In Honor of Olivia and Allen.....

March is a very special month to me, as it is my Dad's birthday as well as two of my own children. We got to celebrate both Olivia and Allen's birthday on Olivia's real birthday, as all the kids were home and we had a big party at Billie Jo's house. It was fun, fun, fun and especially fun for me to see my children having fun together and taking care of their own children. There is absolutely nothing better than children and I am so thankful to my Father in Heaven for the wonderful children He has given me. I was so busy this week with the things that occupy my time nowadays, that I am late getting my tributes to Allen and Olivia posted. I love them and want each of them to know how much they mean to me! Happy birthdays -- to Olivia and Allen!

Olivia Leigh McNeil Gunnerson
I searched and pondered and took such a long time,
To find the perfect name for this unborn baby of mine.
I knew the name had to be special, having meaning and love,
For this child would be special as it left the courts from above.
She finally arrived after such a long, arduous night,
Added to our joy, she was beautiful -- a pure delight!
She was gentle and soft and easy and sweet,
The privilege of being her mother was a heavenly treat.
Bedtimes were early and mornings were late,
When she awoke, "talking to the angels" was a regular date.
She would look me straight in the eyes...connect...then smile,
The first time surprised me -- I loved her warm, effortless style.
As she grew, she was a soft, sensitive child,
When Billie Jo and Allen teased her, she cried -- her demeanor mild.
She grew to be even more beautiful, savvy and smart,
In all her endeavors, successful -- and from the Gospel would never depart.
Now a woman with children of her own,
She's still as special as the day she was born.
She's beautiful, competitive, disciplined, loving and kind,
My special Olivia Leigh, will forever be in my heart and mind!
Happy, happy birthday!


Allen DeLoy McNeil
There was never a question in either of our minds,
We wanted a name for our child that would forever bind --
Bind our own son to those whose lives we shared,
Whose courage and strength we admired and for whom we deeply cared.
We knew the name was Allen -- for the brother that we lost,
DeLoy, after Grandpa, who was honest, hardworking and giving, at any cost.
These qualities and many other, we wanted our son to possess,
We hoped and prayed constantly for him to be the best.
He was always smart and kind and possessed problem-solving skills,
He was competitive and tough and held to his values with an iron will.
He is handsome and gentle and ambitious and good,
He's hardworking and fair and honest and does just what he should.
Our Allen was a champion and a leader and a scout,
He served our Lord and Savior as he spread the Gospel about.
He gained an education, which would enable him to have a good life,
And now he continues life's cycle with his own beautiful wife.
Allen, we love you, and want you to know we are so proud,
Of the many fine, admirable qualities you possess, we say it very loud,
"Your courage and strength are exampliary, we are glad you're our son!
We are proud to be your parents, our hearts and souls you've won!"
Happy, happy birthday!

As Time Goes By.....

It is quite an accomplishment to live 83 years in this old world -- especially when you've had several broken ribs, two open-heart surgeries, stents two different times, three fingers ripped off your hand in a piece of machinery, two blood clots, one stroke, nine children, a farm, a trucking business, leadership roles in church and vast knowledge and responsibility on water boards! These are just the tip of the ice berg in Dad's life -- but what a life it has been!!!!
My kids have been having quite the discussion about how old you should be and still be having children. Little do they know how much time there is in life to accomplish all the things that need work and attention! When I think of the gathering we had Sunday night to celebrate and honor Dad's life, I realize that the youngest of us is 47 and that it is probably the first time we have met together without all of our children! It was a great evening to be able to just sit and visit with our wonderful parents and each other and pay respect and attention to our parents who have given us so much!
I know Mom and Dad's life is a little difficult right now, with Mom surviving on borrowed blood and Dad's knee that won't hold his weight any longer. Every day is a challenge and every task is a major hurdle, but they are so lucky to have each other and to be able to live in their own home and love and care for each other. Dad is so happy when Mom snuggles up to him for warmth and comfort. He was out in his car yesterday with the trunk up and Tank in the trunk - just driving up and down the road and having a bit of freedom.
No matter how bad Mom feels, she always looks good -- with her hair coiffed just right, nails painted, and a cute outfit. She doesn't complain--she might just lay down and sleep for days, but she doesn't complain. She does get grumpy with Dad, but he is usually capable of laughing and teasing her to deal with it. When she begins to sleep non-stop, then he gets worried and doesn't handle it quite as well as when he knows she is doing okay. They really do support each other very firmly and even when they agree to disagree, they need each other's support! They are a beautiful example of love, endurance and consistency.
What a wonderful day March 7th, 1925 was -- the day our amazing Dad was born! What great things he has accomplished in his life and what a tribute to him to have his children all gathered in his honor! What an example of what kind of charitable people we are to be to one another and the service we should extend. Our Dad is definitely one of a kind and I express my love for him loudly anda clearly for all the world to hear!