Sunday, April 30, 2017

HOPEFULLY SOME WARMTH

Well, April is almost over and we are just starting this month's blog.  So much has happened and we have been so busy.


We continue with our Myrtle Beach trip:

We ended with going to the beach after our shopping at Myrtle Beach.
The next day was Tiffani’s birthday. 
way long ago  her true love
She is such a treat and makes such good treats.  We think she is 44 years old.  She is an incredible mother who understands her childrens’ needs so well.  She has a firm testimony of our Savior and is such a good friend to others.  She loves her family and the family she grew up in. 
We love her.  She is a breath of fresh air.

This same day, April 1st, we spent the entire day at the beach.  It was Saturday and the sun was shining and the temperature just right.
  Mark had set up everything on the beach for our fun day. 

He was constantly so kind.  It was perfect.  We just lounged and had fun in the ocean.  Baylie and Jalen were out of control

Baylie






so much sand in her hair
but I think their dad was even more so. 





homemade hot tub
  We had so much fun all day.  
 the beach was perfect

Dad and Kristin relaxed

We followed this guy all day.
Everything was just perfect.
That night we thought we were taking the Giles to dinner but they gave a card as we walked in.  They are just wonderful people.  We sat and watched turtles on a log.  There was an alligator but he never showed.

We walked the beach before going to bed.
Who cares where the sun is?
 We got up early the last morning and walked the beach with David and Kristin.  Very few people were out and the beauty of the morning was breathtaking.  Of course Dad collected more shells.

beautiful azaleas were everywhere
We got the beach house all cleaned and left for Columbia.  What great memories we have of Myrtle Beach.  We listened to conference on the way. 
When we got there we finished it on TV.
The next day (I am losing what day is what) we took the kids to school and then did some shopping.  We picked the kids up up in time to go see Beauty and the Beast.  We had a tornado watch and could hear the lightning and thunder all through the movie but decided we were as safe as anywhere else.  We loved the movie.  That evening we went to USC for a women's soccer clinic for girls.  The university fed all the people there.  It was so good and the players had many groups divided and each group got to do many things.  It was wonderful and we loved it  I have no idea if this is when we did it; but we did it.


The next morning we left for the airport at 6:30AM so Kristin could drop us off and then take the kids to school.  They had a very hard time saying good-by.  No sooner had we gone through security and headed for our gate than it was delayed.  No problem.  By the time we were ready to board they had a tornado alert and the airport was evacuated.  They put all of us in a stairwell that had no windows and was cement, to ride out the storm.  The tornado was headed right for us according to a man’s iphone but then turned East and we just felt the wind and noise.  Whew! 
We got out and were told all flights were cancelled.  We called Kristin and she picked us up.  The kids were excited and thought that a miracle had happened.  We took the family to a fun pizza place where you order like at Café Rio.  You go through the line and have them put whatever you want on your individual pizza.  We had a great time and an extra day with the family.
April 5th we headed for the airport again.  We were delayed again and knew we would not meet our connecting flight but headed on.  Atlanta was a nightmare.  We were delayed and cancelled time and time again. 
Finally they told us to wait in this line for help as no one would help us.  We got to the line at 1:00 in the morning and at 4:00 an alert like an air raid came over the speakers saying, “Security alert!  Do not leave your area!”  It happened about 5 times and then nothing so we figured it was in another area.  Not too comforting.  By this time we had stood in line for 3 hours. 



 .  Dad said the line was 200 yards long and it was 2-3 people wide. Some lady said they just give you a paper with a number to call. She had waited for 4 hours to get one.  I decided to call and waited 2 hours while still in line.  Finally I got someone and after 30 minutes she got us a flight to Orange Co. and then on to SLC.  It was now 6:00 in the morning and we had stood all night. We went to the gate with our seat assignments and waited.  The man at the desk said sorry but this flight is delayed due to no plane, no pilot and no crew.  We waited for a few hours to find that the flight was cancelled.  I was a nervous wreck because Dad had brought his pills for 2 extra days just in case something might happen but he was now out.  I just barged up to that line and told the man about Dad’s condition and did he want a dead body on the floor?  He said, “Follow me.”  He led us right back to that same long line and told us to wait.  He then cut in line to the main desk and a few minutes later had us a new flight.  Delta had added a new flight just to SLC.  We got there and had to wait because there was no crew.  Shocker!  Later, a crew showed up and we loaded.  We were in the very last row where you cannot even move your legs but we didn’t care.  We were on.  It was a long 4 hours but we made it home.  When the plane landed the pilot announced that the crew we had volunteered for our flight. You should have heard the applause.  We were so grateful for their kindness.  In all of these days we were constantly given tender mercies and blessings from our Father in Heaven.  We met many wonderful people and had many visits that helped the time go by. We were so tired we just collapsed, unpacked and rested.


The next we woke up to this.
 Today was Geraldine’s funeral.  What a wonderful lady who lived striving daily to follow the doctrine of Christ.  I started at 9:00 setting table decor and etc. for the luncheon.  I got home at 5:00 that night.  Boy was I tired.  Our funeral leader was at a funeral in California but I had enough help in the kitchen by wonderful members.  We fed 120 people.

Sunday was wonderful in that Tiffani was here and we could go to church together.  She and the kids got in around midnight.  Bethany came over in that Scott was still stuck in Orange. (and Disneyland thanks to his boss being there.)  We love when family gets together.  The kids put on an amazing performance, one hour, of Beauty and the Beast.


  It really was amazing.  They shared many parts and of course Nixon was the Beast.  He had on Dad’s wolf headdress and wolf looking fur vests.  The whole thing was memorized and the music was incredible.  Nixon even dipped Belle in the last dance.  It was definitely Broadway. Amazing.
This is how the twins sleep.
Monday Tiffani took her kids to the SLC Temple and other places.  That evening Scott finally got to bless Rowan.  He gave such a beautiful blessing.  Both families were there and we had such a wonderful time.  Rowan is such a beautiful baby and loved all the attention. 
Mother and child
Just wanted to remember the last booties I tatted.

Bethany had her dressed so beautifully.  The plan of salvation is such a beautiful promise if we but follow our Savior.  She is a special daughter of our Father and her parents and just all of us.  She is always happy.  Of course we ate and ate treats  made by all.


complete family
 Scott and Clark
Lies
 Cameron, Molly, Kolton, Shanelle
 Cameron and Molly
Clara  and Lily
 aunt Tiffani
 Lily and Great Grand William
 Ava, Clara, Lily, Lauren
 the same with Asher and Camden
Those who were there


I just can’t remember the timeline of all that happened but when I look back on these pages I’ll remember the fun times.
Somewhere in time we went to Kolton's soccer game.  Erik and Scott's came also.  It was a fun game to watch and they won. (I think)

Erik's family had eaten but we had not so we went for dinner at Pizza Factory.  I don't think I ever prepared a meal.  

 I don't remember this time either but know that everyone in the valley came over for something and the kids played in the back yard.


Thursday was Riley’s soccer game in Kamas.  I think the Jennings went somewhere during the day.  The game was great and Riley played very well.  They beat an undefeated team by 3-0.

 the gang
 Tiff, Riley and Cameron
 3 chums
 After the game Granddad took us to the famous drugstore for dinner.  The food and drinks are amazing.


It was just a fun day and a reminder that families are forever.  We are so grateful for ours. That's why we're here.

April 13th the Jennings and Bethany’s went to the zoo.  They had a great time.  I was just so tired, we stayed home. 
That evening Scott cooked us hot dogs and we all made s'mores on our outside fire pit.  Yum.

Today, April 14th, the Jennings and Bethany with her 3, hiked the Y. 
     
 We're sure you can see them at the top.
 When they got home they colored eggs.




That evening we went to Camden’s soccer game. He played well. I forgot to take pictures. After the game we went to see the remodeling Erik and Shanelle had done.  Shanelle had painted the entire house and it was beautiful.  They had new flooring put down everywhere which was also beautiful.  They gutted the kitchen and now there is so much more room for people and storage.  It's amazing what they have done.  No pictures.
 It was late and cold. Dad didn’t come because he was not feeling well.  I decided to take a Pendleton car robe my parents had given us for our first Christmas 50 years ago.  I thought I should use it because it had been in the trunk of a car all this time.  It kept me very warm.  We cleaned everything up and loaded the car after the game.  When we got home I couldn’t remember putting the blanket in the trunk.  We searched everywhere.  We called Shanelle to see if one of her boys had carried it.  Nope. I was just sick and near tears.  It was such a reminder of my parents.  Tiffani insisted that we go back but I was sure that someone in the next game probably picked up such a nice blanket.  It was a ways away but Tiff insisted.  When we got to the field it was pitch dark and could see nothing.  Tiffani determinedly marched across the grass.  I followed.  Suddenly she bent over and picked up the blanket.  I just started tearing up.  I couldn’t believe it.  Our Father watches over us constantly and this was one of His many tender mercies.  I am so grateful that we know we have a Father who loves us and wants so badly for us to return to Him.  The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is so true.  Most people would say I was just lucky but I know differently.
Saturday morning we walked to State Street for some Waffle Love.  We had never been there but Tiffani and the girls talked us into it.  It was so fun and yummy.  We may try that again.


                   
They packed up and left while I was preparing for a funeral for one of our sisters.  I was there from 9-5.  They came in that time to tell me good-by.  What an empty feeling.  It’s so hard for us to go from a full home to an almost empty one.  We think there was an echo.
  We even missed the bird, flappy, who always comes.
Sunday we went to the Sandstrom’s homecoming and then headed to PG for Kolton’s ordination.  Erik ordained him to the office of Teacher in the Aaronic priesthood.  He gave a beautiful blessing along with it  We love how our men and young men honor their priesthood
I was still not feeling well so did not have a thing for Easter dinner when Dianne called to ask if we would like to come to their home.  I was so out of it that I did not even take a picture of her beautiful table setting.  She used her china, silver and crystal.  Of course the meal topped even that.  I was so grateful not to have to fix anything.  We had planned on leftover hot dogs from Scott's cook out.  What a difference.  Our families are good to us. I slept all the way home with a full tummy.  I think Dad slept too.
Monday I washed all the tablecloths from the funeral but dried them in the dryer so I didn't have to hang them out.  Good choice.  
On the 20th I finally saw Dr. Taylor.  He said I had an infection and gave me a strong prescription.  He said it would take a long time to feel better.
On the 24th we went to Camden's Jungle Book production.  He was one of the buzzards and played his part very well.



Thursday the 27th was Kristin’s birthday.  How blessed we are to have this first child.
. She was such a perfect baby and had us around her little finger until she learned to say “NO”.  She was so much fun and has done so much with her life.  She has had many struggles and heartaches but she learns and makes the best of them.  She loves those cute children of hers and their father.

She loves the restored gospel of Jesus Christ with all her heart.  She has been our avenue to travel and has taken or sent us to so many places in the word.  We have used her benefits to the max and loved every trip.  She is always ready and able to help others and is a great example of charity.  We love her so much and the family she has added to ours.  She was just chosen as the volunteer of the year for her school district.  She certainly earned it with the hours she puts in.



We celebrated that evening by watching Kolton in "Singing in the Rain" at his Jr. High.  It was amazing.  He did such a good job in his parts  Everyone should have seen him do the dancing.  Boy did he ever move those feet.  He was also the policeman.  I was still not feeling well but really cheered me up,  Afterwards we took him to Sodalicious for a treat.  What a fun young man.
This week Dad has worked very hard getting rid of some buggy places in our front yard.(the grass was white)  He also dug up some other sod to make it more level,  He rented a sod cutter and then bought some sod to make it easier but I thought it was very hard.

beautiful

I was feeling much better Friday so we went to Riley's last soccer game before play-offs. I slept all the way. Dad says he drove through a blizzard.  It was 42 degrees in North Summit and windy.  They ended the game in the beginning of the second half because South Summit was so far ahead.  Riley had an assist for the first goal and another one.  They won 8-0.  


 Our great cheering section was so cold but we cheered them on.


Saturday Scott Cherry, Dennis Stoutsenburger and Erik came to help with our pagoda, or whatever you call it.  They were such great help and figured everything out that we needed to do.  They spent 3 hours working all the time.




I made homemade cookies and chocolate milk from Costco's, added some strawberries and they didn’t complain a bit.  I think they had fun together.  
                                   
Camden and Kolton  
Erik’s boys were there to mow the lawns and did such a good job. Erik had to leave a little bit early but he helped so much.There is very little left to do and George can do it with a wee bit of help.  The best thing there were no injuries.

Well it's the last day of the month and still very cold.  Maybe May will be better.  We are so grateful for the blessings we have had this month and pray for each of you individually.  We love the ties that bind us together and if Dad keeps going on this 5 hours a day genealogy you will know who your ancestors are.  He's working in the 1500's now.  I'm good to know what date it is today and who you are.  We love the time we can spend together and the fun we have.  We know the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is true and we try daily to follow the doctrine of Christ.  It is the only way to eternal, and on this earth happiness.  We love you so much and know we are forever.  Nothing else matters.  
 We're just so proud we're getting this off on time.



















     


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