34 Years Ago!!

 It has been 34 years since Annie and I left our beloved home on Cumberland Road and ventured off to a new life.  I'm now working as a temple ordinance worker in the Jordan River Temple.  One morning I notice a lady with red hair sitting up a couple rows ahead of me and realized it was Susan Kormylo from our old 8th ward!  I couldn't believe it.  Of course I went up and talked to her quickly before heading to our assignments.  When I got home I told Annie and she was very excited and wanted to get together so Susan arranged a luncheon at her home last Saturday and what fun we had.  We all decided that we needed to get together every six months and renew memories and all the amazing experiences we had so many years ago.

From left to right:  Gerry (her last name is lost for a senior moment), Diane Thompson, Wendy Taylor, me Susan Kormylo and Lynda Ann.

Diane had an amazing influence on Annie experience at camp and building her love for girls camp.  I remember serving with Diane and what a great camp director she was to all the girls in the ward.  Susan Kormylo and Lynda Ann have an amazing adoption connection that if you are interested, you could ask Lynda Ann to explain it to you.  

We had a fun filled and very talkative two hours before we all had to leave.  Already looking forward to another reunion in the summer months and hopefully with more of the girls Annie's age.  I have to say the the Valley View 8th Ward was an amazing ward and the neighborhood even more amazing.  I love Holiday and would move back there in a minute!

Celebrating 81 years!

 Neal had his 81st birthday last week.  I invited the kids over for sandwiches, cake and ice cream.  Neal was happy to have his kids drop by.

Happy 81 years to an amazing guy.  We all love you!

Some times . . . .

 Some times you come across a saying that just hits you right in the center of your heart.  Adoption is very near and dear to my heart as is prayer.  It was many days and nights of prayers to a loving Heavenly Father pleading for a little baby girl to come to my arms and fill my heart.  I knew the only way was through adoption and the ability to adopt was getting more and more scarce.  But prayers are answered!  When I saw these two sayings I had to post them because they are both such a part of my existence and belief.

Abortion to ADOPTION.  Can't begin to tell you how deeply that touch my heart!!

Quick Trip

Annie called me Thursday evening of Thanksgiving and asked if I would be willing to drive with her to Mesquite to take some Christmas presents to Abby and Antonio who were spending a couple days at a home in Mesquite.  I told her to give me time to pack a bag and come pick me up!  We left Friday afternoon about 1 and arrive in St. George about 5:00 where we met up with Abby, Antonio and Antonios's sister, husband and two darling little girls.  We had dinner and then drove on to Mesquite where we spent the night.  Annie had brought home made sugar cookies, frosting and sprinkles for the little girls to decorate.  They had a fun time and mostly ate the sprinkles.  

Decorating cookeis with some assistance from Abby and Annie.

We spent the night and then headed back home about 9:00 the next morning.  It was a quick turn around but certainly a fun time.  I love the hours I get to spend with Lynda Ann talking about anything and everything that comes to our minds.  We never seem to experience a lull in traveling conversations.  Love that daughter of mine.  So fun to see Abby and Antonio.  They are a darling couple.  The good news from them is that they are now moved into their own apartment after living with Antonio's sister for the past year.  

Thanksgiving Gathering

 This year for Thanksgiving we had a smaller group than usual.  Maren and her family minus Jaden, Maddie and Mindy, the Gertsons minus Abby, Antonio and Emmi.  Everyone came about 6:00 p.m. and stayed and play games.  The only things we didn't do this year was go bowling.  It just didn't work out for anyone to do that this year.  Hopefully next year we will be back at Fat Cats for a Thanksgiving Bowling time.

Sure didn't take any pictures this year.  Glad Mindy got this one of the three of them.  

Brinkley and Sprout

 These two are such good buddies and when they get together the run and play and play some more.  They literally ware themselves out and have to lay down and take a rest.  

Some more fun pictures of them and also Sprout is sporting a new BYU collar.  The blue looks perfect on him and the Y just adds a touch of class!!

Sprout sleeping with his nose in my slipper.  Some kind of a comfort thing for him, I'm guessing.

Up on my lap wanting to watch the action at the table.  And sporting his new collar and leash!

Resting on my chair.

Getting ready for a walk.  He loves going for a walk every morning.  We walk about 2 or 3 miles depending on the day and weather.

Sure love this puppy!!  Pretty good picture of the two actually holding still long enough to snap a picture of them.  Besties for life!!

Old Friends

 Neal and I caught up with some old bridge buddies from long ago.  We met at the Village Inn and had breakfast topped with a piece of pie.  We sat around and talked for a couple hours and decided we should leave before they kicked us out.  From there we all went to Modern Display just to wander around and see what they had, or maybe what they didn't have!!!  

Left to right:  Jim Fry, Midge Fry, me, Sherry Thompson, Merrill Thompson and Neal.  We are hoping to get together again soon.