My Mom, Betty Kelly

On August 26th it was the 39th anniversary of the death of my mom. I can barely remember her. She was a beautiful lady who really cared about her appearance. I definitely lack in that quality. Mom had beautiful clothes, an immaculate house (another thing I lack) and many friends. Everyone liked her. My friends loved to come to my house, I think mainly because of my mom. She liked all of my boy friends, even the losers!

Mom loved cultural things like attending the Utah Symphony and many concerts at the University of Utah. She had a beautiful, strong alto voice and sang in choirs and also in a duet with a friend of hers, Al Fletcher. They sang all over the Salt Lake Valley and I would usually accompany them.

She didn't like to camp (that's one thing we have in common!) and probably had a blast doing her cultural stuff the week my dad, brother, and I floated the Colorado River.

Mom never wore glasses and had beautiful chestnut brown hair, courtesy of her hairdresser. She grayed early (that's me!!!) and I don't ever remember her not coloring her hair.

She was a great mom who could cook and sew anything, but she left me way too soon. I never really told her how I loved and appreciated her when she was alive, and I have always regretted that. I will always be grateful to her for insisting that I learn to play the piano, and play it well. I have received COUNTLESS hours of enjoyment with that talent.

Mom died of brain cancer when she was just 47 years old. I was an official orphan after that, age 20, being as how my father had already passed away. She never knew any of her 11 grandchildren or her many great- grandchildren, but I know that she held them just before they came to this earth. I love her and still miss her. I also know that I will see her again. The 26th of August is always a hard day for me.

About My Sweetheart

Wayne, my husband, is the best thing that ever happened to me. We were married September 30, 1977 and he not only took on a wife, but 2 little children who needed a daddy. He has loved them just like his own 3 biological children. He has been a wonderful husband and father. He has treated me like a queen (just as my own dad treated my mother) and he has never been abusive to our children. He got obedience out of them by just speaking, never physical punishment.
He moved our family to Idaho in 1979 to a dairy farm and I'm sure my mother (a very culturally refined lady) rolled over in her grave that day, but my dad (born and raised in Lynndyl, Utah) probably loved it! It was the best move for our family. Our children grew up with chores on the farm to do and no extra time to get in trouble.
Now that we are alone, he tries to take me places - around our home area, that is - and include me. He isn't much to travel...quite a homebody! I was very proud of him as he served as bishop of our ward. He put his entire being into that calling at the expense of the farm, but the members and youth loved him! I'm afraid that he works way too hard on the farm and would like to see him able to slow down, maybe retire, so we could serve an LDS mission while we are somewhat "young". I love you, husb. From your wiff.

Cousin's Camp

I've got to talk about Cousin's Camp which was held last Friday and Saturday. 12 hyperactive grandchildren attended and they had a blast! We had a "Christmas in August" theme which totally confused the youngest kids and also the community when we went Christmas Caroling.
Cousin's Camp is something I hope to continue doing but it really gets harder the older I get and the larger the number of camper's gets. Next year we will rent a lodge so they have plenty of space to roam.
A requirement of Cousin's Camp is to be 3 years old and potty trained. It is surprising how quickly that occurs. We started out with 4 little girls and now next year should have 14 campers. HELP!!! A suggestion to anyone contemplating this idea.....start when they are older!
We have had 7 Cousin's Camps now and we are just getting started!

Giving This Blog Thing a Try

Welcome to our boring lives! We basically have no life, actually. Wayne lives at the barn with about 65 other women (dairy cows) and Carolyn lives in the house trying to keep somewhat caught up. We won't post too often, but want to keep in touch with family and friends.
Our main interests, besides each other, are family (5 kids, 5 in-law kids, and 17 beautiful grandchildren) and our LDS church. We live in peaceful little Clifton and try to make a living on a dairy farm. "Retirement" is a word that is spoken of often lately, however.
Wish us luck in this new adventure. Since Wayne is totally computer illiterate and I am not a whole lot better, this should be interesting!