Tucker and Sifkes

Sifkes referred Tucker to a couple in their ward who wanted to put in solar panels.  It was successful for Tucker.  He was able to sell the solar package and spend a couple days with the Sifkes.  He sent these cute pictures.
Rick, Deanna and Tucker

 Deanna and Tucker

 Tucker and Rick

Random Post

I'm behind on my blogging and so I'm afraid things are going to be posted in a rather random order.  I found a couple more pictures that I wanted to post.  This is a picture of Lila Mae's bread.  She gave me a loaf and Lynda Ann a loaf as part of our Mother's Day present.  Love the gift.

 This is a picture of the Brown's after the concert.  Neal just happened to run into them as he was leaving and they quickly snapped a picture.  Deondra, the one in our ward that we know so well, is the second from the right as you are looking at the picture.

Mother's Day with Lila and Susan

Mother's Day with Susan and Lila is always a fun day.  Not because of the presents, but just because it is fun to be with them.  We shop, have lunch and talk, laugh and reminisce.  I love my time with them.  Lila Mae will be 88 this October.  I sure hope I stay as healthy and active as she is when I'm that age.  These are some of the fun things that I was given for Mother's Day.

 This is a cutting tool for cutting through bread dough and other soft foods.

 Susan found this and it is a classic!  Anyone who remembers the readers from the 40's and 50's will relate to this book.

 Susan always remembers my favorite place to shop!

Golfing

The four of us went golfing yesterday and had a grand time.  We golfed 18 holes.  Usually by the time Judy and I get to the 14 hole we are pretty much done and will decide to play best ball which is always fun.  Judy and I are not competitive and usually end with about the same score on every hole.  We always have a good time as we play.  .We ran into lots of geese with their babies.  This mother had a batch of about 8.  A lot of babies to keep track of!  She was not happy about me getting close enough to take a picture of them.  This was the best I could do.  Didn't want to get into a battle with a mother and her babies.

Spening time in St George

Ron and Judy invited us to spend time with them in St. George.  We came down Sunday after our meetings.  Ron and Judy had been to California and were on there way back.  Neal and I arrived in St. George first so we had dinner ready for them when the arrived.  The were about 40 minutes behind us.  We decided to do a little sight seeing while down here so visited the Historic Johnson Farm to see the dinosaur tracks.  Very interesting.

 And the four of us.  Neal, me, Judy and Ron.

Of course there has been some golfing in the mix.  We love spending time with the Stanfields.

Styling Hayley Anne

I guess Hayley has wanted her hair cut for a long time and most everyone tried to talk her out of it, but she was determined.  So Annie took her to Dave to get her hair all chopped off.  It looks absolutely darling!  A whole new look.

It looks darling!

The 5 Browns

The 5 Browns were invited to speak and perform at the UVU graduation exercises.  I wanted to go just to hear them.  Deondra, the one in our ward, was the designated speaker and then the five of them played the five grand pianos.  It was incredible.  Their music selection was a journey of their life of music, sexual abuse from their father and going on to achieve their life's dream of  playing concerts.  Here are some fun pictures.  The Browns all got honorary degrees from UVU.

 The 5 Browns at the pianos.

Pretty Bird

Ron Lund took me to lunch at the Pretty Bird for Secretaries Day.  The place was right downtown and the food was amazing.  You have to get there early because there is always a line an sometimes they actually run out of food.  You can order a chicken sandwich or a half chicken.  Those are your two choices.  I had a chicken sandwich and I have to tell you, it was to die for.  So worth the wait in line!

Absolutely delicious!!!

Rainbows

One of God's greatest blessing.  Rainbows are always beautiful and always make me feel happy insides.  Remember the song from the Primary.  I always look for rainbows whenever there is rain.  That song always comes to my mind when I see rainbows.  Annie sent me these pictures from Tooele.  She was on her way to work when she saw them.  She said she always thinks of me when she sees them.

 A double rainbow is a special blessing.  Great pictures, Annie.  Thanks for sharing.

More Easter

We had our annual egg contest and Hayley won this year.  That is three years in a row for the Gertsons.  After the egg contest, Annie had made sugar cookies and we sat around the table and frosted and ate them.  Delicious!

Then we got out What Were You Thinking and played that until it was time for everyone to head home.  It was a fun day and a great celebration.

 My egg decorated by Abby.  Sad that it didn't win.

 Egg Contest in full swing.  One funny thing that happened.  Lyndsy boiled some eggs and apparently Andrew boiled some as well. Lyndsy thought they were all boiled but when one of the kids hit against one of her kids the egg was raw inside.  That was a bit of a surprise.  We had a good laugh over that one.

 And Hayley Anne wins!!!

 A quick group picture.

Easter Celebration

The family got together yesterday for a typical Easter dinner of ham and all the trimmings.  We had a fun time.  I do love it when we all get together to talk and laugh and reminisce.  Lynda Ann and her family, Maren and her family, and Lyndsy and her boys were there.  Lyndsy also brought Andrew.  Mindy, Robert and the kids were going to come but at the last minute that didn't work out for them.  But we were so happy when Mindy and Robert showed up for a few minutes after dinner.  We all got to see her ring and congratulate her and Robert on their engagement.  We are all so excited and happy for them.  I'm especially thrilled for Mindy.  So very happy that she has found some one to love and to love her.  Their plans are to get married May 16, 2020.

Spring is here

These crazy ducks always come to our driveway by the pool and hang out.  Backing in and out of the garage can be tricky and we certainly need to pay attention.  You can drive right at them and they just sit there and look at you just daring you to run over them.  I had to get right out of the car and shoo them to the other side of the driveway so I could back out and not hit them.  I'm always happy to see them because I know that Spring is here - finally!!

Scary Moments

Last week Lynda Ann had another procedure done to help the doctors determine just where exactly her spine was leaking and what was causing the problem.  They injected dye into her spine and took pictures as it traveled through the spine and into her brain.  It was a very uncomfortable and painful procedure and caused her to be nauseated.  After the procedure they had a rest while giving her fluids through an IV and nausea medicine.  Lynda Ann had work through the night before, had not eaten and was very anxious about the procedure.

About 11:00 o'clock she called me and said she was ready to go home.  I picked her up and we headed back to Stansbury.  We talked all the way home and when we got to Stansbury decided that we would go on into Tooele to get something to eat before dropping her off at her house.  She decided she wanted Panda.  I didn't know how to get there so Annie gave me directions.  As we reached Walmart I turned to her and asked her where to go from here.  She looked at me with a glassy eyed and totally unresponsive look.  I knew immediately that we had a problem.  I pulled into a parking space to see if I could figure out what was wrong.  As I stopped the car, Lynda opened her door and got out.  She proceeded to tell me that she hated someone or something, I couldn't understand her and then told me that she hated both of them.  She then closed the car door and started walking around the front of the car.  I quickly turned off the car, got out and locked the car.  I tried to talk to her and get her to go get back in the car.  She had her phone with her and said she wanted to take a picture of me and snapped many.  Then she told me to back up so she could take more.  All the while I'm trying to get her back in the car.  Then she said, "Now run.  Start running!"  I told her I couldn't do that and again tried to persuade her to get back in the car so I could take her home.  She went to the driver's door and started pulling on the handle to open the car.  Of course she couldn't get in so she motioned to me to give her the keys.  I told her I wouldn't give them to her but if she would go get in the passenger side, I would drive her home.  For some reason, she finally listened and walked around the car to get in.  I quickly unlocked the car, she got in, I got in, started the car and locked the doors and headed toward Stansbury.  As we were driving back I asked her if she could remember where she had been that morning and what she had done.  She just gave me a blank stare and then look straight ahead.  I told her to put her head back and close her eyes, which she did for a few minutes.  Then she took her shoes off and, typical of Annie if she is in pain or agitated, started rubbing her feet together.  I drove up in front of her house and she immediately got out of the car without putting her shoes back on.  She commented that she hadn't buckled her seat belt.  She went in the house greeted the dogs and got a drink.  While she was getting her drink I asked her again if she remembered what had happened that morning.  She did say that she thought she had been at the hospital and had dye put in her spine.  That was the first hope of normal since we had been in front of Walmart.  I told her she need to lay down and get some rest.  She immediately laid down on the couch and went right to sleep.   I took Abby in the bedroom and told her to watch her mom closely and not let her drive anywhere or go out of the house.  I bent down and kissed Annie goodbye and headed back to Salt Lake.  I felt she was going to be okay because her memory was coming back.

Lynda Ann doesn't remember anything that happened during that 40 minute time frame.  We have no explanation for what cause the black out.  The doctor that I talked to in our ward said that it sounded just like a TIA which in other words is a mini stroke.  Could have been cause by Annie working all night the night before and not eating and being tired and very anxious about the procedure.  We just don't know.  I'm just thankful that she is recovered and well.

I was reminded of how quickly life can change for all of us.  In a split second, we can lose someone we love and our life is changed forever.  We should enjoy every moment we have with each other and not take them for granted.

189th General Conference

The conference just ended and I think my favorite talk was given by Brother Rasband.  He talked about building a fortress around us for the last days.  We should be obedient, have trust, stand for truth, renew our covenants each week as we partake of the sacred ordinance of the sacrament, attend the temple, have integrity, and develop discernment.  If we do these things we will strengthen our own fortress and our testimony in the Savior, Jesus Christ.  We will be safely encircled in the arms of Jesus Christ.  What a beautiful promise.

There was also an announcement made of a temple being built in Tooele Valley.  That made our Stansbury family happy.

Its been a wonderful, quiet and contemplative weekend and I've enjoyed every moment of it.  I hope all my children have taken the time to listen to conference and will plant what they've heard in their hearts and try each day to live a better life.

Stitching Updated

This weekend is General Conference and I get a lot of stitching time as I listen to the talks.  I'm making really good progress on this project.  We also got a new rug for our front room.  I've wanted one for years and am thrilled with the look the carpet gives our home.

Spring is here!

When I see the ducks roaming around our driveway and getting in and out of the pool and seeing the Canadian Geese standing on top the building behind our home then I know that Spring is not far behind.  It is something I look forward to seeing every Spring.  I just about ran over the silly ducks camping out in our driveway.  The honestly just sit there and look at you and expect you to drive around them, which I always do!

When I was cleaning the bedroom upstairs I heard the Canadian Geese.  They sounded like they were right on my widow seal.  I grabbed my camera and saw them standing on the roof of the building right outside our backyard.  I took a picture of them and then all of a sudden the two took flight, honking all the way and ended up landing on our roof.  They don't land lightly.  Thump, thump as they landed.  They were up there for quite awhile and being as noisy as they could.

I love the ducks and geese who bring in Spring!

 The two geese in flight.

Choir Members

Last Sunday, we had choir practice and three of our men needed a ride home.  All have little families that need to head for home right after the meetings.  We have choir practice right after the two hour block and we only have a 1/2 hour so there is no time to go home, drop off children and head back.  After choir practice last Sunday the three men along with Neal and I headed out to the car.  We had Neal's little BMW.  All of these guys are big guys!  With me in the middle of the back seat, two of the guys slide in on either side of me.  Let me tell you, it was really tight!!  Then one got in the front seat and off we went.  Those guys just barely fit.  Talk about a can of sardines!!!  We laughed all the way to the first home.

Mindy Is Engaged!

The family is so excited for Mindy!  She sent us all news that Robert had official asked her to marry him and presented her with an engagement ring.  I'm thrilled for Mindy to find happiness again.  I know that Jeffrey is also pleased that Mindy will have companionship as she continues to journey through this life.

Interesting story.  Mindy sent the information out on April 1st, which we all know is, April Fools.  When Jeff got home from work, Emmi told him about Mindy's engagement and he was sure that it was an April Fools joke.  Well, the joke was on him, because it is real!

I think they are planning a fall wedding.

Leading up to the Final Four

Basketball season is coming to a close.  We are now into the Final Four.  Jeff and Lynda Ann had tickets given them for a couple of the basketball games.  Lynda Ann was having health problems and so gave her tickets to Emmi.  Emmi and Jeff were able to attend two of the games.  The funny thing is that Annie was watching the game and saw Jeff and Emmi at both games.  She sent me the pictures she took from the TV.
Jeff and Emmi are I the upper left corner of the picture.

 Can't miss them here!