Our trip to Puerto Penasco or Rocky Point

Puerto Peñasco is a city located about 100 km from the Arizona border. It is located on the small strip of land that joins the peninsula of Baja California with the rest of Mexico. Puerto Peñasco is often called “Rocky Point” in English, and has been nicknamed “Arizona’s beach” as it is the coast closest to the major city of Phoenix.

We left Friday morning early and began our journey to Arizona. We very much enjoy traveling with Ron and Judy.

On our way we stopped in Panguitch and there met a group of motorcycle men. Rather rough group but very nice. Judy and I had to pose with one of them. We also visited the very small post office so that Judy could mail a package.

From there we headed to Jacob’s Lake. This is a mountain retreat owned by some relatives on the Maxfield side of the family. I bought a t-shirt that says, “Grandchildren, you just can’t ‘beat’ them.” We had a delicious lunch, took a picture of some of the relatives and then headed back on our journey.

We stayed at a motel for the night and got up at our leisure to head to the border and our destination. The funny thing about these pictures is that we were all ready to leave and saw the movie “The Blind Side” was just starting. We had all seen it but had to watch it yet again. Watching that movie delayed our departure by a couple of hours. But, we weren’t on any kind of a schedule, so . . . . Then our next visit was Costco to stock up on some groceries. I think Costco is almost as prevalent as Mormon church buildings and 7-Eleven. Almost one on every corner!

Here we are at Rocky Point. We had a fun time. It was very hot. Neal and Ron golfed every single morning and Judy and I spent most of our time laying out by the pool, swimming in the pool and dipping in the Sea.

We loved the creative towel decorations that the maids left in our rooms each day.

I had to take these two pictures. I’m always amazed and strongly reminded of how incredibly blessed I am to live in America and to have all that I have. This man probably makes about $8.00 a day doing back breaking work of taking each rock out of the edging so that someone behind him can come along and edge the grass with a sharp knife. The worker then goes back and puts every rock back in it’s place. There were blocks and blocks of this kind of edging.

Judy basking in the sun. The lounge areas were actually made out of tile and were surprisingly comfortable. We said our “Goodbyes” to Puerto Penasco on Thursday about 2:00 p.m. and headed to Rosarito.

“THE” project from ‘heck’–Mormon terminology!

After doing a requested Christmas Stocking for Tucker, I swore I would never do another one of the miseraly projects again!  Famous last words.  Susan discovered this advent calendar in a catalogue and wanted to do it for Lynda Ann because she knows Annie collects advent calendars.  Thus came the project that I got involved in because Susan could see this was a tedious and pains taking task and would need help.  I don’t even want to figure out all the hours it took to put this thing together, but Susan and I lovingly referred to it as the “project from Hell”.  Well, between the two of us it is finally done and we are happy to be able to pass it on to Lynda Ann.  So, Annie, if you are keeping up on my blog you will know what is coming your way this week when I bring Bella out for you to tend.  Susan and I decided that we didn’t need to store it until December.  We would pass the honor on to you.  So Merry Christmas from your Aunt Susan and me.  Love, Mom

Cute picture of Jeff, Mindy and family

The kids came over for a swim and I snapped a shot of them as they were getting ready to head for home.  Cute family and a great picture!  I love Grayson trying to put his arms around everyone.  (Just because I’m posting this on Sunday, doesn’t mean they were over for a swim on Sunday – nope – it was Saturday.) 

A beautiful Sunday

Today was one of those Sundays when I want to shout my happiness and feeling of love for my Savior and the gospel from the tops of the mountains.  I’m not sure just what chain of events brings about these extra ordinary days where one is filled with the love of the gospel, but I’m glad when it happens to me.

I attended two relief society meetings today and both lessons were entirely different but the spirit was so strong in both.  I had an opportunity to share my testimony in both wards and the love I felt was almost overwhelming.  As I drove home and looked up at beautiful and majestic Mt. Olympus the words of a primary song filled my being.  “Whenever I hear the song of a bird or look at the blue blue sky, whenever I feel the sun on my face or the wind as it rushes by.  Whenever I touch a velvet rose or walk by a lilac tree, I’m glad that I live in this beautiful world, Heavenly Father created for me.” 

I just can’t let this day go by without expressing to my children and my grandchildren how much I love this gospel and our Savior, Jesus Christ.  To think about the atonement and what he did and scarified for each one of us is beyond expression.  I want you all to know that I know this gospel is true and that we are loved and blessed individually as well as a family.  The Lord cares about us and will bless us and take care of us if we but follow the guidelines in the gospel that He has so clearly laid out for us.   

My birthday continues

I think I mentioned that Neal had all my counted cross stitchery framed.  I was thrilled with how they all turned out.  I was excited to have Maren see her work of art.  She made the “America” embroidery art a few years ago and I loved it.  I had it cleaned and pressed ready for framing and then put it in the closet with the rest of my stitchery to be framed.  I feel badly that it took so long to get it done but finally we can hang it on a wall and enjoy it.  Maren, didn’t even remember at first that she had made this for me.  I love it and it turned out perfect.

Maren and the kids came by last night and brought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a necklace.  I loved both and am wearing the necklace right now.  I’ve already had compliments on it.  Thank you, Cutler’s, for the remembrance, the gifts but mostly for your love. 

I had to add this picture of Taylor’s ears.  You will notice that they are pierced.  She was very excited about it.  I also found out that Jaden now has contacts.  He said it is so much better for playing sports.  He doesn’t have to worry about breaking his glasses or losing them and he says he can see better.  My grandchildren are fast turning into the tween years.  Maren said that Jaden past the sacrament for the first time last Sunday and was completely focused on his task.  Maren tried to catch his eye but he wouldn’t look at her.  We are proud of you Jaden.  You are setting a great example for your younger brothers and your younger cousins.

Birthday celebration at work.

At work, when it is your birthday, you bring your birthday treats.  I made the 7-layer dip along with a large batch of brownies.  I set everything out when I got there at 8:00 a.m. and by 9:00 a.m. everything was eaten up.  It always amazes me how quickly food disappears in a work place.  You would think no one had eaten for days!  I’m glad they enjoyed it.  The picture above shows the banner that was hung above my desk.  The gift certificate came from Ashley.  I have a couple books in mind that I want to get so the gift certificate will certainly come in handy.

I would add here that Nita sent me a check for $25.00.  That money will be put with my gift certificate at Deseret Book.  I can always find plenty to buy at that store.  Love to go and browse around in there.

August 3–My birthday began

I woke up this morning to this beautiful sunrise.  I knew the rest of the day was going to be fabulous!  And it was.

Susan and Lila Mae took me to lunch and gave me the first four season of NCIS.  Susan also gave me two decks of bridge cards.  They were very cute and typical of a fun gift from Susan.

Jamie surprised me with a paper towel holder.  I’ve wanted one for some time and was thrilled!  Thank you Jamie, I love it and have already put it to use – as you can see.

Neal surprised me with this roll top desk.  Something I have wanted for ever.  I don’t know what the fascination is with a roll top desk but they are intriguing to me.  I have to think that somewhere in my childhood I saw one and have wanted one ever sense. 

Lyndsy called me this morning and wished me a Happy Birthday.  Then Jeff G. called along with Andrew who sang “Happy Birthday” to me over the phone.  That certainly was a treat.  I also got birthday wishes from Emmi, Mallory, Abby and Lynda Ann. 

From birth to 67! What a ride!!

I turn 67 tomorrow and found myself at the Driver’s License Division this morning at 7 a.m. to get my license renewed.  It was painless and quick.  Two nice things happened.  The lady said, “OK, we have everything.  That will be $25.00.”  She paused for a moment and looked at me and back at her computer and said, “Oh, it will only be $13.00. You sure don’t look that old.”  I just smiled, thanked her for the compliment, paid my $13.00 and walked out to my car, all the way reflecting on the comment "look that old”.  Just what is ‘that old’?  I suppose to anyone younger than 45 or 50, I would qualify for  ‘that old'.  That old or not, I am happy and healthy and loving my life at this stage. 

Just had my yearly check up and all is well.  I have one thing left to do and that is get my temple recommend renewed and then I will be all set for another few years. 

21 Years of an interesting journey

I’m still very much in love with Neal after all these years.  He is a good man who works hard to provide for my needs.  We’ve certainly had our share of bumps in the road, but in retrospect, they have been very minor bumps.  I love Neal and I love ALL my children.  It has been a ‘wonderful life’. 

Our family has grown  from a group of 7 children to 7 + 5 in-laws and 19 grandchildren.  It is so interesting to look back at the pictures and see how much we have all changed.  I love the picture of CJ and Justin. 

It has been a journey of ups and downs as only life’s journey can provide.  I think of the challenges we have all had in making our combined family one.  I love when people ask me, “Now which are your children and which are Neal’s?”  I smile and say, “It’s been so long that I can’t remember any more.”  That about sums it up.