Fresno's beautiful fall backdrop was a fun setting

for some family photos.















We were already dressed up, so why not?







Thank you, Chrissy!

for bringing your equipment and taking our photo.
(if you look close, you can see the remote in her hand










The family just didn't feel complete
without my dear sons and daughter in law
and my cute grandbabies,
but being with just my husband and 4 children was very healing.
I loved being confined together in a the car for the 24 hour drive (each way).
Steve and I grinned from ear to ear for 48 solid hours.


it was wonderful.

Rusty and Rembrandt


The day we left for California to attend dad's funeral,

Rusty was unable to get up

and he would not eat.

I knew the signs....

it was exactly how Scooter acted the day we had to put him down,
11 years ago.

The timing was terrible.

We said our good-byes and Zach (Chrissy's hubby) took him to the vet,
who confirmed our fears....cancer.

Rusty was a sweetheart.

I miss him.

....and so does Rembrandt.

Ever since we arrived home from California,

we have showered all of our love on Rembrandt.

The attention we wish Rusty was here to get, is all directed at Rem.

Come to think of it,

maybe it is displaced love and attention for Tom, my dad, and Wyatt too.

Anyway, it makes us feel good to do it.

He gets extra petting and treats, baths, grooming, and he sleeps inside.

. . . I don't even like indoor pets . . .

dear me

The day after Thanksgiving,

we visited the monument to the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building.


******

At 9:01 life was normal





At 9:03, it was forever changed





168 people died

the small chairs represent children





Among the survivors is MSG William H. Bonebreak,

Brittany & Ili's former Bishop









Ella left a chalk heart next to the children's memorial wall




Afterward, we had lunch at a Mexican restaurant






then, we hugged the babies good-bye.

Mike does this trick.

It involves a toothpick, spoon, and fork

.....and defying logic and gravity.

Once again, we were treated to his trick at Thanksgiving


******

Brittany and Ili hosted our fun visit

in Oklahoma City




After a delicious dinner ....




Ili built a bonfire for a great time in the fall air












mmmmmm smores!

August 2009



I just returned from my father's funeral.

It is just too hard to write about.

So I refer to THIS

I am doing ok.

There are so many angles to this thing, it is hard to come to terms with it all.

Seeing my dear mother without her companion is the hardest;
she is living with my sister now.

Hearing dad's voice on his voice-mail is strange.

I have some of mom and dad's furniture in my house,
but it doesn't seem to belong.

Seeing dad in his casket was a true face to face with mortality.
He was handsome and peaceful
and looked like he would just wake up and speak to me.

So I am taking it slow and letting the feelings come naturally.


I really am happy dad is at peace, even a little envious.

My heart is heavy today.

My dear father returned to our Father in Heaven last night.

I wish I could be there to see the joyful reunion

with his parents and brothers and son.

I am so happy for him to be free of discomfort.

I am very sad.

I love my precious daddy, so very much.

This world, my world, will not be the same without him

.....but we are better for having had him in it.

Today we are traveling to Oklahoma City

to enjoy Thanksgiving with Brittany and Mike and their families.

Then, we will travel on to California for a Tuesday funeral.

Wild Rose Funeral Home
916 Divisadero St.
Fresno, CA 93721
559-486-7777

LDS Chapel
5685 N. Cedar Ave

Fresno, CA 93710
tentative time: 11am

Tuesday was painting night; each youth contributed.

It was so fun!

I love their energy and attitude. . .

teenagers are constant motion





When they weren't painting,

they wrote letters to wounded soldiers in the hospital.

For weeks, they have been collecting toys and activities

for the wounded children, who have little to do during the long hours in bed.


**********


The kids were so proud of how the banner turned out,

they did a great job!





I added a few details for dimension, and the banner is ready to go.


This has been a really rewarding project

We send our prayers, along with this care package, to Afghanistan....

in hopes their spirits will be lifted.

I think I have said it before, but it bears repeating...

I think Homemaking is the most important class in Jr. High.

I still use those skills every day!

Today I attended the annual Thanksgiving feast

prepared by Chloe's Home Economics class.

It was so fun! and Chrissy came along too!

First, they set a lovely table

with place cards, real dishes (not paper) and tablecloths

Then, we were welcomed by Mrs Osteen, the teacher (she's at the end)

The class was so cute and excited.

The menu was delicious:

Stuffing and Chicken casserole
Broccoli and Cheese with Rice
Green Bean Casserole
Yam Casserole
Garlic Mashed Potatoes

I was impressed most by Chloe's yummy Pumpkin Bars

Mmmmm. Pecan Pie and Pumpkin Bars for dessert

I am so proud of Chloe and her great cooking skills!

She can try them out on me anytime!

Thank you !

Veterans and active Military !


I am part of the Young Women's program at church, these days.

it's a busy calling

.....and I love it.

I teach 3 Sundays a month, which is my assignment.

But I also like to do artwork and decorate and other stuff, so...

this month, my calling got soopa bizzy

The youth are gathering toys to send to a US hospital in Afghanistan.

Among the wounded US (and some Taliban) soldiers, there are some brave little Afghan children who have been caught in the crossfire.

The walls of the hospital are bare and cold, and my job is to change that.

First, I drew up a design containing American symbols
that would warm their heart
and remind them of home.



Then, I cut down and hemmed a canvas drop cloth
into a 6' x 9' canvas banner.



A coat of white primer prepares the canvas for paint.





Next, transferring the drawing onto the banner,

with the help of my projector/enlarger.





I am doing all the lettering, since that can be tricky

then I will label sections for the youth to paint,

kind of like a giant paint by number.





We took a photo of the entire youth group to iron on to the banner;
two of the girls have a father who is a doctor in the Afghan hospital.

I am so thankful to have the opportunity to serve AND do what I love....art.

Next Tuesday is painting day.

I am excited to see the finished product!

Chloe is 13.

Trick or Treating is great when you are 13.

I remember how cool it felt to roam the streets without mom and dad in tow.

We would plan our route for maximum candy acquisition,

dragging full pillow cases home to separate into piles.

I gave my mom all the Mounds and Almond Joys and kept the rest.





By age 14,

the boys we met while Trick or Treating,

were more interesting than the candy.

I imagine next year will be the last time Chloe will want to go....

she will be in High School

and that will be a little sad

no more flapper girl or pirate, Teletubby or Disney Princess

just my pretty girl, growing up.