Scounting Years May Have Come To An End

Neal got a call from the Stake Clerk that President Little wanted to see him Wednesday evening at 8:45.  One always speculates what that meeting might consist of and what it is all about.  The Stake Clerk told Neal that I should come along if I was available.  So, we went over to the Stake Offices and into President Little's office where he gently informed Neal that they were reorganizing the Stake Young Men's Presidency and they would release him on Sunday.  President Little thanked him for his many years of service to the stake and the young men of the stake and told him what a great influence for good he had been on the young men.

When we got home, I asked Neal how he was feeling and I could tell that he was feeling sad that the scouting program for the church was on it's way out and that his involvement in the scouting program would probably become close to non-existent.  50 years of scouting is a long time to be involved in a program.

Neal was very happy that he had just finished two slides for two of the young men leaders.  He did a fish for one and a shell casing for another.  Here are the two slides he carved and gave away.

The shotgun shell he carved at the cabin and then painted it when we got home.

Neal's planters

It must be Spring and it must be after Mother's Day because Neal has just about got all his patio pots, front porch pots and pool pots planted and ready for the sunshine.  He worked on them until about 10:30 p.m. last night.  They are gorgeous.

A Belated Mother's Day Celebration

Saturday, Lila Mae, Susan and I met in Orem to do some shopping, have lunch and wish each other a Happy belated Mother's Day and exchange presents.  We had a delightful day.  I'm not allowed to take pictures of Susan so I only have pictures of what was given me.

Susan gave me the stackable shoe boxes.  I often wonder how she knows what I need but she seems to come through with stuff I needed.  She also gave me a grab bag that you put in your shopping cart at the grocery store and you can just carry out the bag without have a bazillion grocery bags that you don't know what to do with when you get them home.  Along with that I got a $50.00 gift card to Talbots!  Yahoo - More clothes.

 Lila Mae gave me this beautiful Hummel creation.  I didn't even take the foam off the trumpet because I wanted to put it away safely until the holidays.

May 20th

Mindy text me first thing this morning with a baby picture of Jeff's.  We are all thinking about him today especially.  He would have been 50 years old!  Wow!  50 years.  How would you have handled turning 50?

I love this picture because I'm enfolded in Jeff's arms and I can feel the love when I look at the picture.  The smile is great and the feeling of the whole picture is genuine.

As I sat in Sacrament Meeting this morning and sang the song "Where Can I Turn For Peace", I let the tears gently roll down my cheeks.  I love you Jeff.  I miss you and I think of you all the time.  I know you are with us when we need you.  That brings me solace.

When I walked in from church and rounded the corner to go upstairs I noticed that this flower that was given to me a few days after you left us, was in full bloom.  It was as if Jeff were saying, "I'm here and I love you mom."  then I noticed the statue of the Savior looking down at the sign that says, "Families are Forever"  That is where I find my peace.

"Though we don't know all things, we know that God lives and that he loves us.  Standing on that firm foundation, we an reach up and find strength to endure the heavy burdens of life."
President Russell M. Nelson

Sunday thought

"The creation, great as it is, is not an end in itself but a means to an end.

We come to the earth for a brief period of time, endure our tests and trials, and prepare to move onward and upward to a glorious homecoming.  Our thoughts and deeds while here will surely be more purposeful if we understand God's plan and are thankful for and obedient to His commandments."

Russell M. Nelson

Fun Mother's Day gifts

Annie and Jeff brought back some darling salt and pepper shakers from Alaska.  I absolutely love them!

Today when I got home from work I found a package on my front porch from the Maxfield family in California.  I was thrilled when I open it.  Jamie always manages go come up with unique and well thought out gifts.  This is a catch all bag and a tote bag.  The tote bag will be used to put all my counted cross stitch stuff in (and there is a lot of stuff!)  The catch all bag will fill up quickly.  There is always 'stuff' that we are not sure where it should go.  This bag will come in handy!

Thanks Gertsons and Maxfields for great Mother's Day gifts.  Love them!!!!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day morning was spent at church.  Neal and I went to all our meetings and then home to change and gather food to take out to Annie's for dinner.  Mallory was calling home at 6:30 and Neal and I were invited by Mallory to be there so she could talk to us along with her family.  We had a delicious dinner and we all anxiously awaited the ringing of the phone.  It was so exciting to be able to skype with Mallory and see and experience her happy countenance.  She kept saying how much she loved Tennessee and being a missionary.  She was happy and animated the whole time she was on the phone with us.

It was pouring down rain while Annie was cooking the steaks.

I had to take a picture of everyone gathered around the TV as we all got to talk to Mallory and ask her questions and laugh and shed happy tears.

 Doesn't she look like a very happy missionary.  Mallory, we are so proud of you and your service to your Father in Heaven in spreading his gospel of truth to the people in Tennessee.  We pray for you daily.

 We were able to talk with Mallory for 40 minutes and then she had to go.  We sure miss you, but so happy that you are happy and well.

Andrew's first dance

Emmi sent me this picture of Andrew as he was ready to go to his first dance.  Apparently he has a new girl friend these days.  She even told him that she liked him and he told her that he liked her too. Young love is budding!

Pretty handsome looking young man!

Cruise to Alaska

Annie and Jeff were given an Alaskan cruise for the wedding anniversary.  Annie sent me a couple pictures while they were on the cruise.  They were with Dan and Jill Thurber (the ones who gave them the gift).  Lynda Ann said that it was everything she had hoped it would be.  They got to see lots of eagles and some hump back whales.  She said she spent most of her time on the deck of the ship.  She did not want to miss one thing.  She and Jill went kayaking and loved it.  The saw many glaciers and she said the pine trees were absolutely gorgeous.  Unlike most people, she couldn't get enough of them.  She does love nature and it's beauty.

 This is a picture of  Juneau, Alaska.  She said it was beautiful.

 This is a picture of Jeff and Dan at Mendenhall Glacier.

She said the whole trip was amazing!

Andrews Concert

Andrew invited me to come to his band concert.  He is playing percussion and loves it.  Jeff and Annie were on their cruise to Alaska and was worried that there wouldn't be any family there to support him.  I drove out right after work and took Andrew, Abby and Hayley to the hamburger joint and then off to the concert.  The concert was great and I was happy to be there to support Andrew Man.  Some pictures of his concert.

 Andrew is on the back left.  You can just barely see his head peeking over the music stand.  The left side looking at the picture.

 This is Andrew helping put all the percussion instruments away after the concert.

The concert was great and I was proud of Andrew.  Thanks, Andrew, for letting me be a part of it.

Update of Stitching

I think I forgot to post this on May 1st but it is only May 6th so I'm not too far behind.  Slowly making progress and loving this counted cross that I'm doing.

A Sunday wisdom from Russel M. Nelson:

"Hobbies can aid in spiritual development.  Worthy music, dance, art, and writing are among the creative activities that can enrich the soul.  A good hobby can dispel heartache and give zest to life."

I love that and I think my stitching fits right into a good hobby!

Boston's Eighth Birthday

It is hard to believe that our 2nd youngest grandson turned 8.  Our grandchildren are all moving in the teen and college age group.

Boston was asked who he wanted to speak at his baptism.  He first said he wanted Brock but apparently Brock flat out refused.  So his 2nd choice was his Gam.  I was flattered and happy to be asked.  I had then understanding that I would be speaking on the Holy Ghost.  But when we got to the baptism I saw on the program that I was speaking on baptism and someone else was speaking on the Holy Ghost.  So when I got up I simply said that because of a misunderstanding I would simply let the spirit guide my thoughts and I would speak on baptism and not give the talk I had prepared.  (I think it was okay).

Boston was baptized by his father and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by his grandfather, Neal Maxfield.  His "Pa" gave him a beautiful blessing.

We love you, Mr. Boston, and proud of your decision to be baptized.

 Neal and I picked up Lyndsy, River and Desmond and head to Herriman.  Lyndsy's car was in shop getting fixed.  We got out to Maren'a a little early and went to their home and gave Boston his birthday present and his baptism towel.

 Maren wanted some pictures taken when we got to the Stake Center.  Such a good looking family!

 Picture with Dan and Sylvia, Greg's parents.

After the baptism, we all went over to Maren and Greg's home for a delicious lunch to celebrate the baptism and Boston's birthday.

 The lunch was delicious!  Maren did a beautiful job of hosting a large group for dinner.

 Boston's birthday cake.  We all sang happy birthday to him.

 I'm not sure he was totally enjoying all the attention.  But, I think it was a happy day for him.

After the party Neal and I went with Maren and Greg to see their lot that they will soon be building a new home on.  One that will be wheelchair assessable for Taylor.

 Greg meeting their soon to be neighbor for the first time.  Greg is pretty much standing in the middle of their lot. looking toward the Bingham Copper Mine.

Some more fun pictures of the day.

My Sister, Annette

I've been typing up all of Annette's letters that she sent home from her mission in Brazil.  It has been quite a journey for me and just typing her words and thinking about her have brought back so many memories and lots of tears.  I came home and started going through papers and found these thoughts written on paper right after her funeral.  I had completely forgotten this.

Written the day after her funeral:

It all seemed unfair, three little children and a husband left alone.  As I sat in the chapel, the large arching roof seemed too heavy for the wooden beams which pressed against it holding it high above the quiet, bowed heads.  Perhaps it was really my heart that was heavy.  The flowers and the casket seemed unreal.  I kept hearing the lilting laughter of Annette, seeing the flippant nod, the brisk and very fast walk.  I would be taking two steps for everyone of hers, often having to skip just to keep up.

I was suddenly not there but sitting at the piano in our front room, playing for Annette while she sang.  Or playing a stupid game that we made up called 'Spoons'.  We would both be playing the piano and if one of us made a mistake we had to give the other one a spoon.  The first person to run out of spoons was the loser.  Music was the greatest interest that we shared.  Saturday mornings we would clean the house to Mario Lanza singing "Song of India".  Music, it was a part of her.  Her interests had also turned to classical music.

Annette was always deeply caring and understanding.  She was a shoulder for me to cry on as I wandered through my adolescent years.  Our love of music was a strengthening bond between two sisters.

Music.  It was a part of her.  Now music was playing there in the front of the chapel.  This couldn't be her funeral.  She should be up there singing.  But here we sat, feeling this terrible sense of loss.  I could hear her voice as the sunlight filtered through the large windows and I thought how she had loved to sing.  I could hear her voice again and tears filled my eyes.  Another chapel long ago heard her voice as I played for her and she sang songs of faith.  Everyone who heard her loved to feel the spirit of her singing.

Often Annette would put on La Boheme or Aida.  She would sing along with the soprano and get every nuance of feeling.  We spent many hours listening to her classical music but we also talked of bigger things; love, the gospel, and the future.  Our upbringing in the church made us think about these things more seriously.

My mind wouldn't stop hopping around and suddenly she was coming home from her mission in Brazil to a waiting fiancé, Allan.  Then a temple marriage and a family.  I always admired her for filling a mission, something I felt I could never do.  So unselfish and kind was her nature, that's what it took for missionary work.  I could imagine her in the streets of Sao Paulo, loving and teaching the people.  What a beautiful sight that must have been.

I next found myself thinking about her cabin and how much loved it there.  She often spoke of how she loved her husband and her three children, Brent, Christine and Jeannine.  They had moved to Fairview and we had moved back to Salt Lake.  During those years I should have called her more often, I should have written her more often - - I should have done a lot of things.

When she became ill, I could never let myself believe it was serious.  Somehow she was too vibrant, too alive to be seriously ill.  Deep down I knew it must be real, but I refused to let myself think about it.  Often she would make a trip to the doctors in Salt Lake and she would stop by and we would play and sing.  She loved seeing how Jeffrey and Annie were growing.  When the visit was over she would always say, "See you later.  I love you!" in her own special carefree way.

I remember the last time Lila Mae and I visited her in the hospital.  She was having trouble breathing and tired easily.  We had visited for a few minutes and then she said she was tired.  We said our 'goodbyes' and as we got to the door we heard her say, "I love you two."  Those word rang in my ears as I got the call the next morning that she had passed away.

The voice of the speaker broke into my reverie.  As I looked up a ray of sunlight shone on the choir seats.  I thought I saw her for a moment.  I know I felt her spirit.  A feeling of calm invaded my being.  Yes, this was the way it should be.  She knew a secret.  We could go on.  The Lord would give us strength.  Her life here was over.  She was on the other side of the veil, back to where we all started, where we all really want to be some day.  Where we all be reunited as a family once again.

I love Annette and I miss her.

 Annette and I taken when I was 17 and she was 22.

Words of Wisdom

I read this article and as I read it, I thought of my sister, Annette and the Maxfield's mother, Judy.  Both taken from this life at a very young age with very young families.  I love how this article ended and wanted to share it on my blog.  It was titled,

"The Perspective I Choose."

"This morning I glanced in the local newspaper at the obituaries.  A beautiful face caught my attention.  A young beautiful face.  I read about a mother who recently passed away from breast cancer.  My heart ached as I read.  I ached for her four young children, her parents, and siblings.  I felt for her friends and the many, many people who she touched by her life.  but mostly, I ached for her husband because now his companion and best friend is gone.

While reading her obituary, I discovered that she kept a blog during her years of struggling with cancer.  I spent most of my morning reading her beautifully written entries full of wisdom beyond her years.  I was particularly touched and inspired when she said in the last post written on February  23rd.

'When I focus on the life of my Savior Jesus Christ, I give Him the opportunity to heal my spirit.  He suffered both body and spirit, and therefore, is the only one who can truly know how I feel and what I need.  When I think of Him I feel strengthened, happy, and even grateful and loved in a very real and tangible way.  I can look at life from the perspective that I have terminal cancer.  I am not winning the battle, and there is nothing I can do about that, and I feel cheated of future time with my family.  That is one perspective. 

The perspective I choose is:  I have a happy marriage with a wonderful husband to whom I am sealed for eternity in the temple.  I have four beautiful and happy children who are becoming just what I had hoped they would become.  I feel confident in a happy after-life, and I know that eventually my whole family will be there with me.  I have friends and am shown love from others every single day.  I am here right now, and I can do what I choose to do with my time.

Out of these two true perspectives, that is the one I have chosen."

I was grateful to feel uplifted and strengthened from a woman whom I have never even met.  I feel badlyl for feeling strong and grateful after reading her words since those who love and cherish her are mourning her.

I've been typing Annette's missionary diary and have felt so incredible close to her.  I think back on the battle she fought with cancer and remember that she was happy and positive right to the very end.  The last time Lila Mae and I saw her, was in the hospital in American Fork.  We visited for a short time and then she said, "I think I'm tired now."  Lila Mae and I kissed her 'goodbye' and as we were walking out the door she said, "I love you both!"  Those words still ring in my ears - those simple words "I love you".  She chose the second perspective.  She trusted and had faith in her Heavenly Father.  What a beautiful example she was to me.