Joan's Girls: January 2010

Our Message

Joan Ruth Smith Stout passed away on September 5, 2007. She was my beloved mother and grandmother of the beautiful girls pictured to the right, Kim, Tiffany, Tara, Chelane, Stephanie, Tristen, Sara, Telisa, Mikel, Jenny and Ashling. My mother died due to complications from malnourishment, or in other words, an eating disorder. I believe it started in her teens and she was completely unaware of the insidious disease that took route in her mind. She was somehow blessed to give birth to four children, three boys and a girl. Joan loved her children with devotion and passion even though much of the time, she felt poorly. Stomach problems, headaches and heart palpitations were a daily occurrence for her. As her only daughter, I was oblivious to her plight until my very own sweet daughter started on that same journey in her teens. By then my mom had been suffering from her eating disorder for a good fifty years, and there was no redirecting her thoughts. Unfortunately for me, I was angry for a while when I realized that the route of all her illnesses was through lack of nutrition. That was shameful on my part, and I am sure that only added to my mom's illness. I hope she knows now how foolish I was. However, through the journey of Telisa's eating disorder, the girls in our family have learned much, especially Telisa! It is for this reason that we collectively, as Joan's Girls, are choosing to send the message out to the world of what real beautiful bodies need to support good physical and mental health!!!!!!! We watch with horror the unhealthy and unattractive images on TV, Movies, Magazines etc. We witness some of our dear friends struggle with body image issues, and frankly we are sick of the comparing and obsessing over one's size versus one's health!! We believe in good health, we believe in eating the food provided for us by our Heavenly Father, we believe in balance and moderation, we believe in exercise in moderation, we also believe the best exercise is done while serving others, we believe that God created many types of bodies and we thank Him for that! We believe in modesty and we believe that our bodies are a gift from Heavenly Father! We believe that true beauty comes from within. All of Joan's granddaughters are true beauties. Our legacy to her will be our commitment to the TRUTH of what is beautiful and praiseworthy. We seek after these things. We will strive for good health and the truth in all we do!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Ways to Feed a Marriage

I found this little list in Grandma Joan's Dayplanner, so I thought I would pass it on. It's mostly in shorthand, so here's what I can transcribe:

1. Communication
2. Compliments!
3. Fidelity
4. Expressing gratitude
5. Acting with kindness
6. Sacrifice for each other
7. Spending time together
8. Making your spouse feel loved

Monday, January 11, 2010

Grandma Joan

I wish this photo was in color. I'm certain my Grandma Verna made this dress for her. I don't think my mom wore any store bought dresses!

I love to look at the surroundings. Check out the crepe paper on walls!!

Grandma was the Gold and Green Ball Queen her Senior year, and she was Valedictorian at St. Ignacious High School! I remember her telling me she didn't feel comfortable as the queen- you can see that in her expression. Several of the girls were mean to her- jealous I imagine. I think that's why she felt more comfortable riding the wind on her horse!

The Life of Grandma Joan

Grandma Joan riding her favorite horse, Ginger! She LOVED riding a horse. I believe that is when she was happiest!

Grandma grew up next to a Lumber Mill in St. Ignacious, Montana!

Her favorite dog, Chum!

Grandma Joan with her neice, Sally. I'm certain my Grandma Verna made these dresses. Check out the detail work!! She loved to dress up her daughter Joan. I remember Mom telling me if there was an event that my mom needed a new dress for, if they didn't have any money, my Grandma would take apart some of her own clothes and sew a new dress for my mom and would be out of this world cute!!!

LOVE LIFE!

WHAT IS LIFE FOR? It is for YOU!!
love Today!
love the ordinary
love the possibilities
love yourself
love your work
love new things
love doing everything
love doing nothing
love your family
love your friends
love being in love
love to play
love the moment
love simple pleasures
love taking chances
love your mistakes
love taking your time
love the open road
love your own backyard
love the outdoors
love a good walk
love to eat
love the earth
love your neighbor
love helping others
love your children
love your memories
love every birthday
love to be amazed
love new beginnings
love what's next
love life!