How creative are you?

Lynda Ann is amazing.  Once she sets her mind to something she is non-stop and focused.  There is a guy who lives across the street from them and he loves Jeeps.  He has been helping Emmi with her Jeep when it has problems.  He won't let them pay him so Annie decided to make him a "jeep" quilt.  this quilt is all appliqued and is amazing.  She send me this picture of the top of the quilt.  Annie has createdsome amazing quilts and this has to be one of them!

Mindy and Tucker

Tucker was at a convention with Mindy's company.  It was fun for them to get together and have some laughs.  Tucker said that Mindy is an incredible presenter.  I've been to her Relief Society lessons and I know how well she does and how confident she is in front of a crowd.  These are two cute pictures that Tucker send me.

Fun Dessert

The girls at work and I went to a place at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon called The Porcupine.  It is a hamburger place that the skiers often go to when coming down from the canyon after skiing.  We had a delicious hamburger and fries and then decided that we needed to share this delicious dessert.  It is chocolate ice cream covered in dark chocolate and shaped like a porcupine.  Not only presented perfectly but tastes delicious.  I have to take Neal there some time just so he can experience the dessert.

Before and After

Remember that I mentioned that I was redoing the guest room and getting a new cover for the day bed.  I picked it up today and I'm so happy with how it turned out.  There is still more to do to have the room complete but we are now making progress.  Bought a new chair to go in the room.  It won't be delivered until about 4 more weeks.  Can't wait until everything is done.
Here are the before and after pictures.

 Oh my gosh!  What a difference.  It absolutely changes the whole feel of the room.  I love it!

Two more finished projects for the fair!

Neal just brought these two counted cross stitch projects home and they are ready for the fair.  Neal has such good taste when it comes to color and style.  I love how he frames my work so expertly.  Both are gifts for family members.  Which members I can't say right now.  Don't want to spoil any surprises.

 This one below is one of my favorites.

26 Years!

That is how long Neal and I have been married.  It is hard to believe that we are celebrating 26 years together.  It has been an interesting journey, that goes without saying.  We have great memories and find that even now we enjoy being together.  It has become a tradition to go to Market Street every single year on our anniversary and sit at the bar just like we did the night before we were married.  Our anniversary was on Sunday this year so we went out on Saturday night.

Do we look happy?  We are happy!

Spoons and Spice find.

I love Spoons and Spice.  It is a store that I could spend a lot of time just wandering around looking at all their stuff.  I went there the other day to get some clear class dessert plates and some clear glass small ice cream cups.  As I was leaving I spotted this red platter with white dots and immediately fell in love with it.  I also thought of Maren because I know she likes red dishes.  I bought one for her for her birthday and then went back and bought one for me.  Just couldn't resist.

My first RS Lesson at the MBK Retirement Center

My first lesson was on the temple and the blessings received from the temple ordinances.  I related a story about my mother bottling fruit every fall.  Peaches and pears were the choice of fruit.  I remember as a little girl laying in bed late at night and early in the morning listening to the lids on the bottle seal by popping one by one.  In all the years of mother bottling fruit, never once did she seal an empty bottle.  I went on to tell them that when we go to the temple for the first time Heavenly Father gives us an empty bottle and we spend our life filling it up with sweet fruits of the gospel and our Father in Heaven seals those blessing through eternity.  I think you get the picture.
You can't believe how many sisters in the ward that I called trying to find a bottle of peaches and pears.  Everyone had canned fruit but not bottled!  Finally Nykola Patton came through for me and I was able to get a bottle of each to have on display as I gave my lesson.  I also got some tiny Mason jars that I filled with white jelly bellies and a slip of paper that said Profound Truths and Temple Ordinances.  It was a fun lesson and everything went over well for my first time teaching them.

My new church callings

Notice I said "callings".  I'll just say here first that sometimes I think desperation is as good as inspiration and I totally question desperation vs. inspiration for one of these callings extended to me!
The first thing the Bishop asked me to do was teach relief society once a month at the MBK retirement center.  I had a feeling that I would be asked to do this and I was happy to accept.  I love teaching and especially relief society.  But the second calling (which I will add here that I also knew I was going to get - interesting how the spirit prepares one ahead of time) even though I knew it was coming, dropped my jaw a bit.  I looked right at the Bishop and flat out asked him if he really prayed about this.  He didn't smile and said, "Sister Maxfield, I pray about every calling."  I just shook my head in disbelief.  Choir Director?  Really?!  What in the world is he thinking?  I told him I would give it a go but not to expect anything.  I have to say one thing, the church continues to give people the opportunity to grow in areas one never expected.  Gospel Doctrine was a scary calling but I ended up loving it.  Stake RS President was a scary calling but I loved every minute of the 6 years I served in that calling.  Now choir director?  Can't say how I'm going to feel about it.  This might be the first calling I have that when I'm released I will breathe a long sigh of relief rather than shed tears.  All I have to say is and to quote Charlie Brown "GOOD GRIEF!"

A confession

Neal and I are HOOKED on Downton Abby!  Oh my goodness.  We can't get enough of it.  Every chance we get we are downstairs watching the next episode.  We didn't watch it when it was on playing on PBS.  I remember hearing a lot about it from Susan and Lila but just never turned it on.  One of my co-workers mentioned it and said that I would love it.  So he brought me Seasons 1,2 and 3 and after just watching the first episode, Neal and I were totally in love with it.  We are now into Season 5 and anxious to get downstairs in the nice cool of the basement and watch seasons 5 and 6.  Susan has been asking me what I want for my birthday and I'm thinking that I will ask for the series.  I would love to watch it again.  I actually think Neal is more obsessed with it than I am.  I know that he has looked up all the actors and actresses just to read about them.  Every spare minute we have, we are watching the next episode.  So many stories developing.  How will it all end by season 6?  We'll just have to wait and see.  :-)

Updates on Tucker and Jamie's new home

We get pictures of the remodeling Tucker and Jamie are doing to their new home and it is so fun to see the changes.  I can hardly wait until we have a chance to go down there and see it.  Pictures are great but in person is even better.

This first picture is a piece of furniture that Tucker got from the Lynwood home.  It belonged to his mom and has become a fixed piece of furniture in their home.  The left picture is how it looked in their old home and the right picture is how it looks in their new home.  Jamie gave it a face lift and it is beautiful!

 This second set of picture is the kitchen before remodeling and after remodeling.  Amazing what granite counter tops, sink, and painting can do to brighten up and change the feel of a kitchen.  Jamie painted all the cupboards. Absolutely beautiful.

 This last picture is the entrance to their home.  The left is the old style and the right is the new style.  For the Maxfield children, notice the glass table in the entrance hall.  That is the table that Judy and Neal had on Lynwood and Tucker claimed when we moved from Lynwood.

Like I said before, I can't wait to see everything.  Hope to make a trip there in the fall.

Accomplishments for an incredible granddaughter!

Mallory won the opportunity to go to San Diego to enter her chair made from an old suit case in the National FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) competition.  She had a fun filled week in San Diego and ended on a high note when she got Silver for her chair.  Yes, there are a few buttons popping.  Mallory we are so proud of you.  Here are a few pictures she sent me.  (Notice her shoes in this first picture.  There is a darling and awesome story that goes with those shoes that I hope she records.  It is her story, so I will leave that to her.

And my favorite picture of all . . . . .

Congratulation, Miss Mallory Sue!  We are so proud of you!  Love, Gam and Pa

Dinner and Bingo at Lila's.

We had a great dinner and then played Bingo and had a marvelous afternoon.  This is a picture of Neal doing his usual.  He was hot and tired after golfing.  And yes, we did send a picture to Tucker.

 Lila Mae and I.

 The annual Bingo game.

 I won the grand prize by getting black out.  I won 20 dollars in Susan B. Anthony quarters.

 So this picture is a funny story to the ending of a perfect day.  Sara gave me two of her cookies that she had made.  They had chocolate and marshmallow on the top.  Neal and I were headed home and I was too full to eat them, so I put them on a napkin in the back seat of the Jeep.  Neal and I stopped at the outlets on the way back home.  When we got back in the car I put my purse in the back and off we went.  When we got home and we were cleaning out the car, I mentioned to Neal that I couldn't find the cookies.  The napkin was there on the seat but no cookies.  I took the seats apart to make sure they had not fallen down in the seat somewhere.  I looked under the seats and could not find them anywhere!  It was a mystery.  Neal and I went in the house and all of a sudden Neal said, "Oh Jeannine, here are the cookies!"  Apparently I had sent my purse right on top of them when we left the outlets and there they stayed!  I had to scrape them off and wash the bottom of my purse.  Neal and I had such a good laugh over that one.

The annual 4th of July golfing event.

Neal and I along with Emmi and Jeff went golfing this morning at Wasatch Golf Course.  Neal, Jeff, Emmi and I golfed the first nine and then Annie came with Abby and Abby and I changed places and she golf the back nine and Lynda Ann and I went to Lila Mae's.  Golfing was fabulous and oh so fun.  Thanks Neal for a very fun day.

 A selfie of me and Emmi Girl.

Neal cooking a Dutch Oven Dinner for Sunday and the 4th

We were assigned to take Dutch Oven chicken and potatoes up to Lila Mae's for the 4th of July celebration.  It was quite a project and the outcome was absolutely delicious!  It was made with my home made barbecue sauce.  It turned out delicious and everyone LOVED it!

 Neal's home made charcoal lighter.  Works perfect!

My stitching

Had to post what the stitching project looks like and how much I've accomplished.

Another grandchild gets a learners permit

Abby sent me this picture of her after she got her learners permit.  My grandchildren are growing up way too fast!

A needed mental recharging day

I went to the dentist this morning at 8:00 a.m. and then headed right out to Lynda Ann's.  Just needed to spend some time with Annie, who loves me for who I am, doesn't judge me, doesn't accuse me, and never, never dumps on me or yells at me about what a horrible parent I've been.

Got to Stansbury about 10:00.  We went and got my Driver's License renewed (the lady was surprised that I was 71 - that was nice), from there to get our toes done and then to have a bite to eat.

I loved being with her and visiting about anything that was on our minds.  Thanks Annie, for a fabulous recharging day that I desperately needed!

Finally but sadly released from my calling as the Stake RS President

Last Tuesday evening Neal and I were called over to the Stake President's office.  I knew exactly what it was for.  We met with my first counselor, Vicky Parry and her husband Pres. Parry along with Lisa and the whole stake presidency who are Pres. Little, Pres. Amos and Pres. Dent.  Pres. Little proceeded with the meeting by telling us how grateful he was for our service and how much he loved us and that as a new stake president it was so nice to know that he didn't need to make any changes at that time and could concentrate of other changes that needed to be made.  He then asked me if I would like to say anything and I think I blubbered out something like it had been and incredible journey and I'd loved it.  Pres. Little then asked each person if they had anything they would like to say.  He came to Pres. Parry who said that there was absolutely no question that I was supposed to be the Stake Relief Society President at that time.  The meeting ended and I left with tears running down my face and a hug from Pres. Little and one from Pres. Parry.

As we were driving home, Neal asked me how I was feeling and I told him I felt like I'd just lost another son.  Like a piece of my heart had just been cut out.  With stake conference coming up the following Sunday I knew I would be called on to share my testimony.  It was an emotional high combined with an emotional low.

Sunday morning rolled around and the inevitable was going to happen.  I was officially released and a new presidency called.  I was called on to share my testimony.

The are some of my thoughts share with the stake that morning:
"When I said my prayers this morning, I told Heavenly Father that I would be called on to share some thoughts.  I explained to him that some women cry pretty and some cry ugly.  I fit into the later category.  Not a pretty crier.  Could he possible bless me that I could get through my talk without crying.  The answer was 'Nope, not possible, even for Him.'  

The audience laughed hard here.

I then told them that Missionaries almost always say that it was the best two years of their lives.  I told them this was the best 6 years of my life.  I am grateful to Pres. Parry for extending this calling to me - even though I may have doubted his ability to receive inspiration.  Audience laughed again.

It has been wonderful to serve under both Pres. Parry and Pres. Little.  I am grateful for their confidence in me for their guidance and their love.  I have a great respect and love for both of these men.

It is a blessing to be married to Neal and to have his continued support as I have served in this calling.  He has been by my side every step of the way.

I have had the privilege of serving with incredibly spiritual women who have served with love, taught me much and strengthened my testimony.  As a presidency we have visited the relief society in our stake and our hearts have been touched.  We have noticed the time and loving care that is extended to the elderly in the care centers.  We have felt the love between the sisters as we've attended your relief society meetings.  We have been touched by the many stories of service that have been related to us and watched ward presidencies who lovingly serve the sisters under their care.

As we have met with President Little each month, we have felt the love and concern for all the sisters of this stake.

I layed in bed this morning and tried to sum up how I felt a out he past years and I came to the conclusion that I've felt like I've been in a grand group hug.  The feeling and memories I shall relish for the rest of my life.

Brothers and Sisters, I have a testimony of this great and inspired program.  I have a testimony that it will enrich our lives.  I have a testimony and a love of this great gospel.  As it says in one of the primary songs, 'I know my Father lives and loves me too.'  I am thankful that my Father in Heaven inspired Pres. Parry who gave me this opportunity to serve you during the past six year."

That was as close as I can remember what I said.

Now I have to share an interesting thing that happened.  Before I knew I was being released, I had given Pres. Little two names of sisters to replace my secretary.  Interestingly enough, The new Stake RS President, Barbara Crockett called both those women to serve with her.  Interesting, don't you think.  Coincidence and inspiration.  Absolutely inspiration.  Those two sisters are supposed to serve in the presidency.  I was amazed when they were the two called.  Sister Crockett did not know that they were the two names I had given Pres. Little.

I have loved this calling, served with all my heart and felt so much help from my Heavenly Father.  So grateful for this experience.

I might add here that stake conference ended at noon and at 4:00 P.M. that afternoon, I got a call from the ward clerk that Bishop Janzen wanted to meet with me Tuesday evening at 7:00.  No time to breathe when building up the kingdom!!  I'll let you know what my new assignment is.

Abby loves her Gam

Jeff, Annie and Abby came by the house the other night.  They were going to a reception for one of the friends and then dropped by to play a quick game of Shanghai.  Abby wanted to get a picture of the two of us.  I think she is working on some kind of project for young women.  I'll be anxious to see what it is.  What a beautiful young woman you are, Abby.  I'm proud to be your Gam and I love you.

Annie's girl's camp.

Annie sent me some pictures of the girls at camp.  She had Emmi with her as a leader, Mallory was with the stake people and Abby and Hayley as the group of girls at the camp.  Annie said they had a wonderful time but is glad that it is finally over for this year.  Her bishop indicated that he would love to have plan on it for the next 4 years!  Annie made the poodle skirts for the girls.  Amazing Annie!

Cute girls Annie!  You should be proud.  I know you are.

Tucker and Jamie making big changes

Tucker and Jamie have sold their home and are buying her parents home.  They are doing all kind of remodeling before moving into their new abode.  Tearing out walls, putting in new doors, tearing out the fireplace and pulling up carpet and tile.  They are putting in new wood floors, granite tops in their kitchen, new appliances and new tile in some areas of the home.  I will be so excited to get down there and see what they have done.  Can't wait until they are all settled in and ready for visitors.  Here are some pictures Tucker sent me.

 This is the granite counter tops.

Pictures of the wood flooring

 Picture of the kitchen they are tearing apart.

 This is the picture of the front room carpet that Tucker is tearing out.