Shower Time

Well, it's been quite a day. Switching emotional gears all day long. But we ended the day on a 'high' note. The ward had a bridal shower for Adrianne tonight and it was a lot of fun and she got nice gifts. The group gift was the knives they had registered for, and they were so excited, especially Mike. He picked them out and they'll get a lot of good use when they practice 'Iron Chef' at home!

Everyone has settled down tonight and the phone has stopped ringing. It is still such a shock that Jeaneen is gone. So unexpected. She was 76 last November. That is still young. I'm so glad she died at my parents. They loved her and got along together so well. She and Jack were going to stay in a hotel but everything is booked because of the Super Bowl. So when they were here for the family shower and temple, they decided they would stay at my mom and dad's. I'm glad she died in a home with love and people there who loved her instead of in a cold hotel room alone. The last thing she said was to my mom when they hugged good night and she told her thank you for letting them stay and for being so good to her and that she would see them in the morning. Last night, late, she and my mom stood at the kitchen counter for quite a while eating pnut butter rice krispie treats with the choc/butterscotch frosting that my mom made for her because she was coming and talking and laughing. She hadn't been sick or anything. I guess that's the way to 'go'--quietly in your sleep.

Duff flies out in the morning so he and his siblings can meet with the mortuary.

Update--

Here is a picture of Grandma Duffy with Adrianne at the family shower. She was so happy and had such a great time being here. This is one of the last pictures we have of her.

Her viewing will be on Tuesday evening, and her funeral on Wednesday in Salt Lake City. Grandma and Grandpa Davis are doing fine and so is Auntie. What a day for all of us!

I'm on my way to Adrianne's bridal shower that the ward is giving her. I'll post again later.

GRANDMA DUFFY PASSES AWAY!

We got a call this morning from Grandma and Grandpa Davis in Arizona that Grandma Duffy has died.

She and Uncle Jack were staying with them while they were visiting Deidre and her new baby and participating in his blessing on Sunday.

Grandma Sigie went in to the guest room to say good morning and Grandma Duffy didn't respond--which isn't necessarily a big deal because her apnea condensor was on and that is a bit noisy. So she walked around the side of the bed and tried to wake her up by moving her arm and she was gone. Grandma Sigie called for Grandpa and he ran down the hall and confirmed she was dead. They called 911 and Auntie and she sped over. The paramedics said she had been dead for quite some time, and they estimate that she probably passed shortly after she went to bed.

The medical examiner has just arrived and they are doing what they need to do and then will take her body.

That is all I know for now. I'll post again later.

Finals, Doctors, YW, and Wedding

Way too much going on today. Christine is in the middle of finals. (stressful for everyone!) Shaun is home doing the doctor thing and it's been a rough couple of days with that. I fought through not having a meltdown this morning about it all--just when he seems to get things stable, he has a setback--but I finally paused and had a good experience with prayer.It didn't change the outcome of anything, but it did give ME strength and peace and the ability to cope. Funny how that works. Then YW tonight for Chrissy and more wedding stuff. I'm going to bed now because I've HAD IT!!!

A Tribute From Glenn Beck

I found this in my email this afternoon. I am a Glenn Beck fan and I think his story of finding the gospel is inspiring. This is a very nice tribute from him for President Hinckley.

Stand A Little Taller

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I borrowed this from my cousin, Roberta, who borrowed it from a friend as well. But it is touching and started my morning in a very humbling and grateful way. President Hinckley has been in my thoughts constantly for his love and example. He lived what he asked us to do, and he was a champion of standing a little taller. I will always remember him for this statement. I will miss him so!

Vacuum Cleaner Mystery Solved

Last weekend when we were getting ready for the family bridal shower, Lisa was doing some vacuuming for me and she was really frustrated with my vacuum cleaner. She kept asking me what kind of piece of 'crap' vacuum I had. Then Natalie was doing some other vacuuming and she kept saying, "Mom what happened to this vacuum?"

I DON'T KNOW!!! It worked fine for me the last time I used it!!!

Well, when I was cleaning out my closet last week I realized they were right, it was TERRIBLE. I turned it over and discovered the vacuum cleaner mystery: the belt was ripped and just hanging together by a thread! I went to Lowe's, purchased a package of 2 belts for a grand total of $2.49, and came home and fixed it. Now it works like a charm!

Rain, Rain, Rain!

The rain just keeps on a-coming! Everything sure is GREEN! The canals and rivers are full. Some swift water rescues have been on the news. We are supposed to have a day off tomorrow, and I ought to try and get my rose bushes cut back and fertilized before the predicted rain returns on Wednesday!

The rain is such a blessing though. We have been in a drought and so far we have had more rain in January than we received all last year! So far--there haven't been any serious land slides, etc. in the burn areas. The rain has come, paused enough to soak in, and then started again.

Our local mountains have had LOTS of snow. 3 people lost their lives in an avalance in Wrightwood, where Auntie Tia and Uncle Bob live. The 'grapevine' pass has been closed several times as well.

We keep track of the snow in Utah because of the kids being there and the cabin. They have had so much this year. Again--very needed. We hear Midway has a TON, which we will see over the Presidents Weekend.

President Gordon B. Hinckley Passes Away!

PRESIDENT AND PROPHET GORDON B. HINCKLEY passed away this evening at 7pm MST. Duff's mom called us immediately after she heard the news. We called all the kids and the bishop told the youth at the fireside where Christine was. I knew this day would come, but when it does, somehow you are never quite prepared. I feel secure and at peace though because of my testimony that the Savior leads the church and a new prophet will be in place shortly and for the time in-between the Quorum of the 12 Apostles are in charge.

I can't help but think of the sweet reunion for him with his beloved wife, Marjorie, who died just about 4 years ago now. He was so devastated when she passed away and showed us how to go on in the face of loneliness and trial.

This is the only prophet that Christine has known so far. When she was born, the prophet was Howard W. Hunter, but he died while she was a baby. So this has shaken her up a little bit. I talked to her about how I felt when David O. McKay passed away. I was exactly her age, 13.

I remember feeling kind of scared, numb, nervous. It was also in January, and it was cold and dreary. I didn't want to go to school. I was standing over the furnace grate in the floor in our living room and remember feeling sick to my stomach. It was a time when I learned about church government and succession in the first presidency. My faith was being stretched and growing. I recall the comfort I felt from my parents reassurance that the Lord was in charge and He would call another prophet to lead us. I remember what an important time it was when we listened on the radio to the next general conference and sustained Joseph Fielding Smith as the new prophet and president of the church! That was the only way we got conference during those days in California. Several years later, we would go to the Stake Center and listen to it and another several years after that we could watch it at the SCenter. FINALLY, the local TV stations began broadcasting it. Up to two years ago when the BYU channel became availabe to us here, we were always at the mercy of a cable company to pick up conference and then send thank yous to them so they would pick it up again.

I've been thinking this evening about the prophets I've known in my lifetime so far: David O. McKay, Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee, Spencer W. Kimball, Ezra Taft Benson, Howard W. Hunter, Gordon B. Hinckley. I have a testimony of each one and the work they contributed to build the Kingdom of God here on the earth.

I have loved President Hinckley. His love was always so evident. I always kind of felt like he reached out to us as a loving grandfather would. I will miss him.

Ice Skating

I confess--I love to watch ice skating! Especially the figure skating and ice dancing. When I was a very little girl, my grandparents would take me to what was then called The Ice Capades. Now it is called Disney On Ice. They would get the tickets and we would plan for weeks. It was always a 'dress up' evening. I would wear my best Sunday dress and shoes for the show. We would alway sit as close to the ice as we could. I remember having butterflies in my tummy with anticipation on the drive there! I would fantasize about being an Olympic skater and being invited to be a part of the show! Such little girl dreams! I would always fall asleep in the back seat of their Buick Riviera on the way home.

Whenever we went to their house on Truxton Avenue in Westchester by the LA airport, we had our own coloring books and crayons in a red flowered tin. My sister and I would sit at the dining room table and color our little hearts out. My grandma bought me a Peggy Fleming color book. I was so careful to color each page as perfectly as I could. I tried extra hard to stay in the lines! Those were such happy and carefree trips to my grandma's.

I was thinking about those times as I was watching the U.S. Figure Skating Championships tonight. Yes, I still watch as many skating shows as I can. I cringe when just about anyone falls because I want everyone to do their best, unless it's the Olympics and then I root American only. Almost every year the girls and I go to the Honda Center and see Disney On Ice and Smuckers Stars on Ice.

Tonight, this young 14 year old girl skated her heart out and it was an incredible performance. She won the competition for the womens senior division her first time out. I'm sure we'll be seeing much more from her!

Good Friends

I have good friends--REALLY GOOD friends. We are two weeks out today from the wedding. This morning I had a little meeting at my house to tie up all the loose ends. It is a good friend who will come at 8:30 on a Saturday morning and volunteer to help you with a big event like a wedding reception.

I am a pretty independent, capable person. I am more often on the helping side of things. It is a harder thing to be on the receiving end and I have been very touched by so many of my friends who have OFFERED and VOLUNTEERED to help us. Everyone had so many suggestions, ideas, things that they have used and worked, and things that didn't work so we could go in another direction.

We had everything decided, divided, and assigned in 90 minutes to execute the reception. When they left to go home and do their own Saturday things, I just kept thinking how great it was that we all have different strengths, talents, ideas, minds--how wonderful diversity of 'gifts' is and how remarkable they go together when working to accomplish a mutual goal.

We covered set up, decorations, food and all that goes with that--so many details!!!--, servers, bussing tables, trash, clean up and take down, cold beverages/punch, hot beverages/hot chocolate/apple cider with mix-ins, baskets, favors. And then Patti, who is helping with the wedding gown, and my sister Sue who is an amazing florist, and Gwen who is doing all the fruit.... I could go on and on.

Needless-to-say: I AM SO LUCKY AND BLESSED, and THANKFUL!

The Closet Purge

This is NOT my closet, but it gets the point across. I do much better when things are tidy. Unfortunately, life gets in the way and things get busy and get untidy!

I do laundry on Mondays and Thursdays. Yesterday inbetween loads as I was folding, hanging, and putting away, I got an urge to go through my clothes and get rid of what is old and what I haven't worn for a year or so. I decided I needed to be really honest with myself about what needed to 'go'. I ended up with 3 trash bags ready for D.I. Can you believe that? I went through shoes, purses, etc. This morning I had Duff go through his side of the closet. Another 3 trash bags. I reorganized the shelves, cleaned up everything on the floor back to it's 'place', vacummed all the corners, baseboards, etc.

WOW!!! Can I just say how good it looks, but even better how it feels? Why did I let it go so long that way when it didn't really take all that much time to get it ship-shape? It feels sooooo good to have things tidy, gone through and organized again. I keep walking in there just to look at it and feel that 'accomplishment' feeling all over again. I'll have to do more of this throughout the house after the wedding!

Silversmithing

This is very enlightening information to think about. I know I never gave any thought to the art of silversmithing before, but sure look at it differently now after reading this. My parents got this from a friend during the holidays and I asked for a copy. Look at the picture below carefully. It is the hand of a silver smith holding steady the object with one hand and with the other hand heating it up under intense fire. Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study group and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"

He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy--when I see my image in it."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

Wet Weather Wednesday

Cold and rainy day today. It started out just chilly and a bit cloudy, but by the afternoon the wind had been blowing and the rain clouds came in and we had a pretty good storm going and it hasn't stopped. I have been so cold today and just can't seem to get warm! This is not such a bad thing...it's actually nice to feel 'cold' sometimes since I have been running 'hot' for the last several years!!! It feels good to be able to put on a sweatshirt and not have to stick my head in a freezer!!! (hahahaha!)

Christine called and wasn't feeling good, so I went and picked her up from school. She came home and got in her pj's and took a nap. I think she's coming down with what Adrianne has had, and we just had a crazy weekend so she is pretty over-tired.

We are supposed to have 7 straight days of some kind of rain. I'm excited for it! I love the rain, and we sure do need it!

Christine had her yearly interview with the Bishop tonight and then went to the Stake Beehive Night. She came home with a darling frame that she painted, did a service project for the children of the October fires, and learned the Cha-Cha-Slide!

(Had phone calls with mom, Lisa, and Sue. Actor, Heath Ledger, died yesterday. They don't know why yet. He was a good actor and I loved him in A Knight's Tale, and as Gabriel in The Patriot--TV version. He was only 28.)

"The Happiest Place On Earth"

I spent today at Disneyland. It was drizzly and in the lower 50's. So a nice, but chilly day which meant not very many people there and NO crowds to battle.

Christine's orchestra from school tried out and was selected to perform at the Carnation Plaza Gardens. It was a beautiful setting, and the orchestra was outstanding. They did such a good job. As a middle school, they play selections that many high schools do.

Here they are and Christine is front row on the stage, 2nd from left. They had a good audience in the Plaza. She didn't see me at first, but when she finally saw me in the crowd, her face just lit up and she got the biggest smile. It was 'relief' that I was there to watch her. It melted my heart--and I remembered how I felt when my mom would show up for my things. We never outgrow our need to be 'mothered'. That's a big one to ponder!

Disneyland's gardens are spectacular all year round. There were beds and beds of these tulips surrounded by alyssum. They were breathtaking.

Here they are a little closer up. The varigation in the petals was sooooo pretty. The drizzly rain and clouds just seemed to make all the colors more intense.

During the concert, my camera battery DIED! I couldn't believe it. I ignored the little voice in my head that told me last night to charge it. Oh well. Guess what though? I walked over to the Kodak Photo Shop on the corner of Main Street and asked if they had any suggestions. They told me they charge batteries for FREE. I gave them my battery, they gave me a claim ticket and told me to come back in an hour! I walked Main Street leisurely, took in the Disneyland History show with Steve Martin and Donald Duck, rode the train, and picked up my battery all charged up and ready to go! So that's a good thing to know!

Duff came over and met me for lunch and we met up with Christine and went on the Matterhorn, Pirates of the Carribean, and Thunder Mountain, and Splash Mountain. NO LINES! I found a couple new decks of cards that are different for our Nerts game collection. And then Duff and I came home around 6pm. We'll pick up Christine at the school at 9pm. Good for her that late start day is tomorrow!

Scroll Down--

I've done some catching up on this weekend! Take a look!

The ORIGINAL Pancake House

Okay--How long have we lived here, and why have I never eaten here before?????

Last night Mike and Adrianne and Josh and Mere came over to watch Casino Royale after Duff and Chrissy got back from taking Grandma Duffy and Natalie to the airport to fly back to Utah. We made popcorn and lit a fire in the fireplace. Lisa called and I went into the other room to talk to her, and when I hung up I promptly fell asleep on that sofa. I never did finish the movie and ended up going upstairs for bed. In the meantime, everyone else decided we were doing breakfast at the Original Pancake House. The kids have gone there before and we'd 'heard' about the food, but had never been. It's a good 20 minute drive, not that that's a big deal in SoCal. I just mean it's not 'locally close'.

I woke up at 8:35 and we had to meet the kids at Mike's at 9! Remember, I was not in on the planning. Time to throw on sweats, brush the teeth, run a brush through my hair and go! In my 'younger' years, I would have never left the house like that. There are some really good things that come with growing a bit 'older'! Flexibility and spontaneity. Luckily, I was happily surprised as quite a few customers came straight from bed as well! Duff, Christine, Adrianne, and Christian were all in p.j.'s too.

Let me tell you--the food is amazing! It is a small restaurant--seating for 100 only. No frills. But unbelieveable food and plenty of it. When we got there, the line to get in was all the way outside and around the parking lot! Now I know why! They say the wait is about 1 hour at any time!

We all got something different and there was not one bad item. This is DEFINITELY a new favorite. When we were seated, who should be working there, but Kyle Langenheim! He grew up in our ward as a youth and hung out at our house. He used to come by for Sunday dinners regularly. He took his break and came and sat with us and we got all caught up. We're going to keep in better touch with him. Such a great guy! What a nice way to start the day!

Happy Birthday Adrianne!

Happy Birthday To You,

Happy Birthday To You,

Happy Birthday, Dear Adriannie--

Happy Birthday TO YOU!!!!

What a great day! The day you were born! Thanks for loving Mike and letting us be a part of your life. We love you and hope you have a F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C day!

Love, Mom and Dad, Josh and Mere, Nats, Shaun, Christine, and Darla (she's giving you 'teeth'!)

J.T. Is 5 Today!!!!

You've Had A Birthday:

Shout HURRAY!

We Want To Sing To You Today--

One Year Older And Wiser Too--

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!

We love you Johnny and send all our love and happiness for a wonderful birthday. We hope you had fun on your trip!

Love, The Duffy's (and Darla too!)

Sunday

Lisa, Mom and Dad, and Gwen all left for the drive back to Arizona this morning around 10am. Duff left before them for meetings, and the rest of us jumped in the showers so we could get to church by 11.

Came home, and warmed up all the leftovers from the shower last night, made a salad, and ate dinner by 3pm. Cleared off the dining room table and took Grandma Duffy, Nats, and Josh and Mere to see Mike and Adrianne's apartment and also to get all the shower presents there.

Came home, did up the dishes, Duff and Christine drove Gma Duffy and Nats to the airport. When they got back, the kids came back over and we watched Casino Royale, made popcorn, and had a fire in the fireplace. Auntie called and I went into the other room where I promptly fell asleep after I hung up the phone.

All in all a great day--good messages at church, good dinner, and good family time!

Family Bridal Shower for Adrianne

Last night was the family bridal shower for Adrianne. It is a Traditions shower. Each family member/guest brings a gift that reflects a family tradition that the couple can continue or 'tweak' to make their own. The most important organization to Heavenly Father is the FAMILY. Everything we do in the gospel leads to the temple where families are sealed forever. Traditions can be good to support the family and bond us together. Sometimes traditions need to be changed if they aren't working anymore, and that's okay. Each family has to find what works for them.
The 'sign in' table! When family members arrive, they sign their name to the small slip of cardstock, and then take the larger one and write down their tradition with a little history of it: how it came to be, how they carry it on now, etc. There is a great book (on the table from DBook) about traditions that we give to the bride. I take a picture of each guest with the bride and then make a scrapbook for her with their picture, the tradition and their signature on each page. Obviously not everyone can come, so many mail their traditions in time for the party. We sure appreciate their love and support!

We have appetizers while the guest are arriving and then dinner on the china together. Oh it is so fun to reconnect with and meet new family members!

One of the pretty flower arrangements that Gwen did. Also the tile that Mike and Adrianne got for Christmas.

The kitchen table set and ready to go. The signs all have quotes and sayings about love and marriage. We had them scattered around the house everywhere.

The living room is filling up with lots of 'traditions'! Can't wait to see what is unique to each person!

To start off the gift giving, I give a short talk on the importance of family traditions and then as Adrianne opens each gift, the giver either reads their card or tells about the tratition they brought. It is such a happy time to hear everyone share their feelings and perspectives. We can be laughing one minute and crying the next. Here is Heidi (Duff's cousin) having her turn. She chose playing games and brought a basket with all kinds of board games! We had some good giggles as she told about playing games in their family!

Alisa, one of Adrianne's sisters telling about the tradition of first day of school pictures and having breakfast for dinner on Sundays.

Grandpa made it known early on that he was 'put out' that 'the MEN' weren't invited to the shower. So he went and got a gift anyway and had to have his picture taken with the bride. Isn't her top cute? "Wifey". He got them everything for a medicine cabinet/drawer. Good idea Grandpa--he always was the 'ouchey-fixer' when I was growing up!

The two daughters-in-law so far. Adrianne and Meredith--How did we get so lucky to have you both???!!!

The MEN leaving for their night on the town, while we LADIES get to party at home! They went to the Trabuco Oaks Steak House for a leisurely dinner. It's a fun place in the canyon--small and built around and through several large oak trees. If you come in wearing a tie, they cut it off and hang it on the walls!

The tratitions begin! Her sweet mom is sitting next to her. Hmmm...wonder what's in this box?

Ann and Jan (Duff's twin sisters) send the tradition of soft sugar cookies with a recipe that's been in Duff's family forever, and it IS the best one I have ever found. They have cookie cutters and all the tools and the Watkins vanilla for them. Ann is also a fabulous seamstress and makes holiday pillowcases. With a name like Duffy, St. Patricks Day was a given!

A beautiful Family Bible from her mom. She was so excited because she was really hoping she could begin this for her own family.

A darling apron with a cute poem about wearing aprons. I like that aprons are making a comeback.

We finished off the night with a mini-wedding cake. Adrianne doing the honors on the first slice. Getting a little practice in for the 'big day'!

There were so many great traditions passed on: angel food cake w/ pans, mix, and glaze recipe--Christmas Trifle with bowl and recipe--homemade crocheted potholders started by a great-grandma and now done by a grandma--homemade ice-cream freezer with scoop and recipes--sugar and spice canisters w/ snickerdoodle recipe in the sugar one and lingerie in the 'spice' one (very cute)--Countdown to Christmas story/music/game binder--Sunday tablecloth and napkins--cookie press with sheet and spatulas for Christmas tree cookies--"Egg Gravy" history, utensils, etc.--hand crafted topiaries to decorate with--scrapbooking supplies for vacation pictures--board games--aprons and holiday pillowcases.

CONGRATULATIONS ADRIANNE.

( A BIG shout-out of love and thanks to Lisa, Gwen, Mom Duffy, my Mom, Natalie, Christine, and Meredith for all their help!!!!)

Adrianne and The Temple

NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA TEMPLE

Tonight we spent in the temple with Adrianne as she went through to receive her own endowment. It was peaceful and beautiful. A wonderful spirit and feeling. She was glowing inspite of being VERY sick with a horrible cold and cough. She ended up staying home from work today so she could 'rest up' before going to the temple and that was a wise decision.

We went to dinner before at Wood Ranch BBQ and Grill. It was great, except I got sick 1/2 way through dinner with a stomach thing. My mom had been sick with a stomach flu 'bug' the day before and still wasn't feeling very good and now it was my turn. I couldn't believe this was happening! I prayed so hard that the Lord would bless me to rally so I could attend the temple. My mom couldn't make it and ended up going back to our house to bed, but I decided to 'try' it. I think I prayed the whole way there! I wasn't the greatest, but made it through and it was wonderful.

CONGRATULATIONS, ADRIANNE!

(Attended: Ward Davis, Lisa Tucker, Cindy Duffy, Don Duffy, Mike Duffy, Josh Duffy, Meredith Duffy, Shaun Duffy, Gwen Evans, Jeaneen Duffy, Diana Robertson, Liz (Adrianne's grandma). )

Christmas Clean-Up Is Complete!

Christmas is FINALLY down. Lisa and my mom just pitched right in and things were done in a flash. What would I do without them??? It was sooo nice to have their help since I have been busy with the wedding and hadn't got it all put away. Dad put the boxes away in the garage while Duff was at the office and lickety-split it is done for another year!

What's New Pussycat? Whoa, Whoa, Whoa...

My sister, Lisa, and my mom and I went over to BBBeyond this afternoon so I could get some new sheets for our new bed. Since Mike moved out this week, we took our CalKing bed and moved it downstairs to the guest room and got a regular King for us. The jury is still out on how we like it vs. the CalKing......

While we were browsing along, my mom and I all of a sudden heard Tom Jones music and someone singing. We pushed our carts out to the aisle, and what do we see??? Lisa is singing AND dancing to Tom Jones! You know those kiosks they have where you can pick a sample song to a CD and if you like it you can buy it? Well, there she was going through the songs and got into Tom. I thought we were going to 'die laughing'! We went throught the whole kiosk and I even succombed and bought one from the Temptations. Boy, did THAT bring back memories from my youth! We cranked up the stereo in the car all the way home and sang at the top of our lungs! How old are we? As young as we feel!!!!!!!

Temple and Family Shower

My company starts arriving tomorrow morning and I'm NOT ready! Adrianne goes to the temple on Friday, Meredith is modeling her wedding gown in the YW fasion show finale on Saturday morning, and then Saturday night is the Family Bridal Shower that I am hosting! Do you think I could possibly squeeze anymore in in 3 days time?????

I am still taking down the rest of Christmas!!!!Aaahh!

It will be so wonderful though, so I just keep thinking that! My parents, Duff's mom, Lisa, Gwen, Natalie, and Shaun are all coming in for the 'festivities'. The food is done, the dessert done, I just have to get this house DONE. Guess I'll be up late tonight!!!!

Moving Day!

It's about 3:15pm and I'm pooped already and still have lots to get done. But today has been moving day for Mike and Adrianne into their first apartment! She has had to work all morning, so Mike and I went and got everything IN and at least have all the boxes in the right rooms so Adrianne can go over tonight and work her 'magic' setting up and getting things ready for all the wedding gifts. The cable guy came and so that's all done too.

Boy she is quick! As soon as a gift comes, she has a box of thank you cards and sits down and writes it out, puts a stamp on it and in the mail it goes.

Mike will stay there from here on out. They are just about 15-20 minutes away and that will be fun to have them close.

Now they are off this afternoon to get their marriage license. Gosh, it is ALMOST here!

Hallelujah, I Found It--

Whew! I went this afternoon to 'mother-of-the-groom-dress' shop. Again--I am NOT a shopper! I do not get warm fuzzies from dress shopping. That's probably a good thing for my pocketbook, huh? Anyway, but it had to be done for this special occasion, right? Last week I made an appointment to go to David's Bridal in Costa Mesa for today. I was nervous but very impressed. When I called I told them kind of what I was looking for, my price range, size, colors, etc. When I got there they had someone assigned and ready for me. She took me to all the racks and showed me everything available and then took me to a dressing room where she had selections all ready to try on based on the information I had given her. In 30 minutes, I had a dress with NO alterations and I was back in the car on my way home! Not to mention the BEST part, was that it was from the 50% off rack. In fact it was such a good deal that I even had to ask if they were sure it was that price! So I got a gorgeous dress that I CAN wear again to business functions with Duff, at an unbelieveable price! There was nothing light blue this time of year, and the black was too sheer, so I decided on this silvery/gray/glittery.

Happy Birthday Mutti, Mother, Madre, Mom!

Happy Birthday To You

May God Bless You

Happy Birthday Dear Mutti, Mother, Madre, Mom--

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

(39 and counting, right?)

We LOVE you and hope you have had the best day ever! Can't wait to see you this weekend for the temple and the family bridal shower! We'll have so much fun together!

(This cake just looks totally like you, except that I know you'd rather have cream puffs or a blueberry cheesecake...)

Shhhhhh.....

Tonight I went with Adrianne and her mom to Patti's house so she could make a couple of dart alterations on her wedding dress. She put it on and looks absolutely GORGEOUS in it. She just radiates. It is a beautiful dress and she is very happy with it. Patti is going to also make a long sleeved shrug with faux fur around the neckline and the bottom of the sleeves for her to wear that night at the reception so she won't be cold. Patti is so talented--she's going to make it so it will keep Adrianne warm, but not cover up any of the beautiful bodice of the dress. Very clever! THANKS Adrianne for inviting me to come along.

Worked on visiting teaching with the RS president this afternoon. It's nice to get my feet wet with this new calling. I will enjoy it.

Off to bed. Good day today.

Such A Small Thing..

We arrived at Stake Conference yesterday morning and got a row in the cultural hall about 5 rows from the BACK! We were even early, if you can believe it! I noticed a friend of mine and her family sitting on the very back row of chairs. She and I went to high school together even though we were in different wards and stakes. We danced in dance festivals together. One of the advantages to growing up in the 'mission field' was that our circle of LDS friends was very large and we stuck together. When we moved here 14 years ago, she was in our ward. Neither one of us have moved, but with the growth, the ward boundaries have changed a lot and now we are in different parts of the stake.

My first thought was to smile and nod hello and sit in my seat. I don't know why, but I didn't even put my bag down and walked over to her and she put her arms out and we hugged. I asked her how she was doing. Her response to me was not all that well, and she had gotten Mike's wedding invitation in the mail the day before and was happy for him. I sat down next to her. She began pouring out her heart to me. She has had many struggles. Especially with 4 or her 6 children.

The conference started. My seat in the row with my family was now taken, so I stayed where I was. She continued to talk. She NEEDED to have someone listen and she needed someone to understand. Without judgment. She has been feeling like she can't go on. That Sunday is the worst day of the week for her because she had to come to church and face everyone elses 'perfect' families who are 'living the dream' and her dream has been broken. She has been becoming more withdrawn. I put my arm around her and held her hand and let her whisper all her discouragement to me. There were tears, from her and me. We sat that way for most of the meeting taking encouragement from the words of the speakers.

When it was over and she left, she told me that she could face another week. That I had given her hope because I understood from my own personal experiences with my own children. My heart was touched that I could help someone in this way. I so often felt as she did and didn't know who I could turn to. I'm grateful she could turn to me, and that my adversities and what I continue to learn have been for some good.

It was such a small thing to go to say hi to her instead of sitting down in my chair. I'm glad I followed the prompting. I too was strengthened. I need to do that more often.

Another Birthday for Erik!

HAPPY Birthday To You-

Happy BIRTHDAY To You-

Happy Birthday Dear ERIK-

Happy Birthday TO YOU!

We love you and hope you have an outrageous day today on your 15th birthday! Gosh time flies--I remember when you were born! Are you getting your drivers permit soon????

Satellite Stake Conference

Awesome, Awesome!

Elaine Dalton-1st counselor in YW General Presidency:

• I need to DOUBT NOT. FEAR NOT!
• Visualize the 'eternal' Finish Line
• 1st Samuel: He who honors God, HE will favor. Told story of Steven Lye from Singapore and his choice to run a marathon on Sunday.

Whitney Clayton:

• Study the baptismal covenant
• Keep commandments with better devotion
• Better family prayer and FHE

Robert D. Hales:

• Family Preparedness (due to all the fires, economy, drought, floods)
• Modest expenditures
• Tithing
• Temple
• Self reliance vs. Self sufficiency. We need both, but self reliance is what we are after.
• Food, water, financial, long term storage. In that order. Start small and progress to larger, but START.

President Hinckely:

• Enjoy the journey of marriage. Companionship is essential. You are an example to your children and posterity.
• 4 cornerstones to build your marriage and family:
• 1--Mutual Respect: RESPECT DIFFERENCES. They actually add to the well-roundedness and balance of a relationship. ANXIOUS CONCERN for one's sweetheart/companion. LOOK FOR VIRTUES. There are so many more than the quirks. Focus on them.
• 2--Soft Answer: Be slow to anger/response. Act don't react. Pause. Use a quiet voice. Peaceful voice.
• 3--Financial: Pay your tithes and offerings first. This act of FAITH and OBEDIENCE will bring the Lord's blessings. Counsel together on bills, purchases. Decide together and don't spend until you are both on the same page.
• 4--Family Prayer: most problems would not ever happen if we prayed every morning and night as a family. And when problems do arise, they will be handled and resolved better because you are involving the Lord in them.

This was our 2nd satellite conference and I enjoyed it much better than the first one. I really felt like the messages were for me/us and our area. I had tender feelings when President Hinckley stood to speak. He is much older, frailer, quieter, than at Oct. conference. I know he is a prophet of God and my testimony of living prophets was strengthened.

Stake Conference--

...so things are busy around here today. Stay tuned....

Until Duff had this calling, I had no idea how much thought and preparation and work goes into a Stake Conference. Meetings, prayer, meetings, prayer, meetings, phone calls, phone calls, agendas, binders, music, music, food (there are always at least 4 sessions and the presidency has to eat sometime!), set up, clean up, parking, audio visual, etc.

It was a great conference tonight. There was a priesthood leadership meeting from 3-5pm, and then starting at 5:30, the In-N-Out truck came and set up in the parking lot to serve dinner to all the adults in the stake. So we had Double/Doubles, chips, and a beverage choice of water or sodas. Then the stake RS had desserts to choose from. This is the 2nd year we have done this and it is very successful. It affords the adults 2 hours of time to eat and socialize with each other. We don't often get the time to do that. Then we have the conference session from 7:30-9:30pm.The messages were timely and well thought out:

• Kindness and how we talk/act to each other. Are we keeping our baptismal covenants and truly bearing each others burdens, mourning, and standing as a witness of God at ALL times, ALL things, ALL places??? And so in light of this, how are we making use of the time alloted to us?
• We are here to be CHANGED. So are we living our lives like the movie "Groundhog Day", or are we making sure we are changing ourselves???
• We go to church by geography. The design in this is to refine us by learning how to support, get along with, forgive, teach, help, others. We also recognize the weaknesses in ourselves and work to change them. We do not ward or Bishop or organization or president 'shop'. This is the Lord's way.
• How are our 'hearts'? Amulek in Ammonihah: He hardened his heart. The spirit had reached after him and he knew it, and then he recognized that he had rejected (resisted) it. How do I do in situations where I know the spirit has reached out to me? Do I act on it or resist it?????
• Gifts: Deny not the gifts of God. They are to profit us. Read Moroni 10 and D&C 46. Memorize these gifts. Seek the gift that I NEED. Seek the best gifts for ME.

We had a brother who talked about his re-activation after not being involved for over 10 years and the circumstances that brought him back. He was so humble and candid. He talked about getting his feelings hurt, and then how he became complacent. In the end, though he endured many hardships, he did find his way back and then baptized his wife. You could feel his gratitude for the atonement and repentance. I think we all paused for a moment to assess where we might be at with complacency in our lives.

Tomorrow our ward is assigned to go from 10am-noon. It will be a satellite broadcast with President Hinckley as the concluding speaker. I'm looking forward to it.

Duff will sleep well tonight. The first day is done!

(side note: Duff left for the church around 2pm to make sure everything was set up and ready to go. At 2:55pm President Woffinden still wasn't there. He made a call to him. He said, "President, are you okay?"--Arlen has been sick with a bad cold--He said, "Yes, I'm sitting here on my couch going over my talk. Why?" "Well, it's 5 to 3, and..." All of a sudden Arlen said, "Oh! We changed the meeting to 3! Start without me. I'm on my way!" So the presidency had a prayer, left the office and went to the stand and started the meeting. About 20 minutes later, Arlen walked in and sat down. When it was his turn to talk, he stood and explained why he was late. I love that about him. He could've said nothing, he could've made up an excuse, but he just let everyone know he was sitting there in his jeans and a t-shirt as human as we all are and completely forgot the time. The leadership meeting went off without a hitch!)

Super-Mex

I've discovered lately that the cable company has some great music channels. Today I was in the mood for some light classical. It was inspiring and soothing as I did laundry and cleaned, cleaned, and cleaned, and picked up, and sorted through 10 days worth of mail, paperwork, and wedding details.

Christine went babysitting at 5:30 for the Green's, and Duff and I decided we would go grab some dinner at one of our FAVORITE mexican food restaurants: Super-Mex.

Now Super-Mex is the 'real' deal. A husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Orozco, started it in 1974 on First Street in Long Beach, CA. I remember going there. It is truly nothing more than a 'hole-in-the-wall' place. Folding tables and folding chairs with no frills. They became successful enough that they decided to try another place on Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach. This site is right on the beach, and again, tiny and no frills. BUT--the food is to die for! Over the years they now have 12 locations and all of them are family owned and operated. They don't open another one unless the family can do it. They are only open from 11am to 9pm---yes that's right, they close promptly at 9pm every night. That's how good it is. They don't need to stay open any later than that. And so the line to get in will wrap down the sidewalk.

Hot, fresh tortilla chips with fresh salsa, and very basic, straightforward entrees or ala cartes. Burritos, enchiladas, tacos, chile rellanos, tamales. You can make any combination you want.

Mike and Adrianne decided to join us and we had a nice, casual evening. A great ending to a good day of getting things done.

Elephant Entree!

There's a lot to be said for having a regular day. You know--a day when you just get a lot of regular things done and it feels good. That was my day today.

• Worked on Bridesmaid dresses for the girls.


• Made progress with my dress for the wedding.


• Got the invitations for the family shower made and mailed.


• Yearly gyn appointment (highlight of the day, NOT)


• Grocery store


• Dinner


• Beds


• Laundry


• Phone Calls returned from while we were gone


• Purchased Adrianne's gift for the family shower.


• Got the car washed. It was VERY dirty from the trip!

Tomorrow I'm hoping to get some of the Christmas decorations taken down and put away. Usually that would really bother me, but I'm taking it in stride this year. You can only eat an elephant one bite at a time! Too bad we don't learn that earlier in our lives!

Off to bed. Good Day.

Wedding Wednesday!

The wedding is a month from TODAY! So today Adrianne and I worked on more addresses and details. Boy, there is so much to do for a wedding! I still have to find a dress. I'm not a big fan of clothes shopping--never have been really. Most of the invitations are sent now, just a few we had to find addresses for, but those will go out tomorrow. Order the linens for the tables, confirm flowers and centerpieces, firm up the food.

We just had dinner, Christine is off for YW, and Adrianne just left for an interview with her bishop for her temple recommend. She is so excited.

Tomorrow I send out the invitations for the family shower. I can't wait! It will be so much fun!

Merry Christmas for New Years

What a surprise we found when we arrived at the cabin! Nicole (the gal who helps us with the remodeling and decorating) had left a darling gift basket for Christmas for us. So we got to enjoy it for New Years. She filled it full of Christmas Traditions that her family enjoys so we could enjoy them too. I think we found a few new things we just might incorporate!

Here are the girls building a Gingerbread House. Do you know that I have never done this with my kids? They had so much fun doing it.
Here is the finished product from the front. Not bad for a first time!
And here is a view from one of the sides. I have to say: Mike and Adrianne made one this year on Christmas Day, and it sure looked like a lot of fun. We'll definitely have to repeat this. Hmmm....anyone in the family up for a contest next year?

(We also had some heavenly brownies, Merry Christmas Bingo--so darling--, and the Elf onThe Shelf book and elf. We had never heard of that before either. Quite liked it all! THANKS NICOLE!)

XM Radio--Shout Out!

I want to give a 'shout-out' to XM radio! As I was driving yesterday, it was wonderful to have practically any choice of stereo radio to listen to! Between that and the ipod, Christine and I were styling! At one point we got a call from Josh and Duff who wanted to know what was going on in our car because they saw arms waving and heads rocking. We had to tell them we were singing and dancing to some High School Musical and Jonas Brothers tunes from Radio Disney! You KNOW it's good if you get reception ALL the way through the Virgin River Gorge!

Holy Mackeral--We're Finally Home!

I didn't even get a post in yesterday and today we drove all day. But we are back home safely in California and tired from the drive.

"Good-bye Midway!" This was pretty much the scene as we left, even though I took this picture on Saturday. Sunday, we got another 12 " of snow on top of this! But this is the view looking back as we leave.

We waited until late morning so the plow could get up and clean the road up as best he could, and we could spiff up with last minute cleaning. This was quite a 'doozy' of a storm--we had tons of snow from Midway all the way to Hurricane and a little bit to St. George! That usually never happens! But the roads cooperated and the drive went smoothly. Christine, Darla, and I drove in the Denali, and Duff and Josh drove in the Honda. We were just as packed up for the drive home as the drive up because we were bringing all Adrianne's boxes back with us from when she lived in Utah. So both cars were FULL!

It is always good to get away, but always good to get home too! I LOVE the snow, but I have to admit--it was wonderful to see the sun and green trees and grass!

I Just Learned Something New By Accident!

If you click on a picture, it will enlarge it for a better view! I thought I had to know some computer trick to do that, but no--I accidently clicked on a picture and surprise! it suddenly was bigger. Wow--how about that!

So scroll on down and click on the snow pictures and you can see just how hard it has been snowing!

Jack Frost and MORE Snow!

We are still in Utah and snowed in here at the cabin. Remember when you were a little kid and you'd go on a winter vacation and 'hope' you'd get 'snowed in' so you could go back to school and tell everyone about your adventure? Well, it really happened! We got 15" of snow yesterday and 12" so far today and still snowing! The snowplow hasn't been able to get to our street since yesterday mid-day. We got an email a couple of hours ago from the HOA telling us not to try and travel anywhere because the roads are too snowy and icy and all they've done all day is pull cars out of ditches and snowbanks from sliding everywhere!
Josh and Shaun in the middle of shoveling the deck out back. They could give Jack Frost in the Santa Clause 3 a run for his money! By the time they were done, their hair was frozen in place. Probably should have worn a hat....but we are southern Californians and not too smart about such things. We are learning! What my camera didn't capture is how hard it is snowing. Notice how the background is completely white--total snow storm.

Some of the pine trees in the front. We had a little break where it slowed down for a while so I ventured to take Darla out and snapped a few pictures.

This is one of the pines by the south/east/upper driveway. Yeah, a LOT of snow!

Now this is a picture of the snow out of the master bedroom window. There is a deck here and the snow is over the window ledge and flowing over the deck railing which is about 4 feet high and you can't even see it! Crazy amount of snow!

Another view of the snow from out of our bedroom window. Kind of the same view but from a little different angle.

And of course, here is a photo I couldn't resist of Darla cozy as can be on the futon in the computer loft. I called to her and she wasn't interested in the least to move. She turned her head as if to say: why are you bothering me? I'm so relaxed and comfy. How dare you! She is still there. Now if I go downstairs she will follow me. When she went 'out' this morning, the snow was up to her back. She took a step off the porch and got a surprise as she sunk down!

We couldn't get out to go to church today, so we had our own 'service' here. We read and discussed Elder Hales talk about Personal Revelation from the November Ensign. It was a good lesson with the five of us. I made stroganoff for dinner, and we have the fireplace going and the candles lit. We'll watch the 10 o'clock news and see what the forecast is for tomorrow and see where we go from there!

(journal: I'm the new VT Coordinator. The report is due tomorrow and I've been trying to work on it long distance. Also, it is my brother, Greg's, 50th birthday today. He has a lot of problems and issues in his life and has distanced himself from our family members for many years. I wonder what he is doing today and hope he can find some happiness in his life at some point. I love him and hope that someday maybe in the future I can celebrate with him.)