Eighty

October 2, 2009 by lbutler ♥ 1 Comment

Happy Birthday, Mom!

This picture was taken while you were on a mission in Manila. In the background I see some things that make me think your fellow MTC-ers had a little celebration for you that day. I’m assuming that Dad came through with the roses for you, even as a missionary. He’s good that way. And I’m pretty sure you’ll be getting some red roses today as well.

This year we had a big party for you in August. Remember – the one you helped plan to celebrate this milestone? Almost all the family came to the festivities at Reid Ranch. I think we had 90 rowdy revelers on Monday night. We reminisced . . . cried. . . laughed a lot . . . and had a great time. You taught us how to have a good time.

We remembered you with this DVD created by Todd. Although it was difficult to see you back in that hospital bed, you looked good, and it was great to hear your voice. Did you ever imagine that you’d star in your own movie? Some things just take time, I guess!

We also remembered you with chocolate that Michelle wrapped up as party favors. Because really, what could have been more appropriate than Hershey’s? I suppose Godiva or See’s or even Dove might have been tastier, but we had 90 guests to favor. And most of them were too little to really appreciate good chocolate. They just melted it into s’mores and ate it as fast as their mothers would allow. But I think I’ll savor some of the really good stuff today in your honor.

This is the second time we’ve recognized your birthday since you’ve been gone. It’s easier, but we still miss you. Do you celebrate birthdays in heaven? I hope you’re having a bang up party today!

Love, Lynnette

Memories from a daughter

May 10, 2009 by lbutler ♥ 2 Comments

Recently I’ve been missing my mom. All I really wanted for my birthday was to go to North Ogden and put flowers on her grave. Somehow, it seemed fitting to celebrate her on my birthday. But since that wasn’t possible this year, I’ve been savoring some great memories. Mom taught me a lot over the years – some things serious, some things practical and some things just crazy!

So here, in no particular order, are a few of the gems I picked up from her. She didn’t necessarily use these words (except for a few that my siblings will surely recognize), but by her example she tutored me in some of life’s important lessons.

I hope I never forget these Joyce-isms, but honestly – how could I!

Be proud of who you are
Fold the laundry as soon as you take it out of the drier
Celebrate your marriage
Speak up
Love chocolate
Launder the kitchen cloths and towels in a separate load
Be nice to your brothers and sisters
Clean the toilet thoroughly – including the space between the seat and the tank
“Two sets of four” is the hardest phase to get
Don’t treat your friends better than you treat your family
Great shoes can make your outfit – or your day
You can do it willingly or unwillingly – but you WILL do it
Grease and go naked with your hair on fire (her response to any whining about having nothing to wear)
Service in the Church and to the Lord are a key to happiness
Springtime lilacs smell so good
A mother’s love is unconditional

Thanks for everything, Mom.

Happy Mother’s Day!

The luck of the Irish

March 17, 2009 by lbutler ♥ 3 Comments

I love St. Patrick’s Day. I’m not Irish. I’ve never made corned beef and cabbage. And I’m not sure I’ve ever eaten it. Green is not my favorite color. I don’t believe in leprechauns. But just the same, March 17 is one of my favorite holidays – dating back to 1973.

Don was young – 23 years old, but I was younger – just 18. The Saturday afternoon sun was inviting, and we went for a walk. The end of the semester at BYU was approaching, and I was in a quandary about where to live the next year. Don was graduating, so he wasn’t bothered with those kind of details, but all of us in May Hall were discussing apartments and roommates and new living arrangements. Don listened as I rambled and ranted, wondering what to do about a place to live. Should I live in the dorm again? It was easy – no meals to prepare and no house to keep clean. Should I get an apartment? I wasn’t sure who I wanted to live with, but apartment contracts were going fast so I had to make a decision.

We walked as I talked, and although Don was very attentive to my disjointed conversation, he didn’t offer much in the way of advice. After a while we found ourselves at the football stadium and sat down on the curb at the edge of the parking lot. When I finally stopped to take a breath, in a very matter of fact manner, Don said, “Well, you could live with me next year.”

It took me a minute to process what I thought he had said, and then not wanting to appear too forward but still a little flirtatious (after all – this was 1973), I cautiously replied, “Are you asking me what I think you’re asking me?”

He confidently responded, “I’m asking you to marry me.”

A lot of squealing, laughing and jumping ensued. I think I eventually remembered to say yes.