Blessings

Before this month is over, I need to stop and reflect on my many blessings. I have enjoyed luncheons with friends, grandchildren sleeping over, new friends in our new Stake, wonderful religion class that buoys me up for the week, Temple sessions, time with extended family, time with my daughters and daughters-in-law, Visiting Teaching with my companion and having mine come here, doctors appointments, BBQ, and time with my dear hubby. My life is busy, but it is full with the Lord's richest blessings. I'm so thankful for my hubby, my children and their families, my special friends, and my friends in the Gospel. The Lord has blessed and protected us through long trips, hurricanes and earthquakes, illness, and through many of life's challenges. Thank you for blessings beyond our belief. Happy September!

43 Years

Forty-three years ago my life changed forever! It is hard to believe we have been married that long! On our wedding day we had NO clue what the future would hold. We have cried, laughed, worked hard, played hard, failed, and succeeded. It has been quite a ride so far. BUT one thing is certain--I made the right choice! We have learned so much--patience, forgiveness, service, joy, pain, perseverance, and a true understanding of togetherness. I love the way my special hubby is always thinking of others. He is so thoughtful, talented, loving, and FUN-loving. We are truly blessed. Now to continue on our special journey for the next 43 years--and onward forever!

Summer's almost Over :(

August already! This summer has been so busy--and enjoyable. We went to Girls' Camp and cooked for the Stake Leaders. We did a Welcome dinner for 170 people with Dutch Oven BBQ chicken, salad, rolls, Ants on a Log (celery filled with peanut butter and topped with raisins) watermelon, and for dessert pudding with crushed Oreos for dirt and a gummy worm on top. It was a cute and delicious Picnic! The sky was filling with dark clouds and we could hear thunder. We decided to move the serving tables to the bowery. We were glad we did, because there was thunder, lightning, hail, and tons of rain! It was an exciting adventure! We had a great little cookhouse, and the Stake Leaders and girls were fun and helpful. The testimony meeting was awesome! What a strong spirit! Yeah! Girls' Camp!
We spent the following week at the Mills Family Reunion. It was delightful to visit with the extended family. We had a lot of rain the first few days, and I was so thankful for our motorhome. The grandkids were fun and we enjoyed playing games together. The only thing that I missed was having our own camp area. We parked in the group area on the blacktop. It wasn't quite the same as having dirt and weeds underfoot. Oh, well! It was a great week. For the Friday night dinner we had 98 in attendance. At breakfast the next morning we had 57 attending. Our family had everyone come at some point during the week. We also enjoyed coming home and staying put for a little while. It will take days to clean and unpack, but it was worth it!

July

Wow!! July is almost half over! We had fun taking six grandchildren to the Spruces for a few days. They got along so well and helped when we asked them to. The only problem is they are growing too tall for some of our motor home beds. We enjoyed the rain too. We roasted hotdogs over the fire and made s'mores. We played games together. We saw a moose! It was a great campout!!
We went to our Stake Youth Conference at Timberlane. I even slept in a tent! We are glad we didn't try to take the motor home up there because a logging company uses the road and it is not paved. Wild!! We met new people and made new friends. The cooking was a lot of work, but was great fun. We now have a better idea of what we need to do with Girls' Camp in two weeks. We also feel like we are a part of the South Stake now. The Youth seemed to do well at mixing in together.
Our second week at West Ridge 1st Branch was a good one. I led the music and only made a couple of mistakes. The pianist said I was easy to follow and she liked my tempo. I now have to plan the music for August. Hubby is finding some challenges with all the rules and regulations, but said his lesson went well. We also attended an Eagle Court for two of the boys who earned their Eagle. It was very nice!
Today we are trying to get back in a routine--if that's possible. My husband came up with an idea to organize our freezer and it looks great! Now I won't have food bags falling out when I open the door. I also need to get busy in the sewing room. It still has quite a bit of organizing to do, and I need to get my sewing club blocks made before I go to camp and our Spruces reunion. It looks like a BUSY summer.

Onward, Ever onward....

I am enjoying my BIG project--organizing my sewing room/guest room. I have found that as I move forward with really cleaning my home, that I have gained inspiration in unusual ways. My bedroom has stayed clean for two weeks--a new record! I love being able to put everything in its place. Our passports arrived this week and I already had a place to put them. The sewing room presents new challenges. It hit me that sorting material into colors, projects, and kind of material would help me get a handle on my organization. I found 2-Qt. Ziploc bags at Walmart and began to sort my material. I'm not sure how I'm going to store all my beautiful bags of material yet, but I love being able to see the colors. I'm sure I will gain inspiration to solve my next step in organizing. Wahoo!!!
We are also facing new changes in our life as we have been called to serve in the West Ridge Academy Branch. Hubby will be the Scoutmaster/Deacon's Advisor and I will be the Chorister. We will attend from 10 am to noon. They don't have Sunday School. This is better known as the Utah Boys Ranch. It will be interesting to find out how this all works out. This week we are meeting with the Youth Conference committee to find out what our cooking responsibilities are. That is in less than ten days, so I'm glad we are finally getting oriented. We are also taking most of our grandchildren camping next weekend. Summer here we come!!!

It is so much FUN to....

It is so much FUN to finish the Spring cleaning in my second room--my bedroom. I love the new bookcase and baskets full of my Stuff. I love being able to find what I need! I love the fact that I can now start on my sewing room/guest room. It is going to take some creative thinking--but I can do it! It is so much fun to sleep clear through the night and wake up refreshed. It is so much fun to walk a mile! I haven't been doing my walking for quite a while. I know I had better get going so I'm ready for our summer activities. It is so much fun to hear my grandson chattering on the phone. I even understood a few words! It was also fun to visit with my daughter for a little bit! It is so much fun to have lunch out with a friend. I met one of my retired teacher friends for lunch and we talked up a storm. She is facing many challenges with her health. Being single she doesn't get as many opportunities to talk. It is so much fun to be in a Book Store! I can easily get lost there! I was able to find books for my grandsons birthdays next month. I also pampered myself with a book. It is so fun to cook healthy meals! I made salmon, steamed spinach, and a vegetable quinoa dish for dinner. We both loved it! I love having just a little free time. Tonight my sweetie is working a a float for the Pioneer Day Parade next month. So I love sitting here and recording all of the things I have enjoyed today. I hope you have a day to love too.

It's official!!!

We are going to Girls' Camp in the end of July. We have been asked to be the cooks for the Stake leaders. At first we thought we might take our motorhome, but gas prices may nix that. However, we are looking forward to meeting more of our new Stake people. The Stake Camp Director lives next door to us, so we will be able to get more ideas an information easily. I just hope our health will be at its peak! We don't have any responsibilities besides the meals, so we hope to have some kick-back and relax time. Our big challenge will be getting us ready for our family reunion the following week. Yay!! Summer!!!