What is Jamie doing?

Brock and Peyton always have to measure themselves to see who is the tallest.  So far they seem to be keeping up with each other.

The day continued . . .

After we finished our lunch we headed home.  Jamie and I stopped at Hobby Lobby and purchased a couple items and then at Crispy Creams to get a couple dozen doughnuts and then home.  Lynda Ann had invited us out to her house for dinner and games but Jeff got sick so she brought the family in along with dinner.  We had a delicious Navajo Tacos dinner and then played games until midnight. 

I did have a picture of Annie making her taco shells but she would have hated me for life if I posted it.  It was a random picture that I took.  She doesn’t like pictures of herself anyway and so decided it wasn’t worth her getting mad at me. 

Tuesday at BYU

Jamie and Tucker wanted to take the girls down to BYU to see where Emmi lived, check out the dorms and the campus.  She wanted to give them an example of what college life might be like for them.  She also wanted them to see if they came to FYI or one of the church sponsored girls camps this is where they would be staying.  Emmi showed us the underground library, the book store, the Wilkinson Center and then we walked over to the Creamery where we had lunch.

It was so cute to see Peyton run from the car to Emmi and jump in her arms!  What a special bond those two have.  Peyton pretty much stayed by Emmi the whole day.  I think they must have been best friends before they came to earth.

I have to post that I ran into a friend that I worked with at the county.  It was such fun to see her.  Megan looked as cute as ever and I found out is going to have her first baby in the Spring. 

Had to take a picture of Tucker on the BYU campus!

At the Creamery getting lunch.

EEmmi has a job on campus making the caramel popcorn to sell at the games.  We wanted to see where she works but we weren’t able to go in that day.  She is holding a bag of popcorn that she made and put the date on.  I tried to get her to point up to the sign but she was a bit too embarrassed.  So we had to settle for her just standing underneath and I had to be quick about it!

It was a fun day.  Thanks, Emmi, for being a good tour guide and giving us a little taste of our college life.

Lexi’s turns eleven.

Jamie invited family over for Lexi’s birthday celebration.  Lexi was so cute.  She watched the time all day long waiting until the 6:00 hour because she knew that was when she was born or so she wouldn’t be officially eleven until the exact time that she was born.  I loved that.  Her request for her birthday was some special muffins that Jamie makes and a special slush.  Jamie also had pizza to go along with the dinner.  The Gertsons and the Hintze’s joined in on the celebration. 

I couldn’t find the birthday candles so had we had to improvise and used a large table candle!  It worked just fine.  Andrew lit the candle, we sang happy birthday to her and she blew made her wish and blew out the flame.  What a beautiful eleven year old!  Happy birthday Lexi.  Gam and Pa love you!

The Gertsons and Gam and Pa gave Lexi a foot bath and foot lotion for her birthday.

The beginning of Thanksgiving Week–Day One

Monday morning, I got up early and went to work.  I worked until noon and then came home to a granddaughter who was anxiously awaiting my arrival so we could make bread together.  All three of the girls like to make bread but Peyton was the one most anxious to get started on the project.  Peyton pulled a chair over and spent the time either standing on the chair or sitting on the bar while I put all the ingredients together and then kneaded the dough.  She helped add the ingredients as needed, helped stir it all together and then did the final kneading on the bread, watching closely for the blisters to pop up on the dough telling us the dough was ready to be put in the pan to raise.

While Peyton and I were making bread, Jamie was busy making muffins and slush for Lexi’s birthday gathering that evening.  Tucker had also been in the mix frying up bacon.  There was a lot of activity going on in that little kitchen.

Now while all this bread making was going on, Neal and Tucker had the assignment to cut down the two tropical plants in the front room in preparation for the Thanksgiving set up and the Christmas tree.  There just wasn’t room for the tree and the two plants.  Even though Neal felt like it was a ‘death’, he and Tucker hauled the plant out on the patio, cut them down and prepared them for their winter hibernation.  I smiled from ear to ear!

Below the picture of Tucker with a “fig leaf”?  This would only be in Tucker’s dreams!!

A fun Sunday

Neal and I were invited out to Maren and Greg’s ward to hear Jaden give his first talk in Sacrament Meeting and then to their home from dinner.  When we arrived at the church, Tucker and Jamie had just pulled in ahead of us.  They had left California Saturday evening, spent the night in St. George and then planned their last leg of the trip to arrive at the church just as the meeting was to begin.  Perfect timing!  Jaden gave his talk on service and being kind to others.  He personalized his talk by sharing a story from school.  He did an excellent job.

After the meeting we all went over to Maren and Gregs for a delicious dinner of roast beef, potatoes, vegetables and rolls followed by lots of visiting and games.  It was a great day having the Tucker Maxfield family arrive safely, topped with lots of visiting, catching up and table games.  Thanks Maren and Greg for hosting the day.

I love the Gospel!

I love reading about the women in the scriptures.  Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon and D & C.  They teach us so much and their examples and life’s journey are so parallel in so many ways to our lives today. 

Miriam, the sister of Moses, experienced a wide range of situations in her life.  She was born into slavery and experienced hope and despair.  Miriam watched as her baby brother, Moses, was raised by Pharaoh’s daughter.  She later experienced freedom from slavery and became a leader of the Hebrew women.  Miriam was an example of courage and faith but also showed her ability to make mistakes (as all humans do).  She murmured against her brother, Moses the prophet.  Because of her murmurings the Lord struck Miriam with leprosy and she was banned from the Israelite camp for 7 days.  She humbled herself before the Lord and was healed of leprosy.  She gave glory to God in all things.

Miriam was not a perfect example in all things but she experience a lot of human emotions that we each experience.  She taught us forgiveness, faith and hope.  She understood that her Father In Heaven would never forsake her and we can know that for ourselves, as well.

Just some Sunday thoughts. 

Love, Mom

Getting ready for the Christmas Season

It is hard to believe that this Thursday is Thanksgiving and that the Christmas tree will go up on Thanksgiving Eve.  I’ve already started wrapping presents in preparation for the festive season and to have Tucker and Jamie’s presents wrapped so they can take them back with them when they leave next week.  Yes, I’ve even started listening to Christmas music!!

Neal and I took in an 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning movie.  We haven’t done that for years.  It was amazing how full the theater was.  The show was excellent and I was excited to see the advertisement for Divergent 2!  It looks really good.  Never read the books but the first movie was great.

Of course the movie accompanied a drink and popcorn.  And yes, we ran into people we knew.  And yes, Neal talked to people we didn’t know so the next time we go somewhere he will know them!!

Another Utah Basketball Game–What am I thinking!?

I told Neal if I keep coming to these games I may have to buy me a U of U sweatshirt!  Nope, it was just a fleeting thought.  We saw our Stake President at the game and he was very surprised to see me there.  I told him that I had not changed colors, I was just being a dutiful wife and supporting my husband.  He got a chuckle out of that.  We ran in to Mulcocks at the game.  So fun to see them.  Didn’t get a picture but got hugs!  We also got to see Kevin as a cheerleader.  The guys don’t do much but yell through the megaphones and help the girls do their tricks.  It is strange to see Kevin as a grown man.  He was just a little kid when we left the area.  the Ut Indian Tribe came to perform.  It was colorful to say the least.  I think the whole tribe was there!

Halloween stitchery finally done!

I work many hours on this one.  Wasn’t easy, but it has to be one of my very favorites.  Who could go wrong with this one!  Now it is off to the cleaners and then it becomes Neal’s project to get it matted and framed.  Can’t wait to see how creative he is with the framing of this one.  A picture just doesn’t do this one justice.  You can’t really see the background subtle color of the linen it is worked on.  Can’t wait for you all to see it. 

Thought for Sunday

“Each of us need to stay in condition to receive the promptings of the Holy Ghost.”  Pres. Boyd K. Packer

Sometimes we want to have growth without challenges and to develop strength without any struggle.  My journey has taught me that growth cannot come by taking the easy way.  We must be careful that we don’t resent the very things that will help us stretch and grow.  We must remember that we always have access to help from the Lord.  We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us and will continue to strengthen us when times are hard.  I know this and rely on that belief and understanding every day.

I hope that when life is hard for my posterity, or when you questions the very beliefs that have supported you all your life, or when someone you know offends you and those precious beliefs, you remember to hold on to what you know to be true and stand firm.

“DOUBT YOUR DOUBTS BEFORE YOU DOUBT YOUR FAITH” 

I love you all,  Mom

Busy Saturday–as usual

Winter has come to our valley and in preparation for that there is the huge project of cleaning out, trimming down and hauling all the patio pots back to the garage for their winter hibernation.  We also had all our new china delivered so I was busy rearranging cupboards to make room for yet another set of dishes.  I think we are through buying dishes.  Not sure I have one more empty space to put anymore. 

Neal spent some time getting them all arranged in the cupboard.  Unless you are here to watch him, you wouldn’t know how serious he gets when he is put to task of arranging the china in the cupboards or in the china cabinet.  It is quite a lengthy and thinking project.  Believe me, they are not put up their randomly.  Every dish placed is well thought out!

Picture of the pots stacked and in their winter place.  Our first snow storm wasn’t much to shout about.  We didn’t even get enough to build a snowman or inspire me to turn on Christmas carols! 

Believe it or not!

Yes, you can believe it or not.  This is where I found myself Friday night!  Apparently we now are the proud owners of half season tickets.  We share the games with Nalen.  There are a ton of Sunday games and we choose not to participate going to the games on Sunday so Nalen will take all the Sunday games and we will have most of the Friday and/or Saturday games. 

And, of course, Neal ran into someone that he didn’t now, but he recognized.  So he introduced himself and I took a picture of Neal and Mike Voliak.  He was a Ute basketball player.  He was at the game with his four little children.  Neal said that Mike made a big impact on the U of U games.  I have to say, there is nothing shy about Neal.  He wouldn’t be afraid to walk up to the President of the United States and introduce himself. 

I was texting Tucker during the game and he told me that red was the greatest color ever and to just embrace it.  He told me that red looked better on me that soft baby zoobie blue.  Not going to buy into that but he did made me laugh, as he always does.

Veteran’s Day

What do you do when you have a day off from work. Well, actually, I had two days off because I took Monday off too.  Haven’t taken a mental health day all year and decided I needed a ‘do nothing’ day.  Monday was just that.  I think I ran one errand for Neal and that was the extent of my activities.  Tuesday morning I got up at 4:45 with Neal to get ready to go to the Salt Lake Temple for a session.  Neal and I rarely go together because I don’t like getting up that early.  I’d rather go in the early afternoon but because I had the day off and had basically done nothing on Monday and had not been to the temple yet this month, I decided to go.  We got through about 8:30 and then made a stop at the Scout place and from there to breakfast at the Egg and I.  It was delicious and fun to just sit and visit with Neal without having to compete with anything or anyone (anyone would be his talk show hosts).  We finished there about 10:00 so drove across the street to Macey’s where we bought a new set of dishes.  Yes, another set of china.  It is totally fall and very much Neal’s colors.  None of it was available in the store so we had to ordered it and it will be shipped.  As soon as I get it, I will post a picture of it.  I’m very excited.  And I loved spending time with Neal – just the two of us.  We do enjoy each other and we do love each other and love doing things together.

After that we came home and have been doing odds and ends of projects around the house.  Can you believe it is almost Thanksgiving!  Wow, the time is flying by way too fast.

Best get busy and get dinner fixed.  Salmon, rice and salad is on the menu for tonight!  By the way, I have crystal goblets from Neal’s mom that I will never use.  If any of you kids want the goblets, let me or dad know.

Dinner at Jeff and Mindy’s new abode.

Jeff and Mindy invited us over for dinner on Sunday.  We had a wonderful meal and a great visit with the Hintzes.  Jeff wasn’t feeling completely well but he was able to join us for dinner and visited us until we had to leave.  I love their new town home.  It was also fun to hear about Mindy’s new job and big promotion in pay.  Way to go Mindy.  We are so impressed and so proud of your achievements.  Maddie was working so we didn’t get a chance to visit with her.  Thanks, Jeff and Mindy for the invite, for a delicious dinner and visit and a tour of your new home. 

I forgot to post my stitching progress for October.

This has to be one of my very favorites.  It is a bugger to do, but I’m going to LOVE it when it is done.

Just a tail end of Halloween pictures

Annie sent me these pictures and I forgot to put them on the blog.  Of course, Emmi was Catness (sp).  No surprise there.  Can you tell that Hayley’s costume was a hand me down from someone who wasn’t quite as tall as she was when they wore it.  But who cares, a costume is a costume!