Finished Projects and New Projects

 I will always have a stitching project of some kind going.  Doing counted cross stitch is the most satisfying and rewarding thing and the most relaxing thing for me to do.  So on that note, I will always have some kind of project at my bedside to help me wind down from the days activities.  I've had a couple projects done and finally took the time to take them to the Frame Shop.  Here are my finished projects.

V is for Valentine is a series of small alphabet projects.  Each one is only about 8X10 and very fun to just put on a stand for the appropriate time of year.  I have A is for Acorn, T is for Turkey, O is for Old Glory.  The lady who designed them hasn't done the whole alphabet yet but I hope to collect and do them as she posts them for stitching.  

This is one that is specifically did for President and Sister Little.  They have a cabin in Oakley and we were invited to spend an afternoon with them at their new cabin and I thought this would be perfect to hang in their second home.  President Mike Little was our Stake President when I was serving as the Stake Relief Society President.  Sister Little has been a good friend for years so I thought it would be appropriate to give them this as a "thank you" for their service to the stake and their friendship.

This is a hand painted picture that Abby did for me.  I had it framed with a soft gray wood to accent the temple and the beautiful spring blossoms.  I love this painting and will cherish it always.  I know the love and hours of time that went into such a project.  Thank you Abby, it is beautiful and will always remind me of you.

This project is one that I started a month ago.  Mallory saw it and immediately laid claim to it.  I'm always happy when someone notices something I'm doing and asks if they can have it.  Makes it much more fun knowing that it isn't just a project but a project that is actually going to someone.  Obviously, it still needs to be pressed and framed.  

So now begins my next project.  The saying on this is a song that the Tabernacle Choir sings and it is one of my favorite songs.  When I saw that it had been put on a sampler, I just had to do it.  I will start it this week.  This one will probably take me a long time to do.  I'm excited to get started on it.

Sunday Thoughts

 Crazy Utah weather.  We are supposed to be experiencing the first week of Spring this week and so are we have had wind, cold, sunshine, warm temperatures, freezing temperatures and this morning snow!  Goodness.

This picture was looking up at Mt. Olympus.  Completely covered by the clouds.

We need the moisture in our mountains and in the valley so there is no complaining coming from me.  However, I'm praying for good weather on Tuesday so that we can get to the Logan Temple for Abby's special day.  So happy and excited that she was able to invite her grandparents to go with her.  I love the temple and have so missed not being able to go.  Oh happy day for Abby and her family and her grandparents!!!

I remember my mother ironing her temple clothes every month in preparation for her excursion on the bus to the Salt Lake Temple.  That image has remained strongly in my mind.  I remembering sitting at the kitchen table and talking to her as she carefully ironed her clothing.  What an incredible example she was to me and continues to be from the other side of the veil.  Oh how I miss her.

One of my favorite primary songs:

I love to see the temple, I'm going there some day, to feel the holy spirit, to listen and to pray.

For the temple is the house of God, a place of love and beauty,

Can't wait for Tuesday to be there with my daughter and two granddaughters.  How blessed I am.

Finished Project

This has to have been the hardest and most difficult project I've ever done.  Looking at it you wouldn't think it was that big of a deal but believe me, it was really, really hard and I'm so glad it is done and out of my hands.  Judy and I took it to The Frame Shop to get it framed and this is the finished project.  I'll never do another Pic and Stitch as long as I live!!  It is a gift for Judy to give to her brother, so it still has the plastic over it, but you get the picture!

 

Derek Comforting Little Ones

 It has been so great talking to Derek each month and catching up on what is going on in his life.  He has been hired as a full time teacher and is very happy with where his future is heading.  He sent us these pictures of him comforting his little students while they were have their fingers pricked for blood testing.  I totally feel for them.  I would rather have a shot than have my finger pricked!  I hate it and think it hurts worse than a shot.  So proud of Derek for showing his tender side to these little people that he has a lot of influence with.  

Another Set of China

My good friend Linda Knight is moving back East.  She knows how much I love china and to my surprise came over to my house with this set of china.  She said she didn't want to haul it back East and she never used it and she wanted someone to have it who would use it and she couldn't think of anyone but me.  So, I now have a new 12 place setting of very formal china.  She said it has rarely been used.  In fact she couldn't remember the last time she used it.  She laughed and said that it didn't seem right to serve Wendy's and Cafe Rio on fine china.  That comment was good for a hearty laugh!  I noticed that it didn't have salt and pepper shakers and a butter dish.  You all know how I love salt and pepper shakers.  Can't have a set of nice china without having salt and pepper and butter dishes!  So I got on line and right now can't fine either of those but will keep looking until I find them.

 

A Surprise Thank You

 I went to work on Wednesday and one of my co-workers came into my office and gave me a home made quilt that she had made for me.  I remember her asking me what my favorite colors were.  I had told her pastels and especially blue and pink.  I had no idea what she had in mind or why she had wanted to know.  This quilt was the surprise of my life along with this very nice 'thank you' note.  The quilt took me back to my youth and sitting in the sewing room doorway on the floor and talking to mother while she did piece quilts.  This pattern was one of the patterns she put together often.  Oh how I loved those talks with her and how I miss them.  The quilt is a double bed size quilt.  She spent a lot of time and money putting this together.  I feel very unworthy.  And I say again, one never knows how we are affecting another person.  I had no idea.  what a surprise.

Sunday Thought

 We never know what heart needs to be touched or who needs to be recognized or who just needs a smile or a nod of the head or even the wink of an eye.  After teaching my gospel doctrine lesson last Sunday, I felt a bit discouraged.  The thoughts of doubt running through my mind, "Did I give a good lesson?  Did anyone benefit from listening in?  Was anyone testimony strengthened?  Was my Father In Heaven pleased?  Could I have done better?"  etc. etc. 

I went to work Monday morning and there was an email from a sweet sister in our ward.  I hardly know her.  But her message came at the perfect time that I needed it.  I'm not sharing her message to make me look good but only to share that we never know what a kind note can do to buoy up a sagging and questioning spirit.  :-)

"Hi Sister Maxfield,

Thank you for teaching the Sunday school class today.  I always am amazed with your humility and the spirit that you carry when you speak.  I only know "Sister Maxfield" as a person who is most talented, having a strong testimony and is very knowledgeable.  Listening to your comments today, I was grateful that even Sister Maxfield feels the need for more patience, because I definitely struggle with patience and lack of so many other things.  So listening to your light humor made me smile and I felt that you are truly down to earth!  I thank you for being who you are and that you feel you need to strive to become better!  WOW!  That's what I respect about you!!  I don't comment or share my thoughts but I ALWAYS enjoy your lessons!

Have a wonderful day,

Emi Raymond"

I certainly need to follow Emi's example and, when moved by the spirit, share a kind note with someone that I have no idea may need that extra little boost in their day.  Never be afraid to do something kind for someone.

Jamie

 Out of the blue as we are unpacking from St. George, I thought I should check the front porch.  There by the door, was a box from Gift Love Co.  I had not a clue what it might be or who had sent it until I opened it.  Inside was a succulent plant, a candle, matches and some caramels along with a note from Jamie.  Her thoughtful gift came at a perfect time.  With tears on my cheeks, I thought how blessed I am to have her as my daughter-in-law, friend and confidant.  We have shared many conversations about my role as a step-mother and how to handle different situations that have come up over the years.  She is nonjudgmental and listens with her heart.  

I will add here that Jamie also sent a Gift of Love to Lynda Ann.  Thanks, Jamie, for being so thoughtful.

I love this "LOVE DELIVERED"

And it has been way too long.  I'm so looking forward to the girls getting together in May and hopefully getting the whole family together in July!  Everyone keep your prayers going up!

St. George

 We finally got to spend a week in St. George.  It has been over a year since we were down there and Neal and I were so happy to be able to get him away from his teaching and his (seem to be) demanding and needy students.  We drove down Monday and came back early this morning.  Ron and Judy were already down there a few days ahead of us.  We always have fun and enjoy our time there.  Ron and Judy are great friends and we all seem to enjoy being together.  We golf and play bridge and in the evening watch a movie.

This time it was interesting weather.  The boys were able to golf one day while Judy and I decided we would rather browse the stores than golf.  It was just barely 60 and us girls are fair weather golfers.  Judy and I always have fun shopping and laughing at some of the silly stuff we come across.  For example, these boots.  We couldn't imagine anyone actually paying hundreds of dollars for these ugly things but "to each his own" as the old saying goes.  Just take a good look at them.  Seriously?  

We all relaxed, shopped, went for walks and check the weather, temperature and messages on our phones, played bridge and had the most delicious food ever along with the most essential item, Diet Coke!

Neal and I for our 1 1/2 hour walk around the golf course.

But, the most unusual thing that happened while we were there was the weather!  It rained and snowed every day, except Tuesday.  Here are some crazy pictures taken from Judy and Ron's patio.

I couldn't believe what I was looking at when I looked out our bedroom window Saturday morning.  Neal and I were going to head back Saturday about noon but the storm in St. George and all along I-15 changed our plans.  I do all the driving and was not about to risk life and limb to drive through the mountain passes between St. George and Salt Lake.  We heard from the news that I-15 was closed down both ways for a while and that Beaver and Fillmore had two feet of snow.  Not a good day for traveling!  We got up this morning at 6:00 a.m. and headed home.  Some of the freeway in the higher passes was still a bit iffy but most of the freeway was just wet and the skies were clear.  

 

Judy is a gourmet cook and always surprised us with something new that she wanted to try.  For breakfast on Friday morning she made Creme Brulee French Toast that was to die for.  This is something that Judy and I always order at the Bear Paw and she was determined to make it herself.  She did and it was delicious, fattening and could match the Bear Paw's cook.

Ron and Judy's condo is right off the 9th Hole at Sunbrook Golf Course.  So when Ron and Judy go to St. George, Ron will always walk around the course and manages to find an amazing amount of golf balls.  I swear he and Neal can spot them a mile away and it doesn't matter where they are, they will risk arms and legs to get to them.  Ron gave me all the pink golf balls that he found and threw in red, white and blue one because he knows I love those colors.  Judy doesn't do pink so I am the lone receiver of all pink golf balls.  

As always, our trip was full of laughs and lots of relaxing and fun.  Can't thank Ron and Judy enough for always inviting us.  They are such good friends and so good to us.

Teaching Virtual

 I will just start off by saying that I don't like teaching virtual.  Zoom is an incredible program and for what has happened in the past year with the pandemic, it has become a life savor for people everywhere.  The ability to connect with family members, friends, church family and even neighbors is definitely a blessing for these latter days.  Now, here come the "but".  But, I don't like teaching on line.  It certainly a challenge and very different from being in front of a classroom of people and being able to read body language and feel the energy of the room as you teach.  I have given two lessons so far in gospel doctrine, hoping that soon we will be back in church with a 'live' audience.  One of my friends took a snap shot of the Zoom meeting.

You can see that lots of people just tune in but don't choose to show their faces, which makes it doubly hard to read reactions.  You will also notice that Sherol Elder (just below my picture) and I had just exchanged a funny thought.  Well, at least the two of us were having a good time!  Thanks to Mindy L. for taking this snap shot and sending it to me.  

Sunday Thoughts

I know it isn't Sunday, but I missed posting last Sunday so I'm trying to get caught up.  I had the chance to spend some time with Annie and the family this afternoon and just happened to be out there when Abigail had a break during the day from her missionary work.  She is on a schedule that keeps her busy from early morning to late at night.  Just because she is home, doesn't mean she can come and go as she pleases.  She is on her mission and is studying the gospel along with the Spanish Language.  When I got to the house, she was just on a break so she went with Mallory and I to pick up lunch.  It was so fun to hug her, visit with her and spend some time with her.  She is happy and is loving her mission so far.  What an amazing woman she is!!  Mallory and Abby at American Burgers.  

 "You are doing God's work.  You are doing it wonderfully well.  He is blessing you and he will bless you, especially when your days and your nights may be the most challenging."

Jeffrey R. Holland

SO PROUD OF YOU ABBY!!! 

$2.00 Bills

I was so excited to get another picture and thank you for the Valentine $2.00 bill.  Maren sent me this picture of Boston with his $2.00.  I love it.

I also found this picture of Boston's baseball team on Instagram.  His team was the Sentinals.

 

Emmi turns 25

March 4th came along and Emmi turned 25 all by herself at the base in Georgia.  But, Emmi isn't one to sit and feel sorry for herself.  She ordered a birthday cake and celebrated her 25 wonderful years.  Happy birthday Emmi.  The family loves you and certainly sent hugs and kisses and prayers and wishes on your special day.  Wish we could have been with you to celebrate.  Love you so much.

Mallory posted this cute picture of her and Emmi.  

 

Hospitals and Doctors

 Between Lynda Ann and her surgery, me and my eye surgery and finding out that Tucker's family is now dealing with COVID, it has been a crazy two months.  First of all Annie had her surgery on her spinal leak.  It was a 5 hour procedure for Annie and a long and slow recovery.  But, she is strong and is getting better and stronger every day.  Jeffrey spent the first day with her, Mallory spent the 2nd day and I went up the 3rd day.  The hospital would only let one person be with her and it had to be for the whole day.  You couldn't trade off during the day.  The day that I spent with her they had her get up after laying flat on her back for almost 3 full days.  It was painful and hard for her to just accomplish getting on her feet and standing upright.  It was so painful that she got really nauseated and just about passed out.  They quickly got her back down again.  But each time they came in they would work with her a little at a time until they had her up and taking a few steps each day.  The day that Mallory sat with Annie, Mallory was able to bring Brinkley with her.  Brinkley recognized it was Annie in bed and immediately nuzzled up to her.  It was very sweet.

This is a picture of Annie's incision down her back.  The doctor also took some tissue from her butt to help patch the hole in her spine.   

This is a picture of Annie sitting up for the very first time.  She was kind of okay at this point but it didn't last long.  He had her stand up right after this and that is when the pain became intense and she had to lay back down quickly.  

I can report that she is home now and moving very slowly and carefully and mostly staying down.  The doctor told her it would take about 4 weeks for her to heal completely.  She is doing amazing!  This is her incision after the stitches have been removed.  Amazingly, Annie is doing great!

The day after Annie had her surgery, I had my left eye cataract removed.  My surgery was nothing compared to Annie's and I was home the same day and able to sing the song, "I Can See Clearly Now".  Look it up, it really is a song.  

So thankful for doctors and advanced medical services for all of us.  I just hope that Lynda Ann continues to take it easy and heal.  I also worry about Tucker and his family going through the COVID issues and pray that they will not have lingering side affects from this awful pandemic.  Tucker also told me that he had strep along with the COVID issues.  Goodness!!