Theme for the Day

The last twenty four hours have been jam packed! Ray and I went to Bountiful to see our brand new grand niece. She is beautiful! I even got to hold her! She l looks perfectly like her self!

This morning was regional winter workshop for Mia Shalom. After an hour and a half of going over policies and procedures, we had the privilege of hearing Sheri Dew. Her words were timely. She started out by reminding us that there is an undeniable and unlimited power when auxiliary leaders serve under the direction of their Priesthood leaders. This is so true! When we have had a priesthood leader at camp who has the stewardship for the Young Women, camp goes smoothly, we have the spirit the whole week and have tons of fun. She then went on to tell us that there are two things that are going to determine the outcome of your life: 1. how you feel about yourself and your mission on this earth and 2. how you feel about your Savior and His mission on this earth. Think about that. If we can help our young women experience the importance of who they are and experience the love their Savior has for them, then they will make the choices that will have positive eternal consequences. Have you ever considered how important it is that you do everything to be an example of what a believing women of God looks like?

We then got to hear from President Sabins who told us that our camp is a "temple-like" experience. Mia Shalom has been dedicated and made sacred to bless the lives of young women. We need to make the most of the opportunity we have there. He also encouraged us to be an example in dress, grooming, language, behavior, obedience. Hmmm, I think being an example must be an important principle we need to follow.

I went to two classes before I had to leave, Let the Youth Lead and Teaching with the Scriptures. I was reminded the importance of teaching leadership principles and then letting the YCL's lead by a quote from Elder Uchtdorf "...Consider the Savior. He lets us do His work here in our different callings. He is patient with us. That is what we need to do with our young people." It was all very good for me.

I ran home to get Ray and we went to the Mt. Timpanogos temple for the sealing of a young couple in our ward. It was a very special time. I am so thankful we live close to the temple and I can go often.

When we got home Ray had a stake conference priesthood meeting. He came home for me and we went to the adult session. We have two visiting seventies. The talks were wonderful. President Carter spoke about uprootedness and roots. He is fascinating to listen to and I always learn so much from him. Here is my favorite quote, "Although we are rooted in the Savior, we are always changing and growing." Sister Farrer talked about receiving our own revelation, which Sheri Dew also talked about this morning. Elder Jones talked to the young couples and encouraged them to give heed to ALL of the prophet's words and to make time for temple worship on a regular basis. Good advice for us old folks, too. Elder Mask talked about the blessings of the temple and the importance of the sealing power. He told us to never give up on anyone. His talk was so full of hope. It was amazing! The same theme followed me through the whole day. I think there are important things for me to learn and do!

What are you doing to be an example of the believers?

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for cameras, but more importantly for smart people who know how to take good pictures of a gorgeous toddler and then post them on the Internet.

I am thankful for dentists who take good care of our teeth, even when our teeth are uncooperative.

I am thankful for children who love each other enough to be friends with each other.

I am thankful for a daughter who took care of the animals which I take care of, but really do not belong to me.

I am thankful for children who take school seriously and do their best.

I am thankful for children who work hard and know how to work hard.

I am thankful for a patient husband who puts up with me and still loves me.

I am thankful for a little girl who calls out, "Grandma, Grandma, Grandma," or "Grandpa, Grandpa, or Grandpa."

I am thankful for her mommy and daddy and the good things they are teaching her.

I am thankful to be on this earth at this time and in this place surrounded by people I love.

SPT

I cannot believe it has been a whole week since I blogged and I have not even missed it. Of course, we have spent five glorious days with our far away kids, savoring every moment of our time together. And is has been marvelous! Josie is the sweetest, kindest, smartest, most gorgeous, most precious, tender child ever! Here are she and I in our own self portrait. She even sat still and helped me take this picture.

Today we got out her peek-a-boo quilt and Josie could name every person on the quilt! I was so impressed with her. She goes to bed without a fuss, she asks to take a nap, she eats good food, but not too much. What a girl!

"Hi, Aunt ...!"

We celebrated Ray's birthday this week. Josie likes birthday cake, too. As you can see from this picture, but when she had enough, she stopped eating it! Wow!

Enjoying Grandpa's birthday cake.

We are trekking home tomorrow evening and hope we get there the same day. Snow is forecast for tomorrow. Tonight is the warm, 23 degrees, before the storm. Last night at 9:30 it was 10 degrees and this morning at 8:30 it was 5 degrees. Who ever would have thought that 23 would feel warm?

I am looking forward to being back home and seeing my girls, even though they all live away from me! I do miss them when I am away. But, at the same time I am very sad to leave and wish I could stay longer. It was been so nice to visit with Nathan and Katie. They really are the best parents, and a nice couple, too!

SPT

Last week all day Monday I thought was Tuesday. All day today I thought it was Monday! What is up with this?





I resolve to take more self portraits while trying new things.





I don't usually take a picture of myself at work, so I guess that counts as trying something new!




As I had not seen Callie today nor had I heard her dashing around the house last night I was a little worried that she had disappeared. But not to fear, she came out meowing while I was downstairs and let me pick her up! I took her into the kitchen and showed her the dinner I had set out which she promptly gobbled down! She has wandered in and out of the room meowing softly at me and exploring the house. Katie has agree to come over and take over the care and keeping of Callie while I am gone. She is also going to take good care of Tundra.





Which brings me to an very important event coming up...the opportunity to see our far away kids. We are very excited and are down to counting the hours - 43 - if anyone is asking!

Goodby to Lauren and hello to Callie

Early this afternoon I bid farewell to Lauren who was returning to school. She brought her car home for its annual inspection and emissions check. I had such a fun time with her home. She plays card games with me and helps me out. Thank you for coming home Lauren.

Later this afternoon we welcomed a new, albeit temporary, member of our family, Callie. Not to be confused with taking Lauren's place. No one can do that! Tundra gave Callie a vociferous and loud greeting from her place behind the gate. Callie belongs to a good friend of my mom's who is in Mongolia until June. For the past ten years when this friend traveled, Callie came to stay with mom. This time Callie was taking care of her home while her owner was away, but the people who were helping her have a darling baby who is allergic to cats. So, Callie came to stay with us. She spent the first four hours hiding under the downstairs table. I went down to take her picture and she let me pick her up. She is now exploring the house. Her usual first night m.o. is dashing through the house keeping mom awake. We shall see what the evening brings. We have joined the feline club, who would have thought?

Sunny Sunday

I am happy that we live on the sunny side of the street, we really do. More of our snow is melted. We get the sun in our front windows longer, plus we get the nice morning sun in our bedroom window. I think it helps me have a sunny outlook on life.

Megan and Lauren were here this morning and I got to make them pancakes for breakfast. I like to cook for my children. I am looking forward to some major cooking later on this week for the most appreciative of my cooking child. I experimented on oatmeal and fiber one pancakes for me and they were pretty good!

We enjoyed seeing hoar (is that how you spell it?) frost on our way to church this morning. The bare tree branches were thick with frost. It was quite lovely with the sun shine making it all sparkle. Too bad we could not feel the warmth of the sun!

My humble visiting teacher spoke in Sacrament meeting this morning about the miracle of the Bible. She reminded us that the Bible is a miracle and a holy book. It contains the converting healing spirit of Christ, teaching us truths, testifying of His divinity, and warming our spirits. I like those images. She did such a nice job.

Natalie J gave a wonderful Relief Society lesson. She has such a sweet testimony that she shares in everything she does. We discussed Elijah bringing the sealing keys after the Kirtland temple was dedicated. What a great blessing that is to all of us. It is truly a comfort to me. Have you ever thought that as a young mother you turn the hearts of your children to their fathers by sharing family stories with them? And, as Aunt Pam reminded us those stories make the very best bedtime stories.

So my challenge to you is to find fun stories about your family to share with each other and with your children.

Saturday is a special day...

Today is a very special day. Joanna is getting married in PA. We are thinking of Joanna and Stephan and wishing them all the happiness in the world! And, even though I was not there for the festivities, I also had a special day.

This morning Aunt S came over to go through mom's clothes with me. Mom will be happy to know how happy Aunt S is with her new clothes. It was a lot of fun. Aunt S brought her darling three-year old grand-daughter. She is such a cutie. She played and entertained herself and was sweet even though our activity was rather boring.

In the meantime, Ray stayed home, did the laundry and cleaned the house. He is the best!

Lauren, Ray and I met Megan in Salt Lake at Sweet Tomatoes for lunch. It was delish. And, the best part was the visit we had with our girls. We have the nicest girls. We shopped until we dropped afterward. Even Ray joined in that fun. Lauren stayed to hang out with Megan for the rest of the day.

When we got home, Katie was waiting for us. She had better things to do today! And one of them was to fold my laundry. Thanks, Katie!

Today I received the nicest letter from my second mom. And, even though I have not seen her for years and we live hundreds of miles apart, it seemed just like yesterday that I had seen her. She totally understands who I am and how I feel. It feels good to know that there is someone still here who knows and loves me, and has since I was a little girl. This special woman taught me how to play the piano. She trusted me to babysit her children. She shared her husband with us while he was Bishop. She taught me what my mom tried to teach me but what I would not listen to when it came from my mom. She was there with me when I made sacred covenants. She doted over my first born. She is truly an elect lady and made my day with her letter.

So, all in all, this has been a very special day!

Warm and content

I am sitting here snuggled in my hoodie feeling content. Lauren made it home from Cedar City safely. She ran out in her bare feet when I got home to help me carry in the groceries. What a sweetie she is! Ray and I have been to dinner. He being so nice made sure I stayed in the warm car while we garaged the cars. Coming in the house I find Katie snuggled on the couch with 'the' favorite quilt. Oooo two children home. And one coming tomorrow. Our empty home will be filled with laughter and chatting for the weekend. After reading my favorite blogs I am very content about what a good son I have. In spite of my mothering. Sigh, that makes me very content. And even though he is not here, I know he is in good hands and well loved. However, I am wishing I were in PA where I could see Joanna and Stephan married, meet Stephan's family and spend time with not only Josie, but Ellie, Reilly and Jake. But again that content feeling comes over me because I do get to spend time with Josie, Katie and Nathan next week in honor of Ray's birthday. What nice birthday presents we have had this year, visits with those we love. Who would have ever guessed that me, who loves to open presents, would rather be in the presence of her children? Maybe I have started to grow up! I think my mom is proud of me.

Thankful Thursday

1. I am thankful for Sherry who takes good care of our far away kids.
2. I am thankful for Shari who is my good friend and sister.
3. I am thankful for Shannon who is a good example of a mother and a classy lady.
4. I am thankful for Pam who is always there for me when I need someone.
5. I am thankful for the sunshine.
6. I am thankful for airplanes that get me across the country is less than a day.
7. I am thankful for Jenny who is keeping me organized and helps me with everything.
8. I am thankful for Lanett who will do anything to help me.
9. I am thankful for Clyda who is taking my place next Thursday evening.
10. I am thankful for a warm coat.
11. I am thankful for seat heaters.
12. I am thankful for gloves and mittens.
13. I am thankful for wool socks.
14. I am thankful for the most awesome YCLs.
15. I am thankful for you.

Wonderful Wednesday

I told my BFF that I needed a camera so I could take good pictures of my sticky fingered little sweetheart. So, he brought me home a camera! Now I can take pictures that are clear and sharp, if I hold still. Instead of pictures from my phone. I am such a blessed person to have a BFF that loves me!

On another note, I attended a Planning Commission meeting this evening. It was very interesting. Aunt P. is awesome and so professional looking and acting. She asks the hard questions! It did my heart good to see her in action doing her best to take good care of us all.

I am declaring tomorrow "Thankful Thursday", so make your lists and share!

The Real SPT

Today is the real self portrait Tuesday because today is Tuesday. All day yesterday I thought it was Tuesday even though I had all my Monday meetings and Ray and I had FHE before I posted. What gives?

Here I am with the one I love. Isn't he cute? We are outside on our way to work. Ray opens the gate and garage for me and then closes the gate when he backs out. Isn't he sweet?

Yesterday when I brought Tigger home, Ray asked me if we were going to celebrate Josie's birthday while we were there. I told him no. He said he wanted to see her open presents. I told him we are celebrating his birthday by giving Josie presents for his birthday and then we can see her "opee" presents. That works he tells me. Isn't he the best?

Is it self portrait Tuesday? I hope so because after many attempts, I have a passable self-portrait. I do not have a tripod, nor even a camera, my camera broke! I just have a camera in my phone. Put, hey, you do what you can. Are you all taking self portraits and posting them? I am looking forward to some awesome pictures from the rest of you.

I went shopping Saturday and my favorite store is starting to clearance out their Christmas toys. I saw the cutest music making, bouncing toy and perseverated on it for the rest of the day, Sunday, and Monday, so I had to break down and go back to get it. Yes! There it was on the shelf just waiting for me. I lovingly brought it home, put in new batteries and sat back to enjoy it. Should I bring it with me when I visit Butler, PA? Will Josie like it? More importantly, can Katie and Nathan stand it? I am willing to bring the scary Micky home and leave Tigger, yes, that bouncy, pouncey, trouncey, flouncy, fun, fun, fun, fun, fun Tigger! Unfortunately, because I do not have a real camera this is just a still picture. It does not do this lovable character justice. However, if this is just too much, not only will I leave it home, but I will bring Micky back to keep Tigger company. Just let me know what you think I should do!

Happiness

We had great talks in Sacrament meeting based on Elder Uctdorf's talk at the Relief Society General Meeting in September. They touched me and I wanted to share some thoughts. Happiness is a divine, Godly characteristic. The very objective of our existence is eternal happiness. In order to gain that eternal happiness we need to emulate our Savior. He showed us the way by creating and being compassionate.
We all have the ability to create, it is just demonstrated in different ways. Now here is the important part, to me, comparison is one of Satan's most effective tools! We usually compare our worst with someone else's best. Do you do that? I know I do. But, what good does that do? None at all, let me tell you. I think I have wasted a lot of time trying to live up to what someone else did instead of trying to reach my own goals in my own way. So, I want you to join me in stop comparing and start accepting yourself!
Compassion for ourselves (see above) and for others is so important. It really is of value to understand feelings of another and then respond to their needs with that insight. When I was a young mother I felt bad because I did not have the time, energy, resources to be more compassionate to others. A wise friend told me my responsibility was to show compassion to my own family and especially my children, I would have plenty of time and opportunity to help others. What great wisdom that was for me. We need to live life at the stage we are in. At that time I needed to learn to serve those in my home. I was a slow learner, but hope that I finally have figured that out. What stage of like are you in? Who do you need to show compassion for?
Just the act of being who you are leads to creativity and compassion. It just looks different for each of us.
To all those young adult women in my life, you are the best examples to me. Each of you has your own special qualities and characteristics. Each of you is the best at what you are doing. Isn't that amazing? You truly are the very best!
For my daughters, especially:
Katie A., you are a great leader
Katie E., you are a great mother
Megan, you are a great friend
Lauren, you are a great student
You are all great daughters! Each of you impacts my life, for good, in a very special way, every single day.
So, to everyone, I want you all to be happy and to find that eternal happiness that is there for you to enjoy today.

Orange-ade

Do you like change? Do you like change when you know the change is not going to work? Here is a little experiment about what happens when you embrace change.

What is an orange? How do you like to eat an orange? What happens when you eat a peppermint and then an orange? I will tell you, it is sour, and does not taste very good.

What happens when you soften your orange up, poke a pure sugar peppermint stick in the orange, and suck the juice of the orange out of said orange through said peppermint stick? You have yummy, sweet orange-ade!

Try it, you may like it!

100 Things List

This morning I was thinking about all the things I am thankful for and decided I would start my list. I think this list says a lot about who I am. I could go on, but 100 are enough for now.

1. I am thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ and His Atoning sacrifice
2. I am thankful for a loving Heavenly Father
3. I am thankful for the gift and comfort of the Holy Ghost
4. I am thankful for Joseph Smith and his courage and faith
5. I am thankful for my ancestors who heard the truth and embraced it
6. I am thankful for a mother who showed me unconditional love
7. I am thankful for a mother who taught me correct principles and let me make my own choices
8. I am thankful for a mother who had a great amount of patience with me
9. I am thankful for a mother who blessed the lives of all those around her
10. I am thankful for a mother who led by example
11. I am thankful for a mother who knew how to love and support a husband
12. I am thankful for a mother who always said good things about others
13. I am thankful for a dad who treated my mom like a queen
14. I am thankful for for a dad who treated me like I was truly his daughter
15. I am thankful for a dad who loved unconditionally
16. I am thankful for parents who expected I would be my best
17. I am thankful for a husband who treats me like a queen
18. I am thankful for a husband who has stuck with me through the hard times
19. I am thankful for a husband who takes me to the temple every week
20. I am thankful for a husband who loves me unconditionally
21. I am thankful for a husband who still thanks I am beautiful
22. I am thankful for a husband who is the best dad in the world
23. I am thankful for four beautiful children who are the best in the world
24. I am thankful for the best daughter-in-law a mom could ask for
25. I am thankful for the smartest, prettiest, bestest grand-daughter
26. I am thankful our children love each other
27. I am thankful our children like to do things with each other
28. I am thankful for children who make good decisions
29. I am thankful for Katie's ability to analyze and problem solve
30. I am thankful that Nathan works hard and is conscientious
31. I am thankful for Megan's enthusiasm and love for life
32. I am thankful for Lauren's creativity and that she is willing to help and share
33. I am thankful that Katie E. is a wonderful mother
34. I am thankful that Josie says, "gra-ma" and "pa pa" and "I uv ou"
35. I am thankful Lauren and Megan came home to Provo for Christmas and New Year's]\
36. I am thankful Katie lives next door
37. I am thankful that I will see Nathan, Katie and Josie in 13 days
38. I am thankful Megan is posting pictures and videos of her trip
39. I am thankful for the nice home we live in
40. I am thankful that our bathroom is almost finished
41. I am thankful that we have nice tile in our entryway
43. I am thankful for a washer and dryer
44. I am thankful for good food to eat
45. I am thankful for all my cookbooks
46. I am thankful for my stove
47. I am thankful for my refrigerator
48. I am thankful for the library
49. I am thankful we live close to the library
50. I am thankful I have a job
51. I am thankful I have a job I love
52. I am thankful for friends
53. I am thankful for good neighbors
54. I am thankful for our ward family
55. I am thankful for Annette S.
55. I am thankful for my visiting teachers
56. I am thankful for our home teachers
57. I am thankful that I know how to read
58. I am thankful for that Book of Mormon
59. I am thankful for airplanes
60. I am thankful we live close to an airport
61. I am thankful that I know how to drive
62. I am thankful have a car AND a suburban to drive
63. I am thankful for a furnace that works
64. I am thankful for running water
65. I am thankful for indoor plumbing
66. I am thankful for telephones
67. I am thankful for cell phones
68. I am thankful for webcams
69. I am thankful for computers
70. I am thankful for blogs
71. I am thankful for anything that helps me stay in touch with those I love
72. I am thankful for our lots at Aspen Hills
73. I am thankful for quaking aspen trees
74. I am thankful for evergreen trees
75. I am thankful for chipmunks
76. I am thankful for squirrels
77. I am thankful for quail
78. I am thankful for flowers
79. I am thankful for bees because they pollinate the flowers
80. I am thankful for deer
81. I am thankful for moose
82. I am thankful for pine needles because they are good fire starters
83. I am thankful for air mattresses and sleeping bags
84. I am thankful for the rain
85. I am thankful for the snow because then we will water this summer
86. I am thankful for my garden
87. I am thankful for my yard
88. I am thankful for the fence and gate
89. I am thankful for spiders because they eat bugs
90. I am thankful for mosquito zappers
91. I am thankful for vegetables, fresh ones
92. I am thankful for fruit, fresh fruit
93. I am thankful for young women
94. I am thankful for the young women camp program
95. I am thankful for Katie who helps me and runs errands for me when I am busy
96. I am thankful for my nice comfortable bed
97. I am thankful for our down comforter
98. I am thankful for the love that surrounds me
99. I am thankful for Joanna and that she has let us be a part of her family the last three years
100. I am thankful for happiness

Answers

Last night I spent hours on the internet looking for an initiative game or activity to help the YCL's experience an object lesson. I went to bed with lots of games and activities, but none that fit. This morning as I was getting ready to go to work, I went into the store room and saw the bag of peppermint sticks I bought after Christmas. At the time I thought I should buy 2 bags, but being the cheapskate I am I decided I would only need one. Little did I know. I do know I should listen because now I need two bags! Anyway, the peppermint sticks made me think of oranges and I had the experience I needed! Was it my brilliant mind? No, it was an answer to my prayers. So, I stopped for oranges on my way to work and they were even on sale! What, you ask, will you do with oranges, peppermint sticks and YCL's? I will let you know after our YCL retreat.

On another note, it has not snowed for two days, although it was starting to snow on my way home from work an hour ago. And, we have had over 32 degree weather during the day for the last two days so our walks dried out and there has been no shoveling. Thank goodness for a break!

Self Portrait Tuesday

I am taking you all up on the challenge! I took this picture last fall on our first and only trip to Aspen Hills last year.

I love to go to Aspen Hills.

I love winter when there is LOTS of snow.

I love spring when there is lots of mud.

I love summer when it is cool.

I love autumn when the leaves are turning colors.

I love the peace and quiet.

I love the no phone ringing.

I love the moose and the elk and the deer.

I love the birds.

I love the flowers.

I love it even more when my family is with me.

We have had lots of fun times camping.

Remember the Skipbo, Phase 10 and Uno games?

Remember scrapbooking and card making?

Remember shoveling all the gravel?

Remember 4 wheeling?

Remember cutting down trees?

Remember the camp fires?

Remember all the good food?

I took these pictures so I could let everyone know how happy I was to be at Aspen Hills.

Happy hills. Happy memories!

1104 here we come! (and 1107 and 1067 and 1068)

Winter Wonder Land

It started snowing Monday morning at 11 and has not stopped! (It is now 9:15 p.m. Tuesday) We have not had snow like this since the winter of 1994 when we went to Salt Lake to shovel the snow off mom's roof and the snow was drifted over her house! That winter it snowed every single Sunday. We met at 11 am so I shoveled walks all morning all the way to the church. That is the winter our 90 year old neighbor was on his roof shoveling the snow off. That was the year Nathan was home and shoveled all the neighbors' walks and driveways. That was the year we all had great fun in the snow.

Because of that winter, and other things, Ray decided mom needed to move to Provo and so when Sister Boshard's home came up for sale, he put earnest money down and called mom to tell her he had bought her a house. Good she said and sold her Salt Lake house in two weeks and moved! What a great blessing that was for our family and I hope for mom. I know she touched many more lives by being here.

Anyway, I have shoveled and shoveled until I am ready for my children to return home and help me shovel. I really miss Nathan's muscles. However, the snow is VERY beautiful and truly like a winter wonderland! And I will be ready to shovel at 5 tomorrow morning!

Annette S. gave a wonderful lesson today on being casual in our worship. I've got this down, or so I thought when I saw the lesson topic. Ha ha on me! The lesson prompted me to really evaluate how I am doing and I realized that I need to set some goals! Now you have to realize that I have been thinking that I do not need to set any goals, but I do! And I am. I once learned that if you write it down, you will make it happen. So, my goals this year are:
1. I will study the Book of Mormon every day
2. I will pray with thanksgiving each day
3. I will read the Sunday School and Relief Society lessons during the week before
4. I will spiritually prepare for Sacrament meeting
5. I will journal at least weekly
6. I will plan each day with purpose
7. I will show each member of my family increased love and kindness
8. I will focus on the positive and look for the good
Now for the more temporal things:
1. I will organize my sewing and crafts
2. I will reorganize my house and GET RID OF THINGS
3. I will pack up my mom's dolls and move the furniture I want into my house
4. We will remodel our kitchen with new cupboards and floor
5. We will re-do our upstairs floors
6. I will go camping at Aspen Hills at least two times
7. I will train to run a 5K
8. I will start to sew quilts again
9. I will stay my same weight
Oooo, now I have committed myself with all of you looking on. So, you can help to keep me on track!

We do live a good life

I had been very good about keeping a journal until my computers, note ‘s’, quit and I lost it all. So, this will be a good way to cover the last year. We had lots of good times, and a few not so good times.l But all in all we are very blessed and we do live a good life. If you all see some mistakes or remember things that should be added, please let me know!
-January 1 we celebrated mom’s 77th birthday with a family dinner, including shrimp! Little did we know that it would be her last.
-January 24 we celebrated Ray’s birthday. He had meetings and I relaxed!
-February 13, 14 and 15 found me at an Autism Conference in Ogden presenting about GIANT Steps. While I was safe, snug and warm in my very nice hotel room, Megan was traveling up 1-15 at approximately 2 miles per hour in the worst snow storm I have ever seen, worrying about her homework. I was worrying that her full tank of gas would be dry before she could get off I-15.
-February 27 I flew to Pittsburgh in honor of Ray’s birthday! I got to stay until March 5. I had the very best time! Josie and I went for walks in balmy weather AND we had a terrible winter snow storm all in the same week. While I was there Ray called to tell me that we had been asked to be the cooks for Pioneer Trek and as he knew I REALLY want to go, he said yes. I was happy! I wanted experience Martin’s Cove with Ray. When Katie dropped me off at the airport, I was crying and so was Josie! I like to tell myself it was because she did not want me to leave, the truth is she did not want to be in her car seat any longer and thought the stop would mean she got to get out!
-April 11 Lauren came home for a week during spring break and I found out I had been chosen Division Director for Youth Services..
-April 26 Ray and I flew to Pittsburgh together to belatedly celebrate birthdays. Even though we only stayed four days, we had a wonderful time! Josie and I went for several walks.
-May 2 Megan graduated from SLCC with her associate’s degree. Ray, Mom, Katie and I all went to watch her walk and celebrate with her. After, Katie and Megan drove in Megan’s car and Mon, Ray and I went in the suburban to Cedar City. Megan was traveling on to Las Vegas for a week of interpreting. We are a celebratory dinner at Sizzler that night and all stayed in a motel. The girls stayed with mom, as was our usual custom.
-May 3 Lauren graduated from SUU with her associate’s degree. We got a two for one this weekend! After, we helped her pack and clean up her apartment. Then we filled the suburban up with Lauren’s life, went to Subway for lunch and started for home. Before we got on I-15 Megan was on the phone with the news that her GPS had quit! No good for her as she needed it in Vegas. Or I should say Ray needed it for her so he would not have to be on the phone all week mapquesting and giving her directions. So a quick turn around, a stop at WalMart. More hugs and kisses and you can do its and we were all on our way in opposite directions.
-May 6 Lauren flew to Pittsburgh to spend two weeks with Katie and Nathan. For the second year in a row she was out there for Mother’s Day!
-May 11 was Happy Mother’s Day. My last with my mom. I fixed a nice dinner and we ate on the patio with the missionaries. Megan and Katie came home to join the festivities.
-May 19 through May 23 I got to participate in the P.L.A.Y. Project training. The first day was in Provo and the other four days in Salt Lake. On Tuesday morning I drove to Salt Lake and had a motel room reserved as Lauren was flying in late that night. She called me in tears about 7:30 (our time) telling me she was stuck at JFK in New York for the night. They were late leaving Pittsburgh and missed the last flight out. She spent the night in the airport and I picked her up the next afternoon when I was finished with training. The rest of the days I rode the bus. It was a lot less stressful as that first morning there was a major accident and it took me an extra hour to get there. On Friday, I met Megan at her Trax station and rode home with her.
-Sometime in here Megan found out that she passed her level 2 ASL interpreter test. After over 2 years of studying and trying she passed! We were all so happy for her.
-July 8 through July 9 Ray and I went on Pioneer Trek. We had great assistants, Bishop and Lanell Stewart and could not have done it without them, our committee and Brother Beagley. We pre-cooked all the food possible and froze it. We packed up the coolers and the trailers the night before and were on the road by 5:30 the next morning. We had an amazing time. It was truly humbling to stand in the spots Ray’s great-great grandmother walked, with her children. I am so thankful for that heritage. What great faith and courage they exercised. It is a challenge for me to do the same!
-July 22 I was driving west on 700 North when I young girl ran a stop sign and hit me! It was quite a shock. I had a bowl of oatmeal on the seat by me and it went everywhere. She was driving a jacked up 4-wheel drive and drove right up on my windshield wipers! Neither on of us was hurt. A great blessing for me. I think I have angels watching over me.
-July 24, Pioneer Day, Mayor Lewis Billings presented Mom with the Mayor’s Award of Excellence at the Pioneer Day festivities at North Park. Mom was very honored. I am so glad I was there. She was not going to tell us as she did not want to "bother" us. But, she told Katie who came straight home to tell me. I called all her friends and then found out while we were doing flags that morning that the whole ward knew! It was a special experience for her.
-August 5 through August 9 I went to MIA Shalom to camp. Sarah Mulder came with me and we took Peggy Boshard as our only Young Woman. It was great fun and we had lots of special experiences. Lauren camped with us, too, but was busy with the stake.
-August 13 Katie and Josie flew in from Pittsburgh. We had such fun with them. As a surprise, Katie A. flew Nathan home on August 15 so he could go with us to the temple on the 16th. I was so surprised! I went with Megan to Salt Lake to pick up something she "forgot" and that something was Nathan! He flew home on Sunday. It was so fun to all be together. We had a barbeque in the backyard on the 16th. Mom was in on the secret and was so happy to have Nathan here.
-August 23 I took Lauren to Cedar City so she could start school. It was hard to leave her! We spent the rest of the time with Josie and Katie relaxing. Every afternoon would find mom with Josie in the backyard with the pool and sand box. The day after they left mom told me she did not know what she was going to do not seeing that baby every day! Well, she did not have to wait long because on
-September 1 mom’s heart started beating erratically and by 10 that night she had a massive blood clot and was gone! The last thing she did was to try to mail a letter to Lauren. The last hour she was alive, we visited and laughed with Megan. I love my mom so much and miss her tons. She was my best girl friend! I know the reunion she had with Dad and Margaret was wonderful and I am happy that she did not have to suffer long. We left Provo at 5 am
-September 2 to go to Cedar City so we could tell Lauren in person. Just as we were exiting the freeway a terrible noise started in the wheel. So we slowly drove to Lauren’s. We had to rent a car to get back to Provo. Early the next morning, I drove the rental back and Ray followed with the suburban pulling a trailer. We loaded the car on and about an hour north of Cedar City a tire blew out on the trailer. We stopped and changed the tire. And came on home. We found out just how blessed we were. The wheel on the car was ready to fall off due to how they fixed it after the accident. AND, the dual wheel on the trailer blew the next day. Both could have caused major injuries, true miracles!
-September 5 Nathan and Katie flew in. Josie stayed home with Granny Sherry and I am thankful she has her Granny close by.
-September 6 we had mom’s funeral. It was a wonderful service and oh so comforting to me. Nathan, Katie, Megan, Lauren, Steve Boshard and Ray all talked. Plus Megan sang and Lauren accompanied her, "I Know that My Redeemer Lives." It was beautiful. The chapel was full and many people were positively affected by mom. I cannot tell you how many different stories people told me about what she has done for them. I saw her every single day and had no idea all that she was doing. What she did for me was tons! How did she have time to do all that she did?
-October 2 Ray and I flew in to Cleveland, Ohio on our way to visit Nathan, Katie and Josie. We rented a car, got out our GPS and drove to Butler. We stay in a very nice B&B, Step Back in Time and have made good friends with the owners. We can come and go as we please and they are delightful people. While there, Nathan and Ray went shopping at Gabe’s, Ray’s favorite place to shop for clothes. On Monday we went to the Living Sanctuary animal park. Josie had a great time trying to give the animals a drink out of her sippy cup. And, just looking at the animals in general. We flew back home on October 7. I was so sad to leave Josie know how very much she would change before I would see her again.
-November 27 our first Thanksgiving in Provo without Mom. We had a quiet dinner at our house and lucky for us Joanna came to round us out to six. She brought some yummy fresh cranberry orange relish. Lauren made fat-free and fat-ful rolls that are delish! Plus, home made pies. She is quite the baker. It was a subdued day for us getting through our first holiday with out mom.
-December 21 Joyce called to tell me her mom, Ray’s Aunt Anna has just died. Aunt Anna has had congestive heart failure for a very long time. It will be hard for Joyce and our thoughts and prayers will be for her.
-December 24 found us at mom’s house for our traditional Christmas eve family get together with the Boshard’s and Strasburgs. This year we added the Doyle’s and the Muir’s. That means three babies! We are much fewer in numbers with Nathan and Katie in Pennsylvania, Jared in Southern Spain, Jenny in Northern Spain and Chris on he way to Taiwan. We still had talent, Aimee with back bends, Shelly, Aimee and Peggy with a musical number, and Brynna walking! Plus lots of good food including Pam’s traditional cheesy potato soup and Sister Muir’s Bolivian empenadas! Yummy!
-December 25 arrived with a web cam call at 7:00 a.m. from Butler. The earliest we have gotten up on Christmas morning in years. We had a wonderful hour watching Josie and talking with Nathan and Katie. Then we decided to stay up and open presents. I was very spoiled by my children who gave me just want I always wanted! Later that afternoon Joanna came over and we had a nice ham dinner. Then we played games- Katie gave us Druthers and Megan gave us Clue, the card game.
-December 29 we left home at 5:30 a.m. to drive to Blanding for Aunt Anna’s funeral. Aunt Anna is Ray’s mom’s sister and she is married to Ray’s dad’s cousin, Uncle Jack. That means they are double related. Ray has a cousin who looks quite a bit like him. They all grew up together and did everything together as families they have a lot of good memories. Aunt Anna was 84 years old.
-December 31, New Year’s Eve, we played games with Katie, Megan, Lauren and Jessica. Then they all went to the Doyle’s and Ray and I went to bed. We are truly high rollers!

What's in a name?

I like names that mean something. The summer I was a counselor at Camp Oakcrest my assigned name was Chipper and in the skit we performed each week, I was Chipper the Chipmunk. At the time, I was not fond of the name. However, 1. I have grown to be fascinated with chipmunks and like them. I even have chipmunk friends at Aspen Hills and 2. Chipper means cheerful and happy and that is what I like to be. So, I chose oakcrestchipper as my name because I like it AND I think I can remember it! Besides all the Catherine variations that I could remember were taken.

At the U of U I was in the LDS sorority Lambda Delta Sigma. It was so fun and I have tons of great memories from that time. For a University talent show we performed a medley of sunny songs-You Are My Sunshine/Keep Your Sunnyside Up/On the Sunny Side of the Street/Applause Applause. We sang and danced and I have never forgotten the routine. In fact, at one time all my children could sing and do the actions right along with me. Here are the words I remember that we sang. Isn't it interesting that I can remember the words to four songs I sang more that thirty years ago?

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know dear how much I love you Please don't take my sunsine away

Keep your sunny side up, up Hide that side that gets blue
If you have nine sons in a row Baseball teams make money you know
Keep your funny side up, up Let that laughter break through, too
Stand up on your legs, Be like two fried eggs
Keep your sunnyside up!

Grab your coat and get your hat, Leave your worries on the door step
Just direct your feet to the sunny side of the street
Can't you hear the pitter pat and that happy tune is your step
Life can be so sweet on the sunny side of the street
I used to walk in the shade with my blues on parade
But I'm not afraid, This rover, croseed over
If I never have a cent I'll be rich as Rockefeller
Gold dust at my feet on the sunny side of the street!

What is it that we're living for? Applause, applause
Nothing I know brings on the glow like sweet applause
You're thinking your through, That nobody cares
Then sufddenly you, Hear it, starting
And all at once you know again what life is for
Cares disappear soon as you hear
That happy audience roar, cause
you've had a tast of that sound that says love
Applause, applause, applause!!

Now to Catherine Marie. Catherine is the middle name of my great-grandmother Rachel Catherine Hollister Ferre and Marie is the name of my Grandma Anderson's oldest sister who died before she turned 5. Because my mom was the oldest Grand-daughter of above mentioned great grandmother, I have the little rocking chair she received as a gift the last Christmas before she died and the story is told that she never even got to sit in said rocking chair! Now beautiful dolls that belonged to my mom reside in that chair.

A new day

Since it is the new year, I am going to make an attempt at blogging. I enjoy following the goings on of those I love.

Today we made a pilgrimage to the Salt Lake City cemetary to wish my mom a Happy Birthday. We took a beautiful wreath and poinsettia to place on her grave. It added a good amount of color to an otherwise white and gray expanse. Lauren and I made the trek to the grave. Katie and Jessica waited for us in the car. After, we took a short tour of the cemetary to see some of the prophets' graves.

Then it was on to Megan's. I got on the freeway on 4th South and made the mistake of trying to go across all the lanes of traffic. Miraculously (truly!) we made it safely. We picked up Katie's jeep and Megan followed us to Sweet Tomatoes where we continued to celebrate mom's birthday. She would have enjoyed it.

Then we were off to DSW where I found a pair of shoes that feel like slippers and they are heels! Katie found a pair of shoes and a gorgeous blue handbag. I found a red one but could not bring myself to pay $30 for a purse. Although it was red and leather.

I rode back to Provo with Katie while Lauren and Jessica brought my car. We stopped at WalMart for some cold medicine for Ray. He woke up with a whopper of a cold and is absolutely miserable.

Back at home we played Skip-bo three times and not once was I jinxed and then Druthers. We laughed and laughed. I had alot of fun, I hope the girls did, too. This is the best part of being a mother, enjoying your adult children. And to think I was the one that never wanted my babies to grow up. Lucky for me my wise mom told me that yes I did. She said, "enjoy every single day." And do you know what? I did take her advice and enjoyed it all and am still having a great time!