Grandkids

Grandkids

Why Nanna's Corner

I chose this "Blog Name' as my life revolves around my family. I am known as "Nanna, or Nannie Diane" by my Grandchildren. **My little grandson, Jalen who is almost 3, asked me what my name was, and I replied, "Nanna." He asked again, and I replied, "Nanna'. He then asked again, no, what is your real name? I then said, "Diane." And since then, he has called me "Nannie Diane." (Do you think that has anything to do with Nannie McPhee? I adore my six perfect, precious adorable little grandchildren who are the love and joy of my life. I have a loving, smart and witty husband who is my confident and best friend. I also have five wonderful, intelligent, very handsome and gorgeous children who have married their special-eternal mates. I love each of them dearly and are so grateful they are now part of our Dyreng family.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Hallee & Maddie


Aren't they simply adorable!

Season

I have been thinking about this word, which has multiple meaning.


Seasons of your life. - Like the season of the year, our lives flow in cycles. For everything there is a season; and during each season, we must remember to embrace and appreciate our lives; to be patient and enjoy the moment, the day, the season you are in. I am thoroughly enjoying the season of my life. My children are all married; I am enjoying the fruits of 6 precious grandchildren; I'm healthy and able to go to work every day. I'm enjoying our time together as a couple; lots of time to talk and visit; walks & dates we didn't have a lot of time for when our children were all home; eating out more often when I don't feel like cooking; and simply having more time for each other. I will have to admit that being an "empty nester" is pretty cool and I have no complaints!


I have loved every season of my life. There are choice memories of my childhood growing up on the farm enjoying work and fun with six siblings and two incredible parents. {That's a story for another day.} I loved my teenage years; fun friends, dates, and school. College was awesome (USU) where I fell in love with my hubby. My early married life was filled with those very special years raising children. Words can't express the joy and gratification that come as your children grow, mature and excel in every way. They are amazing and I am so proud of each one, Kristyn, Jennie, Kera, Jacob and Travis - - I love you all!


To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Eccl 3:1-2

I have learned that not all things are possible in all seasons. Hope you all will enjoy the moment, never wishing for the next season of your life.


Season of the Year - I love the changing seasons. I love to garden, but honestly , this time of year, my flowers struggle, they are neglected and I've had it. Therefore, I look forward to fall and a rest from my gardening. When winter arrives, I love that first snow fall covering the ugly brown grass with a soft, white blanket of snow. It's so magical! And then when spring finally arrives, I am anxious for green grass, tulips peeking out of the ground, and warm weather. And then we start all over again, and are rested and ready for a new season.


Season-ing - I love to cook with herbs and spices that make our food scrumptious and delectable. I love to smell the aroma of chili sauce as it simmers for hours and fills the house with those wonderful spices. My favorites to cook with are: fresh basil, lemon thyme, lemon pepper, cilantro, garlic, parsley, chives and chipolata seasoning.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Memories of Grandma Jennie

This past month, we gathered for “Granny Jen Day” at Aunt Margaret’s. A few years ago, Aunt Margaret and Mom wanted to celebrate and acknowledge my dear Grandma Jennie on her birthday, October 4th. She was an amazing seamstress and quilter. In memory of her, we get together each fall, young and old, and enjoy a sewing day with a pot-luck lunch, treats, prizes, a few sewing hints, and lots of visiting and fun. Kristyn mentioned she didn’t know much about her great grandma Jen. I’ve been reminiscing and would like to share a few of my favorite memories.
Grandma Jennie was truly the best Grandma ever, a very special neat lady. I just loved everything about her. She was so much fun, so kind and thoughtful. My sister, Jenene and I were always excited when it was our turn to stay at her home in Richfield which was located on a main highway. Jenene and I would lay awake for hours listening to the traffic drive by and Grandma’s clock “tick”, two sounds we were not accustomed to living on a farm. I loved her bathroom. The sink and bathtub were pink. She always displayed soft, pastel pink and blue towels. There was always a bar of “dove” soap to use and the smell is so vivid in my mind. To this day, I use Dove soap and think of my Grandma.

Grandma had a shelf above her dining room table displayed with her special miniature bronze and copper kitchen pots, coffee grinder and tea pot. She would allow us to play with them for hours, as long as we were careful, and back on the shelf they would go. She also displayed a purple glass collection that she loved and was so proud of.

Grandma Jen was a manager at a very elite ladies dress shop called “Hazels” located on Main Street in Richfield. I remember going there with my Mother to visit or help Mother find a dress. She was a very classy lady.

Grandma was an excellent homemaker and cook. Her rasberry jam was to die for. What a treat to endulge a in a big piece of homemake bread, freash out of the oven with butter and rasberry jam.

Christmas and birthday gifts were the best. Jenene and I usually received identical gifts. One year, we were given a darling set (l medium and small) of suitcases; mine was pink, and Jenene’s, red. They were used for traveling, as well as for play. I think we have pictures of my bothers using them as well. We kept them forever until they were so banged up; I think Mom finally made us throw them away. Another special gift was a baby Grande piano music box with a little pink doll dancing in front of a glass mirror. I recall my girls playing with it when they were little. It was a one of those gifts you always dreamed of receiving. Another very special gift was a metal, miniature Singer sewing machine that really worked! I have it on display in my sewing room. What a fun gift.

Another fun memory was traveling to California with Grandpa and Grandma to see Aunt Margaret. We drove a dodge dart, no air conditioning, and drove 50 miles an hour. It was a horrendous long trip across the desert, but oh, we had such a great time and wonderful memories, never to forget.

I can just imagine Grandma Jennie looking down at her grand-daughters and great-grand-daughters and I'm positive she would have to be so tickled and proud knowing her love of sewing and quilting has passed on.

Hunter and the Gang, modeling his Fireman Halloween Costume. Hunter proudly shows his bridge where cars are parked attending church.



Tuesday, September 16, 2008

These are a Few of My Favorite Things

1. Reading a good book with no interruptions.

2. Listening to Oldies music.

3. When my grand children climb into bed with Pappa and Nanna early in the morning to cuddle and talk.

4. The sound of sprinklers early in the morning.

5. Watching a great "Chick Flick.

6. Cuddling and rocking my grand children to sleep.

7. Walking the River Walk.

8. Playing the Piano.

9. The rewards of canning; when the bottles are sealing and kitchen is clean.

10. Completing a quilting project.

11. Adding music to my I-pod.

12. Shopping with my girls. (When I say girls, that includes Meagan and Natalie!)

I pieced this quilt for Madelyn for her birthday. This was one of the last quilts Michelle quilted in her new Quilt Shop, "White Hills Trading."



My Dear Sister, Michelle

Michelle and Diane @ the Cabin
This past Sunday, I attended Mayfield Primary's Sacrament Meeting Program. Hunter is a new little Sunbeam, so it was a must for us to be in attendance. The little children sang, "If the Savior Stood Beside Me.". Whenever I sing or hear this song, it brings tears to my eyes, I mean every time. It is such a beautiful song, but the reason. . . When this song was first published, Michelle and I sang it in Sacrament meeting and Relief Society, and I must admit, it was beautiful. Tomorrow will be the 3rd year anniversary of her death. I love this time of year, but then, it is also a reminder of her final weeks of fighting the cancer, pain, sadness, tears, questions, her family, our family; it was a very difficult time. I miss her so much. Words can't even begin to express how much I miss her. We did everything possible together. We decorated, scrapbooked, tole painted, quilted, canned, shopped, talked, cried and sang together. We exchanged much needed advice when having those frustrating days. Years ago, I was extremely angry with my husband and kids. I was livid and furious - - enough that I actually packed up a bag and took off down the street, my kids hysterically crying as I drove off, and I didn't have a plan; I ended up in Springville and spent the night with Michelle. ( I don't recall even calling my family, imagine that!) We had a good visit; as she was always a great listener and confidant. The next day, I returned home, to find a sorry, grateful and appreciative family, well, it lasted for a few days, but it FELT GREAT! I would often threaten, but never follow through. I’m not exactly recommending this to everyone, but it seemed to work for me that particular day. If I could have anything in the world, it would be to spend a day with my dear, dear sister, Michelle. I miss you every day! LOVE YOU, SIS!



Saturday, September 13, 2008

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Horrah!!! I did it!

Hurrah, I did it! I have succumbed to begin a blog. My girls, daughter-in-laws, cousins, nieces, along with a few friends. . . are official bloggers. You are all an inspiration. However, I will admit, I am quite intimidated by your creativity, your amazing comments and stuff you come up with to write about. I’m totally impressed. This will be a good thing. I have not been an avid journal writer for many years and regret that a lot. It seems to be one of my annual resolutions and goals and is continually on my to do-list each week. This will be a good thing!