Special Gift

 It was a sad day when news came that David Johnson, Susan's son,  had passed away.   Lynda and I wanted to do something special for her in memory of David.  While we were at the viewing we saw a poem on display that David had written to Susan on Mother's Day.  We decided we wanted to somehow incorporate that poem in a memory gift for Susan.  Annie came up with a planter and the label to go on it.  Neal and I bought the rose bush and the flowers to go around it.  We were able to take it up to her and put it on her front porch.  She will see it every evening when she comes home from work and every morning as she leaves for work.  Hopefully it will bring back good memories and the love she has for David.

This is the plaque that Annie made that goes on the front of the planter.

Susan's front porch.

All set up on the front porch.  We also gave her a watering can so she can water it every day.  It was Annie's idea to do a planter on legs so that Susan could easily take care of it.

Hauling it up in the back of my car.  We had to put it in on a slant.  Actually worked out perfectly.

Made it to Midway safe and sound and all in one piece and didn't lose any dirt out of it, just a few rose pedals.  

Abby

 Abby came to town to deliver 10 (hopeful guide dog) puppies to a team in Payson High School.  They are students that have made a commitment to raise these puppies for a year and prepare and train them for future training to be come guide dogs or service dogs.  We drove to Spanish Fork to see Abby and have a quick visit with her.  She will be coming up every month to train and check on the puppies and the youth training them.  It was fun to meet for dinner.  

Our Country's Birthday

If you are raised in Provo then you come to look forward every year to the 4th of July.  The celebration is always started with a cannon going off early in the morning.  I loved that and always listened for it.  Then off to the parade down Center Street with the jets flying right down the parade route.  Talk about your heart swelling in pride for this amazing country.  Of course the Colorguard started the parade with the American Flag waving in the breeze.  Our family would always get together in the afternoon and go up Provo Canyon for dinner.  What fabulous childhood memories.  After marriage we continued to gather for the parade and then to Hintze's for dinner and visiting.  Firecrackers, cap guns and water fights were always part of the festivities.  Even after my life change, gathering on the 4th was always a tradition.  We continued to celebrate by going up to Midway for a barbecue and games and then watching the amazing fireworks in Lila Mae's driveway.  She was right across the street from the Memorial Hill so we had front row seats every year.  Now that Lila Mae is gone we still continue to gather on the 4th at my house.  This year we had Gertsons, Cutlers and Tucker.  We had hoagie buns with all the trimmings along with Maren's famous pasta salad and Lynda Ann's famous pinwheel cookies.  We played table games until after midnight.  It was a great day and a fun celebration.  

Lynda Ann's famous 4th of July cookies.

Neal and I drove to Centerville to see Nelden's family in the parade.  They are always clowns every year and we've never seen them.  It was fun to see the small parade and see Nelden's family all decked out in clown attire.  Neal and Nelden.  

Every year for as long as I can remember, I would have a picture taken of Lila Mae and I on the 4th.  Well Lila Mae is not with us so I told Annie that from now on the tradition will be a picture of she and I on the 4th.   This is our first 4th of July picture.  We were actually in Midway at a bakery.  We had just had lunch with Susan.  Annie and I do have such fun together.  It is always an adventure of fun and laughter.  Sure love this daughter of mine.

A Fond Farewell

 It was time for Peyton to head back to California.  She has been with us for a week and it has been such a fun time.  I love that she has been up her on two trips almost back to back.  Getting to know her better has been such a delight.  She is a darling girl and we love her.  It was also very fun to get acquainted with her boyfriend, Gavin.  He is a really nice kid and loves playing table games.  He will fit right in with this family if he loves table games.

Peyton and I spent the morning getting pedicures.  

Tucker came home from work and we drove over to In N' Out and had a burger, fries and a drink.  Neal was just getting back from golfing so he joined us late.  That is why he isn't in the picture.

We hugged and said our goodbyes after lunch and Tucker and Peyton headed to the airport.  Peyton's flight was at 3:40 so they had to be on their way.  Such a fun time having her here.  We love you Peyton and wish you the best as you begin your schooling in the Fall to learn about Cosmetology.  

A Quick Visit

 Have you ever been startled with the feeling that someone was by you?  A minuscule moment in time where you were suddenly sure that someone was there and yet you are alone and you know there isn't anyone?  That has happened to me on occasion and I always kind of look around knowing that I felt a presence but not able to put my finger on that feeling and never knowing who it might have been.  The other day I was sitting at the table working on my blog when I sensed Annette by me.  It was so quick, almost as if she were peeking through the veil and taking a glimpse of me.  Most of the time when these tiny moments happen I have no idea who or what.  But in this moment I knew it was Annette.  I always marvel when something like that happens and certainly could never deny that they have happened.  And then I wonder why I had that experience.  Maybe it solidifies my belief and testimony that we do have family watching over us all the time.  Protecting and keeping us safe and also reminding us of their always presence in our lives.  I felt such incredible love from her and for her.  Can you just imagine the reunion that takes place when we leave this earthly existence and are reunited with our family.  So many beautiful memories came flooding back of Annette and I singing together and playing the piano.  Hours and hours in the evenings, Saturday afternoons and Sundays.  Music was a huge part of our lives that we shared together.  

I tried to find pictures of Annette and I together and there just aren't very many - in fact very few.  Do you think we look alike?  

Me, Annette and Lila Mae

Found this fun one of Lila Mae, me and Annette

We actually made it in the news!  

Saratoga Springs Utah Temple

Mallory and I had and amazing day on Saturday.  We had the opportunity to visit another of our beautiful Utah Temples.  President Nelson taught: "Everything taught in the temple, through instruction and through the Spirit, increases our understanding of Jesus Christ.  His essential ordinances bind us to Him through sacred priesthood covenants.  Then as we keep our covenants, He endows us with His healing, strengthening power."  

President Nelson also taught:  "the reward for keeping covenants with God is heavenly power - power that strengthens us to withstand our trials, temptations, and heartaches better.  This power eases our way."

I know that this is true.  Thank you Mallory for another beautiful day in the temple with you.  I tell her she is keeping me on the straight and narrow!  

After the session we drove to the Olive Garden and had a delicious lunch and then to the clothing store Colby & Claire where I bought me a temple dress that zips up the front.  So hard on Tuesday mornings to fuss with a back zipper.  Especially at 4:00 a.m.!!!

Birthday Celebration

 Maren will turn 51 this Saturday.  She and her family are going camping and boating for the weekend so Neal and I along with Tucker took her and Greg out to dinner last night.  We went to a place in Lehi called Edna's.  None of us had ever been there before.  The food was delicious and we had such a good time just reminiscing and laughing.  Tucker and I had gone to the mall that afternoon and bought her a Lulu Lemon hoodie and a hat.  

After we had sufficiently fill our tummies we drove to Tucker's new apartment in Lehi.  Fun to walk through and see where he will be living.  He actually moves next weekend!  he has been with us since January and I'm sure he is anxious to get moved into a bigger place and get organized.  After looking at the apartment, Greg went home and Maren came to our house to play games.  It was such a fun evening.  I'm grateful for Maren in my life.  I think she has had her challenges excepting me as the mother of the home but over the years we have bonded, become good friends and love each other.  Happy birthday, Maren!  We love you!  

She sent me this picture of Boston.  He just got his learner's permit.  Can't believe her youngest is ready to drive!!  Congratulations Boston.  

Our Dancing Granddaughters

 Last weekend Neal and I headed to California to see Jordyn Lyn, Lexi and Peyton do what might be a final dance recital.  We were excited to be there to support and participate in this big event.  All three girls are moving on the different journeys that won't involve that much in the dance field.  Our flight was at 8:40 p.m.  Mallory was good enough to come stay at the house and tend Sprout along with Brinkley so we had her take us to the airport.  We were there in good time, checked in and still had about an hour to kill so we mistakenly did some shopping.  I say mistakenly but because we found a Johnson and Murphy store and I ended up buying a dress and a pair of sandals and Neal bought some new golf shoes.  None of which we really needed.  But we did have fun.  And we stopped by the Chocolate Factory!

Had to take a picture of Neal's crazy hair!!

Our flight from SL to Fresno was gorgeous.  We had a sunset that was unbelievable.  I took pictures but a phone camera never can quite get the full majesty of what the naked eye is seeing.

The colors were absolutely brilliant!

We arrived in Fresno about 9:30.  Tucker had flown down the day before so he had a rental car and the hotel all set up.  He picked us up and we went straight to the hotel and to bed.  

The next morning we got a couple pictures and updates from Mallory about Brinkley and Sprout.  Apparently Brinkley likes to think he is much smaller than he is.  Mallory said he kept trying to fit on Sprouts cushion and kept sliding off.  She also sent a picture of the two of them sleeping on the bed.  She said that Sprout kept looking up at Brinkley and wagging his tail.  These two are besties!

Saturday morning we did some shopping in the downtown of Fresno, stopped for a nice lunch and then to the dance recital.

We had just been seated in the auditorium when I saw Jamie coming toward us.  She and I both burst into tears.  We hugged and hugged.  It was a moment in time that I will cherish.  I love this sweet daughter-in-law and she will always be a huge part of my life.  I realize now, with the divorce, that I won't get to see her very often but I will cherish the moments when we can get together.  

The recital was amazing.  Lexi choreographed 20 of the dances.  Each one unique and incredible.  All three girls very talented and their years of devotion to dance certainly showcased in this recital.  

It was a long day for everyone.  After the recital, pictures were taken, clean up was done, last goodbyes with Jamie and we were off to the hotel.  It was planned that we would meet for breakfast with the girls in the morning.  We met at the Loving Seed Cafe.  Had a delicious breakfast, visited and then had to say our "goodbyes".

Tucker having a final moment with his daughters.

At the airport getting ready to head hoe.

So grateful for the time we had to spend with the girls and see them perform so beautifully.  What an incredible experience.  I so wanted to reconnect with Jamie and let her know that my love for her is and always be there for her.  

I have to add this picture.  We flew right over the top of Kennecott Copper Mine.  It seems to be a whole mining village of its own.  The whole mountain is carved out.  I can remember going there when I was about 9 years old.  It was certainly not this big.  You could drive right up to the mine and they had a little gift shop there.  I bought a copper elephant that I had for years and years.  I have no idea what ever happened to it or where it is now, but it was in its time a treasured memento.