ALMOST...

We had a great few days in Utah--wow, the time went by quickly.

I was able to go to Church with Heidi and Brent Sunday and that was so fun. They were taking pictures for the new Ward directory and I told Heidi I was going to go and have my picture taken an say I was 28 years old--it would have been so fun to watch the poor photographer who wouldn't know what to do with this woman who is obviously off her rocker. I wonder how long until someone ran to the Bishop about this old lady!!!

I had a great time Saturday at the barbeque/party for my darling one-year old grandson, Garrett. It has been so fun to spend time with him while he's been in Utah. I wish I could put up the little video of him laughing--he has the most hysterical laugh.







On the same day, in California, a celebration was held for another grandson who turned 3. He had a pirate party. Isn't this the cutest little pirate?




















I did have an opportunity to talk on the phone with klin. It was fun at least hearing her voice. Next time I'm in Utah I'm going to hook up with her and a few others.


Now to explain the title of this post. My flight from Salt Lake to Denver was uneventful. When I arrived in Denver I went to my gate and was checking at the counter to find out if I needed to sky-check my carry-on bag. As I was standing there, the guy at the counter announced that they were looking for volunteers to give up their seat. I thought, hey, I can spend the night here in Denver and maybe visit hook up with a couple of bloggers here. The reimbursement was a $600 TRANSFERABLE voucher and a night at a hotel since the next flight wasn't until 10:00 the following mroning. I figured I could make it work, but the clincher was they would put me up at the Doubletree--and we all know how much I love those nice, warm chocolate chip cookies they give you at the Doubletree. So, I volunteered, and called the house to get someone to teach Seminary for me. Well, in the end they put me on my regular flight--but at least I got a $50 credit.

I'm home for almost three weeks before I head for Boston for the next graduation.

Sidenote #1: Kyle had a great time in Chicago. He said when they were at a theater a girl came up and said, "So, you guys are from Canada." Kyle said, "Yes, we're from Winnipeg." She said, "So, do you speak English?" (Kyle said he just looked at her--and wondered what language he had just been speaking????) I told him he should have told her, no, we speak Canadian!!!

Sidenote #2: I have some kind of flu bug--feel really lousy. I don't have much of a voice which made it really difficult to teach Seminary this morning. My back-up teacher (Allan) is in BC until Wednesday night.

GRADUATION

Well, it's been a GREAT couple of days--we've been going like crazy. Heidi had her
commencement on Thursday. (What in the world did any of us ever do before we had cell phones--I don't think we would have ever spotted Heidi unless she called us and told us where to look--and, of course, when to look!!! It snowed a little on them while they were marching into the Marriott Center. (I have to confess when pomp and circumstance began I started to cry. I was so happy that Heidi was graduating ; )

Elder Bednar gave a FANTASTIC commencement address. (I think the students were so excited when he talked about how it was going to be a short talk ; ) One of Heidi's good friends, Jacquie, from Canada graduated in December but was able to go to the commencement.













Today Heidi had her actual convocation--we had to be at the Smith Fieldhouse for the 8:00 a.m. convocation which meant we had to leave my MIL's at 6:30 a.m. It was worth it. Elder Perry was there and it was wonderful. The students each got to shake his hand. Our last name is mixed up quite a bit so Heidi wrote it down and underlined part of it so they didn't add any extra letters. Here she is with her grandma. Grandma has been such a wonderful example for Heidi--she went to BYU Academy years ago (and so did her parents--her dad was a teacher, so that means a lot to Heidi)
















Tonight we had a celebration at my mother in laws with family and a few of Heidi's friends. It was great.















Sidenote #1: I hate to put this as a sidenote because this was such a special treat for me. I had the opportunity to go and meet Suzanne today. It was wonderful. She is such a lovely young woman. She is a blogger I have enjoyed almost from my beginning days. It is so fun to meet these woman who you have come to really enjoy. When you sit down you realize you can just begin talking and it's like you already know so much about each other, it is so comfortable. I could have stayed and visited with her for hours. I look forward to seeing her again. (She brought me the most beautiful rose that she made--in fact, I think the waitress really wanted it) I also got to meet one of her little guys.

Thanks, Suzanne, for taking the time to drive clear down to Provo.

Sidenote #2: If I haven't gotten to your blog yet, , please forgive me. I'm trying to get to all of them. Things have just been a little crazy.

I'm Tired

It is great to be here for Heidi's graduation, but I'm so tired. I don't know if I'm just emotionally drained or what the problem is, but I really feel like I could just go to bed and stay in bed for a few days. The worst part--I DON'T HAVE TIME TO STAY IN BED.

Allan and I had a fun flight yesterday. We flew from Winnipeg to Denver and while we were in Denver I was texting Neal about what time he was arriving in Utah. He mentioned he was getting in at 1 and I told him we were getting in at 12:45. While I was putting my stuff at my seat, I looked up to see this very handsome young man on his cell phone and realized IT WAS HIM!!! It was so fun. The three of us even got to sit together--BONUS. Went to Hires for lunch (bad for me!!!)

Had a great night last night--went to PF Changs for dinner (bad for me again!!!) You know it's funny but I realize all of our get-togethers involve FOOD!!!














After dinner got to see my little Garrett. He is so cute. It was so fun.













Glad to be here with Heidi and Brent. I'm so proud of them both. They are such great kids. I will post more about the graduation. It was cute I sent Heidi a note asking her to be my personal shopper and go buy me a new dress. When I came yesterday, she handed me the bag with the dress. She's so cute. Problem: The dress was too small. Well, maybe I'll be able to wear it to one of the other graduations in the next month or two ; )

Sidenote: I'm struggling with trying to find a sense of peace in my life. I laid in bed last night and didn't fall asleep for a long time. (Kept singing over and over in my head the hymn "Where Can I Turn For Peace?") I struggle so much with self-esteem issues. Who'd have thought at my age I'd still worry about dumb stuff like fitting in??? I guess my problem is I don't really like some of my traits right now--need to work on so many things. I keep thinking I need to let so many things go, but I'm just not sure I can.

Packing

It's kind of nice when your children are grown up and are going on a trip and you don't have to do their packing!!! Kyle is getting everything together to leave for Chicago tomorrow. (I just have to do his laundry ; ) But then I do have my own packing. Of course, with the restrictions the airlines now have on bags, I have to be a whole lot more careful. I usually take tons of books--and never read them ; ) Last time we flew my bags were over 50#, all I had to do was carry my scriptures and I was fine. I went ahead and photocopied my Seminary lessons, the student manual and the insitute manual--that will help a lot.

Yesterday Allan and I went to the YSA Ward for Institute Granduation. It was great. They had a potluck and I took chicken/cabbage salad. It is one of my favorites. I had made ribs for Kyle for dinner, since he wasn't going to the potluck. I love going to the YSA Ward--the kids are so great. It's so fun to see the budding romances. They had a group of 5 young men that sang a-capella and it was amazing. One of the young men is getting married in a few months and one is getting ready to leave for his mission. Their voices were so beautiful together. As always, Allan gave a fabulous talk. (He spoke earlier that afternoon at our Ward Conference ; ) I don't know how he does everything he does!!!

Today is another birthday--my grandson, Drew, turned 3 today. I will see him in a few weeks when I head out to California again when his sister, Kiah, graduates from high school.

Sidenote: To continue my frustration with the airline industry, I noticed today an article that United Airlines will now charge $150 if you change your ticket. The reason--rising fuel costs--I didn't know there was fuel involved in changing your ticket??? (I think if they change mine EVER I will bill them $150 ; ) Do you think I'll ever get a check from them??? We fly through Denver on Wednesday--at least I don't think we'll get snowed-in!!! (Of course, there is a possibility we may get snow on Thursday ; )

Seven Things Tag

Several weeks agoTori did a random 7 things post and tagged anyone who read it, so I thought, hey, why not?!?

Here are the rules:

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.

2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.

3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.

4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Here's my random list:

1) Kyle had to take the Novice Driver's Course Thursday night (because of his accident last December). He really got a lot out of it. He watched a video about road rage--Kyle is an inpatient driver, so I think it was a good thing for him to see. (Speaking of his being impatient, he got a speeding ticket two weeks ago, so he may have to take the course again ; ) The speeding ticket was for going 70 km/hr in a 50 km/hr zone--and it cost a lovely $215. Heidi got a speeding ticket the next day--I guess considering their parents both have a lead foot what can you expect!!!

2) I was really inspired last Tuesday night when I watched the Biggest Loser finale--way to go Ali. I keep telling myself I could do it, too, if I had a personal trainer. (Can anyone spell EXCUSES, EXCUSES, EXCUSES???) Of course, I don't remember seeing her eat a bunch of cookies!!!

3) Spring has finally sprung--yesterday the sun was shining, the birds were singing, and I could even hear the lawn mower out the window. Since the weather has changed and I don't have to wear a jacket, I now have to start carrying a purse. My cute little DIL, Daphne, who works at Coach has been bugging me to buy a purse from her--ha!!! (I carry my little Sears or Mervyns purses and they suit me just fine ; )

4) Kyle will be leaving on Tuesday morning for Chicago for his band trip. Great timing because we will be leaving on Wednesday for Heidi's graduation. Because we have no Seminary on Monday and he has to be at the school at 5:45 on Tuesday, he will not be going to Seminary all week. (I think I should give him a list of the Seminary classes close to his hotel--what do you think???)

5) I had a great time doing an iChat with my littlest grandson, Garrett, yesterday afternoon. Yesterday was his first birthday. He has not looked like a baby forever. It was so cute to hear him babble and giggle. He's standing up and I think has even taken a step or two on his own. (I'm really looking forward to seeing him next week--he'll be in Utah when we're there!!!) Happy Birthday, Garrett. Here he is enjoying his cake with Neal and Macy.

6) Yesterday morning I had to fill my van on the way home from Seminary. I should have taken a picture of the sign--$1.25 a litre. (So if you multiply that out, I paid pretty close to $6.00 a gallon!!!)

7) Allan and I were going to go to see a movie last night, but there was nothing we wanted to see. I know there are several coming out soon, but we will be doing so much traveling, not sure when we're going to have a chance to see them. I'm really looking forward to the Indiana Jones movie--sure hope it's good.

I'm not going to tag anyone, if you want to play along, please let me know that you did the post and I'll come by to read.

Sidenote: Want to teach your children the names of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, go here.

Memoir Tag

Nancyface tagged me for this memoir tag. I have thought about it all day--still not sure what to do.

Here are the rules:

1. Write your own six word memoir.

2. Post it on your blog and include a picture if you want.

3. Link to the person who tagged you in your post.

4. Tag at least five more blogs with links.

5. Leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play.

Nancyface's memoir was "She Knows Jesus is the Christ".
I'm going to tag Sheila, jodi, chel, jess, and pj. If you'd like to play along, please do.

I thought about: "She lived life to the fullest".











Or perhaps: "Loved the Lord, family and life".















But I finally settled on: "Grateful for life, and Jesus Christ".

Our friend, Troy's funeral was today. His wife, Nikki, wrote a message on facebook on Tuesday. I am so uplifted by her faith and her strength. She is 33 years old and is wise beyond her years. I just want to share with you a portion of what she wrote:

"Thanks to all who have sent their love and prayers to me and my children, it means more than you can ever know. Troy touched the lives of countless people. We were so lucky to have had him in our lives for the time that we did. It was far too short. Please love your families, I am so glad Troy always showed his love for me and our children. He had such a happy life, may we all live like Troy did with joy and enthusiasm. Thanks again to all who have sent us their love. While I am full of so much sadness right now, I find some peace and comfort in knowing that he is watching over me and one day we will be together again as a family."

I am going to take Nikki's challenge and live like Troy with joy and enthusiasm. I don't think I ever saw him without a smile on his face.

I was so touched by his obituary which asked that in lieu of flowers, we give our loved ones a hug and play our favorite Beatles song while sharing memories of Troy. I have been listening to Beatles songs today.

Sidenote: For a good laugh, go visit my DIL's blog and watch the video that my son, Neal, did for my grandson's birthday. You can get the link to the video here.

HISTORY WAS MADE TODAY...

So, it wasn't earth shattering history, but I really think it was the first time in our 25 years of marriage that this has happened: I WAS UP BEFORE ALLAN!!! (I told you it wasn't earth shattering ; ) Kyle's track coach has been asking Kyle to have his dad come and help at track practice, so today was the day. I have to tell you how surprised I was that Allan didn't go to work at his normal time (5:15 a.m.) and then go over to the school and then go back to work. (He's a little crazy like that ; )

AND NOW FOR SOME RANDOMNESS:

I have been busy working on Kiah's albums. I haven't scrapbooked for so long, and I AM LOVING DOING IT AGAIN!!! I am so enjoy looking at all the pictures--many I have not seen--LIKE THIS ONE and this Grandma loves looking at pictures of her adorable grandchildren.








Speaking of adorable grandchildren, my Christopher has a birthday today. Here he is with his beautiful girlfriend, Heather.








Our snow is almost melted, this is the earliest I remember seeing grass.

By the way, I did receive pictures from our zipline adventure in Puerto Vallarta. Here are a few:

Monday, Monday

It began as a great weekend. According to Allan and Kyle the youth conference was a great success. Our billets did fine--they were not any trouble and I got all the sheets changed, blankets washed, and EVEN DUSTED ; )














Kyle's birthday was yesterday. On Saturday he asked Allan if he would make him breakfast on Sunday morning. Allan reminded him that they would feed them at the Church before church started, but Kyle said he would rather have Allan's breakfast. Allan asked what he wanted and was thrilled when Kyle said waffles--thinking he would just have to put them in the toaster--SURE

I think Kyle had a good birthday. He asked for pork chops, rice and corn for dinner and strawberry shortcake for dessert. We were watching a movie when the doorbell rang, I went to the door and didn't see anyone so I figured it was the TV. Went back and Kyle said, no it was the doorbell. When I went back to the door I could see 3 of his friends running back to the door. (I guess I didn't see the black forest cake they left on the porch. What good guys!!!)

Of course, after opening presents Kyle wanted to play Rockband with us--so because it is his birthday, Allan agreed. We played a couple of songs and then Kyle's friends came over to eat the cake they dropped off earlier.

I commented before on the fact that I was not able to hear all of Conference, but on Saturday finally listened to Pres. Monson's concluding talk. Also heard Elder Ballard and Elder Bednar. Wow! They were so inspiring. I love Conference and always feel so motivated. I'm very proud of my Seminary students who are starting to recognize each of the First Presidency and members of the Quorum of the Twelve.

Yesterday there was a comment made in a talk in Sacrament Meeting that I wanted to share--we have an Elder from France who has been serving here for almost 2 years. He said when he put his papers in to go on his mission he wanted to go to Africa and he wanted to learn English. When he got his call and knew he was coming to Canada he knew he would at least learn English. His first area was in Regina. In November 2006 he was emergency transferred to Winnipeg because there was a family to teach who spoke French. He has been in our Ward ever since and many of the members of this family (who are from Africa) have been converted. He says he feels the Lord definitely heard and answered his prayer as he has enjoyed the blessing of teaching people from Africa without the heat, problems, etc.

The weekend ended on such a sad note when we received word that a dear friend (a young husband and father), was killed Saturday night in a car accident in Western Canada. He and his wife have 3 young boys ages 8, 6, and 3. My heart is just breaking for her and the children. She is a beautiful, remarkable, strong, young woman--she was Heidi's YW President. He went to dental school here and they moved out west after he graduated.

MISSION MEMORIES

Ever since Brent returned home from his mission in January 07, we have been planning on him taking us to see the areas he served, well let me tell you about the wonderful experience we had with him.

We arrived on Sunday afternoon and after checking into our hotel and having dinner we headed to Tempe. Brent had arranged with a Bishop where he served in a singles ward to meet with some people at the Bishop's home. Bishop M and his wife were fabulous. (Brent had spent a lot of time in their home, and I can see why. They were such wonderful people ; ) Not only did they open their home, but Sister M made a couple of desserts. It was so wonderful to sit in their home and share stories. The highlight was visiting with a young man who Brent had taught who will be leaving for his mission to St. Louis in May. He was so sweet when he talked about his appreciation for Brent. (Brent also had a chance to meet with a former missionary who is now living in the area)

The next day Allan had meetings all day, so Brent and I went to the mission home and visited with a couple who he had served with. He showed me his old apartment. (We then met up with Nancy face, Lauren and Ted which I wrote about here)

Then it was time to get out the GPS and head off to Casa Grande--the second area where Brent served. It was tough for him to meet up with people because it was the middle of the day, but it was just great to drive around and get a look at the different buildings where they met each Sunday, see the places he shopped and the places where he ate. I did get a chance to meet one of the missionaries who is still serving in the area.












We headed back to Scottsdale to have dinner with Allan. Brent went swimming and we watched the BB game (poor Heidi--she had Memphis picked to win and they lost in overtime). On Sunday when before we left Utah I had taken a picture of her acting all excited that I was going to post on our family website to show how happy she was when Memphis won--darn anyway. Little did I know I should have taken a second picture of her looking VERY DISAPPOINTED after they lost ; ( Since I didn't get to post it on our family website, I'll post it here.














Tuesday morning began VERY EARLY. Brent took us to Show Low. The drive was beautiful. Brent served there his second summer. I still remember how excited he was when he e-mailed us to let us know he was transferred to "the white mountains". It was a great area and he loved the people. We just loved hearing him talk about the work, and showing us all the little areas--Clay Springs, Pinedale, and Cibeque.






While we were in Show Low we had gone by the high school and I was intrigued by the Seminary building. I got out to take a picture and the CES guy came out and introduced himself. We ended up going into the building and he took us on a little tour of the classrooms. (I hate to admit it, but I was a little jealous ; ) He said they meet every other day (for an hour and a half. I think that would be so great. I think my students would love only having to get up early every other day--not sure how they would feel about spending an hour and a half with me ; )

In each of these areas we visited we were so impressed with the Ward Mission Leaders we met--they do such great work. It is so fun now when I look at the pictures he sent home while on his mission--I now know who the people are and where the pictures were taken. I even have pictures of the outside of the places where he lived. The area was absolutely beautiful.



























We even had a chance to go and see the Snowflake Temple. It is so beautiful and in such lovely surroundings.










We then headed for Queen Creek, the very first area Brent served--so I think it holds a special place in his heart. He was amazed at how much it had changed--lots of building. (We were amazed at Brent's excellent sense of direction and his memory for the areas and where people lived.) We visited with another Ward mission leader. Then we headed for a place where Brent ate a lot of his meals. (The owner is a wonderful man who has a great love for the missionaries and the work they are doing) It was called El Rico's. (In fact, last year when we visited Arizona, we drove out to Queen Creek to have a taco.) Brent was so excited because the owner has built a new restaurant and we were able to eat there.

Here's the old and the new.





























Of course, the next morning I had a chance to go and meet Chel, a short but sweet visit, and then it was time to go to the airport. Not too hard to say goodbye to Brent because we'll see him in less than two weeks ; ) He was such a wonderful tour guide and I know he loved the opportunity to go back and visit the place and the people who will always hold a special place in his heart.

Sidenote: Sorry it has taken me so long to post this, Brent. It took me a little longer to get all the beds made and things out for our extra visitors. All of our billets showed up last night. Allan is doing one of the workshops today. I hope the Conference goes well.

A SPECIAL TREAT

Allan and I got home late last night--our plane was late, which made getting up for Seminary this morning REALLY TOUGH!!! I do have a question, why can the airlines change your flight, delay your flight, do whatever they want, but if you try to change anything it costs at least $50????? (Just wondering)

I just have to say what a marvelous trip it was. I know Brent will be excited to have me post pictures of all the places he took us to see, and I promise I will get to that tomorrow. Right now I am trying to get ready for our 8 extra kids we are going to have this weekend. (We have a Tri-Stake Youth Conference this weekend and they were having trouble finding billets for the kids so we are taking an extra 8 kids. (I need to go down and get the basement ready--I don't dust the basement every week, and I really don't want these kids to go around writing their names in the dust on the furniture ; )

If you saw chel's comment, you saw that I did get a chance to go by and see her yesterday before we went to the airport. So glad that I did--she is so wonderful, gorgeous, and sweet. I felt bad that I didn't call her ahead of time, but I was so afraid we'd get stuck in traffic and not make it, so we just decided to give it a try. I was so excited to see Miss Scarlet who is so adorable. We used the timer on our cameras and when I took my picture Miss Scarlet didn't look up--I was so sad. I even got to meet Jak--he is so cute.


I am determined that next year we will have lunch together and have more time to visit. I felt like I was visiting with someone I had known for so long--it was GREAT!

A FABULOUS VISIT

We have had such a great time while Brent has been taking us all around to see the areas he served while on his mission in Arizona. It has been so fun--even though we have been here many times before, this has been a trip we will not forget. We have been running and running everywhere. This morning we left at 7 a.m. and just got back to our hotel room.

I will post about our tour with Brent on Thursday, but I want to put up this post about my fabulous visit with two wonderful bloggy friends. When I had made arrangements with Nancy and Lauren to visit them for lunch, I was so looking forward to the visit. When I spoke with Nancy on the phone on Sunday night, it was so great. I have to admit there was nothing awkward about the phone call, it was like talking with someone I've known for years. (It was exactly the same when we met up at the restaurant ; ) Those are the visits I love with friends--when you get together after years of seeing one another, it's like you just saw each other the day before.

Can I just tell you, they are as wonderful as they are on their blogs. We had such a wonderful lunch together. I was thrilled when Nancy called to say Ted would be joining us--he is as cute and sweet as I thought he would be. He and Lauren are just so perfect together. (By the way, the ring is AMAZING!!!)

They were so sweet to bring me a bag with chocolates (Utah truffles--all different kinds ; ) (they know me so well) and a gift card from Deseret book.

If you've visited Nancy's blog or Lauren's blog, you have seen the pictures of our visit with "the face look", but just in case here it is.













Well, in order to capture my look, they had to get the "yvonne" look, which is something all of my family knows is a problem of mine--I blink whenever we take pictures. (Funny thing was, it was very hard for me to keep my eyes closed for the picture?????)














I wanted so much to meet my friend, Chel, but our time in Show Low and Queen Creek got away from us. At least I did have an opportunity to talk with her on the phone. We are definitely getting together next year when Allan and I come back to Arizona. (I'm hoping I can have lunch with her and Scarlet)

Hi Guys!!!

WE HAVE BEEN CRAZY BUSY HERE IN UTAH. I have missed not being able to get on line--finally got wireless working here at my mother-in-laws!!!

We didn't get here when we were supposed to--Allan ended up in the emergency room and we missed our morning flight. (Thank goodness all was well and we got out a little later that afternoon. Unfortunately, he missed a couple of meetings on Thursday) First stop, Brent's dorm. We had to pick up a couple of boxes. I also had brought a birthday present for his roommate (his mom is one of my good friends ; )

We had a great day on Friday--FINALLY got to see the Ogden temple













Friday night had dinner at my sister-in-laws--and then Allan, Heidi and her friend, Scott, went to see 21.















Then today we went to the morning session of conference--it was so wonderful. (Funny thing was when we were on the freeway heading to Salt Lake we passed up one of our friends from Winnipeg--isn't that a coincidence ; ) It was so great to be in the session together--even if we didn't get to sit together. After the session we met up with some friends from Toronto. It was so great to see them.













Watched the afternoon session with the kids--seems like it's been awhile since we've all been able to enjoy it together. While the men went to Priesthood, Heidi and I hit the mall. We had such fun.

Now we're off tomorrow to Arizona after the morning session. Brent is so excited to take us--we're going to have such a great time together. We love Arizona.