Safety

Today was our ward conference.  I have always liked and looked forward to ward conference.  I like the messages, the talks, the stake leaders visiting.  I like that the bishop gets an opportunity to give a talk and give us counsel collectively.

It was all good, but fast forward to Relief Society.

The stake RS president--who is the kindest woman ever--told of her process to learn and deliver the message the Lord wanted.  She squared her shoulders and said:

" The stake has a problem.  The sisters do not feel safe in this room."

Then she talked about the whys and how to fix them so that every single sister in every single situation and circumstance could feel safe and the bonds and unity of Relief Society.

It struck a chord with me.  I have --on occasion-- been one of those who has not felt safe.  Her remarks have caused me to think and hope that I have not been one who has said, acted, or done something to make another not feel safe.

We are all fighting some sort of battle.  Difficult times are upon us, and they should be.  These are the 'last days'.  I've often pondered a verse of the hymn, Lord, I Would Follw Thee. 
"In the quiet heart is hidden sorrows that the eye can't see." 

She asked us to pray for and develop Charity.  I am going to try and be better at this. 

Adrianne Saved My Bacon!

Remember these?  From last November?  The pillowcases for the Orangewood Home.

OMG!  I opened a closet and there they were.  15 that I took home to finish and forgot about!

Ice-pick in the forehead time.  How did I forget that?  Oh yeah.  I was cleaning up and stuck them in a closet and FORGOT.

Adrianne saved my bacon.  She got out her sewing machine and between the two of us we cranked them out.  She got a lot of practice on applique and when I finished the last one it was a load off my shoulders.

I can turn them in tomorrow.

Switching gears:  Shaun and Josh were on TV last night at the Celtics/Clippers game at the Staples Center!  Adrianne and I went and did the weekly marketing.  Yep.  Saturday at Albertsons and we saw friends from the ward.  Mike made his fajitas and Duff got home with good reports.  BYU beat SDSU in San Diego in basketball.  It was a super-hyped game and determined the conference champions and seeding for the playoffs.  Meredith and Chris went shopping at the mall.  Darla layed by the fire.

Puddles

I went for my walk this morning.  It was much colder than I anticipated.  I am realizing that I don't run as 'hot' as I used to!  I seem to be colder more often.  Hmmm.  What could that mean?  Nearing the 'end' of that lovely peri-menopausal phase perhaps?  Hallelujah!

When I left the sun was shining.  Very cool breeze.  I was alone with my thoughts (and I always have a lot of them) and didn't notice the sun had disappeared.  Then I felt it.  The predicted rain storm was starting.  Yikes.  I was only half done.  Turned around to go home, but even at that, by the time I got home I was drenched. 

At first I was annoyed.  But then I let go of that and found that I was laughing and enjoying my fate of the rain in my face and dripping off my eyelashes and nose and chin and fingertips.  I must have been a site to anyone driving by.  Oh well.

I even jumped in a puddle!  Hah!  I'm still as young as I feel, right?!

(Duff is in Utah.  Poor guy.  We just left and he was only home two days, but it was a last minute business meeting he had to be at and when they call you go.  Christine is out with friends for Emily's birthday and earlier had a lax tourney.  I ended up not going because my throat is threatening again.  Could it be the little escapade in the rain this morning???  I made a fabulous new recipe for a weekday pot roast.  We all decided it is a keeper.  Easy! And served with some hot buttered, parslied noodles.  Hit the spot.  Mike put a fire in the fireplace and it is a cozy night.)

Beeper--Another Chicken Story

I was in 6th grade.  My science teacher was Mr. Kilduff.  I remember he was a sharp dresser and had jet black hair and he was a strict, demanding teacher.  He expected a lot, but I learned a lot.

I was one of a group of 6 that he had picked to do a special science project.

 We ordered fertilized eggs and put them in an incubator in the classroom and followed their progress every day.  We monitored the temperature.  We rotated and turned them. We had binders and recorded all our observations.

 Every afternoon, we met at the back table and took turns cracking open an egg to see the different stages of development.  We put them in petrie dishes with formaldahyde for preservation.  I can still see everything about it vividly.  We wrote down every detail.

 At 21 days, the remaining ten eggs started to crack and hatch!

It was absolutely fascinating to be a part of this.  They were like our 'babies' after 3 weeks!  A few died, and the rest were divided between us 6 group members to take home as our reward (along with an A for our science grade!)

 My chick was beautiful.  She was the sick one with lots of diarrhea and I nursed her back to health.  I was very attached to Beeper.  She loved to 'beep, beep' all day long.  My dad took a cardboard box and fitted it with an extension cord and a light bulb to keep her warm.

She grew up and I would give her some roaming time in the backyard. 

One Saturday my neighborhood friend, Sheree Bodoff, came over.  I was in the backyard with Beeper keeping an eye on her and Sheree came out to see me through the kitchen door. 

Our brown Dachshound, Gretchen, ran out as fast as she could.  Gretchen ran right to Beeper and clamped her tightly in her mouth, turned and carried her straight back into the kitchen and took her to her bed under the desk.  She was very proud of her kill.  Bit Beeper right through the heart.  At least the death was instant.

I was beside myself with grief.

I cried and cried and swore my hatred to our beloved family dog (who was just following her instincts).  I was unforgiving to my friend who opened the door.

We had a funeral and buried Beeper in the backyard.  I forgave Gretchen and loved her till the day she died.  I also forgave my friend, Sheree.  Sometimes mistakes just happen and our friendship was more important than this mistake.

I had good parents who helped me talk about and learn from it.

Childhood.



Whitey

When my dad was around 7 years old, he had a white chicken as his pet.  He named her 'Whitey'.  He loved her with all his heart and looked forward every day to coming home after school at Fishburn Avenue Elementary to play with her.  She knew as soon as he got home and came out to the yard.  She would squat down indicating that she wanted him to pick her up.

He carried her all around his home on 55th St. in Maywood, California.  She listened to all his little boy tales and dreams.

One day he came home from school and couldn't find her.  He called and called.  He went in for dinner and there on the table was a meal of chicken.  He realized that 'Whitey' was on the table. He couldn't eat and ran to his room crying.  His beloved pet was gone.  Times were hard in 1938, and his parents did what they needed to.

Oh!  Life's lessons.

Journey

Our drive home was okay.

Cold, and pretty.  When you make this drive on the end side of a holiday it is vital to leave early enough to not get stuck in the traffic going out of Vegas to California.  If you don't, you can spend more hours in that traffic than your drive would take!

We needed to stop in St. George at Uncle Rodneys.  He was having problems with his computer, and wanted Duff to help him.

 The view from his backyard.

The snowy mountains in the background were gorgeous.

He and Marci have these really cool solar light balls.  I wished I could have seen them at night.  I bet they are very pretty.

We did not get stuck in the Vegas traffic!  But to our dismay, in-between Jean and Primm it was at a standstill.  That is where the highway goes from 3 lanes to 2.  It is at the state line of Nevada and California. C'mon California!  Add another lane.  And then we were cruising along and who could have predicted that Cajon Pass would come to a halt.  Aha.  All the ski traffic from the mountains.  There was significant snow in the local mountains over the weekend. The signs kept blinking that it would be a 2 hour wait.  We got out of there just in time!

I went with Shaun and we both got our cars washed.  Poor Denali.  It didn't even look black.  It was so dirty from all the snow, etc.  The worker at the car wash couldn't believe what it looked like on the outside. 

Natalie is taking the bar exam today and tomorrow.  We are praying for her.  She has studied as good and as much as she could.  She usually tests well, but there is no way to tell or know with this exam.  She is tired and says her brain is mush.  She had to write 12 essays today.  30 minutes for each one.  My brain would be mush too.  I remember when Josh and Robert were going through this.  It's hard on Mom's too!  You can do it, Nats!

Pillow Top

This is a pillow top I have been working on.  I will make a Christmas pillow from it.  I started it on January 17th, while I was sitting in the waiting room of the hospital while Shaun was having his hernia surgery.  I finished it in the car while we were driving home today.  I like how it turned out.  I hope I can find the fabric I have in my mind.  You know how it is when you see something in your head?  I probably won't make it into the pillow until the fall when the holiday fabric comes back out.  And yes, I will iron all the wrinkles out!

New Sign

As we drove in to the neighborhood, we were greeted with a beautiful new sign.

Our HOA dollars at work.

It is still snowing!

Shane brought Christine to our 1/2 way meeting point.  There was a terrible accident in Provo Canyon with a big-rig that jack-knifed in the bad weather and closed down the canyon in both directions for a while.  She doesn't quite know how to feel nor how to express it.  We talked some about her time with Taylor.  She just wanted hugs when she first got home.  In spite of keeping a positive outlook the future is uncertain.  I can see her faith being strengthened.  That being said, it is a big life experience for anyone, especially a teenager.  She had a great time with him.  They talked a lot.

Snowy Day to Stay In

We woke up to beautiful snow.  Everywhere you look it is white.  It is still.  It is peaceful.  Duff and I just stayed in all day.  It was nice to just be the two of us.  We don't often get that.

Went into town late afternoon to get a few groceries to tide us over until Monday.  Had good dinner and good conversation together.

It hasn't stopped snowing ALL day.  Big, beautiful flakes piling up everywhere.  Perfect weather to stay in.  I've been making a lot of progress on my embroidery project.  Almost done!

A Look At Friday, February 18th, 2011

We slept in.  It felt so good.
In the afternoon we went down the canyon for Christine's surgery consultation.
Dr. N is a dear friend that lived in our ward until last year when they moved to Provo Canyon.  He has taken out all the kids wisdom teeth, given scout physicals, and been a great friend.  Duff was their home teacher for many years.
When we found out Chris had to have jaw surgery, not only did the 'new' orthodontist recommend Dave, but we already knew he was who we wanted to do it.  He would be straight with us and we trust him.  He still works on cases here and has privileges here, but when he let us know that it was $4000 less to have it done in Utah, that sealed the deal, so to speak.

His new office is really nice, and I recognized right away that Debi had designed it.  The good news is that Christine only has to have the top jaw done and it is straightforward surgery.  They do more and more of this kind of operation.  He explained all the risks and benefits.  In addition to fixing her teeth and jaw issues, she will breath better because the movement of the top jaw will change the shape of her nose.  It will shorten it and widen the base.  Who knew?  He told her she would really like the end result of all of it.

It was a good visit all the way around.  Good news for Christine and good to connect with Dave.

Then on to drop Christine off at Taylor's.  It was great to see him and they got right down to the business of visiting and playing games, cooking, eating, and being together.  He rests in between each thing.  The cancer and the treatment take their toll on his energy.  While we were there, one of his friends brought over some Team Taylor bracelets for everyone to wear.  Their ward and neighborhood are very involved with their family through this.  His seminary teacher comes and gives all the lessons.  His good friend also comes everyday and gives him the seminary lesson from a student's point of view, and his priests quorum goes each Sunday and meets at his home so he can be a part of them and have the lesson together.

We were going to meet Dave and Deb for dinner, but by the time we left Shane and Jennifer's I wasn't feeling too well.  Fighting a sore throat.  We got some gas and went to Pine Needles at Gardner Village.  I wanted to pick up a pincushion pattern.  The fam is tired of me using the arm of the family room couch to keep all my embroidery needles with the different colors of thread.  Every time some one sits down they jab their hand on them.  (There are 11 of them.)  I usually don't do that, but the pillow top project I'm working on has lots of different thread and I decided it wasn't efficient to keep changing out the needle.  A cute pincushion is just the answer!  Duff even went into the cute little shop with me.  Now he has a visual when I talk about Pine Needles.  We were in and out because I just was not feeling good at all.

We stopped and got a breakfast burrito at Rancherito (one of our favorite places) and headed up the canyon.  I got in my jammies and cozied up in a quilt with a fire in the fireplace and rested watching some tv.  A BIG storm is predicted for tonight.  It is cold and windy.

To Utah We Go

We picked Christine up at noon and drove to Utah.  It is President's Weekend holiday and she gets tomorrow and Monday off from school.  In so many years past, we traditionally go skiing.  But this year we made the trip for two reasons:  so Christine could spend some time with Taylor, and so she could have her surgery consult with the oral surgeon.

The trip was nice.  Uneventful. I drove from home to St. George and Duff drove the rest of the way.  We had a small detour in Springville off the interstate.  They sure are doing a lot of road construction on the 15.  I wonder why they didn't just do it all when they were preparing for the Olympics.  Anyway--

We got to the cabin and it is always like coming home.  Darla knows right where her dish should be and waits patiently until I fill it with food and water.  She runs to the kennel and grabs all her toys and brings them to the great room.

There is a lot of snow and it is cold.  The weather says to expect more tomorrow and Saturday.  I sure hope so!

Happy Happy Day!

JEFF AND BRITTA GOT A BABY!!!

 Introducing:

Sydney Marie

 On the airplane home to Orem and saying good-bye to the midwest.

The beautiful new family!

They have wanted and waited for a baby for many years.

CONGRATULATIONS!

We are so happy for you and send all our love.

Happy BDay, Kristin

Happy Birthday, Kristin, with an "I"!

Oh yes.  Your mom loved the name Kristin ever since she was in college and was determined to have a Kristin.  However, there was one stipulation:  Kristin had to be spelled with an "I" at the end and not and "E".  She was very clear about that!

Have a really good day.
I love YOU!

Love Day

I felt it all day.

~L.O.V.E.~

 In a 'kiss'....

 In sweets for my 'sweets'...

 Adrianne had the idea for these pnut butter blossoms with a hersheys heart.

I baked them, and when she got home from work she plated and wrapped.  Our surprise was ruined when our hubbies drove in the driveway when we were on our way out to deliver them at the office!

But it was a good idea anyway.

Diana and I went and delivered these cupcakes to our Activity Day girlies.

OH!  To see the delight on their faces was beyond priceless. 

Ah,  ~L.O.V.E.~

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Melanie's Birthday

Happy Birthday, Mel!

How is school going?  Pretty cold up there in Logan?
We think it's pretty cool that you get to celebrate your birthday on Valentine's Day!  That seems like it would be a lot of fun.

We love you and hope you have a FANTASTIC day!

Lifts Me Up

I love Relief Society.  Well, truth be told, I love all the church organizations, but today my testimony was increased of the divinity of this group and my role in it as a woman.  Every single female has a unique position as a member of the Relief Society.  Things that no one else can do or be or act on.

We had a very powerful conference on visiting teaching.  The spirit was present and piercing.  There was a blend of humor and testimony and strength and unity.

I am deeply grateful for a wise Father in Heaven's direction to us as a church and as a group of women who have meaning and purpose and direction.  It lifts women up and prepares us for the blessings of eternity.

Winter Formal

Tonight was the Winter Formal at Christine's high school.

She went with a group of friends.  Some had dates, some didn't.

She had a nice time.

 Meredith did her hair.

 Looking pretty with no make up yet.

So BEAUTIFUL!

 Christine and her friend, Jillian at the pre-party hosted by the Duggans.

 and with friend,  

 Her dad got her a corsage!

 The shoe picture.

 The Gals.

 The Group.

 With her daddy.

 Dinner from Tutto Fresco.

I think it is nice to have a dinner at one of the homes.  Keeps the cost down, but there is something to be said about going to a restaurant and practicing your manners there.

Leaving in the limo.

Have a great time!

My Grandma's Paintings of Spring and Fall

I took advantage of the penney sale at Aaron Bros. last month to get my grandma Myrna's paintings framed.  She took up oil painting when she was 80.  She was always learning new things, taking a class here or a class there.  She always acted like it was no big deal, "Oh, I just thought this would be fun,"  she would say.

 The scene is the same one but two different seasons.  Spring on the left, and Autumn on the right.

It got me wondering if she did a Winter and/or Summer one too, and if so, where might they be?

 Springtime.

Fall.

I love how these frames make it look like there is a wood mat around them.

I only had to buy one at the regular price and got the other for a penney.

Then Elaine put them together for me. I'm really going to miss her.  Over the years she just always 'finishes' my framing projects for me and I come back a few days later and pick them up.  Sigh.  At first we decided no glass, but then decided on museum glass and she put spacers in-between the glass and the painting so it doesn't sit on the picture itself.  This is to guard against light and dust over time since my home is obviously not completely temperature controlled 24/7.

I love them!

Fly Me To The Moon

I went to my first Activity Day this afternoon.

We had a Rocket/Space Derby.

Pretty much like the Cub Scouts do, except no doting dads.  Haha!

I was pretty impressed with the girls rockets.

There was:  America, The Lakers, The White Phantom, 2450, and Plotsy Dotsy.

We held it in the Hoopes garage and driveway.

The girls are completely adorable.

This is gonna be fun!

Mike and Adrianne Anniversary

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MIKE AND ADRIANNE!

3 years and going strong.

It was a beautiful day just like today, with unseasonably warm weather that was a blessing since the reception was outdoors.

Happy, happy day.  Have a wonderful time celebrating!

Love you guys--