I LOVE the Church and the Missionary Program!

I just had to share this text that I got from Judy Stanfield.  She and Ron are in Europe.  She sent me this text today and it needed to be posted!  To quote her text:

“We’re in Italy and totally lost.  Trying to find any kind of hotel in a half way decent area.  We turn down a side street and what do we see but two pair of black pants, two clean white shirts and a cute guy from Sandy, Utah and one from Idaho.  I almost cried I was so happy.  We were only five blocks from a Best Western and they saved us literally.  We might have been killed or been whisked off by who knows who.  I’m teary eyed as I write this.  You understand me and I love you for that!  Thank you, the best friend and influence in my life!”

Wow!  Isn’t that text incredible.  How blessed we all are to know that we belong the the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and that we are a WORLD WIDE church.  Thank you missionaries for accepting the call to go throughout the whole world to preach the gospel and be answers to peoples prays.  What a wonderful experience for Judy.  She will never forget it and maybe, just maybe that little experience of having the missionaries at the right place and at the right time.  They are preaching the gospel even when they are not preaching.

I’m so grateful and happy and feel so blessed to be a part of the Lord’s Church.

Sunday no speaking assignments

It seems like I’ve had a speaking assignment every single Sunday for the past three months.  I almost dreaded stake conference coming because I’ve either had to speak in Stake Conference or at the adult meeting of Stake Conference.  It was nice to have a Sunday with no extra meetings and no speaking assignments!

After conference we had James and Lyndsy over for dinner and played a couple games of Mahjong – and yes Tucker, I won both games!  And no I didn’t cheat!  Some cute pictures of little Desmond.

That evening I got a picture from Lynda Ann with the message, “You’ve got to love a Sunday nap!”

Missing mother

I’ve been thinking a lot about my mother and missing her greatly the past few weeks and wishing I could just hop in my Jeep and drive to Provo and just sit with her for a little while and get some much needed advice.  Mother was the type of person that you would ask her a question and then you would just listen.  Her answers and advice were always spot on.  She was wise like Solomon of old.  How I would love to have been able to sit at her knee these last eleven years and hear her expert and wise council and advice.

What a stalwart member of the church she was.  I don’t know for sure just exactly when she was baptized, somewhere in her early twenties, but from the time she joined the church until the day she died she never wavered from the truth.  Her testimony and commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ was evident throughout her life.  She never stopped serving until physically and mentally it became impossible.  I am so proud to be her daughter and be a part of her legacy.  I never want to forget her example and all that she did for me.

I often think that those of us who are raised in the church and live in Salt Lake take for granted that we are walking on golden paved streets (so to speak) surrounded by temples.  We have the truth of the restored gospel.  I think we can easily become complacent over time.  It seems that people who hear the gospel and join the church recognize our blessings more than we do.  They are on the outside looking in and they see what we have and want to be a part of it.  I’ve been reading the Book of Mormon and reminded of the complacent attitude repeat itself over and over again.  Mother was never complacent nor did she ever take the gospel for granted.

Now that I can’t run to mother for advice I find answers and solace reading my patriarchal blessing and the scriptures.  They bring peace and reassurance to my soul.  I am reminded of when I gained my own personal testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the feeling that I had come over me.  Those feelings are hard to describe but I would compare it to filling an ice tray with water and placing it in the freezer and then you see it slowly solidify into a solid piece of ice.  From the moment I knelt and prayed to know if the church was true my testimony slowly solidified in my heart and mind and I could not then deny it and I cannot now deny it. 

Neal and I were at a viewing tonight and there in the room were three of the Apostles.  Apostle Oaks, Pres. Uchdorf and L.Tom Perry.  How many people in the world would have an opportunity to stand in the same room with one of the Apostles let alone three of them at once.  How many people in the world would have the opportunity to have the President of the Church of Jesus Christ in their home for dinner or be invited to their home for dinner?  I hope that Jeffrey and Lynda Ann always remember those sacred and fun experiences with President Kimball.  Neal has come home on two or three occasions and said that he ran into President Monson and visited with him or said “Hi”. I remember the day Lynda Ann was baptized, we went to a restaurant after the baptism for breakfast and who should greet us and shake our hands and congratulate Lynda Ann for becoming a member of the Church, but then Apostle Monson.   There are numerous times when our family has all been in the presence of Apostle Nielsen.  How grateful I am to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to have had these experiences because we live in the headquarters of the church.

I guess to sum it all up, I am grateful for the choices my mother made to join the church and move us to Provo.  Where would my journey have taken me IF her choices had been different?  I don’t know and I don’t care.  I’m happy where I am and happy for what I’ve accomplished.  I can honestly say that I’ve done the very best I knew and know how to do.  

Even thought I get somewhat frustrated with life’s journey I am constantly reminded of my blessings and the knowledge that my mother lives and I will see her again some day and we will have a chance to sit and visit and share our memories of this earth life.

A nice surprise . . .

Neal and I left our home about 5 p.m. to head out to Bountiful to play bridge with our bridge group.  We got home about 10:30 and to our surprise, on the kitchen table were cards and presents for Neal and I for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.  The Cutler’s had dropped by to wish visit and we were sorry we had missed them.  Thanks Cutlers for the cards and gift certificates along with my very favorite candy!!  We are glad you made it home safe and sound and are anxious to see your pictures and hear all about your trip and the adventures.

Neal and his Plumeria Bush! A flower is born!!

I don’t know how many hears we have had this bush and for how many years it has been inside for the winter and outside for the summer, upstairs for more warmth and back downstairs for more sunshine, etc. etc.  Neal has babied this plant to the point of obsession!  Well,  his will to have it bloom has finally paid off.  He was so excited last week when he noticed a completely different formation on the bush.  He watched it each day and it finally showed to be a flower.  His plant is actually going to flower.  Here is a picture of the very first Plumeria flower blooming!  As you can see, there are dozens of buds but this is the first one to open.’'  Congratulations Neal!

It’s been 5 years since . . .

I got a letter in the mail informing me that it’s been 5 years and time for another colonoscopy.  Something no one looks forward to, but something I do faithfully every 5 years.  I watched my Uncle Henry die of colon cancer and would never want to take a chance of dealing with something like that.  So, I made my appointment for last Friday morning at 10:15.  I got the instructions in the mail, bought all the stuff to clean me out and very carefully followed the three day regiment perfectly.  The one thing I didn’t pay too much attention to was getting enough liquids while preparing for the procedure.  All went well until Friday morning at about 2 a.m.  I woke up with the urge to go to the bathroom, swung my legs over the bed and all of a sudden the calves of my legs cramped horrifically at the very same time.  The pain was almost unbearable.  I tried to stand up to get to the bathroom and fainted!  Neal heard me hit the floor and by the time he got around the bed to me I had tried to stand up again and fell the second time.  Just plain past out.  I remember feeling my face on the floor and trying to think why I would be laying on the floor!  Neal helped me up and carefully sat me down on the toilet.  He turned around to leave and I past out again falling on the floor.  I remember him calling my name and trying to get me to respond but I just didn’t have the energy to pull my head up.  He finally gave me a blessing and I immediately responded.  He helped me back to bed and had me drink some apple juice.  The next morning I was very weak but at least had my wits about me.  We went to the hospital at the appointed time and the nurse noticed that my cheek was swollen and bruised.  She and the doctor asked me what happened and I told them.  They said that I was extremely dehydrated and immediately started an IV to get fluids in me.  Apparently my body went into shock from being so dehydrated.  That is apparently what caused the cramping in my legs. 

The ending is good.  Everything looked clean and good.  No problems and I’m feeling on top of the world again!  I do have three bruises.  My cheek, my eye and my shoulder are all sore and bruised and a bit swollen.  I guess I’ve learned my lesson about dehydration and how important it is for us to make sure our bodies get enough fluids.  I am so grateful for the Priesthood and that Neal is worthy to use it when needed.  I believe it was because of his blessing that I didn’t end up in the emergency room that night! 

Jeff and Neal golfing.

Jeff and Neal always go golfing on the Saturday before Father’s Day.  This year was no exception.  Neal invited Greg to go with them but he had to work.  Summer is a busy time for Greg and taking bids on fencing.  Jeff and Neal and a fun time and from what I was told a good golf game.  Well maybe Jeff’s wasn’t as good as he wanted, but regardless of the score they enjoyed being together on the golf course.  Great picture of Jeff and Neal!

I had to add this picture because you all know how much I LOVE America and our flag!  Saw this flag waving in the breeze and got all patriotic inside, dropped a tear or two and took this great picture!

Grandmother’s love to brag a bit!

Abby showed me her achievements from school and I was so very proud of her.  She is certainly a high achiever!  We are proud of you Abby!  Keep up the good work.

A+ – really?  I never had an A+ my whole school career!  Way to go Abby!

I had to post what her teacher wrote on the back of her Outstanding Student award.

 

Gam and Pa are very proud of you Abby!

Andrew’s accident

Andrew was at a boy scout camp and he was running and stepped in a hole or something and chipped one of the bones in his foot.  Thus, the crutches.  It was interesting to watch him try and maneuver around with the crutches and also very interesting to see how the girls catered to his needs.  More than once I saw Abby and Hayley and Mallory carrying him around and especially up and down the steps.  They were all very attentive to him.  I think he was enjoying the added attention from his big sisters! 

Yikes!  Scary looking woman in the car!

Sunday–the actual Father’s Day

Neal and I had a quiet morning.  Having breakfast and reading the paper and watching the Tabernacle Choir Broadcast for Father’s Day.  It was amazing as always.  While we were having breakfast I told Neal that I had been approached by the Bishopric to have one of “Neal’s kids” as he put it – speak in church, giving a tribute to their dad on Father’s Day as a surprise for Neal.  I approached Maren but she was leaving for Havasupai Sunday morning and was not able to do it. I asked Lyndsy but found out that she had dyed her hair completely blue and knew that it would make her dad uncomfortable along with most of the congregation and the Bishopric.  Our ward is an old ward and blue hair would be a bit shocking for our congregation.  I felt so badly that neither of the girls could participate.  Jamie and Tucker considered having Tucker fly up as a surprise for his dad but in checking with the ticket prices, it was out of the question!  I told Tucker absolutely not.  I think the ticket prices were around $585.00.  I know he would have paid the price and I so appreciated his willingness to make that kind of sacrifice for his dad.  Neal seemed OK with the outcome as we sat in church and heard others honor their father’s.  I told Neal I was sure there would be another year!

I taught RS that day and then Neal and I changed and headed out to Annie’s for a Father’s Day dinner.  I’m glad that Lynda Ann and her family look at Neal as a ‘father’ and that her kids totally love and claim him as their grandfather.  Annie had a delicious dinner prepared and the kids all gave Neal gifts.  The children gave him his favorite candy bars, an attachment for the hose to water his patio flowers and a tool that clean the barbeque.  He also got a red, white and blue pin wheel to put in one of his planters. 

Annie and Abby made and decorated some darling Father’s Day cookies.  Father’s Day sugar cookie ties!  How clever!

The pin wheel in one of the planters out front.  Neal loves it!

 

 

Thanks Gertsons for a very nice Father’s Day evening.

Happy Father’s Day

I love this man and so appreciate all he does for me and for the family.  There is a movie called “It’s A Wonderful Life”.  In the movie there is a comment made that the main character George Bailey, would “lasso the moon” for his girl.  That is the way I feel about Neal.  He would lasso the moon for me if he thought he could.  Happy Father’s Day, Neal.  Thanks for being a GREAT husband and friend. 

Our Father’s Day celebration began Saturday afternoon about 4 p.m.  All the families were invited to come for dinner and to spend some time with their dad / grandpa.  Mindy and Jeff were not able to come because they were going camping and Lyndsy said she would be there but without James and the two kids because James would be with his family in Park City.  Lynda Ann and Jeff and the kids along with Lyndsy came at the appointed time and Neal started the grill going.  I had purchased hamburgers and hot dogs along with all the trimmings.  I also bought the big chocolate cake from Costco with vanilla and chocolate ice cream.  At about 4:30 we called Maren to see if they were on the way so we could start cooking and she said that they would not be able to come after all.  I was disappointed that Neal wouldn’t be able to see them and frustrated because I had all this food.  So, I turned to Lyndsy and asked her if she thought James and his family would like to come and eat.  She called them and they accepted the invitation.  We ended up with plenty of food and people to eat it. 

James Mom and Dad and niece and nephew.

Had to post a picture of cute Desmond and Lyndsy’s blue hair!

James family didn’t stay too long after they ate.  They were on their way to downtown Salt Lake where they were having a chalk art festival.  Lyndsy and Desmond stayed to visit and play games.  Lyndsy gave her dad a free massage for Father’s Day that he could collect on at the end of the summer.  Neal was thrilled.  He loves Lyndsy’s massages.  Lyndsy joined the Goss’s later that evening.  Jeff and Annie and the kids stayed until about 9:30 and then headed home. 

My favorite flower of all Neal’s patio display.

I have to admit that Neal does a beautiful job of planting his patio pots.  When they all start blooming it is quite a display of nature and her colors.  Not only the variety of flowers but the colors are so vibrant and beautiful.  I’m thankful for this beautiful earth we live on and it’s amazing colors.  If this is beauty to us and we are taught that the Celestial Kingdom is even more vibrant and breath taking – it boggles the mind. 

A Nautical Day!

I love it when I go to work and it is one of those crazy days where you find yourself dressed in the same pattern or theme as a co-worker.  When Ashley walked into work and I saw what she had on, we just had to take a picture.  One couldn’t get much more patriotic than this unless they were carrying around the American Flag!

Remember?

Remember this snap shot?  When we were getting ready to leave for the beach we noticed that we had all brought a BYU sweatshirt and had chosen to wear it that day.  And, of course, when we realized what we’d done, we busted up laughing and said that we just had to send a picture to Tucker   So we lined up in front of the mirror and snapped this shot.

 

Tucker replied immediately with this picture and this comment: “Ute through and through.  Your picture made me barf. . . . . red!”

And thus ends our San Diego trip pictures!  We love you Tucker, even though you barf red!!

Update on the counted cross stitch

I’ve made a lot of progress as one can see.  This has not been one of my favorites but I know that Judy S. will love it.  She saves Jim Shore figurines and that is what this is a picture of one of Jim Shores Christmas Santa's.  I’ll have to go on line and see if I can find this particular one and give her the figurine along with the cross stitch.  Still hours and hours of stitching left to do but I’m making progress slow and sure.

San Diego 4th and last day :-(

Most of the pictures below are rather random.  They were ones that I took on my little camera and forgot that I had them there so they are from the 1st day and I think the 2nd day.  After that I just used my phone.

The last day we slept in until 9:00 then hurried and got ready to check out by 10:00.  We spent the day driving to the San Diego temple, talking to the missionaries there and taking some pictures of that beautiful edifice.  We had hoped to do baptisms for the dead but circumstances beyond our control prevented us from keeping our appointed time.  After the temple we went to Pacific Beach and hung out on the beach did some shopping and generally swallowed in our last few moments of a wonderful trip.

Some fun pictures from the beach, the condo where we stayed, the airplane, etc. . . .

,

The next picture was Emmi’s idea and it was my very favorite of all!!!

And last but not least, Annie’s favorite beach to go see.  She loves to watch the seals.

That wraps up my storied event of our trip.  All in all it was perfect.  Annie drove us all over California.  Her sense of direction is incredible.  She got us safely and efficiently to and from where ever our travels took us each day.  Thanks Emmi and Annie for a fun and memorable trip and most of all for inviting your mom/grandmother along. 

San Diego Day 3

Disney Land!  We got up early and headed to Disney Land.  We arrived right at 8:00 a.m.  Lots of things have changed since I was there last.  The parking was the most noticeable.  Lynda Ann commented how she remembered as a little girl that the first thing you saw when you got close to Disney Land was the Matterhorn.  Now, you can’t see it until you are well into the park.  The morning hours were not too bad.  Lots of people but it was all manageable.  About noon is when we noticed the crowds getting a little heavier and the lines much longer.  Up until then we were only in lines for maybe 20 minutes at the longest but as the day wore on the lines and the waiting time became longer and longer.  We were able to go on all the rides we wanted, see everything we wanted to see and shop just about every shop we wanted by 10:30 that evening.  Our last ride with a fast pass was Indiana Jones.  I wish I could explain what happened but I’m not sure anyone will completely understand because I’m not sure myself how we did what we did.  But, for record sake I shall do my best. 

Our fast pass was for 9:15 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  About 9:10 we worked our way to the ride only to find out that they were having malfunction issues and the ride was closed down.  We were very disappointed because none of us had ever been on it and Tucker had indicated that we had to go on the ride.  The crew had no idea if it would be up and running before the park closed.  So we left and did some last minute shopping.  Annie asked Emmi and I what we wanted to do.  Should we hang around?  Had we done all we wanted?  Were we tired?  Should we call it a night and head home?  I suggested that we go back to the ride one last time and see if it might be open and if it wasn’t then we would call it good and head for home. 

When we got back, they were still turning people away but this time with a bit of hope that maybe it was going to be fixed.  So we moved over to one side, sat down on a rock wall to wait a few minutes.  Just as we sat down we noticed two maintenance men come out of the building followed by two more.  Annie comment that it looked promising.  All at once the crew started moving back into the building and it was announced that the ride was open and all fast pass people should line up . . . . yup,you guessed it. . . . right where Lynda Ann, Emmi and I were sitting.  We were the very first in line and followed the worker through the Disney Land line maze.  We were the first on the ride and in the front seat.  Off we went – not knowing what to anticipate.  Maybe a little apprehensive that we were the first to ride after the break down!  The ride was everything Tucker said it would be and when it ended, Emmi suggested that we hustle back out and get in line again before the lines got too long.  We all wanted to ride it one more time.  We jumped out of the car and ran off to what we thought was the exit, but soon realized that there was no one around us.  As we rounded a corner we saw some people in a line with no one behind them.  Emmi said, “Let’s get in the line.  We’ll just step over the rope.”  So we did, all the time worrying about getting caught and getting kicked out of the ride for jumping across the roped area.  Well, no one came to get us and as we rounded another corner we were right back at the cars and were loaded again in the front row of the car and off we went again!  We still don’t know how we did it and after the ride we got off and headed out to find out that the exit we were in looked nothing like where we had been exiting the first time.  We laughed all the way down the exit area.  Laughing so hard we could hardly walk.  I’m sure all the people around us thought we were nuts, but it was all just too funny.  What a fabulous turn of events to end our night.  We got home about midnight – three happy Disney Land adventures with great memories and loaded down with Disney gifts. 

Some great pictures of our day at Disney Land.  Getting ready to get on the shuttle and planning our day along with a little breakfast in the park.

Emmi got to visit with her favorite princess and a very good looking prince!  There was also a lot of flirting with the court servant.  I guess that what he was.

Couldn’t resist taking a picture of the Duck and her babies that were inside a fenced area in the middle of main street!  We also had a good laugh over the picture of Emmi with her badge from Disney Land saying she was a 2014 graduate.  Notice the tree behind her.  Horns?

More pictures to come.