Friday morning following Thanksgiving

Friday morning was a busy morning for Tucker and Jamie.  I'm sorry to say it was because of projects from Neal and I.  Tucker, bless his heart, always seems to have projects (technology centered) that need to be done when he comes to Utah.  This trip was no different.  Friday morning Tucker, Jamie, Neal and I hoped in the car and headed to Xfinity to get needed items for our new internet, then to Best Buy to get a new DVD Player and a cable long enough to be threaded through the wall.  From there we went to the frame shop to get two of Jamie's counted cross stitch projects framed.  One for her mother and one for her.  By the time we got back, Tucker and Jamie had just enough time to get everything hooked up and working, the car packed and on their way to the airport.  The weather got increasingly worse as the storm began laying down layers of snow.  We were worried about them getting to the airport safely and their plane being able to take off on time and not be delayed because of the storm.  All went well and they were on time as was the plane and they arrived safely home in California.  We LOVED having them here and enjoyed every moment of their time with us.

 Here we are at the Framing place.  That is Patty on the left behind the counter.  She is the only one I would trust with my framing.  She is amazing.

 This is Jamie's Dandelion counted cross that we are having framed.  Dandelions symbolize strength and perseverance through all hare moments in life.  They are universal symbols of happiness and joy and optimism.

This is a song that Jamie's mother always sang to the three girls.  "I love you a bushel and a peck, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck."  I thought it would be fun for the girls to give this to their grandmother, Pam, for Christmas.

 This is a picture of Jordyn Lyn paitently working with Pa on his computer.

 Thankfully, everything got done that we needed.  Xfinity set up, Neal's computer working, Alexa reset and working.  Lamps going on and off as scheduled, Christmas music playing when asked, TVs and DVD players set up and working upstairs and down, new passwords set and cell phones working!!  Thanks Maxfields for getting your parents up to date and current on technology!  We love you!

A day of good food and games

Jamie, Annie and I arrived at the house first and began preparations for dinner.  Potatoes, carrots and corn turned on and the turkey checked.  Tables had been set the night before by Neal and Tucker and the house was festive and full of excitement and love.

 Even Maggie found a comfortable and very Christmas place to sleep!!!

 Winding down :-)

 Building Gingerbread Houses.

 Tucker trying on Emmi's Navy hat.  Hummm.  I think it looks better on Emmi.  Sorry Tucker.  You just don't fit the navy type.

Most of my Thanksgivings were observed family style in a house on 325 S 3rd W in Provo, Utah.  Every year our home would be filled to overflowing with family gathered together to honor a most special holiday.  Mother would have the Christmas Tree up and the windows would shine with Christmas lights.  The aroma of a huge, plump turkey seasoned with onion and dressing filled the air, mingled with the delicious scent of apple, cherry and pumpkin pies.  The house seem to reverberate from top to bottom with the familiar sounds of another Thanksgiving - family style!

Mother always seemed to be happy as she called on Max to say the blessing on our Thanksgiving feast.  I will forever remember and forever be thankful for Thanksgiving memories of a kitchen table extended almost the full length of the kitchen and a family surrounding it.

I can only hope that my children will look back on their Thanksgivings as days of fun memories surrounding a family style table filled with good food, family and love.

Bowling

We all met at the bowling alley, Fat Cats, for our traditional bowling game.  We had the Cutlers, minus Greg, who was working, the Maxfields, and the Gertsons along with Gam and Pa.  We ended up bowling two games, which is the traditional amount.  It was fun and everyone had a great time.

 Ah, what form!

Jamie told me that my hair looked fluffy or airy and then made sure that I understood that she wasn't saying it looked 'beachy".  We both laughed at that. She may never live that down.

 Seems that there always has to be someone who jumps in a picture - uninvited!!

 Granddaughter / Gam hug!!!  How we've missed this girl!

Bowling was fun and we all had a great time.  We headed back to the house to get ready for a delicious Thanksgiving meal and to spend just a moment to give thanks to our Heavenly Father for all the blessings we enjoy in this great land America and for blessings of being a family and for the blessing of the Gospel.

Thanksgiving

My favorite holiday has arrived with a snowstorm that has come in to the valley with a vengeance.  We had planned on going to the airport to greet Emmi but Annie called us and told us not to plan on coming.  She had worked all night and was headed home to get the family and then back to the airport to pick up Emmi.  She said the roads were horrible and had experience a truck in front of her spinning out.  She was praying he wouldn't spin into her.  She made it home safely and the family piled in the suburban to head back to the airport.  When they got there they found out that Emmi's plane was early but couldn't land and had to circle back to Provo while the airport staff was cleaning runways and changing landing areas.  Emmi finally made it to the ground and was met by a very excited parents and sisters and brother.

Welcome home Emmi!!

New calling

One thing about the church is that a member never stands idle.  It seems that there is always a calling for everyone who wants to serve and even callings that we may not love but we accept and go forward.  I was trying to think of all the callings I've had.  Here are the ones I can remember.  Keep in mind that the names of the callings are certainly different from now.  A lot of changes through my life time:
     Junior Sunday School Chorister - when I was in High School
     Young Women President - when I lived in San Gabriel, California
     Young Women President - when I lived in Trona, California
     Young Women Teacher - when I lived in Trona, California
     Young Women President - Cumberland Rd. Home
     Camp Director - Cumberland Rd. Home
     Relief Society Teacher - Cumberland Rd.
     Relief Society Counselor - for Joyce Phippen
     Relief Society Homemaking Leader - Joyce Phippen
     Young Women President - Lynwood
     Primary Chorister - Lynwood
     Sunday School Teacher - Lynwood
     Nursery Leader - present ward
     Gospel Doctrine Teacher - present ward
     First Counselor in the young women
     Stake Relief Society President - South Cottonwood Stake with President Parry and President Little
               I served for 6 wonderful years - I have to add here that Lynda Ann served with me :-)
     Relief Society Teacher at the retirement center
     Choir Leader - present
     Just called to teach Gospel Doctrine starting in January 2020.

I think that is a pretty accurate list of remembered callings.  I also think I've probably left some out.  But it really doesn't matter.  I'm just happy to have the opportunity to serve, feel the love of my Heavenly Father as he guides me through these callings and give me the much needed courage to have the confidence it takes.  No one could ever say that 'the church' doesn't give you boundless opportunities to grow and find gifts that you never knew you had!
     Ward Activity Leader with Neal - just released
   

Tomorrow is Turkey Day!

I love Thanksgiving.  I believe it is my favorite holiday of the year.  No present, no expectations, I hope no disappointments, just a day of family gathering, bowling, dinner and games until we drop.  The night before there is a lot of preparation that takes place.  I always get the dressing made, the turkey stuffed and ready to go in the oven, the carrots peeled and cut up, the potatoes peeled and cut up, both soaking in cold water until tomorrow when it will be time to cook everything.  I also get the onion and celery cleaned and chopped, ready to be sautéed and poured over the dried bread and then stuffed into the cavity of the turkey.

There will be lots more to post tomorrow!

Neals birthday and Christmas

When Tucker was in town a couple weeks ago, the two of us went Christmas shopping at Costco.  I was looking for a new TV for our bedroom.  I'm sure Tucker realized that with every new device Neal or I buy, it will be his responsibility to help us get it set up and learn how to use it.  This purchase would be no different.  They are here for Thanksgiving, so Tucker spent the evening getting the TV mounted on the wall land ready for Comcast to come Wednesday morning and get us a new internet system.  Tucker is patient as he works with his dad setting things up and teaching us both how to work our new TV.

 This is how the new TV looks up on the wall and the top of the big dresser gone.  Sure makes the bedroom look a lot bigger.  Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Neal!

Tucker and family here for Thanksgiving

Tucker, Jamie and the girls came in to town Tuesday late afternoon for the Thanksgiving holidays.  We were so excited to have them come.  There was a little mix up on whether we were picking them up or not.  We thought we were so we drove out to the airport and were waiting in the long line with everyone else to pick up the Thanksgiving travelers.  We finally called Tucker's phone and he said that we weren't supposed to come and pick them up that they had rented a car and were just in it.  How in the world we didn't get the communication between us a little more clear is a mystery.  But, we just circled back out of the airport and we all met at Café Rio for dinner.  We had a fun evening together and then home to unload and settle in.  Jamie went with Mallory and Abby to puppy class, Tucker help the girls get unpacked and Neal and I headed over to the Bishop's office for tithing settlement.

We all met back at the house about 8:30 and played games until about 1:30 in the morning.

We are so happy and excited that they are here!

Emmi graduates with honors

Emmi has officially finished her first phase of her Navy adventures.  She graduated today with honors.  She received 100 on her final test.  So proud of you Emmi and can't wait to see you, hug you, and hear about your experiences as we all gather for Thanksgiving.

Way to go Emmi.  So proud of what you are accomplishing!