Two Cute Will

This family charmer celebrated his birthday January 31st! Grandma is late with the post but not with the love. With new baby brother Greg, Will is finding life to have really opened up. He is quick in the moment of opportunity to all kinds great fun. This boy can really keep a mother on her toes. He is good at keeping Gracie Dog in line and is happy in a crowd. William Edward Stalcup is a people person for sure. His engaging smile and the twinkle in his eyes can melt any heart in a hurry.

Another Challenge - Another Blessing!

Yesterday had a great start. I was planning on Visiting Teaching from 9:30 - noon and hoping for a trip to the Rexburg Temple with Claigh for the afternoon followed by a ward party in the early evening. With such a full schedule I needed to get up early to make it to the gym and have my hair washed and styled in time to get Alyssa to work and make our first appointment at 9:30.

Those who know me best know that I do not believe in alarm clocks. I woke on my own feeling very rested at 4:30 a.m. I got ready for my trip to the gym and noticed that we had a fresh six inches of snow. Not wanting to press snow tracks onto the drive, and grateful I was up even earlier than necessary, I shoveled the driveway directly behind the car before I left for my date with Elliptical. After enjoying a good workout and an extended time in my stretching routine (to relax the good ol' shoveling muscles) I headed back out to the parking lot to note another two inches had fallen during my time inside. I brushed off the car and carefully made my way home calling Alyssa on her cell phone to wake her early as it was clear we would have to head for her work with extra time for slow and careful travel.

So far so very good! I made buckwheat pancakes and eggs for breakfast, prepared my lesson for Visiting Teaching and was ready to head out the door by 7:30 to get Alyssa to work. We encountered our share of crazy drivers who are sure they have the best vehicles for inclement weather. - You know, the ones who drive confidently as though there is nothing special about a lot of new snow and ice. However we made our way and she was at work on time. I headed back home to shower and do my hair. I called my companion to let her know that I was already dug out and would be glad to drive. I picked Deanne up at 9:30 and we were on our way to our dear friend who lives just five minutes away on a good travel day.

The 2nd main road that we had to take to get to Beverly had been plowed and was covered in packed hard icy snow. No problem - just take it slow and easy. You will get there. However as we were traveling south, we saw another vehicle approaching traveling north at what to us was far fast for such conditions. The next thing we knew, we saw the Nissan Murano begin to fishtail wildly. I told Deanne "I don't know if we can avoid this but I am going to try." I pulled gently to the right into the ditch, leaned forward and looked towards Deanne to be sure she was Okay.

The young mom was now in a complete spin around and I was there to bring her to a stop and prevent her from rolling. Not fun but I am grateful that she did not roll. She had done a complete U-turn on the road slamming hard into my door with her back end. Not good and yet she and her little girl as well as Deanne and I came away unhurt for the most part. When quiet and calm returned immediately following the "slam", the first thing I heard was the little girl crying. That was honestly the most upsetting part of the whole ordeal. I so wanted her to be Okay. How grateful I am that she was.

I had taken the brunt of the blow. How I remained limp and loose I will never know and how the V of the broken door pressed in and did not hit me I cannot imagine. For some reason my side airbag did not deploy and I have a feeling that is a blessing as well. The shattered glass spread throughout the car but I blocked most of it. As a result My hair was full of glass and glass went down my back. However, because I had turned away from the impending impact, my eyes were completely protected. Other than quite an assortment of pin-prick type cuts on my hands and back and some difficulty getting across the passenger seat to get out of the car, I came away whole.

As for our wonderful Camry, both doors are badly damaged as well as the center bar. There is also minor damage to the front side panel just to the front of the door with damage underneath to the skid plate and wheel well. Also things inside the car came loose or popped out of place because of the power of the impact. The key could not be removed from the ignition and needless to say my door was completely inoperable. It took me a bit to get out because of all of the glass I had inside pricking me in my back and on my hands. Every move seemed to draw a speck of blood from another spot. The tiny shards felt like it feels when you have been working with insulation. How blessed I am that this was the extent of my injuries. (It is even hard to call this injury because it was so very minor.) AND no muscle or body soreness today! Hooray!! Once again I am very grateful.

The police officer, the sweet young mom and her husband and family that arrived soon to help out, my tow-truck operator, Deanne's husband who came to rescue us and get us home - all were true to the wonderful spirit that we find here in Idaho Falls. How incredible it is to be where people are so good, caring, kind and generous. Each who came to the accident site marveled that I was not seriously hurt.

As for Claigh, he was cleaning out the whole neighborhood with his trusty snow-blower, oblivious to my repeated attempts to reach him. He was just finishing up - cleaning the blower and putting it away when Del drove into our drive to drop me off. I told him "I am fine but our car is not." The reports to the police and the our insurance company had already been made, Liberty Mutual had ordered our rental car, the car had been towed to the body shop ready for the assessor, and I was home and ready to get the last of the glass out of my hair and clothing all before he even knew there had been a problem. BUT a lot of snow had been cleared off of our driveway, our neighbor's driveway and an extensive section of sidewalk.

Our visiting teaching is not yet done, Claigh and I didn't make it to the temple, I watched an old movie and went to bed instead of the party and yet - All is well! Perhaps even swell!!

Thirty Eight Years and counting . . .

Our anniversary this year took an interesting twist. Carey was seriously injured in a bicycle accident on the 14th putting us into an emotional roller-coaster for 24 hours. It is hard to describe the depth of concern you experience when one you love so much is very hurt. Our appeals to friends and family for prayers were sent out in a hurry. How marvelous it is that we have the ability to communicate with so many so quickly.

Initially, reports from Arizona seemed to get worse with each contact. It was a shock for me to hear Carey's voice. My strong daughter was in the midst of a real crisis and it was evident in the strain and anxiety of her voice as she tried to communicate with us. I hung up the phone and disintegrated into tears and prayer.

We made arrangements for me to fly out from Salt Lake first thing the next morning. They were preparing Carey for surgery and so I was to be there with her 24/7 in the hospital. After three hours of sleep, Claigh and I set off on the three and a half hour drive to the Salt Lake Airport. We were both pretty exhausted but felt very grateful to be able to arrange for me to head south on such short notice.

The fog that morning was dense but thankfully the roads were in excellent condition. As we approached the Malad Pass, the fog burned off, another of many blessings of that day. We were approaching the airport with just an hour until the flight was to take off when we got a call from Carey. Her voice actually had some strength in it although it was still reflective of the great ordeal she had been through. The neurosurgeon had determined that they would not have to operate after all. He felt the bone chip that had raised some concern would dissolve on its own and was not in a position to cause damage to the spinal cord. Carey would be fitted with a brace and sent home to recover. The many prayers in her behalf had been answered in a manner far exceeding our hopes.

Claigh and I turned the car around and headed north again. Since we had not yet had a chance to eat, we stopped at a Red Lobster and enjoyed some fish before we made our way to Idaho. I took a turn at the wheel while Claigh got a bit of a nap. We made it back to Idaho Falls in time to pick up Alyssa from work (five minutes late was all.) We were too tired to revive our anniversary plans for the evening and yet we were so deeply and profoundly grateful for the blessings bestowed upon Carey. I will head to Arizona mid February to help out when Ellen leaves for her trip to Seattle.

Once again I find myself in awe of the goodness of Heavenly Father and his response to the pleadings of his children. Not always are our prayers answered in the way we may hope and yet I find that through every trial I am sustained and can see the merciful hand of God. How grateful I am for the prayers of our family and many friends throughout the world. We our our Father's children and we are loved with a love far beyond our comprehension. This I know and trust.

As for 38 years - five beautiful daughters, four fantastic son-in-laws, nineteen delightful grandchildren - We are blessed!

Seth's Seventh

That's right. - We are blessed with another seven year old in the family and we couldn't be happier! Seth Anthony Bailey is a boy who knows how to have a good laugh. He and Xander can really get into it.

When the Baileys visited Idaho last summer we got to see the "stick to it" side of Seth. At "Bear World" he quietly and patiently followed ducks and chickens around determined to catch one. I really thought he just might succeed. He was completely engrossed in the whole process.

Grandpa led Todd and the boys on a forever trip through the whole of eastern Idaho and into Wyoming in search of a good fishing spot. Seth kept pace with the big boys and that's saying a lot as there was much more walking involved than actual fishing. Seth was the only one who managed a catch for the day. He informed his Grandma that he caught a fish but threw it back because it was only a "fish-stick."

I appreciate Seth's confidence in grandma to prepare something good to eat. Now that's a way to warm my heart. We love the quiet determination of this boy and are excited for his year of preparation for baptism. Happy Happy Birthday Seth.

Home to Idaho to ring in the New Year

2008 ended with me in Ohio and Claigh in Idaho. This was our first Christmas apart since we were married 38 years ago! The arrival of Gregory Scott was well worth the sacrifice.

I enjoyed my time with Steve, Ashlee and the kids. It is fun to see Christmas through the eyes of children again. The kids were so appreciative of every little thing their mom and dad had done for them and Santa did a great job leaving great surprises for each one. And I was particularly surprised with the gift of a wallet size digital photo album so now I can take pics of my favorite favorites every where I go. How cool is that? Claigh sent me tickets for the Celtic Women "Isle of Hope" concert in Salt Lake City in May. Way neat!

One thing I learned for sure this trip is that for some reason I do not get as much done as quickly as I used to. What's with that? My dad once told me there was a good reason that God sent children to the young. I am really getting it. I marvel at how Ashlee manages her home and family. I did my best to be a help but found myself falling short of what I had hoped. All in all though I sure enjoyed the kids.

Gregory is a little cutie. Will is a bit bigger cutie who knows he is very cute! Kes is full of energy and fun. Spencer is tender and so smart. Bryn is growing into a sweet young lady. We did have an extreme jaundice scare with Gregory but thanks to space age technology, two days on a Belle-Blanket resolved that challenge.

Other Ohio for Christmas enjoyments: Ashlee's yummy White Sauce Chicken Enchiladas, trying and failing at making Steve some of the fudge his mom used to make for him (tasted good but was "chocolate crumbles" instead of fudge), listening to Ashlee and Steve read scriptures to their children, Spencer's Christmas prayer, Christmas church (the kids and I did manage quite well thank-you very much), a Cadbury "Fruit and Nut" chocolate bar in my stocking (smart Santa!), and time with Will before everyone else was up as well as the time with Ashlee and Steve after the kids were in bed for the night.

Bryn, Spencer and I read "The Tale of Despereaux" and followed it up with a trip to the theater to see the movie on the 30th. That was really fun. We ended our last excursion together with a shopping trip to Sam's to try and find some tasty easy prepare meals for their mom in hopes of helping her out for the next while as she adjusts to life with five.

Ashlee was already back to a homeschool schedule by the 29th! It is particularly satisfying to see what an excellent education the children are getting. I even got to spend a wee bit of time with Kes doing her math. That was fun.

I still have hopes of mastering the art of fudge for Steve. I believe a candy thermometer will help. Mary Ann was such a wonderful mom and it would be fun to treat Steve to a special remembrance of her.

December 31st marked my return home to Idaho. The trip was pretty good for the challenges that come from flying during the busiest travel season of the year. My flight in Ohio was delayed a full hour but they held the connecting flight in Chicago so we would not miss out on getting home for New Year's Eve. (Did I mention I love Southwest Airlines.) We landed in Chicago and those of us heading for Salt Lake made a hasty run for our connection. While I made my connecting flight, my luggage did not. I arrived at 3:15 p.m. We had planned it that way so we would be able to make it most of the way home before the sun set. With one mountain pass to traverse this was important.

The combination of living three and a half hours from the airport and the fast approaching New Year's Day holiday presented us with the choice of Fed-Ex delivering my luggage three days later or us waiting for the in-coming flights to see if my bags would make it. We opted for wait and see.

Todd and Carey had told us of a great Mexican restaurant in Ogden that I have wanted to try. Having only five minutes to make my connection in Chicago, I had not eaten a good meal yet and so we decided to head for "The Sonora Grill". Good Choice! The stacked enchiladas were fabulous and I don't think we will ever be able to order a banana split anywhere else ever! It was amazing!!

After dinner, we headed back to the airport in hopes that my luggage had made the 7:00 p.m. flight. It hadn't come in. We then drove back into Salt Lake City and past Temple Square but what was already a fifteen and a half hour day left me too tired to get out and walk about. That was a bit disappointing but we did see the lights from the car and they were beautiful.

Claigh and I arrived back at the airport at 8:00 p.m. Thankfully the wait paid off! We headed home with Claigh pretty tired and me flat out exhausted but thankfully the roads were clear and there was no new snowfall. We pulled into our driveway at 11:40 p.m., unpacked the car and welcomed the New Year in together at home! At midnight our neighbors even set off fireworks in honor of my return! Okay - I am sure they were a welcome for the new year but it sure felt like a welcome home for me.

When I consider the thousands of miles our family has safely traveled over the years, I am deeply grateful for answered prayers. I am thankful for our daughters and their families. It is a blessing to be able to share special times together with the miracle of modern transportation and communication technologies. Wow!

One More December Blessing

This is late due to a lengthy December 31st effort to get back to my Idaho home but the spirit of "celebrate Brynja" is as strong as ever! Brynja was born the last day of the 20th century and has already made a mark on the 21st with her sweet and lovely ways. The oldest of the Stalcup siblings, Bryn is a natural with the little ones. She is able to tenderly and patiently hold Gregory even when he himself isn't feeling too very calm. What a blessing this is to a mom of five!

The family dog "Gracie2" loves to run along side Bryn's scooter as they speed down the street. It is hard to be sure whether Bryn or Ashlee is the favored "master." Bryn loves beautiful things, stitchery, flower arranging, and thoroughly enjoys Activity Nights at church. Perhaps one of her favorite pastimes is reading. It is amazing how many books she manages in a week's time.

This lovely nine year old is truly dear to her Grandpa and Grandma Jensen

Merry Merry Christmas to You

Lots of love to you from Claigh, Wendy and Alyssa wishing one and all a very merry Christmas and the peace on earth that comes from a heart dedicated to the Prince of Peace. . . .

Gregory Scott Stalcup

Born Sunday, December 14, 2008 8:13 p.m. in Chillicothe, Ohio
Beautiful Momma: Ashlee Faith
Proud Papa: Steven Wade
Brothers and Sisters: Bryn, Spencer, Kes, Will

December Birthday Extravaganza Continues

What is one of the best things about our living in Virginia? Our daughter Cameron was introduced to a great man from Seattle! Okay so he is a little wacky but just the right amount for some fun times. The long distance didn't keep this guy at bay and are we ever glad! December 15th is an anniversary celebration of this terrific love affair.

As a team Collins and Cameron provide some great opportunities for their children. Their home is truly a house of learning.

We may not have had sons on the early end of our family but we certainly have made up for it in our wonderful son-in-laws. We are so grateful for Collins' dedication and love for Cameron and the kids. Isn't family the best? An avid scouter makes Collins the perfect guy to have around for some great fun or in a crisis for that matter. He is currently teaching Seminary which as many of you know is something very near and dear to my heart. Happy Happy December 16th Birthday Collins!

Adding to the festive spirit, Ashlee and Steve delivered their new son yesterday. We know him as "yet to be named." He is a perfect 7 pounds and one ounce born at 8:15 p.m. December 14th. Ashlee and baby are doing great! - All right everyone - December is FULL!!! The best of full though :o)

Brigham Newell Bailey

December 13th is a Brigham Newell Bailey celebration! We think baby Lucy is very fortunate to have such a sweet "big brother" Brig. This little guy had such a rough start in life but thanks to his mother's persistence he has grown into a very happy two-year old. That is - happy unless it is nap time! Brig is the Bailey Boy who rules the family dog. Brig is a joy.

Our newest seven year old . . .

Today Xander joins Spencer in the ranks of the family seven year olds. It is very exciting to have another awesome boy begin his preparations for baptism. Xander has a great wit and can quickly bring a smile to this grandmother's face. He is bright and curious about most anything he can find to study. (I had a fun time learning all about various war ships on our last visit to Arizona.) Grandpa and Jacob were sure glad to have Xander on their team for Thanksgiving Day Football. Xander caught two great touchdown passes! Alexander Kaden Anderson is a delight!

Terrific Teen

That's right! Carey and Todd's oldest, Jacob Calvin Bailey is thirteen today and we couldn't be more grateful for such a wonderful grandson.



















An all American boy, Jake enjoys anything "Marine." Last December 7th, we took Jake to a memorial service commemorating the bombing of Pearl Harbor. This picture shows Jacob with one of the seamen who survived the attack so long ago. We are grateful for Jake's love of country. Most important to us however is Jake's love of the gospel and the depth of his understanding of the teachings of the Savior.

When Jake smiles, his face lights up the whole room. Claigh particularly enjoys Jacob's willingness to spend time with him. Jacob and Claigh were the first of the family to do the Squaw Peak hike a couple of years ago. They even made the local TV news! This Thanksgiving they were able to share the Squaw Peak experience with Grandma Bailey, Todd, Noah, Jennie, Jared and Elijah. It is fun to see Jake's special relationship with his Uncle Jared.

How we love this boy!

Happy Birthday Steve

December 8th is particularly special to this family because that is the day we celebrate our very own Stephen Wade Stalcup! I love this picture of Steve with his oldest child Brynja. Good dads are a premium and Steve is a great dad for his four (soon to be five) children. Steve works as a manager for Tractor Supply Company and is known as "Vorian" in the Lenox world but to us he is simply one of our best blessings.

Turducken Festivities

With no job prospects for Alyssa immediately on the horizon, we decided to load up the car pre-Thanksgiving week and head for Arizona. This was to be Alyssa's first trip to "The Grand Canyon State" and there were nine nieces and nephews who hadn't seen her for a very long time. I was anxious to check on Carey's well-being and see baby Lucy for the first time. (Carey is doing great and as for Lucy, what a beautiful baby girl!)
Some highlights from the week:
- beautiful weather for the drive down through some of the most incredible country in the world
- getting to see Xander and Elijah in their last soccer games of the seasons - Jared coached Xander and Maxwell's teams this year - very neat! Elijah can really jump to defend the goal.
- time at Sara and Jared's home in Chandler, Arizona
- Uno Attack
- dinosaurs that glow in the dark
- yummy chili potatoes
- picking up Claigh at the airport Wednesday - It is always better with Claigh!!
- Gilbert, Arizona hospitality
- Jenny kindness (Thanks for the use of your bedroom Jensen. We really appreciate your sacrifice and graciousness.)
- Thanksgiving Day football in the back-yard
- two large tables - five gallon bucket seats - cup confusion
- Turducken ala Todd (Todd likes to add a little flair!)
- the best - I'm not kidding - the very best chocolate pecan pie ever - Thanks Sara!
- And - tasty pumpkin gooey butter cake ala Carey with fresh whipped cream - I think Thanksgiving is really about the desserts isn't it? Well maybe not just the desserts if you have Turducken!
- rescuing Brig from his nap - We all wonder when he will discover he can really get out of his bed on his own.(lol)
- a few hours alone with Lucy in the early morning on Friday
- Todd's mom Ellen. She is a phenomenal mother-in-law and grandmother and is currently living with the Bailey crew.
- Ellen Bailey roast - You haven't lived till you've had it!
- Jacob smiles
- cousin fun times
- Wii sports
- Alyssa re-connecting with Jen Barberia and Benny
- Seth jokes
- Noah, Jennie, Jacob, Elijah, Jared, Todd and Claigh's hike up Squaw Peak Saturday morning
- Einstein Bagels for Alyssa - The girl is really missing the bagels from back east so this was a real treat for her. There are no bagels in Portugal and believe me, Idaho Falls hasn't discovered bagel goodness yet so it had been a very long time since she has had one.
- discovering a flattening tire before we got onto the highway home. This meant a full morning at Sears on the way out of town. There was a crack in one of the stems and a recall on the tires so all four tire stems had to be replaced and the tires rotated. This meant a late start for us but we were grateful to not be stuck in the middle of absolutely no-where with tire trouble!
- my first time over Hoover Dam - That was impressive!
- a stop in Henderson, Nevada for supper to visit with Alyssa's best friend from High School and her husband. FYI Hugo Fam: Janelle and Fabian look great and are doing super. We really enjoyed our short time with them.
- Not Good - I got very sick Saturday night in Cedar City making it necessary to head straight for home first thing Sunday morning. We had hoped to see Joe and attend church with him but plans had to be adjusted. Thankfully by Wednesday, I was up and about again . . . AND
- Alyssa was fortunate to have work within two days of arriving home. Now that's a true blessing.

How we love our two Arizona families!

Lucy meets her brothers and sister

Jennie and Jacob are the first Bailey kids to welcome Lucy.






Noah holds peaceful Lucy.










Seth takes his turn enjoying "little sis."

Brig decides, "Okay, We'll keep her."


Todd and Carey have provided us with six beautiful grandchildren. We are so deeply grateful for the security and love they provide for their dear family. Life can be so good!