Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother Gladys L. Mann was released from her failing earthly body on December 28, 2010 of causes incident to age, and is now experiencing the joy of reunion with her parents and family whom she had longed to see again. Gladys was born on October 29, 1927 to David Ross and Lillian Martin. She graduated from High School with a scholarship to college, a significant achievement at that time for a young woman. Gladys married Donald D. Mann at the age of 18 after meeting while working picking gooseberries. Their first home was in Colorado and moved to Utah in 1960. They later divorced. Gladys has seven children, 30 grandchildren, and 68 great grandchildren with more due in 2011. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, and two brothers. Gladys was a strong willed and independent woman, as demonstrated by raising seven young children as a single mother while working full time to provide for them. Gladys has been a faithful and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since her conversion and baptism in1951, serving callings in the Relief Society and Primary. While she had her health, she attended the LDS Temple every Friday. Her unwavering faith and testimony through many hard times continues to influence and spread in the succeeding generations of her extended family. Gladys resided in the same home in Riverdale Utah for 47 years. Although not attained, Gladys’ desire was to teach school. Gladys retired from the IRS after 20 years of employment. She loved cold root beer, reading, and sitting in the warmth of the sun or in front of a heater. Gladys is survived by her children, Dale (Sue) Mann, Sandra (Roy) Barton, Dennis Mann, Cynthia Workman, Wendell (Muriel) Mann, Kathryn (Gary) Barton, Daniel (Sandee) Mann, and three sisters, Josephine, Leona, and Louise. The family expresses sincere gratitude to the Nurses, CNAs, and Aides at Heritage Care Center and from Inspiration Hospice for their infinite patience, for their many acts of caring and kindness, and for tender mercies. Brent's granny passed away today. She wasn't expected to make it through Christmas but hung on until this morning. She is a beautiful woman whom I have a tremendous amount of respect for. She had many health complications which caused her a great deal of pain but she was the epitome of grace and love. The pictures with our kids were taken in the hospital last week. She was very weak but was able to respond to us in her own way and we were all able to say goodbye for now. She is loved and will be missed by many, I feel lucky to gain one more guardian angel to watch over my family. Love you granny!

Christmas Jammies

Every year for Christmas my mom gives the grand kids jammies. This year they each got their favorite sport team. Of course all my kids are in BYU stuff, and my brother Nate, from TX, sent Texas longhorn jammies for my mom. It is really cute how they all get excited to change into the p.j.'s and get a picture. My mom has 20 grand kids now (2 out of town :( ) We had a super great Christmas unfortunately I didn't take any pictures. Jason kept saying "this is the BEST Christmas ever!!!" It was too cute. Thanks to grandma Rees for the fun tradition.

Things that make me happy

I decided to do a new list of things that make me happy. Mostly because since Brent broke his leg it is time for me to count my blessings.

It makes me happy to hear really good lines in songs. You know the kind that speak to your soul. For example, Bret Michaels, "sometimes I wished I didn't know now the things I didn't know then"...deep.

It makes me happy to serve my husband. I am just sorry he had to break his leg so I could. Most of our marriage has been him taking care of me after delivering babies of other various surgeries. I am glad to give back a little.

It makes me happy to see my older two kids making great choices. They have a good head on their shoulders and I love so much the good things about them.

It makes me happy to see Jason and Tyler have so much fun in life. Their life revolves around being entertained and having fun. Pretty soon that will be gone so I play with them as much as I can because I know I will miss when they don't need me anymore.

It makes me happy to have my computed run fast. It's a little thing but makes me smile.

The holidays make me very happy! I love Santa, I love getting together with families and enjoying the spirit of the holidays.

My brothers and sisters and mom make me happy. I am glad we are all close in the sense that we enjoy each others company and like to get together. They all mean so much to me, I am glad my kids get to know their aunts and uncles.

I have lost 25 lbs since June. Not that it makes me happy cuz really I was happy before but I am glad I did it. now if I gain Christmas weight I won't feel too bad!

The new maverick by my house makes me happy. Remember when we had to go ALL THE WAY to Harmon's for milk? Those days are over...

Bed time makes me happy. I love the kids but when they all go to bed and it is quiet, I can talk to Brent. I love to talk to him.

Brent makes me happy. He's my best friend, he's my rock, and I rely on him for so much. I don't want to think about what I would do without him, I need him.

I am happy the kids aren't sick. We were all a bit sick for a few weeks but for now everyone is well. (knock on wood)

Ipods make me happy. Whenever I need to check out of life for a minute I throw in my headphones and I listen to a song to help me calm down and than I am good to go again. I love music.

I feel so blessed and happy to have such wonderful friends. You all mean a lot to me, you may have know idea how much I admire each and everyone of you for your many different strengths. I learn from your successes and hope to be like you in so many ways. Love you all!