feel understood?  Don’t we all want to feel that the people around us know who we are? 

So for my mom’s birthday, which on the 15th, I want her to have that.  Some of the people who know her best will be sharing with the world who my mother is.  It might be difficult for her to comprehend everything that will be written here, but I will be praying daily that she will feel the messages we have for her even when she can’t completely understand them. 

Mom,

For your birthday

I wanted you to know

That you have touched so many people.

We think that the whole world needs to know you.

Even if it is hard for you to talk now,

We will talk for you.

We will be your voice.

Every day, until your birthday

We will tell everyone who you are.

We love you.

Fourth Annual Back-to-School Dinner

We held our annual Back-to-School dinner last Wednesday night, complete with kid-made decorations.

This year’s family motto:

Kindness Begins With Me

The menu:

Couscous Grande with Oregano

Grilled Shrimp

Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

Turtle Pie (store-bought) for dessert.  Yum.

 

   

Just a little side note – we moved Carina and her Bumbo to the floor after pictures….just in case you were worried :o)

Previous Back-to-School Dinners: 2008, 2009, 2010

Ollie’s birthday

 

Ollie’s birthday last week started out fantastic.  His brothers had the great idea of getting his a fish from them.  He was thrilled.  He named the fish “Monkey Wrench.”  The fish was dead before nightfall :o(  Ollie cried. We have now promised to get him beta. 

 

 

 

 

Chad really made the day great for Ollie with a little scavenger hunt.  He left Ollie’s favorite candy all over the house and left clues to find them.  Oliver thought it was the coolest thing ever.  So did his brothers – who have now requested that Chad do the same thing for their birthdays.

 

 

 

 

Oliver wanted Chick-fil-A for dinner and we gladly complied.  After that he got to open a couple of presents, one of which was some K’NEX from his Grandpa and Grandpa Coleman.  He LOVED them.  All the boys did – they have been played with every day since then.  Thanks Judy and Bill!

Saturday was the main event – a pool/pizza party with all of his cousins.  He loves his cousins so much.  He is still like a little mascot to them - they all love to make laugh and treat him like a little pal. 

 

He got the cupcakes with cherries on top that he requested.  Then all the cousins played in the warm, dirty puddle caused by an overflow in the splash area.  Whenever this happens, the kids all flock to it – I couldn’t really blame them during the party – the pool water was a pretty chilly!  I think a certain father (who shall not be named)  didn’t even get in!

Ollie had a fantastic couple of days and I think his birthday lived up to all the hype that had been building for months and months.  We love this little three year old!

Dear Gabriel,

I just dropped you off for your first day of kindergarten. You walked in smiling and confident.  Inside the classroom, it was chaotic, and you didn't know what you were supposed to do and where you were supposed to go.  Your sister was crying and your little brother was starting a fit about wanting to go to his own class.  It was not the goodbye I wanted for you.  I could see your eyes get a little misty as you asked me if I could stay with you for a little while.  My Gabe, I wanted to stay forever (or to just take you home with me).

Then the teacher was able to talk to you, and the mist went away quickly, and you got to work.  We tried to exit as quickly as possible.

Gabe, I knew that the same twisty feeling I was having in my stomach was going on in yours.  I knew that your head was full of questions and possibilities of what could go wrong (just like mine).  I have always been there to answer your questions and soothe all the anxiety out of you, and there is a big part of me that wants to do that for you every day of your life.

Then there is that other part of me that knows this separation - the one that had me crying the whole way home - is what is best.  I have watched you, my love, as you have learned so many new things these last couple of years - speech, reading, piano, soccer.  You started out protesting, dragging your feet, slowly loosening up and letting yourself be taught.  With each of these new ventures, the more you have learned, the more confident you have become.  Now you are a totally different boy than you were as a toddler.  You are no longer the little brother who can wants to retain his role and expects help with everything.  You are the strong and independent boy who knows he is really good at learning things. 

It is that boy I left at the school today.  I had an assurance in my heart that although you will have your moments of missing home, moments of wondering if you are doing things right, and moments of feeling that you aren't, you will grow because of it. You will gain more confidence in this struggling and conquering than you would gain from years of me soothing and assuring your fears away.

I will miss you at home.  I will miss your constant chatting when you are feeling social, and your quiet playing when you are caught up in your imagination.  Your sister and I will miss your crinkly-eyed smiles and your spontaneous hugs when something has made you really happy.  Ollie will miss the brother who builds tracks and castles for him.

I love you Gabe.  Keep up the good work, and you will be just fine. Better than just fine.

Love Always,
Mom