Hermana Gertson Returns!!!!

 What an exciting moment in time when our sweet Abigail Jeannine alias Hermana Gertson came through the airport doors and literally flew into Mallory's arms.  The minute Abby spotted us she was on a dead run and Mallory ducked under the barrier and ran into Abby's arms.  It was such an emotional time for all of us to see this sweet missionary, daughter and granddaughter home safe and sound with a year and a half of memories packed away and the Spanish language mastered.  

Hayley, Neal and I arrived at the airport at noon and the Gertson not long behind us.  Abby's plane landed right on time and pulled up to gate 20 at exactly 12:45.  The anxious part was the waiting for her to come through the door.  

I had to take a picture of where we parked so we could find our way back to our car!  The airport is HUGE and the parking garage massive.  First time we have parked in the new parking garage.

Hayley and I kept our eye on the arrival board for Abby's plane.  She was on flight 1010 coming from Los Angeles.  It finally popped up that it was "In Range".  The excitement heightened by the moment.

Cute picture of Neal and Hayley waiting in the designated waiting area for return missionaries.  Only in Salt Lake would an airport have to build a special area for families waiting for their missionaries.  It is really a nice area.

Abby's plane coming toward the gate.

Her plane turning into the gate.  I had to keep taking pictures to calm my excitement.  I thought I would burst at any moment!

Then the board changed from In Range to Arrived!!  Now it was just a matter of minutes that seemed like hours as I think back on it.

Abby coming through the doors and spotting her family.

Abby running to greet her family.  Such an exciting and memorable moment.

There are so many pictures that I couldn't decided which ones to post.  It just wasn't possible to choose between them because everyone has a story of happy tears, love and memories that need to be recorded for posterity.  

I asked some innocent bystander in the airport who was totally minding his own business, if he would be will to snap a couple pictures - which he gladly did.

Abby with one of her last companions.  Apparently this companion decided that she was going home in a couple days so she just quit working which was miserable for Abby who wanted to make every last moment of her mission devoted to teaching that the Gospel Message Brings Joy!

Three sisters, missing Emmi who is stuck out on the Truman aircraft carrier for an extended length of time.  She was so tearful that she couldn't be a part of Abby's home coming.

Annie trying not to be crying in every picture.  She was having tears of happiness for Abby's safe return and tears of sadness that she knew Emmi was feeling at that moment.  Interesting that tears can be joyful and heart breaking at the same time.

And here we have Brinkley giving Abby a welcome home hug!

Abby couldn't believe how much Andrew has grown!

Abby's sun an!!!  OMYGOSH

This missionary did some serious walking and beating the streets! 

I do feel a little miniature when around the tall Gertsons!

My darling granddaughter and name sake!  How I love this young lady!

My dear Abby.  I hope that you will have many occasions to pause and reflect on your service, talents and time that you gave in building our Father in Heaven's kingdom.  You were part of a great army of missionaries with determination to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ.  You let your example shine the light of the gospel in your mission and to your family, grandparents, and all your extended families.  This is the Lord's work in which you were engaged.  We are so very proud of you and love you to pieces!

Rainbows and Rules

 Lynda Ann sent me this picture of a rainbow that formed across the sky as she was driving into work.  I just love that Heavenly Father created rainbows and that I can see them and thank Him every time I get to see one.  Yup, that is what I want to be in charge of when I die.  I hope there is a rainbow in the sky the day I leave this earth.  It would be the perfect climax to my life. 

I read this quote from Sandra Bullock and I LOVE it.  It is great Sunday thought, even though it isn't Sunday!  To see a rainbow always makes me smile and dance a little :-)

"The Rule is you have to dance a little bit in the morning before you leave the house because it changes the way you walk out in the world."

School Begins

 Every year, Jamie takes pictures of her girls on their first day of school.  She sent me two darling pictures of Peyton and Lexi.  Peyton is in 10th grade this year and Lexi will begin her first year of college at the Fresno City College.  Hard to believe that the girls are that old.  Jordyn Lyn will begin her 3rd year at Fresno State College (I think that is the name of the college).  She will be living away from home this year.  Jamie and Tucker are beginning to feel the pangs of their little ones leaving the nest.  I will post the picture of Jordyn Lyn when Jamie sends it to me.  

Scofield

Neal and I spent another fun weekend at Scofield.  Nice that Ron and Judy usually invite us to join them at their cabin.  It is really nice and always fun to be there.  They announced that they have decided to sell their St. George condo.  Judy said it costs them about $12,000+ a year to keep it and for what little they use it, it doesn't seem economical for them.  I'm sure it will sell very fast.  They are going to sell it furnished and Judy and Ron do nothing but the very best.  So everything in there is top dollar furniture.  Back to Scofield.  We didn't golf this time.  Mostly hung out at the cabin, ate great food and played bridge and watched movies.  Very relaxing.  We did make one trip into Price to have our ear doctor check Neal's hearing aid.  It wasn't working.  Ryan was able to fix it and he also checked mine and everything is good.  He met us at his office and it was his day off.  So, I slipped him a hundred dollars.  How very nice of him to take time from his day off to meet us.  We went to Scofield on Thursday afternoon and came home early Monday morning.  Weather was perfect.  Even had a downpour and thunder.  Loved it.

Snapped a picture of Neal, Judy and Ron at the top of the hill checking out their phones.  We have to walk up to the top of the hill each day to get any messages or make any needed phone calls.  

One of Judy's famous tomato pies and salad to go with it.

Lila Mae

 Lila Mae was back in the hospital last week and has decided that she is not going to do the Chemo treatments anymore.  She prefers to just live out what time she has left with more quality of life and feeling good.  They brought her home and the next day she wanted to get her hair cut and styled.  She is already feeling better after have 3 pints of blood and is even talking about going back to work.  This is a picture they took after she got back from the salon.  

I swear there is no way to rotate pictures.  Very annoying.  But, she looks great, even sideways!

Couple More Photos

 Judy just sent me these two pictures that she took of me and Neal.  This was on my birthday and Judy had a delicious dinner along with her best china and silver.  

Judy is an amazing cook!!

Derek in Yangshuo, Guilin

 Not even going to try and pronounce that name.  He sent us 4 pictures but I only have one transferred to my computer.  I will add them when I get them from my phone.

Great picture, Dee!!

Brock turns 16

 Ahhh to be sweet sixteen again.  However, I have no desire to go back and repeat my journey.  I'm very, very happy with where I am right now.  I'll just turn the "sweet sixteen" phrase over to all my grandchildren who are reaching that age and getting their drivers license.  

Maren invited Neal and I out to her home for dinner on Sunday to celebrate my birthday and Brocks.  We had a delicious steak dinner along with funeral potatoes and fruit.  Greg cooked the steaks to perfection.  After dinner we wandered around Maren's yard to see how all the plants are doing.  She and Greg have worked hard on the outside of their home.  Together they have made it very decorative along with a new fountain that Greg just put in.  He is very creative and I'm always amazed at what he is able to create.  

We sat outside for about an hour just visiting about Maren and Greg's work issues.  Maren is applying for a new job with lifeflight and Greg is having some issues with Delta.  Hopefully Maren will get this new job and Greg will be happy with Delta.  Lots up in the air right now for both of them.  All the kids were there and it was fun to be with them.  Just before we came home Maren had cake and ice cream and we sang happy birthday to Brock.  Very fun day.  And Maren gave me a present from her and Tucker.  Gift cards for Talbots.  I shall be using them soon as Talbots is having their big end of the summer sale.  Thanks everyone.

This was a knit hat that Boston gave Brock for his birthday.  There is a story behind the hat but none of us were let in on the secret between the boys.  

Maren bought candles that have a flame the color of the candle.  Very fun.

You can see the blue, pink, purple, yellow and green flames.  

This is the gazebo that Greg put up and anchored into the cement.  We were amazed at how cool it was sitting out there.  Greg also built the gas fire place.  Like I've said before, not sure there isn't anything he can't build if he puts his mind to it.  

A very fun and relaxing Sunday afternoon.  Thanks, Maren and Greg, for the invite.  

78 and Still Young!!!!

 I just had my 78th birthday and don't feel a day over 30!  Honestly.  I have been so blessed with excellent health and I acknowledge that when I say my daily prayers.  My friend, Mindy Leetham, and I walk at least three miles every morning, Monday through Thursday.  Even in the winter months you will find us out walking all bundled up.  The only thing that we won't walk in is if it is snowing, windy or lightening.  We watch the weather closely.  

I had a text from Maren, Lyndsy and Derek, Jamie, Jeff and Mallory.  A call from Tucker, Lynda Ann, Andrew and Emmi even called me from Lisbon, Portugal.  Thanks to all of you for reaching out and wishing me a happy birthday.  Andrew said that he would sing happy birthday to me but decided it was best that he just said it rather than sing it.  I don't know, but maybe a rendition of happy birthday from Andrew might have been an exciting experience.  Maybe next year?

The day was spent golfing with Ron and Judy, playing bridge and Judy fixing a delicious birthday dinner.  It was such a fun and relaxing day and the weather was perfect.  I love having a summer birthday, but then I guess that is why I love summer so much!

Lynda Ann gave me a beautiful book called Everyday Disciples by Taylor Ricks.  I've already read half of it and have loved it.  I would highly recommend it.  I will probably be using some of the quotes from the book on my Sunday thoughts.  So much good material to think about and to apply in my life.  Thank you Annie.

When we got home from Ron and Judy's, these flowers and candy were sitting on our front porch.  They were from the California Maxfields.  Thank you Tucker, Jamie, Jordyn Lyn, Lexi and Peyton.  The flowers are beautiful and the candy delicious!!

Thanks to all my family who called or text to wish me a happy day.  Love you all.

Sewing Update

 A lot has been done of this project and I still have hours left to do but, it is coming along nicely.  Can't wait to get it finished, framed and hung in my office!

Neals 60 Year Class Reunion

 Neal was in charge of his class reunion of 60 years.  He has been working on finding and inviting for the past three months.  This last weekend was the reunion.  Friday we went golfing with class mates.  Friday night was the big dinner.  Saturday they did a hike and lunch and Sunday they had a devotional.  The reunion was certainly a success.  They had over 160 people to the dinner.  Neal work long hours pulling this whole thing together and was please at how it turned out.  Here are some pictures.  There are many more but these are the ones that I took.

This first picture is Neal warming up at the golf course.

Neal with John Jarman.  Neal and John are childhood friends since third grade and threw the javelin in high school.

This is after we had finished the gold game and were in the small club house getting some drinks.  From front to back:  Milt Thackeray, Dick and Sherrie Miller, Jim Backman, Jack Schroader, Rich Berrett, Grant McAllister and Brent Scharman.

From left to right:  Jeannine, John Jarman, Milt Thackeray, Neal, Sherrie Miller, (behind her) Grant McAllister, Brent Scharman, Rich Barrett, Bob Beuhler, Jack  Schroader (with the dark glasses), Dick Miller and Jim Backman

Neal and Dick Miller making announcements and giving prizes.

East High Men's Quartet singing "The Mosquito Song".  From left to right:  Jim Backman, Steve Stoker, Bill Evans, Neal.  I wish you all could hear it.  It was classic.  It should have been recorded for posterity.

The reunion was a success and enjoyed by all who attended.

Yosemite

 If you all remember, we were sitting around the table talking about fun places to go as a family and Neal said, "We should plan a trip to "Yo -saw-mite".  (Pronounced phonetically)  Jamie looked at him and said "Yo-saw-mite?"  Do you mean Yosemite?  Yup that is a family event that will never be forgotten and certainly one on Neal.  The other day Neal and I were shopping at REI and I found this shirt and told him that he had to buy it and that I would take a picture of him and send it to Jamie - which he did and I did!  Jamie loved it and had a good laugh remembering how he pronounced it.

By the way, we've never gone to Yosemite.  

Lynda's Projects

 Annie and Jeff and I are going back to Norfolk to meet Emmi when her ship come in to port.  Neal wanted to come but he has school and can't get out of all that he needs to do at the beginning of a new semester.  It will be an exciting trip.  The emotions will be running high to see that big aircraft carrier come in to port and see the "manning of the rails" and then wait patiently for Emmi to step off the ship and into our arms.  Annie and Emmi have been busy getting all the paper work done and sent in so that we will be allowed on base to witness everything.  It is amazing what has to be done to have clearance.  Almost have to donate a pint of blood!!  But it is all about safety and I'm happy that Annie is taking care of all the paper work.  She is a trooper and takes such good care of me.

She also has made me and her a shirt to wear that day.  She just seems to add projects on top of projects and I am lucky enough to be the recipient of many of those projects.  Here is a picture of the shirts she made.  So excited to wear them!  They are one of a kind!

Along with making shirts for the two of us she also made these bags for Abby to give to the missionaries she serves with in California.  Like I said, if it isn't one project with Annie it is 10 more!  She is amazing!!!

I had to throw this picture in.  Emmi said that they had a barbeque on board the ship and for a special treat they allowed the sailors to jump off the ship into the ocean.  This is a picture of people waiting in line to take the plunge.  Emmi said it is very organized and they only let so many people in the ocean at once.  They have a special team of divers already in the ocean to help if something happens.  If you look close you see a girl with her arms folded in front and Emmi is right behind her, next to go.

What were we thinking!

 Judy and I had many long conversations about doing some permanent make up.  Years and years ago, in fact when Lyndsy was living in Arizona, I had permanent eyeliner put on my eyes.  Things are so much more advanced now and make up artist can do so much more.  I've never had eyebrows to speak of.  They have always been thin and so blond you could hardly tell I had any.  Judy was the same way so we decided to have permanent make up on our eyebrows.  I think it was one of those friend things where if you do it, I'll do it scenario.  And yes, by permanent that means either Microblade or tattooed.  We went together and had our eyebrows done the first of June.  We had to go back in July for a touch up and while we were on our way over we decided to have our lips done.  OH MY GOSH!  I couldn't believe that we talked each other into doing that, but we did.  My kids have always teased me of having no lips.  I think because I so seldom wore lipstick that my lips kind of blended into my face and they didn't really show that much.  I actually do have lips!  So now I have nice eyebrows that you can see and I have permanent pink lips!!  Judy went with dark red!  Not me.  I told the girl that I wanted a very light soft pink.  We have to go back in September for a touch up.  Not looking forward to that.  Was it painful?  YES!  They do put some cream on your lips to help deaden them but it was painful.  I was gritting my teeth so hard when the artist was doing my lips that I thought I could break a molar!  But, now that it is done, I love them.  Here is a picture of our visit.

We both ended up with miserable cankers on our lips.  Judy got one on her upper lip and I got one on my bottom lip.  I never get them but we were told it was a  normal possibility.  Glad we fall in the normal?!!!!

Talking with Derek

 We love when Derek calls and we get to chat with him on face time.  We miss him greatly and being able to vsit once a month and see him makes any anxiety we may be feeling about him being so far from home, dissipate a lot.  And it is good to get caught up on what he is doing and how he is doing.  He is now living in a new apartment and has Frankie, the rabbit, and a new dog.  I have no idea what the puppy's name is.  He told us but I didn't write it down and I don't remember, but he sent us some cute pictures.  I asked him if the dog and the rabbit can cohabitate and he said, "We are working on that."  Apparently Frankie is fine with it but the puppy isn't so sure that he doesn't want to tear Frankie to pieces.  It is going to take some time.  Derek is contracted to teach school and really enjoys teaching.  He would be a great teacher because he is so animated.  Here are some pictures he sent us:

Derek's apartment.