I Blew It

This week there was a contest at I Heart Faces--It was entitled "At The Beach". I immediately thought of this picture, but thought I couldn't enter this picture because I thought they only allowed digital photographs. My DIL, Macy, who is a wonderful photographer, and quite often enters the contests, told me yesterday that it didn't have to be digital. Oh well, maybe next time.

I took this picture when we were visiting Southern California in 1998.

BTW, I hope you'll go here and look at Macy's beautiful shots of Amanda. It won't be long and she'll be posting the pictures that she took when she was the "official" photographer at Amanda's wedding almost 2 weeks ago.

Sidenote #1: I had my first "Learn to Run" class tonight. I had to laugh when I called to double-check the time and asked the woman who answered the phone if there was anything I needed to bring. She said, "No, just come prepared to run." I was a little surprised and said, "O.K????" To which she responded that I would be surprised how many people don't come prepared to run. I don't know maybe they assume it's a sit and observe kind of class??? We ran AND I LOVED IT.

Sidenote #2: Tomorrow I get to babysit a new little one--I'm so looking forward to it.

Memories

Like many of you I love reading NieNie. She always makes me think but her last post really has me remembering.

Maybe it is because I know pretty soon the house will be empty, but I'm so grateful for memories. Fortunately for me many memories have been captured in photographs. It's funny Allan and I will talk about experiences and he will look at me and say, "How in the world do you remember that?" Usually, but not always, it's because I have a photo. While in Utah I was talking with Allan and Neal about an experience with Heidi and Chris at a Burger King. When I told Neal I remembered exactly when it was (and it has been over 22 years), he asked how I remembered--I told him no photo involved, just burned in my brain ; )

I remember so vividly when each of my 4 children were placed into my arms. It's been 39 years since the doctor put Stephen in my arms, and I remember it like it was yesterday. The doctor looked at me and said, "So, mom, what are you going to do now!" When Heidi was born almost 25 years ago, the doctor held her up and said, "Look Mom, no more nausea." Richard was a little concerned when Brent was born. But having Richard deliver Brent was one of the most spiritual experiences I have had, until Allan asked if he could stitch me up. Fortunately, Richard said, "No." After such a hard pregnancy with Kyle, I know Dr. P and I were very grateful when he was safely here. We had a tough time coming up with a name--after all we only had 9 months to think about it. It still seems impossible that 18 years have really passed since Kyle was born. (In fact, I got a note on FB from a friend who hasn't seen Kyle for years and said, "How is it possible that Kyle is going to BYU in the fall--he's still in diapers isn't he???"

As well, I remember when the 3 I didn't give birth to were placed into my heart. I had the privilege of being in the same Ward with them and watching them grow up. I watched Neal with wonder and amazement--as he would speak in Church and bless and pass the sacrament. I had the privilege of working with Nancy in Young Women. I taught Wendy in Sunday School and was there when she was baptized. It was so great to have the three of them and Stephen in the temple when Allan and I were sealed.

It has been an interesting journey thus far. I love that I have had the privilege of watching all of these children grow up. So often I think about my mom and how much she missed--I know I've talked about this before, but it just helps me to remember how blessed I am that I have seen children graduate from high school, college, marry, have children, have grandchildren and even a great grandchild, most of which my mom didn't see. (Yes, she did see 2 of her 6 children graduate from high school, but that is all.) But she didn't see moments like this:

Be at the hospital to hold a brand new grandson




















Celebrating the graduation of her oldest grandson surrounded by some of her children and grandchildren






















Attend the blessing of a new grandson and again be surrounded by family.






















Be there to see her youngest graduate from high school. (My youngest sister was 8 when my dad died, and 9 when my mom died. She did see me get to junior high school) I was also blessed a few weeks after Kyle's graduation to see him receive the MP--no, my mom was not a member of The Church, but I know her heart would have been as filled with joy as mine was at that moment)
























I do agree with "Barbara"--"Memories, may be beautiful and yet, What's too painful to remember, We simply choose to forget. So it's the laughter, we remember..." Unfortunately, I do have some of those painful memories, but they don't have the sting they did those many years ago. I try to remember only enough to help me from making the same mistakes again ; )

I look forward to making memories of the events that lie ahead--baptisms, graduations, missions, weddings, births, etc. With Allan by my side, it will continue to be a journey filled with wonderful memories.


Sidenote: Since the number of comments on my last post are so low, I feel it's only fair to my friend Connie, who is having a giveaway on her blog to remind you again to go and visit her blog to participate in her giveaway.

Let The Countdown Begin

Kyle has orientation at BYU a month from today. How in the world is that possible???? I decided to update my temple book (I have a scrapbook with pictures from all the temples we have visited (since we added two more on our latest trip to Utah--we had already been to Bountiful, but had not been to Draper (since completed) or Oquirrh Mountain). (We are currently at 49 temples, I think. It's hard because there are a couple that Allan has been to that I have not) When I came across this picture, I had to laugh. It doesn't seem that long ago. So hard to believe that Kyle and Brent will be at BYU together and Heidi is in her 2nd year of teaching in Utah. Where has the time gone???

Last night Kyle was ordained an Elder. They had a General Priesthood Meeting, so he was sustained at the meeting and then ordained after--which worked out so well. He was able to have some great men there with him. From left to right, Brother A, who has been our family ward High Councilman and a great friend to Kyle, Bishop W (his YSA Bishop), Darell who along with his wife have taken care of Kyle whenever we would go out of town (he was also our Bishop when Kyle was young), Allan and his two councilors, Pres. B and Pres. O.

Here he is 6 years ago when he was ordained a Deacon.

It will be fun helping him pack up--he is so organized we will not have a bunch of junk to go through--that is a bonus. I'm so excited for him. I know the whole experience at BYU is going to be great for him. But I have to say I AM REALLY GOING TO MISS HIM.

Sidenote #1: I can't believe how much there is to get caught up with whenever you come back from a trip. I'm sad to report my tomatoes are looking HORRIBLE and I think we'll have to go pay a visit to the nursery and see if they can help me.

Sidenote #2: Kyle read the 7th Harry Potter at the end of our trip in Utah and finished right before we got home. I want to re-read it, but I have a few other books sitting on my night stand. Some time ago I started one called, "Rock Solid Relationships" (goodness I should have finished that one before Utah ; ) I also bought one in Utah on forgiveness. I love self-help books because I NEED HELP.

Sidenote #3: Please go visit my friend, Connie, who is having a giveaway on her blog. I started reading her blog a couple of months ago. Stop by and say hello and check out the goodies she in including in her giveaway (which include a couple of bags of M&M peanuts ; )

Time for Some Randomness

First of all--Happy 24th of July. I would have loved to stay in Utah for all the festivities, but we have a Picnic on Saturday.

But, we headed out of town first thing this morning. Can't believe our time in Utah is over. However, we'll be back soon enough.

For now let me share a couple of things:

1) I can't believe I didn't write about the accident we almost had when we drove into Salt Lake City almost 2 weeks ago. Since we were getting into town about the same time Neal's plane landed, we were able to pick him up at the airport. As we were turning onto the highway that goes to the airport, I saw this huge factory and signs that read "public welcome, free chocolate". Could I let our car just pass up an offer like that-- It was the Mrs. Cavanaugh's Factory. I screamed--STOP!!!! It was too late. I told Allan to back up and get to the exit. He wouldn't--what a party pooper!!!!!!

2) I chuckled when I looked at the front door and saw these No, Heidi does not have 2 left feet--but she is only wearing one shoe these days. This has caused Garrett great confusion. Every time he is visiting he walks all over trying to help Heidi find her other shoe.

3) Kyle will be leaving Rockband here in Utah because there won't be enough room in the car when he and I drive his car down next month. We had to have one last session together. As always, it was great fun.

4) We helped pack up a little of Heidi's apartment. Heidi decided to try on these as earrings. Kyle tried them on, too. And, so did Allan. Last time I posted a picture of Allan wearing earrings our Bishop sent me an e-mail saying the picture was "shocking" so I thought I better not post another ; )

5) We tried a great new restaurant the other night. It was called "The Rooster". Delicious food--I had a chocolate lava cake with hazelnut whipped cream for dessert. Yummy.























I got such a kick watching Garrett eating his rice--talk about coordinated. I think Kyle spills more rice on the table than Garrett ; )
























6) Had lunch with our former MP and his wife. In the 3 years I have known them, I have never seen him in anything but a suit and her in anything but a dress or skirt, so it was so funny to see them "casual". They took us to Market Street Grill which is one of our favorite restaurants. Goodness, I miss spending time with them.

7) I have had a ball playing with Garrett. Living in Manitoba has made it difficult to spend time with the kids. Most of them know us fairly well. Unfortunately, we haven't had much time with Garrett, so he doesn't know us as well as I would like. It was so for for me to have more time with him than I've ever had before. He is such a cutie. Here he is with his dad at the temple.

We got up very early this morning and left to drive to SLC to drop off something at a friends and pick up something to take to our friend's the P's. We knew the parade was today but thought we'd get there before the streets were blocked off. NOT QUITE. We made it to Dickinson, ND, tonight. So glad to be out of the car--won't have too far to drive tomorrow.

Sidenote: Last night I watched my first complete episode of SYTYCD. Heidi is a huge fan and so I thought I'd watch with her. I have watched a little here and a little there before. Macy watches faithfully and does posts on both the peformance show and the results show. Because I always read her blog, I always read the posts--and it's probably the few posts I read and do not comment ; ) So I thought, I'd give it a try. Let's just say, I will not be watching anymore. I do not like watching people lose and get "kicked off". I find it very humiliating and I feel so sorry for them. I am an old softy.

WHAT I KNOW WEDNESDAY...I KNOW THESE THINGS

First of all, I just realized my last post was my 400th. Can't believe it. Have I really had that much to write about???

Last week I did a post about Family. I thought about the important things I would want my family to know. A couple of Sundays ago someone in Church made reference to Pres. Monson's talk in October 2008 Conference about the man who was shot down over Vietnam and wrote a message to his family. He hadn't communicated with them in over 2 years and didn't know if he would have the opportunity to communicate with them again. His message was limited to 25 words. What would you say? I've thought a great deal about what I would want my family to know.

Each time we are together and then we head back home, I wonder, "Do I live my life in such a way that my children and grandchildren know that I know what I know." And more importantly do I walk the walk and not just talk the talk. So I decided to try and share, in 25 words or less (as Brother Hess had to do) what I would want them to know that I know:

Remember God is mindful of you--be obedient to His teachings. Find joy. Be happy. Marry in the temple. Stay positive. Love and serve others.

By the way, this is what Bro.Hess wrote: “These things are important: temple marriage, mission, college. Press on, set goals, write history, take pictures twice a year." (Quoted in Pres. Monson's Conference address and he referenced "personal correspondence")

I had to laugh when I read the "take pictures twice a year"--that is one thing I know I don't have to tell my children. On my headstone it will say, "Okay, look here" That is what they will all remember hearing me say with camera in my hand ; )

How about you--what would you want your family to know that you know?

Sidenote: I had a great visit last night with my beautiful friend, Gina. We met last year for the first time. She is one of those people that I feel like I have known forever. There was a woman walking by as we were getting ready to leave and Gina asked her if she would take our picture. When the woman asked if we wanted a close-up, we said sure. She started getting very close, and we both said, "NOT THAT CLOSE". The woman assured us it wasn't that close--HA!!! Guess again.

Then today, I had lunch with Klin. We spent time last year when we met up in Oregon. We both had family weddings over the weekend and so it was fun to discuss them as well as LOTS of other things. Thanks for being such a great listener, Klin.

You Know You're in Utah When...

Well, I know I'm in Utah when you get to visit 3 temples in a matter of a few days--in fact, you can be visiting one and see 2 others at the same time. When you are like me and the closest temple is 6 hours away, this is a real treat.

Bountiful where Amanda and Darren were married on Saturday.

Oquirrh Mountain--So glad we were able to go to the Open House.

We had visited the Draper Temple before it was completed. It is beautiful.



I really do "Love to see the temple".

I know I'm in Utah when I get to go to a fireside and hear my daughter in law, Macy, perform. It was incredible. She is so very talented. It was wonderful that so many of the family were able to be there to hear her. After the performance we all raised our "glasses" to show our love and appreciation.

It was so wonderful to be able to spend time with such great women. I listen to these girls/women and am truly amazed at how much they do and how much they know. I am grateful that I have such a wonderful daughter and that these 3 fantastic women have married into our family.

For those of us who live in the "frozen North", we find the temperatures a little unbearable. So you have to find ways to cool off--some children are very clever...They find popsicles

tubs that hold water

and sunglasses so you can look cool

I've so enjoyed my time here. I still have a couple of days and will make the most of it. Although I'm looking forward to coming back in a month, it's starting to hit me how lonely it's going to be at home once Kyle leaves.

(You have to know how thrilled I am to see him with camera in hand taking pictures.)

Mr. and Mrs.

It has been a glorious week so far here in Utah and Saturday was the wonderful celebration of the marriage of this wonderful couple. Here are Mr. and Mrs. B as they exited the Bountiful temple.



On Friday night there was a barbeque for everyone to get to know each other a little better. We had not had the opportunity to meet Darren's family.

Here's the bride to be getting ready to dig in to the dessert she requested her grandma make for the barbeque

It was so fun watching these little guys hang out together

On Saturday we headed up to the temple (and I mean up--that is quite the steep drive up the hill). The sealing was beautiful. (BTW, to understand why they were married in the temple, go here.

Then it was time to go outside for pictures--LOTS OF PICTURES. And it was HOT. I felt very sorry for Amanda and Darren. But they were troopers. And we had a WONDERFUL photographer who was quite mindful of how hot everyone was and did her best to go quickly and give people time to go in the shade. I told Macy that I had never seen her "in action"--she does a great job. (I have seen her pictures, many times, but watching her was a lot of fun. (And I CAN'T WAIT until she puts some of the pictures from the wedding up on her photography blog.)

I did manage to grab a couple of shots (and tried very hard to stay out of her way) I love this one of the new couples.

I was glad that Stephen and Daphne and family did make the drive to be here for the celebration.

Then we all gathered for a lovely luncheon at a countryclub not too far away from the temple. It was a beautiful setting. It was fun hearing members of both families share memories of Darren and Amanda.

We had a few hours until the reception which was at Huntsman Center. Again, everything was beautiful. I know everyone had a great time. As I look at my pictures, I have tons of pictures of everyone dancing--such fun.




Before the reception actually started, Allan was walking around with Garrett who started jumping and Allan was jumping with him. (I do wish I had captured them IN THE AIR) Still I love this picture.

Another one of my favorite shots was of the four of these guys. They have such a great time whenever they are together.

I couldn't resist posting a picture that was taken Easter in Reno 1994--my goodness they have all grown up.

We have a family gathering at Macy's folks this afternoon and then Macy's performance tonight. My son-in-law, Tony, left this morning. Here's Tony with Heidi, Allan,, and Kyle. One car will leave in a couple of hours. Stephen and Daphne and two of the kids will be here until tomorrow as one of the cars heated up on the way to the temple and will have to be in the shop tomorrow morning. (Hopefully it will not be anything too serious (AKA EXPENSIVE) We will be here for a few more days and that means more time to hang out together. I don't like to think about the fact that we don't have any upcoming events that will bring us together again for at least a year when Kyle heads off on his mission.

This week has gone by much too quickly. I just love these opportunities to get together--wish we could do it more often. I will just do my best to make the most of every chance we have to spend time with one another. As I said in my last post, FAMILY IS THE BEST.

Sidenote #1: I haven't posted about the great time I had at Ice Cream meeting Nobody and two of her children. I want to do a post about our meeting--she is a very wise woman and she may not know it but she really gave me FOOD FOR THOUGHT.

Sidenote #2: I have not been on the computer and am not sure I will get on today. If you have posted in the last couple of days, I promise I will get around to read your posts as soon as I can catch my breath.

What Do You Know Wednesday? I Know This: Family is the Best

About a month ago, my friend sweetpea, started a "What Do You Know Wednesday". I decided I don't know much, so I didn't post...actually, I had some other things I needed to post, so I'm just getting around to this today.

Since I am in Utah for my granddaughter Amanda's wedding on Saturday, what else could I post about but Family. I KNOW FAMILY IS THE BEST. It's wonderful to have friends and I appreciate all of mine, but NOTHING BEATS FAMILY. Everyone in our family would agree--we are far from perfect, but we are family--we are there for each other, love each other, and support each other. What else could a person ask for.

I'm grateful that we were here when Heidi had surgery on her foot today--I am happy to report the surgery went well and now she is recovering. This time she has a beautiful blue cast. She tried very hard to match Amanda's colors for the wedding ; )

Speaking of Heidi, she took me to her apartment yesterday to see the earrings she has been working on. I LOVE them. She is having a great time making earrings. I tried to take a picture, but it was hard.

I also had a chance to spend time with my adorable little grandson, Garrett, last night. Can I just HE IS AMAZING. He is talking up a storm and is such a cutie.

So, how about you...WHAT DO YOU KNOW???

A little bit of a sidenote:

Our drive here was great, (Of course, I say that because for me it was a "ride" not a "drive") The funniest thing to me was when we were driving, and Allan was commenting on these. He said last time we came through (in May) they were just starting to put the posts in the ground. I looked at him like, YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING. I don't remember seeing them at all. For him it was FASCINATING. I guess it's a man thing.

We stopped at the Salt Lake airport to pick up Neal who was flying in from Boston. Fortunately, he only had 2 small suitcases, or we would have had to use bungee cords and tie him on the top of the van. When we were walking out of the airport, we saw one of our Senior missionary sisters who had just flown home from Winnipeg. So fun to see her.