back at home

Travel always makes me tired. We had a fast trip to Utah and back over the President's weekend. We left on Thursday after a long day of getting things done, like fixing the car(which was just suppose to take about and hour and turned into an all day job) which was why we didn't end up leaving for utah until 6:30 pm. As it was it ended up ok and we stayed the night in Mesquite and got up the next morning and finished our tri up to Spanish Fork to see Jessica and the rest of her gang(the grandkids) minus Drew (he was on a work related trip). The time always goes so much faster than you want it to especially when you don't get there until the 2nd day of the trip. But we tried to make the most of things and jumped right into the craziness.  Jessica needed the time to unwind a little and the kids were so happy to see all of us. They have all grown like weeds(where does that comes from?) Tanner entertained us from the minute we arrived. He was the cutest and his Grandpa was quite charmed by him. The girls have gotten so tall this year, so much has changed. When we live so far away it makes such a difference when we don't see them all the time. We all miss them so much.

Of course we had to enjoy eating out at least once while we were there and went to one of our favorite places the Brick Oven for lunch on Saturday. And of course it was snowing. I wasn't really prepared for the snow. We live in California after all. We really don't have any clothes for the snow, but we did our best and ran quickly to the car to avoid as much cold as we could. (I know I am just silly, but I really do hate snow) Its cold!!!!!!   Lunch was great though. And the kids loved it too. After lunch we had to run a few errands then back to Jessica's for awhile. That night Mitch and I met up with some good friends from Sandy, Ray and Marilyn Anderson. We met them at this little restaurant in Lehi called Porter's Place. It was really fun, not because the food was all that, but the company was great.They are great friends and it is always good to see them and catch up. We never see them often enough, or for long enough. Maybe some day we will. It was getting late and very cold when we finally said our goodbye's.  On Sunday we all went to church together. It was fun going to their ward with them. The kids were really good. Which when we got home we found out that it usually wasn't so. Anyway... it was a good day and Drew got home right after we did.  It was nice to see him and the kids were excited to have their dad home if just for a day or so even it he was going to be leaving again in a day. His scheduling is awful right now, and poor Jessica gets the home duty alot. Good thing he makes up for it when he can. Our ride home was not bad, I didn't have to drive at all this trip. Between Mitch and Shelby they did all the driving, I just read my book. It was great. The weather wasn't all that great. We had ice and rain and snow and wind, it was crazy. But nothing that really stopped us from driving at least. Lots of traffic though. It slowed us down right after Las Vegas but its right where we thought it would. Up until then things were pretty smooth. Wouldn't it be great if someone could come up with a better way to get back and forth to Utah quicker though.(without flying) duh? More lanes? Bullet train? Something?   Good trip though and I am looking forward to the next trip. Maybe to Arizona?

Catching up

      Its raining today and I am actually glad that it is. I really do like it when we can experience a little winter here in Southern California. I really enjoyed the few weeks of summer like weather that we had but, we all knew we were not done with winter yet. Besides.... according to our state we are in a drought and we need all the rain we can possibly get. Although I'm not sure exactly how the rain works to add to all the total amount that they count. I read the folder the water company sent out and it showed a lake in 2003 that was completely full and then a picture that was taken last year 2008 and it was almost empty. But they said it was because of all the lack of snow in the higher elevations. I am not really sure how the whole thing works, but I think we need to pray for more snow. But they say(It never snows in sunny California)isn't that a song?

My neice Krisitin Owens was married to Chris Tobler last weekend and it was so fun. It was a great party and they were so lucky that it was last weekend and not this weekend with the rain. Its amazing how that stuff just works out, isn't it? They did plan ahead for that just in case it did rain though. My other niece Brittany Owens is getting married in April. She is getting really excited too. In fact, we just got her bridal shower invitation in the mail the other day. These two girls were born just a few months apart to different brothers and have been good friends their whole lives. Lived in the same area, gone to school, church and many activities together. And now they are even getting married within four months of each other. It is pretty amazing.  We are so happy for them both.

Shelby just finished up finals this week. She can't believe she didn't study for any of them and she thinks she passed them all with A's and B's. (we'll see when that report card comes)? She does seem to be having a pretty easy year of it. I think for some reason her classes and her teachers seem to be either not teaching her anything or they are all taking time off of teaching this year. Seriously, I am starting to get worried. I'm not sure that there is anything I can do about it. It is her senior year. She is done, in 6 months. (Hmmmmmmm ..)    I think that I am going to finish up the laundry which I hate doing and then I am going to start on dinner(won't Mitch be surprised?) This week I have been so busy and so has he. I don't think he's noticed that  neither of us have eaten at home all week.......or together for that matter.

what's next?

       I  finally am getting around to writing again. I haven't been feeling it. There are other things that have been taking priority. I know that I should feel different about this, and Raechal keeps telling me that one of these days she is actually going to sit down with me, or talk me through a few things over the phone so I will actually be able to do a few things with this blog beside write. Although just writing has its merits it is getting boring and I guess that is why I am not always very excited to write anything. Shelby says its because I am boring(haha) so much for giving birth to her. And she thinks I'm going to pay for her  to go to college next year?

  What's with the weather? Summer in January? I think the rest of the United States is probably wishing that they could live in California though. I would rather have this weather than the 20 below that they are having in Chicago. It will get winter like again, it always does.

Jessica and her family are on their way here as I am writing. There is a family wedding this weekend. My neice Kristin is marrying Chris Tobler from our Stake. Our family is very excited for her and her family. And it will be fun to see a lot of the family for this event. Scott and Ashley will not be attending because of school.  And we thought that  Jessica wasn't coming either but surprise, they worked things out so that they could. They will be staying with Raechal though, because we will have Mitch's brother and his wife and their daughter at our house. I am sure we will still have a house full, as they will all still be over at the house a lot. The more the merrier lets say. I can't wait to hug all my grandkids, Its been a while since I have seen them. I miss them all.  Living in Utah seems so far away....

January is and has always been a month of new beginnings. I still can't write 2009. It will take me awhile. I hope it will be a much better year for us than 2008 was.  I am trying to list    those things most important to me but the more I try the longer the list gets.  

          FYI:Boring  (shelby says) so I won't list them. But you get it. I'm sure you have one of  those too. I did enjoy our Ward Conference. And our new Stake Goals for the year.(repeat of last years) updated. but I liked the card idea. I love Pres. Brennan. He really knows how to get you thinking. He makes it so easy.You gotta love that.

I know Nothing....

 The more I think I know, the more I don't!

I know that doesn't really make sense to anyone other than me at

this moment. Why is it that I can't seem to write on this blog the

way other people can? I have no trouble using my journal that I

have kept for 30 plus years. This seems like such a natural,but it

is not. And I am frustrated by it?

I don't share my spiritual experiences here? I'm not even sure I

would share my deepest thoughts here? I haven't been able to get

pictures up yet? I barely understand the whole posting thing. Does

it sound like a pity party thing? Sorry...

It is raining like cats and dogs outside...its nice. Finally a wintery

day. Except I really need to mail something today and I don't

want it to get all wet. I am looking for alittle break so I can sneak out 

and get that done. Other than that its great...keep it coming.

Its quiet in the house and I haven't even thought about what I 

should be doing today. I need to finish a few things I started the

other day. And clean-up from the week-end(not my favorite thing)

and do some laundry. Oh and figure out what to have for dinner?

That will pretty much take up the bulk of the day.

Hoping for much success.

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble....

      What is it about? Life I mean. I always wonder if I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. I never have had a lightning bolt strike me and tell me that I am on the right path or that there might be something else out there that I should be doing. Does that really happen to anyone? The only thing I do have is Faith. I have always had a strong belief that there is a Heavenly Father and that he is watching over me. For as long as I can remember(which isn't necessarily very long these days) I have felt the Spirit in my life. Even before I was a member of the Church I knew there was something or someone watching out for me. I don't have that many spiritual experiences to reference from but I am sure that when Heavenly Father needs me to do something he lets me know. I was thinking about how often I am saying little prayers, like in the car or watching tv or at all the places you wouldn't think about it. I guess that's ok? While I was at my uncles funeral I said a prayer that I wouldn't totally loose it and start sobbing. Is that ok? Sometimes I think that I say or ask for things that are kind of trivial, but then I guess no prayer is  trivial or not important.

      Lately I have been wondering about the Prop. 8 craziness around us. I am so tired of seeing the negative regarding this issue. I know that we did what we were suppose to do. The Prophet spoke to us, and we responded. I know that we will be blessed for our efforts. I am not sure the problems will ever go away, because Satan is trying his best to change things. We are strong, and I know we are on the right side. I wish that it wasn't such a volital subject between people. You are either for it or against it there is no in between. I think it is especially difficult for our children, in school. I know that Shelby is very aware of the people around her that are against what she believes to be true. I know that she is a good girl and that she stands up for what she believes in. It is still hard to go to school and feel that you are the only one who sees the big picture. I am so glad that I am not in high school anymore. I can only pray that she will be strong and be able to fight  for what she believes.

        I can't believe it is almost Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving. Not because we all get to eat Turkey or pumpkin pie but because we get to reflect on Family and what we are thankful for.

For years we have been keeping a blessing book. Each year we write in it what we are thankful for. It is hard to do, and not feel like you write the same thing year after year. I know that we haven't always been good at doing it every year, but we always take pictures and that is a good way to record what happened too. We usually have family and alot of extended family to our home. I really do enjoy having them all over, and I try my best to have everything everyone wants to eat. We all bring things, that way its not just my burden to fix it all. This year will be a full house. I think we will have 30 or so. We will be missing Jessica and her family. I wish they could all come, but sometimes its just not possible. We will be thinking of them and they will be thinking of us too. I love the smell of all the food cooking and the anticipation of all those hungry people. I hope this year will be memorable and that everyone will enjoy themselves.

         It also means that Christmas is just around the corner. I have much to do between now and then to get in the mood. I have already been listening to Christmas music, I love that too!!!

This year Christmas will be slim, with not much work coming in it puts a whole new perspective on the meaning of Christmas. Maybe this year we will get to reflect more on the true meaning of Christmas and be thankful for what we have. I just pray that the new year will bring us more work, and that our great Nation will return to its original glory. With a new President and renewed vigor maybe 2009 will be a much better year. ( I really hope so)

Loss of a Loved One

This last weekend I was in Alabama with my sister Sandi at our Uncles' funeral. He was 97 years old and he was an incredible man. Not only was he still working the day he died he was every bit aware that he was in a whole lot of trouble that day. We heard from my cousin the hour just after he died in the hospital and we found a flight out on Thursday. We arrived one day too late to see the memorial at the funeral home, but my Aunt told us that there was close to 500 people that came to pay their last respects. Can you imagine? Most of the people in this small town of Eutaw, Alabama either was related to my Uncle or someone that he had done work for, or was at church with, or had some acquaintance with over his years of living in the same place since he was born. He worked for the same store( a repair service for washers, dryers and refrigerators) for over 75 years. He still drove himself to  work, the store, church and out to the country where he loved to go. He was a charming, warm and sincere man who would give you the shirt off his back if you asked for it. He was religious, a mason and a deacon in his church. He very much reminded me of his brother (my Dad) because he looked just like him. My Dad died almost 4 years ago. Because of the distance apart my Dad and my Uncle only saw each other every once in awhile in their later years. Whenever we would have a family reunion, I think the first one I heard of or went to was in 1977, Josh and Jessica flew with me to Illinois when they were just toddlers to that one. I haven't gone to all of them, but I have tried to go to as many as I could. I grew up not really knowing them much. I don't ever remember meeting my Dads' parents. But over the years I have grown to love all my Southern relatives. There is nothing like the South. Everyone you meet is gracious and really polite(not like CA in any way) Men hold open doors, say yes 'mam, and really look you in the eye when

they talk to you. On the day they buried my Uncle, the Masonic lodge did the funeral, it was fascinating. I learned alot of what they stand for and how they do things. It was raining that morning and there was probably 200 people in attendance. I was very touched at the thought

of how many people truely loved my Uncle. I know he was celebrating in Heaven with all his family that have passed and his Savior Jesus Christ. The cemetary is full of ancestors on both sides of our family. He had a plot with his wife(who died in 1991), and room still for his daughter and son when they pass. I love the cemetaries back there. They are full of such history of the land. This particular one is full of  civil war veterans(both white and black) which wasn't always done back then. As I said, alot of family is there too, dating back to the early 1800's. Every time I go to Alabama I learn alittle bit more of my family. After the funeral, we went to my Uncles' house, it was the meeting place for everyone. For the next few days lots of family and friends stopped by, with food and wanted to tell us how wonderful my Uncle was to them. It is a thing that the south does, lots of food, they want to feed you all the time. We would have a meal and then just after we cleaned the kitchen up, they were fixing the next meal. It was crazy!! There is a lot of love for everyone. It was very hard if not impossible to leave without everyone hugging and kissing you a hundred times. I will never forget my Uncle or all the love he had in his heart for all of us. I don't think anyone else will ever forget him

either.

 It is hard coming back home whenever I go on a trip. Its all the coming back to normal, and getting real life back on track. Especially now, during this election stuff. Things are heating up with the Prop.8 vote, and we are being asked to contribute our time as much as we

can. I can value this opportunity to serve my church as well as the American people as we fight to save the value of Family as we know it. Everyone is working so hard to make our voices heard. I can't think of another time in my life that an election has made such an impact on me and my family. I just hope the outcome is one that we can live with.

Shelby is having her last tennis match this Thursday. Tennis season goes by so fast. She has enjoyed the time with her fellow tennis players, and really loves tennis. Although she has many other things she is involved with, she will miss it when it is over. But just

because its over, won't mean she will stop playing. It is a sport she will be able to play the rest of her life. I like that about Tennis. She is also trying to send out her applications for college. It is hard this time of her life. There are so many things she wants to do, and yet she is trying to figure everything out. I remember how hard that was? I only know we just have a few more months with her at home with us and then we will be childless. I am not ready to handle that one yet. I know it will be a big change. Thank goodness we have some of our married kids and grandkids near by that will ease the pain of the emptiness. Its weird  to think that that time in my life will be over. I guess I have been doing it so long I can't remember what it will be like to not have kids at home? Maybe...just maybe by then I might be ready for the change. But I doubt it!!!!

Happy Halloween

      I can't believe it is October.

Where did September go?

     This last weekend we went to utah. We had a great time with Jessica and her family. It was fun to see the grandkids and play with them all.  It rained the whole time we were there, but it was nice. I love the rain especially when  you don't have to go anywhere. It all went by so fast

(it was just the weekend). I am wishing for a repeat maybe in a few months. I caught a cold while I was gone. I hate this, sniffing and coughing and  just feeling miserable, can't breathe, yukky!! Maybe I just need to rest a little and it will go away. :)

      Next weekend we will be on the road again this time to Flagstaff, to visit Scott and Ashley. We haven't seen them since July and we are missing them so much. This time we will be traveling with Josh & Rachel and their kids, and Toby & Rae and their kids. We are staying in a little cabin just outside of Flagstaff. It should be a fun little trip. Maybe we will get a chance to enjoy some fall weather. At night up there it is in the 40's already. I can't wait. I love the fall. The cool crisp air makes me want to make all those comfort foods. ( not that I need all those

wonderful comfort foods). Just sounds good.

I have been trying to get more things done at home, and not so much running around. I think its mostly because of the gas prices, but now and then I go a little crazy and want to just get out of the house. Guess where I usually go? If you guessed a craft store or scrapbook store you would be right. I can't seem to stay away from them. I love the feel of the paper and all the fun decorating tips. I always have.  I have been dong a card swap for a while now. It is so much fun! Besides just getting out of the house and visiting with friends, I go home with some pretty cute cards. Thanks to all those involved it is always a fun night. I love making cards just about as much as I love scrapbooking. It kinda goes hand in hand if you think about it. What do you do with all those scraps?

As the national election is getting closer and closer I find myself hoping that the amercian people will do the right thing. I am scared to think of what this world is becoming. I know that Heavenly Father watches over us, and knows what is going on. I just have to keep my thoughts from wandering about. I just want America to be like it was when I grew up, ok....alittle better than when I grew up. I just pray for my family that they will all be able to live and prosper. I want so much for them, we as parents never stop wishing for that. I just have to believe that things will be the way they are supposed to be and just deal with it.